Archives for January 2025

* Review * BETTER THAN FRIENDS by Jill Shalvis

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BETTER THAN FRIENDS by Jill ShalvisBetter Than Friends by Jill Shalvis
Series: Sunrise Cove #7
Published by Avon on January 21, 2025
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five-stars

Old flames reignite in Sunrise Cove in this charming enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, small-town, forced-proximity love story about family, friendships, and true love.

When Olive Porter’s off-the-grid parents go missing, she reluctantly seeks out Noah Turner, her ex and the only person she both trusts implicitly and not at all.

As a special investigative agent for the National Park Service, Noah’s used to living under intense pressure. Or he was until he got injured on the job. Now unhappily recuperating at home while being smothered by his loving but nosy family, he’d love nothing more than a good distraction.

So when Olive shows up looking like a million bucks, he has to do a gut and heart check. Because nope, no matter what, he can’t fall for her again, the woman who once blew up his entire life and never looked back. How ironic then that his own personal hell (Olive) is also his ticket out of town. The question is, will the risk be worth the reward?

 

Heartfelt and emotionally riveting! Shalvis always delights with a return trip to Sunrise Cove and Better Than Friends continues the tradition! I was quickly hooked as we’re thrust into the heart of the connection between former friends (and more!) when tragedy reunites Olive and Noah as his sister (and her BFF) need them both to rally around her in a time of need. The drama is high, the romance that arises is heartwarming and the angst is attention grabbing. I loved every minute of their story! Great characters, fun yet endearing and lots of warmth to wrap around your heart.

Olive was my favorite character and was really easy to like. She didn’t have it easy in her youth, but her connection to Sunrise Cove turned her life into more than she could have hoped for all those years ago until an accident tore it all apart and sent her running across the world to settle into a new life. Now back temporarily, she’s finding the temptation to settle into life back where she truly felt at home a little too seductive.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a reunion story after being apart with a rift in the connection and with lots of family interference/love wrapped within the storyline.

five-stars

* Review * FAKING IT WITH A FORTUNE by Michelle Major

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FAKING IT WITH A FORTUNE by Michelle MajorFaking It with a Fortune by Michelle Major
Series: The Fortunes of Texas: Secrets of Fortune's Gold Ranch #1
Published by Harlequin Fortunes of Texas on January 21, 2025
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four-stars

A baby on her doorstep

Might also reunite her with the man who got away

When a baby is left on Poppy Fortune's parents’ doorstep, the newly minted foster mom is determined to lavish infant Joey with love—all on her own. She’s stunned when her former flame Leonardo Leonetti leaps in to help her. Leo’s consumed with running his family’s vineyard…and now he’s got something to prove to his ailing grandfather. Love? Family? Not for Leo. But that’s before he falls hard for infant Joey—and again for Poppy. But will Leo’s shuttered heart block this second chance at a forever future?

 

Major has me hooked and ready for more! The kick off to the newest Fortunes of Texas continuity series was filled with strife and drama and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out! Secrets of Fortune’s Gold Ranch is centering on the paternity of the baby left on the Fortune’s doorstep and which branch of the family is going to find themselves up in arms with scandal. I really enjoyed Poppy and Leo and loved their warmth as they settled in to caring for baby Joey. There’s a bit of awkwardness that quickly passes between these two as their past bubbles up, but the warmth and love they showed to the baby and the addition of his grandpa in the mix was heartwarming. There were a couple of occasions where timeline/editing discrepancies were distracting and had me flipping back to see if I misread but overall I really enjoyed their story and happily ever after. Intriguing characters, heartwarming family moments and lots of mystery to keep you interested.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a found baby story and who enjoys a continuity where several things are happening over the time and with different authors picking up the story and running with it towards the resolution and tie up at the end of the series.

four-stars

* Review * ARCTIC PURSUIT by Anna J. Stewart

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ARCTIC PURSUIT by Anna J. StewartArctic Pursuit by Anna J. Stewart
Series: The McKenna Code #1
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on January 21, 2025
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five-stars

Falling in love…
Isn’t supposed to be part of the job

FBI special agent Ty Savakis keeps his promises. That’s why he’s asked Wren McKenna to join him in an isolated Alaskan town: he wants her help safeguarding a witness he swore to protect. To find the assailant who tried to kill her, Ty and Wren go undercover as a married couple. These partners have always been a perfect team, but sharing an apartment makes it impossible to resist the attraction they’ve both fought to deny. Will the violent criminal they’re tracking give them a chance to imagine a future together?

 

High octane suspense and addictive characters will delight! Stewart is taking her fans on a fantastic ride with the kick off to a brand new series with a familiar family taking center stage. I was quickly drawn to the chemistry between Wren and Ty and once they were knee deep into the chaos this case turned into, all bets were off and I was hooked on every minute. I wanted a smidge more background on their pasts, but I loved them together, both as professional partners and as love interests. I can’t wait for how the rest of the siblings stories play out! Great complexity, well developed chemistry and lots of intrigue to keep you guessing.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced suspense with close knit characters and lots of drama and interaction.

five-stars

* Review * A KISS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS by Susan Carlisle

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A KISS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS by Susan CarlisleA Kiss Under the Northern Lights by Susan Carlisle
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on January 21, 2025
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five-stars

A CONNECTION TO STAY FOR?

When Dr. Trice moves to the far north of Iceland, she’s looking forward to immersing herself in her job and getting away from her painful past. She’s nervous, but her temporary colleague Dr. Drake Stevansson is happy to show her the ropes. Drake has the looks of a real-life Viking, and a way of making Trice feel safer than she ever has before. Their snow-melting desire is undeniable, but Drake is leaving. So what happens when stolen glances turn to fiery kisses that threaten to derail both of their plans?

 

Love when they least expect it! Susan Carlisle paints a magical story in majestic Iceland that pulls on the heartstrings and delights across every page. The plot of the story was easy to follow and took me into the heart of each character quickly and held my attention easily throughout. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Drake and Beatrice even as they were settling in as temporary colleagues, but once their attraction took hold and started shining bright, they were even more delightful. I really enjoyed their story! Well developed, heartfelt and satisfying.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a medical based romance especially when it includes a scenic backdrop of a different culture to sink your teeth into.

five-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * BROKEN HEARTS by Chelle Bliss

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BROKEN HEARTS by Chelle BlissBroken Hearts by Chelle Bliss
Series: Open Road Series #5
Published by Bliss Ink LLC on January 14, 2025
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four-half-stars

Eagle lived for one thing…the club. But when the Disciples MC became defunct, he felt lost. Needing to hustle and make more money, he took a side-gig at a swanky event center to work security. The money was decent, but the boss…she was everything Eagle always wanted in a woman. He stayed for her and no matter how hard he tried to resist her; she had a pull over him like no other ever had. And when another man goes a little too far, he’ll do anything to keep her safe.

Lacey’s had one too many broken hearts. She decided she needed a break and wanted to focus on her work. She had her dream job, and everything started to go her way. Until her last boyfriend, who lied about being married, tries to get her fired. As her personal and business life collide, everything spirals out of control. Lacey’s doesn’t have much hope in men when a biker she’d hired steps in, having her back like no one else.

And what should’ve stayed a professional relationship takes them on a path they never expected, but neither one could stop. Can two broken hearts find love again?

Broken Hearts is the last book in the Open Road Series. It's a romantic suspense, opposites attract, later in life romance.

 

Temptingly delicious! The final book in Chelle Bliss’s Open Road series is filled with angst and drama as a sexy, forbidden connection draws our attention quickly and keeps us turning page after page to see if Eagle is going to get his happily ever after. The main characters are both super easy to like and the plot is intriguing while leaving ample attraction in the forefront to tempt us. I would have loved to see a bit more development of his relationships with the MC guys and showcasing who he is at heart, but overall I enjoyed both characters a lot. The ending was satisfying and a fitting wrap up for the series.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a steamy love connection between two characters who put their heart and soul into living the life they’ve been handed and sweetening the pot as time goes by.

 

 

Broken Hearts by Chelle Bliss is live!

 

Eagle lived for one thing…the club. But when the Disciples MC became defunct, he felt lost. Needing to hustle and make more money, he took a side-gig at a swanky event center to work security. The money was decent, but the boss…she was everything Eagle always wanted in a woman. He stayed for her and no matter how hard he tried to resist her; she had a pull over him like no other ever had. And when another man goes a little too far, he’ll do anything to keep her safe.

Lacey’s had one too many broken hearts. She decided she needed a break and wanted to focus on her work. She had her dream job, and everything started to go her way. Until her last boyfriend, who lied about being married, tries to get her fired. As her personal and business life collide, everything spirals out of control. Lacey doesn’t have much hope in men when a biker she’d hired steps in, having her back like no one else.

And what should’ve stayed a professional relationship takes them on a path they never expected, but neither one could stop. Can two broken hearts find love again?

 

Get your copy today in ebook, audio, & print!

Direct: https://geni.us/BH-Direct
Amazon: https://geni.us/brhrts-kindle
Apple: https://apple.co/49mnBmG
Nook: https://geni.us/brhrts-nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/brhrts-kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/brhrts-gp

 

Paperback:
Amazon: https://geni.us/brhrts-pb-zon
Barnes & Noble: https://geni.us/brhrts-pb-bn
Signed: https://geni.us/brhrts-pb-signed

 

Audio:
Direct: https://geni.us/bh-audio-direct
Narrated by Jason Clarke & Samantha Brentmoor

four-half-stars

* Release Blitz / Review * RAFFERTY by Sawyer Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz / Review * RAFFERTY by Sawyer BennettRafferty by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #15
Published by Big Dog Books on January 14, 2025
Buy on Amazon
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five-stars

Rafferty Abrams has been having the time of his life since joining the Pittsburgh Titans, but a poorly thought out one-night stand is about to cause unwanted drama with potentially serious repercussions.

As a member of the Pittsburgh Titans, I’m afforded a certain level of leniency in my behavior. The perks of being a celebrity, I suppose. But a run-in with my “one-night stand turned borderline stalker” has me crossing all sorts of lines with a beautiful but unsuspecting grocery store employee. When I surprise the complete stranger with a giant kiss and quiet plea to help a guy out, she not only plays along but gets my blood racing like I’ve never experienced before. Score one for Rafferty Abrams.

Temperence Martin isn’t just the stunning girl in the international foods aisle. Tempe is also a devoted daughter taking a break from college to help her mother as she heals from a serious accident. That includes making sure her younger brother stays on track with school and keeping everything running at home. To say she’s burning the candle at both ends is an understatement, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t see the spark in her eyes after our spontaneous make out session. That’s exactly what has me coming back for more, even if I use that pesky stalker as my excuse.

As we get to know one another, I realize a fake relationship just isn’t going to work. I want something other than a ruse, something real, and lucky for me, so does Tempe. But when my mistake of a hookup starts telling lies in retaliation for my alleged betrayal, things get messy. For me and for Tempe, who has found herself embroiled in a love triangle that doesn’t even exist. I can only hope Tempe isn’t scared away by the baggage I unintentionally brought to our relationship because the truth is, I saw my happily ever after with her the first time our lips met.

 

A feisty meet-cute leads to sexy seduction at it’s best! Bennett continues to delight her hockey fans with one hunky hero after another who manage to stumble upon the ideal woman for them and with her always entertaining Pittsburgh Titans series. This particular book had a playboy hero who fell fast once the right woman crossed his path. I really enjoyed Tempe and her family interaction. The characters were easy to like, their storyline was both fun and flirty and tinged with mischief and danger. I couldn’t have enjoyed them more and always look forward to another visit with this team!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a tight-knit hockey team who have lots of angst behind them as each player finds his “one” and settles in to his happily ever after.

 

 

 


New Release
Rafferty (Pittsburgh Titans, Book #15)
Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis:

Rafferty Abrams has been having the time of his life since joining the Pittsburgh Titans, but a poorly thought out one-night stand is about to cause unwanted drama with potentially serious repercussions.

As a member of the Pittsburgh Titans, I’m afforded a certain level of leniency in my behavior. The perks of being a celebrity, I suppose. But a run-in with my “one-night stand turned borderline stalker” has me crossing all sorts of lines with a beautiful but unsuspecting grocery store employee. When I surprise the complete stranger with a giant kiss and quiet plea to help a guy out, she not only plays along but gets my blood racing like I’ve never experienced before. Score one for Rafferty Abrams.

Temperence Martin isn’t just the stunning girl in the international foods aisle. Tempe is also a devoted daughter taking a break from college to help her mother as she heals from a serious accident. That includes making sure her younger brother stays on track with school and keeping everything running at home. To say she’s burning the candle at both ends is an understatement, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t see the spark in her eyes after our spontaneous make out session. That’s exactly what has me coming back for more, even if I use that pesky stalker as my excuse.

As we get to know one another, I realize a fake relationship just isn’t going to work. I want something other than a ruse, something real, and lucky for me, so does Tempe. But when my mistake of a hookup starts telling lies in retaliation for my alleged betrayal, things get messy. For me and for Tempe, who has found herself embroiled in a love triangle that doesn’t even exist. I can only hope Tempe isn’t scared away by the baggage I unintentionally brought to our relationship because the truth is, I saw my happily ever after with her the first time our lips met.


Shop direct at the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore!

E-Book | Audio | Signed Paperback
(narrated by Aaron Shedlock and Mackenzie Cartwright)

Grab your copy at these other retailers:

E-Book: Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google

Audio is a WIDE live release on 1/14!



About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

 


Connect with Sawyer:

Facebook | Reader Group | TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Join Sawyer’s Newsletter


five-stars

* Review * TRACK HER DOWN by Melinda Leigh

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TRACK HER DOWN by Melinda LeighTrack Her Down by Melinda Leigh
Series: Bree Taggert #9
Published by Montlake on January 14, 2025
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For Sheriff Bree Taggert, a gruesome double murder exposes the secrets of the dead in a shocking novel of suspense ...

A teenager returns home from work and finds her parents shot to death in their bed. Responding to the call, Sheriff Bree Taggert realizes the crime wasn’t a burglary gone wrong. The couple was executed. The sole survivor: their traumatized teenage daughter, Claire Mason.

Bree teams up with investigator Matt Flynn to work the case, but together they uncover more questions than answers. When Claire is stalked at the park, it’s clear the killer isn’t finished—and she’s the next target.

As Bree and Matt sift through the past—suspect by suspect—a tangled web of deception emerges, and the truth becomes harder to see. Because the victims’ entire lives were a lie. And the only way to protect the vulnerable girl is to unravel her parents’ secrets.

 

Addictive and filled with exhilarating drama and heart! The ninth book in Leigh’s Bree Taggert series does not disappoint as the Sheriff is handed an epic mystery with twists around every corner. The case they are entrenched in this time hits close to home for Bree as memories from the past keep tormenting her as she races against time to keep a teen safe and figure out exactly what the motive in this madness really is. I wanted a smidge more from the home connection that is always so endearing in this series, but overall I really enjoyed the depth of emotion and strife throughout this story and look forward to more to come from Bree Taggert.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a strong feminine lead in a law enforcement storyline with a cast around her that always has her back and feels like family.

* Release Blitz/Review * STAY TOXIC by Lani Lynn Vale

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * STAY TOXIC by Lani Lynn ValeStay Toxic by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Semyonov Bratva #1
on January 7, 2025
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five-stars

There was right, there was wrong, and then there was the in-between.

The place where normal people reside, understanding that there are two sides to every coin. People that do bad things for good reasons. People that do bad things for bad reasons.

First, I knew that Shasha Semyonov was a bad man. One that did bad things for bad reasons. That didn’t mean that I was rational when it came to him.

He was toxic to my health, yet I wanted him anyway.

They say the first step to healing is admitting when you have a problem.

My problem happened to be six feet two inches tall, two hundred and twenty pounds, and bearded to perfection.
Oh, and he was also the scariest guy I knew.

Meanwhile, I was the laughingstock of the city.

The woman who was cheated on by her boyfriend with her best friend, and it was captured live while a band played in the background, perfectly accenting the humiliating video.

There was no way that Shasha Semyonov would notice me.

Right?

Wrong.

I’d definitely been noticed.

 

Dangerous and delectably tempting! Lani Lynn Vale is bringing a familiar face to life as a new series kicks off with Maven’s found family the Semyonov Bratva and I loved every minute of it! The groundwork was already laid if you’re familiar with Vale’s most recent Carter Brothers series when Auden fell for Maven and we learned of her childhood kidnapping and reconciliation with her birth family. This series is bringing that family into the forefront and we’re learning who they are. The plot was attention grabbing from the start and I already liked Shasha from seeing his interaction with Maven. He’s large and in charge and yet has a soft spot for his family that no one sees … ever. Watching him fall hard for a local teacher is rewarding and sentimental. I can’t wait to see what this series holds in store for us! Great depth of danger lurking all around as we see the good girl fall for the bad boy to the delight of all. I want more depth into learning about his sibs but I’m sure some of that will come as the series builds. Overall, fast paced and very enjoyable!

Shasha is electrifying on the page. We already saw him be gentle with Maven even though we knew he had connections and held power, so watching him endear himself to Brecken was easy to believe and fun to watch. I really enjoy the heart he shows when no one is watching.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cut throat hero who protects what is his without mercy, yet has a depth of warmth beneath for those he holds dear. I can’t wait to see what his sibs have in store for us as this series develops!

 

 

 

 

Title: Stay Toxic
Series: Semyonov Bratva #1
Author: Lani Lynn Vale
Genre: Mafia Romance
Tropes: Forced Proximity/Antihero
Release Date: January 7, 2025
BLURB

 

There was right, there was wrong, and then there was the in-between.

 

The place where normal people reside, understanding that there are two sides to every coin. People that do bad things for good reasons. People that do bad things for bad reasons.
First, I knew that Shasha Semyonov was a bad man. One that did bad things for bad reasons. That didn’t mean that I was rational when it came to him.
He was toxic to my health, yet I wanted him anyway.
They say the first step to healing is admitting when you have a problem.
My problem happened to be six feet two inches tall, two hundred and twenty pounds, and bearded to perfection.
Oh, and he was also the scariest guy I knew.
Meanwhile, I was the laughingstock of the city.
The woman who was cheated on by her boyfriend with her best friend, and it was captured live while a band played in the background, perfectly accenting the humiliating video.
There was no way that Shasha Semyonov would notice me.
Right?

 

Wrong.

 

I’d definitely been noticed.

 

 
 

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
 

 

COMING SOON

 

Releasing February 4
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.
AUTHOR LINKS
FACEBOOK
five-stars

* Review * SEE HOW THEY HIDE by Allison Brennan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SEE HOW THEY HIDE by Allison BrennanSee How They Hide by Allison Brennan
Series: A Quinn & Costa Thriller #6
Published by MIRA on January 7, 2025
Buy on Amazon
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four-stars

No matter how far you run, some pasts never let you go…

Two people were murdered—at the exact same time, in the same gruesome manner, bodies covered in the same red poppies…but on opposite sides of the country.

With Detective Kara Quinn investigating in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia, the Mobile Response Team digs deep to uncover more about each victim. What is the link between the two, and why were they targeted?

Yet their search unearths more questions than answers—until they meet Riley Pierce, the only person still alive who might be able to help them find the killers.

Soon, it becomes clear this case is nothing like they’ve seen before as their investigation leads them to the hallowed grounds of Havenwood—an eerily beautiful place rooted in a terrifying past.

As more bodies turn up, all tied to the same community, Kara and Matt are desperate to piece the puzzle together before Havenwood’s leader sacrifices everything to keep her secrets buried.

 

Pulse pounding adventure! Quinn and Costa are at it again when a few familiar looking cases catch their eye and let them know they have a connection on their hands to explore across the country. From the first page the drama is high and we go along for the ride as more pieces fall into place to show that each scene is connected and how. Once the core group is uncovered and we begin to learn the set up, it really gets intriguing. I really enjoyed the case and the outcome. I liked seeing the Quinn and Costa connection as always, but felt like it was a little light this time. We saw them thinking about each other and their life together more than we actually got to see them in the same room. I look forward to more to come from these two as their relationship deepens and life continues.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a cop procedural with gritty crimes occurring as they race against time to solve the case.

four-stars

* Review * A HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS ROMANCE by Anna J Stewart

* Review * A HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS ROMANCE by Anna J StewartA Hawaiian Christmas Romance by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Hawaiian Reunions #4
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on December 24, 2024
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five-stars

Is opening her heart…

The best gift of all?

Hawaiian sunsets with her good friend and next door neighbor Wyatt Jenkins help Tehani Iokepa get through each day as a single mom. With his lighthearted nature and touching bond with her son, Wyatt always lifts Tehani’s mood. But as two-month-old Kai’s first Christmas approaches, memories of her husband are everywhere. Working together to save the Santa Surfing Championship makes Tehani realize she’s ready to create new memories…with Wyatt. But guilt and loyalty keep them both from sharing their true feelings. Can their hearts take the leap from friendship to love this Christmas?

 

Sweet, sentimental and addictive! With the book we’ve all been waiting for in her Hawaiian Reunion series, Anna J. Stewart brings us Tehani’s emotional story. I’ve been invested in this series from the very beginning and knew that Tehani would be a tear jerker. We have gotten a feeling of who she and Remy were throughout the series, but in this book we get to truly see who she is beyond what she was with Remy. I loved seeing her shine and loved seeing her accept that life isn’t always perfect, but loving herself and her accomplishments is. Wyatt is the perfect man for her. He truly saw the superstar that she is and delights in letting her be center stage. The characters are endearing, the emotions are spot on and the love and camaraderie that this group of friends have for each other is heartwarming. I loved this series!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance that revolves around a close knit group of friends who rally together through thick and thin to overcome loss, celebrate love and support one another throughout it all.

five-stars