Cover Reveal: The Aftermath by Amy Matayo

Cover Reveal!!!

The Aftermath (A Love in Chaos Novel) by Amy Matayo

Coming...September 12, 2019

Pre-order your copy here!

https://buff.ly/2Ytn4xy

According to Riley Mae Floss, life is a ten-page menu of possibilities. As the owner of a cupcake shop in small-town Missouri, she thrives on candies and rainbows and spreading joy every chance she gets. Even her hair is the color of bubble gum. Life is just the way she likes it, so why would she want anything to change now?
But when a tornado rips into Riley Mae’s southern town and destroys nearly everything in its path, her happy little life changes in less than forty-two seconds. Buildings gone. Homes carried away. People missing or even dead. Her bakery a shell of what it once was; also her life. Riley Mae’s picture-perfect world is shattered, and everyone she cares about has been hurt in the process.
According to insurance adjuster Chad Gamble, life always works out exactly the way it’s supposed to…for other people. As for him, life is a bit of a crapfest—one where he never wins the prize, makes the starting team, or gets the girl. He’s straight-laced, suit-and-tie, all-business, and sees the world for the color it is: muted gray with a little black around the edges.
So when Chad Gamble walks into Riley Mae’s ruined bakery to “assess the damages”—his words, not hers—he has no intention of getting bogged down by sentimental nonsense. Sparks immediately start to fly, and not the good kind. Who does this pushy, pink-haired chick think she is, treating him like an outsider when all he came to do was help? He can’t figure out why the locals like her so much.
Or worse, why he can’t stop thinking about her.

One Last Dance by Linda Weaver Clarke {Review}

One Last Dance by Linda Weaver Clarke

Kindle Edition, 195 pages

Published August 26th 2018 by Red Mountain Shadows Publishing 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given. 

 

    

 

Felicity Brooks is a talented artist but her career is cut short when her father passes away. Realizing the importance of family, she travels home to care for her mother. When Felicity meets their new neighbor, a fine-looking bachelor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. But that is not all. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom…a precious treasure that her father discovered in his attic, her life takes a new turn.

 

My Review: 3.5 Stars

 

I loved the author's personal experience that gave this story its title and a pivotal point for the main character. Felicity moved back home to help her mother after her father's death and meets the new, slightly mysterious neighbor, Nicholas. 

 

This story takes place in the USA in the 1830s, but I had a hard time believing that at times, due to the language the characters used--it felt old fashioned, yet too modern for the era. However, I did enjoy the glimpses into history through Felicity's father's journal and was also fascinated by the cozy mystery that emerged. The romance was very mild and sweet, which was endearing and complementary to the gentle mystery. 

 

Felicity and Nicholas are great, witty, and strong characters, and the way their romance blossomed was soft and natural, but a lot of their connection is told, rather than shown, which is not my preference. It makes it harder for me to connect with a character when I'm not emotionally involved.

 

Overall, I did enjoy this story and loved the easy writing flow.

Content: very mild romance; very mild danger; mild religion

Laddie: A True Blue Story by Gene Stratton-Porter {Review}

Laddie: A True Blue Story by Gene Stratton-Porter

Paperback, 416 pages

Published October 1st 1988 by Indiana University Press (first published 1913)  

Source: Free on Kindle

    

Loosely based on Stratton-Porter's own childhood, Laddie is a double tale -- the classic poor-boy/rich-girl romance and the story of a child of nature and her idyllic childhood.

My Review: 4 Stars

I love the type of story that makes me long for the simpler times, aka my childhood. The narrator (Little Sister) is sweet, precocious, adventurous, and very imaginative. I really enjoyed the way she found things to entertain herself, the way she made friends, and the way she absolutely adored her older brother, Laddie. 

As stated in the blurb, this story is a double tale and the romance is sweet. This story has all the feel-goods and each chapter is a mini story in itself. I enjoyed my time spent within the pages of this endearing and charming book.

Simply Starstruck by Aspen Hadley {Review}

Simply Starstruck by Aspen Hadley

Kindle Edition, 252 pages

Published November 13th 2018 by Cedar Fort, Inc. 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

    

It’s been two years since Kate Evans unexpectedly lost her husband and one year since her aunt Cassandra stepped in and moved Kate and her son back to Colorado to start a new life.
 

Just when Kate is starting to get comfortable in her new reality, three very different men enter her life. Alec is young, easygoing, and up for anything. Nate is a divorced dad who is steady, reliable, and everything Kate should want. Jess is quite literally the boy next door, not to mention a real-life movie star straight from every girl’s dreams.
 

Is she really ready to jump into the dating scene again? Or does she stay in the same safe place free from heartache? In between braving water slides to cheating at croquet, Kate is forced to confront things she’d rather leave buried, along with the possibility of a new love that is exactly what she needs.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Imagine struggling to get back on your feet after the loss of your husband and discovering that a movie star is moving in next door. That's just what happens to Kate. I enjoyed watching her find herself again after her devastating loss, through a series of dating relationships and self-evaluations. 

Kate is the type of character that I want to mother. Luckily, she has her aunt and her aunt's help/friend to get her back on her feet again. She's endured so many losses and in the process, as lost who she is. She's a slightly snarky and hilarious character, with two left feet and a penchant for sweats, but underneath all that is a real treasure.

Her dating experiences were fun, and somewhat cringe-worthy, but the icing on the cake is Jess. He's everything from every girl's dreams all wrapped up in a Hollywood persona. It's a fun story to read because the emotions are real and the characters are well-written, and when you add that to humor and romance, it's a recipe for a winner.

Content: mild romance

Don't Fall for Trouble by Victorine Lieski {Review}

Don't Fall for Trouble (Rockford High #2) by Victorine Lieski

Kindle Edition

Published July 15th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Jessica knew he was trouble. Too bad her heart didn't get the message.

Christian Black was the ultimate bad boy. He'd spent time in juvie. And Jessica's father was the deputy county attorney. He would freak if he knew she was spending time with him. Too bad she has no choice. Being paired up with him for a science project wasn't her idea.

But when he touches her the world spins and her heart melts. She's got it bad for the bad boy.

Christian likes Jessica, but can't allow himself to fall for her. He's leaving Rockford as soon as he can get his sister to a safe place. He's got plans, and they don't include falling in love.

My Review: 4 Stars

Christian and Jessica are assigned as partners for a science project and two people couldn't be more opposite--he's trouble and she's a goody-goody. And sometimes, opposites attract.

Jessica's parents would have driven me crazy when I was a teen. Her mom is always on the road as a folk singer and is so lackadaisical, but her dad is the most controlling and overbearing parent that ever existed! No wonder she wants to rebel when she has the chance of hanging out with the resident bad boy. As for Christian, he's definitely misunderstood, and I loved getting to know him and his motives, especially as he loosens Jessica up a bit.

As a parent, I can't condone the sneaking around and lying, but my inner younger self loved this story and it's opposites-attract don't-judge-the-outside-of-a-person moral to this book. The romance was sweet and slightly sizzling, since it was dangerous and forbidden. This series really satisfies my inner teen, and I'm looking forward to more.

Content: mild talk of crimes/violence; mild romance 

Just One Kiss by Courtney Walsh {Review}

Just One Kiss by Courtney Walsh

Kindle Edition

Expected Publication: July 23rd 2019
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

He broke her heart. Now, he’s back, and he’s determined to show her what they had isn’t over. . . and he can prove it with just one kiss.

Single mother Carly Collins likes predictability. However, when her son Jaden’s health is threatened, her neatly controlled world is tossed into a tailspin. Nothing is certain anymore, especially her feelings for Josh Dixon, Jaden’s father, her first love and the man responsible for shattering her heart sixteen years ago.

When Josh Dixon walked out of Harbor Pointe, he left behind his only shot at a real family. Now a successful tech mogul, the town rebel has found a cause—ensure his son’s recovery and prove to Carly and Jaden that he’s not the same guy he was back then.

Carly and Josh are forced to wade through messy emotions and questions that have gone unanswered for years, which would be easier if not for the pesky feelings, every bit as strong and impossible to ignore as they ever were.

Will forgiveness win, giving Carly and Josh a second chance at love . . . or will the past prove too much to overcome?

A small town romance about first love second chances and how our most beautiful life might look nothing like we planned.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Courtney Walsh has a way of drawing me into her books, and I feel like a fly on the wall. This story is a heartwarming, and slightly tragic story, that grasped my heart--pesky feelings and all. Josh and Carly have known each other since childhood and were high school sweethearts, but he bolted when things got tough. Now he's back in their lives and when their son, Jaden, has a health care, Josh realizes what's most important and does what he can to make amends. 

I believe in second chances, especially when there's true remorse and change, which Josh shows. That doesn't mean it's easy for Carly to trust him again, but as the onion layers are peeled away from him and his life, startling revelations are made, which really added to the heart tugs. 

These characters are so realistic and likable, despite the pothole-ridden road to forgiveness. I loved the elements of religion that were interspersed throughout, as they added to this rough path, giving the story sparkles of hope. The romance wasn't heavy, and I could have used a dash or two more, but it was vividly real. Hooray for Harbor Pointe and its cozy, small town feels and endearing characters!

Content: mild romance (flashbacks to out-of-wedlock relations with no details; kissing); mild violence (abuse); moderate religion (not preachy) 

A Bolder Version of Me by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

A Bolder Version of Me (Book Three of the Destiny Clark Saga) by Cindy Ray Hale

Kindle Edition, 114 pages

Published July 3rd 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

When Destiny and Isaac go public with their relationship, the bullies come out to play. 

Destiny Clark has enjoyed keeping her complicated relationship with Isaac Robinson a secret. But Isaac is excited to declare his feelings for Destiny to the world and convinces her to go public at Homecoming. When the fated day finally comes, and they boldly step into the light as a couple, it’s just as Destiny had feared. Their secret romance has turned into a disaster rivaling scenes from Romeo and Juliet. Bullies emerge from all sides and Destiny and Isaac find themselves in serious trouble.

Although, Destiny has worked hard to be bolder, she’s beginning to discover that standing up for herself comes with a price. As their whirlwind begins to spiral out of control, Destiny fears they won’t be able to hold on much longer. Can their love withstand the blows from their enemies or will the foundation they’ve built together crack and crumble?

A Bolder Version of Me is the third book in a nine-book rewrite of a contemporary sweet romance series called The Destiny Trilogy. In this series you can expect flirting, blushing, and kisses in the woods, but you won’t find any swearing, nudity, or sex. 

My Review: 4 Stars

I absolutely adored this series and I've loved the added details with the rewrite. This contemporary Romeo and Juliet, with a dash of Les Mis, really stole my heart, but I have to say--as a parent of kids the ages of these characters, I would freak out on my kids if they pulled some of this stuff, ha ha.

Destiny is a good girl, but is really coming into her own now. She's the minority in her school and endures a lot of bullying, even from adults, yet she's strong, powerful, and committed. I love her naivety, as she navigates the pathway to her first love. As for Isaac, he's one of those guys who turns out to be pretty amazing, despite his father. He's every girl's dream, yet it's Destiny who intrigues him. The coming-of-age elements are strong with these characters, as they explore new territory and emotions. The volatile feelings are also heavy, as this couple has to deal with oppression on almost every side.

This installment is a little heavier on the religion, since Destiny and Isaac belong to different ones and things need to be sorted out, but there is still enough romance to make this forbidden, secret love swoony. As always, it ended abruptly, but I know things will continue on with the next book.

Content: mild romance; moderate religion; mild violence/peril

Kissing on Third by Heather B. Moore {Review}

Kissing on Third by Heather B. Moore

ebook, 220 pages

Published July 2nd 2019 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

His past will never go away. Hers has left deep scars. Together, maybe they can build something new.

Levi Cox carved his baseball game out of the dirt. The hard way. Bouncing between foster homes as a kid, and trying everything he could do to protect his kid brother from bullies, Levi backs down from no one and has a record to prove it. Baseball has given him a purpose and a career. A way to provide for his brother. When Levi meets Finley Gray, he finds things happening to his heart that he never thought possible. She has her own broken past, using boxing as her outlet. Yet the more Levi gets to know Finley, the more he’s convinced they belong together. Breaking through Finley’s tough exterior might be Levi’s hardest challenge ever. But he has a feeling it will be more than worth it.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Levi is the member of the Belltown Six Pack who is the hardest to get to know. He's got walls up and has a past that's hard to escape, but he's not one to back away from a challenge. When he meets Finley, he has his work cut out for him because she's ultra tough and seems to be immune to him. 

I've been so impressed with this series! Each woman is unique and somehow captures the hearts of this rag-tag group of swoony baseball men. Finley is a boxer! How cool is that?! Yet, she has some softness to all her toughness and I loved watching her and Levi figure each other out. Even tough Finley needs a little protection and romance.

 

These characters were written in a way that really made them come alive. Although they're very different from me, I was fascinated by their relationship and felt the heat of their connection licking out of the pages. I also love seeing the Belltown Six Pack interact with each other. Their camaraderie can't be beat and I'm sad to see this series come to an end.

Content: mild violence; mild romance; mild language

 

Welcome to Belltown!

KISSING ON THIRD is Levi's story.

Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusetts, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues. Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

More Belltown Six Pack Romances:
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortshop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third

A Kiss for Santa by Susan Hatler {Review}

A Kiss for Santa (Kissed by the Bay Book 8) by Susan Hatler

Kindle Edition, 108 pages

Published June 28th 2019 by Hatco Publishing 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Forced to sell her family store in Blue Moon Bay, all Anna Bell wants is to convince buyer billionaire Peter Locke that tradition is better than change, but the magic of Christmas just might give them both the best gift of all: love.

My Review: 4 Stars

Anna loves tradition and all the feelings that accompany it, but when a lot of struggling businesses in Blue Moon Bay are bought up by Peter Locke, she takes matters into her own hands to ensure her family's story stays with the family. 

Anna is a little deceptive in her motives towards Peter at first, but I love how love grasps her heart and changes her. She's an adaptable character and Peter has the best of intentions, which makes them a likable couple. 

Blue Moon Bay is steeped in traditions, especially with the romantic legend of a kiss. The cozy, feel-good feelings extend throughout the story and the Christmastime elements only add another dimension to that coziness. Susan Hatler has creative a vividly wonderful small town with many wonderful characters and stories to be told and I always love my time spent here within the pages of her books. A Kiss for Santa is no exception.

Content: mild romance 

Falling for Her Billionaire Best Friend by Maria Hoagland {Review}

Falling for Her Billionaire Best Friend by Maria Hoagland

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: July 9th 2019 by Red Leaves Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Kissing your best friend is a gamble. One amazing lip-lock could destroy the friendship or be the start of true love—but you won’t know unless you try it . . .
 
WELCOME TO THE COVE
With heavy iron gates, two security stations, and a groundskeeper's cottage, The Cove has everything a billionaire could ask for in a home. Dubbed Billionaire Bachelor Cove because of the residents' single status and income portfolios, The Cove is the perfect place to hide away from the world. But, as the residents soon find out, they can't hide from love.

♥♥   FALLING FOR HER BILLIONAIRE BEST FRIEND   ♥♥
Billionaire next-door neighbors Mary Alice Howe and Ryland Neilson have mothers who are are lifelong best friends. But throwing their children together for everything from Camelot Cruise birthday parties to cotillion classes has ensured a close friendship, not the hoped-for romance.
Excited to become the newest CEO of his father's company, Ryland takes a risk that just might ruin the company. Taking a chance on a relationship with his best friend Mary Alice, however, seems even more foolish. Sure, he’s had a slight crush on her for a while now, but they can’t get their timing right to give a romantic relationship a shot.
Already unsure what she wants to do with her career and her relationship with pro soccer player Camden Sharpe, adding new and thrilling feelings for her best friend causes Mary Alice’s world to spin upside-down. One thing she does know is that she wants a fairy-tale romance. Ryland may look like the part of the handsome prince—tall, dark, and gorgeous—but can a woman be swept off her feet by someone she shared orthodontist appointments with?
When a personal ad brings the two together, they realize that maybe they don’t actually know everything about each other. Discovering new sides to their personalities adds a surprising layer to their relationship. Yet when old expectations arise, they’ll have to decide if it’s better to stay in the safety of the friend-zone or jump down the rabbit hole of the unknown and risk everything for love.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
 
Inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, this full-length sweet/clean contemporary billionaire romance is similar to your favorite Hallmark movie and will bring a smile to your day!

My Review: 4 Stars

This installment of the Billionaire Cove series is inspired by Alice in Wonderland, but I didn't totally get the references. The quotes at the beginning of the chapters did show some of their feelings and emotions, but the plot didn't seem to follow Alice's story at all, aside from the names--Mary Alice and her parents, Lewis and Carol.

Mary Alice and Ryland have been best friends for years and their families would love for them to get together, but the stars have never aligned. The book goes back and forth between their points-of-view and I did enjoy reading about their inner thoughts and feelings. Maria Hoagland always does a great job of portraying her characters in ways that make them easier to relate to and sympathize with. Although new feelings arise, I felt the romance was on a very slow track, which is probably more natural for life-long friends, but I wanted more. 

I did think it was fun to have these two discover unknowns about each other, because sometimes when you know someone for so long, you think you know everything there is to know about them. Surprises like these are good. I also liked the Steampunk elements, which made the story unique. This is a sweet, realistic romance and I really did enjoy it.

Content: mild romance 

The Billionaire's Mountain Bride by Elizabeth Bromke {Review}

The Billionaire's Mountain Bride: Married in Maplewood (Maplewood Sisters #5) by Elizabeth Bromke

Kindle Edition, 122 pages

Published July 1st 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given. 

    

Fans of Debbie Macomber will enjoy this sweet take on the country mouse and the city mouse. The Billionaire's Mountain Bride is the first installment in a heartwarming spin-off series following the lives of four small-town sisters.

Maplewood innkeeper Mary Delaney always thought she'd marry a down-home local. Until she met big-city billionaire Kurt Cutler. Early love gave way to a blissful engagement. But as the wedding date nears, Mary finds out Kurt's wealthy lifestyle may not be compatible with her small-town values. She questions whether her fiancé really is “the one" or if her dream wedding is clouding her judgment.

Kurt Cutler found his soul mate in sweet Mary Delaney. But marriage means compromise. Kurt has to move his booming tech business and big-city lifestyle to Maplewood Mountain, where campfires reign king and the internet is a thing of the future.

Kurt must decide if he can assimilate into Maplewood and into Mary’s life. And Mary must decide if it's a marriage she wants...or just a wedding.

Order and find out what becomes of Maplewood's first romantic duo, Mary and Kurt.

My Review: 4 Stars

This is such a sweet series, but I don't think a reader would be lost starting with this one. Yes, the backstory to Kurt and Mary's romance makes it that much better to know, because you realize that it's not always a happily-ever-after once the book ends, but there are still issues to work through. Relationships can be difficult, especially when two people from such opposite worlds are trying to merge onto common ground. Bromke does a great job of showing these differences and allowing the reader into the lives of these characters for a time.

Love knows no bounds, no incomes, and no lifestyles, as is apparent with Kurt and Mary. I enjoyed watching them figure things out, as they finally lock down a wedding date and deal with expectations, hopes, and dreams. I grew to love Kurt and Mary and was excited to read more about their story.


Content: mild romance

The Billionaire's Mountain Bride is the Maplewood Sisters saga finale but the first installment in the spin-off series, Married in Maplewood. Readers will most appreciate reading about the Delaney sisters in chronological order. Check out these other titles today:
Christmas on Maplewood Mountain (Meet the youngest sister, Mary, just before she lays eyes on Kurt Cutler)
Maplewood in Love (Follow Mary and Kurt into their short story sequel, where love at first sight struggles to survive)
Return to Maplewood (Find out if middle-child Anna can slow down with blue-collar stud Dutch McCree)
Missing in Maplewood (Fall in love with older sister, Erica, and her husband Ben, who might be falling out of love in this dramatic suspense)
Murder in Maplewood (Oldest sister, Bo, needs a partner in crime to uncover Maplewood's darkest secret. Is Keegan Flanagan up to the task?)
The Billionaire's Mountain Bride, Married in Maplewood (Can Maplewood's favorite couple overcome their differences? Find out if a wedding in is store for sweet Mary Delaney and her handsome Prince Charming)

Before We Say Goodbye by Michelle Pennington {Review}

Before We Say Goodbye (Summer of First Kisses #1) by Michelle Pennington

Kindle Edition, 138 pages

Published June 28th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

My first kiss has always belonged to him.
I've always shared everything with my best friend—except my biggest secret.
She doesn't know I have a crush on her big brother.
There's a really good reason I've never told her. She hates all the girls who throw themselves at Tate. The last thing I want is for her to start hating me too.
But now that we've graduated and I'm about to leave for college, suddenly I've realized how much I'll regret never taking a chance on what I want most.
Then she dares me to kiss someone before summer ends—a push to break me out of my shell. So really, she can only blame herself for this, right?
Because I've always intended my first kiss to be with Tate. And I'm starting to think he won't mind. In fact, he might want it as much as I do.

If you love best friends and first love in a story that will make you laugh and swoon and die for more, grab this book today! 

My Review: 4 Stars

Kat has just graduated from high school and has never been kissed, but she's sure been crushing hard on her best friend's older brother. Piper, the friend, has a mission to see her three best friends kissed by summer's end. There's something always intriguing to me about this trope and it was fun to watch it unfold, especially with a few unexpected twists.

Summertime is magical, especially when you live in Florida by the beach, but when you add a first love, first kiss, and first romance into the equation, it's like unicorns and rainbows. Tate is a typical older brother and a huge flirt, but once he gives his heart, there's no question about where he stands.

Once that first kiss was given, butterflies erupted in an earth shattering movement across my stomach because Holy Swoon! That kiss was well worth the wait!

These characters are sweet and fun, but I wished a few parts had been developed a little more. I wanted more juicy details and wasn't completely satisfied--it was like eating half a donut, instead of  the whole thing. But the story line is fun and definitely swoony, and I'm excited to read the rest of this new series!

Content: mild romance (kissing, swoony)

The Burned Billionaire by Jennifer Griffith {Review}

The Burned Billionaire by Jennifer Griffith

Kindle Edition, 210 pages

Publication: June 28th 2019

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

He’s a burned spy with one last chance in the field to recover his life and fortune. She’s a divorced teacher on a mission to rediscover her lost self.

Understated billionaire and intelligence operative, Birch Cardon is searching to know who burned him and destroyed his career at the CIA. Another agency, the shady Entity, has offered him a second chance. If he fulfills a series of missions for them, they’ll not only unlock his accounts, they’ll give him his life back.

Or so they say.

Spies never know whom to trust.

With one last mission to fulfill, Birch jumps at the chance to head back to his college town of Getaway Bay to prevent the kidnapping of a diplomat’s daughter. Working undercover at a bakery, he’s going to save the girl and himself in one fell swoop.

High school English teacher and former cheerleader at Birch’s university, Arden Pike is fresh off a bad divorce after her dead marriage finally buried itself. Because her counselor friend encouraged her to head to a place where she remembers being the Real Arden, she returns to Getaway Bay.

However, her choice of old friends to reconnect with is a huge mistake. Her party-gal pal leaves Arden high and dry—with no phone, no ID, and no access to her hotel room. Arden is stranded.

Then, Arden shows up in Birch’s bake shop desperately hoping to meet her missing flaky friend. He can’t believe his eyes. Could the girl of his college-years dreams who dumped him hardcore possibly be his contact for this mission?

When he signed up for this job, what this burned billionaire didn’t know was that his second chance wouldn’t be just at salvaging his career—but at reclaiming love with the girl who got away. 

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I love Jennifer Griffith's books and this one was no exception. Birch and Arden have a slightly different story, as there is an element of suspense that flavors the swoony romance with a hint of danger. 

 

Birch and Arden reconnect in a surprising way and I love a second chance romance, especially with "the one who got away." Birch has sacrificed much in his life to save the world and it comes at a high cost. Arden is trying to find herself again after her divorce and their immediate connection is spontaneously rekindled in a bakery. Birch and Arden had a deep connection based on intellect, Shakespeare, Donne, and other poetry and words and they are able to pick right up where they left off. I was intrigued with their association and ability to finish each other's quotes. They are each quirky, yet complementary to one another's character, and I enjoyed watching their connection deepen as they spent time trying to figure out a solution to their sticky situation.

I love Hawaii and really appreciated the unique aspect to the setting. While the plot is sticky and slightly suspenseful, it's not intense. Being trapped in a situation with someone attractive definitely made their predicament entertaining and bearable and I loved the swoon.

 

Content: mild romance (some innuendo, kissing); mild peril/danger

Identity (Kingdom Chronicles #3) by Camille Peters {Review}

Identity (The Kingdom Chronicles #3) by Camille Peters

Kindle Edition, 351 pages

Published June 25th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

Anwen's uncanny resemblance to Princess Lavena has been a curse since the moment she entered her service, as the spoiled princess has frequently used it to her advantage by forcing Anwen to switch places with her. But Princess Lavena’s latest scheme is her worst—and most dangerous—yet: compelling Anwen to take the princess’s place in her marriage to her loathed fiancé, Prince Liam.

Bound by an enchanted contract not to reveal the charade, Anwen is forced to go through with the masquerade and endure a marriage to a man who despises the woman he believes her to be. As time goes on, Anwen struggles not only to maintain her identity, but to fight her deepening feelings as she begins to fall in love with her new husband, a man who not only isn't hers to keep, but who has no idea who she really is.

** Inspired by “The Goose Girl” **

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

First off, this series has some of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen! Secondly, this series is great! I wasn't in love with the last book, but this one had my heart swooning in a snap.

 

Anwen has been the diva princess's servant for years and they look almost identical to one another. When Princess Lavena places a curse on Anwen, forcing her to take her place in an arranged marriage with Prince Liam, a whole new world opens up.

 

Anwen has the heart of a saint and is one of the most good, kind, and generous souls around. It takes a minute, but her true self starts breaking down the walls surrounding Liam's heart. I absolutely adored Anwen and didn't envy her situation one little bit! As the chemistry ignited, I found myself falling in love with this union as the characters battled their emotions and the lies and enchantment that swirled around them.

 

Liam is one of the most charming, attentive, and attractive men to grace the screen of my Kindle, but I was slightly disappointed that love turned him into a sappy pile of mush. Don't get me wrong, I loved that, but I wanted to see some of the mischievous antics that he was known for in the previous books emerge here and there, because that's what really caught my attention. I know that love can change and soften a person, but I wanted him to retain that thread of truth to himself too.

 

This is a story that mainly focuses on love and for a loophole for love to conquer all and that sang straight to my heart. I loved getting to know some of the other characters better, along this journey to happily ever after, and I'm crossing my fingers that Nolan and Archer get stories eventually. I also adored Liam's sisters and would love stories of them too. Wow--if I get my way, I'll be busy reading for the next little while. 😉

 

Content: mild+ romance (swoony, light innuendo, kissing) 

Falling for My Best Friend by Victorine E. Lieski {Review}

Falling for My Best Friend by Victorine E. Lieski

Kindle Edition

Publication: July 2nd 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

It was just a fake kiss. It wasn't supposed to make my heart stop.

He was my best friend since...forever. Parker was just, Parker. Dependable. A little geeky but so was I. And we weren't supposed to have chemistry. I was in love with Lucas. Dreamy, hot Lucas. But Lucas was in love with Charlotte, which stunk.

And then I kissed Parker and my world shifted and I started to wonder, was Lucas the one for me? Or was I chasing after the wrong guy?

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

Hannah and Parker have been best friends forever and they get along so well. So when Hannah decides she needs Parker's help to get new guy, Lucas, to notice her, the fireworks fly, but not in the direction that Hannah was expecting them to go.

 

I love a good friends-to-lovers story and this one brought back a lot of old high school feelings, as the angst, drama, and romance was so well written. I would love to see this story in a dual point of view, as I was left guessing at Parker's intentions and feelings. It would have been fun to watch both perspectives unfold. These are great characters, although Hannah did come across as a little spoiled and bratty at times, and even admitted to her little tantrums. I also enjoyed seeing glimpses of previous characters in this story. It's like getting an extra epilogue of sorts. 

 

This series is charming, sweet, and wholesome, giving the reader flashbacks to teen life (in a good way) and bringing a smile to the face.

 

Content: mild romance  

Awake at Widmore Manor by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee {Review}

Awake at Widmore Manor by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee

Kindle Edition, 147 pages

Published June 15th 2019
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

A violent storm. A sleepless night. A test.
Emma Widmore has longed to return to her childhood home since the day she was forced to leave it after her father’s death. Widmore Manor represents every hope Emma has ever had and every person she has ever loved. When she feels drawn back to Widmore Manor on a stormy night, she is granted refuge by the one person she is sure would still know her after all these years. But when James Atwood—heir of Widmore Manor and Emma’s childhood friend—shows nothing but suspicion, Emma’s hope falters. After hearing rumors of a test—a standard—that other young women have failed, Emma worries that she, too, will fail. As Emma seeks to understand this test, she must be reconciled with her past and learn what being home truly means.
 
Readers have fallen in love with this unique and moving regency retelling of The Princess and the Pea. 

My Review: 4 Stars

This story is a fun and darling retelling of The Princess and the Pea--Regency style. Emma and her family were forced to leave their home at the death of her father. A true display of character is shown when hard times are endured and Emma is a truly genuine and positive young woman. She went from having it all to having nothing, yet she is able to find the best in all situations and is able to learn so much about who she is and how she can contribute in life. The relationship she has with her sister's family is so endearing and sweet.

I love the connection that Emma feels with nature and especially the pea aspect. Widmore Manor draws her back in and although the new heir is her childhood friend, there are many rumors about him and his heart breaker ways. The relationship that rekindles is so perfect!

I love a fun and fresh fairy tale retelling and felt that this one delivered. While having new aspects, key elements were retained, making it feel new, yet familiar.

Content: mild romance

Find the other books in the series: 

The Fairest Heart by Heather Chapman
The Midnight Heiress by Ashtyn Newbold 
Spun of Gold by Jen Geigle Johnson 
Beauty's Rose by Rebecca J. Greenwood 
Awake at Widmore Manor by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee