Oh, Keep Your Shirt On (Shaped by Love #2) by Michelle Pennington {Review}

Oh, Keep Your Shirt On (Shaped by Love #2) by Michelle Pennington

Kindle Edition

Published July 10th 2020 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

  

   

Nothing about me is fake...except my boyfriend.
I needed a favor, but I knew what Damien would ask for in return—a date to his cousin's wedding.

But there was no way I'd agree. Facing his match-making mom and scheming ex-girlfriend didn't exactly sound fun. Besides, the less time I spent around him the better.

Already my neighbor and landlord, he was steadily charming his way into my life. Being his friend was tempting enough. What would happen if we pretended to be a couple for a night? No. I had to keep him at arm’s length. At least.

But Tessa had changed my life for the better when she gave me a job, and now she needed help.

Aaaaaand…that was how I ended up fake dating my boss’s fake boyfriend. Who for some reason can’t keep his shirt on.

My Review: 5 Stars

Now, Krista--why in the world do you want Damien to keep his shirt on?! Hubba, hubba! I loved reading more about her story, as she was a background character in Book 1. Pennington does a great job of penning her character--she's so opposite of Tessa, but a woman none-the-less. Women of all shapes and sizes have insecurities and things they wish they could change about themselves and I love that Pennington is addressing all of these issues, one story at a time. Not only are they each entertaining, but they're sweet and romantic as well, and allow everyone a chance to relate and empathize. 

Krista and Damien are fantastic characters and I enjoyed the way their next-door neighborness grew to friendship and evolved to a fake relationship. I couldn't get enough of their interactions and the swoon and chemistry was spot on and I eagerly devoured every single exchange.

I want to explore every character even remotely related to Booms and Nibbles and can't wait to see how their stories are shaped.

Content: mild+ romance  

One Big Mistake (Romeo Family Romance Book 5) by Jennifer Youngblood {Review}

One Big Mistake (Romeo Family Romance Book 5) by Jennifer Youngblood

Kindle Edition

Published July 22nd 2020 

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

 

    

 

The Romeo Family Romance Series continues with Ramsey Romeo’s story ...

A former Navy SEAL, the woman he loves, and the one big mistake that threatens to destroy everything.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I love the Romeo family and it was fun to read about Ramsey. I love how the story started out with a bang, full of suspense and intrigue, but Hartley, the love interest, wasn't my most favorite character. She's harsh, blunt, tough, and kind of rubbed me wrong, as she's so opposite from me. There doesn't seem to be much softness to her and I wondered what these brothers saw in her, but of course, as the book progressed and her backstory unfolded, I became more tolerant towards her and accepted her into the clan. 

 

The end pieces of this book were what really glued this story together, as the middle was a tad bit muddy, but I was slightly on edge, waiting for the ball to drop and the climax of the plot to appear, and it was worth every minute. This author does a great job of engaging the reader with the gripping suspense.

 

Content: mild romance; mild moments of violence/danger/death 

Search Angel: A Small Town Reunion Romance (Forever Home Romances Book 2) by Jennifer Griffith {Review}

Search Angel by Jennifer Griffith

Kindle Edition, 191 pages

Publication: July 28, 2020

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

    

A wounded athlete.
A missing father.
An old grudge.
Landscape architect and volunteer genealogy researcher Emma Shane has done everything she can to distance herself from her teenage past, where she was an orchestra geek targeted by rowdy athletes for pranks. She’s even altered her name. Now, she runs a successful business with her sister by day and after hours uses her special skill: helping people connect with lost relatives through DNA searches.

In her great new life, Emma never has to encounter any jerkface hockey players again, especially not Dempsey Dean Davidson, her high school bully.

Hockey star Dempsey Dean Davidson is a local god. As goalkeeper on the Reedsville Rhinos team, he’s got everything anyone could dream of—fame, fortune, and an awesome job. But he harbors a secret: a mysterious medical problem that could cost him his career.

As an adoptee out of foster care, he’s stuck. There’s no one to ask about genetic history. He can’t find any relatives. He needs help desperately, and there’s only one person in Reedsville with the skill to help him—and she’d rather see him tossed out of a plane onto a mountainside full of jumping cactus.

A novel that’s part mystery, part reunion romance, part learning to forgive, Search Angel is book 2 in the Forever Home Romances by award-winning clean romance author Jennifer Griffith. All books in this series have a sweet "reunion" theme, sweet and satisfying kisses, and a guaranteed HEA.

My Review: 5 Stars 

For some people, leaving the past in the past and making a new start is much needed, as proves true for Emma. Dempsey ruined her high school life and a run-in with him several years later, as a search angel, brings back many emotions--hurt, crushes, insecurities, and more. 

I loved the adventure these two took to solve an age-old mystery as their relationship is build on solid ground this time, but it was the sweetness that stole the show. The sweet kisses, friendship, and reunions. The process of forgiveness and healing is prevalent in this story and that was another facet that made this a comforting, sweet book.

These characters were fantastically written. I adored their personalities and the way they allowed themselves to be true to their pasts, as well as to their growth. All that time wasted--but can that be true? Timing is everything in a romance. The search angel angle was very intriguing and I loved the swoon most of all. I'm looking forward to Book 3!

Content: mild, swoony romance

A Well-Trained Lady (Seasons of Change #4) by Jess Heileman {Review}

A Well-Trained Lady by Jess Heileman

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: July 28th 2020 by Vagabond Publishing
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

    

Arabella Godwin is an Incomparable in London Society—elegant, wealthy, and meticulously trained. Yet, she has nothing to show for her efforts aside from her pretentious reputation and a collection of disappointed suitors. When her plan to secure a promising offer of marriage is temporarily delayed, she must bide her time in the company of an estranged childhood friend—the much-too-endearing, but regrettably untitled, Augustus Brundage.

As the friends’ tattered relationship returns to familiarity, Arabella must prevent herself from fully regressing into the carefree, impressionable young lady who once foolishly trusted Augustus with her heart. To make the same mistake again would ruin everything she has worked for—and certainly more.

But, can a heart be so easily trained?

**Heat Level:Mild/Sweet

My Review: 5 Stars

Times like these leave the soul craving for friendships and connection and I loved that this cute story was full of them. Bella and Ruth were such great friends, yet they've been out of touch for years. That elements lends a slight mysterious tone to an overall sweet second chance romance.

Although Bella seems to be a fickle heart breaker, glimpses of her true self show that she's a fun, compassionate, and selfless woman, but the layers of fake are thick. I loved how she helped Ruth and her cousin Sarah, training them in the ways of society, especially when those lessons turned fairly humorous. 

As for Augustus...I absolutely adored him! He's not a man of wealthy, but his riches come in the form of integrity, honor, and the fantastic way he treats the ladies in his life. He's passionate, persistent, and strong, which makes him the perfect man to woo Bella and win her over, as he tried to do years ago.

I enjoy a good house party and this one delivers the right amount of drama to go along with the swoony romance. The variety of relationships and characters was great and added so much to the plot and story line. Great writing! And now I need to go read the rest of the series.

Content: mild romance; talk of death, murder, suicide

A Well-Trained Lady is a stand-alone sweet Regency romance novel, book four in the Seasons of Change Series. Other books in this series include:

Book One: The Road Through Rashbury by Martha Keyes
Book Two: The Last Eligible Bachelor by Ashtyn Newbold
Book Three: A Forgiving Heart by Kasey Stockton
Book Four: A Well-Trained Lady by Jess Heileman
Book Five: (Coming Soon) by Deborah M. Hathaway
Book Six: (Coming Soon) A Haunting at Havenwood by Sally Britton
Book Seven: (Coming Soon) His Disinclined Bride by Jennie Goutet

A Change of Fortune by Traci Hunter Abramson {Review}

A Change of Fortune by Traci Hunter Abramson

Paperback, 256 pages

Published June 1st 2020 by Covenant Communications 

Source: Library

    

Law student Brooke Sherman leads an enviable life, with an impressive education, a prestigious internship, and an ambitious boyfriend who any girl on campus would love to date. But one phone call shatters everything: her father, the optimistic man who insists on buying lottery tickets and dreaming big, has terminal cancer. Desperate to get home and predictably unable to rely on her boyfriend, Brooke finds an unlikely hero in the form of her classmate.

Jason Ramsey has had a crush on his study partner Brooke for months, but he’d never encroach on someone else’s girlfriend—even if the guy doesn’t treat her the way she deserves. But when he learns of Brooke’s father’s diagnosis, Jason steps up to help however he can. In the weeks and months following, Jason is Brooke’s rock, and after Brooke’s breakup, Jason becomes much more than just a friend. But even as they plan for a future together, things get complicated: Brooke’s father had a dying wish, that his daughter buy one last lottery ticket. She never dreamed that fulfilling that wish would jeopardize a future with the man she loves.

My Review: 5 Stars

I'm used to reading intense stories from this author, but the switch to something more soothing and gentle was perfect for the times we're living in right now.

Brooke and Jason are both law students and I loved the way their friendship was gradually built into something more, and I especially loved the way they were able to incorporate Brooke's father's hopes and dreams into their schooling. I loved these characters and their situation really made me think.

Right now, I love to escape into other people's lives for a time and there was something magical about this story that swept me in and held me captive (I read the whole thing in a day). While it's not super swoony and isn't purely light-hearted fluff, it that stayed with me for days and allowed me to forget the hard things in my own life for a time. Although there are some challenging things that the characters go through and even some trouble in paradise, this was exactly the kind of book my soul was craving.

Content: mild romance; death

How to Not Fall for the Wrong Guy by Meg Easton {Review}

How to Not Fall for the Wrong Guy by Meg Easton

Kindle Edition, 216 pages

Published July 14th 2020 by Mountain Heights Publishing 

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

 

    

 

When their jobs collide and their personalities clash, falling in love isn’t expected.

Bex Stirling knows what she wants, how she wants it, and definitely isn’t afraid to go get it. Her bold personality is how she expanded her YouTube audience to over two million subscribers. If she were to fall in love, it’d have to be with the right guy—someone who is easy-going, chill, and up for anything.

So, basically, everything that Roman Powell is not.

Roman is every bit as strong-willed and driven as Bex is. With him at the helm of his company, he grew it enough to earn him a spot on the cover of Business Success magazine’s “Top 10 Young (and Single) CEOs” edition. But he isn’t stoked about the unwanted attention on his personal life.

Between Bex’s viewers begging her to interview the drool-worthy CEO and Roman’s staff being convinced that Bex has an audience that’s perfect for their new app, Bex and Roman agree to work closely for a six-part interview. Unfortunately, they’ve met before, and they know enough about each other that neither is thrilled about working together.

Despite her viewers’ very vocal support of the two of them dating, Bex is still convinced she’ll have no problem at all not falling for the wrong guy.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

In today's world, who doesn't dream of being a YouTube sensation? Bex's vivid personality has landed her smack in the middle of fame and fortune and I love her gregarious and classy personality. Sometimes I wish I was more like that... Roman is her direct opposite, yet they share a passion for what they do and I love how that connects them--in multiple ways.

 

Catching glimpses of the inn-mates was an added bonus and I adore the friendship these girls share, but my heart and full attention was captured by the four interviews (and resulting relationship) between Bex and Roman, with the ignitable, swoony chemistry that oozed off the pages. I just couldn't get enough and I melted faster than a Popsicle on the 4th of July.

 

I loved the way this relationship progressed, both in public and in private, with these solid characters and charming small town. The plot is relevant and fun, and I'm impatiently waiting for more from this adorable series. 

 

Content: mild romance

The Viscount's Vow by Julie Coulter Bellon {Spotlight and Giveaway}

The Viscount's Vow by Julie Coulter Bellon

Kindle Edition, 190 pages

Published June 5th 2020 by Stone Hall Books

A man changed by war. The woman who loves him. And a secret that could tear them apart.

Edward Rutledge, the newly minted Viscount Carlisle, has come back from war a changed man. The echo of the battlefield and the death of his best friend Marcus haunt him to the point that he decides to break his betrothal to Charlotte---the only woman he’s ever loved.

When he’s summoned home to Hartwell Manor, he comes face-to-face with her. Slowly, her strength and love make him see that he might be able to reclaim what he thought was lost. But when word reaches him that Marcus might not have died in Spain and yet lives, Edward will do anything to bring his friend home. As the mystery deepens, however, Edward is drawn into an intrigue that forces him to confront the demons that have plagued him since he returned to England. Will he have to sacrifice everything he’s built with Charlotte in order to keep her safe?  

Read my REVIEW HERE!

Buy Link

     

Author Bio

Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of nearly two dozen romantic suspense books. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense, Pocket Full of Posies won a RONE Honorable Mention for Best Suspense and The Captain was a RONE award finalist for Best Suspense. Most recently, her books The Capture and Second Look were both Whitney finalists for Best Suspense/Mystery.

Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. In her free time she loves to read, write, teach, watch HawaiiFive-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon.com

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Billionaire's Second Chance (Benton Billionaire Romance #4) by Kimberly Krey {Review}

The Billionaire's Second Chance (Benton Billionaire Romance #4) by Kimberly Krey

Kindle Edition, 209 pages

Publication: July 15th 2020 

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

    

Billionaire Duke Benton, the last bachelor standing among the Benton Brothers, has a second chance at romance with a woman from his past. The one woman he regrets letting go of. But can he keep her in his grip this time?

My Review: 5 Stars

Krey does a great job of forming a heartwarming attachment between two broken characters, bringing them to life with electricity, attraction, and depth.

I was very fortunate to enjoy a vacation in Costa Rica about a month before COVID-19 shut the world down and a part of this book takes place there. Duke has another chance to win over his college sweetheart and what better place to get the sparks ignited than in this tropical location, which I could vividly picture.

I loved that these lovable characters, Duke and Vivi, have a past that they are able to build upon with a palpable connection. I enjoyed the appearances of previous characters and the twist at the end was fantastic. I love how these stories tie together, but can also stand alone. Each one is solid, but together, they're a satisfying tapestry of emotion, loyalty, and love.

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

The Love Notes: A High School Reunion Romance (Forever Home Romances #1) by Jennifer Griffith {Review}

The Love Notes: A High School Reunion Romance (Forever Home Romances #1) by Jennifer Griffith

ebook, 105 pages

Publication: July 14th 2020 

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

   

A high school reunion.
A stack of anonymous love notes from a decade ago.
A chance at love.

Software designer and Tansy Taylor has spent the last decade proving she’s not the robotics nerd she used to be in high school. A successful business, a pile of confidence, and a whole new look—she’s shattered any expectations her classmates once held. Why is she so nervous to attend the reunion she’s been organizing?

Oh, yeah. Bridger Carrigan will be there.

And he’s single.

And she’s been carrying both a torch and the secret notes he wrote her ever since high school—notes he didn’t know at the time he was exchanging with the class geek with braces, frizzy hair, and a perpetual chocolate milk mustache.

Seeing him again could go well, considering. Or it could be round two of her crash and burn crush on the star-athlete with the secret wound her encouraging notes were meant to salve. Especially since his ex-girlfriend is newly single and anxious to get her claws back into him.

A novel told through letters from the past and a sweetly growing reunion romance in the present day, The Love Notes is Book 1 in the Forever Home Romances by award-winning clean romance author Jennifer Griffith. All books in this series have a sweet "reunion" theme, sweet and satisfying kisses, and a guaranteed HEA.

My Review: 5 Stars

What if your ten year high school reunion gave you a second shot at your teenage crush? I loved the aspect of reuniting at a reunion and this story was highly entertaining. With humor, creeps, malfunctioning chili pepper dresses, jealousy, games, and attraction galore, this book was a very welcome and entertaining diversion and I loved it. And I especially loved that the high school had the same name as the hometown I grew up in!

Years ago, I read a book called Daddy Long Legs, where the whole story was written in letters. I loved the notes from the past that showed up here and there in this book and allowed Bridger and Tansy to really see who each other was on the inside. And that old adage "Appearances can be deceiving" rings especially true in this book. 

I was charmed from start to finish and loved everything about this story. Jennifer Griffith has a talent of delivering a satisfying romance, interspersed with comedy, and although this one is short and sweet, it was perfection.

Content: mild romance 

Flying in Love by Chalon Linton {Review}

Flying in Love by Chalon Linton

Paperback, 200 pages

Published June 1st 2020 by Covenant Communications 

Source: Library

    

Will Paige decide to share her heart or fly solo?

Paige Hall’s happy ending may just be in sight. She has been dating her boyfriend for months and feels confident their relationship is going in the right direction—until she catches him kissing another woman. Humiliated and hurt, Paige retreats from the dating scene and pledges to never fall hard again as she throws herself into her work as a speech therapist. Her vow is upended in a grocery store parking lot when she is nearly run over by a handsome and very apologetic air force pilot.

Captain Jake Summers is everything a girl could dream of: charming, considerate, and hardworking. Despite Paige’s determination to avoid falling into another relationship, her resolve is no match for the whirlwind romance that ensues. When Jake is not flying, he and Paige are inseparable, and Paige begins to believe in happily ever afters again. But when the couple faces a heartrending loss, they must find strength in each other and in their faith or risk losing a once-in-a-lifetime love.

My Review: 4 Stars

A meet cute that makes me laugh is the perfect way to set the tone for a wonderful story. Paige has been burned recently by a relationship and has no desire to jump into another one, but really...who could resist persistent and sweet Air Force pilot Jake?

This charming tale is driven by fantastic characters, who each have inner demons to battle, while forging ahead down the path to true love, and I just couldn't get enough. Everyone has weaknesses and challenges in life and I love reading about someone else's--going through them myself isn't as fun, hah!

One aspect to this book that I really enjoyed was the relationships with mothers. The dynamic between Paige and her mother was relatable and realistic and I loved how Paige grew and realized some pretty profound things. Jake's relationship with his mom was so tender and heart tugging, and isn't it true that to see how a man will treat you, watch how he treats his mother?

As a child of the '80s, I loved the Top Gun references and kept picturing different scenes from the movie (and characters, too) as I devoured this book. Air Force life sounds difficult, yet rewarding, and this book really brought out the realities of that life.

Why just 4 stars? With as much as I loved this story, it just ended. Ended! I wanted more from this delightfully charming love story.

Content: mild romance; mild Christian elements; mild triggers (death of a loved one)

Of Darkness and Light (Soli Hansen Mysteries #1) by Heidi Eljarbo {Review}

Of Darkness and Light (Soli Hansen Mysteries #1) by Heidi Eljarbo

Kindle Edition, 191 pages

Published May 12th 2020 

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

    

In this first book of a new historical mystery series, a young art historian faces a tough choice in German-occupied Norway.

Oslo, 1944. Soli Hansen’s passion for art history is and always has been a way of life for her. While she spends her days working in an art shop, WWII is taking its toll on everyone. Apprehensive of the consequences, Soli avoids becoming entangled in the war resistance efforts. She closes her eyes in hopes the enemy will retreat and leave her beautiful country for good.

But when a woman is found dead in the alley alongside the art shop and a painting from the last auction goes missing, Soli is thrown into the thickest of the fray involving both Nazi art theft and the Norwegian resistance.

Once Soli finds her courage, there’s no turning back. Her personal life is turned upside-down with danger, lies, spying, and an incredible discovery.

My Review: 5 Stars

World War II is a favorite time period for me to read because I love to picture my grandparents living during this time. It's always a treat to read about a place during this era that isn't as commonly talked about. At least, not that I've read.

Soli lives in Norway and works in an art shop. A mystery almost falls right into her lap and I enjoyed how it gently unfolds during the thick of the war. There are some solid characters that lend a lot of personality to this story and come to life in a vividly intriguing way. I was attached to Soli and was rooting for her to solve things before it was too late, as I wasn't sure who to trust and what was going on.

Although there is a war going on, this tale is written in a pleasant way, without gory details and horrors, yet the message is still delivered to the reader and it's a story that stayed with me for some time.

Content: very mild romance; mild+ war-type violence/murder

My Best Friend Prince Charming (Sweet Mountain High #6) by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

My Best Friend Prince Charming (Sweet Mountain High #6) by Cindy Ray Hale

Kindle Edition, 139 pages

Publication: July 9th 2020

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

    

They were best friends. He’s always wanted more. Will his newfound fame destroy them?

Shannon
Ryker and I have been best friends since third grade. We were the poor kids in the school, but that didn’t matter. We always had each other. And we had big plans to get scholarships and make something out of our lives. But now he’s been discovered by a big time Hollywood film director who wants to cast him as Prince Charming in an upcoming production of Cinderella. 
Our college plans have been flushed down the toilet overnight, and now Ryker’s become famous with a ridiculous amount of money coming his way.
Thanks to the paparazzi, girls are swarming him both in person and online. And Ryker seems to love every minute of it. It’s so annoying.
I feel like I’m losing my best friend in the worst way possible, and I’m starting to wonder if maybe I’ve been lying to myself about my feelings for Ryker for a long time. 

Ryker
I’ve secretly had feelings for my best friend Shannon for years, but she’s solidly kept me in the friend zone. 
When a famous Hollywood director sees me as the lead in his niece's high school play, he casts me on the spot as Prince Charming in his upcoming Cinderella film. I’m in shock and on top of the world as my biggest, wildest dreams are coming true. I’m finally leaving behind my old life of poverty and moving up in the world. 
But now Shannon’s acting super weird and withdrawn. I don’t understand why she can’t just be happy for me. I wish she could see that I don’t care about the fangirls. Shannon’s the only girl I’ve ever wanted, and nothing, not even fortune and fame will change that. 
But I’m afraid that all this luck may prove to be unlucky after all. Because if I lose Shannon, will it really have been worth it?

My Review: 4 Stars

I, for one, am charmed by royalty and back in the day, loved daydreaming about my favorite Hollywood crush, so this story settled right into my past self's heart.

I loved the deep friendship that Ryker and Shannon share and as they come to recognize their true feelings in this rags-to-riches, friends-to-lovers, young adult romance, I was captivated. The chapters alternated points-of-view, which enhanced the story, although there were times when I wished for more depth. Keep in mind, these are teenagers, and while at times they seem utterly mature, there are plenty of times when their age shows, leaving plenty of room for the angst and drama.

Sweet Mountain High is a beloved place for me, but the setting for this one really focuses on the theatrical, Hollywood side that is introduced because of Ryker's acting talent and the buzz that ensues was almost crushing. Ryker is very accommodating and sweet, while Shannon is a little more cynical and hesitant, but their relationship works and they are both great characters. This is a great series that takes me back in time.

Content: mild romance

The Danger with Fireworks (Holiday Romance #3) by Robin Daniels {Review}

The Danger with Fireworks (Holiday Romance #3) by Robin Daniels

Kindle Edition, 76 pages

Published June 26th 2020 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

 

   

 

Garland's love life took a rocky ride when his roommate started dating the girl he liked. It was inevitable, really. Somehow he always makes friends with "that guy"--the one who can get any girl he wants. It sucks, always feeling like the third wheel. So, when he's offered a position as a summer camp counselor, he jumps at the opportunity. It's the perfect chance to escape...in a place where he's not tied to best-friendship with a chick magnet.

However, from the moment he arrives, Garland realizes that the grass won't be any greener. He meets Chloe, a beautiful, energetic co-worker and they hit it off right away. Naturally, her ex--who's desperate to win her back--happens to be "that guy". Except this time it's different because there's nothing likable about Chloe's ex. And since there's no rule saying Garland has to be best buds with the resident lady bait, he decides it's time to challenge the status quo. For once, he's going to get the girl.

NOTE: This story can be read as a standalone, but it's better if the series is read in order.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

Years ago, before my first summer camp experience, I watched The Parent Trap and thought for sure that's how it would be. Although this story doesn't give many details from the campers perspective, but it was full of swoony encounters with the counselors. And it, too, wasn't much like the movie, hah.

 

Garland is a great guy--but kind of blind to what's in front of him--which leads to all sorts of misinterpretations and laughs, while drawing in a little angst. Chloe came across as an insincere flirt at first, but she quickly grew on me. It was fun to get to know her, Garland, and the other cast of characters, in this short, sweet, and fun summer romance. I would have loved to see things developed over the course of the entire summer because I simply didn't want it to end.

 

Daniels does a great job of incorporating this new adult romance in with humor, adventure, dancing, and love.   

Content: mild romance; mild language

Facial Recognition by Jennifer Peel {Review}

Facial Recognition by Jennifer Peel

Kindle Edition, 240 pages

Published July 2nd 2020 

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

 

   

 

For her, it was love at first sight. For him, love wasn't an option.

Twenty years ago, Gracie Cartwright became the first prom queen in the history of Pecan Orchard High School to be stood up. Now, she's on a mission to plan the ultimate high school reunion and get the prom night she always envisioned. All she has to do is find the perfect date. But after going on thirty-five blind dates, she's losing hope that she'll find Mr. Right--or at least Mr. Right Now. Then Brooks Hamilton, the man she knew she was meant to marry, walks into her spa for a facial massage. Too bad she's never forgiven him for standing her up at prom all those years ago. If that isn't enough, she finds out he's dating her nemesis and he's a divorce lawyer who doesn't believe in marriage. And what's worse is, he doesn't recognize her.

However, when Brooks's estranged father falls ill, the pair are thrown together and sparks fly when the old friends butt heads about almost everything. But despite the tension, it doesn't take long for Brooks to recognize that maybe he made a huge mistake letting Gracie go all those years ago. But is it enough for him to let his guard down and admit he was wrong about relationships and give Gracie the prom night she always dreamed of? Or will they miss out on the love that's been right in front of their faces the entire time?

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Gracie Cartwright has an amazing life--even if she is still single. She lives at home (by choice) and has the best relationship with her father and next door neighbor, who happens to be the dad of her high school crush. And the friendship she shares with her business partners almost made me jealous. As for Brooks? Yum! The connections, in all regards, are what truly made this story stand out and won me over, heart and soul. Well, that and the chemical romance.

 

I laughed out loud at the first meeting between Brooks and Gracie after twenty years and was completely hooked from the very first page. There are so many nuances that layer together to deliver a charming treat that left me both satisfied, yet wanting more.

 

I loved Peel's writing style in this magically delicious romantic comedy. There is plenty of heart through all the laughs, marvelous characters, a high school reunion looming, and the best relationships ever in this small Texas town.  

 

Content: mild+ romance (innuendo, talk of teen sex, kissing); mild language

Enchantment by Camille Peters {Review}

Enchantment by Camille Peters

Kindle Edition, 376 pages

Published June 11th 2020 by Rosewood Publications 

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

 

    

 

When Maren runs away from the threat of a forced marriage, the last place she expects to end up is the Malvagarian Palace, home to the enchanted gardens, a cursed prince, and a magical rose that traps her there. Crown Prince Briar isn’t pleased to be stuck with a troublesome guest, especially one as mischievous and curious as Maren. She, on the other hand, is determined to escape, but instead finds herself inconveniently falling in love with him. Despite her lack of beauty, feelings steadily blossom between her and the prince.

Their budding romance is soon threatened when sinister magic begins to eclipse the enchanted gardens, a darkness which quickly spreads not only to the kingdom, but to the king himself. In order to stop it, Briar and Maren will both be forced to make a heart-wrenching sacrifice, only to realize that the gardens’ requirements may prove too high a price.

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

I have to start by saying that this series has some of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen and the story found beneath this beauty was delightful.

 

Beauty and the Beast is one of my most favorite fairy tales and Peters does a phenomenal job of translating this tale into something fresh, making her own mark in the retelling world. The way she builds this world into something tangible is amazing and incorporating plants and nature is ingenious.

 

I'm a sucker for a crown prince and Briar was an intriguing character. I loved the way he interacted with Maren, how he stuck up for her, and the way they worked together to unravel mysteries, magic, and more in this winsome fairy tale romance. A book with charismatic characters is always a bonus and I really enjoyed watching the progression. Although there were few characters to start with, the ending had an influx and the climax was dazzling, making my head spin and giving me slight anxiety.

 

This book is long, so give yourself some time to get through it, but if you love fairy tales like I do, you'll enjoy it.

 

Content: mild romance; mild moments of danger/peril/adventure 

Her Senator's Second Chance by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

Love Under Lockdown Set
Her Senator's Second Chance by Cindy Ray Hale
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Enchanted Quill Romance is thrilled to present this huge anthology of sweet romantic shorts guaranteed to warm your heart.

This collection features 25 short stories about finding love while locked down in one place. It has a wide variety of all your favorite tropes including:

Friends to lovers
Second chance
Insta-Love
Enemies to lovers
Forbidden love

And so much more. Laugh, cry, sigh and swoon during this beautiful collection of short stories by sweet romance authors handpicked by Enchanted Quill Romance.

This heart-stirring boxset is a limited edition, so pick it up now to avoid missing out.

My Review: 4 Stars

There's always something pleasing about characters who are given another shot at love. Natasha dumped Adam out of the blue in high school and a chance meeting (that could only be fate) years later proved that their attraction was just as strong as ever.

Each of these characters has worked hard through life to accomplish what they have and to get to where they are, and that message showed me just how committed they could be to each other. Alas, Adam has a small problem--he's engaged to someone else. Someone who could help further his political career. I love this author's writing style and the way she is able to draw me right into a story written with wonderful characters, and supply me a wonderful escape.

This story hit the sweet spot in heartwarming factors and length--it wasn't too long, but long enough to deliver a favorable tale that engaged my heart and left me feeling satisfied.

Content: mild romance