Chasing Whispers (The Honeysuckle Island Series #1) by Jennifer Youngblood {Review}

Chasing Whispers (The Honeysuckle Island Series #1) by Jennifer Youngblood

Kindle Edition, 272 pages
Published April 28, 2021
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

Sometimes love comes to us soft as a whisper, at the time when we least expect it …

A heartfelt story of friendship, family, forgiveness, and the determination it takes for two hearts to rebuild their lives in the midst of rumors and deception.

Effie’s new position as interior designer at the historic Oliver Hotel on Honeysuckle Island represents more than a mere job. It’s Effie’s chance to start fresh and prove that she’s worth her salt. Having grown up an only child to a single mother shrouded in sadness, Effie longs to come to terms with the hurt she still feels over her mother’s death, coupled with the jolt of reuniting with her father and six half-siblings that she didn’t even realize she had.

Working for the illustrious and temperamental Madeline Chasing won’t be easy, but it could be advantageous to have a close connection with one of the wealthiest families on the East Coast. There’s only one thing standing in the way of Effie’s success—Talon Chasing, Madeline’s oldest son and the manager of the hotel. The more Effie tries to evade him, the harder he pursues her.

Not only is Effie reluctant to get involved with Talon because of their work relationship but also because of the whispers of suspicion surrounding his ex-wife’s disappearance. The closer Effie gets to Talon, the more she starts to question his innocence.

A series of strange occurrences at the hotel make Effie fear that she might be the next to disappear.

   

My Review: 5 Stars

I was so sad to see the Romeo family come to an end and was absolutely delighted to see this new series infuse that beloved family within its pages. I love a good romantic suspense and Youngblood has perfected the craft with this one. 

Effie is out on her own with a major design client and that first meet cute was hilariously adorable! Talon is charming and lovable, but he's got mysteries enshrouding him and his family. The vibe was creepy, yet sweet; terrifying, yet romantic; chilling, yet fun. I flew through the pages and enjoyed it all. The formula was magnificent and I didn't see some of the twists and turns coming, which reminded me of a frightful roller coaster that shan't be named that always leaves me shaking in my shoes, yet wanting to go again.

This series is off to a great start and I'm eagerly awaiting more of Honeysuckle Island and it's too-close-for-comfort residents.

Content: mild+ moments of peril/fear; mild romance; mild religion

Eye for an Eye by Stephanie Black {Review}

Eye for an Eye by Stephanie Black

80 pages, Paperback|
Publication May 17, 2021
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given. 

After a family tragedy nearly destroyed Mallory Ingram, she's fighting to get her life on track. When her sister and brother-in-law open their home to her, Mallory is certain that moving across the country will allow her to focus on a hopeful future. That future looks even more promising when her enrollment at a local university connects her with the charming Darien Thomas.

However, when illegal drugs turn up at her sister's house, the first person accused is Mallory, and suddenly, she doesn't know who to trust. Mounting evidence of Mallory's guilt is straining the tenuous bond she has just begun to develop with her sister after years of living separately. Desperate to prove her innocence and keep the harmful patterns of the past from hijacking her future, Mallory reaches for Darien's help to discover the truth.

But the truth may be more dangerous than any of them imagine.

    

My Review: 4 Stars

I love a good little suspense and this bit-sized story was an afternoon treat. I'm always amazed when an author can develop an intricate and satisfying story in under 100 pages, yet that's just what this author did. The plot was solid, creepy, and complete. 

Mallory has a complicated and traumatic past, which allows for the reader to cast suspicion on this protagonist. While likable, she has flaws and I liked how her relationship with Darien progressed on the heels of a good mystery. I loved the way this story was formulated and enjoyed how it all played out.

Content: vague mentions of drug use, murder, mild violence, and peril; mild romance

World's Worst Boyfriend (Fake It #3) by Carina Taylor {Review}

World's Worst Boyfriend (Fake It #3) by Carina Taylor

Kindle Edition, 263 pages

Publication: April 27th 2021 

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

 

 

 

A romantic comedy adventure


Fletcher is the “World’s Worst Boyfriend” and I have the trophy to prove it—along with the consolation gift card I’ve already spent.

Entering him into the anonymous contest was cathartic and eye opening. It’s obvious I need to end this farce of a relationship… so, I do.

Too bad I’m still comparing every man I meet to Fletcher.
Too bad I can’t get him out of my mind—or my house, for that matter, with the way he’s always stopping by to ‘fix’ something.
And it’s especially too bad that I’m learning not everything is as it seems, and that maybe, just maybe, Fletcher had a good reason for his actions. (Although, there is no justification for the moldy laundry.)

What’s a girl to do? He says he’ll explain everything soon. But am I ready to face that explanation? What if he’s really not the worst—what if I am?
 

A romantic comedy adventure to make you laugh out loud!

 

   

My Review: 4 Stars

I've been seeing this one all over the place and I'm a total sucker for fake relationships and romantic comedies. Jumping right in, I was in for some big surprises...and they weren't at all bad! First off, this isn't really a fake relationship story, but there are fake parts to the relationship. Secondly, this is a RomCom with a twist! Like a cola with a shock of lime and coconut lurking within the cup. The suspense angle not only helped propel the plot, but it was as refreshing as an ice cold drink and had me eagerly gulping it's contents.

Fletcher was yet another surprise! He was a mysterious character in one of the other books in the series and I can't even say how much I adored him in this one. I loved that Fletch and Saidy were already together and the events that happen to earn Fletcher a "prestigious" nomination were hilarious.

Not only did this story have laughs, but there were some intense moments and swoon that make this book stand out from the rest. Taylor has a knack for bringing multiple elements in and tying them up in a neat little bow.

Content: mild romance; mild moments of danger/peril; mild+ language

The Captain's Promise by Julie Coulter Bellon {Review}

The Captain's Christmas Promise by Julie Coulter Bellon

Kindle Edition, 114 pages

Published by Stone Hall Books 

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

 

 

 

A Christmas they won't forget . . .

After spending every waking moment hunting the world’s most wanted terrorist, Colt Mitchell and Brenna Wilson decide to take a break and go home for the Christmas holidays. The minute they touch down on Canadian soil, however, they are pulled into an international conspiracy that would leave the son of a Kuwaiti diplomat dead. Colt and Brenna finally locate the target, but a contract killer is hot on their trail. Retreating to the Canadian wilderness to keep everyone safe, they'll need all their skills---and maybe a Christmas miracle---to make it out alive.

 

 

   

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

A lot of the Christmas stories I read are typically the Hallmark-worthy fluffy tales of love and swoon, but this one is definitely different. Don't get me wrong--there's still swoon, but it's mixed in with a big, tangled up ball of suspense that delivered a strong dose of intrigue.

 

Colt and Brenna are first introduced in The Captain (Book 2 in the Griffin Force series) and this one is a continuation of their relationship after that story. I loved the moments of peril that swept Colt and Brenna away during their Christmas break, and especially as it was time sensitive. Bellon always does a phenomenal job of engaging the reader and writing such intense scenes. This was a nice break from the fluff.

 

Content: mild romance; mild+ violence/peril/danger