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