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

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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