Showing posts with label 5 Stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5 Stars. Show all posts
Friday, December 12, 2025
Review - The Shippers
TITLE: The ShippersAUTHOR: Katherine Center
RATING: ★★★★★
RELEASE DATE: May 19th, 2026
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Summary (from Goodreads): After a whole lifetime of being bad at love, JoJo Burton decides to solve her intimacy issues once and for all at her sister’s destination wedding on a cruise ship. With the help of a little pop psychology, she diagnoses herself with a fixation on the neighborhood guy who was her her first crush and first kiss (and who just happens to be a newly-divorced wedding guest), and she decides to woo him during the cruise for some long-delayed closure. Only problem is, her sister’s a little busy being a bride at the moment—so JoJo ropes in her childhood bestie, Cooper Watts, to be her wing man. Cooper: who RSVPed no, but then showed up, anyway. Cooper: who left town without a word four years earlier and moved to London. Cooper: who was, if she’s honest, the worst heartbreak of JoJo’s life. It’s bliss for her to see him again, and it’s agony, too—and the more they team up for Project Conquest, the more she obsesses over questions she can’t bring herself to ask.
REVIEW: This book right here is why I’m such a HUGE fan of Katherine Center’s. One minute I’m starting a book at 10:30 PM, and then suddenly it’s 4:30 AM and I’ve finished the entire book in one sitting. I loved loved loved Cooper and JoJo’s love story! Cooper is absolutely swoon-worthy and JoJo has just the right amount of awkward shyness and quirkiness where you think, “Oh yeah, I can definitely relate to her”. I laughed out loud SO many times while reading this book I had to muffle my face with a blanket so I didn’t wake up my family. There were parts I even went back and reread a few times after I finished it because it was just that good. (Like the balcony scene with the blindfold - holy cow!) You get everything with The Shippers - friends-to-lovers angst and romance, a slow burn that leaves you breathless, laughter, tears, lovable secondary characters, etc. It has quickly earned top spot on my list of favorite Katherine Center books. I can’t recommend it enough.
Friday, August 30, 2024
Review - The Rose Code
AUTHOR: Kate Quinn
NARRATOR: Saskia Maarleveld
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Huntress and The Alice Network returns with another heart-stopping World War II story of three female code breakers at Bletchley Park and the spy they must root out after the war is over.
1940. As England prepares to fight the Nazis, three very different women answer the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes. Vivacious debutante Osla is the girl who has everything—beauty, wealth, and the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses—but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, and puts her fluent German to use as a translator of decoded enemy secrets. Imperious self-made Mab, product of east-end London poverty, works the legendary codebreaking machines as she conceals old wounds and looks for a socially advantageous husband. Both Osla and Mab are quick to see the potential in local village spinster Beth, whose shyness conceals a brilliant facility with puzzles, and soon Beth spreads her wings as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts. But war, loss, and the impossible pressure of secrecy will tear the three apart.
1947. As the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip whips post-war Britain into a fever, three friends-turned-enemies are reunited by a mysterious encrypted letter--the key to which lies buried in the long-ago betrayal that destroyed their friendship and left one of them confined to an asylum. A mysterious traitor has emerged from the shadows of their Bletchley Park past, and now Osla, Mab, and Beth must resurrect their old alliance and crack one last code together. But each petal they remove from the rose code brings danger--and their true enemy--closer.
REVIEW: What an incredible story! This was my first time reading Kate Quinn, and I have since added several of her other books to my TBR list. I love historical fiction, and I can usually tell when an author hasn’t done much research for their book, and Kate Quinn is NOT one of those authors. Stories set during World War II are some of my favorites to read, and her understanding of the intricacies of code-breaking and that entire era of history just blew me away. I also loved how she included details about the actual events and people in her author notes. (Bletchley Park is now officially on my list of places to visit). This story really put my emotions through the wringer. I laughed out loud over Osla’s antics and vibrant personality. I cried and grieved with Mab. I gasped over certain “revelations”. (Sorry…can’t give away any spoilers). My heart ached for Beth, and I totally swooned over Mab and Frances’ love story. Kate Quinn is such an amazing author, and I highly recommend The Rose Code to everyone. I listened to the audiobook version, and I’m very glad I did because the narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, is truly amazing. (This was my first time listening to her too). She has such a wonderful way of pulling you into the story with her captivating accent, and the way she gives each character their own unique voice made me feel like I was listening to a whole cast of narrators instead of just one. Kate Quinn and Saskia Maarleveld are an unbeatable pairing. As soon as I finished The Rose Code, I snagged The Alice Network audiobook, and I can’t wait to get started!
Friday, February 9, 2024
Review - How to Walk Away
AUTHOR: Katherine Center
NARRATOR: Therese Plummer
RATING: ★★★★★
In the hospital and forced to face the possibility that nothing will ever be the same again, Margaret must figure out how to move forward on her own terms while facing long-held family secrets, devastating heartbreak, and the idea that love might find her in the last place she would ever expect.
REVIEW: I absolutely love Katherine Center’s work, and How to Walk Away jumped right into the #2 spot on my list of favorites (right under What You Wish For). This is such an amazing story, and I’m SO glad I chose to listen to the audiobook version because Therese Plummer is an incredible narrator. This was my first time listening to her, and she truly made the story come to life. Between Katherine’s writing and Therese’s narrating, I was totally immersed in this story from beginning to end. I laughed out loud more times than I can count. I gasped. I cried. I was heartbroken when it ended. I loved every character. (Okay, maybe not Chip. He was a douchebag). Margaret is such a strong and admirable heroine, Kit is the sister I wanted but never had, and Ian’s tough and tender sides just melted my heart. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Review - A Christmas Carol
AUTHOR: Charles Dickens
NARRATOR: Jacob Daniels
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): 'If I had my way, every idiot who goes around with Merry Christmas on his lips, would be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. Merry Christmas? Bah humbug!'
Introduction and Afterword by Joe Wheeler
To bitter, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, Christmas is just another day. But all that changes when the ghost of his long-dead business partner appears, warning Scrooge to change his ways before it's too late.
REVIEW: I listened to the audiobook version on Spotify, narrated by Jacob Daniels, and he did a magnificent job. I've watched many different movie versions of A Christmas Carol and have loved all of them, but I'd never read the book. I struggle with reading the classics, but I made a goal this year to read at least three. I've tried many times reading the physical books but have always ended up sound asleep by the end of the first chapter. So, I decided to try them in audiobook format, and that seemed to do the trick. Jacob Daniels did such an amazing job with the different character voices, and I was sucked in from the very beginning. I loved Scrooge's transformation. I will say that Dicken's had a very strange way with words, and there were many times I had to rewind certain parts to grasp what was said, but overall it's a great book, and I would recommend it to everyone.
Friday, November 3, 2023
Review - Fourth Wing
AUTHOR: Rebecca Yarros
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders...
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.
With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.
Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die
REVIEW: It’s not often I read fantasy fiction, but I’ve had SO many people recommend this book to me that I decided to give it a try. When I read the final page last night, all I could think of to say was, “Wow…wow…wow…WOW!” I was honestly too stunned to come up with anything else, and all my husband could say was, “Honey, is something wrong?” LOL. Fourth Wing is such an amazing story. Violet is a badass heroine, and I admired her tenacity and how she kept proving everyone wrong who doubted her abilities. Xaden was a favorite character too, and he and Violet together? WOW! The chemistry between those two is just incredible. I read this book in two days because I couldn’t put it down. There were SO many times I held my breath during the fighting scenes, and I became so fully invested in every character that I literally sobbed during the last two chapters. (I’m not giving away any spoilers, but if you know you know). Fourth Wing has something for everyone - action, romance, fantasy, drama - and I would highly recommend it to everyone. I can’t wait to read more from this series!
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Review - Emergency Contact
AUTHORS: Lauren Layne and Anthony LeDonne
NARRATORS: Tim Paige and Brianna Cohen
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne--and her real life husband and high school sweetheart, Anthony LeDonne--comes a new holiday romcom that is sure to warm even the coldest heart.
Katherine, an ambitious NYC attorney, gets diagnosed with a concussion and must be monitored for 48 hours to make sure it doesn't get worse. Unfortunately, she forgot to update her emergency contact so the person they call is her ex-husband, Tom. Unable to be left alone, Katherine reluctantly agrees to travel to Chicago with Tom for the holidays. But thanks to a blizzard, what should have been a quick plane ride turns into an antagonistic overnight misadventure that stirs up old feelings even as Tom prepares to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve.
A delightful meet-cute between The Proposal and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Emergency Contact is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne.
REVIEW: What a great story! I’m a new listener to audiobooks, and I decided to give this one a try while traveling recently to my son’s home in Alabama. (A six hour drive one way). First off, the narrator’s are perfect - very soothing, easy to understand, and charismatic. Secondly, the story itself has a little bit of everything for every reader - romance, humor, drama, etc. It pulled me in from the start and kept me interested the entire time. It definitely moved to first place on my rom-com list for the year. My favorite parts were the snarky comments between the two main characters, which made me laugh out loud SO many times. Truly wonderful writing! It was also very emotional and relatable in many ways, so I’ll admit I shed quite a few tears too. I could see this story playing out in my mind so clearly, and I believe it would make such an amazing Hallmark movie. I would happily recommend Emergency Contact to everyone, and I look forward to reading more from these authors in the future.
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Review - Little Women
TITLE: Little Women (audiobook)
Summary (from Goodreads): Generations of readers young and old, male and female, have fallen in love with the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s most popular and enduring novel, Little Women. Here are talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.
AUTHOR: Louisa May Alcott
NARRATOR: LibriVox (Spotify)
RATING: ★★★★★
It is no secret that Alcott based Little Women on her own early life. While her father, the freethinking reformer and abolitionist Bronson Alcott, hobnobbed with such eminent male authors as Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne, Louisa supported herself and her sisters with "woman’s work,” including sewing, doing laundry, and acting as a domestic servant. But she soon discovered she could make more money writing. Little Women brought her lasting fame and fortune, and far from being the "girl’s book” her publisher requested, it explores such timeless themes as love and death, war and peace, the conflict between personal ambition and family responsibilities, and the clash of cultures between Europe and America.
REVIEW: I started 2023 with a goal to read at least three classic books by the year’s end. I started several and put them down just as quickly. I don’t know why, but I’ve never been able to enjoy the classic’s. I’ve lost count of my attempts at reading Pride & Prejudice. (I believe chapter two is the farthest I’ve gotten). So, I decided to try something different to reach my goal, and I resorted to audiobooks. Now, don’t stone me for saying it, but I’ve never cared much for audiobooks. (When a woman narrator speaks for every character, including the men, it really throws me off - and vice versa). But one day I stumbled upon a dramatic reading of Little Women by LibriVox on Spotify, and I noticed there were several male and female narrators, so I decided to give it a shot. Well…I LOVED IT! My drive to work takes 45 minutes, so I used that time to listen, and it didn’t take long before I was fully immersed in the story. Louisa May Alcott was an amazing writer, and she had such a beautiful way with words. I fell in love with Jo, Amy, Meg, Beth, and Laurie. I smiled. I gasped. I laughed. I cried. I was genuinely sad when I finished it, and I would highly recommend Little Women to every reader. So…now I’m on to my second classic book. Who knows, maybe I’ll look for a Pride & Prejudice audiobook and actually finish it this time. We shall see.
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Review - The Women
AUTHOR: Kristin Hannah
RATING: ★★★★★
RELEASE DATE: February 6th, 2024
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Summary (from Goodreads): An intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.
Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.
As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over- whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.
But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.
The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.
REVIEW: The Women is another prime example of why Kristin Hannah is, and always will be, my favorite author. My father-in-law served in Vietnam, so I’ve heard numerous stories over the past 30 years of the horrors he faced during the war. Reading Kristin’s account of a woman’s Vietnam experience gave me a whole new and different perspective on this tragic time in America’s history. As always, Kristin’s extensive research is evident in her work, and her vivid descriptions made me feel as if I was there, seeing the devastation through Frankie’s eyes. I felt so many different emotions while reading this book - sadness, anger, disbelief, and hope are just a few that come to mind. There were many times I caught myself crying over the injustice and despair Frankie encountered during and after the war. Her moments with Barb and Ethel were some of my favorite scenes in the story, and I truly loved their closeness and loyalty to each other. I also enjoyed the many layers of Frankie’s relationship with her parents and how it evolved over time. I can’t recommend this book enough. It will certainly open your eyes and broaden your view of the Vietnam War as you discover a part of it that is rarely talked about. I was hooked from the first page, and I know The Women will remain in my heart and mind a very long time.
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Sunday, July 2, 2023
Review - Things We Left Behind
AUTHOR: Lucy Score
RATING: ★★★★★
RELEASE DATE: September 5th, 2023
Summary (from Goodreads): There was only one woman who could set me free. But I would rather set myself on fire than ask Sloane Walton for anything.
Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean vengeance-seeking mogul. On a quest to erase his father’s mark on the family name, he spends every waking minute pulling strings and building an indestructible empire. The more money and power he amasses, the safer he is from threats.
Except when it comes to the feisty small-town librarian that keeps him up at night…
Sloane Walton is a spitfire determined to carry on her father’s quest for justice. She’ll do that just as soon as she figures out exactly what the man she hates did to—or for—her family. Bonded by an old, dark secret from the past and the dislike they now share for each other, Sloane trusts Lucian about as far as she can throw his designer-suited body.
When bickering accidentally turns to foreplay, these two find themselves not quite regretting their steamy one-night stand. Once those flames are fanned, it seems impossible to put them out again. But with Sloane ready to start a family and Lucian refusing to even consider the idea of marriage and kids, these enemies-to-lovers are stuck at an impasse.
Broken men break women. It’s what Lucian believes, what he’s witnessed, and he’s not going to take that chance with Sloane. He’d rather live a life of solitude than put her in danger. But he learns the hard way that leaving her means leaving her unprotected from other threats.
It’s the second time he’s ruthlessly cut her out of his life. There’s no way she’s going to give him a third chance. He’s just going to have to make one for himself.
REVIEW: Of the three main Knockemout heroes, Lucian Rollins has been my favorite from day one, and Sloane Walton has been my favorite heroine. So, needless to say, when this book became available on NetGalley, I immediately jumped on it, and I read it within just a couple of days. I love Lucian because he came from a horrible childhood filled with abuse, and he let that fuel him into becoming a very influential and powerful self-made man. I love Sloane because she’s a librarian, like myself, and she’s a strong woman with a hint of vulnerability. The two of them together are simply amazing. I absolutely LOVED the snarky insults and bickering between them, and I lost count of the many times I literally laughed out loud while reading this book. Lucy Score is a genius with dialogue, and she’s also a pro at stirring emotions too. I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I was truly sad about finishing this series. I will point out that if you’re looking for a tender romance then this book - the whole series, actually - isn’t for you. If I had to name one gripe about the series it would be the lack of tenderness and romance. Now, let me clarify that I have nothing whatsoever against rough sex, but when ALL the lovemaking scenes seem more vengeful than loving, it kind of gets on my nerves after awhile. Other than that, this book and the whole series is top-notch and will always be one of my favorites. I’m honestly going to miss Knockemout, Virginia, and all the characters who live there. It’s been one heck of a ride! Thank you, Lucy!
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Review - The Roaring Days of Zora Lily
AUTHOR: Noelle Salazar
RATING: ★★★★★
RELEASE DATE: October 3rd, 2023
Summary (from Goodreads): The discovery of a hidden label on a famous gown unearths the story of a talented young seamstress in this glittering novel of family, love, ambition, and self discovery by the USA Today bestselling author of The Flight Girls.
2023, The Smithsonian's National Museum of American A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer's label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?
1924, Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.
When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she's always dreamed of. But as Zora's ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she'll learn that dreams come with a cost.
REVIEW: Such a wonderful book! I adore stories with heroines who come from humble beginnings and who overcome hardships to lead a successful life. A true heroine you can’t help but root for, and this was absolutely the case with Zora Lily Hough. I loved her from the very beginning, and I so admired how she always remained true to herself, no matter the circumstances. This was my first time reading Noelle Salazar’s work, and she has such a beautiful way with words. It was a joy reading about Zora’s life, from her endearing friendship with Rose to her close relationship with her family, and…oh my…the love and passion between her and Harley. *happy sigh* I also loved that fashion design played a major part of the plot. I could almost picture Zora’s creations in my mind, and they were stunning. Oh, and I won’t give away any spoilers, but the ending thrilled my soul. (Vindication! YES!) I highly recommend The Roaring Days of Zora Lily to everyone, and I can’t wait to read more of Noelle’s work in the future.
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Monday, March 20, 2023
Review - Things We Hide From the Light
AUTHOR: Lucy Score
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): Nash Morgan was always known as the good Morgan brother, with a smile and a wink for everyone. But now, this chief of police is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has been overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. Nash isn’t about to let anyone in his life know he’s struggling. But his new next-door neighbor, smart and sexy Lina, sees his shadows. As a rule, she’s not a fan of physical contact unless she initiates it, but for some reason Nash’s touch is different. He feels it too. The physical connection between them is incendiary, grounding him and making her wonder if exploring it is worth the risk.
Too bad Lina’s got secrets of her own, and if Nash finds out the real reason she’s in town, he’ll never forgive her. Besides, she doesn’t do relationships. Ever. A hot, short-term fling with a local cop? Absolutely. Sign her up. A relationship with a man who expects her to plant roots? No freaking way. Once she gets what she’s after, she has no intention of sticking around. But Knockemout has a way of getting under people’s skin. And once Nash decides to make Lina his, he’s not about to be dissuaded…even if it means facing the danger that nearly killed him.
REVIEW: I didn't think I could possibly adore the second installment of the Knockemout series as much as I did the first one, but Lucy Score proved me wrong. I fell head over heels for Nash in the first book, and being able to dive more deeply into his life was such a treat. Those Morgan men...what can I say? They are so sexy, but more importantly there's an underlying sensitivity and vulnerability about them that is SO endearing. Nash is a true hero, and his evolving relationship with Lina was wonderful to read. There are many layers to them individually and as a couple, and as each one was revealed it just made me love them both even more. Lina is a badass heroine you can't help but admire. Like I said in my review of the first book, I love every single character in the Knockemout series, from Justice to Liza J. to Waylon and everyone else in between. Lucy Score has done such an amazing job bringing these characters to life in these books, and I will truly miss them when the series is finished. Speaking of...I.CAN'T.WAIT to read Lucien's story! Oh my gosh! Can September hurry up and get here?
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Review - Things We Never Got Over
AUTHOR: Lucy Score
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon.
Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.
Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin to Knockemout, Virginia, a rough-around-the-edges town where disputes are settled the old-fashioned way…with fists and beer. Usually in that order.
Too bad for Naomi her evil twin hasn’t changed at all. After helping herself to Naomi’s car and cash, Tina leaves her with something unexpected. The niece Naomi didn’t know she had. Now she’s stuck in town with no car, no job, no plan, and no home with an 11-year-old going on thirty to take care of.
There’s a reason Knox doesn’t do complications or high-maintenance women, especially not the romantic ones. But since Naomi’s life imploded right in front of him, the least he can do is help her out of her jam. And just as soon as she stops getting into new trouble he can leave her alone and get back to his peaceful, solitary life.
At least, that’s the plan until the trouble turns to real danger.
REVIEW: I really love when a story pulls me in from the beginning, and I can’t stop reading until I’ve turned the last page. That’s what happened to me with this book. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a story where I loved every single character, but the author brought these people to life in such a wonderful way that they felt like friends I’ve known my whole life. (Okay, I didn’t care much for Tina…but I digress). I will say that if you’re looking for an ooey-gooey romance with soul-stirring, gentle intimacy then this probably isn’t the book for you. The hero, Knox, is tough, intense, and brash, with a very foul mouth and every rough edge you can possibly imagine. Some readers (especially of the female persuasion) might find his abrasiveness and possessive personality a turn off and offensive, but I just thought it was sexy. If you’re looking for a story with memorable characters who will tug on your heartstrings and make you feel all kinds of sappy emotions then you should definitely read this book.
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Review - The True Love Experiment
AUTHOR: Christina Lauren
RATING: ★★★★★
RELEASE DATE: May 16th, 2023
Summary (from Goodreads): Sparks fly when a romance novelist and a documentary filmmaker join forces to craft the perfect Hollywood love story and take both of their careers to the next level—but only if they can keep the chemistry between them from taking the whole thing off script.
Felicity “Fizzy” Chen is lost. Sure, she’s got an incredible career as a beloved romance novelist with a slew of bestsellers under her belt, but when she’s asked to give a commencement address, it hits her: she hasn’t been practicing what she’s preached.
Fizzy hasn’t ever really been in love. Lust? Definitely. But that swoon-worthy, can’t-stop-thinking-about-him, all-encompassing feeling? Nope. Nothing. What happens when the optimism she’s spent her career encouraging in readers starts to feel like a lie?
Connor Prince, documentary filmmaker and single father, loves his work in large part because it allows him to live near his daughter. But when his profit-minded boss orders him to create a reality TV show, putting his job on the line, Connor is out of his element. Desperate to find his romantic lead, a chance run-in with an exasperated Fizzy offers Connor the perfect solution. What if he could show the queen of romance herself falling head-over-heels for all the world to see? Fizzy gives him a hard pass—unless he agrees to her list of demands. When he says yes, and production on The True Love Experiment begins, Connor wonders if that perfect match will ever be in the cue cards for him, too.
The True Love Experiment is the book fans have been waiting for ever since Fizzy’s debut in The Soulmate Equation. But when the lights come on and all eyes are on her, it turns out the happily ever after Fizzy had all but given up on might lie just behind the camera.
REVIEW: What a ride! This book was so much fun! I have to admit that I have never EVER liked reality TV shows, but I would fangirl like crazy if there was an actual True Love Experiment show with actual Connor and Fizzy’s on it. In true Christina Lauren fashion, the dialogue between the hero and heroine had me literally laughing out loud more times than I can count. (Seriously, they write the BEST dialogue). At first I was a tad bit shocked at how direct and bawdy Fizzy is, but that’s only because I’m used to reading romance novel heroine’s who are shy and quiet. (In other words…BORING). I will say if you’re looking for a book with soft, flowery words and tear-inducing lovemaking then this probably isn’t the one for you. If, on the other hand, you like your lovin’ a little rough around the edges, intensely passionate, and earth-shattering then I highly recommend this book. As always, Christina and Lauren have once again served up a delicious treat that has left me happy, satiated, and eagerly awaiting the next wild ride. Well done, ladies! WELL.DONE!
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Friday, January 13, 2023
Review - Hello Beautiful
AUTHOR: Ann Napolitano
RATING: ★★★★★
RELEASE DATE: March 14th, 2023
Summary (from Goodreads): An emotionally layered and engrossing story of a family that asks: Can love make a broken person whole?
William Waters grew up in a house silenced by tragedy, where his parents could hardly bear to look at him, much less love him. So it’s a relief when his skill on the basketball court earns him a scholarship to college, far away from his childhood home. He soon meets Julia Padavano, a spirited and ambitious young woman who surprises William with her appreciation of his quiet steadiness. With Julia comes her family; she is inseparable from her three younger sisters: Sylvie, the dreamer, is happiest with her nose in a book and imagines a future different from the expected path of wife and mother; Cecelia, the family’s artist; and Emeline, who patiently takes care of all of them. Happily, the Padavanos fold Julia’s new boyfriend into their loving, chaotic household.
But then darkness from William’s past surfaces, jeopardizing not only Julia’s carefully orchestrated plans for their future, but the sisters’ unshakeable loyalty to one another. The result is a catastrophic family rift that changes their lives for generations. Will the loyalty that once rooted them be strong enough to draw them back together when it matters most?
Vibrating with tenderness, Hello Beautiful is a gorgeous, profoundly moving portrait of what’s possible when we choose to love someone not in spite of who they are, but because of it.
REVIEW: WOW … just WOW! Such an amazing story! This book has so many layers, and Ann Napolitano did such a wonderful job unraveling them all. I grew up with four brothers and no sisters so the whole sister bond dynamic has always been a mystery to me, but I immediately fell into the closeness and complexity of the Padavano girls relationship. I marveled at their uniqueness as a group but also individually. They each have their own quirks and admirable qualities that distinguish them from each other. I loved them all - even Julia, who tried my patience many, many times. But, ultimately, my heart belonged to William and Sylvie. Their relationship was so extraordinary and beautiful. I found myself admiring them more and more with every mountain they climbed and every valley they walked through together. I’m honestly a little sad now that I’ve finished reading Hello Beautiful. Once you’ve delved into this family’s story and witnessed their joys and heartaches they become a part of you in a way, and it’s hard to let go. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone, and I can’t wait to purchase it for my library.
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Review - Someone Else’s Shoes
AUTHOR: Jojo Moyes
RATING: ★★★★★
RELEASE DATE: February 7th, 2023
Summary (from Goodreads): A story of mix-ups, mess-ups and making the most of second chances, this is the new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jojo Moyes, author of Me Before You and The Giver of Stars.
Who are you when you are forced to walk in someone else’s shoes?
Nisha Cantor lives the globetrotting life of the seriously wealthy, until her husband announces a divorce and cuts her off. Nisha is determined to hang onto her glamorous life. But in the meantime, she must scramble to cope--she doesn’t even have the shoes she was, until a moment ago, standing in.
That’s because Sam Kemp – in the bleakest point of her life – has accidentally taken Nisha’s gym bag. But Sam hardly has time to worry about a lost gym bag--she’s struggling to keep herself and her family afloat. When she tries on Nisha’s six-inch high Christian Louboutin red crocodile shoes, the resulting jolt of confidence that makes her realize something must change—and that thing is herself.
Full of Jojo Moyes’ signature humor, brilliant storytelling, and warmth, Someone Else’s Shoes is a story about how just one little thing can suddenly change everything.
REVIEW: Such an awesome story! First of all, I love that the main female characters are middle-aged and menopausal. I don’t think I’ve ever related to fictional characters more in my life. LOL. Secondly, this story grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. (I read the whole thing in one day!) You get everything with this book - humor, drama, romance, and even a little mystery and suspense. I believe seasoned readers (i.e. older readers), like myself, will get the most from this story, especially those who have been married a long time and/or who might be feeling that mid-life crisis phase creeping in. (If you know, you know). The only characters I didn’t like were Phil and Ray. (Yes, I know they struggled with depression, but Phil’s zombie-like demeanor and Ray’s neediness really grated on my nerves). I loved every other character, though. Their personalities were so different, but those differences added just the right amount of emotion and depth to the story. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Oh, and it is definitely movie material! I hope I see it on the big screen someday soon.
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Sunday, November 6, 2022
Review - Every Summer After
AUTHOR: Carley Fortune
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): They say you can never go home again, and for Persephone Fraser, ever since she made the biggest mistake of her life a decade ago, that has felt too true. Instead of glittering summers on the lakeshore of her childhood, she spends them in a stylish apartment in the city, going out with friends, and keeping everyone a safe distance from her heart.
Until she receives the call that sends her racing back to Barry’s Bay and into the orbit of Sam Florek—the man she never thought she’d have to live without.
For six summers, through hazy afternoons on the water and warm summer nights working in his family’s restaurant and curling up together with books—medical textbooks for him and work-in-progress horror short stories for her—Percy and Sam had been inseparable. Eventually that friendship turned into something breathtakingly more, before it fell spectacularly apart.
When Percy returns to the lake for Sam’s mother’s funeral, their connection is as undeniable as it had always been. But until Percy can confront the decisions she made and the years she’s spent punishing herself for them, they’ll never know whether their love might be bigger than the biggest mistakes of their past.
Told over the course of six years and one weekend, Every Summer After is a big, sweeping nostalgic look at love and the people and choices that mark us forever.
Six summers to fall in love. One moment to fall apart. A weekend to get it right.
REVIEW: As a reader and also an author, this can sometimes cause a disruption when it comes to reading and reviewing. With this book, I bounced back and forth between so many different emotions from a reader’s perspective but also an author’s point of view. Now…let me explain. As a reader, I was instantly caught up in the dynamic between the main characters, Sam and Percy. It was so endearing to witness how their relationship grew from friendship to first love, and oh the memories it brought back from my younger years. (My first love was also named Sam, so yeah…there’s that too). I loved how these characters were flawed and fought for their relationship. You won’t find a Hallmark channel couple here, and I personally loved that. Give me something REAL any day - real struggles, real imperfections - nothing sappy and unrelatable. Now, as an author, I will admit I stopped many times after reading some of Carley’s lines, just awestruck and thinking to myself, “I wish I’d come up with that”. Knowing this is her debut novel only adds to my admiration of her work. This book will stay with me a long time, and I recommend it to everyone.
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Review - The Unhoneymooners
AUTHOR: Christina Lauren
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Ami, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.
Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs.
Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger. She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of... lucky.
REVIEW: Such a great book! I’ve been in a reading slump the past couple of months, and this was the perfect book to break me out of it. I loved the jabs between Ethan and Olive, and there were MANY times I caught myself laughing out loud at their awesome banter. Truly wonderful writing! This was my first read of Christina and Lauren’s, and I look forward to reading more of their work. If you enjoy enemies to lovers story lines then you’ll definitely get a kick out of this one. Two thumbs up!
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Review - Under the Magnolias
AUTHOR: T.I. Lowe
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): This night not only marked the end to the drought, but also the end to the long-held secret we'd kept hidden under the magnolias.
Magnolia, South Carolina, 1980: Austin Foster is barely a teenager when her mama dies giving birth to twins, leaving her to pick up the pieces while holding her six siblings together and doing her best to stop her daddy from retreating into his personal darkness.
Scratching out a living on the family's tobacco farm is as tough as it gets. When a few random acts of kindness help to ease the Fosters' hardships, Austin finds herself relying upon some of Magnolia's most colorful citizens for friendship and more. But it's next to impossible to hide the truth about the goings-on at Nolia Farms, and Austin's desperate attempts to save face all but break her.
Just when it seems she might have something more waiting for her--with the son of a wealthy local family who she's crushed on for years--her father makes a choice that will crack wide-open the family's secrets and lead to a public reckoning. There are consequences for loving a boy like Vance Cumberland, but there is also freedom in the truth.
T. I. Lowe's gritty yet tender and uplifting tale reminds us that a great story can break your heart . . . then heal it in the best possible way.
REVIEW: Such a beautiful story! This was my first time reading this author’s work, and I fell in love with this book! Being an 80’s kid, the music and other references to that decade made my heart swell and brought back some wonderful memories. I truly admired Austin’s strength, determination, and dedication to her family. (Coming from a broken home myself with several younger siblings - I GET IT). It’s also very refreshing to read a story where God is prominent to the plot and the characters lives. Well done, Mrs. Lowe! I can’t wait to read more of your work!
Sunday, May 15, 2022
Review - Reminders of Him
AUTHOR: Colleen Hoover
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover. After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself. The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them. The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing.
REVIEW: Reminders of Him is the fourth book I've read from Colleen Hoover. So far, I haven't been disappointed with anything she's written, and she is definitely one of my favorite new authors. I would have to say that Reminders of Him is probably my second favorite of hers. (It Ends With Us is still at the top of the list). This story was very touching, and it will reach in and grab your heart and not let go. The heroine, Kenna, has been through SO much, and it seems like bad luck follows her everywhere. Several times I just wanted to scream, "Will someone PLEASE give this poor girl a break?!" But her fierce determination is so endearing, and I cheered for her throughout the entire book. I love female characters who are strong and admirable, and Kenna is certainly those things. I would happily recommend Reminders of Him to everyone.
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Review - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
AUTHOR: Taylor Jenkins Reid
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
REVIEW: WOW…such a great story! I’m not ashamed to say I read this book in one day. Once I started I just couldn’t put it down. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing is beautiful and flawless, and when she pulled me into this story I was unapologetically HOOKED. Reading about Evelyn Hugo’s life was a constant whirlwind of emotions. That woman could shock and anger me just as easily as she could bring me to tears and break my heart. She is definitely one of those characters who lingers with you long after the last page is turned. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, and I can’t wait to read more of Taylor’s work very soon.
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