Find Me in California: the many sides of love and family, secrets and destiny

Find Me in California by Kerry Lonsdale is a novel about chance meetings, buried secrets and the many sides of love and family. Julie Hope has never been without love as she was raised by her passionate and free-spirited grandmother, Ruby Rose. Now her grandmother suffers from dementia and lives in an assisted living center as she is in her final days. Julia struggles with the idea of being alone. A thousand miles away in New Mexico, Matt Gatlin has successfully avoided his coldhearted grandmother, Liza Holloway. However, she needs him now. Still filled with resentments, Matt heads to California. Over six days, Julia and Matt’s fates intertwine as they discover an old diary exposes a long-lost love tragedy and long buried secrets come to light. Julia and Matt soon realize that sometimes life can be both heartbreaking and heartwarming, mysterious and beautiful as destiny brings people together. 

Kerry Lonsdale is an author who delves into the darker stories of life, love and family. When I got the opportunity to read Find Me in California, I jumped at the chance. While the story started off interesting; however, it quickly fell into confusion. I had a hard time connecting with the characters especially Ruby Rose and Liza and their stories. The pacing was choppy with weird moments that had me confused and took me out of the story. Ms. Lonsdale is known for stories with elements of magical realism and usually it is a great addition to the story. However, in Find Me in California, the magical realism didn’t work for me. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. However, if you are a fan of Kerry Lonsdale, I recommend reading Find Me in California. It may speak to you in ways it did not speak to me.  

Find Me in California is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Lakehouse Promises: a woman starts over and discovers true friendship and love

Lakehouse Promises is the first book in the Laurel Cove series by Jodi Allen Brice. At forty years old, Carolina Johnson had a life that everyone wanted. A solid marriage of twenty years, a gorgeous house in a beautiful neighborhood, country club friends and yet she feels something is off. It wasn’t until a party with friends when she got the surprise of her life. She discovers that her husband has been having an affair with a girl half his age and she is pregnant. Now divorced with literally her clothes, a paltry alimony and a house on a lake. When she arrives at the house, she realizes that the house is in desperate need of repairs, adding a neighbor who doesn’t like her, no friends and her ex-mother-in-law who suddenly appears on her doorstep. Carolina learns what true friendship and love looks like while finding the strength to stand up for herself and confront her past. 

Lakehouse Promises is a clean women’s fiction story with mild romance. From the very beginning, I was rooting for Carolina. I knew something was up with the husband from the minute he appeared on the page; however, my jaw dropped when his affair was revealed. Carolina takes her life after her life and is determined to find a way to rebuild her life. She meets each challenge and setbacks with a few tears but determination to find a solution. I loved the residents she met including the nasty neighbor and the grumpy repairman. The story was so fast paced that I could not put it down. I also loved how Carolina turns to the Bible for inspiration as well as guidance. Bible verses were used in a way that it wasn’t browbeating the readers. It felt natural and not overwhelming. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Lakehouse Promises. 

Lakehouse Promises is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Wish You Were Mine: a slow burn professor-student hidden romance

Wish You Were Mine is the third book in the Kings of Eden Falls series by Judy Corry. Lucy Archibald is in her final semester at Eden Falls University. While balancing the pressure of being a Division 1 gymnast along with the heavier weight of her high-society family’s expectations. She is the good girl who never breaks the rules. However, during a snowy New Year’s Eve party in the Hamptons, Lucy is ready to lose a bit of that polish. She ends up kissing a handsome stranger in a hot tub. Feeling bold, she is ready to tackle her last semester. Until she walks into her chemistry class the following week and sees the handsome stranger standing at the front of the classroom. Professor Owen Park knows better than to get involved with a student. As a first year professor, he is currently applying for research grants with hopes of a promotion. However, he finds himself drawn to Lucy’s sharp wit and easy smile. They are determined to keep their relationship as professor-student; however, staying away from each other is something they cannot do. 

I love Judy Corry romances and I couldn’t wait for the newest addition to the series. However, when I heard that it was a professor-student forbidden romance, I was weary. Since I love Judy Corry’s stories and characters, I was willing to give it a chance. I am happy I did. It was a great slow burn romance with great stolen glances and secret touches. The banter was flirty and swoon worthy. Both Owen and Lucy are great characters who understand there is more at stake than their mutual attraction. The one aspect of the story I didn’t understand was the constant worry about their age gap which is about seven years. To me, a seven year age gap isn’t as concerning as some age gaps in other romances. However, Ms. Corry handled it wonderfully and Owen and Lucy were characters that I rooted for until the end when I cheered. Overall, I loved this story. There are no steamy scenes, just great romantic moments. I am looking forward to more stories in this series. I highly, highly recommend Wish You Were Mine. 

Wish You Were Mine is available in paperback and eBook

Cut Off from Sky and Earth: a suspenseful psychological thriller and the strength to carry on from a painful memory

Cut Off from Sky and Earth by Melissa F. Miller is a psychological thriller where feminist fairytale retelling becomes a real-life nightmare. Emily Rose is staying at a remote cabin in order to finish her book, a retelling of a fairytale about a princess and her lady-in-waiting imprisoned in a tower with a modern feminist twist. She has spent years dealing with the trauma from the night she found her roommate brutally murdered. When her husband, Tristan, suggests a writing retreat at an isolated property, she jumps at the chance. When she arrives, Emily meets Alex, a woman with her own secrets, and the two become trapped by a sudden and fierce storm. A series of frightening events begin to happen, Emily and Alex realize someone is watching them and they must work together in order to survive from a very real and dangerous individual hiding in the shadows. 

Interspersed with passages of Emily’s work-in-progress, Cut Off from Sky and Earth is described as “a chilling exploration of the weight of memory, the burden of trauma and the courage it takes to break free,” It is an intense psychological thriller as I rooted for Emily as she is dealing with a very damaging memory and wanted to see her become stronger and grow. The psychological suspense was intense and kept me guessing, while there was some information that was easily “figured out” which I believe was by design as the author is teasing readers like a cat with a piece of string. The work in progress interjected in the action was a bit distracting but I saw the pattern with the fairytale and the events of the story. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I enjoyed the ending. I recommend Cut Off from Sky and Earth.

Cut Off from Sky and Earth is available in paperback, eBook and hardcover 

on September 2, 2025

Thomas: when doubt can fuel faith and belief

Thomas is known as the Doubter. Yes, he was a doubter; however, his doubt had a purpose. Many Christians are taught that we should not doubt. That doubt is a lack of faith. However, after studying Thomas and doubters throughout the Bible that is not the case! Thomas wanted to know the truth, so he asked questions and when his questions were answered, he believed! He expressed his doubts fully and had them answered completely. Doubting was his way of responding to new information; but it was not his way of life. Glimpses of Thomas are brief throughout the gospels; however, his character comes through with consistency. He was a man of faith who sought answers to his nagging questions. Thomas is not the first doubter in the Bible. Who was Thomas? Who were other doubters in the Bible? How does God respond to doubters? What lessons can we take from doubt? 

Thomas was an honest and loyal man. He was intense in belief and in doubt. Thomas didn’t idolize his doubt, he gladly believed when he was given reasons to do so. While his occupation is unknown, he was known for courage as well as his doubt. Courage? Yes, courage. In John 11:6, Jesus hears about Lazarus’s illness and to go back to Bethany after Jews tried to stone him (John 10:31) was dangerous for them. While the other disciples tried to talk Jesus out of going back to see Lazarus, Thomas replied, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16). He didn’t hesitate to follow Jesus. However, he struggled to believe despite what he felt. Did he doubt because he so wanted to believe but felt it was impossible? The gospels do not tell us why Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after the resurrection; however, he was reluctant to believe their witness accounts. A week passed before Jesus appeared to Thomas, but he encouraged him to touch his wounds and believe (John 20:26-27). Jesus used Thomas’s doubt to show us that God does not reject honest doubt. 

The Bible is filled with doubters from Abraham and Sarah to Moses to the prophet Habakkuk and even John the Baptist. I would like to discuss three specific doubters. First, Gideon went from fearful farmer to mighty warrior. He was hiding from the Midianities as he was filled with fear about his own abilities and God’s presence. He would make excuse after excuse (Judges 11:15) and asked God to prove himself with sign after sign (Judges 11:17) and God gave him his sign (Judges 11:20-22) and other miracles (Judges 6:36-40). Second, Elijah went from faithful prophet to bold witness. Elijah is remembered as a great prophet; however, he still experienced moments of deep doubt and despair. In 1 Kings 19:3-4, Elijah flees for his life and begs God to end his life. God instead gave him rest and strength. He sent food and water and after a period of rest and with a renewed sense of purpose, Elijah became the prophet we all know (1 Kings 19:5-18). Lastly, the father of the demon possessed boy in Mark 9:14-29 asks Jesus “if he can” help his son. When Jesus questions the man’s if statement, the father proclaims “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” His faith was imperfect but he was trying and for that Jesus honored his prayer and healed his son (Childers, 2018). 

There are four lessons we can take from doubt. First, doubt is a common human experience. Tim Keller wrote that faith without doubt is like the human body without antibodies (Keller, 2008). Just as antibodies help the body’s immune system, doubt can help fuel faith. We can have doubts without living a life of doubt. Doubt can be used to pose questions, to get an answer and come to a decision. Doubt; however, becomes a problem when it is out of stubbornness and that stubbornness becomes a lifestyle that can harm faith and belief. Second, God can work through doubt with patience and understanding. God deals with honest doubters and will meet us right where we are at (Childers, 2018). When we have doubts, we can bring our questions to God. Third, doubt can lead to deeper faith. Lastly, seeking answers and evidence is not wrong. We can ask for evidence to back up our faith. Thomas’s doubt was rational and intellectual and Jesus answered his intellectual doubt with evidence (Childers, 2018). John the Baptist experienced the most painful type of doubt. A doubt when you stand to lose everything if your suspicion is correct. He needed reconfirmation and Jesus provided it (Matthew 11:1-6, Luke 7:18-23). 

In conclusion, Thomas deserves to be respected for his faith and not ignored for his doubt. Doubt is not a character flaw. It is a natural experience to have questions and uncertainty. We can take encouragement from Thomas, We can take our doubts and allow Jesus to lead us to belief. Gideon would eventually embrace his calling and his journey from doubt to faith demonstrates the patience God has for us as he guides and strengthens our faith.Elijah’s transformation serves as a reminder that God meets us in our weakest moments, offering comfort and encouragement to continue our journey of faith. Faith is an attitude of trust and confidence (Hebrews 11:1) and we do not obtain faith without help as it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus. It is better to doubt out loud than to disbelieve in silence. 

References

Childers, Alisa (February 2, 2018). 4 Lessons We Can Learn From Doubters in the Bible. Blog. https://www.alisachildersblog.com/blog/4-lessons-we-can-learn-from-doubters-in-the-bible. Retrieved August 10, 2025. 

Keller, Timothy (2008-02-14). The Reason for God . Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition, location 192. Retrieved August 10, 2025. 

Five Survive: a slow burn young adult thriller with surprising twists and turns

Five Survive by Holly Jackson is a young adult thriller which takes place over eight hours with six friends and one sniper threatening their lives. Eighteen year old Red Kenny is on a Spring Break trip with her friends. A road trip in an RV from Philadelphia to the beach. When the RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere, with no cell service and no one around to help. Suddenly, the wheels of the RV are shot out, the friends realize that there is a sniper out in the dark, watching them and knows exactly who they are. Someone in their group has a secret that the sniper is willing to kill for. The friends desperately try to get help as well as discover who had the secret. As the hours pass, the friends discover that they all have secrets buried deep. They have nowhere to run and tensions run high, someone will not survive. 

After reading the author’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy, I looked forward to reading her other thrillers. Five Survive is a slow burn thriller that picks up in the final quarter of the book with dizzying speed. At one point, I questioned whether I cared about these characters or the secret someone was hiding or how the events played out. I considered putting the book away. Oh I am so glad that I didn’t! There were so many twists and turns that I was on the edge of my seat to the very end. Each character seemed sketchy and trying to hide something. Even Red, the narrator, left me questioning her motives. The how and why behind their adventures was shocking and the identity of who dies is unclear even to the final page. If you enjoy thrillers, even a young adult one, I highly, highly recommend Five Survive. 

Five Survive is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Delicate Escape: a slow burn romance with twist and turns suspsense

Delicate Escape is the second book in the Sparrow Falls series by Catherine Cowles. Thea Stewart is running, when she comes to Sparrow Falls, she finally finds the perfect place to leave peacefully off the grid. Slow to trust, she has made a few friends in town and romance is definitely off the table until she meets Shepard “Shep” Colson. Shep has it all: a successful construction company and a great family along with golden boy charm and devastatingly good looks; however, Thea isn’t going to be taken in by smiles and sweet talk. Shep is drawn to the quiet, reserved Thea and when she needs some home repairs done, Shep jumps at the chance to help. As he is rebuilding the walls in her home, he also slowly breaks through her carefully erected walls. As she learns to trust him, she reveals her secrets and Shep is determined to keep her safe. There is a shadow from her past that is determined to tear her life apart. 

Delicate Escape is a great story with a mix of sweet romance, humorous banter and suspense with breathtaking twists and turns. When Thea was introduced in Fragile Sanctuary, I knew she was hiding and her story would be an emotional roller coaster. I wanted to reach through the book and hug Thea and I waited for her to gather the strength to fight back and protect the life she created in Sparrow Falls. I cheered for her throughout the story. In this story, Shep is dealing with the aftermath of book 1 and the guilt of his inadvertent role in the events. He was also a character I wanted to hug. I loved his character and the love he has for his family and friends was wonderful. I also loved his tenderness with Thea and when their love story was sweet, tender and passionate. Overall, I loved this story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Delicate Escape. 

Delicate Escape is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

In the Grasp: a second chance sports romance

In the Grasp is the first book in the LA Wolves series by Cadence Keys. Jack Fuller is at the top of his game with a high priority on his personal life remaining private. He can’t stop thinking about the girl who got away. Now, nine years later, she arrives back in his life and Jack is determined to do it right this time around. Paige O’Malley has worked tirelessly to land her dream job a largest newspaper. Her first assignment: to write the most personal expose on Jack, the man who broke her heart. As she tries to remain professional and land her interview, she learns that the spark between them is still as hot as ever. She is forced to decide what is more important: her dream career or the love of her life. 

I love sports romances, so I looked forward to picking up In the Grasp. From the opening chapter, I loved Jack and Paige as readers meet them as seniors in high school, best friends to lovers when something happens that tears them apart. Fast forward and they are both living their dreams except one. From the moment they saw each other again, the drama, the banter, and the steamy romance were in high gear. There were moments of great emotions from both Jack and Paige. I love the grand gestures from both of them! I could not put this book down! I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you love sports romance, you will love Jack and Paige and the world of the LA Wolves. I highly recommend In The Grasp. 

In the Grasp is available in paperback and eBook

What We Leave Behind: a woman must face her past and answer the question what could have been

What We Leave Behind by Rochelle Weinstein is the story of Jessica Parker as she faces life and emotional growth confronting the past and moving forward in her future. At sixteen, she is dealing with the loss of her father as well as the loss of her first love. After an intense summer romance, Jonas Levy, a twenty two year old medical student, has abruptly walked out of her life and Jessica is left with deep wounds. As she grows up and moves on, she eventually becomes a successful music supervisor in Los Angeles. After she marries Marty Tauber, a film producer, she finally seems to have it all until her marriage begins to unravel. When a secret from her past comes to light, Jessica finds herself in a storm of trauma and memories as she faces the past. Will she be able to find peace in order to salvage her marriage and save everything she loves? 

For a story that describes itself that “our lives are a sum total of the choices we make, which inevitably leaves us to wonder: what if?” To ask the question: would we go back and make a different choice if we could? To live what could have been? However, What We Leave Behind fell short. The story dragged with lots happening but it didn’t really add to the benefit of the story. For me, different reveals felt out of place and were more for shock value than an emotional impact. I didn’t care for the main character, Jessica and the events that she has to experience which made the book very hard to pick up and get into. Overall, I did not enjoy What We Leave Behind. I just wasn’t drawn into a story I expected to be an emotional exploration of what if and what could have been. I do not recommend What We Leave Behind. 

What We Leave Behind is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

When the Rain Ends: a mother and daughter learn to navigate one of life's toughest storms together

When the Rain Ends by Mary Ellen Taylor is a story of a mother and daughter who must learn to navigate one of life’s toughest storms together. After the sudden death of her ex-husband, Dani Peterson learns that she is slowly losing her vision which has left her feeling adrift. Life on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is just a painful reminder. Along with Bella, her grief stricken twelve year old daughter, Dani buys an old farm near the Virginia state line. While Bella is not happy with the drastic change, Dani is more determined to rise to the challenge. Soon the summer brings them new challenges, new friends, and the possibility of a new love. Can they learn that every storm can be weather as long as they do it together? Are sunny skies in their future after so much wind and rain? 

When the Rain Ends held so much promise that I was eager to begin reading. It soon became apparent that the book would not live up to the synopsis. This story had so much potential as the topic of grief is prevalent throughout and yet I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. Dani was okay as a mom who was trying to help her daughter with grief while dealing with grief herself. Bella didn’t act like a twelve year old in her behaviors and attitude. The plot was flat and forming. It didn’t hold my attention. In parts, I found myself zoning out. Some of the subplots were underdeveloped and others didn’t fit in the overarching story. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. It could have been a great story about grief and learning to move forward. I do not recommend When the Rain Ends. 

When the Rain Ends is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Lost Baker of Vienna: family history and a search for answers

The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman is a historical novel inspired by the author’s family in the aftermath of the Holocaust and World War II. In Vienna, 1946, Chana Rosensweig survived the horrors of the war, only to find herself, her mother and her younger brother free and yet struggling to make a living and live in safety. Despite the danger, Chana sneaks into the hotel where she works and makes her late father’s recipes late at night. She soon finds herself caught in a dangerous love triangle, torn between the black market dealer who offered security and the apprentice baker who shares her passions. In North Carolina, 2018, Zoe Rosenzweig follows the clues left in her late grandfather’s writings to track down her great aunt in Europe and find out the truth to what happened to her. Soon, Zoe has the sense that someone is following her. Is there someone in the shadows looking for her aunt as well? 

In a story about survival, loss, love and the effects of war, The Lost Baker of Vienna speaks of the unbreakable bonds of family and bringing to light the courageous spirit of survival as the World War II refugees begin to rebuild their lives and overcome the overwhelming hardships left behind in a world torn apart by war. I enjoyed that the author focused on the events and experiences in the aftermath of World War II. Often World War II novels focus on the actual war experiences and ignore the aftermath. I felt more drawn to Zoe’s experiences as she is tracing the steps of her great aunt than Chana’s point of view. Overall, I enjoyed both points of view as the web of secrets unraveled. Some parts were interesting and kept me reading while others were predictable. However, I commend the author for giving a voice to those left behind in war and worked to rebuild. If you enjoy historical novels, I recommend The Lost Baker of Vienna. 

The Lost Baker of Vienna will be available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook 

on August 19, 2025. 

True North: a friends to lovers romance with plenty of emotions

True North is the first book in the North Brothers series by Amy Knupp. Cole North has always felt like the odd man out. With a high IQ, he falters when it comes to personal relationships. Years ago, he left his rightful position in the family business and began a successful career in construction instead. Cole is the foreman for Sierra Lowell, owner of Dunn and Lowell, a remodeling company. She is creative, hardworking and likes to think outside the box. She has one rule: do not mix business with pleasure. When a last minute break up leaves her without a date for her sister’s wedding. Cole surprises her and himself when he offers to be her fake date for the night. When their evening turns into a family emergency, Sierra sees a side of Cole she never knew and the line between boss and foreman becomes blurry. Can Cole go from her right hand man to the right man for her? 

True North is friends to lovers romance with lots of sweet moments, plenty of angst and filled with emotions. I enjoyed Sierra and Cole from the beginning and wondered what in Cole’s past left him determined to be a loner for the rest of his life. There is a moment when Cole comes to terms with a past he can’t change and words he cannot take back, I cried. I wasn’t expecting tears in this romance. It was a beautiful scene with great descriptions. I loved Sierra’s confidence, her ability to stand up for herself and call Cole out on his self-defeating behavior. I also loved the banter between Cole and his brothers. I enjoyed the sisterly bond between Sierra and her sister. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy a friends to lovers romance with lots of emotions, I highly recommend True North. 

True North is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Memory of You: a second chance romance with dark secrets and angsty emotions

The Memory of You is the first book in the Sanctuary Sound series by Jamie Beck. Stefanie “Steffi” Lockwood is a survivor. After a brutal assault, she returns home to Sanctuary Sound, a coastal Connecticut smalltown, in order to rebuild her life. Starting a remodeling business with her childhood friend, Claire, Steffi finds herself hired by her ex-boyfriend’s mother. Ryan Quinn is a public defender who has returned to Sanctuary Sound after his wife leaves him. With his daughter, Emmy, in tow, Ryan did not expect to see Steffi working on his family home especially when she shattered his heart so many years ago. As Steffi and Ryan find themselves interacting more and more, Steffi must confront old regrets and Ryan finds old feelings still there. Steffi never thought she would have a second chance with her first love; however, secrets from the past threaten to tear them apart for good. 

The Memory of You is a second chance romance with dark secrets and angsty emotions. From the opening chapter to the closing epilogue, I could not put this story down. I enjoyed Steffi’s character from the get-go and I liked how she owed her mistakes and apologized for hurting Ryan. Ryan was also a great character who wants to do right by his daughter. Emmy was a great character as a little girl who wants her family back together and yet finds herself in her new town. I loved how the author realistically shows how the words “I’m sorry” doesn’t magically fix the hurt that was caused. Trust is hard to earn back when someone has been hurt. The secret Steffi is hiding is realistically heartbreaking and the author handles it well with compassion. Overall, I enjoyed Steffi and Ryan’s story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend The Memory of You. 

The Memory of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

As Good as Dead: what an ending to the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder trilogy

As Good as Dead is the third and final book in the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy by Holly Jackson. Pip is getting ready to head to college. However, instead of being excited about the next chapter in her life, she is haunted by the aftermath of her previous case. She is used to death threats and angry trolls in her comment section of her true-crime podcast. However, when strange events start happening and an anonymous person begins to taunt her with a simple question: who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears? Pip realizes she is being stalked and there may be a connection between her stalker and the local serial killer caught six years ago. When the police refuse to act, Pip decides to find the suspect herself before she becomes the next victim. 

What can I say about this book; but wow what an end!!!! This story had lots and lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. Pip is dealing with some PTSD as she is still haunted by the previous case. Even turning to questionable methods to be able to function, to say Pip is struggling is an understatement. Questioning her own sense of reality when certain strange occurrences occur until she finds a connection to a serial killer who was convicted years ago. As she investigates, she is convinced the real killer is after her now the man behind bars is innocent. I loved how Ravi, her boyfriend, her friends and even her former enemies came to her aid. I highly recommend As Good as Dead as well as the rest of the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy. 

As Good as Dead is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Taming 7: when the lovable class clown hides a dark and terrible secret

Taming 7 is the fifth book in the Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh. Claire Biggs and Gerard “Gibsie” Gibson have been best friends since childhood. She is the sunshine who sees the good in everyone, especially Gibsie. She always sees a side of him that no one else doesn’t see. Gibsie is the ultimate and yet lovable class clown. The one to crack a joke when things get too serious. But behind his goofball facade, Gibsie hides a dark secret, a secret he is determined to reveal to no one. As they enter another year of school, storm clouds are rolling in and his secret is getting harder and harder to keep. As their relationship comes to a crossroad, they take a chance for something more, however, Claire is frustrated that Gibsie is still holding back. When the truth is revealed, will their friendship survive? Will it blossom to something stronger or be lost forever? 

The Boys of Tommen series dives into dark subject matters and Taming 7 is no different. From the very first book, Gibsie has been a favorite character of mine. The Ride or Die friend with a heart of gold, yet no one suspects that he is drowning his pain in laughter. I was not expecting the depth of Gibsie’s secret. While I recommend reading Taming 7 and the earlier books of the Boys of Tommen series, I strongly urge readers to read the author’s notes and trigger warnings in the beginning. This story is not for the faint of heart. My heart broke for Gibsie and I cried as he dealt with the revelation of his secret. I am looking forward to more of the Boys of Tommen series. If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, angsty New adult stories, I highly recommend Taming 7 and the rest of the Boys of Tommen series. 

Taming 7 is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Fragile Sanctuary: an ultimate grumpy-sunshine love story with suspense and hard hitting emotions

Fragile Sanctuary is the first book in the Sparrow Falls series by Catherine Cowles. The scowl Anson Hunt gave the world should have been all the warning Rhodes Stirling needed. Adding in his sexy smirk and the fact that he is her brother’s best friend, she should have stayed far, far away. Now he is the new contractor restoring her house and she runs into him every day. Despite her painful past, Rhodes is determined to be upbeat and positive. Anson is the ultimate grump. He’s rude and enjoys solitude way too much. The man won’t crack despite any of the kindness she shows him. Until, that is, he sees her sunshine demeanor shatter.  After a series of events that seem to target Rhodes herself, Anson is there to keep her safe and a spark between them becomes engulfing flames. But Anson is a man with secrets, secrets that have followed him to Sparrow Falls and threatens them both. Will they discover who is targeting Rhodes? Will they survive? 

Catherine Cowles knows how to deliver a deeply emotional and highly suspenseful story with a great love story. I am still working through her book catalog but I know her story will be a roller coaster of emotions and action. When I heard she was writing a new series, I couldn’t wait to dive. What a story it was! Fragile Sanctuary was the ultimate grumpy-sunshine love story with a great deal of suspense. I loved that Rhodes was determined to have a positive outlook on life. I knew that there was a painful reason for Anson’s hands-off approach. Their romance was filled with witty banter and slow burn to spicy scenes. The suspense was great and the reveal of who was behind everything was a complete shock! I loved the found family aspect and the protectiveness the siblings have for each other. Overall, I loved this story and I am eagerly looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Fragile Sanctuary. 

Fragile Sanctuary is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Enthralled: steamy romance with drama, passionate love and sweet emotional moments

Enthralled is the first book in The Tribute series by J. Akridge. Cole Barker is a rockstar who is used to having any woman he wants. He had made some bad decisions in the past, decisions that caused the deepest pain. Feeling unworthy of real love for past transgressions, Cole is determined to close his heart to all. Why does Mia fill his thoughts like no other? Mia is a florist after inheriting her grandmother’s shop. She thought she was happy. She thought she knew what the rest of her life would be like. Even if she is settling for familiarity, for comfort instead of love. She never imagined how her life would turn upside down when Cole walked into her shop. She never imagined she would discover what she has been missing. Together, they will discover that healing and forgiveness is possible and a passionate love they have only dreamed of. 

From the opening chapter to the closing epilogue, this story takes hold and does not let go. Filled with drama and sweet emotional moments, Enthralled is a fast paced story. I enjoyed Cole and Mia as individuals and as a couple. There are people and circumstances that try to keep them apart but they are destined to be together. There are a few spicy scenes. There are intense moments of danger and there are moments of shock that left my jaw on the floor. I also loved the family and found family aspect with the secondary characters. Even the villains of the story were worthy of the scorn the readers will feel and the comeuppance they receive in the story. I could not put this book down! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend Enthralled. 

Enthralled is available in paperback and eBook