The Wedding People: what happens when someone is a guest at an inn but not a guest for an upcoming wedding

The Wedding People by Alison Espach opens with a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island as Phoebe Stone arrives at the Cornwall Inn with no luggage and a lobby bustling with activity. It seems she is the only guest at the inn who is not there for a wedding. The Cornwall Inn has been a dream vacation destination for Phoebe and she is taking this chance to do all she wanted to do. When Phoebe runs into Lila, the bride, in the elevator, she reveals her plans for the weekend. Shocked and horrified, Lila begs Phoebe not to ruin her wedding week. Phoebe promises her planned activities will be quiet and will not interfere with Lila’s wedding. What Phoebe doesn’t count on is her connection with Lila and the two women confide in each other. Will Phoebe go ahead with her plan? Will Lila’s wedding go off without a hitch? 

Described as “propulsive,” “uncommonly wise,” “absurdly funny,” “devastatingly tender,”  and with numerous positive reviews on BookTok reviews, I decided to give The Wedding People a chance. The opening chapter was great as Phoebe arrives and she watches and overheard conversations. However, the story quickly falters as she meets Lila and confesses to a complete stranger to plans to end her life that weekend. I understand using humor as a defense mechanism; however, the humor in this story didn’t land very well. I didn’t smile or laugh at all. Even the sarcasm I didn’t enjoy. I did not enjoy this story. I also didn’t like how the author treated the subjects of depression and suicide. I did not like Phoebe. There was no growth or redemption for her. She cries over the actions of her ex-husband and yet decides to behave the same way. I do not recommend The Wedding People. 

The Wedding People is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Cowboy's Stolen Heart: a small town cowboy romance

The Cowboy’s Stolen Heart is the first book of The Cowboys of Sweetheart Creek series by Jean Oram. Fashion model Laura Oakes inherits her great aunt’s estate. As she is ready to put her life on hold and heads to Sweetheart Creek, Texas and begins small town life. She runs into Levi Wylder, the handsome and yet serious cowboy, who she has been crushing on for years. Unfortunately, he sees her nothing more than a princess pretending to be a cowgirl. Because what cowgirl buys boots based on looks instead of function? Busy running the ranch, Levi doesn’t need a pretend cowgirl but when he needs a temporary riding stable manager, Laura proves she is capable and Levi realizes he underestimated her. They spend time together and fall in love; however, their romance finds obstacles. Some of his family has doubts about the relationship. Will she return to her modeling career? Will she stay? 

The Cowboy’s Stolen Heart is a cute, sweet romance with lots of fun and plenty of drama. I loved the small town feel with all the different personalities from the welcoming diner waitress to the ornery old man. I loved the chemistry between Laura and Levi. Levi has had his heart broken before and he is wary of opening his heart again. Adding to his plate is running the ranch, he is also dealing with plenty of family drama among his brothers, he doesn’t need any heartbreak. Laura is recovering from her own failed relationship and is at a crossroad in her career and isn’t looking for a romance either. However, the sparks fly as the two spend time together. There are plenty of sweet moments and tense discussion. Overall, I enjoyed this story. I look forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy cowboy romances, I recommend The Cowboy’s Stolen Heart. 

The Cowboy’s Stolen Heart is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Tarnished Crown: a blood debt, a hidden enemy and a love triangle

Tarnished Crown is the second book in the Lochlann Feuds by Robin D Mahle and Elle Madison. Rowan felt she was finally doing something right. Marry Theo from Clan Elk for love and keep her kingdom safe. Until Evander, from Clan Bear and the most feared man in Socair, claims a blood debt under an archaic law to enslave her. When she arrives at the Clan Bear fortress, she finds more enemies in unexpected places and being Evander’s property is the only thing protecting her. Rowan learns she has allies in unexpected places and she finds herself caught between duty and her heart. When the opportunity comes to leave, she hesitates. Does she follow her heart and marry Theo? Or does fulfilling her blood debt even if it means she loses Theo forever? 

Tarnished Crown picks up immediately after the ending of Scarlet Princess as Rowan and Evander are on the road to the Clan Bear estate. The banter between Rowan and Evander was fun and intriguing. I loved the cat and mouse aspect of their relationship. I usually don’t like love triangles; however, the one involving Rowan, Theo and Evander added to the drama and mystery. In Scarlet Princess, Evander is the villain, the one to throw the monkey wrench into Rowan and Theo’s story; however, in Tarnished Crown, there was a deeper look into Evander’s character and I enjoyed it. And the hidden enemy was a great reveal that left my jaw on the floor. I am loving this series and I can’t wait to dive into the next book. I highly, highly recommend Tarnished Crown. 

Tarnished Crown is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A Thousand Words: a grumpy sunshine, brother's best friend Christian romance

A Thousand Words is a prequel novel to the Unfailing Love series by Mandi Blake. Tyler is in the final year of his residency and while he is a good doctor, he needs to improve in one area: his bedside manner. He is urged to go on a blind date to have some fun in his all work mentality. He agrees only to practice his communication skills. When he arrives at the restaurant, he is shocked to see who is waiting for him. Sissy is always ready for an adventure, especially for a blind date with a handsome doctor. When her date turns out to be her brother’s best friend, Tyler, she is excited. However, Tyler is not keen on the idea. He reluctantly begins to spend time with Sissy and he feels his loyalty being torn between his friend and the woman he is falling for. Can she convince him to take a chance for once?

I love Mandi Blake’s stories and I looked forward to this quick prequel. While I was a bit confused at first about who was who, I quickly fell into Sissy and Tyler’s story. I loved Sissy’s character as someone who likes to seize the day. She’s young in college and loves life. Tyler is a bit older and takes his medical studies seriously. I understand Tyler’s hesitation about dating his best friend’s sister. The two together were great as a grumpy sunshine romance. They compliment each other as Tyler needs to lighten up a bit and Sissy needs a little grounding and they do that for each other. My heart broke with Sissy’s brother’s story as someone who has hit rock bottom. I look forward to reading his story as well as the rest of the series. Overall, I enjoyed the story. If you love brother’s best friend romance, I recommend A Thousand Words. 

A Thousand Words is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Fix Up: a fun banter and heartfelt grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, enemies to lovers romance

The Fix Up is the third book in the Two Harts series by Sharon M. Peterson. Ellie Sterns is a twenty eight year old single mother who has a broken man picker. She recently inherited the cafe in which she works, the house where she lives with her six year old son, Oliver and the land it sits on. However, she quickly learns that she only inherits half of everything. The other half belongs to the previous owner’s grandson, Gilbert Dalton, a grandson no one knew existed. They discover they must live together on the property for six months in order to complete the inheritance. Gilbert is handsome; however, he’d be irresistible if he smiled which he rarely does. Both have different motivations as the cafe and house means a future for Ellie and for Gilbert, it means a past he wants to forget. She wants to stay and he wants to sell. Can they find a common ground?  As the months pass, they learn the heartbreaking secret and their mutual iciness starts to melt, could it turn into a sizzling chemistry? 

The Fix Up is Sharon M Peterson’s fourth book and she has established herself as one of my go-to authors. Full of heart and laughs along with real life drama and hurts, she handles a story that gives all the feels. Even though The Fix Up is the third book in the series, readers do not need to read them in order to understand each book; however, I highly recommend that readers do as each story is wonderful. That being said, I loved this story. This story is the ultimate grumpy-sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance as when readers first see Ellie and Gilbert together, you can’t help to think that their relationship would never work. I loved the characters, especially Ellie’s son, Oliver. Usually featuring children in fiction can be hit and miss; Ms. Peterson captures the six year old beautifully and believably. There wasn’t a plot point or character that I didn’t care for, everything came together wonderfully. I laughed. I cried and I closed the book with a smile. The Fix Up is sweet with fun banter and dramatic with real emotions. I highly, highly recommend The Fix Up. 

The Fix Up will be available in June 17, 2025 in eBook and audiobook

A Slice of Summer: a clean second chance small town romance

A Slice of Summer is the second book in the Silver Falls series by Melissa McClone. Last Christmas, Taryn Lawson had a great time with Garrett Andrews, a LA trial attorney. Before he left town, he promised her he would keep in touch and she never heard from him again. Now, summer has arrived and her friend, Callie and Brandt’s wedding is here, Taryn is busy prepping for it as well as proving to her parents that she is capable of taking over the family bakery while dealing with slower customer traffic. The summer fair is approaching and Taryn sees it as her opportunity to showcase her specialty desserts and win back her customers. As the fair approaches, she is coming to need help to finish in time. The only one available to help is the one man who ghosted her. Garrett didn’t intend to ghost Taryn and wants to take his chance to make amends. Will they take their second chance of love? 

A Slice of Summer is a clean second chance small town romance romance with plenty of fun, sweet moments and drama and excitement. I enjoyed Taryn and Garrett as individuals and as a couple. I liked Taryn’s determination to do what she loves despite competition from a competitor and the doubts from her parents. I enjoyed Garrett and his siblings. It felt very relatable and produced a lot of laughs. Even though Taryn and Garrett rekindle their romance and agree to a long distance romance, I knew it wouldn’t end like that. I enjoyed Garrett’s grand gesture. I also enjoyed the continued slimy dealings of the town nemesis and getting his comeuppance. Will he make another appearance in future books? As a snake always wants to strike again. Overall, I enjoyed A Slice of Summer and I am looking forward to reading the next books of the series. If you enjoy clean second chance small town romance, I recommend A Slice of Summer. 

A Slice of Summer is available in paperback and eBook

Meet Me There: a clean young adult enemies to lovers romance

Meet Me There is the first book in the Ridgewater High series by Judy Corry. A horrible beginning to the first day of school, sixteen-year-old Ashlyn Brooks, runs into a dark Chemistry lab classroom and finds the room already occupied. Football Captain Luke Davenport sought a moment of peace in the empty classroom and was surprised by Ashlyn’s arrival. However, instead of revealing himself, he decides to prank Ashlyn by using a British accent. As they meet in the dark room, they both begin to share things that they wouldn’t tell anyone else. Ashlyn begins to fall for the sweet mysterious guy with a sexy accent. Luke began his prank as a way to take his mind off his mom’s death. However, the more he gets to know her, the more he regrets everything. Luke knows he needs to come clean, but will Ashlyn understand or will she hate him even more? 

Meet Me There is a clean young adult enemies to lovers romance novel with cute, sweet and fun moments. There was drama and real life situations. There were a few tears as the characters talked about their issues and struggles. I enjoyed this story from the very beginning and it kept me hooked until the end. I enjoyed Ashlyn and Luke. And while I do not enjoy pranks and my heart broke for Ashlyn as she is the subject of pranks, I liked that Luke learned the important lesson of how the recipient feels after a prank and sought to redeem himself. I enjoyed the secondary characters and I will be continuing the series to read their stories. Overall, I enjoyed Meet Me There as a fun high school romance with teenage antics and real situations. If you enjoy clean young adult enemies to lovers romances, I recommend Meet Me There. 

Meet Me There is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Wild Love: brother's billionaire best friend romance

Wild Love is the first book in the Rose Hill series by Elsie Silver. Ford Grant has recently been named as Forbes’ World’s Hottest Billionaire; however, all he cares about is getting his recording studio up and running. He is thrown for a loop when a twelve year old girl shows up on his doorstep, claiming to be his daughter. Now his days are filled balancing his business and dealing with a moody teenager. Adding to his plate, Rosie Belmont, his best friend’s sister, arrives in town. After living in the city and an unfortunate incident at work, Rosie comes to Rose Hill to recoup and refocus. She pleads with Ford to give her a job and he vows to keep her at arm’s length. However, their daily interactions, flirty banter, he is finding it harder and harder to stay neutral. Can they resist the fire between them? 

Elsie Silver’s books have been praised on BookTok and I was excited for the chance to read her books. Wild Love was a disappointing introduction to Ms. Silver’s body of work. From the start, Ford and Rosie were annoying and I had no interest in their love story. Brother’s best friend is a great trope; however, I did not see the chemistry between Ford and Rosie or even a sense of history between them. I didn’t mind the addition of the daughter to the story; however, how she was conceived, while a reality, didn’t quite seem to fit. Overall, I did not like this story and have no interest to revisit Rose Hill. I will not be continuing this series. However, I will still give Ms. Silver’s other series a chance. Other reviews have said the Chestnut Springs series is better. Unfortunately, I do not recommend Wild Love. 

Wild Love is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Then Came You: a move to a small town for a fresh start and a possible new romance

Then Came You is the first book in the Compass Cove series by Jeannie Moon. After a series of family loss, Mia DeAngelis needed a change for herself and her nephew, Ben. They move in with her grandmother in the magical small town of Compass Cove. She takes a job as a librarian at a local college and settles into her new community. Adam Miller is a retired NFL quarterback who has returned to Compass Cove for a fresh start as he takes the coaching job at the college. When Ben shows up at practice one day, Adam meets his gorgeous aunt and there is an instant connection despite their resistance. Even though their family and friends see them together, Mia is hesitant as her mother’s expectations interfere. Can the magic of Compass Cove bring them together or will their doubts keep them apart? 

Then Came You is a fast paced, page turner filled with sweet moments and heart stopping drama. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I could not put this book down. I read well into the night as I wanted to see Mia and Adam together. The drama between Mia and her mother felt so real and raw. I cheered for Mia as she fights for her own life and decisions without interference from her mother. I loved Adam and knew he was the one for Mia. I also enjoyed Mia’s nephew Ben. I laughed at the scene when he reveals that he saw Adam kiss Mia and how grossed out he was. It was such a child thing to say. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to continuing the story. I highly recommend Then Came You. 

Then Came You is available in paperback and eBook

Teased by Fire: an enemies to lovers romance

Teased by Fire is the first book in Teased by Love by Molly O’Hare. Olive’s life is about to be turned upside down. When her best friend, Miranda, lands her dream job and moves out, she needs a roommate. Miranda has a great solution: her older brother, Hank. Hunky firefighter is the bane of Olive’s existence and causes her great anxiety as she is a homebody who enjoys as little human interaction as possible. She does her best to avoid running into him until he discovers her secret career and offers to help her with some hands-on research partner and she finds it hard to turn down the offer. Hank has held a torch for Olive for years; however, living with her opens his eyes to a side of her that she had successfully kept hidden. Can Hank convince Olive that life is a lot more fun with a little spice and fire? 

I was looking forward to a fun romance with banter and plenty of spice and the blurb for Teased by Fire certainly had promise. The beginning was fun as Hank teases her, which shows the history they share and Olive has a breakdown with him moving in and really having no reason to keep him from doing so. However, their spicy scenes were very cringey and at one I even murmured “yuck.” I didn’t care for Olive or Hank. They both seemed too immature for seemingly adults. Olive seems too neurotic to be considered quirky. I was disappointed as I love romance novels about firefighters and Hank wasn’t very believable as one. The only character I enjoyed was Hank’s Maine Coon cat, Dog, which was hilarious and added to the scenes she was in. Overall, I did not enjoy this book and I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Teased by Fire. 

Teased by Fire is available in paperback and audiobook

The Light on Farallon Island: a woman flees to the islands with a secret and finds more danger

The Light on Farallon Island by Jen Wheeler is a story of one woman who flees to the Farallon Islands with a secret in 1859. Thirty miles off the coast from San Francisco, the Farallon Islands are known as the Devil’s Teeth, Lucy Riley seeks their remote location as she seeks a new start as a teacher to the children of the lighthouse keeper. However, Lucy carries a dangerous secret along with a name that isn’t hers and a past she is trying to run from. As she joins the island’s community, she discovers there is a reason for its nefarious name. Lucy must find the courage to confront her past as she seeks to protect her new life on the island. What is she trying to hide? Will she find the life she is looking for? 

This story was not what I expected. The descriptions of the seas and the island were amazing. I could feel the choppiness of the water and the precariousness of the island’s cliffs. However, other descriptions were too brutal and unnecessary, especially the scenes of animal abuse. I didn’t care for Lucy, her secret or why she is trying to hide out on the island. There were too many elements to the plot that it was frustrating trying to figure out how they are tied together. There were elements of the characters that I felt were totally unnecessary and didn’t add anything. I felt the characterization of a Christian man as abusive and overbearing to be tired and overdone. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I do not recommend The Light on Farallon Island. 

The Light on Farallon Island is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Other Side of Now: love and lives are never truly lost

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison is a story of how love and lives are never truly lost. Meg Bryan, as Lana Lord, has the leading role on a hit TV show and is living the life of a Hollywood star and appears to have all she ever wanted. However, underneath the layers of her onscreen persona, she feels empty. After a meltdown at her thirtieth birthday party, she takes a trip to Ireland, a place she and her best friend, Aimee, dreamed of going until a tragic accident claimed Aimee’s life. When Meg arrives, the townspeople are so nice and treat her as a friend. Confused and blaming jetlag, she looks into the mirror and sees her old face and on her phone, there are pictures depicting a life completely opposite of the one she has been living. Not sure how or why it has happened, Meg recognizes her chance to reconnect and repair what she broke. 

This story is the first book by Paige Harbison that I’ve read. Tagged as a “hilarious and heartfelt novel,” I was looking forward to a second chance story to lead a different life. The prologue was great and set the scene of Meg and her friendship with Aimee and adds a sense of mystery as it ends. Unfortunately, the story fell flat and I was bored and confused. I didn’t care for Meg. The constant name dropping as if Meg needs to remind us that she’s famous was annoying. I liked how grief was discussed and weaved throughout the story. However, the story is way too long and just bogged down. Overall, I didn’t like this story and I felt it wasn’t as hilarious and heartfelt as I expected. However, if you are a fan of the film Sliding Doors (1998) or stories with magical realism and a what if aspect, you may enjoy The Other Side of Now. 

The Other Side of Now is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Remembering the Cowboy: a clean, Christian second chance romance

Remembering the Cowboy is the first book in the Blackwater Ranch series by Mandi Blake. Camille Vanderbilt is heading home to Blackwater, Wyoming. She is determined to find her old best friend, Noah Harding, who suddenly ghosted her after high school and has been able to avoid her since then, despite their small town. Unfortunately, on the road there, she gets into an accident and wakes up with memory loss. Noah lives a simple life as a firefighter and working on his family ranch until he arrives at the scene of an accident and realizes that Camille is the accident victim. When Camille runs into Noah in town, she knows he’s someone important to her but she doesn’t know why. As they spend time together, they find the old flame is still there and Noah is determined to do it right this time. 

Mandi Blake is a great author for clean, Christian romance with sweet moments and drama. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I could not put it down. I loved Camille and Noah throughout the story. I loved Camille’s determination to find her feet on her own and deal with her memory issues without using others’ help as a crutch. Noah is a great man who loves completely and is loyal to his family and their livelihood even at the cost of his own heart. Their moments together were sweet and filled with love and tenderness. I loved the secondary characters, especially Camille’s cousin, Jenny, who didn’t have much page time but was influential in the story. I look forward to reading the future stories in this series. If you enjoy clean, Christian romances with cowboys and a small town, you will enjoy Remembering the Cowboy. 

Remembering the Cowboy is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Philip: an early disciple who become one of the first evangelist and missionary

Philip was an early disciple of Jesus, a simple fisherman from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and told others (John 1:43-46). Not as well known or discussed as the brothers I have featured already; however, Philip shines in the early church as one of the seven organizers of food distribution, becoming one of the first traveling missionaries and evangelists and one of the first to obey Jesus’ command to take the gospel to all people. What makes Philip so special to study? How is Philip’s evangelism and missionary work important to remember? What lessons can we derive from his life? 

One of Philip’s main characteristics is his questioning attitude. He asked Jesus to show his followers God the Father (John 14:8). Jesus says to see him is to see the Father (John 14:9-14). Jesus is the visible, tangible image of the invisible God. He is the complete revelation of what God is like and the search for God, for truth and reality, ends in Christ. Colossians 1:15 says “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Jesus’s response to him is very telling. The key lesson here is that God welcomes our questions and uses them to teach us. He may not always answer them, especially to our satisfaction; but God welcomes any sincere question from an earnest heart and a humble spirit. “Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). However, insincere questions, or questions from a hypocritical heart, are not welcome. For example, the Pharisees questioning Jesus, trying to trap him, and Jesus refusing to answer them (John 7:53–8:11; Matthew 21:23–27; 22:15–22). 

Philip is considered one of the first missionaries and evangelists. The Book of Acts features two main events to his efforts. In Acts 8:5-8, 14-17, Philip goes to a city in Samaria and proclaims the gospel there. The crowds saw his miraculous signs and they paid close attention to what he said. With evil spirits expelled and many healings, there was a great joy spread through the city as they believed. Later, Peter and John would arrive and pray over them for the Holy Spirit to come upon the new believers. In Acts 8:26-38, an angel of the Lord comes to Philip, telling him to head south on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. While on the road, Philip comes across an Ethiopian eunuch, who was an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candance, queen of the Ethopians. This man had come to Jerusalem to work, reading from the book of Isaiah on the way home. Philip explains the passage to him and gives him the good news of Jesus. The man believed and was baptized. Philip would later travel throughout the region until he reached Caesarea where he would stay and later welcome Paul into his home (Acts 21:8-10). 

Philip’s life presents two lessons. First, the gospel is for all. to non-believers, he is a reminder that the gospel is for you as well. Jesus Christ is available to all and meant for everyone without exception. Romans 1:16 tells us that “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” To believers, he is a reminder that we are not free to disqualify anyone from hearing about Jesus. Jesus gives the disciples the Great Commission in Mark 16:15-16 to “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” and “that whoever believes will be saved.” We need to remember that while we, as humans, are swayed by physical appearance, God sees the heart of the person and we need to actively remember that God sees what we do not. Second, mass responses, as with the Samaritans, and the individual, as with the Ethiopian man, to the gospel, are valuable. Whenever someone accepts Jesus Christ, whether it is en masse or a lonely person, heaven celebrates. In Luke 15:7, Jesus says there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents.” 

In conclusion, Philip was a small feature in the gospels; however, he takes a greater role in the early church. He was a part of a group that made sure that all widows got the resources they needed, regardless if they were Jews or non-Jews. He is considered one of the early evangelists and missionaries as he took the Great Commission and did his part. He spoke to crowds as well as an individual. The good news is available to all and we, as believers, need to talk about the good news to all. And it is good to remember that even when a single person comes to belief, heaven rejoices. 

Redeeming 6: the continuing story of Joey and Aoife with drama, heart break and a chance for a happily ever after

Redeeming 6 is the fourth book of the Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh and the story continues with Joey Lynch and Aoife Molloy. Joey’s life is on a downward spiral and Aoife is there to help him out. Desperate to prove himself worthy of Aoife’s love and trust, he fights hard to end his addiction. As the odds continue to rise against him, and despite others telling her to move on, Aoife is determined to fight for the boy who has her heart, her best friend. However, as she gets devastating news herself, news that changes everything, she finds herself drowning with nowhere to turn. As their circumstances change, Joey’s demons grow and obstacles in their path seem unmovable, can Aoife and Joey must find a way to mend their hearts and save their love? Or will their path prove to be too dark to find a way out? 

This book was a roller coaster of emotions, drama and heart stopping moments. This book is long, so long that it may seem daunting to some readers; however, it was so fast paced that I really didn’t notice. I needed to know how Aoife deals with her news. At times, I didn’t like Aoife. At times, I felt she was acting too much like a bitch with everyone, especially with Joey, who had no clue what was going on. However, I wanted to see her make the right decisions, to confide in people she trusted and not carry the load on her own. I also needed to know how Joey overcomes his demons. The scenes of Joey in rehab are so heartbreaking. Overall, I loved this book. I loved that it carried on from Saving 6. I highly, highly recommend Redeeming 6. Again, a word of warning, there is a lot of language and intense scenes, it is not the book for everyone. 

Redeeming 6 is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Saving 6: an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance with dark, gritty and heartbreak themes

Saving 6 is the third book in the Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh. Joey Lynch is the second son in a broken family. He has spent his entire life trying to keep his unraveling family together after his older brother leaves them behind. He is the protector and pseudo parent to his younger siblings while teetering precariously on the cliff of addiction. The only light in his dark life is Aoife Molloy. The firecracker classmate and his boss’s daughter, she is always looking forward with a bubbly, strong and self-assured attitude. Ever since the first day of secondary school, she has been curious about the fiery, hothead boy that grows each day. They begin a complicated, tangled and very complex friendship as Aoife wants to get closer to Joey while he is desperate to keep her at arm’s length. What they don’t know is that their relationship is combust into a deeper relationship that will change their lives forever. 

Readers meet Joey and Aoife in Binding 13 and Keeping 13 and in Saving 6, we see the beginning of their relationship. I would describe their relationship as an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story. Aoife goes toe-to-toe with Joey as Aoife wants to get closer to this bad boy; however, is she ready for his reality? This story is heartbreaking, gritty and very real. I loved Aoife’s character as a strong woman who doesn’t run from Joey, even after she learns the dark secrets he tries to hide. Joey is desperate for a normal life, for a mother’s love. Overall, I loved this story. It took a while to read it as it is filled with very heavy topics that my mind needed time to process. I also loved seeing the other side of the story from books 1 and 2 without completely rehashing it. I highly, highly recommend Saving 6. Word of warning though, there is harsh language and violent moments and it may not be the story for some readers. 

Saving 6 is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Love Haters: the thin line between love and love hating with humor, drama and action

The Love Haters by Katherine Center explores the thin line between love and love-hating. Katie Vaughn has been burned by love, painfully and in public. Now her career is on the line. When she is approached by her co-worker, Cole, she has two choices: say no and wait to be laid off or say yes and produce a video profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. It seems like an easy choice. Oh yeah, Hutch is Cole’s older brother and they haven’t spoken to each other for a long time. What could go wrong in paradise? It turns out a lot can go wrong. Hutch is the most good looking man Katie has ever seen and a love-hater. Throw in his crazy rescue Great Dane and his very colorful Aunt Rue and Katie gets too involved. Will this be her chance to face old fears and truly find the strength to be brave? 

Katherine Center is another of my go-to authors! She writes it and I’ll read it. She has the ability to combine humor with deeply emotional situations and characters who come out stronger than ever before. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked Katie but as she reveals her emotional pain and fears, I found myself softening toward her. I especially enjoyed Katie as she found her voice and refused to be silent anymore. I also loved Hutch as the good looking but grumpy and reluctant subject for a new recruitment video. As Katie and Hutch interact, you can see the sparks fly and the emotional walls come down. There is plenty of action and drama as the weather and family drama comes to a full force. I loved this story and I did not want it to end! If you haven’t discovered Katherine Center’s books, you need to start reading! I highly, highly recommend The Love-Haters! 

The Love-Haters is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook