Saved by the Rockstar: a woman who social anxiety and the rockstar who helps her find the strength to step into the world

Saved by the Rockstar is the first book in the Rich and Famous romance series by Michelle Pennington. Julie Chambers is a famous author who has crippling social anxiety so she avoids the spotlight. Her only interaction with the outside world is her weekly vlog to connect with her fans. When she raves about the rock star who had inspired her writing, she is surprised when he responds. As the lead singer of Sterling House, Ryland Sterling loves his music and performing, just not the fake women that go along with it. When his little sister shows him the vlog of her favorite author who mentions his band, he is intrigued by her. With the possibility of meeting in person, can Julie find the courage to face her anxiety and step into the world she has been avoiding? 

Saved by the Rockstar is a sweet, action packed romance. It was a quick read as I could not put it down. I immediately loved Julie and felt for her as she fears large crowds. I also loved Ryland who was so gentle and understanding with Julie. Their chemistry and connection was immediate and clear. I enjoyed their interactions online, via text and in person. The conflicts between the characters felt genuine as well as their resolutions. I knew there was someone waiting in the wings to destroy their budding relationship. I had an idea who this person was and the reveal confirmed my suspicion and yet I held my breath as I read. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend Saved by the Rockstar.

Saved by the Rockstar is available in eBook

Chasing Home: a woman running from a painful past finally finds the home she didn't know she wanted

Chasing Home is the first book in the Triple Star Ranch series by Emma Woods. After a tragic loss in her young life, Emily is a woman who doesn’t stay in one place for long. She comes to Birch Springs, Wyoming for work always with the door open to be on the road once again. She quickly meets Nate, a local charmer, and she decides that he is no good. Unfortunately, she learns that he is also a volunteer at the Triple Star Ranch when she joins the organization. However, as they spend time together, she and Nate grow closer and Emily is conflicted with a choice she desperately didn’t want to make. Does she leave as planned? Or does she finally put down roots for love and the home she didn’t know she wanted and learn that home is where the heart is? 

Chasing Home is a clean contemporary romance with cowboys. It is a sweet romance although a bit melodramatic for me. Emily is a woman on the run from the past, from the hurt and pain she doesn’t want to confront. Nate is a young man who is trying to figure out himself. I liked that together, Emily and Nate find their future and stability. The conflicts were settled a little too quickly and easily for me, especially one particular conflict which was a serious topic that deeply affected Emily. While marketed as a Christian romance, the Christian themes are subtle and aren't too heavy. It is great for those who like Christian lite stories. There are moments of emotion and crying out to God. Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to other stories in this series. I recommend Chasing Home. 

Chasing Home is available in paperback and eBook

Mail Order Duchess: family duty and a mail order bride with grief, faith and love

Mail Order Duchess is the first book in the Lords of the Rockies series by Misty M Beller. The five Balfour brothers were raised on the family’s Montana ranch nestled in the Rocky Mountains. When the eldest son of an English duke dies suddenly, Enoch Balfour must take his place as the heir of the family title, the Duke of Clarence as well as marry the mail order bride his brother had sent for. However, Enoch has no intention to open his heart to this unknown woman. Mandie Beaumont is desperate to leave her family’s home. When she arrives in Montana, she suffers an accident which takes her recent memories, memories that conceal a secret. As the Balfour brothers take care of Mandie, giving her a place to rest and recover, her resilience begins to thaw the ice around Enoch’s heart. When Mandie’s past comes to his front door, Enoch must decide to risk his heart again to save her. 

Mail Order Duchess is a great clean romance with dramatic, faith and struggles. Enoch is a man who understands family duty. Grieving for his brother doesn’t stop that. Mandie finds herself in a situation where she feels her only option is to run. She answers an ad for a mail order bride. I have always been amazed at the courage that these women had to travel to somewhere they have never been to marry a man they’ve never met. And Mandie felt that a man in Montana must be better than the one who is trying to run from. Enoch and Mandie’s story hooked from the very beginning and I could not put this book down. I enjoyed the realistic depictions of the struggles with grief, loss and moving forward with faith. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to the rest of the stories in this series. I highly, highly recommend Mail Order Duchess. 

Mail Order Duchess is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

 

Marrying Mandy: a marriage of convenience between best friends and a love they have both been denying

Marrying Mandy is the first book in the Brides of Clearwater series by Melanie D. Snitker. After her parents’ divorce and their abandonment, Mandy Hudson vowed never to marry. Even though she was raised by her loving grandparents, she feels that real love just doesn’t last. When her grandmother dies, Mandy learns there is a shocking stipulation in the will. In order to inherit her grandparents’ estate, including a bed and breakfast, she must marry. Preston Yarrow has been Mandy’s childhood best friend and he has been in love with her since they were teenagers. He proposes a solution: a marriage of convenience. A marriage they would both benefit from. Mandy would be able to keep the bed and breakfast and Preston will be able to focus on his new woodworking business. They agree to the terms and marry. Life throws curves that Mandy isn’t prepared for especially for the realization that life was better with Preston at her side.

Marrying Mandy is a sweet romance with tearful moments and finding faith in oneself, someone else and in love. I enjoyed Mandy and Preston as individuals and as a couple. Mandy is a woman who learned to do things by herself and protects herself against being hurt. Preston is a man who is content with being Mandy’s best friend, even when he would like more. When Mandy is in trouble of losing the only home she has known, He jumps in to help with no other motive than to help. I loved that as each curve is thrown and Mandy is scrambling to deal with it, Preston is there, lovingly and gently, telling her that she does not need to handle it alone. I also loved how the community gathers together to show Mandy the same thing. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend Marrying Mandy. 

Marrying Mandy is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Hidden: a Christian romantic suspense as one woman faces her morality and discovers the true meaning of forgiveness

Hidden is the first book in the Jacobs family series by Vanetta Chapman. After surviving a tragic and violent childhood. Dana Jacobs is now a supervisor in charge of a Department of Homeland Security in Taos, New Mexico. Her team is at the ready to handle any threat. Benjamin Marshall is the newest member of Dana’s office. Straight from a six year military deployment, Benjamin is not what Dana wants or needs. However, Ben knows that God has a reason for putting him with Dana’s team. When a local school is threatened, they pursue a man who is filled with bitterness and anger that Dana can understand; however, there is a difference. She is justified and it remains hidden and she hurts no one. Can Dana accept her own morality? Can she truly understand what it means to forgive and to be forgiven? 

Hidden is a Christian romantic suspense. While it is not a genre I normally read, I was looking forward to reading a suspenseful story filled with faith and romance. The book opens with the aftermath of a violent encounter in Dana’s childhood. Leading to her as an adult who still has nightmares of that night, Dana is now a leader of a team. Benjamin is coming to her team on his first day. I liked Dana as a woman who has lived a hard life and keeps her emotions close to the vest. I also liked Benjamin as a man of faith who knows he would be a good fit for the team. Overall, I enjoyed the faith and morality discussions; however, the romance was a bit far-fetched and the suspense was lacking. If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense, I recommend you check out Hidden. 

Hidden is available in paperback and eBook

Healing the Mountain Man's Heart: a dedicated doctor and a surly mountain man find love and faith

Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart is the first book in the Brothers of Sapphire Creek Ranch series by Misty M. Beller. Jericho Coulter is the eldest of the Coulter brothers. He has been entrusted with the safety of his family and the secret they hold dear. After a family tragedy, they follow a strict rule: no outsiders. Dinah Wyatt is a talented and determined doctor, travels with her sister, Naomi, as she prepares to be a mail order bride in Montana. When they come to the ranch, they are met with a surly Jericho who was ready to send them away. However, Dinah’s skills are immediately needed as one of the brothers becomes injured. As Dinah cares for the injured man, sparks fly between Jericho and Dinah. However, in the wilds of the Montana Territory, where trust is hard to come by. Can Jericho and Dinah learn to trust each torah and embrace the love between them?

Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart is my first book by Misty M. Beller and it won’t be my last. From the opening chapter to the closing pages, this story had me glued to the pages. It is dramatic and faith filled with real struggles and questions with faith. Jericho is a man hurt by the tragic events in his family and, as a result, he turned from God. Dinah is a woman of faith who feels called to use her skills as a doctor to any one who is injured or ill. The two clash as they have different missions and yet together they find a common thread with the people they both care about: their families. There are moments of humor and times of tense danger. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart. 

Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Love's Broken Road: two broken hearts and a second chance for love

Love’s Broken Road is the first book in the Lincoln Love Stories series by Julie Coulter Belton. After surviving an abusive marriage and the death of her husband, Victoria Newel needs a clean state. She takes her five year old son and moves across the country to Lincoln, Utah and takes a job as a math teacher. Her new principal assigns Drew Dalton, an English teacher, to be her tour guide. Drew lost his wife to cancer a couple years ago and the thought of finding a new love is far, far from his mind. However, when he meets Victoria, he begins to see the possibility. As her gentle nature and strength draws him to her, he offers her friendship and maybe something more but Victoria is so guarded. Can Victoria ever open her heart and trust herself and love again? Is Drew truly ready to take a chance on a new love?

Love’s Broken Road is a sweet second chance with drama and love triangles. The story was short but sweet. The drama was good and expected with a love triangle. I did find that everything seemed to move quickly for Drew and Victoria despite their pasts. Especially Victoria as she went from recovering from the aftermath of an abusive marriage to being infatuated with Drew. Even the love triangles seemed to resolve with more “We can be friends” sentiments that I don’t know would happen in real life. The ending was sweet and the story came full circle. There was an incident involving Victoria’s son that details of how it occurred seemed unrealistic. I put down the book and asked “would a five year old be capable of that?” Overall, the story was enjoyable; however, I am unsure if I will continue the series. If you enjoy a second chance romance, I recommend Love’s Broken Road. 

Love’s Broken Road is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

 

Everything to Love: a friends to lovers romance set in a small town

 Everything to Lose is the first book in the Newberry Spring series by Harlow James. Wyatt and Kelsea have been best friends since they were babies. She has been in love with him since she was ten. When Wyatt left for college and Kelsea stayed behind in their hometown, she gave up the idea that they could ever be more than just friends. Now eight years later, as she buries her true feelings, she helps him run his brewery restaurant. It seemed to work until Wyatt’s twin brother, Walker, was tired of the two of them dancing around the elephant in the room and devises a plan to make his brother jealous and admit his own feelings. Kelsea knows it would be playing with fire but going against the rules she set to play it safe felt exciting. She knows it could backfire but is she willing to risk everything she knows and loves to finally have the love of her dreams? 

I love a good romance and Everything to Lose sounds like a great friends to lovers romance and with a great opening prologue, I was looking forward to a great story. However, it was so cringey that I found myself not rooting for Kelsea, Wyatt or their romance. The story is told in a dual point of view which is usually great and exciting; however, there was no real distinction between Kelsea’s voice or Wyatt’s. With the first book in a series, there is a certain amount of information describing the town and the residents; however, there seems to be way too much focus on this information than Kelsea and Wyatt’s potential relationship. Oh the dialogue! Some of it was so cringey, especially from Wyatt, I literally rolled my eyes. So not romantic at all! Even the spicy scenes were cringey. I did not enjoy this story and I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Everything to Lose. 

Everything to Lose is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove: a cozy mystery romance that wasn't

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove is the first book in the Seaside Inn Mystery series by Rimmy London. Abby Tanner falls in love with a hauntingly beautiful manor that sits on the seaside. It has been abandoned for decades and it seems for good reason. Even though the estate is crumbling and she encounters a very chilling sight on the back porch, she can’t seem to stop thinking about how beautiful it would be all fixed up. The only thing stopping her is the two million dollar price tag. With a twist of fate, Abby is able to make an offer and while it is accepted, there seems to be someone or something that is determined to keep her away. Can she learn who is behind the gruesome occurrences? Can she find the determination to stand her ground and make the estate beautiful once again? 

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove is described as a “cozy mystery” with an “on-again, off-again romance that will have your toes curling in delight.” With “pages turning” and “hearts warming,” I was promised an adventure that I would await another trip to Poppyridge Cove. However, there is no way this is a cozy mystery. While it starts off as a cozy mystery would, it turns too dark to be cozy anymore. Abby doesn’t truly stop and think and acts on impulse. Her boyfriend is annoying. There is also no consistency in the characters' backstories at all. And if you are an animal lover, please do not read this book! I did not enjoy this book and I definitely will not be continuing the series. There was nothing heart warming or toe curling about this story. I do not recommend The Secret of Poppyridge Cove. 

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook 

Saltwater Cove: a second chance romance with a touch of drama

Saltwater Cove is the first book in the Wescott Bay series by Amelia Addler. Second chances can happen at any time. Margie Clifton discovers this as she starts life over on San Juan Island. When her brother gives her a property, she knows exactly what she wants to do. The property would be the perfect place for a wedding venue. She soon meets Hank Kowalski, the town’s Chief Deputy Sheriff. Gruff and ruggedly handsome, the last thing Hank wants is a relationship especially that his beloved wife passed away two years ago. However, Margie’s strength and beauty draws him in and he begins to wonder if a new love would be possible. Margie has a secret, a secret that could destroy everything. Can they find the courage to fight for their second chance and find their happily ever after? 

Saltwater Cove is a sweet second chance romance with plenty of humor, drama and a bit of mystery. Margie is a sweet woman who doesn’t like to say anything bad about anyone. Her ex-husband? She bites her tongue in order to keep the peace for her adult children. Her man child son in law? She doesn’t want to be involved in her daughter’s marriage. And the secret she is holding, she has kept for over 20 years. When readers first meet Hank, he is bored and Margie’s presence adds a spark that his life needed. There were moments when I wanted to shake the characters, especially the son in law. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to the rest of the series. If you like sweet second chance romance with a touch of drama, I recommend Saltwater Cove.  

Saltwater Cove is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies: a post World War II espionage adventures

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is the first book in the The Oxford Guide series by Kate Westbury. In Oxford, England in 1951, Ginevra “Gin” Bishop is following in her mother’s footsteps by studying at Oxford. With her impeccable red lipstick, clever comebacks and top marks, she wanted to prove she is more than just a society debutante. Sidney Braithwaite is a brooding young man who is determined to ignore his memories and nightmares of the war as he forges a new life in Oxford. When they first meet, it is obvious Gin and Sidney have very little in common; however, when the British Security Service pairs them together. With her charm and his espionage experience, they are the perfect team to pick up the trail of a Soviet spy operating at the university. At first, Gin and Sidney clash; however, there is a spark they cannot deny and they must find a way to finish the mission before they get caught in the enemy’s crosshairs. 

I found the premise of this book to be interesting and looked forward to getting into the world of spies with a bit of romance. Set in post World War II Oxford University, The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is the debut novel by Kate Westbury. The book sets to layer mystery, romance and academia. Unfortunately, I was bored. The story dragged on and was a bit dull at points. There were just too many characters to keep track of and a lot of information thrown out. I didn’t care for Ginevra at all while I did enjoy Sidney. I felt Sidney had more depth and substance to him. Overall, the story did not live up to my expectations. I was disappointed that I did not enjoy it more. I was looking forward to an exciting story of mystery and romance. If you enjoy espionage stories, you enjoy The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies. Unfortunately, I do not recommend The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies. 

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Aloha Hideaway Inn: a small bed and breakfast, a big resort and a budding romance

Aloha Hideaway Inn is the first book in the Getaway Bay Resort series by Elana Johnson. Stacey Stapleton has big plans for Aloha Hideaway Inn, her bed and breakfast. But when Sweet Breeze, the new high rise resort opens in the bay, her plans come to a halt. She decides to go undercover and spy on the resort by spending a night. She learns that the resort cannot hold a candle to her quaint bed and breakfast. No matter how flawless it looks or how handsome and smart the owner is. However, when a tropical storm hits the bay, she and her guests must take refuge at the Sweet Breeze. As they wait out the storm, Stacey spends more time with Fisher DuPont, the owner of Sweet Breeze, and she realizes he is not the corporate monster she imagined. Can Stacey and her beloved Aloha Hideaway Inn survive the changes and the start of a new budding relationship? 

Aloha Hideaway Inn is a sweet clean romance in the Hawaiian tropical paradise. Unfortunately, I feel like I’ve read this story before. A small inn, a big resort and a forbidden romance between their owners. I liked Stacey as she tries to preserve her family’s legacy in her beloved bed and breakfast. I also liked Fisher as a man who is trying to overcome the shadow of his unscrupulous father. I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters. I enjoyed how the community came together as they faced the storm. I did not enjoy the miscommunication conflict as Stacey and Fisher constantly jump to conclusions and simply don’t clear the air by communicating! Overall, the characters were good but I just couldn’t shake the feeling I had read this story before. I will not be continuing the series. However, if you enjoy a clean, sweet romance in a tropical paradise, I recommend Aloha Hideaway Inn. 

Aloha Hideaway Inn is available in paperback and eBook

Just Add Romance: it was supposed to be a brief fling, what happens when they add a little romance?

Just Add Romance is the first book in the Everly Falls series by Heather B. Moore. Everly Kane’s might has always been on the Plan B track. Despite her mother’s objections, she is perfectly happy with her job, her nights at the movies and leaving the past behind her. She definitely doesn’t want the reminder that her sister is soon to be married to her ex boyfriend. When she runs into an architect who is in charge of the renovations for her beloved theater, her life is about to change. Austin Hayes is a widower with a young daughter. The last thing he wants is to juggle a relationship. Since he is in Everly Falls for only a few weeks, he doesn’t need to worry. However, when he meets Everly, he can’t help but be drawn to her. She doesn’t want a commitment. All he can do is give the time he is in town. They agree to a fling. What happens when they add a little romance? 

Just Add Romance has been on my To Be Read List for a while. I finally got the chance to read it. From the very beginning, I sympathized with Everly. First being named after her hometown, missing her late father and dealing with her mother’s constant disappointment, she is determined to live her life on her terms. Austin is a man still hurting from his wife’s death and figuring out single fatherhood. When the two start hanging out, there is a connection neither one could deny. Their romance was sweet with laughter and fun banter. The drama and conflict was good without being overpowering and even a little surprising with how it was resolved. Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was fun, fast paced. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down, finishing it in a few hours. I am looking forward to the other books in the series. If you enjoy a fast paced clean romance, I highly recommend Just Add Romance. 

Just Add Romance is available in paperback and eBook

When the Moon Hatched: a romantasy that failed to live up to the hype

When the Moon Hatched is the first book in the Moonfall series by Sarah A Parker. When the Creators created their beloved dragons, they never expected they would fall and they punished those responsible. Raeve’s job is simply to kill. As a member of the rebel Fíur du Ath, she must complete her orders without being caught. When a well-known bounty hunter is employed by the Crown to capture members of the Ath, Raeve finds herself at the mercy of the Guild of Nobles who intended to use her as a political statement. Kaan Vaegor took the crown as king and continued his hunt for the moonshard when he stumbled across Raeve in shackles. As a song from the past begins to echo louder and louder, they learn of some truths that may be more dangerous than they ever imagined. 

When the Moon Hatched has been all over social media for a while with both rave and not so rave reviews. With a gorgeous cover and an intriguing premise, I was excited for the romantasy that story of “fast paced fantasy romance” with “witty banter and strong sassy protagonists.” The book is a beast at 576 pages and over 89 chapters. The prologue reeled me in; however, the rest of the book failed to keep me hooked. The author knows how to develop mood and atmosphere; however, I was bored and completely lost at times. There was so much going on with the magic system, the mythology and the politics that it was overwhelming. Overall, I was expecting to be taken to a magical world of action adventures and disappointed in this book. I do not recommend When the Moon Hatched. 

When the Moon Hatched is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Broken Lies: a Hollywood movie star and a personal trainer romance

Broken Lies is the first book in the Second Chance Chicago series by Gina Azzi. Eli Roth is a Hollywood heartthrob who could have any woman he wanted. He wants Zoe Clark. She captivated him from the moment he laid eyes on her with her wicked curves, wise cracking mouth and bold confidence. Even when she rejected him, he was amused and set out to hire her as his personal trainer on set in the Seychelles. As she focuses on her job to keep him in shape for his role, the spark between them turns into a wildfire blaze. He even begins to see a future with her that he never thought he deserved. However, Zoe harbors a secret and finds lies with pretty words. Eli falls for it all. 

Broken Lies is a fairly short book which ends on a cliffhanger and Twisted Truths, the second book, is the continuation of Eli and Zoe’s story. I was irritated at Zoe as she alluded to her secret and she refused to talk to her loved ones about it and in turn, readers are also left in the dark as well. While I could guess and assume what her secret was, I disliked the constant alluding to her secret. Eli and Zoe’s romance was okay and it is a bit irritating that I would have to read book 2 in order to see their happily ever after. Overall, I was bored and did not enjoy this story. I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Broken Lies. 

Broken Lies is available in paperback and eBook. 

Edgewood: the first book in a young adult sci fi action adventure series

Edgewood is the first book in the Edgewood series by Karen McQuestion. Russ Becker has found the late night walks along the quiet streets of his small town as an escape. One night it all changed as he witnessed a strange astronomical event in the sky. He soon discovers that he has gained extraordinary powers and he wasn’t the only one. He soon meets Mallory, a young girl with the power to control minds. Jameson can move objects with his thoughts and Nadia has developed empathic abilities. He learns that they have more in common than just their new abilities. As they are learning about their new abilities, they also learn there is a ruthless organization that wants to exploit their powers. As the enemy closes in and threatens Russ’s family, Russ and his new friends join forces and fight back. 

I am more familiar with Karen McQuestion’s contemporary fiction book and she is one of my go-to authors. The Edgewood series has always been on my radar to read. Edgewood is the first book in an action-packed sci-fi young adult novel. It does start off a bit slow, as most sci-fi stories do in my opinion, however, the story picks up and I was on the edge of my seat. I was Intrigued with Russ as a young man who suffers from insomnia. A series of strange events leads him to a small group of other extraordinary teenagers. As the story reveals hidden agendas and secret organizations, I had a few questions and suspicions that the story does not answer. However, overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend Edgewood. 

Edgewood is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Unexpectedly in Love: a fake dating romance

Unexpectedly in Love is the first book in the Sherbrookes series by Christina Tetreault. Victoria “Tory” Sherbrooke has a problem. She is the maid of honor in her friend Ivy's upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, her ex-boyfriend is the groom’s best man. No one, including her ex, will accept that their relationship is truly over. In order to get everyone off her case, she decides to show up to the wedding with a boyfriend. Her family’s charity bachelor auction would be the perfect place to find a fake boyfriend. Duncan Ferguson had lost a bet and now he is a part of the auction. He planned to fulfill his obligation and walk away. However, when he hears Tory’s plan, he can’t help but agree. Falling in love was never a part of the plan. As they spend time together, the more and more their fake relationship feels very, very real. 

The fake dating trope is one I usually enjoy; however, I just wasn’t feeling this one. I didn’t like Tory from the get go. I found her shallow and immature. At one point, she accuses Duncan of using her for a connection when she is using him to fool her ex boyfriend and others. I rolled my eyes at that. As the first book in the series, I understand establishing characters and building the world. Unfortunately, there were way too many connections and relationships introduced in the confusing way. In the first chapter alone, there were dozens of names and connections mentioned instead of introducing them as they appear in the story. It really slowed the story down from the beginning. From there, the story felt chopping and disconnected. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Unexpectedly in Love. 

Unexpectedly in Love is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Whispers of You: romantic suspense as two people take a second chance at love and a shadow lurks in the dark

Whispers of You is the first book in the Lost and Found series by Catherine Cowles. One night, one bullet cost Wren Williams everything. The boy who she thought would be her forever and the life she always dreamt of was gone. Ten years later, Holt Hartley is back in town. But he is no longer the boy she knew about a man who has been running from the shadows and demons who haunt his every step. He says he is here to make things right with her, his family and everyone he left behind. What started as a temporary stop seems to be turning into a permanent move. Despite Wren’s best efforts and determination to avoid Holt, he seems to be there at every turn. She realizes her feelings for Holt are still there and she hopes that the possibility for second chances isn’t going to leave her broken. Deep in the shadows of the small town, someone is not happy Holt is back in town and leaves Wren in the crosshairs.

Catherine Cowles has become my go-to author for romantic suspense. Even though the Lost and Found series is an older series, it still has the Catherine Cowles elements that I expect from her stories. Whispers of You is a great heart-stopping, breath-holding romantic suspense from the opening pages to the closing chapter. The story grips you and will not let you go as you watch Wren and Holt come back together and wonder who in the shadows wants to hurt them both. The villain of the story was not who I expected and the final battle was intense as Holt raced against time to stop them. I also enjoyed the family dynamics between the members of the Hartley clan. The sibling banter is always on point and the deep heart to heart talks were emotional and healing. There were great moments of humor and emotions. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to continue the series. If you enjoy romantic suspense, I highly, highly recommend Whispers of You. 

Whispers of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Not You, It's Me: a kiss cam kiss with a stranger changes one woman's luck in love and in life

Not You, It’s Me is the first book in the Boston Love Story series by Julie Johnson. Gemma Summers has been unlucky  in love. After years of bad dates, boring sex and horrible morning afters is the proof she needs that love is just not in the cards for her. When she wins tickets for the hottest playoff from a radio contest, she thinks her luck is starting to change. However, when the dreaded kiss cam lands on her and her boyfriend, who has ignored her the entire game, fails to notice. However, the sexy stranger next to her had noticed and gave her the kiss of a lifetime. She never expected to see the sexy stranger again. What she doesn’t realize is that he is Chase Croft, Boston’s most eligible bachelor. Their connection has Gemma wondering if she might finally be lucky in love, if only she would let her guard down. 

Julie Johnson is a new author to me and from the book’s description, I was expecting a sweet romantic comedy. I got that and so much more. There were romantic moments, great comedy between Gemma and Chase and Gemma and her best friends. What I wasn’t expecting was deep emotional moments with family confessions, and surprising action and suspense. The story grabbed me from the very beginning and I could not put it down. I loved Gemma and Chase as individuals and as a couple. I loved their flirty banter and their sweet heart to hearts. There were twists and turns in the story that left me glued to the page. After finishing the book, I immediately placed the rest of the books in this series on my wishlist. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Not You, It’s Me. 

Not You, It’s Me is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Dragons and Aces: an enemies to lovers romantasy

Dragons and Aces is the first book in the Dragons and Aces series by J.G. Gates. In the kingdom of Maethalia, Essaphine “Essa” is the queen’s daughter but the lowest ranked of the Skrathan, the elite dragon riders who defend their kingdom. Essa has a chance to become the leader of the Skrathan. No one believes she can win because she only has one arm. Soon a brash, handsome stranger washes up on shore claiming to be Kit Rowley, a reporter. Kit offers to train her in ways of flying and it becomes clear to Essa that Kit is more than he seems. What she doesn’t know is that he is really Charlie, the famed Silver Wraith, and flying ace. While she doesn’t trust him, he is the only one who believes in her. As the attraction between Essa and Charlie is too strong. Will Essa win the challenge and claim her prize? Or will her desire for Charlie ruin her and the entire kingdom? 

I found Dragon and Aces from a Facebook ad. I was intrigued as the author stated that he wrote the story for his wife and I recently have been reading a few romantasy books, so I decided to take a chance. Essa and Charlie are from enemy countries with a long history of animosity. I enjoyed Essa as a strong willed woman who wasn’t going to let her disability hold her back and I loved that Charlie saw that fire as her chance to win. I did not like the constant narrative from the other characters that Essa couldn’t do it because she’s not “whole,” However, I did like that their constant reminders and doubts fueled Essa’s desire to prove them wrong. I also liked the mix of modern technological elements with the mythical creatures. Overall, I enjoyed the story as it was a different take on the romantsy genre. There was political intrigue and suspense as well. If you enjoy romantasy stories, you might enjoy Dragons and Aces. 

Dragons and Aces is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook