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

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

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

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

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy: romance and suspense in a small town

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy is the first book in the Escape to Cowboy Crossing series by Alexa Verde. When their family is threatened, former policewoman Jessie Ashford makes sure their temporary home in a small town is as secure as possible as secure as the wall around her heart. She also has a secret she will die trying to protect. However, when Ronan O’Neill, the local police officer, helps investigate the suspicious events around Jessie and her family, her defenses begin to fall. As Jessie is a woman who has a chip on her shoulder, Ronan is a cop with his heart on his sleeve. Still reeling from the loss of his fiancée, he wasn’t expecting to be drawn to Jessie. Can Jessie learn to trust Ronan and open her heart one more time? Can Ronan convince her that he is worthy of her love and trust? 

From the opening page to the closing chapter, No Fake Dating for a Cowboy has all the charms of a small town with the suspense of a mystery thriller. There is a mixture of love, humor and nail biting excitement. However, there was a bit too much jumping back and forth in time. There was a lot of internal monologue. Too much information that other characters discuss without being revealed by another. Did I miss when particular information was revealed? I did like the characters. They were believable with flaws and yet band together to support one another. I loved the interactions between Jessie and her sisters and Ronan and his brothers. Ms Verde definitely captured sibling relationships and interactions. Overall, the story was good and I am still debating if I will continue the series. If you enjoy a small town romance with suspense, I recommend No Fake Dating for a Cowboy. 

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Hot Shot's Mistake: grumpy-sunshine hockey sports romance

Hot Shot’s Mistake is the first book in the Tennessee Thunderbolts series by Gina Azzi. When Devon Hardt signed with the Tennessee Thunderbolts, he only had two goals: prove his injury hadn’t ended his career and get back to his team in New York. He didn’t count on his new physical therapist, Mila Lewis. With her girl-next-door look and professional attitude, she was not like any physical therapist he had ever known. Her sad eyes that hints at a tragic past. At first, he, the grumpy hockey player, wanted nothing to do with his sunshine physical therapist, but slowly he is drawn to her. Getting involved with Mila is a mistake, a mistake he can’t help but do. It is complicated. He wasn’t staying and Mila would never leave her small town. However, they are drawn together and he starts to think of a happily ever after with her. Will he change his goals for love and a future with Mila? 

I enjoy a good hockey sports romance and a grumpy-sunshine couple. Devon is definitely the definition of grumpy. He arrives in town with a huge chip on his shoulder. Mila is sunshine while trying to hide her pain from her small town, a well meaning town that doesn’t seem to allow her to forget it. As Devon and Mila interact and spend time together, he finds Mila to be a soothing balm to his wounded body and soul. I loved how Devon softens toward Mila and finds himself open to a romantic relationship with Mila and even friendship with his new teammates. I enjoyed Devon and Mila as individuals and as a couple. I also enjoyed their friends and teammates. There were plenty of laughs, sweet moments, spicy scenes and plenty of drama. Overall, I enjoyed Devon and Mila’s story and I look forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy hockey sport romances, I recommend Hot Shot’s Mistake. 

Hot Shot’s Mistake is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Always Mine: a small town friends to lovers romance

Always Mine is the first book in the Honey Mountain series by Laura Pavlov. Niko West has been Vivian Thomas’ best friend since kindergarten. Now he is the most beautiful man she has ever seen as a broody, chiseled firefighter. She has never crossed the line of their friendship as he has been the most solid person in her life. However, when her family gets a wedding invitation from her ex-boyfriend, Vivian decides she needs a fling, to discover what she has been missing, and makes Nike an offer he can’t refuse. It was supposed to be a one time thing; but they didn’t realize it would add fuel to the fire that slowly burned between them. Can they go back to just being friends? Or will they take a chance to have the kind of relationship they could only dream of before? 

Always Mine is a sweet and spicy friends to lovers romance with plenty of banter, drama and great emotional moments. In the small town of Honey Mountain, everyone is a big family community. I enjoyed Vivian and her family. The love and banter between the sisters is wonderful. Her relationship with her father is lovely. I also loved how Niko is a welcomed additional member of the family and her romantic relationship with him is encouraged. I loved Niko and my heart broke as he deals with his less than loving family. Overall, I loved the romance between Vivian and Niko. I loved the introduction of the supporting characters and setting up the possibility for their own stories in the series. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy small town, friends to lovers romance, I highly recommend Always Mine. 

Always Mine is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Story of My Life: when you hit rock bottom what can you do but move to a small town and start over

Story of My Life is the first book in the Story Lake series by Lucy Score. Hazel Hart is at rock bottom. She is being forced from her apartment in the Upper East Side by her ex-husband and her publisher gives her a final warning: write and publish or be dropped. When she sees an article about a small town rallying around a neighbor in need and a house up for action, Hazel takes the plunge and buys the house sight unseen. Taking her agent and best friend, Zoey, along, Hazel moves to the rural Pennsylvania small town of Story Lake. She hopes she can rediscover her writing mojo in the small town life. Swoon worthy inspiration hits when she meets hot but grumpy contractor Campbell “Cam” Bishop. In the name of research, she begins to fully live the small town life and a fake relationship with Cam, what possibly could go wrong? 

As a fan of the Gilmore Girls, Story of My Life was recommended to me. And after reading the note from the author, “This series is my love letter to every reader who said they wanted to move to a fictional town . . .,” I had to take a chance on this book. Lucy Score is an author I have seen all over social media and BookTok; however, I have not read any of her books before. I am so glad that I picked up Story of My Life. There was fun banter, sweet emotional scenes and spicy scenes with plenty of angst and grand gestures. At first, l didn’t like Hazel but once she arrived in Story Lake and goes head-to-head with Cam and the town, she grew on me. I loved Cam and the whole Bishop family. Their interactions were so fun. Overall, I loved this story and I am eagerly looking forward to future books in this series. I highly, highly recommend Story of My Life. 

Story of My Life is available in 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

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

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

A True Gentleman: a clean Regency romance with banter, heart stopping moments and drama

True Gentleman is the first book in The Ashbrooks series by M.A. Nichols. Ten years ago, Tabby Russell married the man of her dreams, convinced he had left his wayward ways behind. Now he has returned to his old ways, leaving them penniless and desperate. Tabby is left with no other choice but to find employment. She finds a job as a housekeeper and nurse to an injured and overbearing sea captain. Captain Graham Ashbrook’s whole life has been the navy; but a French cannonball ends it all. Now he feels trapped in a body that is slowly healing and at the mercy of his new housekeeper. As Tabby and Graham interact, he starts to envision a life on land; however, what can he do when the lady keeps him at arm’s length?  As their lives change, can they have their hearts’ desires? Or will they be trapped by their circumstances? 

I usually do not read Regency romances; however, I was intrigued by A True Gentleman. As the story started off a bit slow; I wasn’t sure if it was the book I thought it was; however, once Captain Ashbrook and Tabby interacted, the story sped up and I couldn’t put it down!  I loved Tabby as a woman who recognizes the reality of her life and is determined to do what she can to survive. I loved the grumpy captain who is used to barking orders, instead of taking them. The two are like oil and water until that magic moment. The banter between Ashbrook and Tabby was entertaining and there were great heartfelt moments between them as well. Overall, I enjoyed A True Gentleman. It is a clean romance with plenty of drama and heart stopping moments. I will be continuing the series. If you enjoy clean Regency romances, I recommend A True Gentleman. 

A True Gentleman is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Deceived: a small town romance with intrigue and family saga series

Deceived is the first book in the Delta Family series by Cami Checketts. The Delta family, led by the patriarch Papa, has a secret deep into the mountains. Colton Delta takes the protection of the family secret very seriously. A secret that is a matter of national security. Bailey Ashworth is an investigative journalist who got a drunken tip about a military secret hidden in the Colorado mountains. She comes to the small town of Summit Valley and runs into the handsome Dr Colton Delta. As Colton and Bailey spend time together, they are both suspicious of each other and yet find themselves attracted to each other. When he falls in love with Bailey, can he protect her and the secret? Will the secret tear them apart? 

Deceived is a cute, sweet, intriguing and great start to a family saga story. The family secret is not revealed in this story and I have a feeling it will drag throughout the series. However, I am interested in the other Delta love stories that I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I enjoyed the banter and flirting between Colton and Bailey. There were a few sweet moments between them that produced a few sighs and smiles. The Delta family is large and I enjoyed the introduction of each character. I love the faith of the characters. It was real and relatable. If you enjoy small town romance, I recommend Deceived. 

Deceived is available in paperback and eBook.