Glimmers of You: a brother's best friend, friends to enemies to lovers romantic suspense

Glimmers of You is the third book in the Lost and Found series by Catherine Cowles. Caden Shaw wasn’t just her brother’s best friend, he was the one Grae needed him the most. That is until he disappeared from their small town. Now he is back with his cocky smirk, with his infuriating nicknames and more handsome than ever before. When a man she causally dated won’t take no for an answer, she desperately involves Caden, pretending that he is her new boyfriend. Caden then suggests they fake being madly in love in order to also get Caden’s scheming father to get off his back. One problem: it is very hard to pretend. She has been in love with him for years, even when she hated him for leaving. There’s no denying the sparks between them. Someone is watching. Someone is not happy that Caden and Grae’s new relationship and will do anything to keep them apart. 

Glimmers of You is a brother’s best friend, friends to enemies to lovers romance. Grae is the only sister in a house of brothers and she grew up being able to defend herself against all antagonists. However, that all changed when she had a medical emergency that changed their dynamic much to Grae’s horror. I loved Grae’s determination to be seen as everything but her illness. I enjoyed seeing more into Caden’s family dynamic as well as the reasons why he left their town in the first place. Their romance was sweet, filled with fun banter and steamy love scenes. The suspense kept me guessing to the very end and the perpetrator was a surprise even though I guessed him before the final reveal but it still surprised me. I enjoyed Grae and Caden’s story and I am looking forward to the last two stories in this series. I highly recommend Glimmers of You. 

Glimmers of You is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

To Bind the Stars: the final battle against a powerful force and freedom of the land and its people

To Bind the Stars is the third and final book in the Empire of Ash and Song trilogy by D.E. Carlson. The Fire Emperor has been killed by Iris’s hand. The Dragonbloods have declared war on the remaining Fire Empire. Iris has done her job. She has freed the world from the oppressive emperor and now, she can finally rest. Or can she? The powerful force behind the emperor, Ahl, the Star Prince, has been driven back but he is far from dead and he has found a new puppet. How do you win against a demon? As the world begins to awaken and former enemies become allies against their common enemies, battle plans are drawn for one final epic showdown. Iris finds herself at odds with what she has done and what is still required of her. Can she open her heart and relieve the conflict within her mind? 

I was eager to finish this trilogy and at the same time I wasn’t ready for it to end. I have thoroughly enjoyed Iris’s growth from the frightened young girl in To Bind Fire to the powerful woman she becomes. I even enjoyed the story arcs of the other characters: Besaun, Casandra, and so many others. There were a great many twists and surprises that had me gasping at their reveal. There were even reveals that were foreshadowed in the previous books that had me screaming “I knew it!” when the connections were made. The faith themes are presented in simple terms and easily understandable. I am looking forward to future books by Ms. Carlson. Overall, If you enjoy adventure stories with faith themes similar to the Chronicles of Narnia, I feel you would thoroughly enjoy the Empire of Ash and Song trilogy. I highly, highly recommend To Bind the Stars. 

To Bind The Stars is available in paperback and eBook

Things We Left Behind: a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance as the Knockemout trilogy comes to an end

Things We Left Behind is the third and final book in the Knockemout trilogy by Lucy Score. Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean mogul with vengeance on his mind. With a mission to clear the horrible stain his father put on the family name, Lucian has gained the power of an indestructible business empire with the ability to pull strings and end careers with a single word. He is seemingly untouchable. Untouchable except for Sloane Walton, the feisty Knockemout librarian, the one woman who could set him free and the one woman he would rather die than ask for help. Sloane inherited her father’s quest for justice and would do anything for anyone in need. However, she doesn’t trust Lucian as fall as she can throw him. When their fierce bickering turns into foreplay and eventually a steamy one night stand, they find themselves unable to walk away from each other. 

It was sad to say goodbye to the residents of Knockemout; however, Lucian and Sloan’s friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story was a great sendoff. Lucian is determined to avoid the sins of his father and Sloan wants a loving marriage and family just like her parents did. They seem to be on opposing sides and yet they have a connection and a history that no one else understands. Their bickering was fun and their friendship was sweet. It was heartbreaking knowing how their friendship ended. The rebuilding of their friendship was great and their romance was spicy. I loved the interactions between Lucian, Nash and Knox as great as any sibling bickering could be among lifelong friends. Overall, I enjoyed this story and this series. It tied up all loose ends and sets the sun on their amazing love stories. I highly recommend Things We Left Behind and the rest of the Knockemout trilogy. 

Things We Left Behind is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Pet Doctor: when a small town vet falls in love with the local wedding planner

The Pet Doctor is the third book in the Emerson Pass Contemporaries series by Tess Thompson. Breck Stokes returns to Emerson Pass to take over his mother’s veterinarian clinic. He loves being back home in his small town and loves animals and the occasional nap. He can’t explain it but he is drawn to the lovely but reserved Tiffany Birt. Tiffany arrived in Emerson Pass and soon became their favorite wedding planner. What her friends don’t know is that she hides behind a wall and holds a secret of a haunting childhood. When her past becomes national news, she must decide if she continues to hide or confront her demons and make sure those who hurt her and others pay. Will she be free at last and be able to pursue a future with Breck? Or will the men from her past continue to haunt her? 

The Pet Doctor was a sweet, funny and dramatic clean romance. The story opens as Tiffany breaks free from the cult that wanted to bind her into servitude. She builds her life and settles in Emerson Pass where she catches the attention of Breck. Breck is sweet and quiet who has his own traumatic past. However, when he learns of Tiffany’s past, he becomes the support she needs. I loved them together and their romance was sweet. The drama about the cult was doing well without being overwhelming to the overarching story. There was also drama between Breck and his mother that was well done as well and I cheered when he finally spoke his mind. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend The Pet Doctor. I do recommend you start with book 1, The Sugar Queen. 

The Pet Doctor is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Color of Hope: the twists and turns of life and second chances for love and happiness

The Color of Hope is the third book in The Color of Heaven by Julianne Maclean. Diana Moore’s life has been near perfect. As the daughter of a wealthy senator, she lived a glamorous life as a lawyer with her handsome live-in boyfriend. But soon her life would be turned upside down as she learns that there is a woman working nearby who looked exactly like her. Compelled to find out who this woman was and how she could look like her. Nadia Carmichael’s life was not so charmed as she has had to struggle all her life. As Diana and Nadia merge their lives, their path would be marred with secrets and betrayals. When Diana meets Dr Jacob Peterson, a brilliant cardiac surgeon, who helps Diana see the resilience of the human spirit and a new sense of hope. Can there be a second chance for love and happiness? 

The Color of Heaven is a series of standalone stories each with life altering events and second chances. The Color of Hope is a fast paced, drama filled story of one woman who learns there is more to life and love than what she thought. Nadia knew only disappointment and pain. When the two meet, they couldn’t be more different than night and day. The drama ensued as their lives intertwined and hearts were broken. Drama that could be seen coming a mile anyway and yet, like life, red flags are ignored. However, I liked that Diana still had a heart for Nadia and would support her in her time of need. I particularly liked Jacob who was the strength and support that Diana was looking for and needed at the right time in her life. Overall, I enjoyed this story with its ups and downs. I recommend The Color of Heaven. 

The Color of Hope is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Broken Harbor: a hockey player, a single mom with great banter and romance

Broken Harbor is the third book in the Sparrow Falls series by Catherine Cowles. After leaving a dangerous situation involving her ex-husband, Sutton Holland came to Sparrow Falls with her young son and started rebuilding her life. She finds happiness in her business, The Mix Up cafe and seeing her son, happy, healthy and safe. She never thought they would find that safety in Copeland “Cope” Colson, a hockey player. She quickly learns there is so much more to Cope than the dominant hockey player. Sutton is surprised by the gentle way he is concerned for their safety, the playful way he plays with her son, and the way he seems to truly see her. As they spend time together, Sutton finds herself falling for him. Cope and Sutton both have secrets and when their pasts come roaring back, they now must fight for their newfound happiness. 

The Sparrow Falls series is an emotional roller coaster of romance, suspense and the fighting, resilient human spirit. There are a few spicy scenes. The suspense was great and took me by surprise with the reveal. I loved this story! Cope and Sutton are great together. They butted heads with great banter and when they fell, they fell hard. I loved the macho bravado of Cope which hid a very wounded heart and it was Sutton to help him heal. Sutton is a strong woman who wants to stand on her own two feet for her son. Her son is completely adorable and added to the humor in the story. I also loved the Colson family and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend it. I highly, highly recommend Broken Harbor. 

Broken Harbor is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Bridesmaid: a second chance military romance

The Bridesmaid is the third book in the Brides of Beaufort series by Jess Mastorakos. Layla Robinson is always the bridesmaid and never the bride. Not that she is really looking for a partner after her heart was shattered three years ago. Zac Miller left three years ago with no goodbye, no explanation. Now he arrives back in town with a young son in tow. He is determined to make things right with Layla, to explain what happened three years ago. That is if she’ll listen. Avoiding Zac is difficult in a small town. Layla is reluctant to hear him out. After the urging of her friends and sister, she decides to talk with him, if anything, to find closure so she can move forward. What she finds is the old feelings are them, for them both. Can they start over? Or can she finally get the goodbye she wanted? 

I have enjoyed this series so much. This story was a tad different as it is a second chance romance with a painful past. At times, I thought Layla was a tad unreasonable as she scoffed at Zac’s attempt to explain; despite her questions. However, since I have never been hurt in the way she was, I didn’t judge her too much. I continued reading, hoping that she would seek the answers she asked herself for three years. I cheered when she started to soften toward Zac and listened to his explanation. Zac was wrong to ghost her so many years ago and he knows it. His explanation made sense, even if it doesn’t elevate the hurt. I really enjoyed his plan to win Layla’s heart. I smiled quite a bit. Overall, I enjoyed this story so much. If you enjoy second chance military romance, I highly recommend The Bridesmaid. 

The Bridesmaid is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A Cup of Autumn: when love wasn't a part of the plan

A Cup of Autumn is the third book in the Silver Falls series by Melissa McClone. Keaton Andrews has always dreamed of becoming a tenured professor at an elite university. His plans come to a halt when he learns that his department has been cut and his contract has been terminated. With time on his hands, he heads to Silver Falls to spend time with family and focus on his options. One morning, at the local cafe, he takes a risk and orders something other than his usual coffee. Raine Hanover has been running on empty, trying to find reliable staff for her increasingly busy cafe when she is “volunteered” to organize the town’s annual Boo Bash. She has no time for romance and she especially has no time for a charming smile even if it is a nerdy yet handsome professor. When Keaton offers to help her organize the event, it takes long before the sparks fly. 

Silver Falls is a small town that I wish I lived in. The sense of community, friendship and family is heartwarming. I love this series and I was eagerly waiting for the nerdy professor’s story. Right off the bat, I loved Keaton and Raine. They were honest with each other about their expectations and plans for the future. He still had no plans to stay in Silver Falls and Raine wasn’t leaving. However, sometimes you can’t help it when you fall in love and are faced with a painful decision. Does one follow their long standing dream? Or do they embrace a new one? It is a sweet story and I couldn’t not put it down. I read well into the night as I wanted to see Keaton and Raine’s happy ending. I am looking forward to the final book in the series and the final Andrews sibling to have their story. I highly, highly recommend A Cup of Autumn. 

A Cup of Autumn is available in paperback and eBook

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

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

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

Wish You Were Mine is available in paperback and eBook

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

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

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

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

Crimson Kingdom: as the threat of war grows, Rowan must choose a marriage alliance. Which man would she choose?

Crimson Kingdom is the third book in the Lochlann Feuds series by Robin D Mahle and Elle Madison. Rowan thought she had escaped as a prisoner when she stepped foot back in Lochlann. She thought being home would make everything better. However, even safe at home, she is haunted by the memories of Socair and everyone she left behind.  While the talk of war surrounds her, Rowan realizes that entering a marriage alliance is the only way to keep her kingdom safe and prevent another war. She doesn’t have a shortage of options as many marriage proposals flooded in from all over Socair. Only two options have her conflicted. Does she play it safe and choose the man who makes it obvious that he cares for her? Or does she choose the man who seems cool and uncaring and fuels a fire inside of her? 

I have read through this series with eagerness. The first two books were gripping and exciting. I took the chance to read Crimson Kingdom soon after finishing Tarnished Crown. While this story was good, Crimson Kingdom was not as exciting as the first two books. The story was bogged down by the negotiation talks. However, I enjoyed finally seeing Rowan with her family and their interactions. Who she would choose kept me guessing and was shocked and not so surprised at the same time with her choice. There were great emotional moments and fun banter. The story does end on a cliffhanger as the first two books did. Overall, I did enjoy this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series and a resolution to the feud. If you enjoy the fantasy genre, I recommend Crimson Kingdom and the entire Lochlann Feud series. 

Crimson Kingdom 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

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

Their Perfect Melody: a sweet, fast paced romance

Their Perfect Melody is the third book in the Matched to Perfection series by Priscilla Oliveras. As the youngest sister, Lili Maria grew up affectionately known as the “wild child.” The life of the party where she loved to dance and sing. After the loss of her beloved parents, she discovered a caretaking side and became a victim’s advocate. During one call to a client, she meets Diego Reyes, a Chicago police officer, who lives to serve the people of his community. Lili finds herself drawn to him as he has a talent for playing classical Spanish guitar and has a passion for music she long forgot. As they bond over their shared desire to serve the community and their families, they find they have a lot in common as well as some different philosophies on life. Will Lili allow her once wild side to come out once again? Can they find a middle ground for their obvious attraction? 

I usually don’t like to read books out of order in a series. However, I received a copy of Their Perfect Melody and decided to take the chance. I loved this story. While there are some references to the previous two books, it was done in a way that readers do not need to know the events of those stories to enjoy Lili’s story. The story definitely focused on Lili and Diego. Their Perfect Melody is a sweet, fast paced romance with laughter and very touching moments. I loved Lili’s commitment to helping others out of bad situations and I loved Diego’s knight in shining armor mentality as he was quick to help when someone calls. Their romance was sweet and touchy. Overall, I loved this story and I am going to try and go back and read the first two books of the series. If you enjoy books about love, family and community, I recommend Their Perfect Melody. 

Their Perfect Melody is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Daydream: a slow burn friends to lovers romance

Daydream by Hannah Grace is the third book in the Maple Hills series. Henry Turner has been the little brother of the Maple Hills University group of friends. When his procrastination lands him in a difficult class with an equally difficult professor, Henry knows he has to put in extra work to just survive his junior year. Also as the new captain of the hockey team, a position he didn’t want, Henry knows he cannot fail. He meets Halle Jacobs when he crashes her book club at a local bookstore. A fellow junior with her own issues and struggles knows she can help Henry pass his class. When Henry learns that she is trying to write a book for a competition, he offers to help her in return. To help give her new experiences to inspire her and beat her writer’s block. As they set a few rules and promise to stick to their rules. But rules are meant to be broken, right?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Maple Hills series. And I eagerly looked forward to Daydream. This story was different from the first two books, in a good way. Daydream is a slow burn, friends to lovers romance story. Henry and Halle are sweet with each other and watching them grow together was amazing. I loved Henry as he helped Halle break from her shell and insecurities to stand up for herself and establish a few boundaries. I loved Halle as she encouraged Henry on his own personal challenges. This book is not as spicy as the first two books which was refreshing as I enjoyed their emotional journey together and not just their sexual one. There were many touching moments between Henry, Halle and their cast of friends and supporters. There were moments of laughter and it felt as if I was in the room with this group of friends. I look forward to future books in this series. I highly recommend Daydream. 

Daydream is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Twisted Hate: the ultimate enemies to lovers romance

Twisted Hate is the third book in the Twisted series by Ana Huang. Josh Chen and Jules Ambrose have a hate-hate relationship. As a gorgeous, cocky and on track to becoming a doctor, Josh has been able to charm any woman he wanted, that is until Jules. As one of his sister’s best friends, she has been a thorn in his side that he must tolerate for his sister’s sake. However, he always finds Jules entering his thoughts in ways he didn’t expect. When their animosity results into one unforgettable night, Josh proposes a frenemies with benefits arrangement with three simple rules. No jealousy. No strings attached and absolutely no falling in love. Jules thinks easy peasy because, despite being incredibly handsome, Josh is insufferable. However, she soon realizes there is more to Josh than meets the eye. When demons from her past catch up with her, Jules soon sees that her best friend’s brother, her nemesis, may be her salvation as well. 

Twisted Hate is the ultimate enemies to lovers romance. Josh and Jules only have one thing in common: his sister Ava. That and their mutual goal to take the other down a peg or two. The banter between Josh and Jules from the previous books was only the beginning. It fuels into a full blaze in Twisted Hate. And yet there were tender moments as their hearts soften toward each other. Their spicy scenes were a bit uncomfortable at times. I enjoyed their banter and tender moments more especially toward the end as they acknowledged their new feelings for each other. Huge warning with this book. It does contain explicit content, profanity and other sensitive topics. There were a few moments that were difficult to read. It is recommended for 18+ readers and I concur. Overall, I enjoyed this story, even though it is not my favorite of the series. If you have enjoyed the first two books of the Twisted series, I recommend Twisted Hate. 

Twisted Hate is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Scholar: two broken people find love, healing and made whole together

The Scholar is the third book in the Emerson Pass Historical series by Tess Thompson. Theo Barnes has been in love with Louisa Lind since they were kids. However, she fancied his twin brother, Flynn. When he returns to Emerson Pass after studying at medical school, Flynn is married and Theo’s love for Louisa burns brighter than ever. Louisa feels she’s not worthy of love and marriage. A past that still haunts her, she feels she is too broken. However, after tragedy strikes her family. Louisa finds herself at the Barnes charity and tender, gentle attention of Theo and her heart begins to wonder if love and marriage is possible. Their road to marriage is rocky with obstacles, doubts, and wounds of the past. Can they find a way to heal together and build a life, love and marriage worthy of them both? 

I love the Emerson Pass series so far and I think Theo is my favorite Barnes family member. Even from the first book, I eagerly awaited his story and The Scholar does not disappoint. Deeply haunted by his memories of his childhood and the Great War, he comes home from medical school hoping to find his purpose and maybe even love. His ongoing love for Louisa is sweet and endearing. I cheered as she started to see him for the strong and loving man he had become. It is a clean romance with only references to sex and fade to black scenes. Overall, I loved this story. There were sweet, tender moments, heartbreaking moments and moments that tears fell freely. I am looking forward to the rest of the Barnes children’s stories. I highly recommend The Scholar and the Emerson Pass Historical series. 

The Scholar is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Every Time We Say Goodbye: confronting the past and facing the future in post war Europe

Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner is the third book in the Jane Austen Society series. In a story of love and art, of grief and memory, and of confronting the past and facing the future, it opens in 1955, as Vivian Lowry faces an uncertain future. After a poorly reviewed play that threatens her career as a dramatic playwright, she takes a job as a script doctor on a major film shooting in Rome’s Cinecitta Studios. There she finds a movie filled with rising stars, acclaimed directors and famous actors. The cast and crew find themselves torn between the past and a possibly brighter future, between the liberation of the post war cinema and the restrictions imposed by the Catholic Church. On a personal note, Vivien begins to learn the long-buried truth of what really happened to her deceased fiancé during the war. 

As a fan of The Bloomsbury Girls, I was looking forward to Every Time We Say Goodbye. I enjoy stories that feature life in the postwar world. Unfortunately, the story fell flat very quickly. The opening prologue was captivating and I was eager to discover more. However, the story that followed left me confused and lost. There were just so many characters. It was hard to keep track of who was who without stopping every other page to take notes and took me out of the story every time. I didn’t care for Vivien. I found her harsh and lacking any warmth or likability. I did enjoy learning about the famous Cinecitta Studios and the classic American movies that were filmed there. If you enjoyed Ms. Jenner’s The Jane Austen Society and The Bloomsbury Girls, I suggest giving Every Time We Say Goodbye a try. You may enjoy it more than I did. 

Every Time We Say Goodbye will be available 

in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook May 14, 2024