Search Results
173 results found with an empty search
- Spark of the Everflame, Penn Cole
Story Blurb When old secrets catch fire, everything will burn. In a mortal world colonized by the gods and ruled over by the Descended, their cruel offspring, Diem Bellator yearns to escape the insular life of her poor village. Her mother’s sudden disappearance—and the discovery of a dangerous secret about her past—offer Diem an unexpected opportunity to enter the dark world of Descended royalty and unlock the web of mysteries her mother left behind. With the dying King’s handsome, mysterious heir watching her every move, and a ruthless mortal alliance recruiting her to join the growing civil war, Diem will have to navigate the unwritten rules of love, power, and politics in order to save her family—and all of mortalkind. My Thoughts/Opinion I stumbled across this romantasy series once the word got out that it had been picked up by a trad publisher. This first book was a little sluggish to start but the main character, Diem Bellator, is very compelling. The primary hero, Luther Corbois, has a troubled backstory The world building and the conflicts that are building made the book worth reading and by the end of the first book, I was absolutely hooked. Can't wait to jump into the next book! Favorite Quote: “You think I fear my own death?” he whispered in my ear. “Every day I draw breath is as much a curse as a gift. I’ve been living on borrowed time for longer than you can imagine. If you’re the way my fate finally catches up to me, I can’t fathom a more beautiful end.”
- In The Weeds, B.K. Borison
Story Blurb A grumpy farmer and a no-nonsense social media influencer have another chance at love in this charming romantic comedy. Evelyn St. James isn’t the kind of woman you forget. Beckett Porter certainly hasn’t. One incredible weekend in Maine, and he’s officially a man distracted. He’s not unfamiliar with hot and heavy flings, but Evie wove some sort of magic over him during their tumble in the sheets. He can’t stop thinking about her laugh. Her hand pressed flat against his chest. Her smiling mouth at his neck. So when she suddenly appears on his farm as part of a social media contest, he is…confused. He had no idea that the sweet and sexy woman he met at a bar is actually a global phenomenon. When Evie disappears again, Beckett resolves to finally move on. But Evie, who has been feeling disconnected from her work and increasingly dissatisfied with life online, is trying to find her way back to something real. She returns to the last place she was happy: Lovelight Farms and the tiny town of Inglewild. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the hot farmer she spent two incredible nights with. My Thoughts/Opinion I met this author over the Christmas Season with Lovelight Farms, the first book in this series. In that story, we met Beckett & Evie as secondary characters and knew there was history there. I'm so glad I had a chance to dive back into this world. I loved Beckett's grumpy nature and heart of gold. I also loved Evie's self-discovery. The writing is fantastic. I'm a big fan of this author, and will happily read everything she writes! Favorite Quote: “I swear I’ve turned into the tin man since she started sleeping in my house. A bunch of rattling cans, looking around for where the hell my heart got off to.”
- Chasing The Wild: An Ex-boyfriend's Dad, Age Gap Cowboy Romance (Crimson Ridge Book 1), Elliott Rose
Story Blurb What happens when you’re snowed in on a mountain ranch, with the one man you definitely should not be fantasizing about? I’ve always done what was expected of me. Layla Birch, the good girl. Forced to grow up too fast. To take care of everything myself. I had a plan. Only, I didn’t count on him. Colton Wilder. The cowboy nearly twice my age. He’s my dream man. One who takes care of me, gives me a job, and makes my pulse thud harder every time he comes near. My ex-boyfriend’s father. The nights are long and cold on top of this mountain. As the snow grows thicker and the tension builds between us, we’re both inching closer to a line we shouldn’t cross. Each day, it grows harder to resist the man who looks at me with longing in his eyes. It’s tempting to forget about being the good girl for once. No one would find out. Would they? My Thoughts/Opinion Whew!! Finished this one earlier today and I'm still bothered. In the best of ways. It takes a good author to put that much spice in a book and still have a really compelling story where the spice isn't just for...well...the spice. Not that I'm complaining. Elliott Rose is one of the best at it. But this story also had a really great heroine with strong convictions and goals, a hero worth melting over, and an epic love between them that came through on every page. I'm ready for book two in this series! Favorite Quote: My cowboy is here, and I'm a mess. Blurry vision. Silent sobs. The longer he holds me, the more that faint scent of leather mixed with cedar coats me, fills me, nourishes me back to life. It's like all the vividness of the world rushes back in, and for the first time in five agonizingly long months, I feel like oxygen has returned to expand my lungs.
- Here for the Cake, Jennifer Millikin
Story Blurb A week on an island sounds like the stuff of beach dreams, but for Paisley Royce, it's a nightmare. Her little sister is marrying her ex-college sweetheart, and Paisley is serving as maid of honor. To add insult to injury, nobody will let Paisley forget she’s single. Bachelorette weekend changes everything when she runs into her old college frenemy, Klein Madigan. Klein is still intelligent and funny, and somehow time has only made him more attractive. Paisley is Klein’s ‘one that got away’, not that he’d ever admit it to her. A colossal misstep (and one terrible kiss) in college sealed their fate. Or so they thought. Klein’s an aspiring author allergic to social media. Paisley owns a digital marketing agency. A brilliant plan is hatched: A trip across the country for a week of faking out her family in exchange for her firm marketing his work. One hastily scrawled and signed contract on a bar napkin later, Paisley and Klein embark on a journey of tension, only one bed, and fake dating shenanigans. Paisley’s goal is to survive the week. Klein’s plan is to enjoy the sun, sand, and wedding cake. But then there’s a scorching kiss to make up for that bad one in college. And another kiss in a lighthouse during a thunderstorm. A gentle palm on Paisley’s lower back, and a reassuring hand squeeze under the table. Everyone is convinced Klein and Paisley are the real deal, but as the week wears on, they begin to wonder if the only people they’re kidding are themselves. My Thoughts/Opinion I don't remember how this book was recommended to me, and honestly, the cover made me a little reluctant to read it. However, when I finally dove in, I couldn't have been happier I made the choice. Paisley is a spunky heroine who has forged her own path to success. Klein is a dreamy book boyfriend who never fails to say and do just the right thing to help Paisley through this really tough situation. I love a well-written cinnamon roll hero and Klein is all that and more. I loved the story, the family dynamics, and of course, the HEA. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author. Favorite Quote: “We had something back then, Paisley, and we have something today, and that tells me we'll have something in twenty years. In forty. In fifty. We are evergreen."
- The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller
Story Blurb A tale of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart, The Song of Achilles is a dazzling literary feat that brilliantly reimagines Homer’s enduring masterwork, The Iliad. An action-packed adventure, an epic love story, a marvelously conceived and executed page-turner, Miller’s monumental debut novel has already earned resounding acclaim from some of contemporary fiction’s brightest lights—and fans of Mary Renault, Bernard Cornwell, Steven Pressfield, and Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome series will delight in this unforgettable journey back to ancient Greece in the Age of Heroes. My Thoughts/Opinion I haven't read a lot of Greek Mythology, but this book was so good, I immediately went and downloaded both The Iliad and The Odyssey. It was dangerous, rapturous, and edgy. The storytelling was exceptional and on multiple occasions I struggled to put the book down and get back to real life responsibilities. Whether or not you know much about Greek Mythology, this book is a fantastic story that I highly recommend. Favorite Quote: “And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”
- The Happy Ever After Playlist, Abby Jimenez
Story Blurb Artist Sloan Monroe just can't seem to get her life on track. But one trouble-making pup who randomly jumps into her car with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With Tucker by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back. Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. But what if this Jason guy really loves Tucker? As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. Jason is hot and nice and funny. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak? My Thoughts/Opinion We met Sloan as Kristen's best friend from The Friend Zone and when I confirmed this book was Sloan's story I IMMEDIATELY downloaded it. I was terribly heartbroken for her in the previous story and oh my gosh, did Abby write an incredible story for Sloan. What I love so much about Abby's books isn't just that the characters find their happily ever afters, it's that she goes deep into their character arcs and the layers she's able to put in her stories are phenomenal. Jason was Sloan's perfect hero, and not without faults and growth of his own. It's so hard to pick a favorite of Abby's stories, but this one has to be top three, at least. I super highly recommend any of them, but if you read this story, do yourself a favor and read The Friend Zone first. Favorite Quote: I was a ghost, wandering the rooms of a museum of the person I used to be, and Jason was like one of the living who could somehow see me and decided to wander the place with me.
- Life's Too Short, Abby Jimenez
Story Blurb When Vanessa Price quit her job to pursue her dream of traveling the globe, she wasn't expecting to gain millions of YouTube followers who shared her joy of seizing every moment. For her, living each day to its fullest isn't just a motto. Her mother and sister never saw the age of 30, and Vanessa doesn't want to take anything for granted. But after her half sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in custody of her baby daughter, life goes from "daily adventure" to "next-level bad" (now with bonus baby vomit in hair). The last person Vanessa expects to show up offering help is the hot lawyer next door, Adrian Copeland. After all, she barely knows him. No one warned her that he was the Secret Baby Tamer or that she'd be spending a whole lot of time with him and his geriatric Chihuahua. Now she's feeling things she's vowed not to feel. Because the only thing worse than falling for Adrian is finding a little hope for a future she may never see. My Thoughts/Opinion When I read Friend Zone and briefly met Adrian Copeland, I had high hopes that I'd get to see him again and as per usual, Abby didn't disappoint. What a complex heroine Vanessa is! And although I didn't think Adrian's backstory necessarily warranted his drama, he was a great hero for Vanessa. One of the things that I love about Abby's books is that she doesn't do cookie cutter, vanilla conflict or crisis. Her characters' issues are BIG and she does an incredible job of massaging the story to get real and valid HEAs. Needless to say, she did it again for Vanessa and Adrian. Abby has quickly become a one-click author for me. Favorite Quote: "You are the flood, Vanessa. Your pour into me, washing away everything that I used to think mattered and then filling me up to the top until I'm drowned in nothing but you."
- The Friend Zone, Abby Jimenez
Story Blurb Kristen Peterson doesn't do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don't get her. She's also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children. Planning her best friend's wedding is bittersweet for Kristen -- especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He's funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he'd be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it's harder and harder to keep him at arm's length. The Friend Zone will have you laughing one moment and grabbing for tissues the next as it tackles the realities of infertility and loss with wit, heart, and a lot of sass. My Thoughts/Opinion Oh my gosh, I love a sassy heroine who says exactly what's on her mind and Kristen was a GEM. I loved how Josh was all-in from the jump and how he never gave up despite Kristen trying to push him away. This book had all the feels and dealt deftly with some REALLY heavy stuff. I think I read it in a day and a half. Abby does such an incredible job with building relationships deeply, and her spice is well-written and addictive. Another incredible read, and this was her debut novel. So so good! Favorite Quote: This crisis laid everything bare. I'd found my person. She was the foundation. She was the thing that all other things are built on.
- Just For The Summer, Abby Jimenez
Story Blurb Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it's now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They'll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work. Emma hadn't planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka. It's supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma's toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they're suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected--including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together? My Thoughts/Opinion I am on a HUGE Abby kick and this is her latest release. The first two books in this series were serious 5-star reads for me, this one fell a tiny bit short of five stars but was still an amazing read, as all her books are. I loved the relationship between Emma and Justin and I adored his family, and her best friend. My only struggle with this story was the major plot conveniences and resolutions we didn't need (Neil I'm looking at you...) I don't think I could ever be unhappy with one of her books. Seriously. Highly highly recommend them all. Favorite Quote: The best kind of love doesn't happen on moonlit walks and romantic vacations. It happens in between the folds of everyday life. It's not grand gestures that show how you feel, it's all the little secret things you do to make her life better that you never tell her about.... It isn't glamorous, it isn't butterflies and stars in your eyes. It's real . This is the kind of love that forever is made of.
- Long Shot, Kennedy Ryan
Story Blurb Iris DuPree meets August West in a sports bar during her last semester of college. It's the conversation of a lifetime and sends sparks flying in every direction. The connection is undeniable…but the timing is all wrong. August is poised for the NBA draft, and Iris belongs to another man―basketball's "golden boy" and August's long-time rival. The two go their separate ways, but they often recall that electric night and what could have been. While August has embarked on his all-star life, studded with wealth and fame, Iris's perfect public relationship has become a nightmare behind closed doors. A tarnished dream of fool's gold. When August re-enters her life, the world seems briefly bright again, but Iris's darkest nights are not over yet. To survive, she must build her own strength and trust that her bond with August can endure after all this time. Even when her fraudulent prince has vowed never to let her go. My Thoughts/Opinion Holy Cow - I expected a sports romance and I loved the meet cute between Iris and August. What I didn't do was look at the trigger warnings associated with this story. And boy, I should have. This is probably the most realistic (and terrifying) portrayal of domestic abuse I've read in a romance. August is in the shadows, unaware of the situation, until near the climax of the story. Iris finds her own strength to escape the abusive relationship, and the author does a fantastic job of allowing her to heal and grow and value herself. I'm so happy the characters battled for their HEA. What an emotional rollercoaster!! If you're looking for an angsty rip-your-heart-out story, this one is for you. Favorite Quote: “If you were mine, Iris there would be no doubt what position you’d hold in my life. You’d be center. I’d play you at the five.”
- Summer Romance, Annabel Monaghan
Story Blurb Benefits of a summer romance: It’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken. Ali Morris is a professional organizer whose own life is a mess. Her mom died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn’t worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember. No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her...by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right—like he likes what he sees. He looks at her like she’s a younger, braver version of herself. The last thing newly single mom Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little summer romance. Is there? My Thoughts/Opinion I didn't expect to read this book in one day, but there I was at 10:30 last night finishing it. Poignant, great characters who I rooted for, and lots of life going on around the central romance of the story. Great internal conflict for Ali, and lots of growth as an individual which she had to have in order to turn this summer romance into something real and lasting. Most of the romances I read aren't about 30-something divorcees with kids, but the author did a great job of showing this full, messy life and making room for something new. I adored Ethan and even though his personal baggage wasn't nearly as heavy, he had to grow as well. I seem to be on trend lately with books that appear light and fluffy but pack a lot of emotional depth. I'm not sad about it! Favorite Quote: "When I’m quiet I can hear my heart yearning for impossible things. I want a perfectly pared-down home, and I want to hang on to every scrap of the past. I want a break from my kids without missing a single minute of their lives. I long for a partnership, and I long for freedom. I long to be enmeshed with someone without losing myself. I want all of it. Maybe”
- Forget Me Not, Julie Soto
Story Blurb A wedding planner and her grumpy ex must work together to plan a celebrity event in this deliciously spicy and funny novel from Ali Hazelwood's "favorite writer." Ama Torres is an optimistic wedding planner who doesn’t believe in marriage. But weddings? They’re amazing. Elliot Bloom is a brooding florist who hates owning a flower shop…until a certain bright-eyed, donut-loving workaholic shows up at his door. Once upon a time, they collaborated on events by day, and by night, Ama traced the intricate flower tattoos etched along his body. Then Ama shattered his heart and never spoke to Elliot again. Now they’re working on an event that could make or break both of their careers—except neither of them has gotten over what happened two years ago. Things are not helped by the two brides, who see the obvious chemistry between Ama and Elliot and are determined to set them up, not knowing their complicated history. But as the wedding takes on a life of its own, Ama and Elliot are about to discover that some things can survive a complete catastrophe . . . My Thoughts/Opinion This book started a little slow for me and I'm not usually a fan of dual timelines, but overall I really, really enjoyed this book. The writing was phenomenal and (despite the dual timelines), the pacing worked well. I liked Elliot and his heart, I liked Ama too but between the two, I'm definitely team Elliot. I struggled a little bit to connect with Ama's backstory and reluctance to fall in love, but I like the twisty dichotomy at the end. All in all, a great read that I am happy to recommend to others. Favorite Quote: “You may think everything ends one day, but you haven’t had ‘everything’ with me.”