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Story Blurb He’s a tattooed shirtless bad boy. My best friend’s brother. And the jerk on the other side of my bed. I didn’t know bridesmaid was code for babysitter for the bride’s brother, but if that’s what my best friend needs of me for her dream wedding to go off without a hitch, that’s what I’ll do. Even if Theo Monroe has been a pain in my rear since third grade. Even if he should be responsible enough to not wreak havoc at his sister’s destination wedding. Even if it means we have to share a hotel room in Hawaii, which might be the final duty that breaks me. Not only does Theo know exactly how to push my buttons, but he never wears clothes, he’s hiding a litter of kittens in his room, and he keeps showing up with fresh-baked cookies that seemingly come from nowhere. Also? I have no idea what’s up with the tension between him and the groom. Or why he’s so proud of the world’s strangest wedding gift. Or why I suddenly want to know what makes him tick. The story behind his tattoos. How he can afford to rent a convertible in Hawaii. And if maybe all of that utter frustration and irritation I’ve felt for him for years is suppressed attraction that a good girl like me isn’t supposed to feel for the biggest bad boy of Snaggletooth Creek. But I do know one thing. When I find out his biggest secret and the answer to all of my questions, it will change everything. My Thoughts/Opinion I hadn't read Pippa Grant before and I have no idea why. It's crazy that there are sooooo many talented authors out there that I haven't heard of before. I loved this story from page one. I love the author's humor. I also really loved the deeper side of these characters and their quirks. Super funny scenes (i.e. the pig crash scene) had me in stiches. Definitely worth the read and I'll be picking up her next book for sure. Favorite Quote/Scene: “We're not so different, are we? Both of us living in the direction of the world's expectations of us." My whole world stops spinning. Gravity ceases to work, and my entire existence floats out of my body, spiraling and spinning out of control to compensate for the fact that the world as I thought it was is not the world that actually is. Theo's trapped. He's trapped by low expectations just as much as I'm trapped by high expectations. He's right. We're basically the same. And that changes everything. I will never - ever - see him as a simple troublemaker again.

Story Blurb He’s a hired gun. A hardened killer. So how’d he end up bottle-feeding lambs for his best friend’s sister? Dante didn’t set out to deceive. His favor for a pal in prison got him this farmhand job, and Jen needs help guarding more than her blueberries. Someone’s set on hurting her, and he’ll make damn sure they don’t. She can’t know who sent him or why he’s handier with a handgun than a hoe. But none of that matters more than keeping Jen safe. To save the girl, he’ll have to pair old skills with new. A princess tea party and an old-fashioned gunfight? Why not. Grape stomping and grenades? Sign him up. But as the enemy closes in, there’s one skill Dante finds he doesn’t have: The strength to walk away when the job is done. My Thoughts/Opinion Oh my gosh, read this book. It's over-the-top suspension of disbelief, but it's fantastic. I love the characters. I love the setting. The dialogue is great. And the hero is the perfect reformed bad boy. Loved everything about it and I definitely will be reading more by this author. Favorite Quote/Scene: “Love is wanting what's best for you no matter what." His voice chokes with gravel, but he keeps going. "Wanting to protect you at all costs. Needing to see you, to be with you, to hear your laugh and see your smile and know I'm the lucky sonofabitch who gets to exist in your orbit."

Story Blurb She's been the center of my world for as long as I can remember. Staying away from her for the past two years was brutal, but I'd do anything to keep her safe. When she's taken by the organization I'm working undercover for, I know I'll do anything to protect her. Even if it means ruining the entire case in the process. It took me a long time to accept he was gone and even longer to move on with my life. I'm finally about to get my happily ever after when my world comes crashing down around me. I'm reunited with him in a horrifying twist of events. Now, I have to make a choice that could change my life forever. Can I leave him behind and continue with the plan I have for my life? or is my life going to take a detour and possibly change directions entirely? My Thoughts/Opinion This is my first book by this author and I liked the premise a lot. A man who was bound by his job, and by his desire to keep the woman of his dreams safe. Definitely star-crossed lover vibes with this one. I wish there had been a little better resolution for the third wheel in their love triangle, but overall a great, quick read. Favorite Quote/Scene: “You're a hero, Mason, even if you don't believe it yourself." A pang shudders through my heart at the thought of him not thinking he's a hero. He's my hero and he always will be.

Story Blurb The most dangerous predator on the mountain may not be the legendary Sasquatch. Ethan “Chaos” Watson never expected to use his skills as a former Navy SEAL and current search and rescue expert to track down Bigfoot. But when a paranormal investigator goes missing while filming in the mountains near Fallport, Virginia, Ethan and his team are called in to find the man. A task made harder when they’re trailed by a camera crew. Camerawoman Lilly Ray was already reaching the end of her rope on the hokey, ridiculous paranormal shoot. Now the producer has ordered her to stick to the SAR team to get their every move on video. Admittedly not a hardship; she noticed Ethan her first day in town, and the more time they spend together, the more attracted she becomes. When the search stretches on for days, then weeks, it seems clear her co-worker didn’t just wander off trail, getting lost in the woods. Foul play is evident, and soon, everyone on the cast and crew is suspect. As the team steps up their search, someone is equally determined to use the disappearance to their advantage. Then Lilly herself goes missing, and Ethan and his team will turn over every rock and leaf in the Appalachians to locate her…before it’s too late. He wasn’t looking for love, but it found him anyway—and he’s not letting anyone take away the woman who’s become his whole world. My Thoughts/Opinion I have a friend who is a huge Susan Stoker friend, so I was excited to pick up this book and check her out. The writing is very strong and the story flowed smoothly. I was surprised that the real inciting incident didn't happen until halfway through the book, but once that happened, it was a fun white-knuckle ride. Favorite Quote/Scene: “Life's too short to do something you aren't passionate about. Money's all well and good, but at the end of the day, it's the relationships you form, the people you meet, and how often you laugh that matters."

Story Blurb There are secrets that bring friends together, and others that drive them apart… Mariners Island is barely ten miles long, but when Ivy, Ariana and Cam were teenagers, it was their whole world. Beyond the pristine beaches and iconic lighthouse lies the beautiful old library that belongs to Ivy’s family. While that bound Ivy to the island as an adult, Ariana could not leave Mariners behind fast enough. The town holds too many…memories. Not only her unrequited feelings for Cam, but the tragedy that left a scar on the community. When a young girl went missing, a teenage Cam was unthinkably the prime suspect. Ariana and Ivy knew he couldn’t have hurt anyone, and they promised to protect him—even if it meant lying on his behalf. Now, twenty years later, Ariana returns to Mariners just as new evidence emerges on the case, calling into question everything the three friends thought they knew—and everyone they thought they could trust. What really happened that night? Over the course of one eventful summer, Ariana, Ivy and Cam will learn the truth—about their pasts, their futures and the ties that still bind them as closely as the pages of a book… My Thoughts/Opinion Many years ago, I was in a reading slump and it was one of Brenda Novak's book that brought me back. I've been a huge fan ever since. I thought the premise of this book was very intriguing and Brenda did a great job with the backstory and mystery. I also liked all three of the main protagonists. I thought each was well drawn, and their relationship was complex and interesting. The mystery resolved well. If I have any complaints at all, I would say there was a too quick resolution for one of the main characters, and a minor subplot that resurfaces in the epilogue that I didn't think added much to the story. All in all, a great beach read, as advertised! Favorite Quote/Scene: “I'm sorry I held out on you," he said. "But I couldn't tell anyone, even you and Ivy. I was afraid it would make you both wonder if it could've been me." "Any other frightened sixteen-year-old boy would've done the same thing," she said. "You were in a panic. We all were. But...what do we do now?" "What can we do except stick to our stories?"

Story Blurb Love and Betrayal…Regency style A young woman of noble blood, raised as a peasant girl… An orphaned stable boy, now grown and the surrogate son of a powerful earl—the same earl who just so happens to be the young woman’s father… Francie Jordan and Alexander Bishop have nothing in common—she runs barefoot and talks to animals. He won’t loosen his cravat unless the bedroom door is firmly closed. She believes in love, second chances, and happily ever after. He believes in keeping a safe distance from anything that resembles an emotion. Indeed, they have nothing in common but an undeniable desire for one another they can’t ignore, and an ailing “father” who will employ any means to bring them together. Unfortunately, not everyone wishes to see a union between Francie and Alexander, and they will stop at nothing to keep this couple apart. My Thoughts/Opinion I enjoyed the premise of this story. The characters had compelling backstories and a satisfying character arc. I found the antagonist(s) to be a bit cartoonish and the black moment scene a little author convenient, but I was able to overlook those things with the quality of the writing and the quest for the HEA. Favorite Quote/Scene: “But that's the problem, Francie," he whispered, his voice ragged and filled with anguish. "I'm not happy. Not anymore." He ran a hand through his hair and closed his eyes. "Not without you."

Story Blurb A sexy new brother's best friend romance from New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan. I’m not boyfriend material. If a trail of broken hearts and a piss-poor record of failed relationships have taught me anything, it’s this. My buddies are happy to give me shit about my latest breakup from here to next Sunday. Thanks, but I’d rather have a root canal. And a vasectomy. At the same time. Relief comes in an unlikely package—the gorgeous and feisty Maren. She just so happens to be my best friend’s sister, so that’s not awkward at all. But I’m a man on a mission, and Maren is down to teach me all the ways I’ve been failing as a boyfriend. Apparently, there are many. And it’s all very informative—until I start to catch feelings. Now it’s not just my reputation on the line, but my heart too. My Thoughts/Opinion This was my first Kendall Ryan book (I think) and unfortunately, I just couldn't get into it. The writing is good and there were some funny moments, but I never really connected enough to be invested in the characters. My other challenge with it was that I felt like the biggest conflict between the hero and heroine could have been easily and quickly resolved with a conversation. The bright spot for me was the little subplot/new love found by Hayes' grandma Rosie. I'm happy to try another book by this author but this one just missed the mark for me. Favorite Quote/Scene: “Always put the other person’s needs first,” he says, staring seriously into Rosie’s eyes. “Even when it’s hard. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you think your needs are really important. Love is sacrifice, and your actions should reflect that.”

Story Blurb For Sewanee Chester, being an audiobook narrator is a long way from her old dreams, but the days of being a star on film sets are long behind her. She’s found success and satisfaction from the inside of a sound booth and it allows her to care for her beloved, ailing grandmother. When she arrives in Las Vegas last-minute for a book convention, Sewanee unexpectedly spends a whirlwind night with a charming stranger. On her return home, Sewanee discovers one of the world’s most beloved romance novelists wanted her to perform her last book—with Brock McNight, the industry’s hottest, most secretive voice. Sewanee doesn’t buy what romance novels are selling—not after her own dreams were tragically cut short—and she stopped narrating them years ago. But her admiration of the late author, and the opportunity to get her grandmother more help, makes her decision for her. As Sewanee begins work on the book, resurrecting her old romance pseudonym, she and Brock forge a real connection, hidden behind the comfort of anonymity. Soon, she is dreaming again, but secrets are revealed, and the realities of life come crashing down around her once more. My Thoughts/Opinion Oh, my gosh. This book was sooo good!! To be clear, I listened to the audiobook of this novel (for obvious reasons) and would highly recommend that experience. Sewanee and her hero both have a LOT of backstory trauma to work through but the author did such an amazing job of weaving it into the story I was enthralled all the way through. Great, realistic (and fantastical) love story. And Julia Whelan...oh my gosh...her voice and narration abilities. I've heard her before on other high profile audiobooks, but it was really good to hear her voice her own novel. Favorite Quote/Scene: “To live HEA is to say from today onward life will be happy. I mean, how can you know that? Shit happens. Over and over...I don't think you can know if you lived happily ever after until your life's over...Maybe that's why your whole life flashes before your eyes when you die. So you can see the movie from beginning to end, and know.”

Story Blurb Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. After all, her father was never around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn’t “father material” before her daughter was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close but working constantly to stay afloat is hard...and lonely. But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that’s predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands. At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98 percent compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly’s founder, Dr. River Peña. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Peña. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get ‘to know him and we’ll pay you. Jess—who is barely making ends meet—is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the “Diamond” pairing that could launch GeneticAlly’s valuation sky-high, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist—and the science behind a soulmate—than she thought. My Thoughts/Opinion I'm definitely not a science or numbers nerd. And if you're not either, don't let that deter you from reading this book. It was really really good. I've read a few others by author duo Christina Lauren, and this was by far my favorite. I loved Jess's protectiveness over her family and the revealing of River's layers was great to read. And, boy did these two have chemistry. Great romance, great plot twist. Highly recommend! Favorite Quote/Scene: “Biological compatibility is independent of whether or not we like each other.” A horrified laugh ripped out of her. “Is that the company slogan or your best pickup line?"

Story Blurb A theme park “princess” meets a single dad…who turns out to be a real prince! Enjoy the delightful royal romance from acclaimed author Teri Wilson and Hallmark Publishing. Lacey found her dream job: playing a princess character at a popular fairytale theme park in sunny southern Florida. Her diamond tiara might not be real, but the smiles of the children she meets every day certainly are. It’s just too bad that her ex-boyfriend was never impressed with her career choice. Henry, the crown prince of Bella-Moritz, is trying to fulfill his young daughter’s birthday wish: to be a normal girl with a normal life. That’s why they’re pretending to be ordinary tourists at an American amusement park. Henry lost his wife four years ago, and he’s been going through the motions ever since. But could a meeting with a make-believe princess lead to real love? My Thoughts/Opinion I love steamy reads but every once in a while, I'll shake it up with a good sweet and clean romance. And that's just what I got with this book. If a teen or even pre-teen were looking for a romance to read, I would have no issues recommending this one. It's a simple Cinderella-esque story with a twist. While it was pretty predictable from the beginning, the writing was great and the characters quite charming. Especially the prince. Favorite Quote/Scene: Contrary to popular belief, being a theme park princess wasn't the easier gig in the world, and definitely not a fairy tale.

Story Blurb In Mine Till Midnight, no-nonsense Miss Amelia Hathaway has no time for romance--but she can’t resist matching wits with a sexy former card sharp named Cam Rohan. After inheriting a country estate, the Hathaway siblings are trying to recover from their troubled past and make a new start. As the family struggles with unforeseen problems, Cam Rohan keeps stepping in to help . . . and Amelia realizes the unpredictable charmer is actually a man she can rely on. During a night of blazing passion, the freedom-loving Cam makes it clear he’s willing to make any sacrifice for the woman who’s stolen his heart. But before they can plan a life together, they’re confronted by an enemy who’s bent on destroying the Hathaway family . . . all to keep them from discovering a centuries-old secret that could change their lives. My Thoughts/Opinion Lisa Kleypas has been one of my favorite romance authors for EVER. So, I ran across this book (and the whole Hathaway series) and was shocked that until now, I hadn't known about them! It was like my birthday and Christmas all in one, so of course, I devoured this book in a day. I knew Cam (the hero) from a previous series and was so glad he got his HEA. Amelia was a great heroine with a complex family and backstory. I have never read a Lisa Kleypas story that I wouldn't recommend, and that streak continues. Enjoy! Favorite Quote/Scene: "Never be afraid to hope," Rohan said gently. "It's the only way to begin."

Story Blurb I never thought my perp walk would lead to true love. Then again, I never thought I’d be arrested on RICO charges and hauled away in zip ties on camera for the world to see, minutes after closing the most amazing deal of my career. And all of it in front of my biggest rival, billionaire wunderkind Ian McCrory. I am broke. I am disgraced. I am alone. I am a sucker. But the worst part? I have to go back to my hometown and live in my bedroom filled with relics from my childhood. Lisa Frank never made me so mad before. Just when I needed a rescue, I got one — in the form of help from my biggest rival. He can’t bring back my money. He certainly can’t bring back my reputation or my pride. But there’s one thing he can bring back to me. A sense of hope. Maybe even love. Ian sees something in me no one else does, and he’s relentless about making me see it, too. As we grow closer, I’m starting to see that while my entire life used to be a lie, the truth is staring me in the present — and it’s a truth I like very, very much, hot eyes and gorgeous smile and all. But I have to be careful. I can’t be too — That’s right. Hasty. The final book in the USA Today bestselling Do-Over Series (Fluffy, Perky, Feisty), as Mallory's sister, Hastings "Hasty" Monahan gets her turn at a happily ever after that starts off with an arrest. Hers. And ends with a surprisingly cheesy happily ever after. My Thoughts/Opinion I hadn't read Julia Kent before and I enjoyed this story. This was book four in the series and was easily read as a standalone. In fact, I think I'm glad I did read it as a standalone. I probably would have felt differently about Hasty had I read the other three books first. In them (from what I understand) Hasty wasn't a very likeable or redeemable character. However, the (now understandably) wicked banter amongst the women in the story was great and good for the other characters. The romance theme was also decent. My only minor annoyance was some of the plot conveniences but I was willing to look past them for good writing and a solid HEA. A quick, fun read. Favorite Quote/Scene: He was my nemesis. My enemy. The guy who sniped deals, and who I sniped from. We were adversaries, but he flipped the script, didn’t he? Coming to my rescue. Aiding me in a time of need. I don’t want to need him. And I especially don’t need to want him.