FINDING HIS CHEER, A JEWEL LAKES HOLIDAY SPECIAL by Claire Wilder is a second-chance romance in the author’s JEWEL LAKES SERIES. It features neighborsFINDING HIS CHEER, A JEWEL LAKES HOLIDAY SPECIAL by Claire Wilder is a second-chance romance in the author’s JEWEL LAKES SERIES. It features neighbors Heath Bradley, a widower of three years and father of Ruby, and Morgan Carter, a potter and recent divorcee. Heath struggles to get over the death of his wife and tries providing a good home for his daughter, who is finding her voice again after remaining silent for a year after her mom’s death. Morgan hopes to have success with her pottery business, despite feeling like a pottery artist imposter. She needs to sell all of her pieces at the upcoming Christmas craft fair so she can pay her bills and not lose her cottage. Neither Heath nor Morgan is ready for love, but sometimes it comes when you least expect it.
PROS: 1. The main characters, though flawed, are good people who value their friends and families. 2. Ruby and Mousie (Morgan’s cat) are cute additions to the story. 3. The feelings of inadequacy and sadness Heath experiences since his wife died are definitely realistic, especially near a family-centric holiday. 4. The novella has an interesting plot and great secondary characters, and the main characters overcome their hesitancy to love again. 5. It’s a nice second-chance romance written in first person, past tense, frequently alternating between Heath and Morgan’s points of view.
CONS: 1. Heath and Morgan worry on and on about how they’re feeling about the other. 2. All of the inner dialogue takes up too much of the story. I’d rather read more scenes than all of the inner angst. 3. The sex scenes seemed like they were just dropped into the novella. I do like spicy books, but I think implied sex would have worked better here.
SUMMARY: FINDING HIS CHEER, A JEWEL LAKES HOLIDAY SPECIAL, is a nice addition to the JEWEL LAKES SERIES. Its uplifting story, scenic lake setting, likeable main characters, and cute, exuberant Ruby help to make the hope-filled Christmas romance a strong 3.5 stars story. If you like character-driven stories, want to read all the books in the JEWEL LAKES SERIES, and/or like small town romances, then you should enjoy this novella.
IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE: Other books in the JEWEL LAKES SERIES by Claire Wilder, BLUE MOON SERIES and BOOTLEG SPRINGS SERIES by Lucy Score, BOOTLEG SPRINGS SERIES and THE MILES FAMILY SERIES by Claire Kingsley, HEARTBREAKER BAY NOVELS and THE WILDSTONE SERIES by Jill Shalvis, BLUEGRASS SERIES and FOREVER BLUEGRASS SERIES by Kathleen Brooks
* An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review....more
COMING HOME TO SILVER LEAF FALLS by Meg Easton is the first of six novellas in the new SILVER LEAF FALLS SERIES. It features 28-year-old Liz Jenkins, COMING HOME TO SILVER LEAF FALLS by Meg Easton is the first of six novellas in the new SILVER LEAF FALLS SERIES. It features 28-year-old Liz Jenkins, who spent most of her youth in Silver Leaf VT and returns as the new director of Silver Leaf Camp, and 29-year-old Noah Knight, life-long resident and principal of the town’s elementary school. They’ve both failed at love and think HEAs aren’t for them. Liz aims to improve the faltering camp in one year and leave it in great shape, before she runs to another town to take on another failing business. That’s what she does—moves from place to place, never setting down roots, never making strong friendships, always married to her job. Noah feels something’s missing in his life and thinks a move to another school in CT will fill that hole. He’s lived in the small town almost his whole life, got out of a relationship some months before, and thinks he’s out of dating options in Silver Leaf. Since friends are anxious to find dates for both of them and neither wants to go on dates, Liz and Noah decide to fake date each other. But what begins as a ploy to get people off their backs quickly turns into something more.
PROS: 1. Well-written characters who care a lot for friends and families, the town, and the town’s traditions. Liz is great with kids and has innovative ideas for how to improve the camp by integrating activities with the local schools. Noah enjoys his job and is loved by the school kids and their parents. I particularly like his pledge to sleep on the roof of the school to increase students’ reading minutes. 2. The good use of words, like when Noah compares Liz’s personality as “trying to fit a hurricane in a jar.” 3. Issues addressed: feeling worthy of love, difficulty facing fears, what makes a “home”, how to fill holes in your life. 4. The story is well paced with unique ideas, the main characters grow throughout the book, and it’s written in third person, past tense.
CONS: It’s too short. I would’ve loved to read more about Liz and Noah’s story.
SUMMARY: COMING HOME TO SILVER LEAF FALLS is a bright start to the new series SILVER LEAF FALLS. The main characters are so caring and fun, that I would’ve loved to have them in my childrens’ lives when they were younger. The town seems like a wonderful place to grow up and someplace I’d like to live. If you like character-driven stories or enjoy an upbeat, sweet romance, this is the perfect book for you.
If You Like This, You May Like: Other books in the SILVER LEAF FALLS SERIES and the NESTLED HOLLOW ROMANCE SERIES by Meg Easton, FALLING INTO HAPPILY EVER AFTER ROM COM SERIES by Ellie Hall, ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE SERIES by Whitney Dineen, THE WILD WESTS SERIES by Kathy Fawcett, ROMANCING HIS RIVAL and BEAUTY AND THE BRIT by Poppy St. James
* I received an e-ARC from Booksprout and the author for an honest review....more
BEAUTY AND THE BRIT by Poppy St. James is the story of Camryn Palmer and Sterling Quinn, characters first introduced in the author’s recent release, RBEAUTY AND THE BRIT by Poppy St. James is the story of Camryn Palmer and Sterling Quinn, characters first introduced in the author’s recent release, ROMANCING HIS RIVAL. Sterling just found out that his great-grandfather left him an inheritance of millions of dollars. The catch? He has to marry in six months or lose the money. As a family lawyer, he’s guided several clients through contentious divorces and has seen the distress caused when a marriage dissolves. And he remembers the sadness and stress he and his mom suffered when his dad left. But he needs the money so he can give his ailing mother a better life. His uncle decides to give him a push and hires a PR firm to help Sterling find a wife.
Camryn is the PR rep that will play matchmaker for Sterling. She’s the best friend and employee of Olivia, who is married to Noah, Sterling’s best friend. So she and Sterling already know each other. She’s not too excited about the assignment, especially since Sterling’s a player. But the bonus she’ll get if Sterling gets married in time will pay off the almost $10,000 her last boyfriend charged to her credit cards before leaving her high and dry and with all the bills.
PROS: 1. Though Camryn and Sterling are attracted to each other, the romance plays out over time. 2. Both main characters are imperfect, excel in their professions, and care about their actions. 3. The arranged marriage angle is a common trope, but the author has given it a unique spin. 4. All of the characters are well written. 5. The pacing is good with no lagging scenes. 6. Written in first person with chapters mostly alternating between H and h points of view.
CONS: 1. The ending is a little abrupt, with the H’s thoughts about the h’s actions being a bit rushed. 2. It’s written in present tense, which isn’t a favorite of mine, but the author writes it really well.
SUMMARY: BEAUTY AND THE BRIT is a delightful, lighthearted story with well-written characters, good pacing, and a unique twist to arranged marriage romances. If you like character-driven stories or just want an enjoyable beach read, this is the perfect book for you.
If You Like This, You Might Like: SECOND CHANCE SUMMER and ROMANCING HIS RIVAL by Poppy St. James, WEDDINGS IN THE CITY by Alina Jacobs, OXFORD NOVELS and THE CENTRAL PARK PACT SERIES by Lauren Layne, FBI/US ATTORNEY SERIES by Julie James, MATCH ME IF YOU CAN by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, THE HATING GAME and SECOND FIRST IMPRESSIONS by Sally Thorne
An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review....more
THE PERFECT BACHELOR by Lynn Dare is the fourth book in the lighthearted THE PERFECT MAN series. It follows the romance of committed bachelor and lawyTHE PERFECT BACHELOR by Lynn Dare is the fourth book in the lighthearted THE PERFECT MAN series. It follows the romance of committed bachelor and lawyer, Grey Amore (brother of Ellie from the series’ first book), and new Cape Kismet FL resident and paralegal, Sadie Wells. Grey is the only lawyer in town, and since his business is growing, he needs to hire an assistant. Sadie has just moved to town to provide a home for her gay 17-year-old brother after he's been kicked out of their parents’ home. She needs to find a decent job, pronto, and applies for the assistant position. The H and h originally meet at the local bookstore, where Grey tries to charm Sadie. She’s not interested, much to Grey's dismay, especially since he’s not used to being turned down. So they are surprised when she shows up to interview at Grey's office. Both are wary of the other, but through work, they begin to know and trust one another.
PROS: 1. Both Grey and Sophie are fun, well-written characters. They each have their faults, but they are caring individuals who grow throughout the book. Characters from the other books in the series show up here too and provide advice and some comic relief. 2. Most of the story's characters are people I'd like to know. They tease and support each other, and are overall good people. 3. The story is lighthearted but deals with some serious issues too, like responsibility for your actions (even for teenagers), believing in yourself, coming to terms with your past, and fear of commitment. 4. No instalove. Yay!
CONS: None that I found.
SUMMARY: THE PERFECT BACHELOR is a fun, well-paced and lighthearted story dealing with some serious issues, and it’s a great addition to THE PERFECT MAN SERIES. The main characters leap off the page and are people you’d like to know, and the secondary characters are there to give support and sometimes questionable advice. If you like character-driven stories or books featuring small town romances, then you’ll definitely want to buy THE PERFECT BACHELOR.
If You Like This, You Might Like: Other books in THE PERFECT MAN SERIES by Lynn Dare, HEART’S COVE HOTTIES SERIES by Lilian Monroe, LOVE IS A MYSTERY SERIES by Laura Burton, BLUE MOON SERIES and BOOTLEG SPRINGS SERIES by Lucy Score, THE EASTONS SERIES by Marina Adair, THE MILES FAMILY SERIES and THE BAILEY BROTHERS SERIES by Claire Kingsley, MEET ME AT THE ALTAR SERIES and SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS SERIES by Samantha Chase, SECOND CHANCE SUMMER and BEAUTY AND THE BRIT by Poppy St. James
* This book was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review....more
SHOOTING STAR is the fifth story in the NIKKI LATRELLE MYSTERY SERIES by Sasscer Hill. And what a fine addition it is. Nikki is in her element as a joSHOOTING STAR is the fifth story in the NIKKI LATRELLE MYSTERY SERIES by Sasscer Hill. And what a fine addition it is. Nikki is in her element as a jockey extra in “The Final Furlong,” a movie in production at Santa Anita Park in California. As the story begins, Nikki witnesses a murder of a cameraman and soon after becomes the female lead when the woman playing that part is critically injured while shooting a race scene.
With murders and injuries plaguing the production, Nikki is wary of everyone, except for Will Marshall, a former jockey and one-time love. He is also her boss, as she is now a subcontractor for the Thoroughbred Racing Protection Bureau (TRPB). He asks her to remain on the production to give him information and help catch the perpetrators, and he’s angry when Nikki starts lying to him. She does so to protect him, and while her feelings grow for her hot young co-star, Jamie, she tries not to think of her unresolved feelings about Will. No matter what happens in her love life, Nikki’s determined to solve the pieces of the puzzle that will eventually lead her to the murderer.
PROS: - Characters are so well-written, one could imagine them walking right off the page. My particular favorite is Jamie, the suave male lead in the movie, and how he totally transforms into his on-screen persona, Dillon, a total jerk. - Smells, sights, and textures draw the reader into the scene, almost as if you’re there. - One of the things I like about the author’s books is the absence of grammatical errors —things that usually bring me out of the story. - The story gives the reader a glimpse of how a movie and the sets are made. - The book has good pacing and is action packed.
CONS: None.
SUMMARY: SHOOTING STAR is a fast-paced mystery with lots of action and well-written characters. It’s a great addition to the NIKKI LATRELLE MYSTERY SERIES and is a must read for horse racing fans and readers who like character-driven stories.
IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE: Other NIKKI LATRELLE MYSTERIES, FIA MCKEE MYSTERIES, and TRAVELS OF QUINN by Sasscer Hill, DICK FRANCIS NOVELS by Dick Francis, THE DIMITY HORSE MYSTERIES by Leanne Owens, THE SCAR RULE by Heidi Vanderbilt, LARK DAVIS MYSTERIES by Annabelle Hunter
* Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog. ** An e-ARC was provided by the author for an honest review....more
THE PERFECT MAN by Lynn Dare is a cute, lighthearted romance and a great start to a new series. Ellie Amore is a 30-year-old author of romances livingTHE PERFECT MAN by Lynn Dare is a cute, lighthearted romance and a great start to a new series. Ellie Amore is a 30-year-old author of romances living over a bookstore with a taco stand instead of a coffee shop. She’s kind of a loner and only claims two friends: the book shop owner and the taco stand owner (who’s also her brother’s best friend). Cruz Cabot, the taco cook, has had feelings for Ellie since the day she moved to her apartment. He’s been quietly loving her while providing her with food and friendship.
Ellie’s writing a romance where the heroine tries to find the perfect man. As she continues her story, Ellie includes the guys she dreams about, interspersed with a bit of the real men she knows. Even she hasn’t decided who her story’s heroine will choose for her happily ever after.
PROS: Very unique plot idea — exploring romance tropes/cliches to find the perfect man. Likeable main and side characters with interesting quirks. A pet that isn’t totally lovable. Cruz’s friendly family and their picnic antics.
CONS: Too many “C” names, and not just from one family. Not enough scene time with the enjoyable side characters.
SUMMARY: THE PERFECT MAN is a delightful, quick read that is perfect for the beach. The main and side characters are well written and likeable, the main characters grow throughout the book, and the story idea is unique. If you like lighthearted and character-driven stories, then you should definitely buy this book.
IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE: Upcoming books THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND, THE PERFECT HUSBAND, and THE PERFECT BACHELOR by Lynn Dare, LOVE CLICHES SERIES by Emma St. Clair, ST. HELENA VINEYARD and THE EASTONS series by Marina Adair, APPLE VALLEY LOVE STORIES series by Julie Christianson, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN MOTHERS series by Whitney Dineen
* Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog. ** An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review....more
SECOND CHANCE SUMMER by Poppy St. James is a warm, engaging story about a girl from New York trying to escape an unwanted marriage and a boy from ShadSECOND CHANCE SUMMER by Poppy St. James is a warm, engaging story about a girl from New York trying to escape an unwanted marriage and a boy from Shady Grove TX needing a fresh chance at love. Charlotte Freemont runs away from her wedding right before going down the aisle. She's heading to L.A. to live with her best friend Valentina, but her Audi breaks down in Shady Grove TX on a Sunday, meaning no mechanic’s on the job. Luke Wilder's been left before, first by his mom when he was little, and then by his last girlfriend, so he's not too interested in getting involved with the woman whose busted car dropped her in his hometown. She's just going to leave when her car gets fixed anyway. Besides he thinks she's a snob and she things he's arrogant, so why bother?
PROS: 1. The main characters are interesting and likeable, and they each work through problems, such as trusting in others, believing in yourself, and making your own choices, and grow throughout the story. 2. The supporting cast is fairly unique and fun, particularly the petite and goth-like stylist Audrey, who gives Charlotte a more positive view of Luke, making Charlotte reconsider her initial opinion of him. 3. The book moves along at a good pace. A lot happens within a couple of weeks, but it’s enough time for Charlotte and Luke to develop trust and enjoy being with each other. 4. The story’s told in first person, past tense, and the chapters alternate between Luke’s POV and Charlotte’s POV. 5. The wonderful cover reflects the tone of the story and pulled me in right away. 6. The author’s name. Seriously, it’s awesome! That alone made me want to check the book out. And her style of writing ensures I’ll want to read her future stories.
CONS: 1. A lot happens within a couple of weeks. I’m not the biggest fan of insta-love or quick love, but I can suspend belief for a good, fun story (like I think this is). 2. The ending (before the Epilogue) seems a little rushed. A meatier ending would have been more satisfying to me.
SUMMARY: SECOND CHANCE SUMMER is a lighthearted, quick story and perfect as a beach read. The main characters and supporting cast are well-written and likeable, and they tackle themes of trust in others, self-confidence, and freedom to make your own decisions. I would definitely recommend this story to others, particularly those who like character-driven stories, and look forward to reading more books by Poppy St. James.
IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE: Upcoming books BEAUTY AND THE BRIT and ROMANCING HIS RIVAL by Poppy St. James, the MAGNOLIA SOUND and the SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS series by Samantha Chase, the BLUE MOON and the RILEY THORN series by Lucy Score, the ST. HELENA VINEYARD and the EASTONS series by Marina Adair
* Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog. ** An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review....more
DECIDEDLY WITH WISHES, by Stina Lindenblatt, is the 7th book in the steamy BY THE BAY SERIES. The story follows the fake relationship of Elias Lawson,DECIDEDLY WITH WISHES, by Stina Lindenblatt, is the 7th book in the steamy BY THE BAY SERIES. The story follows the fake relationship of Elias Lawson, blond, blue-eyed hockey player for the San Francisco Rock team, and Nala Johnson, beautiful, golden-skin, brown-eyed dress designer and future heiress of her grandmother's high-end fashion house. They meet when she bumps into him before a wheelchair hockey game at the local children's hospital. Nala's godchild, six-year-old Sarina, is getting ready to play in the game, and Eli is there with three teammates to join in. Eli and Nala get together when a date with Eli is auctioned off at a charity event and Nala's three best friends go together and make the winning bid in Nala's name. He needs a week-long date to his cousin's wedding in Montana, and she needs to check off items from the bucket list she made in college--which just happens to include a date with a hot hockey player. So they agree to help each other.
REALLY ENJOYED: 1. Both of the main characters have interesting and unique backstories. Eli has trouble reading and was bullied because of undiagnosed dyslexia when he was younger and only agrees to be in the auction because it benefits a literacy program for foster kids. He also has a niece with Downs Syndrome who brightens his world. Nala has designed clothes since she was young and wants to make clothes for disabled children to get on and off easily, so every child can feel special. They are both workaholics without much social lives. 2. The story highlights several disabilities in a positive way and shows how Eli and Nala are compassionate and committed to helping others. 3. Nala's pet is a hedgehog named Thistle. I love this! Very unusual and, according to Nala, perfect for her lifestyle. 4. The storyline is fun with trying to fool Eli's family into thinking Nala is his girlfriend and named Edith (Eddie for short) and with Nala getting Eli's help in setting up ways to tackle her bucket list. 5. Nala is extremely proud of how her grandmother, Bibi, overcame prejudices against a woman, especially a Black woman, to achieve her dreams in the highly competitive fashion industry. 6. Supporting characters are quite cute and have backstories a little different from usual romance stories.
SUMMARY: I enjoyed DECIDEDLY WITH WISHES for its interesting characters, unique storyline, and fun situations. (The cover's not so bad either.) Its lightheartedness makes it perfect for a vacation read, and the whole book is a good addition to the author's BY THE BAY SERIES. It's a must-read for those who like character-driven stories, and I totally recommend it.
IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE: Other books in the BY THE BAY SERIES by Stina Lindenblatt, the CHICAGO REBELS SERIES and REBELS ROOKIES SERIES by Kate Meader, the SLAYERS HOCKEY SERIES by Mira Lyn Kelly, the SCORING SERIES by Jami Davenport, the NASHVILLE ASSASSINS and NASHVILLE ASSASSINS: NEXT GENERATION SERIES by Toni Aleo, the ARIZONA VENGEANCE SERIES by Sawyer Bennett
* Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog. ** An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review....more
THE STUDY DATE, the first book in the GLASSHOUSE SERIES by Jessa Wilder, is a New Adult romance set in the senior year of college for both main characTHE STUDY DATE, the first book in the GLASSHOUSE SERIES by Jessa Wilder, is a New Adult romance set in the senior year of college for both main characters. Sidney King is in her last semester at the California Institute of Technology (CIT). Her dream job is at Gaple Tech Industries, where only the best and brightest students are hired. She needs an “A” in all her remaining classes to qualify, and so she must ace the legendarily difficult Behavior Change Persuasion Technology (BCPT) class. Jax Ryder is on his way to being a bona fide rock star, but before going on his first major tour, he wants to finish his degree in Computer Science at CIT. After a not-so-smooth run in at a campus coffee shop before the BCPT class, Sidney and Jax end up sitting beside each other in the only two remaining seats. She's vowed never to date rock stars, and he's frustrated with clinging fans, so they figure they can be study buddies and just friends. But what begins as a once a week study date, turns into so much more by the end of the semester.
PROS: 1. Interesting main characters with issues making it hard to trust one another. Sidney has a rock musician father who constantly makes dates with her but never shows. Jax struggles to write music and lyrics after his best friend and song writing partner dies. 2. A fairly unique storyline with writing that pulls you in, particularly in the last third of the book. 3. Likable friends with potential for future stories. 4. Lots of angst and tension-building between the H and h. 5. Satisfying ending brought about by characters' good problem-solving techniques.
CONS: 1. Story is a little too long. A few slightly repetitive scenes could have been omitted without impacting the whole plot. 2. A few misspelled and missing words, though not enough to detract from the overall story.
SUMMARY: THE STUDY DATE is an easy read, perfect for the beach or reading on a holiday, and deserves a solid four stars. The author tells a good story and has created unique main characters and a compelling storyline. Readers who like rock star romances and character-driven books should enjoy this book.
**This story contains sex scenes, so if you prefer clean romances, this is not the book for you.**
If You Like This, You May Like: Upcoming THE GENTLEMEN SERIES by Jessa Wilder and Kate King, BAD HABIT SERIES by J.T. Geissinger, STAGE DIVE SERIES by Kylie Scott, VIP BOOK SERIES by Kristen Callihan
* Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog. ** An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review....more
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