Review: Before I Called You Mine

 Before I Called You Mine

"Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first-grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other."

Author: Nicole Deese

Genre: Contemporary Romance

***

Y’all. I don’t know why I waited so long to pick up this book!
THE STORY INSIDE?!? Wow. Just…wow! I was torn between inhaling it in one sitting, and taking my time to soak in every bit of goodness!

That was one of the most heartfelt, wonderful books I’ve read in awhile! I could feel EVERY emotion radiating off the page. The good, the bad, the ugly! And I could relate to it in small ways. Obviously not the in the “adoption” way, but in the anxiety of the future & stressing when God’s timing doesn’t look like mine. The struggle and the fear — but the PEACE! The unmeasurable peace when you finally let go & let God. FELT IT ALL!

But that wasn’t the only beautiful thing in this story. The romance!! I was a little worried, I’m not gonna lie, when I was deciding to pick the book up. I’m a romance girl at heart and I don’t do well when there’s isn’t some kind of wooing going on. 😜
BUT Y’ALL!! Joshua AVERY! Obsessed & obsessed! Where do I find one of those? Do I order it on Amazon??
The communication! The chemistry! The friendship! The TRUE love! The waiting! Just…*chefs kiss* FABULOUS!

This book was a beautifully crafted piece of art! And I am so beyond thankful that Nicole shared a piece of her heart with the world, because you can see & feel it within these pages! And I’m SO GLAD I picked it up! Definitely can’t wait to read another book by Nicole!!
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: Meet Hate

 Meet Hate

"If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it's that I’ll do anything to prevent some suit from walking onto my family farm and buying it from us.

Hayes may think he can show up at our home, fling a contract in my face, and I’ll drop to my knees and thank him for saving the day, but he’s got it all wrong.

Even if it means Hayes has to spend more time on the farm, sleeping in the bedroom next to me, and almost getting a limb cut off.

When I learn that Hayes needs his job to care for his nephew, I see a different side to the grumpy businessman and understand his motives. He may be the enemy, but soon I can’t deny the chemistry that sizzles between us.

But his boss gives him an ultimatum to finalize the sale or get fired, and I make the greatest sacrifice of my life and sign the contract so he can raise his nephew right. Even if it means losing the man I love."

Author: Abi Sabina

Genre: Clean Sweet Rom-Com

Series: Meet Cute (book 3) 

***

I could 100% see this book becoming a Hallmark movie!
Big city guy coming to buy a small family farm = enemy #1!
Small town girl who loves the farm with her whole heart = instant hate of enemy #1!

This was probably one of the most “realistic” showings of “hate to love” since Ellie had a valid reason not to really like Hayes. But I feel like it did take her a long time to realize that he was just the middle man doing his job.

I did enjoy the slower burn of their romance since they were complete strangers, as well as the grumpy/grumpy to grumpy/sunshine little bit we had.

I really loved the family and the farm and how welcoming the parents were! They knew that their circumstances were dire and they had to do what was best for their family.

It took me being almost 50% in before I really cared about Ellie & Hayes together though, and even then their chemistry felt a little forced to me until closer to the end.
But I loved that Hayes threw himself in everything on the farm and really came away a changed man. And I loved Ellie’s deep love of the farm and the animals! 

Ellie read a bit young to me, and while I could sympathize with her character she did start to feel a little immature. 

Auggie was a sweet kid and a fun addition to the cast! I loved that he lit up when he was on the farm, and how seamlessly he fell into the Bishop clan. Hayes was a great uncle and I loved their relationship.

Overall it was sweet! The dialogue felt a little stilted and forced in some areas, but I’m looking forward to reading other works by Abi!
3.5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: A Match in the Making

 A Match in the Making

"Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn't expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention--and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her."

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Matchmakers (book 1)

***

I’m absolutely enthralled with this new series and cannot wait for all the craziness that is sure to ensue! But let’s get on to my thoughts on this story…

Oh this story did my heart good! It’s full to bursting! While I’ve loved everything Jen has written this story took me back to her first series! It felt like home!!

The characters were beautiful in only the way Jen can do! They were humorous, and spunky, and just a good time!!

Gwendolyn is my spirit animal! I loved how she spoke her mind, no matter if she broke society rules, but it was always done out of love and in defense of someone else! She loved everyone in some aspect or another one and she had everyone’s best interests at heart. I want to be more like her when I grow up.

Walter was *chefs kiss* FABULOUS! (Even with all his flaws) He was a typical society gentlemen who was looking for a wife for his children. He took all of Gwendolyn’s matchmaking in stride, and actually listened and changed throughout the story to be the father they ACTUALLY needed!

I loved every. single. second. of this story!! I loved each character! The children were ADORABLE! I LOVED their antics and their interactions with Gwendolyn and with Walter. This story has my heart truly!! I loved the growth each character went through in their own way!

The “suspense” plot was a *little* cliche, and felt a little like it was just thrown in there to be there. BUT! It also opened the door for some conversations to be had and realizations to be made. So I wasn’t mad at it at all!

This book gave me all the feels! All the swoons! All the smiles. All the sighs! It just made me…happy!
5/5 stars

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Cowgirl's Sacrifice

 The Cowgirl's Sacrifice

"This cowgirl has wandered back home…

Will she choose her past or her future?

Needing time to heal after a rodeo injury, Kate Rainbolt heads to her family ranch to accept the foreman job her brothers offered her months ago. But the position’s already been filled by her ex-boyfriend, Jess McNally, and the only open job reports to him. With Jess as her temporary boss—and turning into something more—might he finally convince Kate to put down roots?"

Author: Tina Radcliffe

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Hearts of Oklahoma (book 4)

***

Awww the Rainbolts! How I love this sweet sibling crew! I love being back on Rebel Ranch!

I was excited when I found out Kate was getting her own story! A barrel racer turned rodeo clown. I was excited for her story. But she was tough for me to connect with. There was something about her “I don’t need any help. I can do it all alone.” act that got a little tiresome. While I understood her need to leave home 10 years before, I didn’t understand her hesitation to stay and put down roots.

Jess never stopped loving Kate, and while that was sweet I definitely understood Kate’s hurt when she realized he never really started trusting her again once she came home. He had a guard up the whole time and kind of believed the worst of her in some areas. But in the same instant he was showing her how much he cared for her and how well they fit together.

Something about the pacing & the romance felt a little off. They FINALLY communicated with each other, and made steps for a healthy relationship.

Overall the message of the story was GREAT! There were a lot of wonderful tidbits in there about God loving you, and never leave you, and trusting in Him for all things! He’s the healer of all hurts!

I do love the Rainbolts! And I ADORE the Rebel Ranch crew, and I was glad to be back!
3/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: Cabin Mate

 Cabin Mate

"When the woman of my dreams finally becomes available, all bets are off.

I lost a bet to my older brother. My evil, life-ruining older brother. (Okay, maybe that’s a little over-dramatic).

Now I can’t go on a date for FOUR months. I can’t even touch a woman. No hand holding. Forget kissing.

I’m walking the straight and narrow (AKA dateless and lonely) just fine. Until my best friend (the woman I’ve been pining over since college) gets her heart broken.

How can I say no to those big, gorgeous blue eyes when she asks me to fly to Vermont to attend her sister’s wedding with her? As her fake boyfriend.

Yeah, all bets are off. (Don’t tell my brother).

It’ll be easy… pretend to be my best friend’s boyfriend without holding her, kissing her, or falling even more in love than I already am.

But when we end up having to share a room at her family’s cabin, the line between real and fake becomes very blurry…and very tempting."

Author: Leah Brunner

Genre: Rom-Com

Series: Under the Kansas Skies (book 4)

***

Oh Brooks will forever be a book boyfriend!! *swoon*

I looovvee a good “best friend to more” story! Then add FAKE DATING, one bed tropes on top of it?! Slap some butter on me and call me a biscuit. IM SOLD!

Brooks & Molly were so cute together and I loved the college flashback scenes! There were just enough of them that you can see their friendship building, but too many that it pulled from the main story.

I ADORED how honest and REAL they were with each other! They didn’t worry about their families, their money, or anything — they were just themselves! AND THEY HAD GREAT COMMUNICATION!!

I wish Molly had stood up for herself a little bit sooner, but I feel like the moment she did really did shine and it was important to her character!

I LOVE the Windells and I’m going to miss them wholeheartedly, but I’m glad rereading is a thing! I CANNOT wait to see what Leah has coming down the pipeline!

ALSO!! If you get the paperback SCAN THE BARCODE and read the bonus epilogue!! It’s 20 years later, and it made me heart so happy!

I LOVE FAMILY CENTERED BOOKS SO MUCH!

4/5 stars
*not cf, closed door with mild language*

*I received the book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: A Holly Jilly Christmas

 A Holly Jilly Christmas

"My life is nothing like the movies we make at the studio where I work--especially not when it comes to relationships.

Which means that there will be absolutely NO romance between me and Case, the grumpy exec I've had a crush on from our very first not-so-meet-cute.

We're simply two coworkers scouting the town of Sheet Cake, Texas as a location for filming.
That's it.

Though, to be honest, I'm suspicious of why Case came on this trip at all.

Whatever the reason, there will be no Christmas magic, and definitely NO mistletoe kisses.

But when Case actually starts talking to me--gasp!--and reveals the humor and kindness buried beneath his gruff persona, my little crush explodes into something a lot harder to hide.

Except he's harboring secrets of his own.

And I'm starting to wonder if his cagey behavior is because he's planning to take credit for my (admittedly brilliant) idea to make this town our central filming hub.

He's not that kind of man ... right?

All I wanted for Christmas was a promotion, and now I'm falling for the man who might be trying to steal it."

Author: Emma St. Clair

Genre: Rom-Com

Series: Love Stories in Sheet Cake Series

***

That’s it. I’ve decided. Emma St. Clair is queen of rom-coms. Novella length. Full length novel. If words are being written by this woman, my eyeballs will be reading them!!

I was laughing. Giggling. SWOONING! This story was fan-stinkin’- tastic and I think I’m in love with Case! He was such a fun onion to unpeel! He had so many layers and I loved that he shed them around Jillian. He was so much more than the gruff persona he gave off and they were stinkin’ adorable together!

Jillian was a hoot! I loved that the story was written from her POV because her inner dialogue made me giggle! And I really enjoyed walking through her “destructive thoughts” and how she ACTUALLY talked to Case instead of just shutting down.

I loved this story! It was the most perfect little Christmas addition to this year’s awesome lineup AND we get to be back in Sheet Cake for a bit!

Seriously, do yourself a favor and read a book by Emma St. Clair. This is a GREAT one to start with!
5/5 stars

*I received the book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: Targeted

 Targeted

"Three women. Three men. Three unsuspecting targets.

Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead--and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.

In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president's son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.

In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they'll have to learn to trust each other--before it's too late."

Author(s):Lynette Eason, Lynn H Blackburn, Natalie Walters

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Series: each story connects to a series the authors have

***

On the Run by Lynette Eason

What a whirlwind! Lynette just blew my mind a little bit. She intertwined THREE series with one 115 page story! 😱 I love when authors keep their stories in the same timeline. It was so cool to see the crossovers!

This story packed a punch! It started off with action and didn’t let up. Obviously it wrapped up super quick, but sometimes that’s exactly what I want from a suspense novella!

Daria & Ryker worked well together under pressure and just seemed to “fit”. I just wish they had more chemistry. They felt like work partners, not really romantic partners.

Overall it was a fun story! I think it would’ve been great as a full length novel where we could’ve really gotten to know them as a couple!
3/5 stars


Deadly Objective by Lynn H. Blackburn

Ohhhh mmmyyy heeeaarrttt!!! I just adore this world so muucchhh!!

EMILY GOT HER HEA! And with an adorable southern agent. *chefs kiss*

This story was super fast paced! I loved the political theme of the book. It was a interesting theme to read!

I loved the romance! Emily & Liam were adorable. And their connection with Mason was perfection! I love that they were both patient and caring in every situation.

While a whirlwind — the story wrapped up well. The pacing felt good, and the story felt complete! (Obviously I wish it was full length just because I love these characters so much, but I’m happy with the story I got!)
5/5 stars


Caught in the Crosshairs by Natalie Walters

The suspense was there! The chemistry was tthheerree!! This was the most balanced story. It felt like a complete story.

Ari was…*chefs kiss* A FABULOUS hero!! Definitely a fan! He was so charming! Protective! I LOVED HIM!!

Claudia was a strong heroine! And I really enjoyed her most of the time. But there was one thing that bothered me quite a bit…like enough to knock down my rating.
She kept bringing up Ari’s “playboy/flirtatious” reputation in the agency. EVEN AFTER she knew that it bothered him!! Like through the whole story…And she was just constantly surprised that he was a GOOD GUY! Instead of giving him the benefit of the doubt and actually GETTING TO KNOW HIM!

Something about that truly bothered me. Buutttt other than that I loved the story! And the tie in to the Harbored Secrets series. Loved “seeing” some of those characters again.
4/5 stars


Overall thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection! All three ladies are FAN-STIKIN’-TASTIC authors, and I LOVED that these stories were all connected to series the authors have published. I think readers will enjoy this collection much more if they’ve read the series.
My overall rating is: 4/5 stars

*I receive this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Wonderland Trials

 The Wonderland Trials

"Solve the clues. Face your fears. Survive the Trials.

All Alice Liddell wants is to escape her Normal life in Oxford and find the parents who abandoned her ten years ago. But she gets more than she bargained for when her older sister Charlotte is arrested for having the infamous Wonder Gene—the key to unlocking the curious Wonderland Reality.

Soon, Alice receives a rather cryptic invitation to play for Team Heart in this year’s annual—and often deadly—Wonderland Trials. Now she has less than twenty-four hours to find her way into Wonderland where nothing is impossible . . . or what it seems.

The stakes are raised when she discovers players go missing during the Trials each year. Will she and her team solve the clues and find the missing players? Or will betrayal and distrust win, leaving Alice alone in a world of her own? Follow the White Rabbit into this topsy-turvy fantasy where players become prey, a sip of the wrong tea might as well be poison, and a queen’s ways do not always lead one where they ought to go."

Author: Sara Ella

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Curious Realities (book 1)

***

This book truly puts your imagination to the test! It’s going to flip you & flop you, and you’re really never going to know which way is up.
So it’s a PERFECT Alice in Wonderland reimagining!!!

I’ll be honest this book took my mind a bit of work to get wrap around since I actually don’t see anything when I read. So if you can see and truly imagine all the things when you read this book is going to be a TREAT for you!!

The first book in a “fantasy” is normally full of world building, and we definitely got that from this book! Sara did a wonderful job setting up our Urban Wonderland fantasy world! And the Trials!! 👋 OH I LOVED THIS ASPECT!!

I loved getting to know the “cards” that make up team Heart and I CAAAANNNNOOOOTTTT wait for book 2 to get to know them better and learn all their secrets.

Alice was not my favorite leading lady. But I am very hopeful she grows in book 2, and I’ll be able to really cheer her on!

Chess…oh my sweet Chess! I just love him! And I’m praying Sara keeps him safe. 😜

I can’t say to much else because I don’t want to spoiler anything, but my mind is topsy turvy trying to piece together all the of the clues and puzzles bits we got. Book 2 is going to be FAB-STINKIN’-TASTIC!

4/5 stars

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: Check Mate

 Check Mate

"How did I find myself sharing a tent with my obnoxious—albeit gorgeous—neighbor, Isabella Romero?

It all started with a stupid bet.

All I had to do in order to win was something unpredictable. (Which my brother thought was impossible for the ever-boring David Windell).

Well, I showed him... by booking a trek in the Andes Mountains to see Machu Picchu.

When the brochure for the expedition mysteriously appeared on my front porch, along with Isabella's cat who doesn't have boundaries, it was like fate interceded: I could win the bet while simultaneously getting a vacation from my irritating neighbor.

Two birds, one stone.

Except, it turns out that was Isabella's brochure... and she booked the same trip.

So here I am, stuck sharing a tent with the woman who drives me crazy—and makes my heart race like never before."

Author: Leah Brunner

Genre: Rom-Com

Series: Under the Kansas Skies (book 3)

***

STOP! I’m OBSESSED with the Windells! And sweet sweet David deserved his HEA!

Isabella was his perfect match! I LOVE A GOOD OPPOSITES ATTRACT STORY!
He calmed her, and she kept him on his toes. It was GREAT! They were adorable together!

I literally did not set the book down. I finished it in one sitting. I HAD to keep going! The story gripped me.
The characters. The setting. The “pranks”. The CHEEMMMISSTTRRYYY!! All of the above! It was the perfect book to get out of a reading slump.

A super fast, cheesy rom-com. Sign. Me. Up. For ALLL of it!!
Are they practical or realistic? Absolutely not.
But they’re fun. And you know what?!? I LOVE THAT!

I am waiting with BATED breath for Brooks’ story to release so I can inhale that one too!

*this is NOT CF!! It is a closed door romance with mild language*
4/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*