Love Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fun holiday romance
This was another great lazy afternoon quick read from this brilliant author. The characters are quirky and the storyline engaging. Toni finds herself questioning love especially when she meets Mickey and feelings get involved. A great book for lovers of romance. Recommend.
~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~
N.D. Jackson spends her days (when she’s not working) wandering the streets of whatever European city she and her husband find themselves traveling to or living in, creating new characters and new worlds for her novels, and her nights are spent creating delicious vegan meals and whipping up not-so-fancy but tasty cocktails for loved ones. A Chicago native, she currently lives in Romania and has slowly started to travel again, adding a new stamp to her tattoo (Rome!)!! Other interests include true crime and history documentaries & podcasts, hiking and kickboxing.
Since she received her first library card at the age of 7, not a day goes by she doesn’t read a page or chapter. Or finish a whole book. Her first novel, Conflict of Interest was published in 2014 and she has been entertaining readers with tales of love and romance ever since.
‿)づ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE (づ‿)づ
Can digging and weeding, planting, and pruning equal love?
Nursing is Holly Cooper’s vocation, and her sanctuary, until she witnesses a murderous attack during emergency surgery. Her childhood fear of never belonging resurfaces. Untethered, she’s following music festivals down Australia’s eastern seaboard, sometimes working as a nurse, sometimes as a volunteer.
Reclusive gardener Christopher (Kit) Silverton needs a nurse for his half-finished research project: the therapeutic power of gardening. In plain English, can digging and weeding, planting, pruning, hacking, or any one of those activities help kids to heal after domestic violence? A survivor himself, he knows what it’s like to live with pain, guilt, and relationships that end in tears.
When Kit’s partner, and on-site nurse, is injured, she suggests her granddaughter, Holly Cooper, as a replacement. Holly has the qualifications, but Kit will need convincing that a pink and green haired free spirit has anything to offer the project.
As the garden develops, passion blooms between Holly and Kit. When security on the site is breached, Kit confronts his worst nightmare. Defending the kids and Holly proves his critics right—violence lives within him. Can Holly overcome her own doubts to prove he’s wrong?
Australian Jennifer Raines writes contemporary romances set mainly, but not exclusively, in Australia – think Malta, Finland, New Zealand or ?. A dreamer and an optimist, her stories are a delicious cocktail of mutual respect, passion and loyalty because she still believes in happily-ever-afters.
Jennifer fell in love with romance as a teenager. Starting with historical romance. Everything in the school library and then a personal treasured collection of Georgette Heyer, hard copies and paperbacks. Historical romance remains comfort food, like vegemite toast, for those times when she feels low, but Georgette Heyer was an early star, under the blankets after lights out using a torch.
Jennifer is a member of Romance Writers of Australia. Three times a finalist in the Emerald competition, including in 2017, 2018 (Taylor’s Law) and 2022 (Quinn by Design – July 2024). She’s a member of Romance Writers of New Zealand, winning the Pacific Hearts competition twice, including in 2019 with Grace Under Fire, the sequel to Taylor’s Law. She’s also a member of Romance Writers of America and has been a finalist in chapter competitions in 2019, 2020 (Winner Orange Rose contemporary romance category – Planting Hope) and 2021 (Taylor’s Law). Jennifer values competitions for the constructive, honest, not always comfortable feedback they provide.
Jennifer loves those days when words flow and the joy of writing makes the hard slog worthwhile. She’s always made up stories about strangers in the street, in a café or strolling through an airport terminal; finding inspiration in snippets of conversations, news items and the sheer puzzle of human interactions.
Jennifer lives in inner-city Sydney, Australia, with the requisite number of partners (1) and animals (2). Her desk overlooks a park which nourishes her soul when she raises her head from her keyboard. She gets some of her best ideas during long yin yoga poses or walking – anywhere. While Jennifer adores historical romance, she chose to write contemporary because she thought (wrongly) it needed less research while she was holding down a full-time job.
Love Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna is a fun contemporary romance with a vacation fling, some angst, push-pull, chemistry, and steam.
As expected from Ms. Hanna, I was completely captivated right from the very first page. She crafted a wonderful story about how a holiday fling brings something unexpected- and about taking a chance on love, with just enough drama and angst to add some tension and keep things interesting.
I am happy to recommend this book- it is well worth the read!
Looking forward to more from Ms. Hanna.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Marina Hanna!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So this is book 3 in this AMAZING series and yes you could just read it but I highly recommend reading the entire series start to finish. I promise you won’t regret even a single second spent reading. There is so much happening in this story with these fantastic characters, a bit of jealousy, meddling parents, trust issues and fear just to name a few, that you will be completely captivated from start to finish. I absolutely LOVE Jeff and Kia. I may have finished the book but they still have my heart and always will.
Love Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love this author because she never disappoints her readers. She always brings us great characters, fun storylines and leaves her readers feeling good when the read is finished. This Book is another prime example of just that!! Toni starts her holiday by dumping her boyfriend and moving to a much better hotel then she meets Mickey and amazing chemistry follows. Between her just dumped boyfriend and his Ex this story takes some interesting turns. I promise you will be just as hooked on their story and seeing them get together as I was. Get reading!!!!!!
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh the absolute sweetness of this love story!! It had the steamy and the sweet all mixed nicely together. Annie is perfect with just the right amount of shyness but still has bold honesty when it comes to her feelings. And Craig has such a big heart and an even bigger soft spot for Annie. Not to mention the character growth for both Craig and Annie. This was the perfect romance to read and I really love the author’s writing style. I am really looking forward to reading more of their books. Especially when the stories have just the right amount of romance in them! You don’t have to read the first book in the series but I know I will be going back and reading it!
A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this second chance romance story. Phoebe ran and broke Laurent’s heart and now twenty years later she walks back into his life. You can feel the chemistry between these two as soon as they are in the same room. Phoebe has some issues that she needs to face because of tragedy from her past. There are other problems as well that have affected her relationships. Laurent has become a successful man in the family business but has always felt like he’s missing something. The author definitely made you feel many different emotions while reading this book. This was a quick read for me because I didn’t want to put it down. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kia has made a comfortable life as a single mom with her son. Her son starts teeball and can’t stop talking about his coach Smitty. When Kia goes to pick up her son from practice, Smitty, is Kias one night stand from six years ago and the father of her son.
Professional ball player Jake smith, “Smitty” is giving back and enjoying coaching for the little league. A blast from the past shows up and he’s excited to reconnect with Kia. Until she drops a bomb on him.
Kia doesn’t trust that Jake is going to stick around and the “newness” wears off and Jake is trying to convince Kia that he’s playing for keeps, not just the novelty of being a dad and committed relationship.
Even though this a part of a series, you can read as a stand alone and not feel like you are missing anything as each book features a player. Great fun read
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Damon the demon and book nerd Skylar. Two of the most unlikeliest people to be together. Although, Damon hooking up with Skylar’s best friend is even more unlikely…isn’t it? This story has the naughtiest of blackmail possible. This entire story is horrifying for a high schooler to have to deal with. High school sucks, parents suck…people in general suck. This story however does not suck!
The Hidden Valley Elite series is broken down into duets. Each duet must be read in order because the characters overlap and blend together so well. Brutal Days and Brutal Nights is the 2nd duet in this series.
Looking forward to following this group of highschoolers into young adulthood.
Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Annie has always dreamed of running a Bed and Breakfast. She has fixed the place up but is not getting the customers she needs. When her friend, and future family by marriage, offers Craig to help with her marketing, Annie is quick to turn down his services. She can’t afford him and her hormones won’t let her concentrate when he’s around.
Craig is attracted to Annie…but he is in town to help out her business since he is not a relationship kind of guy. But, when these two can’t keep their hands off of each other, he comes up with a plan that they could both benefit from. What he doesn’t expect is are feelings, and the town’s gossip mill, to get involved.
These two characters were enjoyable. It was comical the way Annie would get get flustered and Craig would know just what to say. Both of their pasts have shaped their feelings on future relationships and have closed them off to that happily-ever-after ending. However, the heart wants what it wants and it’s a battle that these two are trying hard to fight (even if it means getting in their own way time and time again). I also enjoyed the secondary characters. Annie’s brother sure needs his own book and happy ending!
Love Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed parts of this story but was not a fan of the way it was written. It was a bit fast with not a lot of detail but then tons of detail that wasn’t needed . I feel like it has a great idea there but there is too much of the extra detail that isn’t needed thrown in but if you can get past that a great story to read and enjoy. The trials of falling in love.
Love Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love Is What It Is was the first book that I read by this author, but it will not be the last. It is a contemporary romance full of passion, chemistry, romance, angst, bitter ex-lovers, rivals, and drama that all unfolds in a tropical location. When Toni goes on vacation with her new, not quite boyfriend, Clive, that she has only been seeing for three weeks she is expecting fun in the sun as well as between the sheets. Instead, she ends up in a dive of a motel with dirty sheets, broken bedsprings, and creepy crawlies skittling across the floor. Added to that Clive is being a total jerk to her and she regrets agreeing to go on vacation with him. Deciding to make the most of her trip alone, she leaves Clive sleeping and finds classier accommodations. While enjoying the new hotel she runs into Mickey, a drop-dead gorgeous guest staying at the hotel who comes to her rescue when Clive confronts Toni. Mickey and Toni are instantly attracted to one another and are enjoying each other’s company until his ex decides to interfere and ruin things for them. Toni falls hard for Mickey, but he is not keen on doing the love thing which breaks her heart. Can Toni and Mickey have any chance at a future together?
This was a great read with a beautiful tropical setting and characters that are easy to become invested in. Both Toni and Mickey have less than perfect track records with past relationships and the whole love thing. Past relationships also seem to be part of the present, interfering in any chance they have for love or a future together. It was interesting to see how Toni and Mickey navigated through these issues that popped up as they were getting to know one another. I loved this author’s writing style and the dash of humor that was sprinkled throughout. A great read that I highly recommend!
Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great second chance romance, secret baby romance that fits perfectly with the overall feel of this series. This book was a great story from the moment I started reading. I loved the characters in the book and how they discovered each other after so many years.
This book is one of my favourite tropes and the author has done it so well. I was engaged with the story and the characters and wanted them to figure everything out. It didn’t take me long to read this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it all.
Love Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Toni Cooper is going on holiday with the man she has been seeing, only to figure out he is even more of a dud then she thought. Deciding her vacation is going to be solo she meets Mickey Wilson who she instantly connects with. As they explore the chemistry between them Mickey’s ex decides to interfere and has Mickey worried that she is going to ruin what he and Toni are building.
This was a fun quick romance. I liked the chemistry between Toni and Mickey. Mickey radiates charisma. Looking for a short holiday romance this is a good one to pick up.
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Annie Miller and her siblings set out on a new adventure. Annie has found the perfect place for her B&B. Her next goal is to get her B&B up and running. Craig has come to Montana to see his cousin get married. So while on vacation he needs to find something to do. Two very different people, one bound to Marietta and one lives in Portland. This is a small town romance that had me within the first couple of pages. The story is romantic, funny and unexpected. The author may be new to me, but now she is not. I will be looking for more as this story captures my heart. Even if it did mess with my emotions. It was well worth the time and money spent on this book. This is a must read for those romantic readers.
Review@cinful
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Annie Miller has had tragedy in her life, losing both your parents is a trauma but when you lose them together in the same accident you become lost but knowing she had to look after her brother and sister they decided to make a break and move to a town which held both good memories and a new start for the family.
Marietta was the place that her parents had taken them on holidays and the right place to make a new life, buying the B and B and making it home was all Annie was thinking about. Her sister was getting married in a few weeks and all the arrangements were getting sorted, but Annie worried about the business, she had a few bookings but nothing to make it a living which she needed to do. Although Janie has suggested her godson a big marketing man from Portland, Annie had reservations about working with the handsome man from the big city.
Craig O’Sullivan is becoming disillusioned working for a big firm, with the new contract they have just won meant that a smaller marketing company folded and that does not sit right with him, so when his Aunty Janice calls saying she needs help with his cousin’s wedding plans he sees this as an opportunity to escape the race for a bit and unwind. When he arrives to the small town of Marietta, he is pushed into helping Annie with her marketing strategy for the B and B but once he meets her the sparks fly and he can’t get her out of his head.
They decide to see where these sparks go but can they both agree on the short-term fun or when its time to say goodbye can they or are there hearts too invested in each other.
I loved this story; it was fully of swoon moments and just a good romance from start to finish. This is the first book I read by this author and loved the storytelling that flowed from the page. The character of Annie was lovely and although her confidence had been hit with a shovel by her ex-partner, I loved the willingness in the end to take a chance and go for what she wanted. Craig’s character was a perfect accompany to Annie and although he seemed confident and sure on the outside there was the doubt in him that he would be hurt and abandoned just like his parents had done all those years ago and that giving your heart always meant heartbreak.
The secondary characters were brilliant and enhanced the story and showed the families merging as one, please tell me that Riley and Mitch get together in the end as that chemistry was also jumping off the page and deserves a book of there own lol. Thank you for letting me invade and feel that these people could be my friends to.
A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a quick read for me. I had a really difficult time liking Phoebe. She agitated me and I had a difficult time connecting with her. With that said, it didn’t take away from the overall plot for me. I really liked Laurent a lot and he saved my overall feelings for the story.
A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was amazed at how many things Maria did and what she was thinking. I get that she wanted her mom to approve her but OMG a guy that she one time meet ends up in bed with her. Talk about music into her ears. Not only that she offered to pay for his band. Oh, she wants everything from him.
The author Tami Lund did an amazing job with Maria and Oz. I have to maybe go back to a book and read the other two as well to get a full story. But this story was like wow…
A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Laurent has lived in and worked at his families Vineyards for what seems like forever, but getting to his position in the company has taken hard work and determination, although he always felt like he was missing something in his life when his best friend and really love of his life Phoebe left all those years ago.
Phoebe left the small town which had her heart years ago, leaving everything and everyone was one of the hardest decisions he has ever had to make but with all the tragedy that has happen in her life she wants comfort and familiarity and to collect on a promise hopefully Laurent has not forgot about. Leaving him was the hardest thing of all but over the years of roaming the world and not wanting to settle down it always leads her back to Vine Valley and the unconditional love of a man.
Standing there in the tasting room was the scariest thing Phoebe had done but seeing him all the old feeling came flooding back and will he be able to forgive her and help her in this dilemma.
This is the first story I have read by this author, and it was a heartwarming read, the chemistry between the two main characters was a joy to be a part of and the angst and pain felt in some of the conversations were real and to the point. I love a flawed character and Phoebe unfortunately was a product of mental abuse and sheer tragedy in her life, with her only escape was running.
Laurent character was a great counter to Phoebe’s but with his utter loss and being heartbroken when she left not knowing where or why she vanished as imprinted on him and with him wanting to trust and be with her moving forward. I also thought the secondary characters added to the flow and depth of the story.
I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author and hopefully more in this series.
Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Second chances and baseball
This contemporary sports romance is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series. It follows Kia and Jeff as they navigate their second chance romance which comes with a ready made family. I really enjoyed their story and it was easy to get swept up in the dialogue and storyline. Another great addition and looking forward to the rest of the series. Recommend.
Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Sliding Into Home is the fourth book in the Playing for Keeps series by Lauren Fraser. It is a contemporary sports romance with a secret baby trope, angst, drama, chemistry, single mother, professional baseball player, jealousy, meddling, tension, and emotion.
This is Kia and Jeff’s story- who had an encounter six years earlier that left more than an impression on them. Now, secrets are about to come to light. What happens makes for a great read.
If you are looking for a quick and easy sports romance that has some emotion, angst, interesting characters, and drama- then this might be the book for you.
The series contains:
-Too Far (Book #1)
-Everything to Me (Book #2)
-Throwing the Curve (Book #3)
-Sliding Home (Book #4)
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Fraser does next.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Lauren Fraser.
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Annie is a chef working on her dreams. She moved to Marietta and bought the perfect bed and breakfast place, now the problem is, there are no guests in sight. This may have something to do due to the lack of proper marketing, and so she happens to know the perfect man for the job.
Craig is a hotshot from Portland with a great marketing job, he does not require love from a woman, since he can get plenty of attraction from his multiple dates, oh but for how long could that work out? He will find out how romance can change the way of his life forever.
Romantic and delicious, this book will take you to a mountain voyage in an afternoon.
Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ll admit this book originally threw me as it was not entirely what I was expecting but then that was a good thing! I fell more in love with the characters as I went along and loved all the sidekicks, plus the fact that the leads were not your typical alpha male and stunningly beautiful but unaware heroine. It was definitely a page-turner with plenty of laughs sprinkled in – a great read!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well let’s start by saying I really enjoy this series. Especially Smooth Hoperator. This book had me laughing out loud more than the previous book. Despite the humor the author wrote a wonderful story with twists and turns in regards to conspiracies, fake romances, and protection. But is any romance ever really fake?
Carter has the brilliant idea to convince Sunny to help him. Be her fake boyfriend to light a fire under the butt of the guy she’s crushing on. However, what happens when lines are blurred and those feelings become real?
He’s trying to protect his family from some bad people. Running from a career in politics after getting caught up in something bigger than him. Now Sunny and Duke are his ticket to protect those he cares about. Do they succeed?
I love books that actually make me laugh. And the author gave Grandpa Duke some of the best lines.
Though this book is part of a series, it works very well as a standalone novel. Yes, the story connected to the previous book. However, that’s because each book focuses on a different Brooks sibling of an extremely tight knit family. I look forward to where the author goes next with this series.
Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sliding into Home
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
***No spoilers in this Review***
I read this book without reading the synopsis on it because I liked the other books in this series so much I decided I wanted to read it no matter what. I definitely suggest doing the same! I think this book maybe my favorite in this series! I felt like I never knew what Kia was going to do and I like it not being super predictable! Keep fighting for what they want
Would love to have an update on Kia, Smitty, and Max!
Can’t wait to read more books by Lauren Fraser!
Smooth Hoperator: A Fake-Relationship Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sylvie Stewart has done it again! I loved meeting the Brooks family in the first installment of this series and now we get to know more about Carter in this story. I can’t imagine growing up in this family and surviving the antics that take place amongst all these boys!
Carter is a bit grumpy. He’s been through a lot though and maybe he’s entitled to his grumpiness. Enter Sunny who is the exact opposite…bubbly, quirky, and just a fun soul to be around. It’s true that opposites really do attract!
This is a second book in a series but can easily be read as a stand alone. There is a lot of humor interspered with the romance and makes for an enjoyable read.
Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve not read anything by this author prior to this book but I love the humor she interweaves within the story that she writes.
Hollis (I love this name by the way) is the dog groomer next door to the bar that Cash owns with his brothers. These two DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT, get along. Sarcasm is strong between the hedges and a few pranks are executed. However, when the bar is hit with an inspection citation, Hollis considers coming to the rescue.
This is a pretty steamy (much more than I anticipated) read but the storyline itself was enjoyable. I love how Cash’s parents chose their names. The humor of the story had me laughing out loud. Overall, an enjoyable read.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the continuation of Damon and Skylar’s story and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one! I enjoyed them a lot and this author writes their stories in a way that pulls me into the story and I couldn’t put it down! They had so many ups and downs and many of their moments weren’t pretty ones. I was rooting for them from the very beginning and I really enjoyed their story! I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future and I would recommend to anyone that loves a good angsty high school romance.
Happy Reading!
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Annie Miller is hoping her bed and breakfast in Bramble Lane, Montana picks up and she knows one person who could help but he is much to of a big wig, not to mention handsome to ask. When Craig arrives two weeks early for his brother’s wedding he finds Annie just as alluring as she was the last time. Getting her to accept his help is harder then he thought, but he has ideas and the two agree to explore the chemistry between them the only condition though is not to expect more then a fun few weeks. What happens though when feelings get involved for them when they both don’t believe in happily ever afters?
Great chemistry, both Annie and Craig want more but are so closed off on not getting hurt that they are unwilling to risk it. It takes those wonderful characters surrounding them to open their eyes to what could be. I thought this was really entertaining and will go back to read the first book.