The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nathan has a secret he has kept for years. Holly witnesses something she shouldn’t have. One secret keeps them tied together, but is it enough? At first, I thought the story was going to be slow, but it surprised me and I couldn’t put it down! This book hits on a very important social issue and is an inspiring story!
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have such a weakness for cover art and this is a perfect example of why ❣️📕
So Sol is Mr May and Ember has always has a soft for him but he’s also been her mentor and guide at the firehouse ….
Sol got hurt saving 2 children and he’s hailed a hero by many and rightly so but in his own eyes he’s a failure and he tries to drown his sorrows in the bottle when he’s forced to retire ….
Ember reaches out to him and soon enough friendship grows into something deeper and stronger well it flames up into hot passion 🔥
Sol is older than Ember and I think it’s just what she needs band I’ve always been one to like an older man 😉
Loved you Ember and Sol ❣️🔥
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book came along for me at a time where I just needed some happy and with its wonderful characters and heart warming moments that is exactly what I got. To put it simply, we all need a happily ever after bookstore with the fabulous Leona in our lives! This author creates such relatable charismatic characters, places and storylines that she will always have a true fan in me. My heart is now filled with hope and wonder.
~ ~ ~ ~ PREORDER ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Falling in love with a pop starlet has its drawbacks
Lack of privacy, for one
Gossip, for another
But falling in love with Kiki Ramirez was the best thing I’ve ever done
And the stupidest
One story planted by her agent and now I look like a fool
Played by the starlet
Looking like a simp for the world to see
But none of its true and I can’t defend my woman how I want
The urge to fight for her, to defend her is too strong
Even against the Hollywood machine working hard to keep us apart
Falling in love with a civilian wasn’t part of the plan
I didn’t believe in love
Not for me and not for my life
But a small town mayor was the man who’d torn down my walls
Snuck past my defenses
And now with our future hanging in the balance its up to me to find a way to make it all work
A crazy agent
A ravenous paparazzi
And a pregnant belly I’m powerless to hide
I want Eric and the life I see for us
But how can I invite this madness into his quiet, small town life?
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~ 
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PREORDER ~ ~ ~
Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5stars
Secrets, lies and drama
This book is interesting and deals with some tough issues with sensitivity. Holly and Nathan felt genuine and the romance aspect was well done. There were moments within the story where I felt disconnected and the story lulled but there was an emotional undertone that kept me reading. YA romance with a little bit more.
Burned by Fire by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sol is battling with an addiction to alcohol after his has to give up his dream job of being a firefighter. Forced to retire, he is not the same man that he used to be. He does not enjoy any of the things he used to and doesn’t want to speak to any of his friends. If he keeps it up, he will go down a dark path. Enter is light in the tunnel, Ember. She is also a firefighter who strives for greatness. The firehouse just isn’t the same without her favorite eye candy around. When she runs into Sol drinking away his sorrows, she knows she must help him. She has always had a thing for him. Will she be able to help Sol and steal his heart? Or will Sol crash and burn quicker than a structure fire?
This was a quick read but worth it! The characters are contagious and kept me wanting more. This book is hot and I’m not just talking about the fire!
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Levi is asked by a friend to protect someone until their court date, he says yes despite being busy running the ranch with his brothers and taking care of his sister. However, when Bella arrives, she is not the docile, do as you’re told, charge…she is strong, independent, and willing to hold her ground.
While Levi’s brothers, Amos and Elijah, have no problems with her….Levi and Bella butt heads and have some pretty heated disagreements. But this soon gives way to friendship and an undeniable attraction (which Levi is determined to keep at bay for as long as possible). However, when danger arrives at their doorstep, will Bella remain just a job?!? You will have to read it to find out!
I enjoyed these characters. I enjoyed watching Levi open up his heart as the story progressed…and Bella started to feel that protection that she has been needing for so long. There was laughter and suspense…and the hope that these two would finally give in to what they have been fighting. Overall, a good book that I enjoyed reading.
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I grabbed this book because of the cover so I dove in blind. I wasnt sure what to expect with this book but it sure wasnt the heart clenching read this was.
High school age reads are not my go to reads as they are usually young but acting older than would seem normal, dealing with situations that are far fetched etc but that is NOT case with this book.
My heart broke in a million pieces with each blow we see in this book but our main characters are fighters and I was rooting for a good outcome.
Glad I took a chance on this book, I love this author so knew it would be good.
Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really enjoyable romance. I loved the chemistry between the characters both Bridger and Tia know how to push the others buttons and that only sparks their chemistry more.
Bridger is well known as a playboy. He plays hard both on and off the ice but this behaviour is now biting him in the butt as bad press and being distracted during games is having a negative impact on his career.
He’s decided to lay off women and concentrate on his career that is until Tia walks into his life.
Tia has had a bad experience with rich playboys and has learnt her lesson the hard way. Never again will she be caught up with a rich playboy. However things get a bit sidetracked when she meet Bridger.
The attraction between them is instant and steamy. With both of them not wanting to commit they settle on 1 weekend of fun. But what happens when that 1 weekend isn’t enough.
Could Tia be the girl to finally tame the notorious playboy? Will Tia even contemplate more with Bridger? And what happens if Tia’s past is revealed? Will Bridger pursue her as hard as he plays in life? Or will Tia stand her ground and and deny Bridger the one thing he wants, Her?
Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bridger has the reputation of the playboy hockey star, and he is happy with that, the self-proclaimed bachelor but when his persona is affecting his career, he become more adamant to try and shed the fast life image and concentrate on growing up and being much more. So, when he is asked to set up a team charity calendar, how hard can it be?
Tia has had enough of rich playboys, after the last one tried to destroy her, she is wanting a quiet life, until she is plunged into the world of hockey. Her boss is shooting the calendar for the Astoria Bay Hockey Team and when she runs into Bridger her world goes slightly off centre, the chemistry between them is great but he irritates the crap out of her and he is in the “Playboy” category which she is wanting to stay away from, but can she?
I love a good hockey story, and this does not disappoint, the interaction between the main character is great to read. I love a good frenemies story and the chemistry between these two is electric, with the insecurities that comes from both main characters just adds another dimension in to a great story. I loved that this book can be read as stand alone within the series and I can guarantee that I will be reading more in this series and by this author.
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
I fell in love with this book and its characters. It was very funny, realistic, and sweet to say the least. Nicco has an incredible story that you never see coming, he wants to love and be open so bad but his past will not allow him until he meets Destiny. She’s an angel to him so selfless and loving and genuine. Destiny has her impression of Nicco but as a ‘fan’ who has seen his ‘work’ well she sees him as inspiration and that is only until a deal is made. Candi, this girl is everything Destiny isn’t and her best friend since they were kids. I love the push and pull with Nicco and Destiny there isn’t ever a dull moment. Also, make sure you read the ENTIRE book including the prologue.
Love is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really good read! I enjoyed this one a lot. It was sweet, romantic and at times emotional. This was fast paced which made it a pretty quick read. This is a great series and I love that each book can be read separately as a standalone so you don’t have to read the previous books in the series. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series either!
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Happily Ever After Bookstore
When I started reading it felt weird reading a holiday story in July, then I kept going and it wasn’t a holiday book and I ended up enjoying it.
There were 3 stories with in the book, though individuals there are also crossed with the center being Leona and her bookstore. That is where the magic happens.
Charlie and Sadie were just meant to be together. They meet at the bookstore though their paths should gave crossed several times before that fateful day.
Price and Fiona kind of broke my heart. They loved each other but life had other plans for them. They are reunited at the bookstore after several years.
Leona the unofficial match maker has helped with at least two couples (I’m betting there were more that we have no clue about) finding their happily ever after but neglected herself and her happiness.
This was a book that warmed my heart a little and was glad I picked it up.
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is amazing. Nicco and Destiny are not in a rush to do anything together. Their chemistry is off the charts but they have both been badly hurt before and have no desire to experience that again. Can they find love together? Will they over come all of the walls they each have up?
After spending weeks getting to know one another, what happens next?
WONDERFUL story. Definitely worth the anticipation from chapter to chapter.
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book SO much!! The characters were so enjoyable and relatable—the reader can’t help but fall in love with them, as they were slowly falling in love with each other! TOTAL relationship goals. Magnificent feel good read. Can’t recommend it enough!
Handsome & intriguing, up & coming Italian actor, Niccolo Mancini has quite the reputation as a playboy. Indie romance writer, Destiny Cardone has sworn off men and the notion of ever finding her soul mate. When their paths cross on Destiny’s 30th birthday, the attraction is instant & sparks sizzle all around them! Destiny was aware of Nicco’s reputation and knew there was no way that someone like him would be interested in her. When they engage in a business relationship, a beautiful friendship begins to form and the facades begin to fade, but will it be enough to bridge the lifestyle differences and allow them to have a shot at that happily ever after, true love?
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At Happily Ever After Bookstore, you come for a book but you get a Happily Ever After with it. Sometimes that happy ever after is in the book you’ve purchased, other times, you might just find it with someone else. Leona loves helping her customers find the perfect book, but when possible she might meddle a little more and help them find something they were missing.
When Sadie comes in looking for a Christmas Romance, Leona points her in the right direction. While looking for the perfect book, she bumps into Charlie. After both have selected their books, paid and left, they soon discover that Leona has mixed up their books! Now, on the hunt to find one another, they find themselves in the midst of match making and a holiday miracle starts to happen.
Sadie and Charlie aren’t the only ones who are finding their Happy Ever After from the bookstore either! When Fiona moves to town, she’s planning on starting over years after her divorce. When Leona discovers that both Fiona and her ex-husband Price are in the same town, she uses her skills to get them alone together. After all, it’s obvious there is unfinished business there.
Just when Leona thinks she’ll never find her happily ever after, something goes wrong with the bookstore and Jon Ford, handyman, enters to help fix it up. In no time, Leona starts to believe he could be her happily ever after but then finds out it’s more than just him she’s getting into. Is she ready to live a man and his kids with her whole being?
I loved this books set up and idea! The author does a wonderful job creating her characters and helping the reader see them fall in love. I only wish that it had been more interspersed or that each set of characters had their own book with more detail in it. The way this is set up gives more of a short story feel, which leaves me craving more.
Happily Ever After Bookstore definitely makes you believe in the magic of a good book and I’m curious to see if we get anymore of the happy ever afters that Leona has, or will, play a part in. Great writing, great premise and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had so much to offer I’m not sure I know where to start. This book was definitely a slow burn full of love, heartbreak, friendships and more. While I have only read a couple of books from this author, she is quickly becoming one of my favorites. When I first saw the cover to this book I knew that I wanted to read it right away, the cover had bright colors and was absolutely beautiful, and not to mention I just love a book where the title comes full circle. The characters were well developed, the plot was wonderful, and the overall story was amazing. So if your looking for a great new slow burn make sure you pick this one up today.
Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well well well, I never thought I would be into a hockey romance. But here I am, into a hockey romance.
If you are looking for that long lost love and old flames rekindled you’ve got it! Right here!
We have our main leading woman Brynn coming to terms with her recent divorce. To live HER dream and not her ex husband’s dream!
This series has me hooked and I will definitely be continuing with this!
Review by @michellerenee6590
View all my reviews
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this sweet romance. The author does an amazing job with the characters giving them a depth that makes them relatable and allows the readers to really feel the feelings and emotions they go through. The connection between the characters is instant with Destiny already being a fan of Nicco. Over the course of the story we see how they get closer while fighting Destiny’s insecurities and Nicco’s playboy image. This is a great read that keeps you hooked wondering will they get it together or won’t they.
Nicco is a actor that has every girls heart racing and Destiny is no exception. So when they meet at her friends photo shoot the spark is immediate. Destiny is a romance writer who is struggling to find her story however a little time with Nicco has got her creative juices flowing. So when Nicco comes to her with a proposition, he becomes her muse of her story and she helps him with his career, how could Destiny refuse.
As their journey continues their feelings grow but with both of them having been hurt in the past and insecurities are they going to be able to work through it all to make it work? Will Destiny finally get to write her own happy ever after or will they both end up with their hearts broken again?
The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book will get you in its clutches and won’t let go. The instant drama, the insane amount of twists, turns and thrills will leave you wanting more. I loved the characters! This author does such great character development that you begin to make Audri and Remi as well as some of the side characters your book friends right away. This book has it all! Sizzle, steam, mystery, back stories, drama, romance and of course an HEA!! You won’t regret giving this book a chance.
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an entertaining and enjoyable contemporary romance, with a friends to lovers theme and a slow burn romance between two soul mates. The main characters are, Destiny a romance author with writers block and Niccolo a sexy Italian film star who has just found fame. Niccolo offers Destiny a deal, one which she probably should not have agreed to, but she did, and now she’s finding that she’s spending a lot of time with Niccolo, alone, under the same roof. Although Destiny is thinking of ways she can get out of the deal, she’s also enjoying spending time with the film star, and heart throb, but given his reputation she’s wary. However, the couple can not deny their instant chemistry, undeniable attraction and growing connection. This was a heartwarming romance between two very likeable and relatable characters who were so well defined I felt as though I knew them. I felt engaged with the couple and wanted them to get their HEA. I was immersed in the storyline which flowed well, and kept me happily turning the pages. It was a great read and gave me a real feel good factor.
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve always been a firm believer that everyone crosses our paths for a reason. If it be brief and/or forever. Which leads me to my next two questions: Have you ever made a deal with someone and regretted it the next day? Was alcohol involved? I’ve been there, what about you? Someone Exactly Like Me starts exactly like that. A sweet tiptoe around each other friendship/romance novel. It also makes me wonder if that’s why the author named the female lead Destiny. Soulmates and destiny go hand in hand if you believe in that stuff, so it definitely fits.
Niccolo Mancini, an Italian model/singer/actor, has been the star of Destiny’s fantasies since she saw Don Matteo. Never in a million years did she think she would come face to face with him, on her thirtieth birthday no less. Destiny, a romance novelist, has been in a writer’s slump the last few years, that is until Nicco. He’s awakened something in her and she just has to keep going.
Nicco can’t keep his eyes off of her, but he knows deep down he’s all wrong for her. He still approaches her anyway. Never expecting this breath of fresh air to call him out on his antics. Which gives him an idea, he offers to be the star of her next novel, if she puts him in touch with her mom for help breaking into the Hollywood celebrity scene.
And that is where the story takes off on an adventure of my fantasies. I would like to hope for yours as well. Who wouldn’t want to go on an adventure showing an Italian actor around where you grew up. The growth of these characters during this adventure is beautiful. They are both stubborn and set in their ways. However they also crumbled each other’s barrier walls around their hearts. A well written dynamic for anyone to enjoy.
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Destiny is a romance author suffering writer’s block. Nicco is a fantastic romance actor. These two are brought together by Destiny’s childhood friend, Cindy. This was a beautiful romance story because it gave the glimpse of the realistic struggle of the relationship. It was a little slow at the beginning; hence, the slow burn, but the action soon picked up. The characters felt real. You felt their pain, their love for each other. You felt every emotion they went through. This is a book that slowly pulls you in and you find that you just can’t stop. You will want to follow Nicco and Destiny’s story. The plot runs smooth with a twist or two, love it! I can’t tell anymore, you’ll have to read it. It’s so worth it.
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
This is the second book I have read by this author and I enjoyed every minute of it. I like Debbie’s writing style.
Someone Exactly Like Me is the first book in this series and is a slow burn, friends to lovers’ story. I loved the characters and their dynamics. The relationships between brothers and best friends. The story is heartfelt story and sweet journey. There is angst, heartbreak, love, friendships, insecurities and struggles, passion and anticipation, and sexual tension.
I love Nicco and Destiny their story is both heartbreaking and heat warming. It is emotionally raw at times and the characters are realistic and flawed, A deal is struck between a playboy and author no strings attached. Neither are looking for romance until feelings start evolving.
I look forward to more in the future.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Slow burn romance with depth
This is Niccolo and Destiny’s story. It was a heartfelt read full of self-discovery, romance and a bit of steam. All the characters are well developed and the storyline has a great pace. This is the first book in the series but there is no cliffhanger. I will definitely be checking out more from this author.
Love is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ah young love! How different this book was to the others in the series simply because of the age of the main characters! Loukas and Krystina are just starting out and discovering who they are and what they want (or supposedly don’t want) in life. From different family struggles to learning what lies beneath, this book was fantastic and I highly recommend it!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve always wanted to work on a magazine and I love an alpha male! This second book in the series delivers it all! It was great to learn more about Mia and her life away from her family plus the gorgeous Nicholas of course! What is behind his hot and cold attitude? I love when characters have depth like that! What can I say but yet another amazing book by this author!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, anyone else hungry after reading this book? My thanks to the author for providing so many recipes too – now to see if I’m as talented as Kally! I’ll admit it took me a moment to get into this book and to warm to Kally but once I learnt more about her background it was easier to see where she was coming from and I warmed to the whole Anadarakis family – I’m looking forward to learning more about them in the rest of the series as well as Max and Athena of course! Oh and I almost forgot – grateful to learn more about Greek culture too! This book has it all!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Adorable interwoven tale of three women looking for something and finding love, friendship, and family at a bookstore dedicated to happy endings.
Leona, the owner of the bookstore, starts Sadie and Charlie off on their romance by “accidentally” swapping Sadie’s romance novel for the biography Charlie is buying for his grandmother. Inspired by Charlie’s grandparents, Charlie asks Sadie to marry him just days after they meet. Leona is at it again when she sets up Fiona and Price, a divorced couple looking for a second chance at love. Despite her record for finding other’s their HEA’s, Leona finds her life a little lonely until a brutish handyman tells her he is shutting off the water to her building one day to fix a leak in the apartment upstairs. Jon hasn’t had it easy in the love department and he isn’t looking for anything right now. He has enough going on in his life. The inspiration of Charlie’s grandparents is felt far and wide. Jon takes a chance on love again with Fiona.
Insta-love abounds in these quirky tales of a charming bookstore and the people that are a part of its story.