Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 Stars
This was my first read by this author and it was a good read! It kept my attention and I appreciated that. It is very well written which I love. I love books with the male characters written for the female gaze and that’s definitely Dean!
Evan by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 stars
This series is such an interesting concept. Kayla’s restaurant would be a total hit in today’s world. I love the dynamic between the friend group and how they adopted Kayla in. This was my second book by this author and it was very enjoyable. I’m hoping that Ryker is next!
Grace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.3/5 Stars
This was my 2nd book by this author and I enjoyed it! It’s always cool to read books that are set in other countries. This book is well written and easy to follow along. The dynamic between Grace & Ryan is such a beautiful thing to see play out. The story definitely pulls on your heartstrings when addressing the grief between the two.
True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3/5 Stars When I first started the book, I was a little throw off by the writing style. I had to adjust myself to think with the mindset of a a 12-13 year old girl, that’s just entering into middle school. Once I did that, I was able to enjoy the book way more. It reminded me a lot of what it’s like to be a young girl going through changes, becoming interested in more teen-like things, and managing my social life as best as possible. As an adult I thought it was immature that Tori & Ericka were behaving the way they were, but at that age it’s totally appropriate lol. It’s a great read for young girls who are getting into reading and want a relatable read. It’s very easy to read and follow along with.
The Golden Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
This was my first read in this series and I really enjoyed it! This book was written so well and the world building was great. It’s not hard to read even though it’s apart of a series. The storyline is soooo good. It sucks you right in and makes you want to read the entire series.
Throwing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book! It’s very well written which I appreciated. It wasn’t too corny and it had a little comedy to it. The storyline is easy to follow along as a stand-alone which I liked. I read the first book in this series and wanted to read a book where Ryan was the main character. I’m glad I got to! He’s still my fave.
A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
This book was nothing short of amazing. I absolutely LOVED IT. It’s very entertaining and well written. From the beginning of the book, Rhia’s personality is on full display. Her boldness and bluntness is so evident from the first chapter. I spent the entire book rooting for her and the prince. I 100% am adding this author to my top 5 author list.
Chasing Redemption by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
This was my first read of the series and it was good! At first I felt like the book was too fast paced, but it slowed down and got really good at the end. Max is such a lovable character. I’m not really into the surprise pregnancy troupe, but it was done very well in this book. Based on this book, I’m guessing each book is about different characters of the same friend group. I love books like that and will be reading book one and book two.
My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3/5 Stars
This was my first read by this author and it was okay. The beginning seemed too fast paced for the plot. Towards the end it got better but seemed rushed due to the length of the book. Carmen and Patty were my favorites. I would’ve loved for the book to have been longer with more character development.
Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 stars
This is my first read in this series and it’s a great standalone! This book reminds me of a behind the scenes look into how TV shows like Married at First Sight are done. It would actually make for a great drama TV series or movie. It was such a fun read and I found myself chuckling along with Abi. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
Falling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 stars
This was my first book of 2023 and it is such a cute story. I love second chance romances and small towns and this book has both. Not only does Ginny’s relationship with her dad pull at my heart strings, Max is such a loveable character. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait for more!
Revenge Never Rests by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.2/5 Stars
This was my first book by the author and in the series. I wasn’t lost at all reading this book which I really liked. I also liked how straightforward the storyline is. The beginning of the book is enough to pull you in but it doesn’t beat around the bush with action. I’m so glad I was able to add this to my read list for this year!
Beast by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.7/5 Stars
This was my 2nd book in this series. Thief was the first book I read and this book was just as good. I love how the book was written and the first few chapters give some great insight on Adrik. The flashback portions weren’t distracting or misplaced and really help us learn why Adrik is the way he is. This series is so good and the books being able to be read as standalone books is refreshing.
Thief by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
This was my first book in the series and it was so good! This is a book that can be read as a standalone, but reading the previous books will give insight to who is who in this book. Leah has an authentic vulnerability that I just loved reading about and so did Dom towards the end. I was very excited to see the next book is about Adrik!
Snow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.7/5 Stars
This is a quick, Christmas romance! It’s so good and the characters are easy to love. It’s a look into the professional athlete world and it gives a taste of what it’s like to sacrifice everything to be the best. I love that Sienna & Connor compliment each other in a realistic way. This book made me want to take a winter getaway to the slopes!
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.8/5 Stars
This was such a fun read! I was instantly capitulated by the different character dynamics. I love when it’s the man who’s the major romantic. This movie reminded me of a steamy version of a hallmark movie. It was such a light, airy read. Very well written and entertaining.
National Parks by Laikyn Meng
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3/5 stars
This was my first read by this author. The story line has potential to be very solid but the writing style didn’t mesh with me well. I felt like sometimes the word choices tried to be too unique and deep which lost me. The beginning of the book didn’t match the rest of the chapters to me and left me confused when I started reading the rest of the beginning.
Reckless Heart by Jane Suen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5/5 Stars
This was my first read in this series and I wasn’t lost. This book was a quick read, and could pose as a stand alone. At times I felt like I was reading a romance about high schoolers and not adults. The way situations were handled and reacted to, didn’t match the character’s ages in my opinion. It’s a cute romance, but I wish the main characters were more mature.
Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.7/5 Stars
This was my first read by this author and it was okay. I expected more of a fun, comedy banter feel to the story than there was. I did like that it’s written in 3rd person. The book did make me want to take a cruise!
The Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 Stars
This book was so cute! The tradition that the group of friends started by watching rom-come every night made me want ti start doing that with my group of friends! Ryan is definitely written for the female gaze with the way he expresses himself and shares his feelings. I’m glad Lisa allowed herself to enjoy their love despite what she’s been through!
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 Stars
This is my first read by the author and I liked it. The first journal entry in the first chapter was so raw it drew me in. I will say after that I struggled to stay drawn in but the end of the book hooked me back in. This story is such a heartwarming story overall. Carina is very relatable and the way she handles grief is touching.
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.3/5 Stars
This was such a good way for multiple cute stories to collide! I really enjoyed the different stories and the way they were written. Each story was written differently, but so well. Each seemed like a hallmark story on the pages.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
This is the second book in this series and it’s just as good! This book picks right up where book one left off which I enjoyed. There wasn’t any time passing or anything that put space between book one and this one. Because I read book one, I wasn’t lost at all but new readers might be. This book is just as well written and entertaining. The only thing is Chloe & Quintus’ romance isn’t dealt with as much as I would like. Other than that, this book is so good and I can’t wait for book 3.
Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.2/5 Stars
This was my first read by the author and I enjoyed it! The characters are so likable, except Olivia’s ex husband and her mom at first. This book gave me a little dive into the cooking world. I also enjoyed how Olivia was a strong main character. She communicated what she needed without hesitation, even if it was hard or uncomfortable. This story is easy to read and dive into!
Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 Stars
This book was an easy read, enemies to lovers comedy. I did find it to be a little hard to get into at the beginning but after I got through a couple of chapters, I liked it. Georgia & Hudson are both likable characters, but I wish they had more natural chemistry. I enjoyed their pets being an added element to the story. It gave an additional I didn’t know the story needed!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
This was my first book by this author and hi really enjoyed it! I was drawn to the book because of the main characters culture, but I loved how well written it was! This book takes on family expectations, romance, disappointments in life, and adds a twist of magic. Not only is this book entertaining, it also captures some of the difficulties of being a young adult trying to establish your own lifestyle. I definitely want to read more by this author!
Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.4/5 Stars
This was my first read of the series and by the author. I do think in order to be fully emerged into this world, you will need to have read books 1-4 to completely understand what’s going on. However, I did enjoy reading this book! The characters were relatable and realistic in the way they handled the situations thrown at them.
WE Blend by Willa Drew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.2/5 Stars
This is my first read by these authors and it was a good introduction to their work! Wil & Melodie’s romance was very well written and had some depth even though they’re young. The consistency of the music industry being mentioned was nice because it really puts you inside of the book. I enjoyed reading about what it’s like to be famous and rich, yet want to hide from that world. Not only does this book do a great job at keeping you engaged, the ending makes you excited to read more!
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.7/5 stars
This book has the potential to be good but I didn’t enjoy the speed of it. It starts out as sort of a slow burn, then escalates very quickly. It almost seems like an unreal timeline between the first few chapters and the middle of the book. I would’ve liked more depth in the beginning or a smoother transition between the main characters romance.
I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 Stars
This is a second chance romance between a small group of friends that began in high school. Josh & Mavis have history and a love that can’t be quenched. Things take a turn when Mavis forms a relationship with Josh’s twin brother, Austin. Once Josh’s divorce is final, he decides to fight for his true love Mavis which unravels drama, secrets, and heartbreak. This book was cute and clean. I would’ve liked more depth to Josh & Mavis, but overall this is a sweet romance.
