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A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Right from the start, this was one of the cutest and easiest to read books I’ve picked up in awhile.
I was instantly right there in the parking lot with Holland, feeling her emotions and starting at a new school. I loved the mention and description of all the emotions, almost giving them their own personas.
Asher and Chandler are their own beast. The rivalry between them runs deep and has the whole school picking sides, as Holland quickly finds out.
I love Holland’s group of friends Asher invited her into. I was excited to see what Dara would dress up as next and loved how fierce and determined Tenley was.
Absolutely loved this book. Definitely worth the binge read.

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn (Ariadne Winter Mystery Series) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Alright prologue, sucking me right in. I struggled to find a favorite character, and throughout the book it was probably Edward.
I really expected there to actually be more flirtation between Ariadne and Johnny because of a few of their interactions and then there were other times where I felt like I couldn’t really get a read on him. He has a solid desire to help those around him. He has goals and even though his relationship with his half-brother Frank is tense, he does his best to accomplish what needs done without too much squabbling. But obviously feels slighted by Frank.
Edward is just simply adorable. He is smart and caring, working at the Inn and helping his mother. He is really trying to make a name for himself both in sports and in studies.
Kitty intrigued me, as she’s acquaintances with the other ladies staying at the Innb it doesn’t seem to really be close with anyone. Dottie and Connie almost gang up on her a few times with the ways that they act.
They all seem to be doing Frank a favor by staying at his newly opened Inn, And Ariadne is the outsider, as she doesn’t know any of them previously.
However, Aunt Ruth knows everyone. She is really the glue, being a hair dresser and salon owner in town, she knows everyone’s backstory and all the most recent gossip Plus she’s stylish and Ariadne’s biggest fan.
Oh and Gavin, what a sweet guy.
I loved the multiple points of view and learning more about the characters and their interactions in that way.

I look forward to reading more about Ariadne’s story and am excited for more books in the series.

London Detective Agency (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I adore this series!
This all starts off with a slam(quite literally) and keeps you drawn in from there. I was ready to see what was next and felt like I never quite knew what was going to happen.
Evelyn is a wonderful character with an array of feelings that you can totally understand while reading what is going on.
Patrick is great and when you get more of his backstory, he becomes even more relatable.
Them together is so fun.
James is supportive of Patrick and then you get to learn more about him and boy is it amazing. He takes his job seriously and wants to do his best in building the business. He’s trying hard to resist his attraction to Tessa, but with Patrick and Evelyn egging him on, it’s difficult.
Tessa is also wonderful. She is goal driven and doesn’t want to let anything get in her way.
From mystery to thriller, romance to comedy, this series covers it all and kept me interested the whole way through. I would recommend this series to anyone!

Unmasking A Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I love this series! Knowing this book would be about Abby & Joe had me anxious to find out more. But right from the start, I was not expecting the information told. From the beginning I was shocked and ready to find out more.
I enjoyed having Ryan & Meg along with Ted & Stephanie weaved in. Learning little bits about them was nice.
As usual, Hank really brings it all together and learning more about him and his history was great.
This is a wonderful addition to the series and I truly enjoyed it.

Midnight Falls by John Evans – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I wasn’t far into the prologue when I knew I needed to clear my schedule.
The whole time though the first chapters I was on edge, wanting more backstory and yet knowing what was coming because of the prologue. Knowing there would be action made the backstory, at times, painstakingly slow. But I was invested.
I loved seeing Josh and Lizzie getting to know one another. I enjoyed how Joey & Brad bonded with Josh in their own ways, finding reasons to band together to create their own group of outsiders that didn’t necessary belong in town. I was obsessed with Nimrod and his antics, loving every description of him.

The Human Mating Site, Complete Series (The Human Mating Site Series) by B.L. Wild – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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If you aren’t interested in steamy intimate scenes and adult language, this isn’t the book for you.
Oh Bella, what a wild ride. The inner monologue no portions had me rolling. Through each Novella you add another of Bella’s conquests, which honestly she deserves after a 12 year marriage that really led messed with her emotions, ending with being cheated on.
Her friends are a blast. Each with their very own interpretation on her relationships but ALWAYS having her back.  A mix of single and married ladies that truly just enjoy and appreciate each other for all their similarities and differences. Their girl group is strong, which is truly what Bellla needs as she navigates the world of dating after her marriage.
Things change a lot in 12 years, so online dating is new for Bella and the ways of communication compared to when she met her husband have definitely advanced. She’s attempting to discover herself again  and find out what it is that she wants. And boy does she experiment finding what she is and isn’t into.
A great collection of stories

Falling for a Star in the City (Stars in the City Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Paige has a lot going on and when it’s good, it’s great, but when it’s bad, it’s horrible. She has a long-term boyfriend, is an actress on a popular series and is going to college for journalism. But then, everything falls apart. She gets a new job, meets a new guy and tries to find a positive spin on what is going on in her life.

I loved her interactions with her grandmother and the articles she sends to Paige. Her new job and the way that they are able to utilize her amazing skills instead of just seeing her as an intern or an actress are great. The comfort level between Paige and Victor from the beginning is great and how easily they discuss things that some take years to discuss.

I’ll be going back and reading the 1st book in the series.

Be My Little Baby (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Wow, if I would have known how much I was going to love this book, I would have blocked my schedule more It was hard to put down and pushed my multi-tasking skills.
I enjoyed Evie & Patrick’s story in book 1 and was excited to hear more about James. Tessa is such an amazing person, very goal driven so it was obvious right from the start that she would be great for James.
Invested from the beginning and shocked by how attracted he is to her, James wants to solve Tessa’s stalking case quickly so that he can ask her out; however Patrick & Evie don’t let him wait. Their relationship blooms quickly, but also escalates the stalker so that the police can be involved.
I was happy to see that James and Patrick are friends with Joe, his presence in this book was awesome.
You could potentially read this as a standalone but I feel you get so much more out of the relationships by reading them as a series.

Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – review by Jessie Hopkins

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Short, quick and to the point. This book sucked me in and had me wanting more before leaving me pleasantly surprised. Honestly, I’d read a sequel in a heartbeat.
I think this book could easily be made into a longer version where I would be just as interested and even more invested in the characters.
Great Read!

Blurring the Lines & Extras (The Blind Rebels Series) by Amy Kaybach – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Me being me, read the Note to the Reader and instead of reading the rest of the series first, just dove right in. It was definitely enough to make me want to read the entire series.
I was shocked through Part 1 and then Part 2 started, leaving me so intrigued that I knew I’d be ditching the rest of my tbr pole as little longer so that I could binge this series, even if I do know a few spoilers now.
I can’t wait to learn more about the guys. May may be my favorite, the twins seem complicated albeit intriguing; I don’t know if I’m ready to learn more about Sammy, it might crush me.

This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Like every Freaky Friday movie ever, I loved this book.
I can definitely say it’s relatable to think of the things you would have changed or done differently in your youth, but knowing if you would have done things differently you wouldn’t be the person you are today.
Jo gets that chance when she wakes up thirty years in the past, right at the beginning of her senior year. The struggles of what she knows will be coming during the year and in the future, what she wishes she had the answers to in her adulthood. She can get those answers or completely change her future now. Which of those events will she try to change and how can she do those things without changing everything in the future. What things happen differently, even without her trying.
This book is a great binge read

Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I love when a book starts off and immediately sucks you in.
There is enough carried over from the first book that you feel informed, but it’s explained enough that reading it as a standalone probably wouldn’t be confusing.
The friendship Lexie has with her new neighbor Joy makes it seem like she didn’t recently move in. They almost seem like they’ve been friends much longer.
I was excited to have both Al and Brian in this book as Lexie works through her personal life. I also enjoyed learning more about Lexie’s past and family having her sister and son more involved.

Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Lexie sucked me in from the start. I couldn’t wait to read more. I couldn’t wait to read more. This was a page turner I struggled putting down.
I was right there at all the book club meetings and suspecting everyone right along with Lexie. Every person she knew was a suspect in my eyes and I struggled crossing any of them off my list.
The little bits of romance thrown in are nice and don’t take away from the mystery at hand but just show that people care about Lexie, even when she feels like she has no one in her corner.
Now on to book 2!

The Silent Forest (The House on the Hill Book 2) by David Kummer – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I finished the first book eager for more, and finished this the same way.
Honestly, I love this series and am excited for more.
This picked up right where the first book left off and might be confusing to those that hadn’t read The Misery House.
Kaia is amazing and Allison is so lucky to have a friend like her. But honestly, we knew that in book 1. However, this goes on to show just how great of a friend she is.
I am already ready for book 3!

Stout of My League (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I was beyond excited to read about the only girl in one of my favorite fictional families. Being the only girl and the youngest with four older brothers, Lynn is well protected. I loved the little snippets of her in the other series books and was thrilled that she got her own in the series.
The dynamic of the entire Brooks family is wonderful in every book, and this is no exception to that.
I enjoyed how Lynn shows her determination to make something of herself, while also enjoying her time as she goes. Lynn is serious about her goals while not being so serious that she doesn’t have some fun in the meantime. And if that fun also gets under her brothers’ skin a little bit then she is okay with that too.
Joey is an interesting character and I found myself intrigued by his personality and the ways that he reacts to situations.
Great book. I would recommend the entire series.

Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I knew when I finished book 1 in the series that I was going to want to read more about this town and the people living in it. Honestly, I really wanted to read more about Hank, he is my favorite.
Being introduced to Ted some and the mentioning of Stephanie in book one had me feeling already a little comfortable with them and definitely interested in seeing more.
I love that Joe & Abby are still a topic of conversation in this book with their love/hate relationship and that Hank is so invested in playing the town matchmaker.
There is definitely a benefit reading the first book, but I don’t think it would be too confusing as a standalone.
I look forward to reading more about Herd and of course, Hank.

Bad Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe Series Book 2) by Nicole Craig – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Wow Nicole, you did it again!
I started crying during the dedication so you can say I had some high expectations for the book.
After reading the first in this series, I know I was hooked and this second book did not disappoint.
TB can be a tough guy to handle, even for his teammates. And Sylvan is so closed off from the world, separating herself on purpose. At times they are so similar it is obvious how they understand one another without words and can understand one another in ways that no one else can.
The way the team comes together to support one another and truly playing off each of their strengths makes it obvious why they work so well together.
I am even more anxious for the 3rd book than I was for this one!

One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I wish I could read this over and over for the first time. I truly enjoyed every chapter. There are many life lessons that Maddy learns that make you think and consider your own actions. I definitely think this will be a book I suggest for my daughter when she’s older.

Maddy & Leo have such a fun friendship, and like in so many instances, they balance each other out perfectly. Maddy is thoughtful, serious and quieter where Leo is loud, spontaneous and silly. They truly are the best of friends.
Grams is so comforting and knowledgeable. Both by opening up about her own history and to help Maddy with what she is going through currently.

I look forward to reading more about Maddy and Leo and see where their relationship goes.

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Holy Cow! I wasn’t even to the first chapter and was already wanting to clear my schedule because I knew this was worth a binge read.
I felt such a wide variety of emotions throughout this book. Pride, shock, devastation, heartbreak, comfort, relief, the entire array.
I truly felt connected to the character and was engrossed in the story. The desire for Lea to stay away from the media and politics, to live her own life and find her own way. The closeness that she felt with Max being the one person in her life to always protect her and help her however she should need. The joy and relationship she had with her grandmother.
I am anxiously awaiting the net book and look forward to getting to know Max better.

Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Holy Cow, Susan has done it again. I had the hardest time putting this book down. If it weren’t for other life commitments, I would have read it in one sitting.

I was so invested in Kelly finding out what happened to her dad, Jack, and cheering her on as she stood up to her Mom, Irena, and her Mom’s boyfriend, Buzz, when they would try to hide things from her. She had a few moments where she did act her age, but through the majority of the book she really showed how mature and wise beyond her years that she really was.
Irena and Kelly really deal with a group of men that think that they are females that need to be protected and sheltered from things, however they ontinue to show how strong they both are.

After 3 books, I am absolutely invested in Millersville and want to read more about every person that lives in the town.

Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Erica has a lot going on, and I was invested in all of it. Between her husband, her aunts and her childhood best friend, it seems like she has things coming at her from all sides. Throw in the fact that she is extremely close to getting an inheritance that she didn’t actually know much about, and you can see how any nearly 25 year old might be overwhelmed, guarded and questioning everything.
I definitely felt Erica’s concerns and confusion when each one person that it seemed like she should be able to trust, there was something that made that person not seem quite as trustworthy. For each wonderful thing that was going on in her life, it seemed like there was something that cancelled it out and made it not so amazing.
I truly enjoyed this book and would read more from this author.

Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I can’t say enough about this book. I read it as a standalone but will be going back and reading the first one while I eagerly await the next to come out.

Marnie & Louise make an amazing team. Their friendship and support of one another both personally and professionally shows what true friendship is. The conversations they have between the two of them are real and caring while also sometimes being the tough conversations that close friends have.
The mystery of the investigation with its twists and turns kept me interested the whole way through.

The background regarding the VA and bringing real life concerns and challenges that surround the VA as well as veterans and suicide rates is a very real problem across the US that needs to be brought to light and talked about more often. We can not make change unless we are educated and looking for ways to truly help.

I truly enjoyed and definitely recommend this book.

Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Even being the second book in the series, this book worked just fine as a standalone. There were a few mentionings of things that had happened in the previous book but not to the point where you are confused. More intrigued than anything.
The author does a great time taking you back to a time before cell phones, before television, before cameras and DNA. When the coroner does a lot of the detective work and the pharmacist helps verify things. Finger printing is new, and the comment about how fast vehicles were going made me giggle.
There’s enough romance to notice that some sparks are flying, but not enough to distract you from the mystery of it all.
I truly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it. I’ll be going back and reading the 1st book as I eagerly await more in this series.

Perfect (Perfect Series) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Oh Chloe, I don’t know that I’ve ever been so invested in someone finding love. The options and situations that Chloe was in, and why they should or shouldn’t work out had me so invested. I feel like every person has been in the situation at one point or another when there is a love interest that you want it to work out, but the universe seems likes that’s just not what is in the cards.
This book often times gave me the choose your own ending vibes where you got to see how it would work out, and what other options there would be if Chloe made a different choice.
I appreciated the other characters as well. The pressure that Chloe felt from her Mom, but also where her Mom was coming from within that pressure. Kim, her wanting to live in the moment and reminder that you only get one life so you should live it to the fullest.
Of all the boyfriends, I’d say Adam was a little intense, and Chase was probably my favorite.

I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it. Especially if you aree looking for a nice lighthearted read.

Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow Series) by Heather Schneider – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I read this as a standalone and was not confused but it was great book I will be going back and reading the first one.
I was invested in the book, cheering for Sofia, curious about Isaiah, fawning over how cute Ash & Holly are. I loved how the chapters were told by their different point of views so that you could really tell how they were all feeling. By having the multiple points of view you see why Sofia is apprehensive to have feelings for another person, especially someone with no memories prior to when she found him in the woods, you know how Isaiah is trying to figure out who he was while also realizing that maybe he was found here for a reason. Plus you get to see a little behind what is going on with Ash and Holly, and how they are also supportive of Sofia.
I personally love when a story brings together multiple genres, with this book having romance, mystery and magic, it was a fun read.

Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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What a cute story.
I enjoyed Meg and Ryan’s relationship with all their highs and lows, endearing traits and annoyances with one another. The history between them and hopes for a different future. But honestly the connection to Montana and the history held my interest. What Ryan was willing to do to keep the entire community afloat and tourists still coming to the area was something I connected with.
I really enjoyed Hank tho. His calm and cool personality, and yet saying things how he felt and trying so hard to help Ryan and Meg.
Ryan and Meg’s story is cute and keeps you rooting for them as everyone else is as well.
I am excited for this series to continue.

Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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This book starts with a slam (quite literally) & just keeps going. From the beginning I was intrigued and never really knew what was going to happen next. There’s everything from mystery to thriller to romance and comedy. It covers all the basis.
Evelyn is a wonderful character, I truly enjoyed her and understood the wide variety of feelings that she has from when she feels scared and uneasy, exasperated and impatient and when she starts to feel safe. Patrick was great and when you got to know more about his backstory many things started to make more sense. Them together is a mix of fun banter and cute interactions of two people just getting to know one another but obviously attracted to one another.
I am eager to read the next one!

Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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From the beginning I was hooked. I was right there with Rose, my arm hurt, my heart was conflicted with wanting to spend time with her Mom and wanting to find out more about her Dad, my mind was reeling about what could be the logical next step. I was 100% invested in this story.
I felt for Carly as she is coming to the end of her life, for Tess as she is watching her sister get weaker and knowing what that will mean. I felt for Rose as she is wanting to communicate with her brother and have him there, yet understanding that he has his own reasons to not want to come back to their hometown.
Honestly, this easily made it onto my favorite books of 2024.
Jacqueline Boulden definitely got me interested from the beginning and kept my interest the whole way through. I definitely want to read other books written by her.

Fuller Sight by John Stone – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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This is an amazing book. John Stone has written a book that causes you to slow down and think.

To follow Danny through his life as his Mom, whom he lost at a very young age, guides him to remember certain things or look at situations from another’s vantage point.

I found this book to be amazing and thought provoking. All of my emotions were heightened as I laughed, worried, teared up, got angry, felt proud.

I definitely suggest reading this when you have the time to really enjoy a book, not when you are looking for an easy read, because this will leave you emotionally exhausted, in such a good way.

Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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From page 1, I was hooked. The book jumps right in and I was there for it. As True utilizes his prior detective knowledge as well as the knowledge he has from working with the individuals that first investigated this murder, there is some awesome backstory. it is easy to take notice that True was a great asset to the police department but is an even better PI as now he doesn’t have to answer to anyone in particular.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more of the True North Murder Mystery series.