A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
All teacher’s teach from their heart – no matter what. This is a cute children’s book about teachers. Being an educator, this book spoke to me. It is so correct to say that all teachers are different, but they all have one thing in common – they teach from their heart. I liked the illustrations in this book. The story is an easy read aloud- it has good rhythm and a catchy cadence.
Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Someone to Watch Over Me: A Forced Proximity, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Unexpected Pregnancy Romance (Wounded Hearts Series Book 3) (Wounded Hearts Romance)
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading the first two books in the series, but it wasn’t necessary to know the players and their background.
Angelo and Lucia have a very deep friendship sine they have known each other since her birth. He is her protector through her life and he is the first one she thought to run to when her world came crashing down.
I loved both of them so much and while I got frustrated with them, I also understood. They were willing to remain friends and nothing more out fear of not having one another. Jumping from friendship to a relationship isn’t always successful and ends up causing more pain than a normal break up would.
I laid in bed and read most of the book in one sitting which isn’t something I have done in quite a while. Unable to put it down and fall asleep. Worth every minute of lost sleep.
Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’m on the fence with this book. While it was good, it wasn’t great. I was waiting for an attention grabbing moment but it never came. While I liked Angelo almost entirely, his way of thinking is very strange when it comes to his feelings for Lucia. Lucia’s over-reaction to almost every scenario was overplayed as well. The end of chapter 17, I had to walk away for a few days and then attempt to engage in the story. Overall, Lucia’s BFF, Prisha, was the most honest and relatable character. I would have loved more scenes with her realism. I was hoping to enjoy this more and find a reason to rate higher but it was just an average story that kept me entertained.
A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
A Way Out is the second book in the Rock Star series by Tami Lund. It is a wonderful rockstar romance with plenty of chemistry, drama, angst, challenges, and emotion.
I didn’t expect to like this story as much as I did, I thought it would be a good palate-cleanser between ‘meatier’ reads- but proved me wrong on that front and was ‘more’ than expected. Ms. Lund surprised me with an engrossing story that had more depth and development than I was anticipating- and has left me with a taste for more and made me want to explore more of Ms. Lund’s work. Lucky for me, she has quite an extensive catalogue of work for me to binge through.
This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone without feeling lost, confused, or like you are ‘missing’ something. Having said that though- it has made me curious about what happened previously, so I will definitely be going back and reading the previous two books (prequel and Book #1), before continuing with the rest of the series.
The series contains:
-Before the Band (Prequel) – Sam and Holly’s story.
-Why Can’t We Be (Book #1) – Lacey and Parker’s story.
-A Way Out (Book #2) – Maria and Oz’s story.
-A Little Too Soon (Book #3) – Travis and Ava’s story.
-All Keyed Up (Book #4) – due for release in August.
Can’t wait to jump into the rest of the series now-
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Tami Lund!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Ladies of the Links #2 is the second instalment in the Ladies of the Links series by Haley Rhoades. This is fun, sexy contemporary romance with a single mother, a blast from the past, a huge secret, drama, angst, humour, banter, friendship, and emotion.
When Ryan joins the club, Christy world is rocked off its axis. Their chemistry is electric. But what happens when her big secret is revealed? Will they get their second chance- or will the past ruin any chance of happiness?
This was quite an entertaining read. I am enjoying meeting the Ladies of the Links and look forward to seeing what they get up to in the next instalment.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Haley Rhoades!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this series which is just as great and maybe a little better. I enjoyed this author’s books as I know I am in for a great romance story. I enjoy her writing skills and attention to detail that make her stories pop. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A story about two people a little reluctant to open themselves up to romance. What will happen with these two if they do? I enjoyed how they pulled me into their world of romance and their one night. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and had me wanting to know what happens between these two. I enjoyed watching their chemistry and growth throughout. Don’t miss what happens with these two characters. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Teacher’s Heart is a sweet story of how all teachers are different. Melissa Lavi describes how teachers can be different in appearances, teaching styles, personalities, and gender. The best thing about the teachers though is how teachers all love real big because they have big hearts. I think this story will teach kids a lot about teachers and going into school. That it isn’t scary and they are safe. That teachers will love them.
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this book. This is a book about one woman’s journey of finding love and letting go. Tessa is learning to open herself up and letting love in. This is a story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster. Tessa is a great character that I felt for and wanted to see her get happiness. She is strong and a heartfelt character that is my favorite and I enjoyed what she brought to the story. I found this story to be fast paced and hard to put down. A story that is engaging and keeps you coming back for more. There is great growth of the plot which made it easy to read. You don’t want to miss this story. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
“IT WAS JUST A SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT UNTIL IT BECAME A LIFESAVING MISSION.”
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson-Bleckwehl is an inspiring chapter storybook that tells a tale of friendship and making a difference, aimed at middle school aged children. Abby and Neyah are pen-pals who begin to learn about each other’s lives. Neyah lives in a small village in rural Kenya, where they struggle to have the bare necessities to survive- and Abby who lives in Minnesota USA, in a city with all the modern conveniences we all take for granted. This story takes us on a journey of friendship, coming together to problem-solve to make things happen. It’s about collaboration and co-operation and overcoming challenges. Can two twelve-year-olds come together to find a way to bring fresh water to a remote village. You really should read this heart-warming story to find out
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Mary Evanson Bleckwehl!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic is a bit of a dark, chilling psychological thriller with plenty of mystery, suspense, drama, intrigue, twists, secrets, obsession, revenge, violence, betrayal, murder, pain, shocking developments, and more. It isn’t my first read by this author- but is definitely my top pick out of her stories.
This proved to be a thought-provoking story, and had me following along trying to figure out what was going on. And for the most part it was gripping. But it wasn’t as dark as I had thought, and I wasn’t quite on the edge of my seat the whole way through- but it was definitely intriguing, and had some gripping, twisted moments- but maybe just a little more predictable than I had hoped for. But, still worth the read, nonetheless.
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Mujagic does next.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Nadija Mujagic!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A MMF second chance romance with a whole lot of Steam! This is a good story with great heat and it will keep you turning the pages to see how it ends. A misunderstanding leads to the demise of a relationship and the subsequent breaking up of a band. But after Caro and Nash rekindle their romance, can they convince Grey that with them is where he belongs? Page turning excitement, just NEEDING to know what happens next. This is book 2 in this series but the first time I have read this author and I will be going back for book one. I did not miss anything in this 2nd book by having not read the first. There were no gaps in time or missing links.
A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Toast to Laurent is the first book in the Vine Valley series. It is a second chance romantic tale and a good start to this series. Set in a new small-town, where everyone knows everyone, and everyone is all up in your business.
This small-town romance is an entertaining read even though it is a little predictable. A tried-and-true formula but it works. Theresa puts her own quirks and charm into the characters and the town and that keeps you coming back for more.
Theresa has written a wonderful tale that will have you swooning one moment and giggling at another as you fall in love. The characters are realistic and the chemistry between our main characters is sweet, sparks fly, and I love the witty banter.
She left and broke his heart now 20 years on, a fake romance and NOT falling in love has never been so hard.
I can’t wait to enjoy more of this delightful small town and its inhabitants.
I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a small-town romance!
Reviewed by @jennadb
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fetching Dreams is a book about 12-year-olds becoming pen-pals and learn about other cultures and lives. Worlds apart as one Neyah lives in a village in Kenya Africa and worries of harsh living conditions and one Abby in a modern city in Minnesota.
It is a heartfelt story aimed at middle school aged children where they get insightful lessons of tragedy and fear of change.
It is an engaging tale about bonding and finding one’s voice and speaking out to make a difference. It is about making connections no matter where one lives in the world.
We learn about plants and wildlife and the differences of people around the globe. We also learn that “Water is life,” for those that have to work for it and others take for granted.
Fetching Dreams is worth the read.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Ladies of the Links #2: Christy: A circle of friends, second chance, single mom, new adult, sports romance by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ladies of the Links #2 is a second chance, New Adult sports romance story. I haven’t read anything by Haley before and was unsure where it was going to go with the golf references, but it did not disappoint.
The story is well written and it’s easy to connect with the characters. The group of friends made me laugh with their antics. Just like my group of friends and their carrying on.
It is a crazy, sweet and sexy tale with a little heartbreak and pain, hope and love, fun and laughter.
Christy thought it was love but he left them.
He loved her but he loved NFL more. Now he is back and hoping she will forgive him. But there is one thing he didn’t know.
Ladies of the Links #2 follows friends who make no apologies for the way they live their lives. True friends that have each other’s back when the rumour blog hits the hood.
A great read that will have you engaged from the beginning. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Rise of the Hunter by Barb Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book sounded very interesting to me and I have read other books by this author. There is a lot going on in this book and different point of views. I found it difficult to stay engaged in this one. It was a good story but it didn’t catch me like some. It was action packed and had wonderful characters, some old and some new. I am interested in seeing what happens next so I will be picking up the next book. Overall not a bad read.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/128062001-a-way-out” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682295210l/128062001._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/128062001-a-way-out”>A Way Out</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5169798.Tami_Lund”>Tami Lund</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5626766703″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Maria just recently left an unhappy marriage. Sure, she has money, but she has nowhere to live and no plan in place as to what she wants to do. She hasn’t worked the last several years because she hasn’t had to. Now she finds herself trying to figure things out and dragging her daughter along for the ride. She showed up at her sister’s house expecting to find her there to give her comfort and advice. The only thing is her sister is off planning a wedding that she is supposed to be at. She instead finds an attractive man in her sister’s house that she has never seen before. Oz finds himself in a predicament when the lady of the house’s sister shows up at the door unexpectedly. It’s in his nature to take care of those in need and she was clearly in need. They are both heading for a wedding in Louisiana and it’s a win-win for both of them. Maria doesn’t need to travel alone with a child and Oz doesn’t have to worry about his car breaking down along the way. When Maria says that she is willing to finance Oz and his band lines will become blurred. Now she is not only going to be a woman he is wildly attracted to, but she will now be his boss. What will happen? This was a fun story to read. The characters were likeable, but I will say that I couldn’t fathom not having a plan after asking for a divorce. Oz was amazing for taking on his sister’s children after such a tragedy. This story was well written and I look forward to enjoying the rest of the books in this series.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
House of Arsceneaux is the first book in the Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures series by Caterina Novelliere.
Caitlin was supposed to be on vacation, but a last-minute demand from her boss has her mixing some business in amongst her vacation time. She isn’t too happy about it, but there is a huge ‘business deal’ at stake- plus she isn’t given much choice on the matter. Little does she know that her trip to New Orleans is about to turn her world upside down- changing everything she thought she knew- about pretty much everything. This story is about fated mates, soul mates reconnecting after centuries apart. It is about the power of love and fighting the forces that wish to keep you apart.
This is an original paranormal second chance romance with vampires, the supernatural, drama, adventure, secrets, agendas, ancient evil, danger, intrigue, mystery, and fate. I have to be honest and say that the author pretty much had me hooked from the moment I saw ‘vampire’ in the blurb and really enjoyed their take on vampire lore. Looking forward to devouring the rest of the series.
Happy reading…
Thank you, Caterina Novelliere!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Sacrifice Bunt is the second book in the Ground Rule Series by Bree Kraemer. This is a superb contemporary sports romance with a bit of an enemies to lovers element, chemistry, sizzle, friendship, banter, humour, emotion, drama, angst, and more.
As expected from Ms. Kraemer- Zara and Noah pulled me in right from the beginning and had me fully invested in them and the outcome of their story.
Bring on Book #3!
Happy reading.
Thank you, Bree Kraemer!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez is an angsty and emotional women’s fiction story about star-crossed lovers, and is not your ‘typical’ romance. The story spans several years as the two MCs continue to come together only to be pulled apart- and we follow along on all their highs and lows.
I was intrigued by the premise of the story- a practical and analytical scientist meets a more fanciful romance author- their chemistry draws them together, and connection and developing feelings ensue. But they have personal and professional obstacles that keep drawing them apart. What happens makes for an angsty and interesting read.
I really wanted to love this book more than I did, as I just couldn’t connect with the characters the way I had hoped to. But I will shelve this book to read again in a few weeks to see if I still feel the same way, or maybe discover that I was just having an ‘off’ reading day during this first read-through.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Anna Gomez!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Walk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Walk Off is book one in the Ground Rule series. I have always been super involved in sports growing up and seeing that this was a feel good romance but also involved a sports theme, in Walk Off it was mainly centered around a baseball player, only added to my interest. Celia and Kyle are the female and male character but there are a lot of side characters too. Celia broke Kyles heart many years ago but as fate would have it they show up to the same wedding of friends where they are reunited and their love is rekindled. I thought this was a great book but there were a few moments where I thought Celia was pushing against everything to hard or things were a little immature but I also felt like those parts added to the story and helped us understand why Celia and Kyle are the way they are because of their past and trauma they are both a little emotionally stunted. Their friends were so supportive but also gave them space to come to terms with their own feelings. This all came together to make a great read that I really enjoyed. I look forward to reading the others in the series.
The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so well written and I highly enjoyed it! Amazing characters and phenomenal character development! There’s humor and there’s spice and I loved every single page. Its a steamy MMF and I finished this book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Every time I did, I’d end up picking it right back up. Highly recommend!
Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series is so gut wrenching but I love it so much. I love everything the author has done with The Wounded Heart Series and I think book 3 may be my favorite. Someone to Watch Over Me, makes one feel happy, sad, angry, and you may even shed a tear. These characters get put through the ringer and you get to see it every step of the way.
Angelo and Lucia are best friends. Yet they secretly love one another. Just that description right there you know there’s going to be drama and fireworks. But through that drama and fireworks you see teo very stubborn characters start to grow out of their stubborn and selfless ways.
I will reiterate that I love this series and though this is book 3, you don’t have to read the books in succession. It works just as well as a standalone novel. However I would recommend you read them all, even if it’s out of order. All 3 are worth it.
The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed it! The Passion of 3 is what I’ve come to expect from this author. I enjoy her work and this is not the first series I’ve read books in by her. However, this being book 2 in The Perfect Number series, it’s the first I’m reading. I may very well have to go back and read book 1. This MMF second chance romance gives one all the feels. Happy, sad, and angry. Sometimes it’s felt throughout. The author makes you feel like you are one of the 3 main characters. Each falling into a different category of characteristics we can each relate too.
Some people are a Greyson.
Some people are a Nash.
And some people are a Caro.
Caro secretly craved a second chance with the men she left behind. That’s why she had no issues moving to Kentucky. But she had yet to run into either. Derby season brought Nash back into the fold and both went after Greyson. But nothing’s ever perfect and there’s speed bumps along the way. The author puts things into a wonderful perspective as those speed bumps play out.
As you read this story you’re rooting for everything to work out. Especially as the growth between the 3 becomes visible. After 10 years apart they are back as one. But though they are the same they are different people now as well.
I look forward to continuing to read books by this author.
The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a MMF steamy tale about 3 people, Nash, Caro, and Greyson who get a second chance at romance. The characters are really likable and had me hoping things would work out for them this time around, especially since they were separated before, mostly because of a complete misunderstanding.
The author’s writing style was easy flowing and kept me invested in the story. I really also enjoyed the horse racing details/ tidbits that showed just how much research the author had done. This is the second book in this series and though I didn’t read the first book I could easily follow along and grasp aspects of other characters who had appeared in the first book. I must admit that after reading this one, though I do plan on going back and reading the first one just because I want to read more by this author and visit the other couples’ stories. This is definitely a fun, fast paced, steamy read.
Rise of the Hunter by Barb Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an interesting book that combines a lot of myth and magic. There is a lot going on and the reader really has to pay attention to what is going on. It is the fourth book in a series so you need to have read the previous books so as to understand this world and its characters better. Lots of characters and timelines are going on in this book but it all is going on at the same time through the book so every few pages it is another character or time that you are reading about. While it all connects it can be a bit hard to follow. With a lot of different characters having their say it was sometimes hard to get immersed in the story. The main focus of this book is the character The Tall Dark Man and the beginning of a new story arc. As much as I like the idea of this story, I always find it hard with so many changing narrations and times lines so quickly.
Walk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1)
I have been a fan of Ms. Kraemer since her Cedarville series and was so excited to dive into this book and I wasn’t disappointed. She paints the picture in your head with using extra and unnecessary words to fill the pages.
Second chance romance is one on the tropes I enjoy a lot. Throw in sports, especially baseball and I’m hooked. I’m so glad I read this book, especially after the week i have had. Celia and Kyle are both great characters and I instantly fell in love with them and their friends.
I already have the next two books on my Kindle waiting to be read, and I can’t wait to read them. Once again Ms. Kraemer hit it out of the park.
The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have picked up books from this author before and I’m never disappointed! The Passion of 3 is a wonderfully written story with plenty of MMF steamy scenes and a beautiful love story between Caro, Nash, and Greyson. I thoroughly enjoyed this emotional rollercoaster and couldn’t stop reading long enough to do anything. I read this in one sitting because I HAD to know what happened. I really enjoyed the message of life without love just not being all it’s cracked up to be. I highly recommend picking this up especially if you enjoy MMF and second chance romance stories!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Someone To Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack is book three in her Wounded Hearts series. Lucia and Angelo have been best friends since Angelo was two years old and Lucia was born. Although with them being so close they pretend to only see one another as “siblings” rather than romantically… except they are both bad liars. Phewwww, I don’t know what it is about Debbie and her stories but I am living for them. They are SO good and so raw. I love how relatable they are even if I don’t fully relate to everything. She’s just that good. The connection between Angelo and Lucia was palpable, I could feeeeeeel it in every interaction. The lust, the longing, the love, can she write for my life lol! The story itself is a stand alone though the first two books have characters that you’ll see in here and I LOVED it. It truly tied together so well. The slow burn for these two was exactly what they needed. I cannot sing enough praises for Debbie!
The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my second book by Nadija, and this book is just as breathtaking and suspenseful as Ten Thousand Shells and Counting. Mitch is a highly unlikeable, egotistical character that you can’t help but hope for a change of character. I disliked him from page one, yet didn’t want the story to end to find out (1) whom murdered the student and (2) did Mitch do it?
Unlike some psychological thrillers, I appreciated the author’s attention to detail and consistent story lines, which made the story more realistic and believable. I read a lot of books, and was grateful the ending/plot was not obvious.
Walk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great, easy read! This one will suck you in and keep you turning the pages until the end. The author crafts an effortless second chance romance between Celia and Kyle. Once lovers, they find their way back to each other, but one secret could ruin it all!
The author builds a world upon fantastic characters. The reader is pulled into their story and can’t help but rooting for them. The chemistry between the characters is palpable. It is well written and engaging. I highly recommend this read!
