A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this romantic book. It shows no matter how you try to fight love if it’s meant to be it will be because fate will intervene. Not too much of a fan of Phoebe but can’t be too hard on her for what she’s been through. Laurent I absolutely adore. I highly recommend this book.
Sage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This lovely story takes place on the eve of senior year for Pyper and her friends, and things must be perfect! Pyper is part of the student council and has a mission that isn’t too favorable for most to contemplate, but she has her reasons! I find this journey for Pyper and her friends to be an adorable adventure with a fun cast of characters and life lessons behind it. Pyper gives off some Elle Woods vibes, especially with her love of bright and colorful things, but supporting friendships and good nature sense of self. My favorite character is Brooklynn! She is a version of me in the story and I loved revisiting it through her. She can be a bit naive when it comes to certain things, but she is always there to assist a friend in need when it counts. The writing is well done and easy to enjoy, however, I find the numerous amount of life quotes a tad overwhelming otherwise no true misgivings. It is nostalgia and I found myself reminiscing about my high school experiences. This is why I think it would definitely make a great Hallmark movie! I urge you to read this novel if you are looking for a cozy night in with some coffee, wine, or whatever your pleasure!!
Twisted Oath by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in a fantastic mafia romance. There’s suspense, heartache, passion, drama, ugh it’s soo good! Now the MMC does have other partners while the couple is apart (which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea) but if that doesn’t trigger you dive in! He grew up without his family, she grew up wanting to change her destiny within her family. Together they may be able to get what they both want, as long as they get out of their own ways!! Great book! Can’t wait for the second!!
A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have not read the first book in this series but after this I will be going back and doing so. This book had my attention from the moment that I opened it. This book is so close to home for me as someone who works in the music industry. While its not always that easy to find love in this industry, this book has made me hopeful. The characters are wonderful and easy to relate to since they come from all walks of life. People are not without flaws, of course, but it was great to follow along with Oz and Maria as they both explore a journey that is new for the both of them! I will certainly continue on with this series in the future.
Broken.: A Green St. Girls Romance by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very much enjoyed this second book in the Green St. Girls. I enjoyed reading more about Indigo’s life. The author did a great job giving us many elements and the pacing was great in this one.
Twisted Oath by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Twisted Oath (Bound By Blood Book 1) by A. S. Roberts. This is one of my favorite genres so I was not surprised that I loved it. Its the story of Salvatore who grew up a orphan and his one goal was to take his rightful place in his mafia family. He also plans to avenge his mothers death by getting in the family and figuring out who killed her. Serafina is on her way to become a doctor so being part of the mafia family has never really effected her. She has seen Salvatore at the beach several times over the years but they have never done more than stare at each other. Something has kind of pulls them together. When tragedy strikes she has to give up her dream to be a doctor and marry someone the Don chooses. When they marry Salvatore swears he will not fall in love with her but feelings get involved and his well laid plan may just fall apart because of that. I loved this book so much! Can’t wait to read the next one.
A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this small town second chance romance. This is the first book in the vine Valley series and I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us.
This is second chance romance about 2 people who lost themselves but found their way back to each other in a unique way. The characters were well written. You couldn’t help but feel the hurt and pain that Laurent went through when Phoebe just left him. But as the story progresses you understand her reason why.
Laurent had his heart broken by Phoebe all those years ago. He imagined his would he with her forever and thought she felt the same but that all changed when she disappeared and left him.
Fast forward and she is now back in his life asking for his help.
Phoebe needs help. So sick of being the entertainment for her stepmother she needs to find a partner for her stepsister wedding. So she heads to the first person she thinks of Laurent. When they meet again the chemistry is instant, when he offers to help by pretending to be her boyfriend what could possible go wrong?
Can he ever forgive her for what happened all those years ago? What happens the attraction between them gets to much? When Laurent places the rule of her not falling in love with him is that something that she can stop from happening or will this fake relationship bring to life a true loving connection that they lost all those years before?
Sage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I enjoy her writing skills and her attention to details to make her stories pop. They are fun, creative stories that are hard to put down. This book is no different. This is a well written story about Pyper who thinks she has all the answers except when it comes to prom. She tries to cancel it but will she learn that sometimes it’s okay not to know all the answers? I enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. She is a fun character that has a lot of growth throughout the story. She is my favorite of the story and keeps the story engaging. I enjoyed how connectable all the characters are. They bring the story to life and make it hard to put down. This is a fast paced story that is easy to read and entertaining at the same time. I enjoyed reading this story and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this cute romance story. This is still a newer author for me which I enjoyed their attention to details to give the story a realistic feel. I enjoyed the author’s writing style that pulls you into the story. This book is all that and more. I found it to be well written and hard to put down. It is a story about Holly and Kit and how like a garden grows so does this romance. They are great characters that are strong, connectable and supportive of each other. They add so much to the story. I enjoyed watching their growth and chemistry throughout the story. I found this to be a fast paced, hard to put down story that you don’t want to miss. This is a great romance story. I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
Broken.: A Green St. Girls Romance by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by this author. This is the second book in this series which I highly suggest reading as it is just as great as this one if not better. This is a well written story about second chance romance and finding something that was lost within you. Will this character find it in herself to be brave enough to get what she wants? I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world with ease and kept me there until the end. They have great chemistry and attachment which makes the story easy and entertaining. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. This is one you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Lifetime movie with a little steam to it. All of the characters are lovable in this story and I love moving to a small town trope. I felt the chemistry between Craig and Annie instantly, things start off with a steamy book and I’m glad there’s more to the story other than “beading nipples.” I liked seeing them work together but I would have liked to see Annie actually working her B&B that she worked so hard for. What I didn’t like was how fast their relationship took off in the end. Yes I did say they had a connection but I don’t feel it was enough for an instant love. The book was a nice, light hearted read and I recommend it to those looking for a sweet, happy ending romance.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As always, and I will say this every time, please check trigger warnings. Your mental health is more important. This is a short (to me) novella but it wraps up Skylar and Damon’s story. You should really read from the beginning of the series to really get a feel for everyone and the atmosphere. Once again this author really hits with emotions and feelings. They have not let me down yet and I truly love this series. I can not wait to see what the remainder will bring.
Review by @michellerenee6590
A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Laurent and Phoebe made a pact when they were in college. Now, 18 years later, Phoebe shows up from out of nowhere, demanding that he keep his end of the bargain. I enjoyed the characters in this book, as well as the story itself. I couldn’t put it down!
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my favorites! People always think the can rein in their love. Like they can control who they love, for how long, and how much. But turns out, you can’t. Read Annie and Craig’s story because it is adorable, engaging, steamy, and one of a kind.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OMFG!!! This series. So we pick up where we left off. Sky and Damon have been found out and now must deal with the fallout. Damon doesn’t put up with much from Gia when it comes to hurting Sky. Damon tries to figure out his own feelings. When secrets from the past threaten Sky, her mom’s best answer is to leave. Damon will do just about anything to prevent this from happening including asking his father for help.
There is not a dull moment in this book. From the moment we pick the story up to the moment it ends, the author puts you through all the emotions. Damon finds out why Sky is so reluctant to give up on her friendship with Gia, despite all the drama Gia causes. Sky finally remembers the night she got her scar. So many memories. So many emotions!
This addition to the series does not let you down. As more is revealed about Damon, his father, their relationship, Sky, her mom, Sky and Damon, you realize you are no longer just missing your friends when the book ends. It is more like missing your family. The characters make you feel like you are part of their clan, one of them. This is the best series. Maybe ever. Love it.
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A good small town romance
This contemporary romance has a bit of everything- drama, emotions, a meddling aunt, a wedding and lots of chemistry. I enjoy the Miller siblings and their banter. This is the second book in The Millers of Marietta series and is Annie and Craig’s story. I am looking forward to the next book. Recommend.
Sage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pyper is a senior with all of the answers. She gives all of the advice but isn’t much to taking her own advice. Prom is something that she dreads with every fiber her being. She doesn’t have very good memories of it, so when she comes up with the idea to get prom canceled, she brings the idea to the student council which is a bunch of jocks. They ignore her idea and now she has to come up with another plan, but will she able to keep her friendships and face her mistakes that she’s been avoiding all year long? This Author does a very good job at showing the emotions and thoughts of your typical teenager and the problems that come their way.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Geez Gia again is still making mad my props to Isla Vaughn for making and developing characters so well that you’ll feel strong emotion towards them. This is the 4th book of the hidden Valley Elite Series if you haven’t read the first three book I highly suggest you do so and not just because it’ll help you get a better understanding of what’s happening but because they are brilliantly created and amazing reads🥰 you’ll easily binged read them. This one continues with Damon and Skylar stories and the series of unfortunate events following Gia and everyone finding out about them. Get ready for another emotional ride 🤣
Waiting patiently for the next book 😭🥰
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This story was very enjoyable and gave me everything that I love about small town romance.
Annie and Craig are perfect together in this story…….romance, past hurts, meddling family members, small town gossip, banter and both Annie and Craig guard their hearts….but when the sizzle between them happens…their walls start to break down.
Craig is back in the town of Copper Mountain…..visiting his Aunt Janice and also with his cousin’s upcoming wedding with a much needed break from his work. Aunt Janice has this idea that while Craig is in town, he can help out Annie with her B & B marketing to help her get more customer reservations….what Craig did not expect was to find love in the process and want to be with Annie.
Annie is a independent owner of her own B & B that she loves, along with her siblings and trying to erase a past ex in her life that left her sour in commitment and marriage. She is content but wants more with her B & B and in order to do that…..help comes along the way in Craig to give her marketing ideas and tips…what Annie did not anticipate was falling for Craig.
Knowing Annie and Craig with their ideas of non-committal temporary relationship while Craig is in town…..will Annie and Craig be able to get past their guarded feelings and past hurts to have a change of heart?
This is a great story and I really enjoyed it so much. Looking forward to checking out more books by this author!
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brutal nights is book four in Isla Vaughns Hidden Valley Elite series. This story is part two for Sky and Damon. And let me tell you I am allllll about this couple. This story has some crazy ups and downs. There was so much going on but it was so well written and felt like it flowed perfectly. I am so invested in this series. This is it, the worst thing that could happen for Sky and her mom. So much for the easy Senior year she hoped for, she’s pretty much lost everything. But Damon is determined to keep her safe. Even if it means admitting his feelings. Scary. I loved the ending, it truly brought everything together and satisfied all my questions. I cannot wait to start the next book.
A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This romance story was enjoyable and it was a great way to be introduced to this author! The main characters were good and but I liked Laurent a lot more than I liked Phoebe. He was extremely sweet and she had more growth as a person to do than he did! This was a second chance romance and its been a while since I’ve read that trope and I am happy that I picked this one up. I am looking forward to more by this author in the future!
Sage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m a fan of Cori Cooper and I do believe this is my favorite read by her so far!
Pyper is a senior in high school. She’s beautiful and all the boys clamor to be near her. She’s taken, however, by Jason. When an opportunity comes up to present an idea to the student council that can save the senior class some money, Pyper jumps to share her wonderful idea to the bunch of jocks that servce on the council.
The jocks don’t like her proposal. As a matter of fact, she’s not even sure they heard her. No one voted in support of cancelling prom. Now, Pyper is trying to cover up for past mistakes and help others to not make the same mistakes she has.
Can she keep her personal feelings out of all of this though? Can she still manage to keep her friendships going through all of this?
I loved this book! It’s nice to read a fun, clean romance novel that isn’t overly sappy involving young adults. So refreshing! There are moments of humor but mostly, it’s just a fun story to follow along!
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn is the 4th book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. It is the 2nd book of the Damon and Sky Duet. The stakes in this one are even higher and the spice is 10 out of 10. If you like angst and tension this one is for you. This book is action packed and has an HEA.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the fourth book in the Hidden Valley Elite series and can I just say wow! You don’t have to read the first two books and the prequel in order to read this one, but I definitely would, because you get to see more of the characters and their history. That being said, you do need to read Brutal Days as it’s the start of Damon and Skylar’s story and what a story it is. I really didn’t like the character of Damon until book three and now this one. The way Damon has matured and grown was amazing to watch unfold. I hated seeing what all Sky voluntarily suffered through while trying to avoid the one person that she felt such chemistry with. Will Damon keep pursuing Sky despite her telling him not to? Will her supposed best friend keep hurting her? This was such an amazing story! Isla Vaughn writes realistic characters, who experience drama, angst, jealousy, and real life problems. I can’t wait to read even more.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brutal Nights: A Dark High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4)
I am completely and totally obsessed with this series. There is just something about these brothers and cousins that keep me wanting more.
Damon was the one who I expected to fall kicking and screaming and he did not disappoint. I had no idea how it was going to go after the way the first half of his story left off. I knew it was probably not going to be great for Skylar because as we know the girl is always in the wrong.
There is definitely the teenage/high school drama but there were times I had to remember they were in high school. I definitely didn’t have any guys like this back in school.
Skylar was amazing and frustrating at the same time. She wants to help her best friend but at the same time….
I cannot wait to read Phoenix and Shane’s stories as well and looking to see how Cole and Damon are doing.
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can’t imagine what the loss of your parents would bring, but impulsive decisions sound probable. Add on the fact that you’re losing your supposed ‘til death partner before you tie the knot and you’ve got a storm of DEEP emotions. Annie moves after her tragic loss and sets up a B&B with little to no thought. I loved every bit of Annie. Her courage, her strength, and her willpower are all so admirable. I enjoyed the seamless flow of the story as we moved through each tragic loss and brave new start. I didn’t realize that I missed the first book, so I’m heading back to pick that up and get more of this author’s writing style. If you love second-chance romances with that tug at your emotions, then this one is definitely for you!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Brutal Nights: A Dark High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
4 out of 5 Stars
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series continues to be my favorite of the year! It picks up right where Brutal Days left us and I am HERE for it. I’m not sure how this author creates such a captivating world that engages you from the very beginning. Even though it’s a quick read, there is plenty of depth to sink into. The chemistry between the characters is phenomenal, and the emotions will take you on a rollercoaster of feeling like you MUST find out what happens immediately! You’ll be invested in each character as they twist and turn throughout the story. Plenty of steam, romance, suspense, and angst, you’ll love this read and beg for more. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Twisted Oath by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OMG!!!! There are not enough words to express how much I love this book and this author!!! 5 stars are simply not enough!!! I have been a fan of this author for a little while but this absolutely cemented my love forever!! I was completely hooked and unable to put this book down right from the very start. If this first book of the series is any indication of what we can expect then we the readers are in for a hell of a ride with this series and I CAN’T WAIT for more!! I don’t want to give anything away about the storyline, you simply have to read it for yourself, but expect plenty of suspense, heat, secrets and so much more. Salvatore and Serafina are wonderful complex characters and I promise the storyline created by this amazing author will hook you just as much as it did me.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have said this about every book and I will continue to shout how great this series is and how this author is phenomenal. This book is a continuation of Sky and Damon’s story. In this book, Sky can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to her car or her life. Sky’s mom becomes paranoid as the release of Sky’s father approaches. When Sky and her mom realize that moving from their home is the only way to stay alive and away from the man who wants them dead, it means pushing away and leaving the guy that Sky is in love with, Damon. But, will Sky live to tell Damon how she feels or fix her friendship with Gia?
I can’t wait to continue reading more books by this author.
Reviewed by @alape
