Seductively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I did like the small town girl goes to the big city. It is one of my favorite themes of this genre. I’ve read others in this series and this one was not my favorite compared to those. I did think the chemistry was good between Mason an Rhyann. I would read more books by this author.
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a book that is a little out of my comfort zone due to being a little darker than my usual vampire reads. I did find this story engaging. I am a sucker for vampires and star-crossed lovers which is what drew me to choose this book. The characters were very interesting as was the plot. I love new spins on vampire lore. I definitely look forward to the next installment.
Lingering Spirits by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I haven’t read the first three books in this series. I do not feel that it interfered with my enjoyment/engagement. I really thought the telepathic communication was an interesting aspect of this romance. I cannot imagine the frustration Russ felt hearing a voice in his head. I found the characters easy to connect with. This was a very original, different read for me.
(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I ended up liking the book but I had a really hard time coming to terms with Sophie’s character. Sometimes when a character’s internal issues overtake them as a character, it gets in the way of my enjoyment of the story. While this is personal preference, it happened during the first half of the book for me. I understood that a lot of her issues stemmed from her parents but it just took away something for me in connecting with her. Gil was the best part of this book for me. Overall, I liked this book and would read others by this author.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book! The chemistry between Jeremy and Regan was well developed. You rooted for them with every obstacle. There was a good balance of steam and emotion. The author provided really good support in the development of the characters. I would definitely read more by this author.
So Right: A Fake Fiancee Reverse Age Gap Romance by Renee Regent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good story of a well known plot line with a twist. Usually stories like this would be the younger female pursuing the handsome, older man. This story turned the tables and featured an “older” woman. As a woman approaching 40, I appreciated the perspective in this story. I felt that the relationship was plausible and I also liked the slow burn and build of their romance. I would definitely read more from this author and other books like this.
Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the story of Cate and Patti. The plot was engaging and full of twists and secrets that kept the reader’s attention. I had a hard time putting the book down because I needed to know what was going to happen and how the truth would be set free. There were so many layers folding into the story and it was a different crime book than the types I normally read. I would recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
Apocalypse by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I appreciated that I could follow the story without having read the first book. I enjoyed the Tree of Life and the weaving of mythology that comes along with it. The time old good vs. evil is well played in the storyline as well. Seth’s need to make impossible choices really helped deepen his character. I did not like jumping between characters but that is just a personal preference. I thought this was overall an interesting book.
Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I always find dual timeline stories interesting. This was a love story and mystery entwined in one. I absolutely loved the description of the garments and the vintage aspects. While I do like paranormal, sometimes the psychic thoughts got in the way of me staying engaged. It was a good debut novel by this author.
Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am a sucker for second chance for romance stories. I really liked Levi’s character and who he was. Bryn took a bit for me to connect with and understand.. Part of that could’ve been her mothers influence. Levi, however, he was a success in the story as well as how it was written. I look forward to reading others in the series.
Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. I do wish that some of it was expanded a little because it felt like a rush throughout to me. I would have liked a slower burn for Theo and Tia. I feel that she gave up her trust too easily especially with all she sustained. I liked Theo’s character and how he handled the situation once he was given all the information. I would definitely read more by this author.
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was good and different than my usual reads. It was a bid lagging and slow in terms of plot for me because some parts were information overload. I was captivated by Adrijana’s quest for innocence. She also was a character you connect with because we all have doubts and second-guess ourselves. I like when stories have me keep guessing.
A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the story of Gina and Bryce. She was a very likable character and was easy to connect to. I loved the development of her relationship and how they grew together despite their insecurities. The tight knit relationships with her band of sisters was heartwarming especially with all that she endured in life. I saw that this is book 3 of the series and it really read well as a stand-alone. I usually feel like I’m missing something when it’s the second, third or fourth book even though the stories aren’t completely connected. I would definitely like to read others in the set!
Exiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was definitely different than the books I’ve been reading lately. The woven history and surprises on the international front were inventive. Lizbeth’s character development was good but I would have liked to see a little more learning on her behalf but it was interesting to watch how she faces the impossible things she was faced with. I would have liked to see more of the present day and some of the story felt scattered to me. I did find the story interesting but could see where this could have been made a series so some areas could be deepened.
Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Being the 4th in the series, I would have liked to have read the prior books for the backstory on those characters. This mafia sub genre is not one that I normally read but I did enjoy the intensity between the characters. I’ve read other books by this author and I appreciate the way she connects her themes and advances the plot line- this book was no exception. The chemistry between Elena and Marco was good but I think I would have been more invested if I read the others first.
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The mafia genre is not one of my comfort zone reads. With that said, I did enjoy this book. I liked the protective nature of Luca and Aly’s fierce independence. I thought the back and forth between the families was confusing at times but that could also be due to not being used to this particular genre.
Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good book. I thought that the story was beautifully written despite the heartbreaking things that happened. I felt myself going back and forth between being on team Elsa and on team Anton in certain parts. The deep battles that were fought really made this story deep. It was very relatable and engaging.
Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in this series and I was not disappointed. The chemistry between Brant and Colleen was sweet. I love the meddling old folks in the small town as it adds to the charm and the adage of what it is like to live in one. I found the characters to be easy to relate and connect with which helped move the story for me. I am definitely looking forward to more books from this author!
Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in this series and I was not disappointed. The chemistry between Brant and Colleen was sweet. I love the meddling old folks in the small town as it adds to the charm and the adage of what it is like to live in one. I found the characters to be easy to relate and connect with which helped move the story for me. I am definitely looking forward to more books from this author!
Holiday Hope by Shanna Hatfield
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story was different than the usual holiday romances I read due to it being a period piece. I really liked the characters in this story and the slow burning romance as well. Being set in 1884, it was interesting the idea of a mail order bride and the way of life during this time. I also appreciated her formed friendship with Ann. This book definitely had some charm and I’m glad I picked it up to read.
Black Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was a good read but definitely much darker and twisted than other books I usually read. I was drawn in by the synopsis. The connection between the characters especially Ivy and Aria was interesting for sure. There were some parts that definitely surprised me. I wasn’t expecting the Mattias angle or Gabriele part either. I did have a hard time staying engaged in the story but that could be just because it wasn’t something that I could connect with. Overall, I’m glad I read it but it definitely was different than I was expecting.
A Cold Creek Christmas by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely adore books by this author and this one did not disappoint! I am so glad that this book was my first read of December. What a sweet love story between Amber, Gio and essentially Talia as well. The story was short and flowed very nicely. It wasn’t burdened with unnecessary drama to take away from the true intention of the story. The ending was beautiful and the overall arc of the story was well done. I cannot wait to read more stories by this author, I haven’t been disappointed yet!
Whatever Tomorrow Brings by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a powerful conclusion to the duet! The rollercoaster ride this duet took the reader on was- woah! I was drawn in from the beginning and went through many tissues throughout the end. Will and Tori were crafted so beautifully in this. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book was emotionally draining in the best of ways.
Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoy books of this genre. Caspian is one of those alpha males that you love to hate. Usually, the alpha redeems his behavior but that didn’t really happen with this book. That is something different and I’m not completely sure how I feel about it. Especially since I loved Paisley so much. I would definitely read more by this author and would love to see where other storylines fall in this series.
A Sweet Christmas by Nicole Richard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a sweet holiday read that gave the right feels for the holiday season. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Thea and Ben. It was nice to read a story that focused on positives without added drama or unnecessary plot points. I would definitely read more by this author in the future and would be interested to see the care of detail in a work that is longer. This one definitely did hit the mark for a holiday read.
Unlikely to Fit by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am definitely glad that I read book 1 already since it made me feel more connected to the book. I really enjoyed Breckin and Griff’s story. The story was very relatable and engaging as well as easy to connect to. Meemaw was definitely one of my favorite characters in this book. I really look forward to reading Book 3.
Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship by Parker Fairchild
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a light, sweet holiday read. It would definitely make a cute Hallmark Christmas movie for sure. The interactions between the characters with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus was a unique touch. I really thought it was crafty that Jace actually exists and that Olivia was truly meant to meet him. That piece for the pairing was really sweet and different. There were some details that I felt kind of took away from the main story but overall I definitely enjoyed it.
The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This started out slow for more me but as I got more involved, it really picked up for me. I enjoyed the elemental magic as well as the competition and strategy. There were several plot twists which really helped keep the hook that initially piqued my interest. This book felt like others I have read in this genre but with its own unique twist. I read this with the mindset of the target audience and I think that is what helped me feel connected when reading it. Overall worth the read.
Spoilsport by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love books like this one. I read the first one and fell in love with the Pierce Brothers. This story was no different. I really loved Luke and the way he go Nadia to turn around. Nadia bothered me in the first story as Chelsea’s best friend. This story I got to understand her a little more which made her come around for me a little more. If I didn’t enjoy the story and Luke as much as I did, I would have probably only given it 4 stars since it really took a lot for me to get around Nadia’s attitude and almost immaturity. The back and forth between Nadia and Luke was fun to see unfold as renovations went on. I hope that there will be more in this series with the other Pierce brothers.
Cross-Country Christmas by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There is great chemistry between CC and Reese. This was a good mix of romance with life lessons along the way. It gave a good picture of why it is important to not let the past hold you back from moving towards your future. I liked the part that Emmie and Carlos played in the story and the setting was a bonus for the story. This was a cozy Christmas read for sure. I would definitely read more by this author.
