While most seventeen year old guys are carefree and possibly heading to college, Garrett Hollis was changing diapers and single handedly rais ★3 STARS★
While most seventeen year old guys are carefree and possibly heading to college, Garrett Hollis was changing diapers and single handedly raising his baby daughter, Mia. What began as a holiday romance with his daughter’s mother ended in a situation that literally left him holding the baby.
He’s admirable in the way he shoulders the responsibility and the proof is in the pudding when his now seventeen year old daughter is Valedictorian of graduating high school class. Her gratitude to her father is humbling, so much so it’s the topic of her speech. Her hopes for him now is to find love and fulfil the moments he missed out on when he was raising her.
Mia’s heartfelt speech gains social media attention and it’s not long before it goes viral. In turn it brings with it an influx of women to the town hoping to bag themselves the catch that is Garrett. Although not at all keen Garrett agrees to go on three dates to keep Mia happy. In all the craziness he’s grateful for the sanity that is his best friend, Devlyn Drake.
‘DD’ has had the title of best friend for almost 20 years, and for everyone of them she has wished for something more. She’s been there for both Garrett and Mia and as much as she loves them the hurt of being on the outside looking in is becoming too much to bear. I have to admit I was looking forward to the torture of the unrequited love but I felt things moved quite quickly without any significant change to their dynamic. The reappearance of Mia’s mother was another was a source of conflict but to me she felt caricature of a villain.
Although not quite the heart-wrectching romance I hoped for, All my Life was a sweet friends to lovers romance with small town charm.
Our time together has meant so much to me, so you must believe me when I say I never thought I wou
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★5 STARS★
Dear John Braden,
It’s me not you.
Our time together has meant so much to me, so you must believe me when I say I never thought I would see the day where my love for you would be challenged. Forgive the cliché but it just happened. One moment I’m reading about Interior Designer Ava Breevort and her airport experience from hell, and the next I’m thrust into a deliciously-banterful exchange between herself and fellow flight passenger, Caleb Scott.
If I may be so bold as to say, I’m quite literally ruined for all other enemies to lovers romance stories. In the spirit of honesty I did go in expecting to enjoy it but nonetheless I was caught off guard by the chemistry that kept me on my toes throughout. Like yourself Caleb is a successful CEO, and I was insanely attracted to his arrogance and penchant for riling Ava up. To add insult to injury, he’s Scottish.
Might I be so audacious to say I see some of him in you? Both strong, protective modern day neanderthals with hearts in the right places. At the threat of oversharing I enjoyed the intimacies he and Ava shared. It’s always fun to see the mighty fall, and the arrangement they shared crumbled like a piping hot… well, crumble.
In the past I have always been so quick to refer to you as my favourite Samantha Young Hero and although you have not been relegated you will have to make space on the podium to share with your fellow countryman. That’s a compliment in itself, right?
As a criminology professor with a particular interest in female serial killers, Millie Morris’ dating life is in dire need of resu
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★4 STARS★
As a criminology professor with a particular interest in female serial killers, Millie Morris’ dating life is in dire need of resuscitation. To be honest she’s more than happy spending countless hours towards research for her book deal, but an upcoming black tie gala at the university forces her to dissect her dating life.
Her first thought (and most easy option) is to ask one of her four best friends who also happen to be her co-workers. Like her they are all career driven professors, and more interested in reading the latest educational journal than trawling through dating apps. But not ones to shy away from a challenge they come up with an alcohol fuelled plan to create dating profiles and secure genuine potential love interests to take as their plus ones to the gala.
Although they are all firm friends Millie has always had the closest relationship with Reid. When she allows herself to, she can admit to the underlying sexual tension that escapes through the layers and layers of denial. It’s been a long time coming *wags eyebrows* but they eventually give into the low-key raging attraction between them. It’s the most intense experience she’s ever had, but thought of ruining her friendship with Reid is greater than the unknown of exploring things further, so they mutually agree to keep things platonic.
Maybe it’s because she’s the only female in the gang but Millie gets roped into creating an honest but interesting profiles for each of them. Officially she resents doing it, but unofficially it’s kinda fun. A by-product when it comes to her own profile is it starts to expose just how little she offers personally/emotionally in both her friends and relationships.
What starts as a simple idea quickly escalates into hilarious escapades and dating disasters. What should be a distraction from her attraction to Reid only serves to heighten it, and results in some actions that are far from friendly.
I absolutely adored the supporting cast and I’m secretly hoping this will develop into a series.
This year has seen me become a huge fan of Christina Lauren. They have pretty much monopolized my favourite reads shelf this year, and with this swipe right romance I image the same will be said by many others.
With a name like Heidi Jo you can almost picture her before you meet her. Bubbly rich girl, who calls her daddy “Daddy” and wants fo
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★4 STARS★
With a name like Heidi Jo you can almost picture her before you meet her. Bubbly rich girl, who calls her daddy “Daddy” and wants for nothing. On first impressions she fits the stereotype, and admittedly I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. I wouldn’t be only one guilty of making those assumptions of her as it seems members of the Brooklyn Bruisers also came to the same conclusion of her, but it’s nothing being in her company for few minutes didn’t fix.
It’s glaringly obvious how much of a hard worker Heidi is. Strong willed to the point of stubborn, she’s determined to be appointed the position of Office Manager for the team. Her father being the NHL commissioner does not believe it’s a suitable job for his Princess and goes out of his way to assign her roles he hopes will make her reconsider and return to her education.
Her days are long and hard, which is where Jason Castro enters the picture. Heidi has a shameless crush on Castro and none too wisely propositions him whilst under the influence of tequila. Given his dedication to single life and his attraction to Heidi a harmless hook-up looks likely, that is until the hook-up that never was appears to potentially harm his career.
The forbidden element to their friendship was both hilarious and sweet torment. They became a great little duo, intimate in all aspects of their lives but carnal. As the story developed so too did the depth of their affection for one another, and the weaknesses they kept well-hidden became the glue that cemented the transition from friendship to much more.
With a story that has been a long time coming, Castro is anything but an Overnight Sensation. He’s poetic and grounded, and humble in a manner of ways. I enjoyed getting to know him and loved what he brought on and off the ice.
Along with the well-loved members of the team I found it hard to fault any of the characters. The Brooklyn Bruisers series is one that delivers time and time again. I’m hoping Silas’ book is up next up for the Sarina Bowen treatment.
I’m always drawn to the element of unfinished business that lends itself with a second chance romance. I revel in the tension that
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★4 STARS★
I’m always drawn to the element of unfinished business that lends itself with a second chance romance. I revel in the tension that comes with battling the minefield of unresolved issues, as well as the exploration in navigating a brand new path. For Benito and Skye their battles came when they were ill-equipped to deal with them. Benito took on the role of defender for Skye in a period of her life when she was at her most vulnerable, and he at his most powerless to act where it mattered. Nevertheless, for Skye Benito was a constant and source of warm in her bitterly cold world.
The temperature of their relationship cools dramatically when Skye perceives Benito to abandon her. It’s both a crushing and humiliating experience, but from it comes the opportunity flee Vermont and the monsters that lurked there.
For 12 years Benito had always wondered about Skye. His protective nature and duty to defend those at risk has lead him to a career in the police force. It’s almost poetic that he now serves justice for people when he has always felt like he failed her.
Skye’s reappearance is unexpected but wholly welcomed. It’s as though time had paused and seeing her again kickstarts his pounding emotion and visceral need to keep her safe. Although being in Benito’s company is the last thing she would have wanted, her hesitation fades away with the familiar comfortability she has always had in his company. Vermont has never felt like home but when her reservations subside she allows herself to realise Benito always has.
Benito and Skye’s story made for a great addition to the series, I really enjoyed the investigative element to the story and was fully invested in its long-awaited and satisfying resolution.
Sarina makes wonderful work executing a romance that touches on some serious themes but still possess the delicate feelings that accompany first love. It's always a pleasure to read a novel of Sarina's and if your experience is anything like mine, you'll fall in love with this one on sight.
Running into your significant ex can be awkward at the best of times, but when your ex is an NFL star TK Moore who happens upon yo
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★4 STARS★
Running into your significant ex can be awkward at the best of times, but when your ex is an NFL star TK Moore who happens upon you at your waitressing gig at a strip club; it’s safe to say the awkwardness goes off the Richter scale.
As shocked as Poppy Patterson is, she’s thrown by his excitement at seeing her. As far as she is concerned they ended acrimoniously, and after raising their son alone for the last nine years, the excitement is certainly not reciprocated.
She’s not the pregnant and heartbroken sixteen year old girl she once was. She’s strong, hardworking and an exemplary mother to her son, and because of that, she decides to give TK a second chance at being a dad.
My love for TK was instant, but his knee jerk reaction to Poppy’s news cast a temporary shadow on the affection I had for him. Once his shock passed my admiration was back with a vengeance as we saw him navigate fatherhood and make know his hope to start anew with Poppy.
After the success of INTERCEPTED it was a given that Alexa Martin would added to my roster of auto authors. I enjoyed the sense of fun and easy readability she offered, and the added bonus of it being a sport romance was more than I cared to resist.
I was sure I would be in safe hands when it came to her sophomore novel FUMBLED, and with second chance romance a particular favourite trope of mine, I was not surprised she once again scored a winning touchdown of a read.
Josie Mays was just nine years old when she decided eleven year old Cole Danforth was going to be her friend. She knew nothing of this reputa ★4 STARS★
Josie Mays was just nine years old when she decided eleven year old Cole Danforth was going to be her friend. She knew nothing of this reputation of being a “bad kid” but only saw was the boy who saved her from some bullies. Sure, he was grumpy sometimes and liked to be alone, but if anyone could bring him out if his shell it would be her.
In actual fact its ten years that pass before Josie successfully forms her friendship with Cole. He’s finally estranged from his bullying father and within sights of completing his undergrad in Marine Sciences. Maybe it’s the artist in her but she’s drawn to his aura more now so than ever. Their friendship leads to an intense and beautiful relationship that is cut short by tragedy before it truly had a chance to blossom.
At the time of If We Fall Josie Mays has returned to her hometown to pay homage to the family she lost. There would be no warm homing coming from Cole but even so she is shocked by the change she sees in him. Gone is the caring boy she knew, replaced by the calculating businessman who makes it his mission to put a stop to her plans.
“When I was eleven, I had very few defences against Josie Mays. Now, at thirty-three, I have none.”
Cole is fooling no one, he is as dedicated to Josie as he was when he was eleven and I adored the scenes of him letting his defences down. The prequel If We Leap gave us insight into their history but it’s here that the story really makes an explosive development.
Enthralled by their chemistry, I was hard pressed deciding which aspect of the story I enjoyed the most. Addictive and stylish a read, Nina has left me counting the days until the final crescendo of this duet.
Francesca Rossi is the well-bred daughter of one of Chicago’s most powerful families. She’s Outfit royalty if you will. Beautif
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★3.5 STARS★
Francesca Rossi is the well-bred daughter of one of Chicago’s most powerful families. She’s Outfit royalty if you will. Beautiful, respectful and well versed in traditions and what is expected of her. For as long she can remember she has been betrothed Angelo Bandini. Technically speaking their union will be secondary to the main aim, which will be the marriage of the two powerful families. Although not on her terms, she’s happy to be marrying Angelo. Their families have summered together for years and she’s always romanticised what their future together would be like.
Enemies are par for the course and Senator Wolfe Keaton has been biding his time to bring down the Outfit, namely Francesca’s father. After Francesca unwittingly presents him with an opportunity, he is able to put his plans into motion by shrewdly exploiting it. He considers Francesca collateral damage and a means to an end, and it’s not long before he purposely finds himself married to the mob.
As can be expected Francesca is devastated by the turn of events that see her married to Wolfe instead of Angelo. Throughout her life she has met every one of the expectations placed upon her and feels confused and betrayed by those around her. She’s done playing the role of subservient, and Wolfe has a fight on his hands if he thinks she will take his sabotage lying down.
Although prone to over the top moments, I enjoyed Francesca’s resilience. She fought Wolfe tooth and nail and discovered a strength she didn’t know she was capable of. Wolfe was unnecessarily mean at times and it isn’t until we discover his reasons that we are able to understand his reasoning for treating Francesca with such distain. As the thin line between love and hate blurred so too did my patience at them lasing out. They are nothing if not passionate and it’s in these moments that I felt they and the story came alive.
The Kiss Thief was an enjoyable return to the world of L.J. Shen. And it’s easy to recognise why she’s a much loved author among my reading peers. The blurb to The Kiss Thief was too tempting to resist and although my heart was not completely stolen, it was titillated nonetheless.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kristen Proby’s With Me in Seattle Series so I’m at a loss as to why it’s taken me so long to pick up another no
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★3 STARS<★
I thoroughly enjoyed Kristen Proby’s With Me in Seattle Series so I’m at a loss as to why it’s taken me so long to pick up another novel of hers. Luckily the first book in her brand new Romancing Manhattan gave me just the opportunity I needed to revisit her writing.
All the Way tells the story of successful Broadway actress, London Watson. She’s achieved many accolades in her career with a Tony award being among them. At present her future on stage is uncertain due to a terrible accident that lead to her parent’s death and an injury that leaves her stage career in jeopardy. She needs the time to heal in both body and mind and chose to leave New York for the summer to recuperate at the family home in Martha’s Vineyard.
Finn Cavanaugh is a partner in the law firm her runs alongside his brothers. He first meets London at the will reading for her parent’s estate and rather unwisely choses the same moment to ask her out. As expected she declines and he kicks himself for being insensitive in his timing. However luckily for him the opportunity to see her again arises when he spends some time In Martha’s Vineyard with his niece who has had trouble adjusting since her mother’s death.
Although London finds Finn extremely attractive she has her reservations. He’s charming, successful and a doting uncle but she’s not sure she can afford to be distracted from her recovery and return to the stage. She soon stands corrected as Finn and his niece’s presence bring her comfort, reassurance and a sense of belonging that she’s struggled with of late. Although it may seem soon they embark on a relationship that feels right and with their return to New York the promise of a brighter future.
The reintroduction of normal life sees the couple juggling work and family to spend quality time together. The result makes for a more intense and passionate relationship and it’s this passion along with determination that sees them through when cracks begin to show.
There was a sense of idealism I couldn’t shake and in turn found it hard to relate to them and their “struggles”. That said if you are looking for a pleasant story with low angst, you’ll want to go All the Way with Kristen Proby and her Romancing Manhattan debut.
Ruby Dawson has worked hard to ensure her future would be different than the one that everyone in town had predicted for her. Raised in a t★3.5 STARS★
Ruby Dawson has worked hard to ensure her future would be different than the one that everyone in town had predicted for her. Raised in a trailer park by her ex-stripper mother, the odds that she would make a success of herself were well and truly stacked against her. On the cusp of proving them all wrong and going off to college, Ruby allows herself one night to let her hair down alongside the peers that spurned her throughout high school. Armed with her checklist of “firsts” Ruby crashes the party of arch nemesis Levi Cole.
Arch nemesis may be a slight exaggeration but Ruby and Levi have a rivalry that extends as far back as she remembers. They are night and day in many ways but they are similar in that they are both driven by their desire to leave town. Levi is the last person Ruby would like to bump into but in doing so it gives them the opportunity to talk and bring an end to their feud.
Seven years later, working in a diner and living in her mother’s trailer, is not the future Ruby would have ever envisaged for herself. She hates that she has proven the naysayers right but she isn’t forced to look at what she missed out on until a family situation has brings Levi back to town. She’d accepted the life she had but Levi’s return bring fresh perspective and forces her to confront truths she had long left buried.
I revelled in the underlying tension and chemistry in their relationship, and although I understood her reasoning for not wanting to give in, there were times when I found Ruby to be unnecessarily combative. I always enjoy rooting for the disadvantaged and Ruby certainly possessed some of a true underdog. It would have been incredibly tempting for her to fall into the damsel in distress category, but even with the sweet hero-like demeanour Levi’s had, she keep her feet firmly on the ground. Trailer Park Heart is a story that touches on loss, and hope but that dares to bloom in the most damaged of hearts.
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