The Rebel Cowboy’s Baby by Sasha Summers Harlequin Heartwarming clean romance. 1st book in the Cowboys of Garrison, Texas. Audy and Brooke have never beThe Rebel Cowboy’s Baby by Sasha Summers Harlequin Heartwarming clean romance. 1st book in the Cowboys of Garrison, Texas. Audy and Brooke have never been friends but they manage to tolerate each other for their best friends. An accident has made Audy and Brooke guardians of baby Joy. They must set aside their issues and be the best co-parents they can be.
Sweet and charming. Some sad tears in the beginning but tender joy by the end.
Audy is an adult but seems to have little responsibility. It really took awhile for me to warm up to him. It’s his caring and protectiveness of Joy that finally won me over. Of course, the baby is absolutely adorable in this story.
Merged review:
The Rebel Cowboy’s Baby by Sasha Summers Harlequin Heartwarming clean romance. 1st book in the Cowboys of Garrison, Texas. Audy and Brooke have never been friends but they manage to tolerate each other for their best friends. An accident has made Audy and Brooke guardians of baby Joy. They must set aside their issues and be the best co-parents they can be.
Sweet and charming. Some sad tears in the beginning but tender joy by the end.
Audy is an adult but seems to have little responsibility. It really took awhile for me to warm up to him. It’s his caring and protectiveness of Joy that finally won me over. Of course, the baby is absolutely adorable in this story....more
A Drop of Magic by L R Braden The Magicsmith series #1. Urban Fantasy. Metalsmith Alex Blackwood’s world is thrown into a tailspin when her best friendA Drop of Magic by L R Braden The Magicsmith series #1. Urban Fantasy. Metalsmith Alex Blackwood’s world is thrown into a tailspin when her best friend is murdered and he’s left her a dangerous artifact. Alex is forced to face a devastating revelation that not only was her friend half fae, she now has to face changes of who she is at her core. Suddenly there are people asking her questions about her past, her art and her friends. The wrong answer could get her sent away, or worse, dead.
A fast moving and complex urban fantasy that just touches the surface of this world and leaves more questions than answers. Who can she trust? Lots of secondary characters and twists that can be interpreted more than one way. Cat! (I knew there was something special about Cat!) Not really a cliffhanger as much as it’s not yet a complete story. I feel like I don’t have the answers yet....more
The Christmas You Found Me by Sarah Morganthaler Heart of the Wilderness series #1. Contemporary romance. Chick lit. Single parent troupe. Sienna NaplThe Christmas You Found Me by Sarah Morganthaler Heart of the Wilderness series #1. Contemporary romance. Chick lit. Single parent troupe. Sienna Naples’s divorce is final. The painful marriage is finally over. It cost her more than she wanted to think about, but she was able to keep the ranch that’s been in her family for generations. When a handsome man stands in front of Sienna and tells her he is applying for the job of her next husband, he is not joking. Funds are tight because his daughter Emma has stage-five chronic kidney disease and she won’t be able to stay on the transplant list if he can’t afford the medications and treatments she needs. She’s only four. Guy Maple is willing to do any job necessary to care for her. Sienna tells him the advertisement was an ill timed joke but seeing the sadness, the desperation and care he give his daughter, she wants to help. Sienna agrees to marry Guy so Emma can be covered on her insurance and they move to her ranch the very next day. Married. Sienna falls in love with both of them. They become a family. But Emma is a very sick little girl and no one knows if a miracle will occur in time.
Tying the Knot by Brenda Novak Whiskey Creek series #11. Final book in the series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Grady Amos is thTying the Knot by Brenda Novak Whiskey Creek series #11. Final book in the series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Grady Amos is the last single man in his family now that all his brothers have married. He’s never been in love and they all seem so happy. Doesn’t he deserve his own special someone? When a tv show producer starts flirting with Grady, he thinks she’s interested in him, but instead she asks him to marry someone else! She is interested but apparently the job comes first and she needs him as a filler on Tying the Knot, a reality show where contestants meet their soulmate. Since Grady knows his part in the show isn’t real, he picks the woman most likely to say no to his proposal, his opposite in every way. Except she doesn’t say no, and Grady finds himself on a honeymoon with a stranger. With cameras following them everywhere. Aja Kermani was convinced to be on the tv show because of the complex and extensive questions and interviews and psych evaluations. With a 50% success rate, she goes in believing there has to be good science between their pairings. Plus, this way, her family can’t pressure her anymore to marry the man they’ve chosen for that she has only lukewarm feelings for. She wants passion and a soulmate kind of love. Paired with Grady, who has his own business hours away while she’s built a successful dental practice in Los Angeles, must mean there is something more than compatible between them. As they spend more time together, she thinks maybe they do have something special. What happens next?
A budding romance, family drama, and twists make this story compelling though I’m not of fan of deliberate deceit. The whole tv aspect made it a fun premise to start with and Grady does falls in love completely which saved this story for me. It’s a promise of a future to come.
Different versions of this book came with different bonus stories. I’ve read the main story only so far. ...more
Silver Spells by Kate Moseman Midlife Elementals series #1. Paranormal women’s fiction. Luella Campbell can’t believe she just lost her job. And she waSilver Spells by Kate Moseman Midlife Elementals series #1. Paranormal women’s fiction. Luella Campbell can’t believe she just lost her job. And she wasn’t even told why! Years of good reviews and she suddenly out of a job. How is she going to pay for her daughter’s college tuition? The day get weird when a silvery dog runs into the workplace, causes a whirlwind of a mess and dashes back outside. And only Luella and her two besties even saw the dog. What the heck? Following the dog, Luella ends up with wings from a mural. Wings. On her back. That she can magically manipulate! A bird hangs out. She finds the mural painter and remembers he was a grade school classmate and then finds out her besties have magic too. Can it get any crazier? Why, yes. It can. Her mother has magic. Her mother’s friends have magic. It’s a whole community!
A wild ride for this empty nester. She’s just grateful it all started after her daughter left for college. Lots of fun surprises and clearly more to come as they are just learning this new world of magic. Thoroughly enjoyable. I laughed out loud several times. I want to read more. I think this could easily be a rabbit hole I’ll go down. Only 4 books. I can mange that. Maybe. ...more
The Christmas Dog sitters by Lucy Mitchell Contemporary chick lit holiday story. Light romance. Cute dog. England location. Rachel is struggling with tThe Christmas Dog sitters by Lucy Mitchell Contemporary chick lit holiday story. Light romance. Cute dog. England location. Rachel is struggling with the death of her best friend, a recent breakup, and being let go from her job. When her rich sister calls and asks her to dog sit in her fancy house for a few weeks over the holidays, Rachel’s all in. Grandpa Eric is put into Rachel’s care and goes with her. They’ve been told to stay out of the local town and out of the west wing of the house. No one likes the brother-in-law but they will decide which of his strict rules to follow. When Humphrey runs out there door and disappears out of the yard, into town they go searching for him. Everyone in town is very nice. Until they find out they are relatives of Rachel. Then the townspeople turn cold. Ben, the remodeling contractor of the kitchen, and his six year-old daughter who the dog befriended, makes the whole situation a little easier for Rachel. Grandpa Eric seems to love chaos and Rachel chases after him. How is he her responsibility again? It’s a holiday unlikely to be forgotten. Where’d the dog run off to now?
To Trust a Cowboy by Sasha Summers 3rd book in the Cowboys of Garrison, Texas series. Harlequin Heartwarming. Can be read as a stand-alone. Fake relatiTo Trust a Cowboy by Sasha Summers 3rd book in the Cowboys of Garrison, Texas series. Harlequin Heartwarming. Can be read as a stand-alone. Fake relationship troupe. Hattie and Forrest have been friends forever. When Hattie’s brother tells her he’s engaged to Hattie’s high school nemesis, she feels sick. Forrest will do anything to stop Hattie from crying. If that means he holds her hand at dinner and tells people that they are dating, it’s the least he can do. And she’ll support him when his brother commits himself to the armed forces. Support turns to caring.
Emotional, sweet, heartwarming and sigh worthy. This couple has a beautiful friendship that blooms. Of course, there are stumbles. That’s part of life. Mooney-eyed. That’s what I am. Mooney-eyed over this author, series and romance.
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To Trust a Cowboy by Sasha Summers 3rd book in the Cowboys of Garrison, Texas series. Harlequin Heartwarming. Can be read as a stand-alone. Fake relationship troupe. Hattie and Forrest have been friends forever. When Hattie’s brother tells her he’s engaged to Hattie’s high school nemesis, she feels sick. Forrest will do anything to stop Hattie from crying. If that means he holds her hand at dinner and tells people that they are dating, it’s the least he can do. And she’ll support him when his brother commits himself to the armed forces. Support turns to caring.
Emotional, sweet, heartwarming and sigh worthy. This couple has a beautiful friendship that blooms. Of course, there are stumbles. That’s part of life. Mooney-eyed. That’s what I am. Mooney-eyed over this author, series and romance....more
Karaoke Queen by Dominic Lim Contemporary M-M romance. Diverse, own voices, closed door. Rex Araneta was a performer from a young age. Singing, dancingKaraoke Queen by Dominic Lim Contemporary M-M romance. Diverse, own voices, closed door. Rex Araneta was a performer from a young age. Singing, dancing, make-up and dressing up. Finding all the colors and variations of women’s clothing was a revelation but male family members convinced Rex it was a passion to be hidden at the back of the closet. Now, as an adult, Rex finds his college sweetheart working at a karaoke bar close to work. The bars is a bit run down and needs a boost and before he even realizes what he saying, Rex is volunteering to bring in friends, and make a drag Queen event a regular thing at the bar. Or rather, his alter ego, Regina Moon Dee will perform. Rex is a little rusty but he’s got good friends and plenty of support from his mother, sister, and friends. Including Paola who will help Rex in any way possible. Rex starts off trying to impress the old boyfriend, but it soon turns more introspective as Rex realizes the dressing and performing is for himself and something he needs.
Self analysis and self awareness can be painful and difficult. It’s included in this story and caused a few tears for me but the angst was actually relatively low. The budding romance was low key and the ultimately happy was included for the full cast which made it quite touching. An entertaining and uplifting coming out (drag queen performing) romance.
The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak Contemporary romance. Gia Rossi walked away from a college scholarship and backpacked to Alaska. She’s now a co-oThe Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak Contemporary romance. Gia Rossi walked away from a college scholarship and backpacked to Alaska. She’s now a co-owner of a helicopter adventure company and hasn’t spent but a weekend occasionally back home with her family. But her sister Margot is calling, asking Gia to come home. Their mother is sick and it’s Gia’s turn to be the caregiver. The residents of Wakefield aren’t all that happy to have Gia back. Most blame her for getting one of her high school teacher’s fired for sexual misconduct. Since Gia left town and he’s still blaming her for ruining his life, there used to be a rumor that Gia ‘s story wasn’t true. Even though the court, and his wife, believed Gia. Now with Gia home and helping to care for their mother, Margot takes off with her children but no explanation. The neighbor saw her loading the suitcase so they know it was voluntary but this leaves a lot of questions on what Margot was hiding. Her husband is blaming and threatening Gia. Fortunately Gia is learning that there are people that believe and support her and that she can depend on.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Both Gia and Margot’s lives are changed with this trip home. Both are standing up for themselves and becoming stronger than ever. Especially with the support of family and friends. I admit I cried a few times. In particular with a “you’re smiling more” comment. Loved the small town feel, the romance, and the feeling of family.
Moonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe Regency Tales of Love and Magic series #1. Historical paranormal romance novella. Lady Ninianne Morvoren is happy with Moonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe Regency Tales of Love and Magic series #1. Historical paranormal romance novella. Lady Ninianne Morvoren is happy with her rather secluded life on Myrddin’s Isle where the sea and the moonlight allow her magic to be powerful. Her reputation as a truth seer and curse breaker grows. A Spriggan friend convinces Ninianne that she must travel to the ball so his own curse can be broken. Once in Cornwall, Lady Ninianne meets a young man that is surprised she would help someone beneath her and she assures him that everyone deserves to be helped. She also meets Mr Tristan Tawstock who seems to spark her magic every time they touch. They have the same sort of power by where hers are powered by night and water, his are daylight and fire. When a dark influence spreads it’s up to Ninianne and Tristan to destroy it.
Mystical and sweet, with creatures of magic to entertain and delight. Good vs evil throughout the lands. ...more
Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan Contemporary romance. Fake relationship troupe. Closed door. Alternating POV. Lexi Darby is determined anCan’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan Contemporary romance. Fake relationship troupe. Closed door. Alternating POV. Lexi Darby is determined and working toward her goals. She’s working a full time day job, going to college one class at at time with her degree only a couple classes away, and she’s trying to figure out the waitressing job she’s had for a few weeks. She’s had more disasters than success as a waitress but she’s trying. Lexi lives with her mother as they both recover from the loss of Lexi’s father and his surprising amount of debt left behind. Will Grand is a busy CFO of the family business. When drops of liquid end up on his book by accident at the restaurant, he’s charmed by Lexi rather than upset. She’s clearly still learning the waitressing gig. Even getting the wrong sandwich is a sign to accept change in his routine. But when she sits at his table and tells a couple of women that there’re sharing everything including his soft drink, he realizes she’s hiding that she’s a waitress. Getting an invitation to a party, he helps get her out of the situation and they agree to a date. Having them announced at the event as an engaged couple wasn’t a big deal since he didn’t know anyone. He and Lexi had a great time and he hopes to see her again. When an announcement shows up in the paper saying Seattle’s most eligible bachelor is off the market, Lexi and Will let it stand as they deal with family and work and growing feelings for each other.
We all have bad days, good days and everything in between. Your life may not be as you expected or wanted. Know that everyone has their own stumbles and uncertainty, even if you don’t know about it. A swoon worthy romance. He’s sweet and supportive. She makes him happy. They make each other laugh. I highlighted a lot of phrases and thoughts from one or the other that resonated with me. The strongest reason to read - they made each other laugh.
Hoodoo Heaven by Reggi Dupree Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo series #0.5. Paranormal women’s fiction. 1st person. Gwendolyn Carter may be cursed, in her Hoodoo Heaven by Reggi Dupree Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo series #0.5. Paranormal women’s fiction. 1st person. Gwendolyn Carter may be cursed, in her forties, bisexual and with an extra 20 pounds she’d love to get rid of, but she’s not sitting still to accept the inevitable. She running out of the gate punching, kicking and shooting. Her last four lovers are dead. It’s a curse. So she’s going to be single for now and see what happens on her 45th birthday. She’s got all kinds of crazy monsters following her. She takes a chance on the mysterious Alex who says he wants a tattoo. Who knows if that’s all he wants. He certainly is hot enough to start some fantasies. If she can live long enough.
A novella length story that introduces Gwen and who or what, she is. There is some back story but lots more unanswered questions. The attitude and confidence of this woman is absolutely incredible. Sassy, sarcastic, and “this is me”. I can’t wait to read more. ...more
Four Leaf Felony by Tonya Kappes Holiday Cozy Mystery series #1. Lighthearted cozies with a holiday theme, southern style. Spin off from the Camper serFour Leaf Felony by Tonya Kappes Holiday Cozy Mystery series #1. Lighthearted cozies with a holiday theme, southern style. Spin off from the Camper series. Violet Rhinehammer is on the way to California to make her dreams come true to be a big time reporter. On the way to her interview, Violet discovers a dead body in the plane’s bathroom. The plane is diverted to Holiday Junction, where Violet does her own investigation to find the murderer in the small town filled with unique individuals including a dog as the Mayor. A Boston terroir, so yes, literally a dog.
The Booklovers’s Library by Madeline Martin Historical fiction. In the early 1930’s, married or widowed women were not allowed to work outside the houThe Booklovers’s Library by Madeline Martin Historical fiction. In the early 1930’s, married or widowed women were not allowed to work outside the house. Emma Taylor needs a job and though she will have to leave her daughter alone, she gets a job as Miss Taylor at Books’ Booklover’s Library with a little help from a kindhearted manager. Emma learns how the memberships work and who gets the priority books and how patrons may say they want a classic when in reality is looking for something else. Emma’s landlady also helps out watching Olivia until the war efforts demand she be evacuated to the countryside. As the war continues Olivia is later sent to stay with her grandparents on her father’s side who are cold and rule followers but air raids in the city prevent her from being able to come home. Intrigue at the library, volunteering and neighborhood regulars create friendships that help the time pass during the rationing, and bombings. It’s a difficult time for the world.
Sad and heartbreaking times but lives and love continue regardless of the war. It is actually heartwarming with made family while Olivia adds many poignant moments. Hopeful. 4.5 I received a copy of this from NetGalley. ...more
The Cloud Kingdom by Kristen Painter Midlife Fairytale series #3. Paranormal women’s fiction. Best read in series order. Not yet a complete series. QueThe Cloud Kingdom by Kristen Painter Midlife Fairytale series #3. Paranormal women’s fiction. Best read in series order. Not yet a complete series. Queen Sparrow has a goal of reuniting the Radiant fae with the Grym fae, but Queen Anyka thinks both kingdoms should be hers. Anyka thinks the answer is in the dark magic grimoire and she’ll do anything to get her hands on it. War or peace?
The Berlin Apartment by Bryn Turnbull Historical romantic fiction. Multi-timeline and POV. Berlin 1961: Lise Bauer lives with her father and brother inThe Berlin Apartment by Bryn Turnbull Historical romantic fiction. Multi-timeline and POV. Berlin 1961: Lise Bauer lives with her father and brother in East Berlin and is studying to be a doctor in West Berlin where she meets Uli Neumann. Uli and Lisa fall in love and get engaged. She won’t wear the engagement ring until they can have dinner with her father. Two days later, East Germany puts up a barbed wire fence, separating East from West, splitting the city into two hostile halves. Lise is on the East side when the wall goes up. They try to convince the guards they are engaged. They try to find a place to go over or around the wire but get caught. Lise is stuck behind the iron curtain when the wire is replaced with a more permanent wall of cement. Socialist East Germany will not let their citizens leave. Mail is censored. People are watched. Then Lise realizes she’s pregnant. Her life is now under a microscope.
On the West side of the Wall, Uli is devastated he can’t be together with Lise. He convinces his friends they need to build a tunnel to get Lise and other family out of East Germany. It’s a dangerous plan, more than likely to fail, but Uli was in school to be an engineer. He and his friends are sure they can figure out structure, support and placement. Digging and building will have to be in secret. This is not something that will happen in a week, but rather months. Uli and Lise will have to live on their own side and follow strict rules while waiting for the tunnel to be completed.
Devastating separation for so many families. The wall went up without warning and there was no way across for German citizens. The compelling storytelling broke my heart. I was too young at the time to remember it going up, but I do remember all the news of when the wall came down. Uli is so strong and committed to helping. Lise will do her part but living in the east comes with strict rules and so many eyes and difficult decisions. A lot of tears. When the wall comes down, and we know it did, there is a lot of healing to be done. Almost thirty years of loss, life, and missing family. This romance is difficult and long awaited. This story of Uli and Lise is a romance. So many others, weren’t so lucky.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple Fiction with mystery, chick lit. Humorous. Bernadette Fox has lived with her family in a subdivision of SeatWhere’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple Fiction with mystery, chick lit. Humorous. Bernadette Fox has lived with her family in a subdivision of Seattle for longer than she’s able to mentally handle. She looks at the community as all cookie cutter followers and doesn’t want to be part of the hive. She’s outsourced all her financial and day-to-day decisions to an overseas internet source from buying airline tickets, to finding a prescription for seasickness for the upcoming trip to Antarctica. When Bernadette disappears after a neighbor intervention, the community is covered in gossip and rumors. Fifteen year-old daughter Bee knows some of those so-called facts are outrageous exaggerations and she decides to find where her mother went off the map.
Road Trip Rivalry by Mona Shroff Harlequin Special Edition romance. Own voices. Bonus holiday romance novella included (ebook, audiobook). Researcher PoRoad Trip Rivalry by Mona Shroff Harlequin Special Edition romance. Own voices. Bonus holiday romance novella included (ebook, audiobook). Researcher Poorvi Gupta is desperate to reach her medical conference in Dublin in time to secure grant funding with her presentation. She has proof and research statistics showing that the clinical trials need to be delayed rather than rushed through. The exact opposite of what the Shashane family wants to do. When weather reroutes the plane to land across the country, and cars go alarmingly fast, she’s forced to team up with a fellow passenger to drive to Dublin. She’s already has a conflict with him when she tries to help a nice elderly woman on the plane speaking Gujarati. Fortunately Poorvi is able to drive a manual car and the elderly woman will be with them, so it should be an easy drive to Dublin. Until it’s not. Ophthalmologist Kavan Shashane is traveling to Dublin to head off a researcher whose study puts his family’s practice at risk. Sure, it wasn’t convenient for the plane to be rerouted, but now he gets to spend time with the fascinating woman he traded sparks with on the plane. He definitely wants to get to know her better and getting waylaid by the elderly woman to see various sights along the way to Dublin isn’t a problem. Neither know that when they get to Dublin, their close relationship could change when they find out they are on opposing sides at the medical conference.
Sparkling romance and family Indian traditions blend to make this romance sweet and spicy at the same time. Indian dishes, flyers Holi colors and a slight manipulation by a well meaning grandmother being Poorvi and Kavan together to find their forever.
Detour to the Gingerbread Inn Naina Goel and Jais Patel, thought separated, travel together to a family event at Christmas time. Severe weather strands them at a run-down inn that seems to have been decorated and forgotten decades in the past. Yet the inn is full and couples seem to be loving the inn and its holiday traditions. Spending the forced time together, Naina and Jais have little choice but to talk and air grievances they couldn’t in the past. A Mehndi party and Masala chai help being them back together and gradually the decorations seem to be getting updated and brighter as well. It’s seems to be a magical place as they renew their love.
The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen Historical fiction, multi-time line. A child disappears in 1968 and the city is captivated, worrying about their own childThe Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen Historical fiction, multi-time line. A child disappears in 1968 and the city is captivated, worrying about their own children’s safety. Liz Haughton is a reporter wasting her skills assigned to Obituaries. Tired of being treated as if she has no skills, Liz follows a friend and police officer to Dorset. They find a history of missing children and Liz is plunged into personal memories and a compelling need to find answers about the ruins of the village of Tydeham.
An intriguing mystery investigation without the benefit of today’s technological advances. It’s also many years into the past and finding the right questions and people to talk to could be like a drop in a bucket of water. Maybe it’s small town or sheer luck, but she finds the first answer which makes her keep following any connections she can find. Luck or skill? You’ll know the answers before Liz does, but the story is still skillfully crafted and worth reading....more
Heroes Across Time by Jackie North Love Across Time series 1.5. Sequel to Heroes for Ghosts and should be read in order. M-M romance. Closed door novelHeroes Across Time by Jackie North Love Across Time series 1.5. Sequel to Heroes for Ghosts and should be read in order. M-M romance. Closed door novella. Stanley and Devon have traveled to current time in Harlin, Colorado and Stanley is learning about the world in modern day while Devon finishes his college degree. It’s Christmas and Devon wants to celebrate with a small tree and presents. Stanley knows hunger. He knows what it’s like to go without. He’d rather be frugal and skip presents and save the extra money. Stanley has a darkness in himself and often thinks of the friends he left behind. Stanley was glad to make the sacrifice he did for his friends but he wonders about what happened to them. Holidays can be difficult but Devon will do what he can to make sure that Stanley is happy.
Spoilers for the first book so that should be read first. Stanley made a sacrifice of himself to save his friends. It brought him to Devon in current day. But what of all his friends? Devon takes the time to research all of the troop and show Stanley that what he did, allowed all the others to live long, happy, and productive lives. It’s tear inducing and touching. It’s was a selfless act and there were great rewards for everyone remaining. A miracle. A lot to believe here. Regardless, it’s a beautiful thought or wish for the holidays.
This could easily have been a long epilogue in the first book rather than a separate recap. My rating is more for the feel good feelings. I don’t think this can stand alone without reading the prior story. ...more
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