From the jump ahead epilogue, this felt like it could be my final visit to Lovelight Farms. Given that, I am glad it was a good one. Rating: 4.5 Stars
From the jump ahead epilogue, this felt like it could be my final visit to Lovelight Farms. Given that, I am glad it was a good one.
This started out with a bang for me by allowing me to see one of my favorite couples tie the knot. It's at Luca and Stella's wedding that Nova and Charlie begin their little dance around each other. I could instantly see these two clicking, and they were just so much fun to be around.
They both may have called this a "business casual" relationship, but it was real from the very beginning. It was in their playfulness and the small acts of kindness they showed each other. It was in the way they really "saw" each other.
I liked Nova just fine, and I found her to be the perfect foil for Charlie. But, oh, Charlie! He the best and my favorite! He was always made to feel like her was "too much", and he was never the one who was chosen, never the favorite, but Nova saw what an incredible person her was. In fact, everyone in this town saw what an amazing person Charlie was, and heck, that had my heart growing two sizes.
This book was packed with lots of wonderful and memorable moments that had me smiling or shedding some happy tears. So, if this is the end, I am grateful for such a fabulous sendoff for this world and these characters who made an impression on my heart.
Sophie and Aiden were high school sweethearts who everyone thought would be together forever, but Aiden left Sophie right when he needed her most. WheSophie and Aiden were high school sweethearts who everyone thought would be together forever, but Aiden left Sophie right when he needed her most. When Aiden returns to Piper's Cove for a wedding, Sophie and him were reunited. Sophie was nursing years of hurt, but as they weathered an actual storm, Aiden and Sophie found their connection was still there.
I adore second chance romances, but even I was mad at Aiden. Give him a chance though. You know there are reasons for everything. I think I was more furious at Sophie's family. My goodness, they seemed almost helpless. But again, Hunter gives everyone a chance to redeem themselves.
Overall, this was a very sweet story of love, forgiveness, and second chances which warmed my heart.
This time around, I got to know Connor and Deenie better. They were an interesting paiRating: 4.5 Stars
It was so wonderful to be back in Pine Hollow!
This time around, I got to know Connor and Deenie better. They were an interesting pairing. Connor had been raised by a single mother. They struggled, but he worked and earned scholarships for his education. He was a man with a plan. He was seeking stability, a house, wife, family, and to be partner at his firm, but his plan was derailed when his fiancee broke their engagement.
Deenie had been raised by two parents and some wealth. A life which she abandoned in order to blaze her own path. She traveled and preferred to have no roots. More or less, Deenie had the opposite goals of Connor, but they had such a wonderful connection and for some reason, were really able to understand each other.
I adored them together and especially liked seeing beneath the surface of Connor. He was an actually sweetheart (I swear!), and his actions spoke volumes. I also loved being back with this group of people. I enjoyed their group dynamic and the history they shared. And, you know the dogs always add an extra element of fun.
Overall, this was another fun and heartwarming trip to Pine Hollow for me, and I cannot wait to return.
Amused by popular, well curated "influencer" accounts, Libby and her best friends create the world of Lillibet. When the account catches the attentionAmused by popular, well curated "influencer" accounts, Libby and her best friends create the world of Lillibet. When the account catches the attention of a budding media executive Hildy, a very real opportunity presents itself, but can Libby and her friends fake it till they make it?
If you elect to pick up this book, be prepared to laugh, a lot. Not only was Lillibet one of those influencer types that make me roll my eyes, but the mess Libby and her friends got themselves into yielded a plethora of comedic moments. Packed with hilarious and slapstick events ensued as Libby tried to recreate Lillibet's online life. I laughed quite often, but I also found myself rooting for this trio as they tried to improve their circumstances.
I think everyone will emphasize with Libby. Her parents were not very involved in her life, and this left a wound. BUT Libby was so lucky to fill her circle of friends with so many incredible people. Jean, Keoki, and their families counted Libby as their own and provided her with lots of love and support.
The characters really stood out for me. I fell in love with Keoki, Jean and Hildy had me rolling on the floor, and Jefferson was a star. The humor and witty banter delighted me, and I loved how it all worked out for everyone.
So much to love in this fake relationship turned true love story.
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Five Things I Loved About The Rules of Persuasion:
1. I hRating: 3.5 Stars
So much to love in this fake relationship turned true love story.
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Five Things I Loved About The Rules of Persuasion:
1. I have read many books where a fauxmance turns into a romance, but I still love it. I really adored seeing Luke and Meg's relationship evolve and change. In an effort to make their relationship look "real", they began spending time together, but eventually, they began seeking solace in each other. It was all sorts of awww-sweet for me.
2. The sibling connections were so lovely. Luke and his older brother, Gabe, had a united front in trying to escape their parents overreaching control, while each thing Meg shared with us about her sister just made my heart explode. I swear, I was moved to tears.
3. There was a lot of great banter between Meg and Luke. It was initially sparring, but grew to be friendly teasing and flirting. I absolutely enjoyed the fun and sassy stuff, but I probably equally adored when they bared their souls to each other.
4. These two really grew to support each other. The more time they spent with each other, the more they shared their personal woes. They were both dealing with a lot of family drama and emotional pain. I was so happy once they had each other to lean on and run to when they need comfort.
5. And the pièce de résistance - the grand gesture! I love when there is that big gesture, that is meant to win the other person over by showing them the depth and breath of your affection. This one was pretty major, and did double duty by tying up some loose ends too.
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Forever my favorite grand gesture ❤️
Overall: So much to love in this fake relationship turned true love story.
So much to love in this fake relationship turned true love story.
[image]
Five Things I Loved About The Rules of Persuasion:
1. I have read many books where a fauxmance turns into a romance, but I still love it. I really adored seeing Luke and Meg's relationship evolve and change. In an effort to make their relationship look "real", they began spending time together, but eventually, they began seeking solace in each other. It was all sorts of awww-sweet for me.
2. The sibling connections were so lovely. Luke and his older brother, Gabe, had a united front in trying to escape their parents overreaching control, while each thing Meg shared with us about her sister just made my heart explode. I swear, I was moved to tears.
3. There was a lot of great banter between Meg and Luke. It was initially sparring, but grew to be friendly teasing and flirting. I absolutely enjoyed the fun and sassy stuff, but I probably equally adored when they bared their souls to each other.
4. These two really grew to support each other. The more time they spent with each other, the more they shared their personal woes. They were both dealing with a lot of family drama and emotional pain. I was so happy once they had each other to lean on and run to when they need comfort.
5. And the pièce de résistance - the grand gesture! I love when there is that big gesture, that is meant to win the other person over by showing them the depth and breath of your affection. This one was pretty major, and did double duty by tying up some loose ends too.
[image]
Forever my favorite grand gesture ❤️
Overall: So much to love in this fake relationship turned true love story.
It was meant to be a joke to celebrate Sienna's divorce, but when single dad, Guy, answered the husband-for-hire want ad, Sienna agreRating: 4.5 Stars
It was meant to be a joke to celebrate Sienna's divorce, but when single dad, Guy, answered the husband-for-hire want ad, Sienna agreed to a marriage of "purpose" given his need for health insurance for his daughter, Emma. What started as a business arrangement quickly turned into something real as Sienna fell in love with Emma and found the man who was the missing piece of her life.
First of all, make sure you have some tissues handy. Guy's daughter, Emma, was a very ill child, and there were some difficult and heart-wrenching scenes. Sienna's father was also fading from Alzheimer's, so again, be prepared. I did shed some tears, but gosh darn it! This was a very uplifting and beautiful story of love, (found) family, and hope.
Sienna was still recovering from her divorce when Guy and Emma entered her life. She had lost her business and many of her animals in the split, but she had resigned herself to moving forward alone. Guy and Emma were a welcome distraction. Emma was such a sweet little girl, and there were all these precious moments made sweeter by her. And Guy was a gem. He had been struggling as a single dad for several years. Emma's health issues were his main concern. It was sort of wonderful that Guy and Sienna found each other when they both needed some support and a shoulder to lean on.
It was beautiful watching this family take shape and seeing them all get their happy ever after was of the utmost importance to me. I spent so much time hoping, praying, and cheering them on. I will admit, it was a bit of an emotional roller coaster, but it was worth enduring as my heart was filled with so much warmth and joy in the end. I am ecstatic that Morgenthaler is writing again, and I cannot wait to read the next Heart of the Wilderness books.
I have really been enjoying this series, and I think this is my favorite book yet.
Friends-to-lovers is my most favorite trope, and oRating: 4.5 Stars
I have really been enjoying this series, and I think this is my favorite book yet.
Friends-to-lovers is my most favorite trope, and oh! the history these two shared. They became friends as children and were such important parts of each others lives. The flashbacks to some of their friendship/relationship milestones were precious.
You know what else was precious? FORD! This man endeared himself to me in so many ways. He was so gentle, sweet, and kind. He was a good captain, a great brother, and an incredible friend. But what really broke me were all the scenes he shared with Amber's daughter. The gentle giant in him emerged every time that baby was put in his arms.
When they were younger, Amber was Ford's champion, but he was essential in her life as well. Amber's father was out of the picture and her mother was fairly neglectful. It was Ford and his family that provided a loving place for her to grow, and they were there for her again when she needed support. The way they embraced her as their own and automatically assumed the role as aunt, grandmother, and in-law was beautiful.
The Eagles added some fun to the mix as well. I am always down for the bromance, and there was this one scene where they were all taking turns caring for the baby. *heart eyes*
Another great addition to this series, and I really hope Ford's sister gets her story. It seems that one was being set up, and I am excited about the pairing.
Life long best friends embark on a fake relationship with a designated end date, but when real feelings emerge, will Ni and Issac be able to deny theiLife long best friends embark on a fake relationship with a designated end date, but when real feelings emerge, will Ni and Issac be able to deny their heart's desire.
I have a special place in my heart for friends-to-lovers romances, and that coupled with a striking cover, a Rhode Island setting, and fake dating had me adding this book to my TBR. The first thing to really stand out in this story was the history Laniah and Issac shared. Issac was being raised by foster parents following the death of his parents. When Ni's mother noticed he was a bit neglected, he became part of their family as well as a part of so many of Laniah's most vital memories.
I will tell you know, I am pure trash for stuff like this. The idea that their love grew from such a solid foundation, always make me buy into a love match. They saw each other at their best and their worst, and it made it easy to believe their relationship could survive the shift from friends to lovers. To sweeten that deal, Neilson included several look-back chapters. They were short but painted this clear picture of important moments from Issac and Ni's history which I brought so much meaning and insight into current events.
This was sort of a celebrity romance, too. Issac had shot to fame via his online presence, modeling, his art, and his musings on love and relationships. Ni was very private, not even dabbling in social media, but when Issac posted a picture of the two of them, it causes a frenzy with a wonderful side effect of boosting sales at Ni's struggling business. The whole thrust-into-the-spotlight caused the bumps in the road you would expect, but it was another storyline which posed a much bigger obstacle for these two.
Obviously, I was here for Issac and Laniah's romance, but her mother and father's love story really got into my heart. I shed some serious tears for a love affair that was cut short, but was also so full. There was a spotlight on loving someone with a chronic illness which was heartbreaking but also beautiful and a reality for many.
Overall, I thought this was a touching friends-to-lovers romance. Neilson did a wonderful job balancing the heavy and the light, infusing lots of humor and warmth in the story, and conveying those fluttering feelings of love. I was crying for all the right reasons at the end and LOVED the way I learned more about their happy ever after via the additions made to Issac's art piece.
Everything was going great for Izzy. She had her bestie, Elli, their future plans, and an acceptance letter from her #1 college choice. But everythingEverything was going great for Izzy. She had her bestie, Elli, their future plans, and an acceptance letter from her #1 college choice. But everything was taken from her the day she lost her mom in a car accident. While packing up her mother's things, she stumbles upon a box of letters written by her mother, but never sent. This discovery sets her on a search for answers from the one big love of her mother's life.
As a fan of The Heirs of Watson Island series, I was really excited to see that Boone was releasing a new book, and it was in my favorite genre nonetheless. This one spoke to the romance lover in me, and there were many, many things for me to love.
• The relationship between Izzy and her mother was one to envy. Though we only got a short peek into their present time life together, Boone gifted us with a bunch of flashbacks, which clearly showed the strength of this mother-daughter bond.
• Izzy and Elli were such close friends, they were practically sisters. The fact that they go way back to the hospital nursery together was a testament to how the universe thought they belonged to each other. They were so close, Elli became like that little voice in Izzy head, that gave her advice in some sticky situations.
• Malcolm was one of the soft boys that I love. Izzy may have been saying in jest, but I think he really was a sort of Prince Charming. His love of history and his ancestral home scored him many points in my book, and I was elated when he finally started to untangle some of his complicated feelings.
• Boone took us on a beautiful and scenic trip from Virginia to the English Countryside to India. Her love for India was quite obvious in the care she took to bring us there via the sights, the sounds, the smells, and the tastes of the region.
I have one complaint, which is about -- you guessed it, the ending. Though it ended with this very beautiful reflection, I still have some questions. I feel like I am always asking for an epilogue, but if you read this book, you would understand why I really, really wanted one. Or a sequel? Something, because, like I said, I have a few unanswered questions.
Overall: This was a really lovely story of what it means to love, the sacrifices we make for those we love, and how love can transcend it all. It was beautifully written and packed with a lot of emotion.
Merged review:
Everything was going great for Izzy. She had her bestie, Elli, their future plans, and an acceptance letter from her #1 college choice. But everything was taken from her the day she lost her mom in a car accident. While packing up her mother's things, she stumbles upon a box of letters written by her mother, but never sent. This discovery sets her on a search for answers from the one big love of her mother's life.
As a fan of The Heirs of Watson Island series, I was really excited to see that Boone was releasing a new book, and it was in my favorite genre nonetheless. This one spoke to the romance lover in me, and there were many, many things for me to love.
• The relationship between Izzy and her mother was one to envy. Though we only got a short peek into their present time life together, Boone gifted us with a bunch of flashbacks, which clearly showed the strength of this mother-daughter bond.
• Izzy and Elli were such close friends, they were practically sisters. The fact that they go way back to the hospital nursery together was a testament to how the universe thought they belonged to each other. They were so close, Elli became like that little voice in Izzy head, that gave her advice in some sticky situations.
• Malcolm was one of the soft boys that I love. Izzy may have been saying in jest, but I think he really was a sort of Prince Charming. His love of history and his ancestral home scored him many points in my book, and I was elated when he finally started to untangle some of his complicated feelings.
• Boone took us on a beautiful and scenic trip from Virginia to the English Countryside to India. Her love for India was quite obvious in the care she took to bring us there via the sights, the sounds, the smells, and the tastes of the region.
I have one complaint, which is about -- you guessed it, the ending. Though it ended with this very beautiful reflection, I still have some questions. I feel like I am always asking for an epilogue, but if you read this book, you would understand why I really, really wanted one. Or a sequel? Something, because, like I said, I have a few unanswered questions.
Overall: This was a really lovely story of what it means to love, the sacrifices we make for those we love, and how love can transcend it all. It was beautifully written and packed with a lot of emotion....more
"Screwed" was definitely an appropriate name for this book, because both hero and heroine were stuck between a rock and hard place, when it came their"Screwed" was definitely an appropriate name for this book, because both hero and heroine were stuck between a rock and hard place, when it came their romance.
Who?
• Callie, divorced from her cheating husband, Beau, and trying to find her "happy". • Cash, Beau's best friend and business parter, who has harbored unrequited feelings for Callie
What?
After Callie returns from a post-divorce year of traveling, she begins spending more and more time with Cash. The more time they spend together, the more she learns about him, and the more attractive he becomes to her. Sparks fly between the two, but they need to determine if they are willing to risk friendship and career for their relationship.
Why?
I loved these two together. They had such a great rapport with each other, and their chemistry was undeniable. I was cheering for them to make this love match the whole time, because you can just tell they belonged together. Yes, they were attracted to one another, and had quite a few "passionate" encounters, but there was so much more to their relationship. The basis of their relationship was friendship and it was a strong one. I adored these two together, but they were pretty special apart too. Callie and Cash were both slightly damaged.
Callie's self esteem was really low. She always felt like she was not good enough. She spent her whole life trying to please her parents, but never making them happy. Then she entered into a marriage with someone, who needed other women to make him happy. She felt like a failure as a daughter and wife, so seeing her with Cash was so vital for me. He "saw" her, acknowledged all the wonderful parts of her, and supported her as she made her new life. Watching her change and heal over the course of this book really warmed my heart, and I couldn't believe how important her personal growth was to my happiness.
Cash never fully understood how his father could abandon his family. He buried these feelings, but when his father re-entered the picture, old hurts rose to the surface. It was Callie, who helped him through this tough time. She gave him advice, support, and listened to him. She reassured him that he was a person worthy of love, and he showed he was via his actions.
I am warning you right now, there is a lot of push-and-pull in this one. However, I felt like the payoff was worth all the aggravation, and as a bonus, there was a ton of cookies and cake.
Overall A sweet, charming, and smile-inducing friends-to-more romance featuring a couple I couldn't stop rooting for.
Merged review:
"Screwed" was definitely an appropriate name for this book, because both hero and heroine were stuck between a rock and hard place, when it came their romance.
Who?
• Callie, divorced from her cheating husband, Beau, and trying to find her "happy". • Cash, Beau's best friend and business parter, who has harbored unrequited feelings for Callie
What?
After Callie returns from a post-divorce year of traveling, she begins spending more and more time with Cash. The more time they spend together, the more she learns about him, and the more attractive he becomes to her. Sparks fly between the two, but they need to determine if they are willing to risk friendship and career for their relationship.
Why?
I loved these two together. They had such a great rapport with each other, and their chemistry was undeniable. I was cheering for them to make this love match the whole time, because you can just tell they belonged together. Yes, they were attracted to one another, and had quite a few "passionate" encounters, but there was so much more to their relationship. The basis of their relationship was friendship and it was a strong one. I adored these two together, but they were pretty special apart too. Callie and Cash were both slightly damaged.
Callie's self esteem was really low. She always felt like she was not good enough. She spent her whole life trying to please her parents, but never making them happy. Then she entered into a marriage with someone, who needed other women to make him happy. She felt like a failure as a daughter and wife, so seeing her with Cash was so vital for me. He "saw" her, acknowledged all the wonderful parts of her, and supported her as she made her new life. Watching her change and heal over the course of this book really warmed my heart, and I couldn't believe how important her personal growth was to my happiness.
Cash never fully understood how his father could abandon his family. He buried these feelings, but when his father re-entered the picture, old hurts rose to the surface. It was Callie, who helped him through this tough time. She gave him advice, support, and listened to him. She reassured him that he was a person worthy of love, and he showed he was via his actions.
I am warning you right now, there is a lot of push-and-pull in this one. However, I felt like the payoff was worth all the aggravation, and as a bonus, there was a ton of cookies and cake.
Overall A sweet, charming, and smile-inducing friends-to-more romance featuring a couple I couldn't stop rooting for....more
Christian was named captain of a new expansion team and has his eyes on the prize - leading his team to his third Stanley Cup. An accRating: 3.5 Stars
Christian was named captain of a new expansion team and has his eyes on the prize - leading his team to his third Stanley Cup. An accidental meeting involving a blue slushy and a beautiful woman, brings Serena into his life, and as he begins to fall for her, trouble erupts for the Nighthawks.
I love sports romances, especially hockey romances, and was eager to try this series. I am glad I did, because I loved both Chris and Serena. Chris was a "hockey god", but there was really a lot more to him than met the eye.
Christian's past was something he couldn't seem to shake. His need to be loved and to prove his worth was so strong, due to his relationship with his father. I love Chris' drive and that tender heart he carried around with him.
Serena was also dealing with difficult parents, who were overly judgmental and made her feel she would never be good enough. She was also in a field, which was not hospitable to larger sized women, but she challenged these ideas and battled the body shakers, and she did it well. I loved her sass, spirit, and independence. I was happy she had some fantastic people in her corner - her brother, his husband, her bestie, and her grandmother, who were all fabulous.
Serena and Chris were fabulous together. I loved their banter, their chemistry - I loved it all. When things got tough, I was rooting for them. I liked how they came from very different background, and that they were both very driven to be the best that they could be in their careers. But, I also loved seeing them realize there was more to live than their jobs and where they came from. It was about finding someone to make a future with and I was glad they were doing that together.
Overall: A solid start for the Nighthawks, and I am looking forward to seeing all of Chris' teammates find their HEAs.
Christian was named captain of a new expansion team and has his eyes on the prize - leading his team to his third Stanley Cup. An accidental meeting involving a blue slushy and a beautiful woman, brings Serena into his life, and as he begins to fall for her, trouble erupts for the Nighthawks.
I love sports romances, especially hockey romances, and was eager to try this series. I am glad I did, because I loved both Chris and Serena. Chris was a "hockey god", but there was really a lot more to him than met the eye.
Christian's past was something he couldn't seem to shake. His need to be loved and to prove his worth was so strong, due to his relationship with his father. I love Chris' drive and that tender heart he carried around with him.
Serena was also dealing with difficult parents, who were overly judgmental and made her feel she would never be good enough. She was also in a field, which was not hospitable to larger sized women, but she challenged these ideas and battled the body shakers, and she did it well. I loved her sass, spirit, and independence. I was happy she had some fantastic people in her corner - her brother, his husband, her bestie, and her grandmother, who were all fabulous.
Serena and Chris were fabulous together. I loved their banter, their chemistry - I loved it all. When things got tough, I was rooting for them. I liked how they came from very different background, and that they were both very driven to be the best that they could be in their careers. But, I also loved seeing them realize there was more to live than their jobs and where they came from. It was about finding someone to make a future with and I was glad they were doing that together.
Overall: A solid start for the Nighthawks, and I am looking forward to seeing all of Chris' teammates find their HEAs.
Could you imagine you meet your end choking on a microwave hamburger? Well, that is what happened to Delphie. But while she was meetiRating: 4.5 Stars
Could you imagine you meet your end choking on a microwave hamburger? Well, that is what happened to Delphie. But while she was meeting with her afterlife counselor, she connects with another recently deceased man who it seemed was in Evermore by accident. Of course Delphie was disappointed, but her afterlife counselor has a deal for her. Delphie is granted ten days to find and get her "soulmate" to kiss her. This is easier said than done.
I knew I was going to love this book. I could just tell from the synopsis, the cover, and all the early reviews that me and this book were a great match. So, what did I like about this book?
This book was funny! I never trust the publishers when it comes to that "rom-com" label. They often tend to over estimate the comedic portion of the book, but this book was funny and even sometimes, hilarious. Who knew a book about death could be so much fun, but Delphie searching for her soulmate resulted in so many amusing situations. I smiled, laughed, and cringed as I also hoped for certain things to happen.
This was a book about second chances. Her father left her, her mother left her, her best friend left her -- all these acts of abandonment force Delphie into self preservation mode. She built a fortress around her heart while deeming herself a long wolf. On her return to her life, she began reaching out and forming friendships. It was really lovely to see her take those chances while those around her embraced her. I adored the relationship between Delphie and her elderly neighbor, but the best was her ties with her neighbor, Cooper.
Cooper and Delphie were sort of enemies, and boy, could they spar. But when she enlists Cooper to help in the search for her soulmate, and Delphie poses as Cooper's girlfriend, things really got interesting. Let's just say there was a lot running below the surface with these two and there was a stupendous link between them as well.
But the icing on the cake was that this was a story about second chances. At first glance, it seems like a second chance to cement that love connection with her soulmate, but this was also Delphie's second chance to really build a life for herself, to make it be about more than going to work and going to sleep. It was her chance to get closure with respect to those who left her, and to open her heart to new friendships. It was also a chance to reclaim parts of her life that she gave up, and I was cheering Delphie on the entire time.
Overall, this was a fun and heartwarming tale reminding readers to live life to the fullest and embrace the people who love you. I absolutely adored every second of this story which made me smile and laugh while filling me with glee.
I was scanning my kindle when I realized I never read this short intro to Bess and Tank. It was fun to see the night it all started since I adored SurI was scanning my kindle when I realized I never read this short intro to Bess and Tank. It was fun to see the night it all started since I adored Sure Shot so much.
Seeking a fresh start and the grief that surrounded her, Lark fled Texas for Ireland. One of the first people she meets is Callum, thRating: 4.5 Stars
Seeking a fresh start and the grief that surrounded her, Lark fled Texas for Ireland. One of the first people she meets is Callum, the local mortician who must marry by his birthday or forfeit the family business. Unfortunately, Callum suffers from social anxiety, and struggle with speaking with and connecting with women. Well, until Lark came barreling into his world.
I was drawn to this book because of its rom-com label and setting, but I truly fell in love with the story because of Callum and Lark.
Lark was a young widow who really never came to terms with her husband's death. She had been drowning in her grief for about two years. When she was offered an art director position with an indy animation studio, she jumped at the chance to relocate to Ireland leaving her past behind. But everyone knows you can't outrun your past, and Lark must confront it in order to be able to open her heart and love again.
I adored Lark. She was the personification of bright colors. I swear, sunshine followed her wherever she went. I know this seems quite at odds with her grief, but she did a good job of burying that when necessary. Her cheerfulness was contagious, and I loved that she infected Callum with it. He needed more light in his world.
Callum grew up surrounded by death. As the third generation to run the family funeral home, he dealt with bullying for where he lived as well as endless teasing due to his stutter. Rejected by his parents, he was raised by his grandparents and with his granda's recent passing, he was alone and at risk of losing the only home and the only world he had know.
Being a mortician cannot be easy, but Callum was a positive part of the death industry. He showed respect for the dead and their families as he attempted to ease some of their pain with thoughtful final farewells for their loved ones. I think the universe knew he needed some warmth and levity in his life, and that came in the form of Lark. She did such a magnificent job pulling him out of his shell and encouraging him to be a little more foot-loose and fancy free. Though Lark appeared super vocal, she was a people pleaser who often put her needs last. Callum helped her find a way to voice her needs and advocate for herself.
Callum was such a mush who was all about finding the one and making real connections. I loved him! When he whispered Irish endearments into Lark's ear or waxed poetic about him in his head, he brought the swoon. There were also some great supporting characters who brought something special to this story. I have a feeling Lark's cousin will be featured, and I am very much looking forward to returning to Galway.
Overall, this was a heartwarming tale of healing and love that was filled with fun rom-com moments and quirky characters who won my heart.
I have been a long-time fan of Bennett's hockey romances and was excited when this series was announced. I am thrilled to say this faRating: 4.5 Stars
I have been a long-time fan of Bennett's hockey romances and was excited when this series was announced. I am thrilled to say this family rivalry was a hit for me.
Straight out of the gate, I was getting vibes that brought me back to the 80s and my nights of watching Dallas and Falcon Crest. There were these two powerful Kentucky families who had been at odds for over 200 years, but now they were forced to deal with each other when a secret baby was revealed to share both Blackburn and Mardraggon blood.
Needless to say, this was a shockwave that shook both worlds, but none more than Ethan Blackburn's. Ethan was a workaholic with no time for much else. He dabbled in flings with no serious relationships on the horizon. That was until his little girl, Sylvie, entered his life. One thing I really loved was the way Ethan grew into his role as a father. Here he had a pre-teen girl who was grieving the loss of her mother and whisked away to a new country to live with a father she had never met.
Things were bumpy, but Ethan was willing to put the time and effort into building a relationship with Sylvie. He was also willing to ask for help bridging that gap between him and his daughter and that help came in the form of the school principal, Marcie.
Marcie was a phenomenal person. She was intelligent and cared deeply for those who were part of her world. She bore some scars from her failed marriage, and wow! What a jerk her ex was, but in Ethan, she found someone she clicked with, who appreciated her, and treated her with the respect and affection she deserved. I actually thought they were both very good for each other. But it wasn't just how they fit with each other, but also how they fit into each other's world that made this so right.
Bennett did a great job laying the groundwork for this series. She explained the feud while introducing us to the key players. There was a wild twist, too. Never would have seen that coming, but it shifted the families' dynamic in an interesting way.
Overall, I thought his was a fantastic launch to the series, and I am looking forward to returning to the Bluegrass Empire.
I never expected RLS to revisit Rowan & Neil, but I am glad she did.
After the HEA can be tricky. That first installment was this amazing night where I never expected RLS to revisit Rowan & Neil, but I am glad she did.
After the HEA can be tricky. That first installment was this amazing night where Rowen and Neil finally acknowledged those long simmering feelings for each other. It was BIG and filled with so much happy anticipation.
After that is real life. Rowen and Neil began their relationship right before they were set to go their separate ways and embark on the next chapter of their lives - college. They were faced with so many challenges, and I think Solomon did a wonderful job capturing all those first year emotions. If I was the target audience, getting ready to go to college or approaching the end of high school, there is so much to glean from this story.
But, I sort of just wanted more of that Rowen and Neil magic, and that was hard to get with them physically apart for most of the book. BUT! Solomon gave me the ultimate gift of an epilogue which brought tears to my eyes, and don't worry, they were the happy kind.
Overall, I did enjoy catching up with Neil and Rowan and being a part of their personal journeys.
It was so wonderful to be back at the Rebel Blue Ranch. This series has really captured my heart with its small town feel and the famRating: 4.5 Stars
It was so wonderful to be back at the Rebel Blue Ranch. This series has really captured my heart with its small town feel and the family at the center of it all, the Ryders. I cannot get enough of being in the midst of their family affairs. There is just something so special about their relationships and dynamic that pulls me in and makes me want more.
Yes, the Ryders provided me with miles of smiles, but I also adored the hero and heroine of this story. Ada's life was on the upswing. She still bore the scares of her disastrous marriage, but she was working hard to bring her business to the next level. I felt a connection to her and those feelings she harbored. She felt unlikable and that she was on the outside, but she may have finally found her place and her people at the Rebel Blue Ranch. This was super heartwarming for me, and I loved watching Ada grow and blossom in those hospitable conditions.
I adored Wes as well. It's so wonderful that romance authors are embracing the golden retriever hero because they really are spectacular. Wes was a middle child who felt like he lived in the shadow of his other siblings. I loved that this redesign was all his and rooted for it to be a great success.
But the friendship he formed with Ada was even more special. He was a man of small gestures which were actually big. Ada had been in a controlling marriage and she was determined to never rely on someone in that way again. Wes really "saw" her and understood her boundaries. Instead of doing for her, he taught her or gave her the tools. He fostered her independence, and this was so great for her confidence. Ada also supported Wes in many ways that was important for his emotional and mental health. They were just wonderful together.
This was such a fantastic trip back to the ranch, and I cannot wait to return again.
Lissie was spread thin, and one night, that led to a sort of disaster when she accidentally served a dish with shrimp paste to a customer with a seafoLissie was spread thin, and one night, that led to a sort of disaster when she accidentally served a dish with shrimp paste to a customer with a seafood allergy. As if it wasn't bad enough that she had to step down from her job at the family restaurant, but Preston Lin wrote a scathing article calling out the restaurant for their negligence. This led to PR troubles for her family, and Lissie was determined to get things back on track.
I always start my reviews of P&P retelling by admitting that I have never read P&P. The sheer number of retellings I have read should count for something, right. The heart of this story was Lissie and her love and dedication to her family. She wasn't perfect, but she sure tried hard and gave a lot of herself and her time to help her family. She was smart and sassy, and her inner (and outer) commentary was quite amusing.
I had fun mapping the characters to their "inspiration". It was easy to figure out who was who, and I liked the way they was spun in this retelling. The story played out how I expected, but still came across in such a fresh way. I easily fell into this story and all the delicious drama that kept me turning those pages.
Overall, this was a wonderful contemporary retelling which seemed fresh and new while also loyal to the source material.
Samantha (WLABB)
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