Genre: Contemporary Romance

#BookReview Five First Chances by Sarah Jost @swissSarahUK @Sourcebooks @sbkslandmark #FiveFirstChances #SarahJost #bookmarkedbylandmark

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#BookReview Five First Chances by Sarah Jost @swissSarahUK @Sourcebooks @sbkslandmark #FiveFirstChances #SarahJost #bookmarkedbylandmark Title: Five First Chances

Author: Sarah Jost

Published by: Sourcebooks Landmark on Apr. 18, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 400

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Sourcebooks Landmark

Book Rating: 8.5/10

What would you do if you had one more chance for the life of your dreams?

Lou feels like she is stuck on the wrong path: alone, in a city far from home, watching other people be happy. When the man she’s in love with announces his engagement to someone else, Lou is consumed by ‘what ifs’.

That’s when she finds herself slipping back in time to a night two years ago, where one small decision changed everything…

Suddenly, Lou has a chance to fix her mistakes. But as her choices lead her down roads she never could have imagined, she finds herself stuck in a time loop of her own making. And with each slip, Lou notices her life intersecting with one person again and again. A friend of a friend who once lived on the periphery, who is slowly becoming the one person who makes her feel like she might finally be on the right track.

Lou is about to realize that our greatest love stories aren’t always the ones we expected, but are the ones we choose to fight for.

Review:

Poignant, pensive, and moving!

Five First Chances is a heart-wrenching, time-loop tale that takes you into the life of Lou while she’s attending the wake of a casual acquaintance, when grief-stricken family members, a handful of vague memories, and thoughts of what-if leave her contemplative, curious, and exceptionally emotional until fate magically intervenes leaving her reliving the same two years over and over again in order to change, grow, reshape friendships, and discover everlasting love.

The writing is heartfelt and tender. The characters are strong, passionate, and endearing. And the plot is an absorbing, bittersweet tale of life, loss, family, friendship, kindness, honesty, acceptance, generosity, grief, romance, humour, introspection, and unconditional love.

Overall, Five First Chances is a reflective, emotional, promising debut by Jost that does a remarkable job of reminding us just how important it is to appreciate all those little things in life, the moments, the sunsets, and the shared smiles, while also highlighting the sheer power of love.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

        

 

 

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Sarah Jost

Sarah Jost is a Swiss national who has been living in the UK since 2008. She works as a Housemistress and French teacher at a girls’ school, which she considers an immersive course in character study. Sarah lives in Buckinghamshire with her partner Luke and their adorable and destructive puppy Winnie. Five First Chances is her debut.

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#BookReview Off the Map by Trish Doller @TrishDoller @smpromance @StMartinsPress #OffTheMapNovel #TrishDoller #SMPRomance #SMPInfluencers

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#BookReview Off the Map by Trish Doller @TrishDoller @smpromance @StMartinsPress #OffTheMapNovel #TrishDoller #SMPRomance #SMPInfluencers Title: Off the Map

Author: Trish Doller

Series: Beck Sisters #3

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin on Mar. 7, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 272

Format: Paperback

Source: St. Martin's Press

Book Rating: 8.5/10

On the road to love, you don’t need a GPS…

Carla Black’s life motto is “here for a good time, not for a long time.” She’s been travelling the world on her own in her vintage Jeep Wrangler for nearly a decade, stopping only long enough to replenish her adventure fund. She doesn’t do love and she doesn’t ever go home.

Eamon Sullivan is a modern-day cartographer who creates digital maps. His work helps people find their way, but he’s the one who’s lost his sense of direction. He’s unhappy at work, recently dumped, and his one big dream is stalled out—literally.

Fate throws them together when Carla arrives in Dublin for her best friend’s wedding and Eamon is tasked with picking her up from the airport. But what should be a simple drive across Ireland quickly becomes complicated with chemistry-filled detours, unexpected feelings, and a chance at love – if only they choose it.

Review:

Big-hearted, cheeky, and engaging!

Off the Map is a cute, charming, insta-love tale between the impulsive, spirited Carla, who is happy to treat life as one big adventure and the charismatic, dependable Eamon, who desperately needs someone to help him find his true north.

The writing is humorous and heartfelt. The characters are kind, supportive, and fun-loving. And the plot is a quick, easy, delightfully entertaining tale about family, friendship, tension, chemistry, self-discovery, tender moments, happiness, taking chances, and finding love.

Overall, Off the Map is an amusing, lighthearted, adorable tale by Doller that is the third book in the beloved Beck Sisters series and even though it can definitely be easily read as a standalone novel, as someone who absolutely loves this series, I would highly recommend you read them all.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

         

 

 

Thank you to SMP Romance – St. Martin’s Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Trish Doller

Trish Doller is a writer, traveler, and dog rescuer, but not necessarily in that order. She is the international bestselling author of Float Plan, The Suite Spot, and Off the Map. She has also written several YA novels, including the critically acclaimed Something Like Normal. When she's not writing, Trish loves sailing, camping, and avoiding housework. She lives in southwest Florida with an opinionated herding dog and an ex-pirate.

Photo Credit: Jesi Cason Photography

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#BookReview Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez @HBGCanada @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub #ReadForever #ReadForever2023 #AbbyJimenez #YoursTrulyBook #HBGCanada

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#BookReview Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez @HBGCanada @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub #ReadForever #ReadForever2023 #AbbyJimenez #YoursTrulyBook #HBGCanada Title: Yours Truly

Author: Abby Jimenez

Published by: Forever on Apr. 11, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 416

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: HBG Canada

Book Rating: 10/10

A novel of terrible first impressions, hilarious second chances, and the joy in finding your perfect match.

Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is seriously flatlining. Her divorce is just about finalized, her brother’s running out of time to find a kidney donor, and that promotion she wants? Oh, that’s probably going to the new man-doctor who’s already registering eighty-friggin’-seven on Briana’s “pain in my ass” scale. But just when all systems are set to hate, Dr. Jacob Maddox completely flips the game . . . by sending Briana a letter.

And it’s a really good letter. Like the kind that proves that Jacob isn’t actually Satan. Worse, he might be this fantastically funny and subversively likeable guy who’s terrible at first impressions. Because suddenly he and Bri are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates in her “sob closet,” and discussing the merits of freakishly tiny horses. But when Jacob decides to give Briana the best gift imaginable—a kidney for her brother—she wonders just how she can resist this quietly sexy new doctor . . . especially when he calls in a favor she can’t refuse.

Review:

Charming, passionate, and absorbing!

Yours Truly is an uplifting, enchanting tale that takes you into the life of the hardworking, supportive Dr. Briana Ortiz who, after dealing with the stress of a divorce and the ongoing worry for her brother who is desperately in need of a kidney to survive, finds a little relief and lightness in her daily routine by exchanging letters with the unlikeliest of pen pals, the one man, Dr. Jacob Maddox who not only drives her crazy but may actually be the enemy in line to steal the promotion she’s been looking forward to for a very long time.

The writing is heartfelt and engaging. The characters are layered, supportive, and generous. And the plot is a touching tale of family, friendship, self-discovery, happiness, taking chances, growth, healing, tender moments, light drama, selflessness, romance, and new beginnings.

Overall, Yours Truly is another amusing, heart-wrenching, brilliant tale by Jimenez that had everything I look for in a contemporary romance novel and more. I loved the characters, I loved the storyline, and I loved the happy-ever-after ending. It is, without a doubt, one of my favourite reads of the year and should definitely be at the top of everyone’s must-read list for 2023.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

            

 

 

Thank you to HBG Canada & Forever for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez is a Food Network champion, motivational speaker, and contemporary romance novelist living in Minnesota. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to open multiple locations in two states, won numerous Food Network competitions and amassed an international cult following. Abby has since turned her talents to penning novels. She loves a good book, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

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#BookReview The Good Luck Cafe (Somerset Lake #4) by Annie Rains @AnnieRainsBooks @ReadForeverPub @KayePublicity #KayePublicity #ReadForever #Forever2023 #AnnieRains #TheGoodLuckCafe #SomersetLakeSeries

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#BookReview The Good Luck Cafe (Somerset Lake #4) by Annie Rains @AnnieRainsBooks @ReadForeverPub @KayePublicity #KayePublicity #ReadForever #Forever2023 #AnnieRains #TheGoodLuckCafe #SomersetLakeSeries Title: The Good Luck Cafe

Author: Annie Rains

Series: Somerset Lake #4

Published by: Forever on May 25, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 352

Format: Paperback

Source: Kaye Publicity

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Moira Green is perfectly content with her life. She has a rewarding career and plenty of wonderful friends, including the members of her weekly book club. Then everything in her life goes topsy-turvy when the town council plans to demolish the site of her mother’s beloved café to make room for much-needed parking. Moira is determined to save her mother’s business, so she swallows her pride and asks Gil Ryan for help.

Moira and Somerset Lake’s mayor were good friends once, the kind who could laugh at everything and nothing at all. Until one night changed everything between them. And now, with Gil supporting the council’s plans, Moira is forced to find another way to save Sweetie’s—and it involves campaigning against Gil. Going head-to-head in a battle of wills reveals more than either of them are ready for, and as the election heats up, so does their attraction. But without a compromise in sight, can these two be headed for anything but disaster?

Review:

Warm, charming, and sweet!

The Good Luck Cafe is an amusing, tenderhearted, small-town romance that transports you to the idyllic Somerset Lake and into the lives of the dependable, kind Gil who is content being the local mayor and living close to his family but would love for the girl he’s always had a crush on to finally give him a chance, and the feisty, strong-willed Moira who is determined to do whatever it takes to stop the town council from tearing down her mother’s shop even if it means asking for help from the one man who used to be one of her best friends a long time ago.

The writing is cosy and light. The characters are supportive, helpful, and fun-loving. And the plot is a delightfully adorable mix of family, friendship, touching moments, adversity, attraction, chemistry, community, and swoon-worthy romance.

Overall, The Good Luck Cafe is a spirited, heartwarming, satisfying tale that touches on the importance of communication, teamwork, love and taking chances. It’s a wonderful addition to the Somerset Lake series by Rains, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed there’s still at least one more book still to come.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

       

 

 

Thank you to Kaye Publicity and Forever for gifting me a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

 

About Annie Rains

Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional places in her home state of North Carolina. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s living out her own happily ever after with her husband and three children.Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional places in her home state of North Carolina. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s living out her own happily ever after with her husband and three children.

Photograph courtesy of Read-Forever Website.

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#BookReview Make a Wish by Helena Hunting @helenahunting @smpromance @StMartinsPress #MakeAWishNovel #HelenaHunting #SparkHouseSeries #SMPRomance #SMPInfluencers

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#BookReview Make a Wish by Helena Hunting @helenahunting @smpromance @StMartinsPress #MakeAWishNovel #HelenaHunting #SparkHouseSeries #SMPRomance #SMPInfluencers Title: Make a Wish

Author: Helena Hunting

Series: Spark House #3

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin on Jan. 24, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback

Source: St. Martin's Press

Book Rating: 9/10

Ever have a defining life moment you wish you could do over? Harley Spark has one. The time she almost kissed the widowed father of the toddler she nannied for. It was so bad they moved across the state and she never saw them again.

Fast forward seven years and she’s totally over it. At least she thinks she is. Until Gavin Rhodes and his adorable now nine-year-old daughter, Peyton, reappear at a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Spark House, Harley’s family’s event hotel. Despite trying to avoid the awkwardness of the situation, she can’t help but notice how unbearably sexy he looks in a tutu. Add to that a spontaneous hives breakout, and it’s clear she’s not even remotely over the mortification of her egregious error all those years ago.

Except Gavin seems oblivious to her inner turmoil. So much so that he suggests they get together for lunch. For Peyton’s sake, of course. It’s the perfect opportunity to heal old wounds. Or it could just reopen them. This is one of those times Harley wishes she could see the future…

With her signature charm and sense of humor, bestselling author Helena Hunting creates a novel about love, family, and second chances in Make a Wish.

Review:

Big-hearted, engaging, and swoon-worthy!

Make a Wish is a charming second-chance romance between the driven, spirited Harley and the sweet, hardworking, single father Gavin as they discover that time has not changed the deeply-rooted friendship and sizzling attraction they felt for each other seven years ago and is perhaps something that could be even more if only they’d take a chance on it.

The writing is passionate and heartfelt. The characters are kind, supportive, and dependable. And the plot is a delightfully enchanting tale about family, friendship, tension, chemistry, healing, self-discovery, parenthood, special moments, happiness, taking chances, and unconditional love.

Overall, Make a Wish is an amusing, lighthearted, adorable tale by Hunting that is the third and final book in the Spark House series and even though it can definitely be read as a standalone novel, as someone who absolutely loves this series, I would highly recommend you read them all.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

         

 

 

Thank you to SMP Romance – St. Martin’s Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Helena Hunting

Helena Hunting is the author of The USA Today and NYT bestselling PUCKED Series. She lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes everything from romantic sports comedy to new adult angst.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Website.

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#BookReview The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery @SusanMallery @htp_books @HarlequinBooks #TheSisterEffect #SusanMallery #HTPbooks #HarlequinTradePublishing

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#BookReview The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery @SusanMallery @htp_books @HarlequinBooks #TheSisterEffect #SusanMallery #HTPbooks #HarlequinTradePublishing Title: The Sister Effect

Author: Susan Mallery

Published by: HQN Books on Mar. 7, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 416

Format: Hardcover

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 9/10

Beloved bestselling author Susan Mallery brings readers an emotional, witty, and heartfelt story that explores the nuances of a broken family’s complex emotions as they strive to become whole in this uplifting story of human frailty and resilience.

Finley McGowan is determined that the niece she’s raising will always feel loved and wanted. Unlike how she felt after her mom left to pursue a dream of stardom, and when the grandfather who was left to raise them abandoned her and her sister, Sloane, when they needed him most. Finley reacted to her chaotic childhood by walking the straight and narrow—nose down, work hard, follow the rules.

Sloane went the other way.

Now Sloane is back, as beautiful and as damaged as ever…and she wants a relationship with her daughter. She says she’s changed, but Finley’s heart has been burned once too often for her to trust easily. But is her reluctance to forgive really about Sloane or worry over losing what she loves the most? With the help of a man who knows all too well how messy families can be, Finley will learn there’s joy in surrendering and peace in letting go.

Review:

Sincere, sentimental, and rewarding!

The Sister Effect is a warm, intimate tale that immerses you into the lives of the McGowan family, especially sisters Finley and Sloane, as they confront the past, accept the things they cannot change, forgive, take chances, repair fractured relationships, move on, and embrace the future.

The prose is expressive and fluid. The characters are troubled, supportive, and compassionate. And the plot is a tender tale about life, love, forgiveness, secrets, responsibilities, alcoholism, addiction, familial drama, redemption, sisterhood, friendship, and hope.

Overall, The Sister Effect is another heartwarming, uplifting, nostalgic tale by Mallery that reminds us that the true meaning of family is unconditionally loving, respecting, accepting, and supporting each other through all the highs and lows. It’s the perfect read for spring and proves once again that when it comes to writing heartfelt, moving stories with characters you can’t help but root for, Mallery is one of the best!

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

          

 

 

Thank you to HTP Books – Harlequin Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Susan Mallery

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur.

Photo by Annie Brady

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#BookReview Rogue by Elle Kennedy @ElleKennedy @Read_Bloom #ReadBloom #RogueBook #SandoverPrep #ElleKennedy #SourcebooksCasa

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#BookReview Rogue by Elle Kennedy @ElleKennedy @Read_Bloom #ReadBloom #RogueBook #SandoverPrep #ElleKennedy #SourcebooksCasa Title: Rogue

Author: Elle Kennedy

Series: Prep #2

Published by: Bloom Books on Mar. 7, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 430

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Book Rating: 9/10

From New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy comes the return to Sandover Prep, where secrets lurk in the dark and no one is safe when they come into the light.

It’s been a long time since Casey Tresscott has felt like her life was her own. After the car accident that nearly cost her everything, she’s used to her family’s coddling and the relentless whispers at school, no matter how much they sting. After all, she’s found a safe harbor in her budding relationship with Sandover’s golden boy, Fenn Bishop…or so she thinks.

Beneath Fenn’s pretty, party-boy surface is a dangerous truth about the night Casey almost died. He thought lying to her was the right thing to do, but when the secret shakes loose, he just might lose her for good.

Because Casey is done being taken advantage of.

Grasping for the control she’s been missing, Casey finally snaps―telling off her bullies, gallivanting with rebels and playboys, and shirking her headmaster father’s strict curfews, despite the consequences. A desperate Fenn must ally with his stepbrother RJ and the other Sandover delinquents to uncover the full story of Casey’s accident and the ones responsible if he hopes to win her back.

But what happens if Casey is no longer the same girl he first fell for? Is there any hope for their future if she’s gone rogue for good?

Review:

Mysterious, scandalous, and spicy

Rogue is an addictive, alluring tale that transports you back to Sandover Prep right where Misfit leftover and into the life of Headmaster Tresscott’s youngest daughter Casey as she struggles to discover what really happened the night she almost died, finally confronts the bullies who taunt her day in and day out, and must decide if the boy of her dreams is worth giving a second chance.

The writing is intriguing and smooth. The characters are tormented, hedonistic, and impulsive. And the plot is a clever, captivating mix of mayhem, mischief, friendship, family, heartbreak, desire, teenage drama, first loves, and introspection.

Overall, Rogue is a highly entertaining, delectable treat that is another fantastic addition to what is ultimately turning out to be an absolutely binge-worthy, scandalous Prep series by Kennedy.

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

         

 

Thank you to Bloom Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Elle Kennedy

A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.

Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

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#BookReview Too Wrong to Be Right by Melonie Johnson @smpromance @MelonieJohnson @StMartinsPress #2Wrong2BRight #MelonieJohnson #smpromance #smpinfluencers #StMartinsPress

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#BookReview Too Wrong to Be Right by Melonie Johnson @smpromance @MelonieJohnson @StMartinsPress #2Wrong2BRight #MelonieJohnson #smpromance #smpinfluencers #StMartinsPress Title: Too Wrong to Be Right

Author: Melonie Johnson

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin on Feb. 28, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 368

Format: ARC, eBook

Source: St. Martin's Press

Book Rating: 8/10

After her latest jerk of a boyfriend dumps her (and ditches her with his pet hedgehog), florist Kat Kowalski is done chasing after Mr. Wrong. With her two best friends moving on to more serious relationships, she’s ready to stop repeating the same mistakes that are leaving her stuck in the single lane. Armed with a list of qualities for her perfect Mr. Right, Kat swears off dating until she finds him.

Then in a meet-disaster involving a corpse and a salty cockatoo, she stumbles across Mick O’Sullivan at his family’s funeral home. Their immediate chemistry warns Kat to keep things platonic; after all, following her heart never worked out in the past, and this time she’s determined to listen to her head. But can Kat and Mick be just friends? As she gets to know him better, the lines blur, and Kat starts to wonder if she’s gotten it wrong and Mick is exactly who she’s been looking for…

Review:

Humorous, sweet, and light!

Too Wrong to Be Right is a charming, heartfelt romance that mixes the hardworking, hesitant Kat who, after her most recent breakup, is determined to stop picking men based on attraction but rather a list of qualities she’s sure will help her find the one, and the dependable, patient Mick who will put his ever-growing feelings aside to help his new friend find the man of her dreams even though he secretly wishes it was him.

The prose is smooth and tender. The characters are quirky, fun-loving, and supportive. And the plot is a comical, heartwarming blend of instant attraction, witty banter, palpable chemistry, friendship, family, light drama, unconditional love, and scene-stealing pets.

Overall, Too Wrong to Be Right is a cute, adorable, entertaining tale by Johnson that was a true delight to read with its amusing characters, 90s rom-com references, happy-ever-after ending, and characters I couldn’t help but root for.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

         

 

 

Thank you to SMP Romance – St. Martin’s Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Melonie Johnson

USA Today bestselling author Melonie Johnson—aka #thewritinglush—enjoys sipping cocktails that start with the letter m. Declared a “writer to watch” by Kirkus and a “fizzy, engrossing new voice” by Entertainment Weekly, her smart funny contemporary romances include Too Good to Be Real and her award-winning Sometimes in Love debut series: Getting Hot with the Scot, Smitten by the Brit, and Once Upon a Bad Boy. A former high school English and Theatre teacher, she spends her days in her Star Wars office, dreaming up meet cutes. She lives in Chicagoland with her husband, their two redhead daughters, and one very large dog.

Photo by Heather Stumpf.

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#BookReview Her Unexpected Match by Lacey Baker @LaceyBakerbook @entangledpub @angelamelamud #HerUnexpectedMatch #LaceyBaker

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#BookReview Her Unexpected Match by Lacey Baker @LaceyBakerbook @entangledpub @angelamelamud #HerUnexpectedMatch #LaceyBaker Title: Her Unexpected Match

Author: Lacey Baker

Series: Crescent Island #1

Published by: Entangled Publishing on Feb. 21, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 352

Format: Paperback

Source: Angela Melamud, Entangled Publishing

Book Rating: 8/10

Travel writer Allie Sparks has one goal: to find the story that will save her career. So here she is, visiting her bestie on picturesque Crescent Island—with sun-warmed beaches, the briny smell of the ocean, and rumors of a secret astrologer-matchmaker who guarantees love. Of course, Allie doesn’t believe in any of that stuff. If anything, she’ll prove it’s a total scam.

Ryan Parker believes in love—just not right now. He’s focused on expanding his family’s barbeque business, finding investors, and keeping his too-big Great Dane puppy from jumping on everyone, including his sister’s pretty, whiskey-eyed best friend. Besides, falling for a tourist is definitely not in his astrological forecast.

Allie is doing everything she can to resist the charm of the town and its beauty, not to mention her attraction to Ryan. But there’s a lot more happening on Crescent Island than anyone knows…and when her story goes to print, this tiny, close-knit town might never be the same.

Review:

Sweet, hopeful, and engaging!

Her Unexpected Match is an enchanting, tender tale that features the dependable, handsome Ryan who, after meeting his little sister’s best friend, may discover that now is the right time for love, and the driven, hardworking travel writer Allie who may finally learn there’s a lot more to life than just work and that the true meaning of home is somewhere you feel cared for, supported and loved.

The prose is effortless and smooth. The characters are spirited, kindhearted, and amusing. And the plot is a delightful mix of family, friendship, tension, attraction, self-discovery, special moments, happiness, taking chances, and swoon-worthy romance.

Overall, Her Unexpected Match is a heartfelt, romantic, uplifting treat by Baker that’s a wonderful start to the Crescent Island series with its idyllic setting, affable characters, and little sliver of magic.

 

This novel is available now!

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

 

       

 

 

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Angela Melamud for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Lacey Baker

Lacey Baker, a Maryland native, lives with her husband, three children, two grandchildren and English Bulldog in what most would call Suburban America--a townhouse development where everybody knows each other and each other's kids. Family cook-outs, reunion vacations, and growing up in church have all inspired Lacey to work towards her dreams and to write about the endurance of family and the quest to find everlasting love. To date she has written in several genres including small town romance, YA paranormal (as Artist Arthur), a cozy mystery series titled Rumors and adult paranormal (as A.C. Arthur).

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com.

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#BookReview Twisted by Emily McIntire @authoremilym @Read_Bloom #ReadBloom #Twisted #NeverAfterSeries #SourcebooksCasa

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#BookReview Twisted by Emily McIntire @authoremilym @Read_Bloom #ReadBloom #Twisted #NeverAfterSeries #SourcebooksCasa Title: Twisted

Author: Emily McIntire

Series: Never After #4

Published by: Bloom Books on Feb. 7, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback

Source: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Book Rating: 8.5/10

She’s his diamond in the rough. He’s her worst nightmare.

Yasmin Karam, daughter to one of the richest men in the world, has never known strife. So, when her beloved father falls ill, she’s determined to make his final days his happiest. His last wish? To see her married to a man of his choosing. Except Yasmin’s heart already belongs to someone else. A servant. A street rat. A man her father would never consider worthy. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Yasmin strikes a desperate deal with her father’s right-hand man, Julian, not realizing he has his own twisted agenda.

Julian Faraci has one goal: become the most powerful man in the world. He’s built a future from broken bones and faded bruises, never caring who he hurt along the way. But when his mentor falls ill, he finds himself on the verge of losing everything, and he’ll stop at nothing to inherit what is rightfully his. Even if it means forcing a woman he can’t stand into marriage.

Yasmin is a brat who speaks out of turn, and he’s the villain of her story. But he decides she’ll be his—no matter what it takes to convince her.

Review:

Edgy, addictive, and darkly delicious!

Twisted is a dramatic, spicy tale that takes you on a journey into the life of Yasmin Karam, the intelligent daughter of a successful diamond retailer who, after finding out her father wishes her to marry before he passes away, agrees to fake an engagement to the one man she despises, Julian Faraci, her father’s savage right-hand man who’ll do anything necessary, even marry the one woman he loathes, in order to acquire what he believes he legitimately deserves.

The writing is sultry and smooth. The characters are consumed, brazen, and intense. And the plot is a tantalizing tale full of desire, temptation, chemistry, mystique, danger, deception, violence, secrets, and sizzling romance.

Overall, Twisted is another steamy, alluring, captivating tale by McIntire that has all the elements I’ve come to know and love in her previous novels, including a fierce heroine, a dangerous bad boy, and a fast-paced, seductive storyline that I can happily say I devoured in one sitting.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

         

 

Thank you to Bloom Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Emily McIntire

Emily McIntire is an international and Amazon top 15 best-selling author known for her Never After Series, where she gives our favorite villains their happily ever afters. With books that range from small town to dark romance, she doesn’t like to box herself into one type of story, but at the core of all her novels is soul deep love. When she’s not writing you can find her waiting on her long lost Hogwarts letter, enjoying her family, or lost between the pages of a good book. The author and her family live near Knoxville, TN.

Photo courtesy of Author's Website.

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