Love, Unscripted by Denise Hunter ~ 5⭐

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction ~ Release Date: March 12, 2024

REVIEW:

Spring has sprung and Summer is on the way and I have found the perfect beach read for you my friends! Denise Hunter is releasing a new novel titled Love, Unscripted. The release date is March 12th and I totally enjoyed this story when I wasn’t too sure I would. I had to read it because I have enjoyed everything I’ve read that Denise Hunter has written. 

Let me explain. I think my main hang up before diving into this book was that it revolved around the filming of a Hollywood movie. I do love a good movie and will binge watch them but at my age I’m not particularly into keeping up with the lives of all the stars. This story did not disappoint. It was Hollywood filming in a small town. You know how I love small towns so this turned out to be right in my wheelhouse.

The main character is a debut author. Sound familiar? I love to promote new authors. The author’s name was Chloe Anderson and she was fresh from a breakup and wrote a novel about the perfect boyfriend. It was a bestseller and climbed the charts. Her best friend Meghan owns the local independent bookstore. This just keeps getting better. Her book is picked up for a new movie. The star of the movie is Liam Hamilton. This is where the fun begins!

This book is not all fluff. It deals with some neglect, alcoholism, abandonment, cheating and several other things that disrupt our lives and we carry with us for a long time. Some of those things shadow our lives until sometimes we are forced to deal with the consequences. 

The character development was superb. It had to be or the book would have flopped. I immediately was involved in the lives of these characters and what they were thinking and dealing with. I couldn’t put this book down! Although the author describes this book as a beach read, it is so much more than that.

If you love a book that gives you something to think about, people to care about and settings that draw you in, then Love, Unscripted needs to be high on your to be read list. I highly recommend this novel. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley, Thomas Nelson and Denise Hunter. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS:

The perfect boyfriend only exists on paper…doesn’t he?

Fresh off the heels of a bad breakup, Chloe Anderson poured her heart into penning the perfect boyfriend—and the result was an off-the-charts debut beach read that resonated with women worldwide. Now, Chloe’s scripted hero is headed for Hollywood, with her book destined to become a major motion picture.

When Chloe gets wind that silver screen bad boy Liam Hamilton has been cast as the ideal-in-every-way hero of her novel, she’s horrified by the film director’s choice. How could a player like Liam possibly do Chloe’s perfect hero justice? Unafraid to speak her mind, Chloe lets her executive producer know she’s one hundred percent opposed to the casting. And oops—the call is on speakerphone, where the annoyingly attractive Hollywood star hears Chloe’s unbridled outrage firsthand.

With Liam’s reputation already on the rocks, his agent concocts a PR plan to upgrade Liam’s image while putting the story—and the film—in the spotlight. The catch? During the movie’s filming in Chloe’s cute hometown of Stillwater, North Carolina, Chloe and Liam will fake a wholesome, committed relationship. Both stand to gain something from the arrangement. Liam’s fans will see him in a new light, while Chloe can boost her struggling social media following and further her writing career. What could possibly go wrong?

As author and actor navigate the waters of the PR relationship, they’re unpre­pared when their professional agreement turns into an actual friendship. And when serious sparks start to fly—well, that’s an unread chapter for both of them.

Charming contemporary romanceStand-alone novelBook length: approximately 83,000 words. Includes discussion questions for book clubs

The Sapphire Daughter by Soraya Lane ~ 5⭐

Genre: 20th Century Historical Romance ~ Release Date: March 8, 2024

REVIEW:

Oh my goodness! I have been in a reading slump and Soraya Lane just reminded me why I love to read. Her new book The Sapphire Daughter is being released on March 8th and is the fourth book in The Lost Daughters Series that she is writing. This is the third one that I have read. I am still terribly far behind and need to go back and read The Italian Daughter. All of these books are fabulous and they are the books that make you have a satisfied sigh when you close the cover.

All of the books take place in two different time periods. The backstory goes back to at least the 50’s and I think some of them are earlier and some later. There was a home for unwed mothers called Hope’s House. It was run by a woman named Hope. All of the stories in this series are about the children that were born at Hope’s House. I think that Hope was an outstanding woman of her time. One of those people we would all love to have in our lives. The characters that I have come to know and love in these books are all people that draw you into the story. Soraya Lane has a true knack of character development. I have not read one book by her that I didn’t like. She is the reason I love Historical Fiction so well.

Speaking of Historical Fiction, these books fall under 20th Century Historical Fiction. That is right up my alley! I get a little romance, some history and there is a mystery also in these books that the genre doesn’t mention. Of course, I love following the story and seeing how the mystery unfolds and is solved. I just couldn’t ask for anything more in a great book and maybe that is why I love this series so much. I couldn’t wait to sit down and write to you about this book.

If you are like me, and love all history, mystery and romance, then this series is a definite must for your reading pleasure. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS:

Lake Geneva, 1951: Delphine looked up at Florian, her fingers grazing his cheek as she pressed her mouth to his, the sapphire tiara sparkling beside them. “Yes,” she whispered against his lips. “I will marry you. If you can find a way, then I promise you. I will marry you.”

London, present day. Georgia holds the rare pink sapphire in her hands, watching it glitter in the morning light. It was left for her at Hope’s House, a home for unmarried mothers whose babies were adopted. But how is it connected to the secrets of her family’s complicated history?

Georgia tries to forget about the sapphire, her heart too bruised by past hurts. But when she discovers the gemstone was part of a priceless tiara owned by the Italian royal family, she is drawn in by the mystery surrounding it. Her only way of finding answers is to travel to Lake Geneva to meet with the man who inherited the stunning tiara from his grandfather.

When she arrives at the breathtaking lakeside city, handsome Luca tells her he’s been searching for the missing stone for years and is eager to piece together how it arrived at Hope’s House. As they spend sun-drenched days together, Georgia and Luca grow closer and uncover the passionate, forbidden love story of Delphine and Florian, whose tragic romance forced Delphine to make a heartbreaking decision with devastating consequences…

As Georgia comes to terms with the decades-old secret, will it shatter everything she thought she knew about herself? Or will Delphine’s courage inspire her to open up her own heart and build a new life with Luca?

A completely gripping and escapist read about family mysteries and true love that lasts a lifetime, that will leave you spellbound. The perfect read for fans of Lucinda Riley, Victoria Hislop and Santa Montefiore.

This novel can be enjoyed as a standalone.

The Secret They Kept (boxed series) by J. S. Ellis ~ 5⭐

Genre: Domestic Thriller ~ Release Date: March 5, 2024

REVIEWS: I read all of these and reviewed them when they originally were published. They are being released in a boxed set and I’m posting these reviews together for your convenience. I know you’ll want to binge read them! They are available for pre-order today.

THE SECRET THEY KEPT: WOW! J.S. Ellis knocked it out of the park with The Secrets They Kept. It is my favorite book of hers so far. I totally enjoyed this story and happily went along with the ride. I didn’t know where this book was headed. There were a few characters throughout the book that raised my suspicions but, I couldn’t put a solid finger on any of them.

Emily moves into her first house and finds out the woman of the couple who used to live there came up missing. Emily’s boyfriend goes missing and the Jones’ across the street had a son that went missing too. That is a lot in between two houses! Who is involved? It has to be someone close by. Right or maybe not. You’ll have to read this on your own too see if you can figure out who the culprit is.

If you love a good mystery, this is your book. At first, it didn’t seem like a mystery but, I loved the characters and the story was engaging. The mystery built throughout the story. It kind of sneaks up on you. I enjoyed every minute of this book. I wouldn’t mind another story about Emily in a new home with a new mystery. Maybe a new man? Probably just my wishful thinking. I never want a good book to end.

SECRETS AND LIES: Secrets and Lies by J.S. Ellis is the second book of The Secret They Kept series with The Secret The Kept being the title of the first book. I can’t help but think there is going to be at least one more book in this series. I felt like Secrets and Lies left me with a lot of unanswered questions. The first book brought overwhelming success hence book two and here’s hoping for a book three!

I really think you should read The Secret They Kept before you read Secrets and Lies. You won’t be sorry. I think you can read book two as a stand alone but, the background and introduction to the characters in book one will lend more richness to the story. I think you would lose a lot if you read book two first and then go back to book one. So, enhance your reading experience and read these books in order.

The characters in these books are a little quirky. They may not be the kind of people in your group of friends but, their beauty and open lives will pull you in. Emily is the main character and is a lot like some of us. I don’t think she sees herself as beautiful and doesn’t always go the extra mile to take care of herself and her home. She was not always like this but, the things that happen in the first book and now the second one have changed who she is as a person. She is drawn to Lucien who is a stunningly beautiful man. Nobody compares. His coloring, clothes and the way he carries himself make him a stand out in any crowd. Emily is also interested in a detective that is prominent in the story. You have to read these books to understand how all of this fits. It’s quite interesting.

I have become a fan of J.S. Ellis. She writes great Psychological Suspense. I rarely know what is going to happen. She weaves such a good story and has characters that just draw you in that you really don’t realize what you are reading. You think you are reading a normal fiction book until the first twist comes your way. Then you just jump right in and fly along because you can’t wait to see what happens.

If you love Suspense, Psychological Suspense, murders that have gone unsolved, A love story or two or three along the way, domestic fiction, you name it, you’ll love this new series by J.S. Ellis.

THE SECRET WE KEEP: The Secrets We Keep by J.S. Ellis is book three of a trilogy. Book one is The Secret They Kept and book two is Secrets and Lies. I’ve enjoyed all the books that I have read by this author. She always keeps me interested in her stories.

The characters in this series start out as somewhat normal. As normal as most of us are. Emily is the main character and I really liked her a lot. She gets involved with a circle of friends that don’t really seem to be her type. They are all interesting and from my point of view are a little far out. They are models and photographers. Emily is a freelance graphic artist and works from home. It leaves her available at odd hours and she gets entangled with these odd friends. Lucien is the beautiful boy across the street. I say boy because he is younger than Emily. There is an attraction that I don’t think Emily even understands. I will say that the is a full cast of characters and some of them I really liked. As with most books, I think you’ll find some you don’t.

You really want to read all three books. I think if you pick up book two or three, you will have a hard time figuring out what is going on. I remember having a short time of putting it all together with book two. I did with this book also. I had to remember who everyone was and how they tie together. I think that now all three books are released it would be a good idea to acquire them all and binge read them. Keeps everything fresh. I found it a little hard to remember all the details at the beginning and it wasn’t an easy entrance into each book. I was able to work it all out, it just took me a bit.

Overall, if you like quirky characters, a good mystery and a mystery that actually changes over time, I think you will like these books. They are geared to a little younger reader than me but, it doesn’t throw us older folks out of the park either. There is something for everyone! Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copies of all three books from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS:

Emily Clarke thought her dreams were coming true. Her business was thriving and she was moving into a beautiful new house. Yet this dream quickly morphed into a nightmare.

Rocks being thrown at her windows.
Haunting messages written on glass.
Items mysteriously disappearing.

Emily’s nerves are on edge, which is only made worse by the man across the street constantly screaming at his wife. By befriending their son, Lucien, she learns a dark truth about the street she now calls home. Lucien has a brother who went missing ten years ago, as did the last occupant of Emily’s house.

Emily wants to believe these ominous events are past history until her ex-boyfriend vanishes without a trace. Now, she’s convinced she is a pawn in someone’s twisted game.

Can she uncover who is behind these disappearances before becoming their next victim?

Watcher by Nola Nash ~ 5⭐

Genre: Time Travel Romance ~ Release Date: November 30, 2023

REVIEW:

Nola Nash graced us with a new book in The Traveler Series. It is titled Watcher and was released November 30, 2023. I wish life did not throw so many curves my way in the last several months as I wanted to read this one a while ago but, I finally made it. 

I will have to say it took me a while to get into this book. That is totally my fault. Again, things get in the way. I am so glad that I was able to sit down and concentrate on this story. It is so jammed packed with history. If you are a history buff, you should consider putting this book on your tbr pile. I wasn’t a good student of history but I like to learn about it in fun ways. So, I started this book looking for more of the modern times like the Traveler had in it. Sadly, that did not happen. When I got over my pouting, I enjoyed the story that Nora was presenting me with.

The book starts out in 404 BC during the battle for Athens. That is when I started looking for the modern part of the story. Didn’t happen and I am not exactly sure when the book ended. I do think the way she left it that we are in for another installment to this Series possibly called Oracle. I guess we will have to wait and see as I haven’t talked to Nora in a while but, I do hope she is busily working on that book. I want to know what happens to Shelby and Benny!

If you are a history buff and haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend that you read these books starting with Traveler. You must read them in order. It will make more sense. If you are one of those people that like to stretch yourself and read things you haven’t read before, this is the perfect series to stretch your wings. I think this is the perfect series to do that. I really enjoyed this series so far when I open my mind and just go on the journey with the characters. You’ll love Shelby! She is quite the character. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

“A very entertaining read that carried me right to the end. My Life in Ruins meets The Mummy.” –Edward J. Leahy, author of Past Grief

Destiny doesn’t care if you want it or not.

Having made the time jump to her destiny, Shelby Starling finds herself, along with Benny, in the midst of the battle for Athens in 404 BC. While Apollo might have provided clothing for the time period and the ability to understand languages, he also tossed in some riddles for good measure in the form of a cloth with a single word on it and the Victorian Traveler Elijah Faircloth’s journal that seems oddly useless in ancient Greece.

It soon becomes clear that winning the war against Sparta wasn’t their destiny as the god had led them to believe. Instead, they’ve been sent on a hunt for a traitorous and womanizing Greek general, Alcibiades, whom Apollo wants to punish for lifetimes of atrocities against humanity.

With little choice, since destiny will not relent until it’s fulfilled, Shelby and Benny are made Watchers with the ability to make the time jump on their own in search of the slippery Traveler Alcibiades. Following their target through history and all over the world to some strangely familiar times and places, the reason for Eli’s journal becomes more obvious as the true identity of its author becomes clear.

Will Shelby, with Benny’s steadfast help, be able to bring her Traveler back to Apollo or will he continue to slip through her fingers? Will her connection to the magnetic general bring them too close for her to turn him over to the gods to pay for his crimes?

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

Family Tree by Jessica Ryen Doyle ~ 5⭐

Genre: Romance ~ Release Date: November 19, 2017

REVIEW:

Jessica Ryen Doyle approached me to review Family Tree, a book that she had written. I was hesitant because I have a backlog of books I still need to get to. She assured me that I would love her book. I took her word for it and jumped in as soon as I finished the book I was on. I love helping new authors.

This book is a steamy romance but, then again it is so much more than that! It deals with unplanned pregnancies, gay relationships and in vitro fertilization, and sexual abuse of children. When I started this book I thought it was going to be a typical romance. It is but, Ms. Doyle makes you think about things you may not have given a lot of thought to before. She makes you feel things you may not have wanted to feel.

Some people will be offended by the love scenes in this book and how explicit they are. They are there for a reason. One you are shown that it can just be another outlet without much feeling behind the act and two you are shown what something can mean when love is behind it and it takes real work to get there. We have all found ourselves in the position we hear so much on the news we are hardened to it. 

The characters in this book are used to make you understand someone who has experienced abuse and what it has done to that person in the long run. You also get to know someone that doesn’t put much thought into how they approach that part of their life and what the consequences might be or how it might affect someone else. The characters learn to appreciate other people’s position. They learn to love in every sense of the word.

Jessica Ryen Doyle was correct when she said I would love her book Family Tree. I hope that she will write more books because the thought and sensitivity put into this book was beyond what you normally get in a romance story. This book brought out all the feelings. If you love a book that makes you feel and feel differently than you might have before, then I encourage you to find a copy and read it. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

Mia Anton is a twenty-five year old entertainment reporter and owner of the popular website, The Blogger. She falls in love with one of her assignments, Johnny Tree, a hot Hollywood actor. But, Johnny has a dark past and he’s reluctant to share. As Mia tries to navigate difficult situations that arise in her life, she wonders if Johnny can go the distance. Or, is their relationship doomed from the start?

As Mia mines the complex issues of love and loss, her own notion of a family tree changes in ways she could never imagine.

A modern-day romance, Family Tree will tug at your heart as you quickly become absorbed by Mia and Johnny’s story.

Readers of Molly McAdams, Tracey Garvis-Graves and Tammara Webber will find this book hard to put down.

The Guest by B. A. Paris ~ 4⭐

Genre: Domestic Thriller ~ Release Date: February 20, 2024

REVIEW:

The Guest by B. A. Paris was my first book by this author. I have heard nothing but good things about her books. This won’t be the last one I read of hers but, I was a tiny bit disappointed. Well, let’s put it this way, I am more mad at myself than disappointed. I should have known who the murderer was all along. I’ve told you how bad I am about figuring these books out but, this one was a giveaway right in your face. When you read it, let me know if you figured it out before the epilogue.

I did enjoy The Guest. I spent a rainy day with my nose buried so deep in my tablet that I wasn’t very good company. I was engrossed due to a lot going on and several catastrophes. The author kept me turning those pages until well into the night. 

The characters were all so interesting and their development was very satisfying. They seemed to have a lot of life changing things going on in their lives. The main characters, Iris and Gabriel come home to find one of their friends has taken over their home. Gabriel is on leave from his job due to burnout and now their friend Laure has separated temporarily from her husband Pierre and come to stay. She is the “guest”. There are others. Their daughter and neighbors down the road who all play a big part in the story.

I always wondered what an unreliable narrator was. This book is a prime example of that. I believed everything I was told only to find out that I got it all wrong. If you love a book that takes you on a ride and dumps you off scratching your head and wondering what the heck was I thinking, then this is a book for you to put in your tbr pile. I would! Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

New York Times bestselling author B. A. Paris captivated psychological thriller readers everywhere with Behind Closed Doors. Now she invites you into another home full of heart-pounding secrets, in The Guest.

Some secrets never leave.

Iris and Gabriel have just arrived home from a make-or-break holiday. But a shock awaits them. One of their closest friends, Laure, is in their house. The atmosphere quickly becomes tense as she oversteps again and again: sleeping in their bed, wearing Iris’ clothes, even rearranging the furniture.

Laure has walked out on her husband—and their good friend—Pierre, over his confession of an affair and a secret child. Iris and Gabriel want to be supportive of their friends, but as Laure’s mood becomes increasingly unpredictable, her presence takes its toll.

Iris and Gabriel’s only respite comes in the form of a couple new to town. But with them comes their gardener, who has a checkered past.

Soon, secrets from all their pasts will unravel, some more dangerous than they could have known.

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan ~ 5⭐

Genres: Domestic & Psychological Thriller ~ Release Date: February 6, 2024

REVIEW:

One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan was a phenomenal read. I could not put this book down! I am behind in my reading and that is certainly part of it but, this book literally kept me turning the pages. The story development was the key here. The story kept changing and building and I simply had to know where it was going.

The character development was complex. You thought you knew a character and then they did a 360 degree turn. In this book we have a husband that is accused of drinking and killing a man that was skateboarding in the parking garage of his building after the New Year’s Eve celebration. He swears he was not drunk and simply didn’t see the man until he ran over him and killed him.

This is a tightly woven plot and Hank reveals to us clues along the way that we can’t rely on. You have to discern what you are going to believe. I’m very bad at that. I always think the narrator is reliable and sometimes they are not. I am easily yanked back and forth while reading and wonder what in the world hit me when I am done. Sometimes, I’m exhausted when I close the cover on the book. I think that is why I love these stories so much. I can’t figure them out and always think this might actually be the one. Not so with Hank Phillippi Ryan!

If you find yourself fascinated with crime stories that you can’t solve, you will surely enjoy One Wrong Word! Until next time…Happy Reading!

SYNOPSIS:

A heart-racing new psychological thriller from USA Today bestselling and multiple award-winning author, Hank Phillippi Ryan.

One wrong word can ruin your life. And no one knows that better than savvy crisis management expert Arden Ward. Problem is, she’s now forced to handle a shocking crisis of her own. Unfairly accused of having an affair with a powerful client, Arden’s life and dreams are about to crash and burn. Then, Arden is given an ultimatum. She has just two weeks to save her career and her reputation.

Is Cordelia Bannister the answer to her prayers?

Cordelia needs Arden’s help for her husband Ned, a Boston real estate mogul. Though he was recently acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, his reputation is ruined, and the fallout is devastating not only to the Bannisters’ lives, but the lives of their two adorable children.

Arden devotes her skill and determination—and maybe her final days on the job—to helping this shattered family, but soon, revelations begin to emerge about what really happened the night of the accident. And then—another car crash throws Ned back into the spotlight.

This case is Arden’s final chance to protect her own future and clear her name. But the more she tries to untangle the truth, the more she’s haunted by one disturbing question—what if she’s also protecting a killer?

Gossip. Lies. Rumors. Words like that can hurt you. And Arden knows the reality. Sometimes one wrong word can kill.

At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The Stranger by Kiersten Modglin ~ 5⭐

Genre: Domestic Thriller ~ Release Date: February 1, 2024

REVIEW:

The Stranger by Kiersten Modglin is absolutely brilliant! Bravo, Kiersten, you’ve done it again. I say that because of two reasons. One, I can never figure out who did it and two, I thought I did many times during the reading of this book, however, I have to sadly say I did not figure it out. I do not know how the mind of this author works. She is sweet as pie but more twisted than a pretzel.

This book takes place during a terrible snow storm amid the holiday season. The two main characters find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere. Walker picks Tibby up while driving through the storm. She is walking after being tossed out by her boyfriend. Nice guy. Walker is a nice guy but Tibby has a problem trusting anyone. I love the back and forth with these two.

Throughout this book the paragraphs rotate between Tibby and Walker. You get to hear their thoughts. There are also paragraphs that are titled “BEFORE”. It is while reading those sections that I thought I knew who the bad person was. I was pretty confident until I wasn’t. Then it was back and forth until my head took a spin. If you’ve read any of Kiersten Modglin’s novels you’ll know what I mean. The endings always take me on a ride I wasn’t prepared to take.

I don’t know if I can say I liked any of the characters. I hated one and then the other because I kept thinking I knew who the bad person was although my thinking kept changing on that matter. I felt like they were playing cat and mouse with my brain. Well, they weren’t but Kiersten was!

If you like psychological suspense, murder and mayhem, you will like this book. There are several things going on that will keep your mind busy. Notice I didn’t say out of trouble. I could have been a weather forecaster during this book. My predictions were all so wrong. If you’re looking for a challenge with figuring out a book, this is a book for you. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

SYNOPSIS:

Never trust a stranger…
But, late at night and trapped in the middle of nowhere during a terrible snowstorm, Tibby and Walker have no choice.

With roads shutting down and cell towers out, running into each other and deciding to travel together could either be their saving grace or worst mistake. When they’re forced to take an unexpected detour and seek refuge in a roadside motel, the storm quickly becomes the least of their worries.

A disturbing discovery in the motel, the questionable actions of the mysterious owner and fellow guests, and a news report about a missing couple in the area set the scene for a terrifying night, but the worst is yet to come.

Each stranger holds a secret…but which one should be trusted?

From million-copy bestselling author Kiersten Modglin comes a fast-paced, heart-pounding thriller filled with secrets, lies, and hairpin twists and turns as dangerous as the icy roads the story is set upon.

Temporary Love by Wendy Million ~ 5⭐

Genre: Billionaires Romance ~ Release Date: January 30, 2024

REVIEW:

Wendy Million is back to entertain us with stories of royalty and the family of royalty of Bellerive with a new book titled Temporary Love. I have found that I am a fan of royalty. I enjoy a good royal story once in a while and these books have been very entertaining. This book moves a little further out in the family and doesn’t deal with the serving royal family directly. We meet Gabe and Ember in this book and I’ll tell you why this book was such a joy for me to read. It was simply pure joy.

Who doesn’t love a good love story? This is a classic slow burn, steamy, and heartfelt story of a marriage of convenience. Right away I am hooked. I love a little slow burn with a side of steamy! Don’t you?

Ember is left behind to care for her sister’s daughter Nova, when her sister dies unexpectedly. They are almost homeless when she reaches out to Gabe who is the stranger that fathered her niece. Gabe shows up and Ember doesn’t want to give up the last thing that connects her to her sister and she becomes the nanny requiring her to travel to Bellerive.

I love the characters in this book! Gabe and Ember are both afraid to share their feelings for many reasons. We see Gabe grow up and take responsibility and fight for those he loves. Ember is steadfast in her love for her niece. Good characters with good intentions that go a little haywire especially when the government steps in. Immigration is tightly controlled in Bellerive and I’m not telling you everything that happens. I want you to plunge in and go for the ride that I did. You will enjoy the many family members that come into the life of Nova.

If you love family, royals and a little steamy on the side, you will enjoy the ride that Ember and Gabe will take you on in this story. Family and love is everything. Right? I recommend Temporary Love by Wendy Million for your reading pleasure. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

SYNOPSIS:

A slow burn, steamy, and heartfelt marriage of convenience featuring a billionaire and his temporary nanny.

Ever since my sister died and left me in charge of her infant daughter, I’ve been drowning in debt and on the verge of homelessness. When I reach out to the stranger who fathered my niece, a name my sister kept secret from me, I’m surprised by a hot billionaire who’s determined to fix everything that’s broken.

His proposal to temporarily move us to his island and into his oceanfront estate seems like a dream come true. With a four month stay, there’s no chance of us turning into more. But as time runs out, we’re not ready to say goodbye. Our only option is a marriage of convenience—a fake relationship—to trick the government, allowing me to stay in my niece’s life permanently.

This fairytale life is too good to be true, and it’s only a matter of time before the clock strikes midnight.

Tropes:

marriage of convenienceforced proximitywho did this to you?protective heroslow burnhe falls firstone beddual POVfound familysurprise baby/single dadno third act breakup

Content warning: mentions of past abuse and sexual assault, discussions of suicide.

Echoes of the Past by Ashley Farley ~ 5⭐

Genres: Southern & Family Life Fiction ~ Release Date: January 23, 2024

REVIEW:

Holy Cow! I just finished the second book in the Marsh Point Series. It is titled Echoes of the Past. The first book was A Long Journey Home. Both of these books are Fabulous and I highly recommend that if you haven’t read the first book, you start from the beginning. They can be read as stand alone novels but, you will get a richer understanding of the family history and dynamics if you start with book one. I have totally enjoyed both books and found both of them to be unputdownable!

I have been an Ashley Farley fan for a few years now and she writes books that I don’t even bother to read the synopsis. I know if she wrote it I am going to read it. I am so very fortunate to be an advanced reader for her. It cuts out some wait time before I am blessed with a new book by her.

This series is about the Darby family that is struggling with their pasts. Their mother was an alcoholic and the kids suffered some abuse and neglect when it came to their mother. The father tended to stay away from the situation. The four adult children are coming to terms with all they endured growing up. The oldest daughter had too much responsibility, the son has anger issues, one daughter is jealous of her sister and brother and the third daughter is a runaway they have never been able to find. I have enjoyed getting to know Ashton the oldest daughter and Will the only son who seem to be dealing with the past and dealing with the disasters occuring in their present lives.

If you love family drama and women’s fiction, you will really enjoy this series. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to leave a review and the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

SYNOPSIS:

After testifying against her husband in a harrowing human trafficking case, Julia Becker is thrust into the secluded world of Witness Protection. Faced with a future in isolation, she manages a daring escape, seeking refuge in a quaint small town in South Carolina’s lowcountry. But rather than the serene haven she’d envisioned, Julia stumbles upon a new kind of peril.

Will Darby is his own worst enemy. His anger management issues have gotten into a world of trouble that could land him in prison for life. He’s under investigation for the tragic boating accident that claimed his wife’s life. His in-laws are seeking custody of his two young daughters. And an independent journalist is determined to tarnish his reputation. Amidst the chaos, he befriends an intriguing young woman who’s is grappling with her own shadows. She holds the power to either alleviate his legal troubles or become his damning witness.