REVIEW: I just finished Things Unsaid by Diana Y. Paul this morning. I have to tell you that I really struggled with this book. I don’t think this had anything to do with the author’s writing style. I want to say that it was outstanding. She brought out such strong emotions, I wanted to throw the book across the room. I wouldn’t do that because I value my tablet too much. 

The characters…OMGoodness! This family was so disfunctional, I could have spit. The women in this family were so selfish and thought so much of themselves. The mother went so far as to be plain rude to anyone who she deemed beneath her. This story really deals with how much we owe our parents after we leave home and have a family of our own.

As you can tell, I would like to go down the list of all the characters in this book and tell you exactly what was wrong with the choices they made in their lives. I don’t think there was one mentally healthy person in this book. 

Diana Paul is a smart woman. She tells a story that is based on truth. She is an acedemic born in Ohio and now lives in California. She writes about what she knows. That usually makes for an outstanding book. I think this is an outstanding book. I just didn’t expect it to bring up all of the emotions that it did in myself. That is a pretty strong book. I almost think there should be a warning when you start the book. There was so much that happened in this book and frankly, it made me sad. Sad to think that someone lived through this life.

Things Unsaid has been out a few years. If you haven’t read it, I would recommend this book. I think you have to ready for the barage of feelings that are going to come at you while you read this heart-breaking story.

I received a copy of this book from the author. Opinions express in this review are completely my own. Thank you Diana Paul for trusting me with your book. 

SYNOPSIS:

PAST AWARDS:
Bookclub Favorite
Winner of New Adult Fiction—Beverly Hills Book Awards
Winner of the SILVER Medal for Best Fiction in Drama from Readers’ Favorite
Finalist USA Best Books Awards in Literary Fiction and in New Fiction

Inspired by a true story about mothers, daughters, and impossible choices—Jules Foster, a child psychologist, upon hearing news of her estranged, narcissistic mother’s terminal diagnosis, chooses to care for her mother over her own daughter, only to find out she has been betrayed all along. Things Unsaid asks us to consider what children owe their aging parents and siblings.

REVIEW: If you follow me at all, you know that I love Hilary Grossman and specifically love her I Can’t Stop Loving You Stories. Book one was Cop an Attitude and the second and final book is to be Cop A Plea. I just love Waverly and Pete’s story. 

In this book their love shines through for each other. They show us what sticking together through thick and thin means. I love these two. They had a rocky beginning when Pete pulled Waverly over late one night after a long day at work. Waverly was not amused. Pete recognised her from school. She didn’t remember him. It had been years since they saw one another and he had changed a lot. I can’t tell you a whole lot but, you get the drift.

These characters are so full and well rounded. You know what they are thinking because each one rotates chapters as the story progresses. Pete’s mother is a real pickle but, I think you will come to know and love her before the end of the book. His father is a dream. His daughter is a funny character and she had me laughing out loud. This book brought tears to my eyes. It really gave me all the feels. From the very beginning I was  pulling for Waverly and Pete. 

If you like romantic comedy and a book that will make you smile then Cop A Plea is for you. Don’t read it without reading Cop An Attitude. You really need to read both books but, each of them can stand alone. They give you all the feels so, you will enjoy every minute of your time with these characters. If you really like these two books, try out her Forest River PTA series. That is a fun series and a new book will be released in the near future. Happy Reading!

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

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: Could anything be worse than your husband forgetting you?

Yes. Of course…

He could remember you as the young girl who made his childhood unbearable.

After years of putting love on the back burner in exchange for career success, I let my guard down. I fell head over heels for the hot policeman who pulled me over late one night for speeding.

At the time, I didn’t realize we had a past. After all, he changed a lot since graduation…

Now, newly married and expecting our first child, our lives are perfect until Pete suffers a severe brain injury while chasing a robber.

When he finally regains consciousness, the last few years of his life are missing, including all recent memories of me!

As Pete mourns the death of his first wife for the second time and tries to come to terms with living with his high school nemesis, I keep wondering….

What happens if he never remembers me?

Will our love be strong enough to bring us together twice?

If you like engaging characters, second chance romance, and laughing out loud, then you’ll adore Cop A Plea!

REVIEW: Katherine Center is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The Bodyguard is the second book of hers that I have read and I absolutely loved them both. Why? Because they center on relationships, family, love interests. They are fun, serious and heartwarming all at once.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like The Bodyguard when I requested to read it. I was a little leary because one of the principle characters is Jack Stapleton who is an actor that most women drool over. I don’t get into much of the Hollywood stuff. The main character is Hannah Brooks who is an Executive Protection Agent also known as a bodyguard. You guessed it. Average Hannah works for the company hired to protect Jack Stapleton. Of course, she is assigned to protect him. He doesn’t believe she is up for the job. She does a great job of proving to him she is up for the challenge.

This book is laugh out loud funny. I kept laughing and my hubby kept wanting to know what was so funny. I told him “Never mind. I’m reading a funny book and I don’t want to take the time to explain it all to you.” I kept right on with the chuckles! You will enjoy the lighthearted fun this book brings. It might pull a tear or two and it will definitely warm your heart. 

The characters were great. You can’t help but love them. Jack’s family plays a prominent role in the book. They are the picture perfect family. I would have loved to get to know his mother. She was a special lady indeed.

If you haven’t read anything by Katherine Center, this would be a great book to jump right in with. I can’t help but think all of her books are fabulous. I have loved the two I read and can even remember the plot of the first book which was a while ago and saying something for me. It has stayed with me. I highly recommend this book for someone who loves all the feels while reading. I like to be involved and this one certainly kept me involved, interested and glued to the page.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #Netgalley and #St.MartinsPress. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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: Katherine Center’s The Bodyguard is “My perfect 10 of a book. As funny and sweet as all the very best nineties rom-coms, but with Center’s signature heart-tugging depth. I wish I could erase it from my mind just to read it again for the first time. A shot of pure joy.”—Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Book Lovers

She’s got his back.
Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindergarten teacher than somebody who could kill you with a wine bottle opener. Or a ballpoint pen. Or a dinner napkin. But the truth is, she’s an Executive Protection Agent (aka “bodyguard”), and she just got hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton from his middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker.

He’s got her heart.
Jack Stapleton’s a household name—captured by paparazzi on beaches the world over, famous for, among other things, rising out of the waves in all manner of clingy board shorts and glistening like a Roman deity. But a few years back, in the wake of a family tragedy, he dropped from the public eye and went off the grid.

They’ve got a secret.
When Jack’s mom gets sick, he comes home to the family’s Texas ranch to help out. Only one catch: He doesn’t want his family to know about his stalker. Or the bodyguard thing. And so Hannah—against her will and her better judgment—finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend as a cover. Even though her ex, like a jerk, says no one will believe it.

What could possibly go wrong???
Hannah hardly believes it, herself. But the more time she spends with Jack, the more real it all starts to seem. And there lies the heartbreak. Because it’s easy for Hannah to protect Jack. But protecting her own, long-neglected heart? That’s the hardest thing she’s ever done.

REVIEW: Blind Love by Ashley Farley is the second installment of the Virginia Vineyard Series. From the very first book I read by Ashley Farley, I was in love with her work. She just gets better and better. Blind Love picks right up where Love Child left off. The Virginia Vineyard Series is a spinoff of the Hope Springs Series so, if you read that series and haven’t started this one, believe me, you will want to hurry and catch up. The third book Forbidden Love comes out in October, so you have time to become hooked on this new series. These books make me absolutely giddy when I know I am going to be able to sit down and immerse myself in the experience. I know I am in for some great entertainment!

The character develpment is so good. You understand the kind of people each of these characters are. Some of them will pull at your heartstrings and others will make you boiling mad. I love some of these characters so much that sitting down with these books is like visiting with an old friend. You know how it is when you pick up the phone and talk to your childhood friend for an hour and a half. Mine lives in another state and we don’t see each other often. Long chats are called for. Just like visits with these books.

If you like relationship books that deal with many other relationships other than romantic entanglements then, I highly recommend this series of books and probably all of her books. I’ve not read all of them but, a good many of them. Someday, I’ll let myself take time off to read all the back books by the many authors I have discovered since I started reviewing. 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.

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: Ada’s world is torn apart when she discovers the man who raised her isn’t her biological father. To make matters worse, Daniel’s illegitimate daughter, Casey, has taken Ada’s place in his life. Faced with losing everything, Ada searches her dead mother’s belongings for answers. What she discovers will change her life forever.

The more Casey settles into her new life, the more unsettled she feels. She’s grateful to her father for welcoming her into his life. For buying her a fancy sports car, building her a house, and setting her up in a cushy job. But she soon learns his generosity comes at a price. Her freedom. Does Casey have the courage to stand up to him?

Burdened by her troubled past, Ollie must confront her demons in order to control her anger. When she undergoes extensive counseling, she discovers the men in her life aren’t the people she thought they were. Is it possible her arch enemy could be the man of her dreams?

REVIEW: Well! I read Not Again and then went begging to read Not Again The Fallout! I am so glad I did. This book wraps up any questions you might have when finishing Not Again. I am giving you prior warning that you will need a few tissues while reading this next chapter of Christina’s life. I really didn’t have any burning questions from Not Again until I started reading Not Again The Fallout. I have to tell you when I started this book, I literally could not put it down. I had a restless night of sleep because I wanted to finish this book!

Again, the character development in Maria’s books are spot on. We know exactly what is going on in Christina’s head, how she is dealing with the past and then the awful events of now. This book sees her go off to college. The events there will pull your heartstrings. There is so much to the second book that if you liked the first book at all, you have to read this one. In fact, I liked this one the best. I think you will too!

The Storyline was more than believable. I like what Christina does with her life to make coping easier for her. Not only easier for her but for others as well. She does great things! What Would Christ Do? That came to mind many times during this book.

I highly recommend Not Alone and Not Alone The Fallout. I do think you have to read Not Alone first. You really need the background. You might get by but, you would miss out on the richness of the story.

SYNOPSIS: Not Again The Fallout. Book two of the Not Again series. This edgy, faith-based novel continues the life of Christina De Rosa, who experiences the fallout of her past during her college years in the 1980s.

Will Christina be able to open her heart again for a second chance romance?

Is she brave enough to face her worst fears to allow the healing needed to live a productive life? Or did her most recent event cause permanent devastating effects?

Will Christina be crushed once again by a former love?

This book will not only tie up unanswered questions from Not Again book one, but the inspiring messages will have a lasting impact.

Not Again The Fallout is so powerful that it may cause emotional responses, as well as put you on a path of healing. Bring tissues.

REVIEW: I know I am late to the party but, better late than never. I signed up for Not Again The Fallout and then remembered that there was Not Again and I politely backed out. Well, long story short, I read Not Again and then requested Not Again The Fallout. I am so happy that I reconsidered.

I have to say that I liked Not Again was a Christian based book. At my age, it was a little on the young side for me but, it did bring back memories of my younger years. Dating my boyfriend who would later become my husband. We went through some of the same struggles this young couple went through. I fell head over heels in love and remained that way. Those were the days!

Christina falls in love with Avery. They have a very hard time drawing the line and just sharing kisses. She strggles with the secret of a sexual assault she survived and wonders if she really has to save herself for marriage when she has already been assaulted. Her relationship with Avery and his family introducing her to a Chritian faith is her saving strength. I comes to her with a fierce determination to survive.

I really enjoyed following her walk with Christ and her determination to not let her assailant steal her happiness and joy. She is one determined young lady and I admired her strength. She winds up carrying this secret for many years. 

The character development was wonderful with the characters we really needed to know. Some were strong and some weren’t but, there was not any questions with the main characters. We knew what Christina was thinking most of the way and how important her firends were in her life.

There were scripture quotes in the last half of the book. I read them but, did not take the time to truly think about them and analyze what they were saying. Some were easier than others and I caught on right away. Others were more difficult. I didn’t mind them at all. I do wish they were in another version that has more modern language. One day I will go back and look them up. Maybe I should have read the verses in my own bible at the time. I would suggest that. There might be a fuller understanding.

This is my first book by Maria Henriksen and I was impressed. She did an awesome job with this story. I would not hold back reading this book if I were not a Christian. I truly hope that the young and old of today who are not Christians will read this book and be drawn to a Higher Power in their lives.  I do recommend this book. It is an awesome read and one that I think will resonate with young and old alike.

SYNOPSIS: Christina De Rosa holds a potentially deadly secret that threatens to get out. As an innocent young teenager, Christina survives a terrifying sexual assault that destroys her self-worth and trust.

In her daily struggle, Christina searches for ways to keep her torment at bay, so she can function as a “normal” teenager. Meanwhile, Christina’s spiritual journey leads her down a path causing conflict within, as she’s riddled with guilt and shame.

A chance encounter with her longtime, hot crush, Avery Evans, sparks a fire in Christina that she can’t extinguish. As the sweet, loving, knight in shining armor he readily portrays, Avery offers the safety and security that Christina craves.

In her quest for internal peace, Christina must make a decision. Will she give her heart, body and soul to the super popular, Avery Evans?

Will Christina’s nightmares become all-consuming or will her discoveries lead her to a renewed way of life?

Find out if true love triumphs in this edgy, faith-based young adult page-tuner, set in the 1980s.

*Not Again is NOT your typical Christian coming of age story. Fierce faith doesn’t come without a fight. Prepare for heartache, self-harm, traumatic events, real romance, and actual scripture in these pages.

REVIEW: I really enjoyed reading Death By Bubble Tea by Jennifer Chow. It was a great cozy mystery. I got interested in the writings of Jennifer Chow when I started reading her Sassy Cat Mystery Series. When I look her up, I see she has been writing for a while and I have some catching up to do. I don’t think they are all cozy mysteries. I have to admit cozy mysteries are a new genre for me. 

Yale Lee is the main character and along with her self absorbed cousin Celine from Hong Kong run a food stall at the local night market. Yale discovers a body on her way home and is immediately considered a suspect. She and Celine start investigating to clear Yale’s name.

Death By Bubble Tea is the first book in a new series called LA Night Market. It proved to be very interesting. I learned more about the asian culture and the foods. It made me hungry! I love her character development. These characters are not just there to play a part. You really get to know and care for them. Especially the the main handful. The story is told from the point of view of Yale so you care about the ones that she loves and comes to love. The plot development was good. I didn’t know exactly what was going on until it was revealed.

If you love Cozy Mysteries, I suggest picking up Death By Bubble Tea the first book in a brand new series. This book even has a couple of interesting recipes in the back for us to try. Gotta go! My kitchen is calling me to try those recipes…gee I’m hungry.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #Netgalley and #BerkleyPublishingGroup. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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: Two cousins who start a food stall at their local night market get a serving of murder in this first novel of a delicious new cozy mystery series by Jennifer J. Chow, author of Mimi Lee Gets a Clue.

When Yale Yee discovers her cousin Celine is visiting from Hong Kong, she is obliged to play tour guide to a relative she hasn’t seen in twenty years. Not only that, but her father thinks it’s a wonderful idea for them to bond by running a food stall together at the Eastwood Village Night Market. Yale hasn’t cooked in years, and she hardly considers Celine’s career as a social media influencer as adequate experience, but because she’s just lost her job at her local bookstore, she feels she has no choice.
 
Yale and Celine serve small dishes and refreshing drinks, and while business is slow, it eventually picks up thanks to Celine’s surprisingly useful marketing ideas. They’re quite shocked that their bubble tea, in particular, is a hit—literally—when one of their customers turns up dead. Yale and Celine are prime suspects due to the gold flakes that Celine added to the sweet drink as a garnish. Though the two cousins are polar opposites in every way, they must work together to find out what really happened to the victim or the only thing they’ll be serving is time.

REVIEW: Here we go again! Woohoo WHAT A RIDE! First we had The Arrangement. It was supposed to be a stand alone. Everyone wanted more. It was so good! So, Kiersten Modglin wrote The Amendment. That was awesome and more and more people begged and clamored for another installment of the lives of the Greenburgs. So, now on July 1st. The Atonement will be released for our reading pleasure. Let me tell you when you open this book, you better plan on planting yourself in your reading spot because you won’t leave until you’ve finished the book. This is the conclusion to the unintended Arrangement Series. I kind of hate to see these twisted human beings go!

There is so much going on in this book. Your head will be spinning when you are finished. Then, you are going to wonder what in the world you just read. Seriously! These characters are so rich and full. I liked them one minute and marveled at them the next. How could they do all of what they did to each other and their family? I don’t know but, I loved every minute I spent in their presence. I couldn’t pull myself away. I looked forward to each book with anticipation. There were countdowns by her reviewers waiting for The Atonement to be released to us. I have never seen that done before. We were like zoo animals trying to release that book from its cage!

If you have read any of this series, trust me you will want to finish it. You have to! There is no getting around it. If you haven’t read the series and love Domestic Psychological Fiction, this book and series is for you. It will literally blow your mind! Kiersten Modglin keeps getting better and better. Her devious little mind must work overtime. I don’t know another author quite like her. 

Way to go Kiersten! This is going to be a blockbuster hit. Now, I’m patiently waiting for another KMod book…

SYNOPSIS: The highly anticipated, nerve-shredding conclusion to the #1 bestselling ARRANGEMENT trilogy…

First, there was THE ARRANGEMENT—a scandalous story about Peter and Ainsley Greenburg’s attempt to fix their marriage, no matter the cost.
Then, came THE AMENDMENT—with their darkest secrets revealed, the couple set out in a treacherous attempt to repair what had been broken.
Now, Peter and Ainsley’s marriage will be put to one final test with THE ATONEMENT.

Ainsley Greenburg has always been a fixer.
But her latest attempt to repair her marriage left it more damaged than ever before.

Now, trapped in a vicious game of cat and mouse with the man she thought she knew, Ainsley must do what it takes to put out the fire their arrangement ignited.
But it won’t be that simple.

As Peter closes in on her, Ainsley finds herself driven down a path of paranoia and fear. Her only hope relies on her ability to trust her instincts, but they’ve let her down before. This time, there’s so much more at stake and the secrets waiting to be revealed will change everything.

Whom can she trust when her world is up in flames?
One wrong decision could cost her everything she has left—her family, her home, and her life.

And, with a final showdown looming, Ainsley must decide what she’s willing to let burn in order to survive. As the blaze continues to heat up, it’s only a matter of time before someone must atone for their sins.

REVIEW: Holy Toledo! Hot Cop Test by Hilary Grossman is super HOT! First of all this book is part of a steamy first responder charity anthology called Heroes with Heat and Heart Volume 2. It will be published on June 28th. Here is what the author told me about the efforts of her and the other authors:

“The team and I are desperately trying to make the USA Today list so we can bring more visibility to the difficulties facing wildland firefighters. Every penny this $0.99 anthology earns will go directly to the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters Organization. The other authors and I are not making a cent.”

I don’t know about you but that caught my interest right away. I went directly to the pre-order link and ordered my anthology. What a better way to help out this organization. If you don’t read any of the books it will at least put your money to a good cause. Order a few of them for friends while you’re at it. The authors and I are hoping you will read them and you might find a new favorite author!

Here is the link to order: https://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Heat-Heart-Charity-Anthology-ebook/dp/B09MPLD76V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KB8RICARXKJX&keywords=heroes+of+heat+and+heart&qid=1655912243&sprefix=heros+of+heat+and+heart%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1

You may have to copy this link into your browser. It is easy to search at Amazon with: “Heroes With Heat And Heart”.

Hot Cop Test was such a fun book to read. Oh my! It is the prequel to Cop An Attitude. I enjoyed that book also and there is another installment called Cop A Plea in July! I mean who doesn’t like hunky gorgeous men especially men in uniform? They are always perfect to throw in between the more serious books. They always brighten my world for a while after finishing my time with them.

Hilary Grossman writes fun books that deal with serious subjects. Her characters are easy to relate to and bring such a lighthearted joy to my life. I always look forward to her next book.

SYNOPSIS: The hint of smoke. The flash of flames. When the wildfires burn through our towns, THEY step up to the fireline and risk their lives. Help us honor their bravery and sacrifice in this charity romance anthology.

All proceeds benefit Grassroots Wildland Firefighters organization.

Fall in love with the heroes of this steamy contemporary romance anthology, including stories by

Carina Alyce
EmKay Connor
LC Taylor
Harper Cross
D.M. Davis
Michelle Edwards
Hilary Grossman
Karigan Hale
Tracy Krimmer
D. Lilac
Andi MacDowall
Allie Marie
Ofelia Martinez
Lolo Paige
CB Samet
Heather Scarlett
Pandora Snow
Stacy Travis

And featuring an exclusive story by USA Today Best Selling Author Desiree Holt

Grassroots Wildland Firefighters Charity is a USA 501(c)(3) organization advocating for the health and safety of wildland firefighters.

REVIEW: Gambling With Murder is a Southern California Mystery by Lida Sideris. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I will certainly be open to more. There were a lot of positives about this book. I would recommend it to my best friend.

I enjoyed the characters in the story. The main character is Corrie and is the daughter of a late PI. So, she seems to know her way around investigatiion. She is currently an attorney for a film studio. Her partner in her new adventure of investigation is Veera and this time her mom because they are going to investigate some crimes at an upscale Senior Housing Resort. Her boy friend is a computer science nerd and does online investigations for her. His name is Michael and I would have liked to see more of him in this book. All in all the characters were fun and interesting. They kept me coming back for more.

The plot of the book was a little bit like going in circles. I felt like it was drawn out a little bit and that some of the antics of the senior citizens could have been more interesting. You know most old women are looked at as being nosey. I would have thought more of them would have been hanging around trying to figure out what was going on and poking their nose in where it didn’t belong. But, that wasn’t necessarily the case. Sam seemed to be the ring leader for the errant seniors but, nobody knew who Sam was. 

All in all this was a pretty good cozy mystery. If you like cozy mysteries, check this one out. Lida Sideris has a few other books that are in a series and a children’s book. She might be your next favorite author!

SYNOPSIS: A late-night call is all it takes for rookie lawyer Corrie Locke to kiss her day job at the movie studio goodbye, and do what she does best: flex her sweet P.I. skills and go undercover to find a senior who’s missing from a posh retirement community. One small stumbling block: skirting past security to gain inside access to the exclusive Villa Sunset. Time to call in the heavy artillery. Besides former security guard turned legal assistant-now wannabe P.I.-Veera, Corrie relies on a secret weapon: her mother, a surprisingly eager addition to Corrie’s team. Armed with enough pepper spray to take down a band of Navy Seals, Mom impersonates a senior to infiltrate the Villa, Corrie and Veera in tow. Turns out the job’s not as easy as they’d thought. These seniors have tricks tucked up their sleeves and aren’t afraid of using them.

The action gets dicey when the missing senior case turns into attempted murder by a criminal mind who’s always one step ahead. Corrie’s hot on the trail, but finds more than she bargained for…when her mother becomes a target.