Review of Meet Me in Italy by Brendan Novak

Brief Summary Courtesy of MIRA

In the wake of her debut novel’s breakout success—and a very painful public divorce—Charlotte Williams-Jackson has something to prove. With her second novel overdue, she’s scrambling to hold it together. But her focus is rocked when she discovers that her childhood wasn't as it seemed—and she has a tween half-sister who's been orphaned in Italy.

Alongside her best friend, Sloane, and Sloane’s charming brother, Julian, Charlotte ventures to the Amalfi Coast to meet her sister. She would never turn her back on family, especially since this girl doesn’t have anyone else, but between her looming deadline and her entire identity being flipped upside down, it’s a lot. Determined to rebuild her life, Charlotte must confront the relationships she’s held dear—and the loss of those she thought she had but didn't—forcing her to question everything she understood about herself and the bonds that shape a family.

My Review

I am an avid read of Brenda Novak's books and have been for about 10 years now. When I heard that she was going to be releasing a new book based in Italy I was excited because was it something totally new that she hadn't done but it was taking place in one of my bucket list countrys that I want to go to. I think that her overall storyline was well written and that the characters were also very well developed because she gave you enough about them to understand their background but not go overboard. 

If there was any area of opportunity that I could have seen changed is to have less smaller storylines going on. I felt at times all the smaller storylines pulled away from the main one which was Charlotte's. 

I always really enjoy that Brenda is able to mix romance with the hard hitting storylines that pull at your heart strings but also throw in a little laughter as well. 

I recommend that if you love to travel and a book with. a mix of romance and dynamic storyline that will pull at your heart strings then I highly recommend this book. 

Review of "The Night We Met" By Abby Jimenez

Brief Summary Courtesy of Little, Brown Book Group

In everyone’s life, there’s a split-second decision that can change everything...

For Larissa, it came when choosing who to ride home with after a concert. That night, she had no idea she’d met the perfect man. She and Chris are great friends, co-parenting a slightly unhinged rescue Yorkie, sharing their favorite books, and judging bread (pumpernickel for the win!). For the first time amid all her side hustles to scrape by, things finally feel easy.

But she didn’t choose Chris to drive her home all those months ago—she went with his best friend, and he became her boyfriend. All Chris wants is for Larissa to be happy. Standing by on the sidelines is slowly killing him, but making a move would destroy someone else. How can something that feels so right be absolutely impossible?

My Review 

This is my third book by Abby Jimenez that I’ve read and the second one I’ve read in this series. Going into this book, I had high hopes because I really enjoyed the first book in the series that I read, so I was excited for this one. I did read the disclaimers beforehand and was okay with most of the content.

Without giving away too much, I personally felt like this book was a bit too predictable. Larrisa was hard for me to like because of her “poor me” attitude, and Chris was also difficult to connect with because he didn’t stand up for himself. I could have chosen to DNF the book, but I really enjoyed the audiobook version, with Teresa Palmer and Zach Webber narrating from Larrisa and Chris’s points of view.

I do appreciate that Abby provides disclaimers at the beginning about aspects that some readers may find difficult. I think everything she warned readers about was accurate.

I will still continue to read Abby’s books because I did enjoy her earlier ones. I would say that if you have a hard time reading about emotional cheating or characters dealing with substance abuse issues, I would recommend staying away from this one.

Review of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' "And the Crowd Went Wild"

Brief Summary of Book Courtesy of Avon 

After a mortifying—and very public—humiliation, Dancy Flynn is desperate to find sanctuary far from the crowd. But where can a washed-up sex symbol hide? How about making an unannounced appearance at the secluded lake house of the sweet, sensitive high school boyfriend she hasn’t seen in almost twenty years?

But Chicago Stars quarterback Clint Garrett is no longer the kid Dancy remembers. Now he’s a gridiron superhero, still holding a massive grudge against her for breaking his teenage heart. With no room in his life for either complexity or distractions, he banishes Dancy to a refurbished old railroad caboose tucked away in the woods…and out of his sight.

Except Dancy’s not good at staying invisible. Her efforts to rebuild her career clash with Clint’s desperation to regain his focus, all made more challenging by a rescue dog, a local woman in trouble, a meddling mother, an ex with an agenda…and the sizzle of rekindled emotions.

As Dancy attempts to get her life on track and Clint tries to get his groove back, can these two one-time lovers navigate their rocky pasts and complicated present to find themselves…and each other?

Tropes include:

second-chance romance
enemies to lovers
forced proximity
childhood sweethearts

My Review 

Having read the previous book in this series called, Simply the Best I was excited to see that Susan had another book come out in the series and that it was Clint's. I really enjoyed how she seamlessly made this book a continuation of the series with previous characters integrated but also made it so that if this was your first book that you read it was no issue. She did a great job of giving you the right amount of history through the story to help with the continuation but didn't go overboard. 

Regarding characters and their development I felt that she did a great job of that. I really was rooting for Dancy the whole book and enjoyed seeing her continue to gain more confidence as the book continues. In addition, I also enjoyed watching Clints heart open up. Not going to give much more than that without giving away spoilers. 

Overall I really enjoyed the plot, scenery and characters and I am excited to see what she has next in this series if she continues it or for her next book! I recommend this book for readers who love contemporary romance, comedy and sports fiction! 

Review of The Summer That Changed Everything by Brenda Novak

 

Brief Summary Courtesy of Mira

She returned to prove her father's innocence, but there's no telling what she'll find…

It's been fifteen years since Lucy Sinclair saw her father. Fifteen long years since she sat in a courtroom and watched him sentenced to life in prison. He murdered three victims—all people she knew—which ruined her life at just seventeen. But now she’s back in Virginia to talk to him, wondering if there’s more to the story of what happened that fateful night.

An old flame, Ford Wagner, makes his own return to North Hampton Beach, fleeing a marriage that seems destined for divorce. He’s wary of Lucy and her digging into the past, but the more time they spend together, the closer they get and the more he finds himself reconsidering the truth behind the death of their mutual friend that summer. Problem is, there are plenty of those in this small coastal town who would prefer things stay quiet…

My Review: 

I have been reading Brenda's books for years now so I was excited to read her latest release. This book was a mix of mystery, thriller and romance. Even though she included small sub stories to the main story everything intertwined very well. The pace of the book was good and kept you wanting to read more so you could find out what really happened all those years ago. The romance was added perfectly where you felt like it added to the story but didn't take a way from the mystery you were trying to solve. She really did a good job of keeping you hooked until the very end wondering what was going to happen. 

I think this is a great book for those that love mystery, thrillers and romance. I can't wait for her next release. 

Review of Viola Shipman's "The Page Turner"

Brief Summary Courtesy of Graydon House 

A young romance writer makes a discovery that throws her elitist family into chaos.

Emma Page grew up the black sheep in a bookish household, raised to believe fine literature is the only worthy type of fiction. Her parents, self-proclaimed “serious” authors who run their own vanity press, The Mighty Pages, mingle in highbrow social circles that look down on anything too popular or mainstream, while her sister, Jess, is a powerful social-media influencer whose stylish reviews can make or break a novel.

Hiding her own romance manuscript from her disapproving parents, Emma finds inspiration at the family cottage among the “fluff” they despise: the juicy summer romances that belonged to her late grandmother. But a chance discovery unearthed from her Gigi’s belongings reveals a secret that has the power to ruin her parents’ business and destroy their reputation in the industry—a secret that has already fallen into the hands of an unscrupulous publishing insider with a grudge to settle. Now Emma must decide: As much as she’s dreamed of the day her parents are forced to confront their own egos, can she really just sit back and watch The Mighty Pages be exposed and their legacy destroyed?

My Review 

This is my first time reading Viola Shipman. I have glanced at her books but took up reading this one as part of Brenda Novak's book group. I found that the book was a little hard to get into. I think the character development was good and that she tried to give enough of the back story to understand the main character.  However, it took about half way through the book to really grab my attention. I think once I got there I honestly couldn't put it down. It had you wanting to know how it was going to end. And who was the bad person going to be. 

 

I think over all this is a good book but it wasn't one of my favorite that I read this year so far. I will definitely try more by this author as I enjoyed the book in the end. I think overall my favorite part of this book was the relationship that she showed us the readers between the main character Emma and her grandma Gigi. 

 

Review of Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay

Book Description courtesy of Berkley    

When a librarian moves to a quaint Irish village where her favorite novelist lives, the last thing she expects is to fall for the author’s prickly son… until their story becomes one for the books, from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading .

Emily Allen, a librarian on Martha’s Vineyard, has always dreamed of a life of travel and adventure. So when her favorite author, Siobhan Riordan, offers her a job in the Emerald Isle, Emily jumps at the opportunity. After all, Siobhan’s novels got Em through some of the darkest days of her existence.

Helping Siobhan write the final book in her acclaimed series—after a ten-year hiatus due to a scorching case of writer’s block—is a dream come true for Emily. If only she didn’t have to deal with Siobhan’s son, Kieran Murphy. He manages Siobhan’s bookstore, and the grouchy bookworm       clearly doesn’t want Em around.

When Siobhan’s health takes a bad turn, she’s more determined than ever to finish her novel, while Kieran tries every trick in the book to get his mother to rest. Thrown into the role of peacemaker, Emily begins to see that Kieran's heart is in the right place. Torn between helping Siobhan find closure with her series and her own growing feelings for the mercurial Irishman, Emily will have to decide if she’s truly ready to turn a new page and figure out what lies in the next chapter.

My Review: 

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I am fairly new to reading Jenn McKinlay so I am always excited when I get the opportunity to read a new one of hers. 

From the book title you would think this book is just about romance but it also talked about loss. I will be honest that is why it took me so long to read it. Having lost a parent in the last year in a similar way it hit home to me. That being said. This book was phenomenal. It had a mix of romance, humor and it was also emotional. I really enjoyed in particular two different relationships in the book. The relationship between Siobhan and Emily and then the relationship between Emily and Kieran. I loved to see the connection and bond build between Siobhan and Emily. I really enjoyed seeing their friendship and mother and daughter type bond build.  In addition, I liked the relationship between Kieran and Emily. Jenn had a great mix of romance, humor and seriousness in their relationship. It had me laughing out loud at times. 

The story was also very well written and also the scenery was great. She did a great job describing it and made me feel like I was truly there in Ireland. So if you love books, romance and a little bit of travel this book is for you. 

Review of The Night Island By Jane Krentz

Over 2 years in the making I am back and writing reviews again on books that I read. My first book for 2024 was, “The Night Island” by Jane Krentz. 

Summary of the Book courtesy of Berkley Publishing on Goodreads

Talia March, Pallas Llewellyn, and Amelia Rivers, bonded by a night they all have no memory of, are dedicated to uncovering the mystery of what really happened to them months ago—an experience that brought out innate psychic abilities in each of them. The women suspect they were test subjects years earlier, and that there are more people like them—all they have to do is find the list. When Talia follows up on a lead from Phoebe, a fan of the trio’s podcast, she discovers that the informant has vanished.

 
Talia isn’t the only one looking for Phoebe, however. Luke Rand, a hunted and haunted man who is chasing the same list that Talia is after, also shows up at the meeting place. It’s clear he has his own agenda, and they are instantly suspicious of each other. But when a killer begins to stalk them, they realize they have to join forces to find Phoebe and the list. 
 
The rocky investigation leads Talia and Luke to a rustic, remote retreat on Night Island in the Pacific Northwest. The retreat promises to rejuvenate guests with the Unplugged Experience. Upon their arrival, Talia and Luke discover guests are quite literally cut off from the outside world because none of their high-tech devices work on the island. It soon becomes clear that Phoebe is not the first person to disappear into the strange gardens that surround the Unplugged Experience retreat. And then the first mysterious death occurs…

My Review:

Having read mostly contemporary romance books in the last couple of years I was very excited to try a suspenseful romance with a little bit of paranormal in it. I have not read Jane Ann Krentz before so I was note sure what to expect. I think that she did a great job of giving you the background of the characters in the story with out going overboard. I didn’t feel that I was lost at all being that I did not read the first book in the series. 

In addition to the characters I really enjoyed the storyline. I think that it was something different that I have never read before. I think she did a good job of building suspense through out the book and having you on the edge of your seat not knowing if the characters were going to get off the island and be safe. 

I have to be honest it was a little too creepy/scary for me so I don’t know that I would read the next book in the series but I do recommend that you read this book if you like suspense, romance, paranormal and thrillers. 

Looking forward to my next read…. The Head that Wears the Crown by Mariah Stewart 

Review of the Friendship Pact by Jill Shalvis

Brief Summary of Book: 

Alone in the world, Tae Holmes and her mother April pretty much raised each other, but as Tae starts asking questions about the father she's never met, April, for the first time in her life, goes silent. To make matters worse, Tae is dangerously close to broke and just manages to avoid financial meltdown when she lands a shiny new contract with an adventure company for athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors.

Her first big fundraiser event falls flat, but what starts out as a terrible, horrible, no-good night turns into something else entirely when Tae finds herself face-to-face with Riggs Copeland. She hasn't seen the former Marine since their brief fling in high school, and while still intensely drawn to him, she likes her past burned and buried, thank you very much. Hence their friendship pact.

But when April oddly refuses to help Tae track down her father, it's Riggs who unexpectedly comes to her aid. On a hunt to unlock the past, the two of them find themselves on a wild ride and learn a shocking truth, while also reluctantly bonding in a way neither had seen coming. Now Tae must decide whether she's going to choose love ... or walk away from her own happiness. 

Book Review: 

I am avid reader of Jill Shalvis’s book so I was excited for the opportunity to read Jill’s new books, “The Friendship Pact.” As always Jill does a great job of making the book more than just about romance. This story talked about friendship, family and romance. I enjoyed learning about both of the main characters Tae and Riggs and what the past story was and how it got them to where they are now

As with all her books, Jill does a great job of setting the scene in a beautiful location and describing so well that you feel like you are there with the characters. 

I really enjoyed the story, the romance and humor that Jill had in this book. I can wait for her next release! It can’t come soon enough. 

Review of Love for Beginners

Brief Summary Courtesy of William Morrow Books

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis continues her Wildstone series with the moving story of a young woman who has to start her life—and her love life—over again.

When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma, she learns that her fiancé and her BFF have fallen in love, she’s lost her job, and the life she knew is gone. Overwhelmed but grateful to be alive, she decides to start over from scratch. Not as easy as it sounds, of course. But she’s never been a quitter, even if she wishes she could quit rehab, where her hot but evil physical therapist, Simon, puts her through the wringer.

Desperate for a new start, Emma opens a doggy day care. Unfortunately, the only space she can afford is owned by her childhood nemesis Ali Pratt. But hey, she’s been through worse, right? She tries to roll with the punches, but a friend drops his grandpa off at the doggy day care because he can’t find senior care. On top of that, she and Ali bring the term “frenemies” to a whole new level. And then another grandparent shows up. And another.

In the midst of all that, Emma realizes she’s accidentally fallen for her Evil PT. But the most horrifying thing of all is that Ali just might have turned into the best friend she’s ever had. And as Emma grows from the pain of her past and takes on her new path, she comes to learn that life isn’t what you’re given, it’s what you make of it.

My Review 

I received an ARC of Jill Shalvis' new book Love for Beginners in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Jill Shalvis did it again, writing a novel with a mix of romance, heartache and humor. I really enjoyed this book in particular because she addressed a very serious subject of someone being in a near fatal accident.  Very few romance books that I have read have tackled serious injury and how it affects someones life. 

My favorite part of this book was seeing Emma's development from the beginning of the book to the end. Jill showed all of the emotions and actions that someone who survived a serious accident would go through. 

I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a book with both romance and also a story of second chances and new beginnings. This book is part of a series but Jill does a great job of making them stand alone too so that they don't have to be read in order. 

Review of Guardians in Blue

Brief Summary Courtesy of Black Rose Writing

A fatherless boy growing up in a small Texas town is taken under wing by the local lawmen. They work with the town leaders to provide his basic needs and help him escape the shame and poverty of his circumstances. One in particular becomes his guardian.

He teaches the boy about life, how to face his fears, that honor is more important than comfort and that defending those who cannot defend themselves is the highest duty of a man. The boy learns the lessons well. He hears the call and his heart opens to it. He too becomes a Guardian.

My Review: 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is my first book that I read of Ken Bangs so I was not sure what to expect in terms of storyline and characters. 

Although the book sounded interesting with both the storyline and the characters it did not meet my expectations. I found the story to be slow and hard for me to get interested in. I ended up giving up half way through. 

I do recommend that readers give it a try. Even though the book wasn't for me it doesn't mean that others won't like it. 

Cover Reveal - The Guardian - Kimberly Kincaid

 

Guard against any danger. Especially if it comes from within.

Detective Matteo Garza doesn't just do the job--he is the job.

He's learned the hard way that work and pleasure can't co-exist.

So when his little sister's best friend accidentally uncovers a money laundering scheme
led by one of Remington's most cold-blooded criminals,
Garza vows to keep things strictly business as he keeps her safe.

No matter how much the quirky mathematician
makes him feel things best left buried.
No matter how much she makes him want.

Delia Sutton knows she's not like most people,
just like she knows she needs to forget her ages-old crush on Matteo
and focus on survival.

But the closer they get, the bolder she becomes--
the more she breaks down his carefully crafted barriers to discover the man beneath.

Danger is closer than either of them could possibly imagine
and no one can be trusted.
Delia needs a guardian to fight by her side, and Matteo will do anything to protect her.
No matter who the enemy is.
********
The Guardian is a scorching forbidden lovers romantic suspense featuring a grumpy Alpha hero who would walk into fire to save the woman he loves and a smart-is-sexy number-nerd heroine who would save him right back. Equal parts heart-pounding suspense and steamy romance. Complete standalone with no cheating and a full (but hard-fought!) HEA.

Pre-Order Link:

https://kimberlykincaid.com/the-guardian/

Goodreads Link:

http://bit.ly/2LJQkLN

Meet Kimberly Kincaid:

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet and hot and edgy romantic suspense. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a USA Today best-selling author and a 2016 and 2015 RWA RITA® finalist and 2014 Bookseller’s Best nominee who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Connect with Kimberly Kincaid:

Website: https://kimberlykincaid.com

Newsletter: https://kimberlykincaid.com/newsletter-2/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKimberlyKincaid

Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/3suiR95

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938229.Kimberly_Kincaid

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlykincaidauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimberlykincaid

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kimberly-kincaid

Review of The Forever Girl

Book Summary Courtesy of William Morrow 

When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged bff and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.

Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery. 

Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger. 

My Review: 

I received an ARC of The Forever Girl in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I am avid reader of Jill's books whether they are single novellas or are part of series and was excited to read this new book. 

Once again Jill wrote a book filled with humor, romance and family. The storyline and characters were well developed.

Although Maze and Walkers love story was interesting I didn't really connect with their love story. I however did enjoy the story that Jill wrote between Cat, Heather, Maze and Walker as a family. In addition, I really enjoyed the love story between Heather and Maze's boss that Jill was building. I actually could see her doing a Novella maybe. :)  Their love story flowed more smoothly in my opinion. I would have rather read more about them.  

I wouldn't say this is my all time favorite book of Jill's but it was definitely worth a read for those that like contemporary romance with family drama & humor added in. Can't wait to read her next release. 

Review of Mistletoe in Paradise by Jill Shalvis

Book summary courtesy of Avon

Old childhood friends each fly separately to join their families on what’s been an annual holiday themed yacht adventure. Secret ex-lovers, Hannah and James are determined to make the best of things…


Problem Number Two – Getting Stuck.

When everyone but Hannah and James gets held up in an airport snarl, it leaves them stuck together for four days, making Hannah’s already problematic trip a whole lot harder to face. Especially because she comes bearing more than just gifts…


Problem Number Three -- Falling In Love (again)

As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize that the best things in life can’t be planned and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.

My Review

I received an ARC of Jill's novella in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Having been an avid reader of Jill's for a number of years I knew that this was going to be another great novel just by reading the novella description. 

Jill did a great job as always adding in romance, humor and seriousness in her book. This is something that I now expect out of her books and she has yet to disappoint. 

I really enjoyed the storyline as it moved at a steady pace and kept me drawn in and wanting to know what was going to happen. 

I rarely say this but I don't think there is anything that I would change about this novel other than maybe make it longer as I really enjoyed the story. :) 

I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a quick holiday romance read but area also looking for a mix of humor, romance and seriousness. 

Can't wait for the next novel from Jill. 

Review of Holiday House by RaeAnne Thayne

Book Summary Courtesy of Harlequin 

This New Year will bring widowed nurse Abigail Powell a fresh start in a different city. Excited about the chance to create an unforgettable Christmas for her young son in picturesque Silver Bells, Colorado, Abby has been hired to take care of her dear friend’s recuperating grandmother. But sprightly senior Winnie insists she doesn’t need looking after. What she does need is help decorating her historic mansion, Holiday House, for a seasonal town fundraiser. Abby warms to the festive task, but she’ll have to contend with her own personal Grinch: Winnie’s prickly grandson, Ethan Lancaster.

Ethan Lancaster is good at a lot of things. Relationships surely aren’t one of them. His ex-fiancée convinced Ethan he was incapable of love, and he believes her…up until the moment he impulsively kisses Abby. What is it about this vibrant woman and her sweet son that knocks his world off-kilter? He knows they’re leaving town after Christmas. He just didn’t expect they’d be taking a little of his heart with them. But as he and Abby work together on the magical Holiday House through the record cold weather, visions of a different future dance in his head…one filled with warmth, love and a new beginning for them both.

My Review

I received an ARC of RaeAnne's Christmas book Holiday House in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Having read previous books of RaeAnne's I knew what to expect in when it came to writing style and character development. However, each book always tackles a new real life struggle that a reader could be going through.

I really enjoyed that in addition to her main characters she also added a sub love story with Ethan's sister and best friend. I think this added something different to your typical holiday romance books out there. She did a great job through out the story transition between the characters stories effortlessly with out it being choppy. 

In regards to the actual storyline I really connected with this story on a personal note being that I recently lost my grandmother and it reminded me of the times that we spent together. 

I think this is a great stand alone novel but could definitely see her making it into a series. 

I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a holiday romance but also a heartfelt story of loss and finding love again. 

Review of Summer at Lake Haven

Brief Summary Courtesy of HQN Books 

Samantha Fremont has been struggling with the weight of her mother’s expectations for years. But now that her mother has passed away, it’s time for Sam to be bold and finally establish the fashion design business she’s always dreamed of. And the perfect opportunity has fallen into her lap. Her friend’s getting married and has asked Sam to create her wedding dress…if only she can avoid the bride’s infuriating brother, who’s temporarily the boy next door.

Ian Summerhill knows a sabbatical in Haven Point is exactly what he and his children need to recover from their mother’s death. His romantic relationship with his ex-wife may have ended years ago, but caring for her throughout her illness broke his heart. All he wants is to watch his little sister walk down the aisle and to see his kids smile again. And somehow his lovely new neighbor is instrumental in both. But as their uneasy truce blossoms into a genuine friendship and more, Ian has obligations in England he can’t ignore—and a secret that threatens the fragile trust he and Sam have built.

My Review 

I received an ARC of Summer at Lake Haven in exchange for an honest, non biased review. I am a fan of RaeAnne Thayne's book so I was excited to read her newest book in the Haven Point series! Right off the bat I connected with the main character Samantha. I thought that RaeAnne did a great job of developing her and helping you understanding her past and where she is at now in her life.

In addition, I truly enjoyed watching the relationship grow between Ian and Samantha. It was slow and sweet. It was also nice to see how Samantha really connected with the children and became a friend to them. 

Lastly I enjoyed the scenery in the book, who wouldn't love to live in Haven Point. From everything RaeAnne describes it sounds beautiful. At the very least I would want to visit. 

All in all this was a fantastic book and a great add to the series. I am excited for the next one in the series and more books to come from RaeAnne's. If you love romance & contemporary romance with a little royalty thrown in there then this is the book for you! 

Review of The Summer Deal

Brief Summary of the book 

Brynn Turner desperately wishes she had it together, but her personal life is like a ping-pong match that’s left her scared and hurt after so many attempts to get it right. In search of a place to lick her wounds and get a fresh start, she heads back home to Wildstone.

And then there’s Kinsey Davis, who after battling serious health issues her entire twenty-nine years of life, is tired of hoping for . . . well, anything. She's fierce, tough, and pretty much the opposite of Brynn except for one thing: they're half-sisters. Kinsey is keeping this bombshell, and a few others as well. Long time frenemies from summer camp, there’s no way she’s going to tell Brynn they’re related.

But then Brynn runs into Kinsey's lifelong best friend, Eli, renewing a childhood crush. He’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell. When he gets her to agree to a summer-time deal to trust him to do right by her, no matter what, she never dreams it’ll result in finding a piece of herself she didn’t even know was missing. She could have a sister, love, and a future―if she can only learn to let go of the past.

As the long days of summer wind down, the three of them must discover if forgiveness is enough to grasp the unconditional love that’s right in front of them.

My Review 

I received an ARC of Jill Shalvis' new book The Summer Deal. I was excited to read this new book in Jill's Wildstone series. I think it had a great mix of romance, friendship and family. 

The storyline grabbed my attention from the moment I am opened the book to the very last page. Jill does a great job of always keeping the romance factor in her books but always adding in something new. For instance with one of the supporting characters, Kinsey, her character needed a transplant. This added a new aspect to her book that I have not read before and is something that readers will find interesting. 

In addition to the storyline the characters were very well developed and diverse. It really adds to the story and makes it interesting and enjoyable to read.  I think she also did a great job of giving you the background on Kinsey and Brynn and their history but she doesn't go over board. I think she also allowed their relationship to grow naturally over time and didn't rush it. 

I truly enjoyed this book and watching Brynn and Eli's love story grown. Can't wait for more stories from Jill to come!