Review: One Golden Summer

 

* The sequel to Every Summer After *

Alice and her grandmother are heading to the lake for the summer. They spent the summer there half a life-time ago. It was at the lake where Alice snapped that picture of three teens on a yellow boat. That's the photo that changed her life by jump starting her photography career.

Now she's having second thoughts about her career. She's been working too much. She's annoyed at her most recent job where they wanted real women and then asked her to edit them. She needs to reset her life. This trip could be the answer; she could get her life back again.

My Thoughts: This was a great sequel; I loved it. It was great to see more of Charlie. I loved Charlie and Nan together. They were adorable. I love the idea of summer on the lake with no rules. I love that idea. I love that Alice made list of what she would do if she was brave and carefree. I love the Charlie found the list and helped her achieve her goals. I loved how Alice took back her photography. A fantastic summer romance. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance 

Review: You with a View

 

Noelle is reeling from the loss of her grandmother. She's unemployed and living at home with her parents. She used to love taking pictures, but she's lost her confidence. When she learns that her grandmother had a secret life before her marriage, she's curious. She has a photograph. In a hail mary, she posts a video on TikTok.

To her surprise, she learns that the man in the photograph is the grandfather of her high school nemesis. She learns that her grandmother was engaged and planned a road trip honeymoon. With nothing on the horizon, she decides to follow the trail. The grandfather, Paul, and her nemesis Theo are all traveling together. What could go wrong?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I felt for Noelle and for the loss of her grandmother. I was close to my grandmother too. I loved her conversations with Paul. The banter between Theo and Noelle. The social media aspects were fun. I loved the conversations about photography and how Noelle found her confidence again. I had heard great things about this book, and I wasn't disappointed. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: Purchased

Library Recommendation: A great romance for new adult readers. 

Holiday Romance: The Ex-Mas Holidays

Maya lost her job, her boyfriend, and her place to live. She's headed back home for the holidays. She's not broken up about losing any of those things - she had drifted apart with her boyfriend. She hates her job as an accountant and she realizes that she loves her hometown. Now she's struggling to figure out what to do; she doesn't want to go back to accounting but her dad is pressuring her greatly. 

Maya returns to an old job as a ski instructor - filling the gap someone vacated. However, it means seeing her ex. The ex that broke her heart when she was younger. Now she's spending more time with him - part of it is wonderful and part of it is tense. They're becoming friends, but they have a lot to work through. 

Plus, Sam has a girlfriend - the same girlfriend he dumped Maya for. Cat isn't interested in being friends with Maya again and she doesn't want Sam talking with her either. Could their break-up have been a mistake?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - it's perfect for Hallmark movie watchers. There's lots of family and relationship drama. I loved watching Sam and Maya become friends again. Lots of small town charm in this second chance romance (plus my best friend's brother) book. 

Cover Thoughts: Very cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library 

 

Review: From Alaska with Love

Sara's life isn't hard - but she's not fully appreciated by her family. She left her job to take care of her niece and has basically raised her. She also has become their housekeeper of sorts. 

One day, Sara hears an advertisement on the radio to send soldiers a letter. After a terrible party where her family treats her abominably, she sends a letter detailing that experience.

Major Gabe Randall doesn't know what to believe, but he does send an email response. Before the long, Sara writes back. It becomes habit, the two of them writing back and forth. Soon, unbeknownst to each other, they are the bright spots in each other's day. 

It just so happens the Gabe's tour is coming to an end. Could there be a meeting in their future?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I loved the interactions between Sara and Gabe while he was overseas. The banter was cute and charming - and I loved watching Gabe open up. I loved Sara's moments with Kaylee - they were very cute together.  And I loved Sara's bonding time with Chloe - how they both had their hearts broken and were slowing starting to come out of their shelves. The rest of their family was terrible. I understand why Sara stayed for so long, but I was glad how everything worked out. Of course, once the setting changed to Alaska, Trouble stole the book. I loved him. I can't help but wonder if Chloe's romance could be a 2nd book in this series....

Cover Thoughts: Charming! I'm a sucker for dog and snow covers.

Library Thoughts: A fun romance for your library's collection, especially if you're in a military town. 

Romance Review: Blitzed

* Book 3 in the Playbook series *

Brynn's been around the Lady Mustangs enough to become friends with several of the women. It helps that they and some of the team players frequent her bar - including Maxwell.

Brynn's been crushing on him for a while - until one night his anger destroyed part of her bar. Of course he paid for the damages without being asked. But Brynn's no longer interested.

Maxwell comes to apologize. He can't tell her the details, but he's more sorry than she'll ever know. He's been wanting to date Brynn for months. He realizes this changes everything, but he'll do what it takes to win back her trust, her friendship, and maybe her heart.

My Thoughts: I love this series. I didn't want to put this book down. And I want to hang out with at Hers and grab a drink. Also I love the Lady Mustangs. I love the friendship in this series and how the women support each other. I love the moments at the game where the kids run wild and the women talk, but everyone comes together to watch football. I loved Maxwell and his slow approach, his banter, and his manners. I love how Brynn hooked him on Parks and Rec. Another great addition to this series and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next installment. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for your public library's romance collection.

Review: Well Met

Emily didn't know what she was getting into when she escaped form her own life to help her sister heal from her injury. She never imagines her summer would include participating in the local Renaissance Faire. But when her niece needs a parent volunteer, she's happy to help out.

Although she didn't imagine that she'd be trading barbs with a pirate who runs the faire and refused to listen to her ideas on how to make it better. She also didn't imagine she's being bound to him for the summer in a fake wedding ceremony.

She also never imagined kissing him would make her so happy - even if it is only fake kissing. Could this town grow on her and make her want to put down roots?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved the banter between Simon and Emily - both in character and in real life. Of course I loved the tension between Emily and Simon - and those kisses!I loved learning more about a Renaissance Faire, especially about the behind the scenes. I loved how Emily struggled to find her way after life hit her hard, but also how she found herself a home and her self worth. This is one heck of a debut novel and I can't wait to read what Jen writes next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library's romance section! Highly Recommended. 

Christmas Book Review: Royal Holiday

 * Book 4 in the Wedding Date series * 

When Maddie's job takes her to England for Christmas, she asks her mom to accompany her. Vivian's excited to travel, especially since after the first of the year, things will drastically change at work. This will be her last vacation for a while. She's also proud of her daughter for her accomplishments. While Maddie's helping the Duchess, she'll be able to relax.

When she meets the Queen's Royal Secretary - the two of them hit it off. Soon, he taking her on private tours of the estate, horseback riding, and more.

Malcolm and Vivian talk for hours, spending as much time together as they can. But what happens when the clock strikes midnight and Vivian must return home? 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the Christmas moments and the festivities. I loved learning more about Maddie's mom. I loved her romance with Malcom. I loved the royal moments - meeting the Queen, seeing the palace, moments with the Duchess. I loved how Vivian and Malcolm couldn't keep away from each other, enjoyed their conversations, and helped each other with family and job drama. Another fun book in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Seriously cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Grab this holiday novel for your romance collection

Top Ten Review: The Good Ones

A romance bookstore owner finds her own happily ever after with a single dad in a new romance series from the New York Times bestselling author of Every Dog Has His Day. - from the publisher

I flipping loved this book so hard.

Here are the Top Ten Reasons why:

1. Romance Bookstore

2. Chatting about Romance books

3. Taking a chance on your dreams

4. Friendships

5. Perry

6. Prince George

7. Spreading Kindness

8. Turrets

9. Banter between Maisy and Ryder

10. Secret Rooms

If you're a romance reader, grab this one. It's super good! I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Library Read

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collections

Romance Review: The Proposal

Nik would rather be anywhere but at a baseball game with her boyfriend of five months. She's stunned when he forces her to look at the screen - asking her to marry him. He's never said he loves her. He spells her name wrong. They've never talked about marriage. It's no wonder that she's horrified. She tries to gently turn him down, but he's having none of that. He storms out leaving her there.

Carlos sees what's happening to this poor girl and then moments later spots a camera crew making their ways towards her. He and his sister leap up to help Nik. After rescuing her, they drop her off at a bar with her friends. They end up having a drink together. They meet up a few times as friends and wind up becoming something just a little bit more...

My Thoughts: Another great romance from Jasmine Guillory. Once again, I loved how this couple met. I love that they talk over food - there's so much food in this book. I loved Nik's group of friends and how they joined that class at the gym. It sounds like such a fun class - I'd even like to take it. I loved the secondary romance plot. I loved the cupcake shop. I loved the easy banter between Carlos and Nik. And I Really Loved the moments with the ex-boyfriend and how that turned out. I enjoyed the connections with The Wedding Date and seeing favorite characters pop in for a quick visit. A fantastic feminist romance

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have for public libraries.