The Hollow And The Haunted by Camilla Raines

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

In this darkly magical, romantic YA fantasy debut, a closeted teenage psychic in small-town Washington foresees the death of his sworn enemy, and is forced to work with him to save his life. Sparks fly, but the dead are restless, and some ghosts don't want to stay buried...

Perfect for fans of The Raven Cycle, Cemetery Boys and Sixteen Souls.

Sixteen-year-old Miles Warren hails from a long line of psychics. Resigned to a life in the (not especially profitable) family business, Miles is perfectly happy, thank you very much―except for the part where he's constantly exhausted from long nights digging up graves, hiding his sexuality from his family, and unable to fulfil his dream of going to art school one day. Perfectly happy.

But Miles' comfortable routine is interrupted when has a premonition of a violent supernatural murder. He soon discovers that the victim is none other than Gabriel Hawthorne, whose family have a mysterious, decades-long feud with Miles' own. Gabriel is everything Miles expects from a Hawthorne―rude, snobbish, and irritatingly good-looking―but Miles isn't just going to stand by and let someone murder him. The two form an uneasy alliance, trying to solve Gabriel's murder and prevent it from taking place.

The odds are against them; death premonitions are notoriously hard to alter. As they uncover secrets about their families' feud and dark magic swirls around the pair, Miles is horrified to realize that he doesn't hate Gabriel as much as he's supposed to. He might even like him.

Too bad Gabriel is almost certainly going to die.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a fantastic story! I loved Camilla Raines novel, The Hollow And The Haunted - it was such a fun treat to read. 

Miles and Gabriel aren't friends. In fact, their families are feuding. And yet, they have agreed to work together to solve a murder...Gabriel's murder. Yep, turns out that Miles is psychic and he's had a premonition of Gabriel's impending violent death. Yikes! So, the two have joined forced to find out how they can prevent Gabriel from dying. The only thing is that stopping death isn't easy. Oh, and the more they work together, the more they find out about their families' decades long feud, which definitely leads to secret up on secret being revealed. Plus, the more time that Miles spends with Gabriel, he starts to seem him a new light...a romantic one. And, that is all I will share. Well, except for the fact that there will be a second book - hurrah!

Raines has written a terrific story. There's family drama, love, secrets, magic, and so much more - you will fall in deep with this unforgettable cast of characters.  And the story is captivating - you will be caught up in it right from the start. The Hollow And The Haunted is a must-read for everyone looking for their next supernatural YA story - make sure to grab a copy ASAP!

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

How To Hide In Plain Sight by Emma Noyes

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

On the day she arrives in Canada for her older brother's wedding, Eliot Beck hasn't seen her family in three years. Eliot adores her big, wacky, dysfunctional collection of siblings and in-laws, but there's a reason she fled to Manhattan and buried herself in her work—and she’s not ready to share it with anyone. Not when speaking it aloud could send her back into the never-ending cycle of the obsessive-compulsive disorder that consumed her for years. 

 

Eliot thinks she's prepared to survive the four-day-long wedding extravaganza—until she sees her best friend, Manuel, waiting for her at the marina and looking as handsome as ever. He was the person who, when they met as children, felt like finding the missing half of her soul. The person she tried so hard not to fall in love with… but did anyway. 

 

Manuel's presence at the wedding threatens to undo the walls Eliot has built around herself. The fortress that keeps her okay. If she isn't careful, by the end of this wedding, the whole castle might come crumbling down.

my thoughts:

Wow. What a beautiful story. How To Hide In Plain Sight by Emma Noyes is fantastic! It covers mental health, family drama, loss, and so much more. And, it does it extremely well. I mean it. I was hooked right from the start and would not put this book down for anything - it was too damn good!

Eliot has OCD and it plays a huge part of the story. She hasn't seen her family or best friend in three years. She's come back home for her older brother's wedding, convinced that she can handle a few days with everyone. Except...seeing everyone is leading to a lot of feelings, secrets, past traumas, etc. And, well, Eliot is having trouble dealing with it all. So, maybe going back home isn't always the answer, or is it?And, that is all I will share about this terrific story. It is just too good - you have to read it for yourself! 

Noyes has written a smart and engaging story that honestly depicts mental health, which is refreshing and eye-opening. She makes you consider every aspect of how mental health affects everyone involved and the ways in which it can truly impact so many lives. She also writes about family dynamics, loss, and love in an honest and open way that is truly captivating. And her characters are superb - the kind you will never forget. Plainly put, How To Hide In Plain Sight is definite must-read! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Memories Of The Lost: A Novel by Barbara O'Neal

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

An unsuspecting artist uncovers her late mother’s secrets and unravels her own hidden past in a beguiling novel by the USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids.

Months after her mother passes away, artist Tillie Morrisey sees a painting in a gallery that leaves her inexplicably lightheaded and unsteady. When a handsome stranger comes to her aid, their connection is so immediate it seems fated, though Liam is only visiting for a few days.

Working on her own art has always been a refuge, but after discovering a document among her mother’s belongings that suggests Tillie’s life has been a lie, she begins to suffer from a series of fugue states, with memories surfacing that she isn’t even sure are her own. As her confusion and grief mount, and prompted by a lead on the painting that started it all, Tillie heads to a seaside village in England. There, she hopes to discover the source of her uncanny inspirations, sort out her feelings about Liam, and unravel truths that her mother kept hidden for decades.

The fluidity of memory, empowering strength of character, beauty of nature, and love of family braid together in this artful tapestry of a novel.

About the Author

Barbara O’Neal is the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen novels of women’s fiction, including the #1 Amazon Charts bestseller When We Believed in Mermaids, This Place of Wonder, and The Starfish Sisters. Her award-winning books have been published in more than two dozen countries. She lives on the coast of Oregon with her husband, a British endurance athlete who vows he’ll never lose his accent. To learn more about Barbara and her works, visit www.barbaraoneal.com.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a beautiful story! Memories Of The Lost:A Novel by Barbara O'Neal is a magical and modern fairy tale that will stay with you long after you've turned the very last page. I know that I fell in deep with this romance/mystery novel - it was just too good to put down! I found myself reading late into the night to find out what would happen next, because I couldn't stop thinking about Tillie and Liam. 

Chock full of family secrets, lost memories, unknown connections, and art - this story will captivate you right from the start. Tillie has recently lost her mother and while going through her belongings comes across a death certificate which leads to so many unanswered questions.  Memories that she has no clue about being to surface. And her instant connection to Liam leaves her wondering about him and their relationship. So many questions and so few answers lead Tillie to England. And, the answers she finds are shocking and eye-opening. Whoa! What a story! 

I just loved getting to know Tillie and Liam - their instant attraction was palpable. And I loved getting to know more about their families and their connection to one another. Plus, I love any story that takes place in England, especially Devon. I lived in Exeter for years, so I love reading about Devon. And the magic within the story was whimsical and fascinating. Memories Of The Lost was such a treat to read. I really enjoyed every second I spent with it. Barbara O'Neal has written a truly special story that I will happily recommend to anyone and everyone - you will LOVE this book to bits! Make sure to check it out! 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Swan's Nest: A Novel by Laura McNeal

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A tender and engrossing historical novel about the unlikely love affair between two great 19th-century poets, Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett

On a bleak January day in 1845, a poet who had been confined to her room for four years by recurrent illness received a letter from a writer she secretly idolized but had never seen. “I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett,” Robert Browning wrote, “and I love you too.”
 
Elizabeth Barrett was ecstatic. She was famous for her poetry but completely cut off from the kind of international travel that Browning used to fuel his obscure, unsuccessful, innovative poems, one of which was written from a murderer’s point of view. They began an affectionate correspondence, but Elizabeth kept delaying a visit. What would happen when he saw her in person? What was Robert really like? Could she persuade her father and brothers that he was honorable, even though she had never met his family? And what would happen if she gave in to Robert’s wild proposal that they go to Italy to see whether the sun could cure her?
 
McNeal brilliantly tells the story of how Robert and Elizabeth fell in love with each other’s words and shocked her conservative, close-knit family and the literary world. Sensitively and lyrically written, as rich as the lovers' own poetry, The Swan's Nest will sweep up readers in the triumphant story of two people forced to choose between a safe, stable life and the love they felt for each other.

my thoughts:

Wow! The Swan's Nest by Laura McNeal is historical fiction at its very best! The writing is terrific, the story is unputdownable, and the history is unforgettable. I loved reading this book! 

Okay, so what did I enjoy about this lovely novel? Here goes:

1. The book's cover. I just love the image and the way she's looking right at you. It's like you can tell she's hiding a secret or four. I love it!

2. The title. Led me to Elizabeth's poem, The Romance of the Swan's Nest. 

3. Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning's love story. I didn't know the details and was definitely intrigued. Love letters - over 500 of them! A secret romance. A secret wedding! Italy! Oh, my! I loved reading all about it!

4. The Barrett's family fortune from a Jamaican sugar plantation. Slavery, social injustice, racism all were divulged. Along with Elizabeth's brother's relationship with his 'housekeeper'. 

5. Elizabeth's tyrannical father who refuses to let his children marry. 

6. Elizabeth's illness, which kept her in bed and using drugs like morphine. 

7. Robert's proposal, secret visit, and LOVE for Elizabeth.

8. Elizabeth choosing to follow her heart.

9. A marriage that proved love is the answer.

Oh, what a wonderful story! True romance is at the core, but McNeal captures the the history of the 19th century so vividly - you can't help but find yourself time traveling and wandering alongside these famous poets. What a treat! 

I would happily recommend The Swan's Nest by Laura McNeal to anyone and everyone looking for their next historical fiction read - you will fall in deep with this book! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Hypnotized By Love by Sariah Wilson

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

The power of suggestion does wonders for the heart in an absolutely captivating romantic comedy by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Chemistry of Love.

Hypnotist Savannah Sinclair is known for helping clients overcome their deep-rooted issues, from anxiety to addiction. But her nontraditional approach also attracts plenty of skeptics?including her high school nemesis and rival, Mason Beckett, who just so happens to be the boy who broke her heart.

Mason’s life hasn’t gone according to plan. His latest novel was a flop, and the only gig he can land is writing a scathing exposé of his hometown hypnotist, Savannah. But in order to write an authentic article, he has to be a willing participant. Hypnosis is the last thing he expected: he’s shedding his negative nature and opening himself up to new experiences…and when a fire alarm interrupts their session, Mason walks out into the real world entranced and sporting a sunny disposition and a tendency to say yes.

Hypnotized Mason is fearless, revealing things he’s never told a soul, acting completely out of character, and leading Savannah on a frantic chase to keep him safe. He likes his new self. The problem is, so does Savannah. She can’t fall in love with a man who’s in a trance, but can she keep him still long enough to get him to snap out of it?

About Sariah Wilson

Sariah Wilson is the USA Today bestselling author of The Chemistry of Love, The Paid Bridesmaid, The Seat Filler, Roommaid, Just a Boyfriend, the Royals of Monterra series, and the #Lovestruck novels. She happens to be madly, passionately in love with her soul mate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters—which is why she writes romance. She currently lives with her family and various pets in Utah, and harbors a lifelong devotion to ice cream. For more information, visit her website at www.sariahwilson.com.

my thoughts:

Sariah Wilson's latest novel, Hypnotized By Love, is rom-com at its very best! I LOVED the book to bits! Talk about a funny, romantic, sweet, and hypnotizing story!

Savannah is a hypnotist who helps people overcome their personal struggles, like anxiety. Mason is an author who has taken a job writing an article about Savannah's hypnotism. The two grew up together, thanks to their BFF moms, but miscommunication ended their friendship and any chance of a romantic relationship. Fast forward to the present day where Mason is booking hypnotism sessions with Savannah for his article. Let's just say, Savannah is not a happy camper and things go from bad to worse for her when, due to a fire alarm, Mason leaves her office hypnotized. And not it's up to Savannah to keep him safe from his 'new' self...or is it? Especially when it turns out that Mason's feelings for Savannah are chock full of love. Yep, he tells her he loves her, always has. Say what?! The only thing is that Savannah doesn't believe him. And, that is all I will share about this love story. 

Wilson's new story is such a fun treat to read. I love the enemies to lovers trope, so I definitely enjoyed reading this book. It was fun to get to know Savannah and Mason and see how their relationship kept moving along, in spite of her insecurities and his hypnotized state of mind. I would happily recommend Hypnotized By Love to fans of Sariah Wilson and to anyone looking for their next rom-com fix - you will fall in love with this book!!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Little Italian Hotel: A Novel by Phaedra Patrick

 

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

When a relationship expert’s own marriage falls apart, she invites four strangers to Italy for a vacation of healing and second chances in this uplifting new novel from the author of The Messy Lives of Book People.

Ginny Splinter, acclaimed radio host and advice expert, prides herself on knowing what’s best for others. So she’s sure her husband, Adrian, will love the special trip to Italy she’s planned for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. But when Ginny presents the gift to Adrian, he surprises her with his own very different plan—a divorce.

Beside herself with heartache, Ginny impulsively invites four heartbroken listeners to join her in Italy instead while live on air. From hiking the hills of Bologna to riding a gondola in Venice to sharing stories around the dining table of the little Italian hotel, Ginny and her newfound company embark on a vacation of healing.

However, when Adrian starts to rethink their relationship, Ginny must decide whether to commit to her marriage or start afresh, alone. And an unexpected stranger may hold the key to a very different future… Sunny, tender and brimming with charm, The Little Italian Hotel explores marriage, identity and reclaiming the present moment—even if it means leaving the past behind. 

my thoughts:

Ginny and her husband, Adrian,  are about to celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss, so she decides to plan an Italian getaway. Except, her husband decides to surprise her with a divorce. Yep, it seems that Ginny will not be celebrating a happily ever after. Heartbroken and unable to cancel her Italian adventure, she impulsively invites four heartbroken listeners - she has a popular radio show - to join her. Talk about a motley crew. 

In Italy, Ginny and her guests begin their journey of healing by checking into a quaint little hotel and trying their hand at hiking, quilting, and so much more. They soon find themselves opening up to one another and having a wonderful time. In fact, Ginny begins to take an interest in the hotel owner and realize that she wasn't that happy in her marriage. Just as she starts to envision a different future for herself, Adrian shows up in Italy - he's rethinking the divorce. Now, Ginny must decide what she truly wants for her life.

Patrick has written a terrific story that is heartwarming and uplifting. It will draw you in and sweep you away to Italy, where you can't help but get caught up in this group's stories and adventures. Such a treat to read!

I would happily recommend The Little Italian Hotel to anyone and everyone - you will fall in deep with this one! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy this book!

Famous in a Small Town: A Novel by Viola Shipman

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Fried Green Tomatoes meets Midnight at the Blackbird Café in USA Today bestselling author Viola Shipman’s FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN, a heartwarming story about intergenerational friendship and self-discovery, set in beautiful Northern Michigan.

In 1958, 15-year-old Mary Jackson became the first woman ever crowned The Cherry Pit Spittin’ Champion of Good Hart, Michigan, landing her in the Guinness Book of World Records, and earning her the nickname Cherry Mary. Nearly 80 years old at the story’s start, Mary runs The Very Cherry General Store, a business that has been passed through three generations of women in the family. While there is no female next of kin, Mary believes the fourth is fated to arrive, as predicted by “Fata Morgana,” a Lake Michigan mirage of four women walking side by side.

Becky Thatcher (yes, like the Mark Twain character), an Assistant Principal from St. Louis, has just broken up with her long-term boyfriend and heads to Good Hart for a healing girl’s trip with her best friend. When Becky drunkenly spits a cherry pit an impressive distance, Mary urges her to enter the upcoming contest, and wonders if Becky could be the woman she’s been waiting for. 

Inspired by, and paying tribute to, Michigan’s National Cherry Festival, to the Tunnel of Trees, to lake life, and to the beauty of intergenerational friendship, FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN is "full of summertime delight…and sweet, nostalgic charm” (Heather Webber, USA TODAY bestselling author of Midnight at the Blackbird Café). 

Bursting with memorable characters and small-town lore, FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN is a magical story about the family you’re born with, and the one you choose.

“[A] charming coastal tale.”—KATIE COURIC MEDIA

“Fans of nostalgic small-town charm and quirky characters will love Viola Shipman’s latest book for summer.”

—READER’S DIGEST, Best Summer Books 2023

“Famous in a Small Town is a beautiful reminder to…fully embrace the magic that lives inside you.”

—Heather Webber, USA Today bestselling author of Midnight at the Blackbird Café

my thoughts:

Loved this charming and quirky story to bits! Famous in a Small Town by Viola Shipman is sweet, tender, and will give you all the feels. It's about friendship, family, and hope. 

Mary's nearly 80 years old. She lives in Good Hart, Michigan and runs the general store, which has been in her family for ages. In fact, the women of her family are the ones who ran the store. So, the problem is that Mary has a son, not a daughter. She needs to find the right woman to run her store and she's decided to  base her decision on a vision she had as a kid. 

Becky is turning 40 and convinced her boyfriend will finally propose. Well, he doesn't. In fact, she finally wakes up to the fact that he's a selfish jerk and dumps him. And, she goes on a girl's trip with her BFF, Q. They wind up in Good Hart. Once there, Mary takes notice of her and begins to wonder if she is the woman from her vision. Could Becky be the one to take over the general store?

And, that is all I will write about this lovely book - you must check it out for yourself. You are going to LOVE it! I would happily recommend Famous in a Small Town. 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Lovelight Farms by B. K. Borison

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Two best friends fake date to reach their holiday happily ever after in this first romantic comedy in the Lovelight series.

A pasture of dead trees. A hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons. And shipments that have mysteriously gone missing. Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.

In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, Stella enters a contest with Instagram-famous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and the $100,000 cash prize, Stella might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on her application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only…there is no boyfriend.

Enter best friend Luka Peters. He just stopped by for some hot chocolate and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process. But fake dating his best friend might be the best Christmas present he’s ever received.

my thoughts:

Loved this sweet holiday romance to bits! Talk about the perfect Christmas treat! Lovelight Farms by B. K. Borison is the first story in the Lovelight series and it is the BEST! 

Stella owns Lovelight Farms, a Christmas tree farm. She loves the place, Except, it is riddled with problems and finances are in the red. So, she decides to enter a contest hosted by a famous Instagram influencer - cash prize of $100,000.  If she wins, the prize will go a long way in helping her keep Lovelight Farms. The only problem is that she lied and said she owns the place with her boyfriend - she doesn't have a boyfriend. Yikes! Luckily for her, best friend, Luka steps in and pretends to be her boyfriend. Everyone they know is happy for them and pretty much expected it to happen sooner or later. Of course, fake dating leads to mixed signals and lots of emotions. And, that is all I will share about this stellar story. You have to read it for yourself to find out what happens. Make sure to check it out!

I would happily recommend this amazing story to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you are going to fall in love with Lovelight Farms!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Daydreams: A Novel by Laura Hankin

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A deliciously entertaining novel about the stars of a popular teen show from the early 2000s—and the reunion special, thirteen years after their scandalous flameout, that will either be their last chance at redemption, or destroy them all for good.

Back in 2004, The Daydreams had it all: a cast of innocent-seeming teenagers acting and singing their hearts out, amazing ratings, and a will-they-or-won’t-they romance that steamed up fan fiction forums. Then, during the live season two finale, it all imploded, leaving everyone scrambling to understand why.

Afterward, the four stars went down very different paths. Kat is now a lawyer in Washington, DC. Liana is the bored wife of a famous athlete. Noah, the show’s golden boy, emerged unscathed and is poised to become a household name. And Summer, the object of Noah’s fictional (and maybe real-life) affections, is the cautionary tale.

But now the fans are demanding a reunion special. The stars all have private reasons to come back: forgiveness, revenge, a second chance with a first love. But as they tentatively rediscover the magic of the original show, old secrets threaten to resurface—including the real reason behind their downfall.

Will this reunion be a chance to make things right? Or will it be the biggest mess the world has ever seen? No matter what, the ratings will be wild.

my thoughts:

Whoa! The Daydreams by Laura Hankin is this summer's must-read! It's chock full of drama, fractured relationships, a teen show that imploded, a reunion special that spells TROUBLE, secrets - big and small, and a romance that may or may be dead...and did I mention it's all for a televised reunion special - oh, my! Hankin has written an unputdownable story that will have you craving all the details over what happened then and what will happen now with this foursome of exes. 

A musical teen show hit the scene in the early 2000s and it was HUGE HIT. The stars of the show became famous, their friendships grew, and their lives changed in so many ways. And then, at the live taping of the season 2 finale, everything fell apart. The show ended and the foursome went their separate ways. Fast forward and they have all wound up in very different places: Kat is a successful attorney, Noah is a famous actor, Liana is a housewife, and Summer's been in and out of rehab. Yep, their lives are about to change once again thanks to the reunion special that fans have been clamoring for. Of course, time heals wounds, so maybe it will all work out for the best. Or, maybe this foursome will wish they had never agreed to meet up again? All I know, is that this story is one you won't want to miss out on - it's so damn good! 

Hankin's new novel is a delicious treat to read - so entertaining and engaging. I loved every second I spent with this book. The characters were unlikable, but so interesting - I couldn't help but get caught up in their dramas. And, the idea of a reunion special bringing them back together after being apart for so long was the best - definitely made getting to know them so much fun. I really enjoyed The Daydreams and would happily recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you are going to love it to bits! Make sure to get your hands on a copy ASAP. 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Meet Me At The Lake: A Novel by Carley Fortune

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Fern Brookbanks has wasted far too much of her adult life thinking about Will Baxter. She spent just twenty-four hours in her early twenties with the aggravatingly attractive, idealistic artist, a chance encounter that spiraled into a daylong adventure in Toronto. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable: they shared every secret, every dream, and made a pact to meet one year later. Fern showed up. Will didn't.

At thirty-two, Fern's life doesn't look at all how she once imagined it would. Instead of living in the city, Fern's back home, running her mother's Muskoka lakeside resort--something she vowed never to do. The place is in disarray, her ex-boyfriend's the manager, and Fern doesn't know where to begin.

She needs a plan--a lifeline. To her surprise, it comes in the form of Will, who arrives nine years too late, with a suitcase in tow and an offer to help on his lips. Will may be the only person who understands what Fern's going through. But how could she possibly trust this expensive-suit wearing mirage who seems nothing like the young man she met all those years ago. Will is hiding something, and Fern's not sure she wants to know what it is.

But ten years ago, Will Baxter rescued Fern. Can she do the same for him?

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! Meet Me At The Lake by Carley Fortune is romance at its very best! A whirlwind encounter, a broken pact, a messy life, a blast from the past, and a hidden secret - oh, my! Talk about a story chock full of drama, romance, and hope. 

Fern and Will spend twenty-four hours together and in that short time they click on every level - it's kismet, right? So, they plan on meeting up in one year - cool, eh? Except, Will does not show up and Fern does. Ouch! Fast forward and Fern is living her worst life. Okay, not worst, but definitely not her best. Actually, she's living a life, just not the one she dreamed of. And she needs help...fast! Enter, Will. Yep, the man from her past who stood her up. He's back and promising to help her. Except, he's not the same Will she knew from long ago and Fern has a feeling that he's hiding a BIG secret. Hmm...can she trust him? Will she find out what he's hiding? Should she follow her heart? Can Will help Fern? Will this reunion bring them together or drive them further apart? So many questions! And, I will not answer any of them - you need to read this awesome book for your self to find out. Just know that Carley Fortune's latest story is unputdownable and such a treat to read - you will LOVE it to bits! Make sure to check it out ASAP! It's the perfect book to take on vacation or to the beach - a must-have summer read!

I would happily recommend Meet Me At The Lake to fans of Carley Fortune and to anyone looking for their next great read - you are going to fall in deep with this one!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery

 

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Susan Mallery’s newest hardcover is an emotional, witty, and heartfelt story of Finley who is raising her niece because her long-addicted sister, Sloane, abandoned her. When Sloane reappears, eager to build a relationship with her daughter, Finley will struggle with forgiveness, the ties that bind a family together, and the fragility of trust.

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

Sloane went the other way.

Now Sloane is back, as beautiful and damaged as ever, and wants a relationship with her daughter. She says she’s changed, but Finley’s heart has been bruised once too often for her to trust easily. With the help of a man who knows all too well how messy families can be, Finley will learn there’s joy in surrendering and peace in letting go.

Mallery, with wisdom, compassion and her trademark humor, explores the nuances of a broken family’s complex emotions as they strive to become whole, in this uplifting story of human frailty and resilience.

my thoughts:

A family drama at its very best! The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery is a must-read for fans of her terrific stories and for anyone looking for their next great read - you are going to fall in deep with this one! I loved it to bits!

Finley is raising her eight-year old niece, Aubrey, and determined to provide her with a stable and loving home - two things she and her sister never had. She's also becoming romantically involved with Jericho - a local builder with a lot of baggage. Oh, and her sister, Sloane, is almost a year sober and wants back in her daughter's life. Except, Finley isn't sure that's a good idea - she doesn't want Aubrey to get hurt. Or...could it be that Finley is just not ready to deal with her sister yet? Hmm...so much family history, drama, and pain for one family to handle. Of course, there is also a lot of love in the family, so maybe forgiveness is possible. And that is all I will share about this awesome story - you have to read it for yourself to find out what happens!

Mallery has written an emotional story that will have you feeling all the feels. You'll smile, laugh, cry, and 'ugh' in frustration. And, you'll enjoy every minute of it. What a fantastic book! I would happily recommend The Sister Effect - make sure to grab a copy ASAP!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

End Of Story by Kylie Scott

 

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Fans of bestsellers like In Five Years will fall for this unexpected love story about a woman and her contractor who discover a divorce decree with their names on it … dated ten years in the future.

When Susie inherits a charming fixer-upper from her aunt, she’s excited to start living her best HGTV-life. But when she opens the door to find that her contractor is none other than her ex’s (very good looking) best friend Lars—the same man who witnessed their humiliating public break-up 6 months ago—she isn’t exactly eager to have him around. But, beggars can't be choosers and the sooner the repairs are done, the sooner she can get back to grudgingly accepting the single life.

Things go from awkward to unbelievable when Lars knocks down a bedroom wall and finds a divorce certificate dated ten years from now…with both their names on it. It couldn’t possibly be real...could it? As Susie and Lars try to unravel the document’s origins, the impossibility of a spark between them suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched. But is any kind of relationship between them doomed before it’s ever begun?

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved End Of Story by Kylie Scott. It's magical, romantic, and a treat to read. 

Susie's life is not going well. Her boyfriend tells her he wants to see other people in front of other people. Yep, humiliating indeed. Her aunt passes away and leaves her money and a house.  Except, now she has relatives wanting a cut from her inheritance. Oh, and the contractor she's hired to re-do her aunt's house is her ex's BFF, Lars. And, Lars has just found divorce papers hidden in one of the walls of the house - divorce papers with their names on it dated ten years from now. Say what? Yep, talk about an unwanted surprise. The question is, Can Susie and Lars see themselves living happily ever after, or is their future set on divorce? 

Scott has written a fun and original story that will have you feeling all the feels and rooting for Susies all the way through. I loved the magical elements, which made the whole atmosphere feel hopeful, scary, and exciting. And, I loved getting to know Susie and Lars - such a great couple! This was definitely one book that I did not want to put down for anything! I really enjoyed reading it. 

I would happily recommend End Of Story to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you are going to fall in love with this one! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

One of... 
Buzzfeed's Romance Books To Look Out For In 2023 
Paste Magazine's Most Anticipated Contemporary Romance Books of 2023 

When a thirty-something American food writer moves to a Scottish village for one year to fulfill her dream of writing a cookbook she finds more than inspiration--she meets a handsome Scotsman she can't resist in this charming debut romance.

Ruby Spencer is spending one year living in a small cottage in a tiny town in the Scottish Highlands for three reasons: to write a bestselling cookbook, to drink a barrelful of whisky, and to figure out what comes next. It's hard to know what to expect after an impulse decision based on a map of Scotland in her Manhattan apartment--but she knows it's high time she had an adventure.

The moment she sets foot in Thistlecross, the verdant scenery, cozy cottages, and struggling local pub steal her heart. Between designing pop-up suppers and conversing with the colorful locals, Ruby starts to see a future that stretches beyond her year of adventure. It doesn't hurt that Brochan, the ruggedly handsome local handyman, keeps coming around to repair things at her cottage. Though Ruby swore off men, she can't help fantasizing what a roll in the barley might be like with the bearded Scot.

As Ruby grows closer to Brochan and the tightly held traditions of the charming village, she discovers secret plans to turn her beloved pub into an American chain restaurant. Faced with an impossible choice, Ruby must decide between love, loyalty, and the Highlands way of life.

my thoughts:

What a sweet and sexy book! I LOVED Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow. The writing was top notch, the characters were so much fun to get to know, and the story was terrific! I really enjoyed reading all about Ruby and her adventure in the Scottish Highlands. 

So, what's the book about? It's about a woman named Ruby Spencer who decides to head to Scotland for one year to write a cookbook and have an adventure. She finds herself in the tiny town of Thistlecross, located in the Scottish Highlands. Settling into the cozy area is easy for Ruby - she can't help but fall in love with the people, the local pub, the town, and the local handyman, Brochan. Yep, romance is in the air. As Ruby thinks about extending her year-long adventure, she finds out some news that will help he determine what she needs to do next for her self, her heart, and her future. And, that is all I will share about this fun and engaging novel. You need to check it out for yourself!

I would happily recommend Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year to anyone and everyone looking for their next romantic read - make sure to get your hands on a copy! 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Not Your Ex's Hexes: Supernatural Singles #2 by April Asher

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In April Asher’s next Supernatural Singles novel, Not Your Ex's Hexes, a one-night-stand between a willful witch and a broody half-demon conjures an adventure that wouldn’t be complete without several magical mishaps.

For her entire life, Rose Maxwell trained to become the next Prima on the Supernatural Council. Now that she’s stepped down, it’s time for this witch to focus on herself. And not think about her impulsive one-night stand with Damian Adams, a half-Demon Veterinarian who she can’t get out of her head. Neither of them is looking for a relationship. But when Rose is sentenced to community service at Damian’s animal sanctuary it becomes impossible for them to ignore their sparking attraction. A friends-with-benefits, no feelings, no strings arrangement works perfectly for them both.

After a sequence of dead-end jobs, it’s not until Rose tangos with two snarly demons that she thinks she’s finally found her path. However, this puts Damian back on the periphery of a world he thought he left behind. He doesn’t approve of Rose becoming a Hunter, but if there's one thing he's learned about the stubborn witch, it was telling her not to do something was one sure-fire way to make sure she did.

Working—and sleeping—together awakens feelings Damian never knew he had...and shouldn't have. Because thanks to his ex's hex, if he falls in love, he'll not only lose his heart—but his humanity.

my thoughts:

What a fun and engaging story! I really enjoyed April Asher's new novel, Not Your Ex's Hexes, the second book in her popular series, Supernatural Singles. Chock full of witches, demons, magic, and romance - this book will have you laughing out loud and cheering with joy as you read about Rose and Damian's misadventures in love. 

Rose is trying to figure things out. She's no longer aiming to be the next Prima and she's just had a one-night stand with a demon - her life is not exactly going according to plan. Except, now that she's forced to do community service (all in the name of an animal rescue gone wrong) at Damian's animal sanctuary, the two can't seem to stay away from each other. The only thing is that neither of them want a relationship...or so they say.  Oh, and Rose thinks she's found her calling - as a demon hunter. Yep, now Damian finds himself thrust back in the world he left behind, all because of Rose. The problem is, if he truly loves her, he'll lose his heart and his humanity thanks to the hex his ex placed on him - Yikes! Talk about a romantic crisis!

Asher has written a sweet and magical story that will captivate you right from the start. I know that I enjoyed getting to know Rose and Damian. I found their love story to be quite a treat to read. I would happily recommend Not Your Ex's Hexes to anyone and everyone looking for their next romantic read - you'll love this book to bits! Make sure to check it out!. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!