Nadine

I read so many good books this month, let’s jump in…shall we?

The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain

This is a debut novel from this author, and I cant wait to read more! Ellie is a ghost writer and is paired with a hot up and coming chef who won a reality cooking show. She is organized and he is chaos and they clash in the beginning. But, both of their pasts bubble up to the surface and a lot of depth comes out.

It was fun reading through the cookbook writing process, and the side characters made things interesting. I really liked Ellie’s relationship with her father in law. The book is called the slowest burn, and it is just that! The pace of the book was fine, but it was weird that we would go from one day to the next, then months had past. I am not sure the purpose of that time line? Also, a fake relationship was thrown in at one point, but it wasn’t expanded on. Overall, it was very enjoyable.

Bottom Line: Read it!

Releases September 24, 2024

**I received a copy of The Slowest Burn from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

So excited to get Sarah Adam’s newest from the library so quickly. I got hooked into this one immediately. This is mixing second chance/enemies to lovers/forced proximity/sports romance/fake marriage all into one fun story! I loved the banter and antics between these two in the beginning, you can definitely feel the past love in the tension. Nora was such a strong female lead, and Derek was great too. I also really enjoyed Nora’s mentor and Derek’s teammates, they made great side characters.

Bottom Line: Read it!

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

I think that Lynn Painter has become another must read for me. I just devoured this book in less than a day. Could not stop. I loved Blake and Izzy/Amy. The way that they became fast friends felt so natural. Both characters are so quirky and witty, the banter was on point. Loved!

Bottom Line: Read it!

Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven

This was a super quick, inspirational read. There isn’t anything too profound as far as the little things go that can change your life….but listening to how he applied these through stories from his service was so interesting and inspiring.

Bottom Line: This would make a great listen on a road trip.

The Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

Love a good Sally Hepworth read, and this was no different. What a twisty, disturbing ride! I loved to watch as our three darling girls all became sisters and were there for each other through it all. That part was heartwarming and so redeeming, in an otherwise super messed up world. I saw some of the twists coming, but man, that last chapter! I love how the book weaves the perspectives from each of the girls, as well as flashbacks and scenes from the psychologists office. This one was hard to put down, and definitely kept my attention.

I switched between ebook and audio for this one. The audio book was done really well. I feel like the narrator added something to the telling of the story that made it very enjoyable for me.

Bottom Line: Read it.

**I received a copy of Darling Girls from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Love, Just In by Natalie Murray

This one was a fun read that I finished pretty fast. I will say though, I wanted to smack the leading lady a few times for her immature behavior and bad decisions. Her decisions were truly like a train wreck that I couldn’t help but watch. Maybe I am so far removed from my twenties dating life that I cant remember the blaringly obvious red flags, but I suppose that and miscommunication is what makes a story, right? I loved the sleepy beach town location of this one. Zac was a fun male lead, with his sweet little dog.

The health anxiety angle that Josie experienced was interesting, and something I don’t see represented in books very often. Couple that with Zac’s grief…and it went a little bit deeper than your average romcom. There was some fun banter, a few steamy scenes and this was a childhood friends to lovers situation that was fun.

Bottom Line: Read it.

**I received a copy of Love, Just In from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.**

Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews

This is an older Mary Kay Andrews book, but the quirky characters and the beautiful small town scenery is why I come back to her books time after time. Bebe meets a guy who is perhaps a little too helpful when her life starts to fall apart. Even though she is thrice divorced, she welcomes him into her life with open arms and then realizes she has lost everything and he conned her. Enter a scorned woman on a mission to get her life back! I loved that even though Bebe was too trusting, she was strong and capable of trying to right the ship. The characters we meet along the way are stellar, so entertaining. I absolutely loved her grandparents! This was such a fun read.

Bottom Line: Read it!

Funny Story by Emily Henry

I am always looking forward to Emily Henry’s next book, and this one was no different. I absolutely loved Daphne and Miles. What a fun plot, Daphne’s fiancé realizes that he was in love with his best friend this whole time….and Daphne ends up staying with her ex fiancé’s new girlfriend’s ex boyfriend. Try to say that three times fast!

I loved the lakeside town, the fun cast of characters from the library, Mile’s sister, Daphne’s mom. There is a lot of character growth going on with Miles and Daphne as they pick their lives back up, work through their grief and their family issues.

Emily Henry’s book always ends up in my top favorites for the year, and I know this one is already there! I just could not stop devouring it and am sad that it is over. I smiled and LOL’d several times throughout the book, and just cant stop gushing.

Bottom Line: Read it!

More book reviews coming in hot! I have read many over the last month after a bit of a lull so let’s jump in!

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

Ok, so I mostly do like Tessa Bailey books. Her characters are always fun, and I did enjoy this one. However, there was a spicy scene in this one that was not my jam at all. Like it took this book from being a 4 down to like a 2.5 for me. Which is sad, as it had potential. Golf is so boring to me, but she really made it seem fun and like I should give it a try. And I liked that this wasn’t following the usual romcom track with the third act breakup over miscommunication. The banter was fun, and the other spicy bits were alright…but that one scene? Just no.

Bottom Line: Read with caution lol

This Used to Be Us by Renee Carlino

I am not sure how I want to rate this book, I have so many thoughts! First off, I really appreciated characters in their 40s, I read so many with the main characters in their 20s. This is a second chance romance, so you know what you are going into when you start it. Dani and Alex are getting divorced, they have a messy, heartbreaking history and two sons they are trying to do right by, so I understand and found interesting their arrangement with the shared home and nesting apartment. There were times I didn’t really care for either character, but they came back around for me. Bits of the book dragged in the mundane, but I did feel like I got to know everyone really well and see the complicated depth there. I LOVED the bits of writing in the albums we got to see, and the overall flow of the book.

But then we got to near the end and it took a turn. And I am not sure how I feel about that turn!?!? I didn’t love it. I wish it was different. I can appreciate that it didn’t go where I thought the book was heading. But again, it wasn’t my favorite either. I am curious to hear what you think if you have read it!

Bottom Line: Read it.

This one comes out July 9, 2024

**I received a copy of This Used to Be Us from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley

This book stirred in my heart. It makes me want to be more intentional in my home with our habits and how we handle certain things. I didn’t love everything the author said, I definitely read these types of books with my own discernment. And I felt like half the book he was trying to prove some point that he is one of us, with a messy imperfect house. It was a point that was made over and over. I appreciate it once, but it got sort of repetitive. But again, it stirred in me and I think the book was written with good intention.

Bottom Line: Read it, take what you want from it and let the idea stir your heart.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

I absolutely love Abby Jimenez and devoured this book in less than 24 hours. I could not stop. I laughed, I teared up, it was just so good. Justin has to be one of the best book boyfriends ever. He was so funny, strong, charming, and so sweet. Him stepping in to take care of his siblings? Swoon. Emma has such a painful past, and watching her grow and deal with it throughout the book was heart warming. I love that her and Maddie ended up on an island for some of the book, and it being a metaphor for how Emma lives her life. There were so many details like this sprinkled throughout, And OMG the baby racoon scene? I was howling!!! I love all the side characters; Justin’s mom, aunt and siblings, Maddie, Justin’s friends, they were all so good.

Bottom Line: Read it!!

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews

I love to jump into a good Mary Kay Andrews, and this one delivers. I thought I was picking up a cute beach read and it turned into a murder mystery in the best way possible. There are a lot of characters in this book to keep up with, as we have an entire hotel staff and some guests, but it was all laid out well and easy to keep up with, as the book will constantly hold your attention. I really liked Traci and some of the other side characters in the book. I saw many things coming and predicted several things that were going to happen, but I was slightly off on a few things…so I love when a book gets me like that.

I switch between an ebook and audio book for this read. The audio is done from one of my favorite narrators and she really added to the overall experience for me while consuming this one and I definitely did nearly 90% on audio! I couldn’t stop and had to know what was going on. Highly recommend putting this on your summer reading list!

Bottom Line: Read it!

Releases May 7, 2024

**I received a copy of Summers at the Saint from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

To Have and To Scold by Valerie Pepper

This was a fun little spicy novella from Valerie Pepper! When Reese realizes that the guy that ghosted her after her best night ever is on the island and part of her friend’s planned trip…she is not pleased. Derrek is ready for a second chance after the night he left, but is it too late? Lots of fun banter as these two work together to help their friends plan a wedding in a tropical paradise. As with novellas, I am always left wanting more from the characters, but it was a fun, albeit short, ride!

Their Last Resort by RS Grey

I love an RS Grey novel, so I was excited to jump into this one. I loved the island vibe and the setting of a hotel where we get to see all the ins and outs of the day to day running it along side Paige and Cole. I loved the personality differences, and the side characters of the other staff members. The banter was always fresh and funny, a signature of RS Grey that always has me coming back. I will say, the pacing of this one felt slightly off. There was a lot of tension and build up and then I felt like it was over too soon. But that is sort of how a slow burn is supposed to go, and slow burn this was!

I really liked Cole’s character a lot. I wish we got a few more chapters from his POV. Paige was alright, but very immature. Maybe because I am 40, I might be further removed from the dating in my 20s, but it just seemed to me that she made some very rash/emotional decisions and was immature overall.

Another thing that bothered me was the way the villain was portrayed in this story. He should have just been a slimy character in action, but the main thing that was focused on in ever encounter with him was his eating habits and his weight. It was almost like all villains are known to be overweight or something? I don’t know, it rubbed me the wrong way. I have never been offended by anything from this author previously, so I hope this character was a one off.

Bottom Line: Overall, it was a fun read to kick off summer! I had a hard time putting it down, and finished it in less than 24 hours.

**I received an ARC copy from the author and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

More book reviews coming at you! Read some good ones in here, and one really terrible one! My site was down for a little while, and I got behind…so my apologies.

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

I absolutely loved  Yasmen and Josiah’s story. It was perfect, and messy, and heartbreaking. I really loved that we get an older couple (and by older I mean like my age lol) who had some complicated things happen that lead to a divorce and we get to see them trying to navigate that while still having unresolved feelings. Owning a restaurant together and co-parenting added some complex layers. It was so beautifully written and there was so much character growth throughout the book for more than just our main characters. I loved all of Yasmen and Josiah’s friends, and their children as well. Kennedy Ryan writes grief in such a beautiful, haunting way. She did such a great job covering mental health and how we all deal with feelings differently. I don’t always love a second change romance, but this one was done right.

Bottom Line: Read it!

Atomic Habits by James Clear

This book is straight forward and offers practical advice on how to start making habits to achieve your goals. I already knew some about habit stacking and other advice he offers in the book, but it was done in a way that was motivating and got me thinking about rearranging a few things I do to be more consistent. He talks about taking small steps and being 1% better each day, which is a great reminder that good habits take time to form and the key is to stay consistent and keep showing up for yourself.

Bottom Line: Read it if you are looking for some motivation.

Mr Wrong Number by Lynn Painter

I love a forced proximity and off limits plotline, and this delivers both! Throw in a wrong number? Yes!! This was such a fun book. I really loved Olivia’s positive outlook on life, even when hers is quite the mess at times. I laughed several times throughout this one and it just flowed well for me.

Bottom Line: Read it!

The Love Wager by Lynn Painter

I had fun reading Mr Wrong Number, so I immediately hopped on another Lynn Painter book. This one has a fake dating trope wrapped in it, which I always find fun! Jack and Hallie hook up at Jack’s brother’s wedding, but become fast friends after. They then make a bet with each other to find someone through a dating app. They share stories from their dates with each other and have a lot of fun together. The banter is so good. Then they fake date each other for a weekend, and sparks fly! Another fun read from Lynn Painter and can’t wait to read more.

Bottom Line: Read it.

The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

Listen, I love a good Rebecca Serle book. I do. But this ain’t it. I made the mistake of listening to the audio copy of this book. Rebecca herself narrates, and that is the first thing wrong for me. She writes so beautifully, but her narration is terrible! She had a such an emotionless, monotone voice throughout the whole book. She honestly sounded bored with herself. She should have had someone else read this for her.

The plot was a good idea, getting to have the “dinner with anyone dead or alive,” but it just didn’t deliver like I wanted it to. Past that, I hated most of the characters of the book. Especially the main character, Sabrina. I didn’t get her obsession with Tobias at all. You never really feel a real connection with them, and you can see all the mistakes and red flags she makes with him coming a mile away. Her best friend Jessica is the only one with a decent head on her shoulders, but even their relationship is rocky. I am not sure why Audrey is at the dinner at all? It felt like a random part of the book.

And here comes a major spoiler alert, so if you haven’t read it and still want to after everything I said, then stop reading here.

Did you stop if you want to read this? Ok here comes the spoiler…..what in the world is the actual point of this book if Tobias is actually dead too?!?!?! Like what???? I was so pissed when I found that out, I literally almost quit reading. But like a train wreck, I had to look on to see where it was all going. It really made this book even more dumb and pointless. I am so glad this wasn’t my first book by this author, because I genuinely like her others. But this is not it and I cannot recommend you read it.

Bottom Line: Pass

The Rom Commers by Katherine Center

I LOVE Katherine Center, she has become a must read for me over the years. This book is everything I wanted it to be! We have the forced proximity trope, which I love. You definitely feel the tension between Emma and Charlie. Emma was so determined to succeed in what was basically a suicide mission from her company. They expect her to fail. She remained strong and positive throughout. I loved the side story with Emma’s little sister and her father. Overall, I laughed and this book was so heartwarming. I love the way Katherine Center writes. Could not put this one down!

Bottom Line: Read

**I received a copy of The Rom Commers from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Crave Me by Cecy Robinson

I didn’t realize this was a series when I picked it up, and I hate I started with book 3 because I loved the O’Brien family and I have to go back and read the others now! With that said, you could totally just read this one, you don’t need their backstory to enjoy it. And enjoy it I did!!! Oh Wren and Evan. Wren is such a strong leading lady. Having lots of brothers, she has to be! What happened in her past is so heart breaking and you can tell how it changed her. And Evan has all kinds of layers. I loved how he takes care of his employees and Wren. He has a past as well.

When things heat up as someone from Wren’s past tries to threaten everything, it gets really interesting. The book is paced so well and makes for a believable relationship. I definitely cannot wait to read more from this series.

Bottom Line: Read

R.S. Grey has a new book out today, and I wanted to do a special post just for it’s release! Fighting Words. Go download it right now, I’ll wait……Ok. got it??

This one was so good! The tropes! Some of my favorites all rolled into one book, yes please!!!

-Forced Proximity

-Enemies to Lovers

-Grumpy/Sunshine

-Workplace Romance

Summer is an editor who is assigned a mission that everyone thinks she will fail. Get Nathaniel to write the third book in his trilogy. She heads to the cutest little town in England, that was giving me major The Holiday vibes. Such a cozy setting with the snow, the cute little town, and the wonderful townspeople that we get to meet along the way.

The problem? Nate has writers block and is a major grump. The one downfall of the small town, there is nowhere for Summer to stay, but at Nate’s house! Hello, awkward! The perfect set up for banter to ensue! And we all know RS Grey is the queen of banter!

I really loved the way that Summer and Nate’s relationship was mirrored in the love triangle that was going on in Nate’s series, such a fun detail to follow. We really get to know about both their backgrounds and get to know them as characters. Their arguments seem so realistic and well fleshed out.

Overall, highly recommend this book! It was a such a fun read, and I couldn’t put it down! Like all of RS Grey’s books, I devoured in less than 24 hours.

**I received an ARC copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinion are my own.**

Book reviews coming in hot! I read a few nonfiction books this month, two books with a magical element to it, started out the month strong! I was definitely ready for a change after binging Christmas books for about two months straight!

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Sometimes I have a hard time rating and reviewing memoirs. Generally, the writing and depth is often lacking in them. But these are real people telling their life stories, so it just hits different in a way. The beginning of this one was a little all over the place, and it sort of read more like a young girls diary in a way? I already knew a lot of the things that Britney shared, and it makes me so sad for her to hear her recalling of how the press and people in her life treated her. It is truly appalling and I feel for her. It is Britney’s life and her stories, so who am I to say that it could have gone deeper, shared more etc. She gets to chose how much she wants to share and writes her own narrative now. I enjoyed listening to this on audio, and if you were ever a fan….I suggest picking it up.

Bottom Line: Read it!

Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

One of my favorite authors suggested reading this, so I immediately got it from the library! This is a “one of them is famous’ troup, which is always fun. Chani meets Gabe for an interview after spending years crushing on him. Lucky her! They spend 72 hours together and then don’t see each other for 10 years. Well, except that one time. The book bounces back and forth in time, and there are blog posts and articles scattered in between. It made for an interesting read. I wish we got to know more about Gabe and why he was so angsty. I feel like while we saw character growth, there wasn’t a lot of depth? Perhaps since they really only spent about 6 days together for the entire book. Chani’s ex was a true POS and I did like that storyline. I also LOVED Ollie! I think he was my favorite character. Overall, I quite enjoyed this one, but ended up giving it only three stars. The last 15% of the book is where so much happens and its all rushed. And the great article that the whole book was written around, wasn’t all that great in my opinion.

Bottom Line: I enjoyed listening to this on audio, it was a quick and easy read.

Me by Elton John

Elton John has lead such a fascinating life. He lays it all out in this book, the good and the bad…and it was so engaging the entire read through. I did this on audio, as I like to do with nonfiction and especially celebrity books. I loved listening to his stories about other artists that he got to work with and/or be friends with throughout his life. He talks about his addictions and disorders, his struggle to get clean, the love of his life. What a redemption story. This is one of the best celebrity books I have read.

Bottom Line: Read it!

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

I always find the premise of Serle’s novels so interesting. Her writing style always captures me right in. This is another of those books where there is an unrealistic element to it, but it works for me. What a concept…know exactly how long every relationship you have will last. There were some twists and secrets in this one that I didn’t see coming and made yell WHAT??? My one hang up with the book is I am not entirely sure that Daphne really grows throughout the book. I can’t really say anything without giving things away, but if you have read this, I would love to talk about it! Still, Serle’s novels have become must reads for me.

Bottom Line: Read it!

**I received an ARC copy of Expiration Dates from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

There is something about Ashley Poston’s writing that really sucks me in. Usually I am not a fan of books that have a magical element to them that isn’t real life…and yet she makes it work for me every time! Clementine’s raw emotions are felt throughout this book, and it goes so much deeper than your usual romcom. I really liked all the side characters and the friction between Clementine and Iwan. This book is beautifully written and you feel everything. Loved!!!!

Bottom Line: Read it!