Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: November 15th, 2022

Reviewed On: September 26th, 2022

BASIC PLOT

With two protective older brothers and a traditional Catholic Italian mother, it’s surprising that Chloe D’Angelo can manage a date without someone in the family naysaying her romantic choice. And Dante Mancuso…oh, no. Her brother’s best friend is not a dating-app right swipe.

But when they are left unsupervised on a late night in Vegas, all of that changes. Add in a Vegas wedding chapel and a couple of “I dos” and Chloe wakes up with a ring on her finger and a hangover. Dating Dante was always a secret desire, but marriage? The rift that this news would cause in her family has the both of them keeping their nuptials to themselves as they scramble to undo their Vegas mistake.

Dante knew the rules: Chloe was off limits. Only he can’t stop once his mind starts to believe she might be his forever. Just as their attraction deepens, Chloe flees to Bali, desperate to clear her head.

All Dante has to do is keep her brothers from killing him and convince her that they are meant for each other. But first, Dante has to find her.

REVIEW

NOTE: This is book #2 of “The D’Angelo’s” Series. I have not yet read book #1, but you better believe it’s on my TBR List!

Whoa. A Vegas wedding is one way to start a book! Toss in the fact that it’s a “forbidden” love and BOOM, I was hooked! I like books where you get both perspectives and then a few more, it really rounds out the story. Chloe knows she wants to drive Dante mad, and she does just that. The running away made me silently scream “No! Don’t go! He loves you!” – Yup, I got way to invested, way to fast!

Overall the story plot was good and flowed at a good pace. The couples time in Bali was everything you want on a vacation (and more). The nosy and protective brothers added colour to the story and I was really happy when everyone finally came around to the idea of their relationship. Forbidden Love always leads to both people wanting each other, usually because they are told they can’t, but it was different for these two. Both had feelings for the other, but neither knew that the other felt that way.

Talking openly about divorce and separation and making it acceptable was greatly appreciated. I think there is still a stigma attached to these ideas – and I know for a fact that there is in the Catholic Church. Dante’s mom was a perfect example of this.

The addition of the Eric issue had me sitting on the edge of my seat and I did not expect it to go the way it did! I know it’s all fiction, but OH, MY, DAMN!

Dear Catherine Bybee, where have you been my whole life? Excuse me while I go locate and purchase all the other books this wonderful author has written!

FAVOURITE QUOTES

“And, Dante?” She pause. “If you follow me into a coffee shop again, you won’t have to worry about Gio removing your left nut.”

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“Regrets are made in the things in life you don’t do, not in the things yo do. Everything leads you to who you are meant to be. Doing nothing is not a life lived.”

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“I woke up and you weren’t there. It scared the hell out of me.” Chloe lost the amusement on her face and walked over to him. “I wouldn’t do that to you. Ever.”

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“When a woman knows everything, a man has nothing left.”

“You have that wrong. When a woman knows all, a man has everything.”

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STAR RATING

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: January 17th, 2023

Reviewed On: September 22nd, 2022

BASIC PLOT

When life’s off-key, go to Malibu

Bestselling author Lucy Gold may write fairy tales for a living, but her own happily ever after is looking bleak. Seeking a fresh start after a sudden divorce on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, she decides to make a new life for herself and her service dog in Los Angeles. But when her living arrangements fall through just before takeoff, a handsome stranger offers to let her stay with him and his motley crew of musicians in Malibu. Her gallant hero? None other than Henry Turner, the award-winning composer whose music has held Lucy together while her life’s been crumbling apart.

Henry might be at the peak of his creative career, but his crippling anxiety throws his personal life completely out of tune. Yet all of that changes the longer Lucy stays with him and his housemates, swiftly becoming one of their own and offering Henry a glimpse of happiness he never thought possible. As their relationship deepens, Lucy’s attraction to Henry cannot be denied, but as she works through the aftermath of her divorce, she’s resigned to give up on love. Henry plays all the right notes and says all the right words. Will Lucy be able to hear them over her fear of the past repeating itself?

Speechless is a swoony saga about finding your people, overcoming your deepest insecurities, and choosing happiness no matter what life throws at you.

REVIEW

First off… I was hooked when main character Henry was described as “Ben Barnes type” (yeah, Ian Somerhalder was mentioned too… But it’s all about Ben for me!). But this is not my main point. I was hooked for so many reasons. These characters are suffering from real life struggles that aren’t spoken about enough in today’s society. I love finding books that shed light on issues that shouldn’t be hidden. Anxiety, Social Paralysis, Endometriosis, Depression… These things should be talked about – not hidden. I am so happy to see books with these topics in them.

I fell in love with Lucy, Henry and HAAAM instantly. And I can’t leave out Rowan the most adorable service doggie ever! Getting to know each of these characters through the eyes of Lucy and Henry was so heart warming. Watching how much they all needed each other was even better. Giving Lucy a new best girlfriend (Adamma) was a bonus – every girl needs that type BFFL! I loved seeing Lucy and Henry grow not only as friends and then something more, but watching the whole group grow together – sticking up for each other, helping each other… It made the story of Lucy and Henry that much more special.

Both Lucy and Henry grew in their own way. Seeing Lucy stand up to her stupid ex-husband and super fake former bestie showed strength that I wish for every one! Seeing Lucy struggle with sharing details of her Endo was heartbreaking, it’s not something that a woman should be shamed for or need to feel embarrassed about (our bodies hate us sometimes – it’s a curse we need to live with). Seeing how much none of this bothered or even mattered to Henry made my heart crack. Hearing Henry’s story… This is when it shattered.

SO MUCH EMOTION in one book!

More than once did I have to stop reading and remind myself to BREATHE. My heart ached, it pounded. It broke into a million pieces and then glued it’s self back together again. Both Henry and Lucy have such rich, broken and complicated histories. Nothing was missed, every detail you would want was written into the story perfectly.

Speechless left me well… Speechless!

Also… How adorable is this cover? It just makes me feel so happy!

Lindsey Lanza’s breakout novel is a masterpiece and one that I will re-read whenever I’m feeling down. The story had its sad moments, but it still somehow made me feel good. It’s an easy read that would be perfect for a beach day or quiet night in with a glass of wine. This wonderful author included a playlist that fits the book so perfectly – side note, I’m currently listening to it as I write this review because it’s so feel-good. I cannot wait to see what Lindsey has in store next! Girl, you’ve gained a fan for life!

FAVOURITE QUOTES

Fairy tales are so enchanting because they end as soon as everything becomes perfect. They never show the struggle of an orphan trying to adjust to life in palaces, or the inevitable arguments every could will have one day. But that’s the magic. That’s why everyone loves a fairy tale – because we can pretend those parts don’t exist, that everything just works out.

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“But you are special, Luce. You are my anomaly.”

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“You’re my perfect.”

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It’s all tied together: sex and fertility and motherhood and – God, I’m so sick of being a woman sometimes.

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STAR RATING

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: January 25th, 2022

Reviewed On: September 10th, 2022

BASIC PLOT

Three years ago, Katrina Freeling and Nathan Van Huysen were the brightest literary stars on the horizon, their cowritten books topping bestseller lists. But on the heels of their greatest success, they ended their partnership on bad terms, for reasons neither would divulge to the public. They haven’t spoken since, and never planned to, except they have one final book due on contract.

Facing crossroads in their personal and professional lives, they’re forced to reunite. The last thing they ever thought they’d do again is hole up in the tiny Florida town where they wrote their previous book, trying to finish a new manuscript quickly and painlessly. Working through the reasons they’ve hated each other for the past three years isn’t easy, especially not while writing a romantic novel.

While passion and prose push them closer together in the Florida heat, Katrina and Nathan will learn that relationships, like writing, sometimes take a few rough drafts before they get it right.

REVIEW

I found the storyline moved really slowly at first, but it did pick-up as the book went on. I very much enjoyed the switching between past and present so we could see what led the characters to be at their current point.

I immediately disliked Chris, I didn’t understand how someone like Katrina would end up with him, until I learned more about her. She’s not weak, but she also doesn’t value herself – So she goes for the first guy who shows the tiniest amount of attention. Nathan is a different story. I did like him, until I realized he basically cheated on his wife. Emotional cheat is in fact a thing.

But, Nathan did grow on me when I saw how much he actually cared about Katrina. Him pushing her away was the direct result of a stupid thing she did, but I also understood where she was coming from – Having someone admit they feel the same thing you feel for them can be overwhelming and drive you to do stupid things.

I do wish there was more focus on character growth and I would have liked to have seen Nathan see Katrina through a panic attack or with some of her doubts – there wasn’t much focus on that beyond it being mentioned a few times.

The book grew on me as it went on, but I don’t think it’s going to be a book I re-read.

FAVOURITE QUOTES

Working with her would be torture. But the undeniable truth is, there’s a part of me eager for the torture. The woman is brilliant. I’ve loved everything she’s ever written. Just knowing she’s going to write again, it’s inspiring. The writer in me can’t wait.

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Sorry to steal your dress, he’s scrawled. But you look nice.

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She puts the coffee down. “Is it poisoned?” I ask. Her lips quirk in what couldn’t have been a smile.

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I have so much practice wanting and not wanting at once.

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I stand, helpless. I want to tell her she’ll be okay, that she’ll feel like her life has fallen apart, but she can choose every piece with which she reassembles it.

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His voice is raw, his expression naked. While anger is the fire in him, I recognize pain is the kindling. “The worst part is, I think you love me, too. I think you know we’re soul mates. But we’ll never be together as long as you’re afraid of your own happiness.”

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STAR RATING

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: May 4th, 2021

Reviewed On: September 13th, 2022

BASIC PLOT

Meredith Fox has been going to Martha’s Vineyard for the summer as long as she can remember. But this summer is the first one back since the death of Meredith’s sister. It will all be overwhelming, but even more since since the entire extended family will be together for her cousin’s big wedding.

Unfortunately, Meredith’s longtime boyfriend unexpectedly dumped her two weeks before the wedding, leaving her dateless. Luckily, she has the perfect distraction. Her family has a tradition of playing the ultimate game of Assassin every summer, and this year it will take place during the week of wedding festivities.

But her target just happens to be a very cute groomsman. She’s determined to not let herself get distracted, not let herself be lost in another doomed relationship. But as the week progresses, she can’t help falling for him, which may cost her not only the game, but also her heart.

REVIEW

Okay, so I didn’t realize that this book was YA… My bad. BUT, I ended up absolutely loving it! I felt for the loss the Fox Family has experienced. I could feel how important Claire was the everyone in the family. I did feel however, that the love everyone had for Claire made Meredith read as less than she actually was. I also felt that even Meredith didn’t see her own value.

It did bother me how she jumped from a FOUR year relationship into another relationship so quickly. Yes, yes, I know that sometimes it’s really easy to get over someone that was just wrong for you… but still.

That being said, the banter between Meredith and Wit is adorable. I like how the relationship evolves and is more than just physical. The twist of Claire having met him and basically deciding he was perfect for Meredith was unexpected, but worked with the story to show the relationship between the two sisters. I REALLY liked that Meredith did not follow Wit on his adventure. She knew she had to have her own story as well, apart from him.

This book was a mix of light/beach read style and also emotional. I teared up more than once and could feel the emotions of the characters easily.

FAVOURITE QUOTES

My stomach was swoop, swoop, swooping when we met in the middle, especially when Wit half grinned and began
gently tracing my face with his fingertips. My eyebrows, my eyelids, my nose, my cheekbones – he saved my lips for
last. “I kind of want to kiss you, too,” he murmured. “Would that be all right?”

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“You’re wicked,” I said.
“And you go wild for it,” he said back as I jumped to the ground.

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“Because when we said goodbye, at first you told me you’d see me tomorrow.” He said and propped himself up on
an elbow. “But then the next time you said it, it was later.”

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I nodded and continued to cry. He hugged me to his chest and didn’t let go even when I’d stopped crying. “Sleep,”
he murmured. “Go to sleep, Killer.”

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Wit squeezed my hand. “But that only made me want to meet you more.”

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“I know you don’t like hearing this,” I heard his say, “and I know I promised not to tell you, but you are pretty, Killer.
You’re pretty, beautiful, stunning, mesmerizing.” He paused. “But that’s not all of it.” He kissed the top of my head.
“And I do know how much you adore me,” he whispered. “I just wish it was as much as I adore you.”

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I love you, Stephen. I adore you, but I love you even more.

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STAR RATING

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: June 21st, 2022

Reviewed On: September 7th, 2022

BASIC PLOT

Becoming a famous playwright is all Winnie ever dreamed about. For now, though, she’ll have to settle for assisting the celebrated, sharp-witted feminist playwright Juliette Brassard. When an experimental theater company in London, England, decides to stage Juliette’s most renowned play, The Lights of Trafalgar, Winnie and Juliette pack their bags and hop across the pond.
But the trip goes sideways faster than you can say “tea and crumpets.” Juliette stubbornly butts heads with the play’s director and Winnie is left stage-managing their relationship. Meanwhile, Winnie’s own work seems to have stalled, and though Juliette keeps promising to read it, she always has some vague reason why she can’t. Then, Juliette’s nephew, Liam, enters stage left. He’s handsome, he’s smart, he is devastatingly British…and his family ties to Juliette pose a serious problem, forcing Winnie to keep their burgeoning relationship on the down-low. What could go wrong?
Balancing a production seemingly headed for disaster, a secret romance and the sweetest, most rambunctious rescue dog, will Winnie save the play, make her own dreams come true and find love along the way—or will the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune get the best of her?

REVIEW

I wanted to love this book after “Talk Bookish to Me”, but I found it so hard to get into the story. I almost gave up after about 30 pages but I don’t like to leave books unfinished so I soldiered on.
It wasn’t until I finished that I realized why it rubbed me wrong. Winnie’s boss – Juliette – was just…. No… For me. I absolutely cannot stand women who bring down/slow down/halt another woman’s career, especially for their own selfish reasons. The “forbidding” of Winnie having a relationship with Liam (Juliette’s nephew) was another issue for me. Basically, Juliette’s character just didn’t sit right with me, even with her character growth at the end of the book… I just couldn’t.
However, I did enjoy the witty banter between Winnie and Liam (it took me a minute to realize this was the same Liam form Talk Bookish to Me!). Seeing their relationship evolve over the pages was heartwarming and I had a few “sigh” moments and few “giddy” moments when they where just too cute with each other! I was sad when they went their separate ways, but, it was necessary as both characters needed to grow and figure out their lives. They still got happy endings though so that makes me happy.

FAVOURITE QUOTES

Sadly, nothing really stuck out to me as “WOW” or “LOVE” or even “FAVE”.
It happens sometimes.

STAR RATING

Genre: Romance

Publication Date: January 23rd, 2023

Reviewed On: September 9th, 2022

BASIC PLOT

Nicole Jones needs a fresh start. “Chick Nic” to millions of internet fans, the social media star and her flock of chickens bask in the spotlight―until she’s publicly dumped by a YouTuber for clout. She has no choice but to round up her birds and move on.
But when one of her hens has an emergency, Nic gets her first taste of her new stomping grounds―and it isn’t good. Veterinarian Will Lund is wildly attractive, yes, but he’s also surly. In fact, he comes right out and calls her a menace for parading her chickens on social media.
As neighbors, Nic and Will can’t exactly avoid each other. Then again, maybe they don’t want to. The two can’t deny their smoldering attraction, and it isn’t long before late-night confessions lead to backyard shenanigans.

REVIEW

Great beach read book. Very easy to read. I fell in love with the characters almost immediately.
Even though Will doesn’t like chickens and what Nic does in the beginning, the fact that he becomes more open to it is the first evident character growth.
I loved that the relationship developed overtime and even after they hooked-up the first time it was a while before it actually became something meaningful.
There was so much emotion in the story and I found myself feeling what the characters felt. The growth of our two main characters was so heart warming. I’m a big fan of character growth and this book made it plain as day.
Will 100% be looking into other books by this wonderful author!

FAVOURITE QUOTES

– Rush, no: risk, yes. Risk to his heart, because he was absolutely sinking into it, but there was no time limit. He could spend all day with her, and it wasn’t going to matter at all. He’d still be wildly in like with her, and she’s still be insisting they were only friends. –

– She looked into his angry face, ripped her feelings out, and set
them in his hot hands. Feeling that were so new, the leaves hadn’t hardened yet and the stalks were still tender green. It was terrifying to have feelings like that after living in a barrel roll for years, in which down was up and up didn’t exist. But Will was different. Right? The way she felt about him was different. This time was going to be different. Except he only stood there, his posture knotted and angry, not saying a single fucking thing. –

STAR RATING