About: In my February Wrap Up, I review all 41 books I read and get into the details of the top three books on my want-to-read and upcoming releases lists.
(more…)February Wrap Up: 41 Books Read
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17 Books on My March TBR
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About: My March TBR includes 17 books that I want to read in March. I will finally read Babel by R.F. Kuang and get started on my Diverse Reading Challenge.
(more…)January Wrap Up: 37 Books Read
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About: I’ve decided to shake things up this year by changing my monthly wrap-ups. In my January Wrap Up, I review all 37 books I read and get into the details of my reading challenges and the top three books on my want-to-read and upcoming releases lists.
(more…)Review: Following Maggie by Melanie Moreland
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The Gist: A sweet romance that romanticizes the mundane and explores belonging through a found family trope, small-town life and an only-in-the-movies meet-cute.
Series: Insta-Spark Collection, #7*
Release Date: April 7, 2022
Synopsis
A snowstorm, an unexpected delay, and a caring stranger are all it takes for Sebastian Ruggers to change the course of his life. Instead of pushing paper and living a life he dreads, he follows his heart and the girl he meets to a new city. A different life.
Maggie Andrews is heading back to the only town that ever felt like home. When she meets Sebastian, somehow she knows, together, they’ll find a life together sweeter than the ones they are leaving behind. She can help him find his future. He can be the person she needs. They only have to say yes.
Sometimes you discover home isn’t only a location on a map—but the person you share it with.
Ending
HEA
Representation
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Death of Heroine’s parents and Hero’s mother
• Parental neglect
• Parental neglect
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• No pushing away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• No OW/OM drama
• No pushing away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: eARC
Rating: 4.25-stars
*Each book in the series is Standalone
(more…)Review: Breaking the Speed Limit by Melanie Moreland
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The Gist: A sweet opposites-attract single-parent romance that explores found family and starting over. However, the unrealistic meet-cute was off-putting.
Series: Reynolds Restoration, #2*
Release Date: March 31, 2022
Synopsis
Single, but unsettled, Stefano Borelli, spends his days creating masterpieces loved by his clients. Surrounded by family and friends, his loneliness still plagues him.
Until she bursts into his life. A stubborn woman with too much baggage, too much to say, and a child in tow.
Far too much trouble.
Except, he likes her spark. The way she refuses to listen. How beautiful she is with her son. How right she feels in his arms.
The way she makes him feel whole.
Can he convince her to give love a second chance?
Book set in Reynolds Restoration world
Ending
HEA
Representation
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Heroine’s on the run from an abusive relationship. Her ex-boyfriend also attempted to kill their child.
• Threat of gun violence (see above)
• Threat of gun violence (see above)
Safety Rating: Safe with Exception
• No cheating
• Does have OM drama
– Heroine’s abusive ex-boyfriend (and father of her child) stalks her and attempts to abduct the Heroine and her child
• Does have OW drama
– One of the Heroine’s colleagues hits on the Hero, making the Heroine quite jealous.
• Does have the Heroine pushing the Hero away
• Does have a few days separation (both celibate)
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Does have OM drama
– Heroine’s abusive ex-boyfriend (and father of her child) stalks her and attempts to abduct the Heroine and her child
• Does have OW drama
– One of the Heroine’s colleagues hits on the Hero, making the Heroine quite jealous.
• Does have the Heroine pushing the Hero away
• Does have a few days separation (both celibate)
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: eARC
Rating: 3.5-stars
*Each book in the series is Standalone
(more…)14 New Books: My Hiemal Book Haul
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14 new books make up my Hiemal Book Haul and includes books I’ve purchased from August to November. The most prevalent themes are fantasy and (as always) romance.
(more…)Fervent Yet Vexing: The Boss by Melanie Moreland
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The Gist: A dark romantic suspense novel that boasts a sweet romance yet proves vexing with its double standards.
Series: Men of Hidden Justice, #1*
Release Date: October 14, 2021
Synopsis
Men of Hidden Justice
Because love can bleed into the darkest heart
Because love can bleed into the darkest heart
Terrified and on the run, I was lost.
He found me.
I witnessed his crime and he gave me a choice.
Marriage or death.
I never expected to love him.
But the choices were never really mine.
Could this avenging angel of death ever love me back?
His touch consumed me.
Did my heart stand a chance?
Previously published on Book+Main and in Take Me To Bed Collection. New added content for a complete romantic suspense experience.
Ending
HEA with Epilogue
Representation
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Suicide attempt (on-page)
• Gun violence
• Murder
• Reference to child pornography and sex trafficking
• Attempted murder
• reference to/discussion of abusive romantic relationship
— Heroine’s stalker is an ex-boyfriend of 6-months
*** there’s no physical abuse in the MCs relationship. However, there are some scenes that can be off-putting for some:
—— the couple have a discussion after a heated argument where the Hero mentions he stayed away because he was angry, feeling out of control and scared he would’ve physically lashed out:
—— Heroine is unable to leave the house without Hero’s permission because he has enemies.
• Reference to kidnapping
• Gun violence
• Murder
• Reference to child pornography and sex trafficking
• Attempted murder
• reference to/discussion of abusive romantic relationship
— Heroine’s stalker is an ex-boyfriend of 6-months
*** there’s no physical abuse in the MCs relationship. However, there are some scenes that can be off-putting for some:
—— the couple have a discussion after a heated argument where the Hero mentions he stayed away because he was angry, feeling out of control and scared he would’ve physically lashed out:
—— Heroine is unable to leave the house without Hero’s permission because he has enemies.
• Reference to kidnapping
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero pushing the Heroine away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero pushing the Heroine away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: eARC
Rating: 3-stars
*Each book in the series is Standalone
Note: I received The Boss from Melanie Moreland’s team in exchange for an honest review.
(more…)Tender and Cozy: Harvest of Love by M. Moreland
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The Gist: A tender and cozy romance that explores fresh starts and the importance of community and listening to one’s emotions.
Series: Insta-Spark Collection, #5*
Release Date: September 23, 2021
Synopsis
Danica Rawlins
She’s a career woman, constantly busy, under pressure, and in demand. But the job that once seemed like a dream to her now feels more like a nightmare.
When the stress gets too much, she escapes the office and drives, discovering beauty in the wide-open spaces that surround her in the country. Leaving the worries behind, if only temporarily.
The last thing she expected to find was him.
Noah Edwards
He left the big city behind him long ago and forged a different path. One of earth and sky instead of steel and smog. Acres of plants instead of thousands of people.
The day she stumbled into his life, everything changed.
He saw his former life in her.
And when he looked in her eyes, he saw his future.
He was determined to save her.
Show her a life she never dreamed existed—and a love that would enrich them both.
Book #5 of the Insta-Spark collection
Complete standalone reads with one thing in common – lots of sweetness and a guaranteed HEA. Instant attraction, little angst – love and happiness abounds in this series.
Ending
HEA with Epilogue
Representation
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Panic attacks (on-page)
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• No pushing away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• No OW/OM drama
• No pushing away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: eARC
Rating: 4-stars
*Each book in the series is Standalone
Note: I received Harvest of Love from Melanie Moreland’s team in exchange for an honest review.
(more…)Magnetic and Delicious: The Lie by Karla Sorensen
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The Gist: A magnetic and delicious sports romance that breathes life into the bad boy trope.
Series: The Wolves, #1*
Release Date: September 15, 2021
Synopsis
Rule number 1 for the team owner’s daughter? Don’t date the players.
Especially not hotheaded tight ends with tattoos and impulse control problems.
That’s why Dominic Walker is completely off my radar. Sort of.
Babysitting the team troublemaker when he’s forced to volunteer for the foundation where I work means I can’t exactly avoid him.
I wish I had though. Because once I get to know Dominic, it’s almost impossible to ignore the feelings he brings out in me.
Pretty soon, I’m breaking all my rules. I just have to hope he doesn’t break my heart in the process.
Ending
HFN
Representation
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Death of Hero’s younger sister from c@ncer
• Grief
• Anger management problems
• Grief
• Anger management problems
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a ~1-month separation between the Hero and Heroine (both celibate)
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a ~1-month separation between the Hero and Heroine (both celibate)
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: eARC
Rating: 4.5-stars
*Each book in the series is Standalone
Note: I received The Lie from Karla Sorensen’s team in exchange for an honest review.
(more…)Moving and Intimate: Age of Ava by Melanie Moreland
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The Gist: A moving and intimate opposites-attract romance with a perfectly grumpy Hero and badass Heroine that explores family and the rewards of vulnerability.
Series: ABC Corp, #4*
Release Date: August 26, 2021
Synopsis
AVA CALLAGHAN
A woman working in a male-dominated field.
Organized, strong, and tenacious.
That’s how she has to be to succeed.
A woman working in a male-dominated field.
Organized, strong, and tenacious.
That’s how she has to be to succeed.
HUNTER OWENS
A loner.
He needs no one, has no ties, and his future is an unanswered question mark.
It’s all he knows.
Until the day their lives intersect.
He sees the woman she hides from the world.
She nurtures the part of him he lost long ago.
But they both agree—their connection is temporary.
They are only for now.
Can their stubborn natures allow them to bend and accept that maybe, just maybe, there is more to life than they believed?
That love can heal.
That happiness can exist.
That for now can be forever.
Ending
HEA
Representation
• Side character with a congenital amputation of one of her arms (her right arm is only partially formed)
Possible Triggers: YES
• Death of Hero’s grandparents and mother
• Parental neglect and abandonment
• Verbal abuse (described, in the past)
• Medical trauma
• Parental neglect and abandonment
• Verbal abuse (described, in the past)
• Medical trauma
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero (majorly) pushing the Heroine away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero (majorly) pushing the Heroine away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: eARC
Rating: 5-stars
*Each book in the series is Standalone
Note: I received Age of Ava from Melanie Moreland’s team in exchange for an honest review.
(more…)
