BOOK REVIEW: Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren

May 23, 2023 / Jen / 3 Comments

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Sam Brandis was Tate Jones’s first: Her first love. Her first everything. Including her first heartbreak.

During a whirlwind two-week vacation abroad, Sam and Tate fell for each other in only the way that first loves do: sharing all of their hopes, dreams, and deepest secrets along the way. Sam was the first, and only, person that Tate—the long-lost daughter of one of the world’s biggest film stars—ever revealed her identity to. So when it became clear her trust was misplaced, her world shattered for good.

Fourteen years later, Tate, now an up-and-coming actress, only thinks about her first love every once in a blue moon. When she steps onto the set of her first big break, he’s the last person she expects to see. Yet here Sam is, the same charming, confident man she knew, but even more alluring than she remembered. Forced to confront the man who betrayed her, Tate must ask herself if it’s possible to do the wrong thing for the right reason… and whether “once in a lifetime” can come around twice.

Review:

Twice in a Blue Moon was an enchanting tale of second chances. With beautiful scenery, characters that were easy to love and a story-line that was hard to put down, this story was so much fun! The only thing it was missing was either an epilogue or a few more chapters. Things moved pretty fast towards the end of this story, and I desperately needed to have more. That’s the only thing that prevented this from being 5 Stars.

Sam kissed me one more time and then hesitated. His cheeks flushed just before he admitted, “I think I’m falling in love with you. Is that crazy?”
Biting my lips was the only way to hold in my elated scream. Finally, I managed, “No. It isn’t crazy. Because, me too.”

Tate met Sam when they were both vacationing in Europe with their grandparents. I loved Sam and his grandpa right away! They were warm, kind and they felt like people you had known your whole life. I loved watching how Tate and Sam easily formed their friendship. They bonded over their similarities, like not being able to do things in life that were their passion. And it wasn’t long before they would confess everything to each other. And when there were touches, kisses and watching what felt like first love unfold, it was butterfly inducing! Their moments together in London felt magical. And I was excited for what could be when they got back to the states, even though there was so much distance between them. The first 100 plus pages of this story, I fell in love with them. Only to have the rug pulled beneath Tate and the readers’ feet. She was betrayed, and her life would never be the same.

It was only two weeks of my life, a long time ago, but I loved him. I remember the feeling; it’s still the only time I’ve ever felt it.

Tate was the daughter of one of the most famous actors and her identity had been given away. Her life had been a whirlwind since she got back from London. Now she was an actress, and was to be the star of a movie that was supposed to skyrocket her career even further. The script was beautiful, the role was life changing and there was something about the storyline that spoke to her. Yet when Tate arrived on set in Northern California, north of where she grew up, Sam was there. All of her feelings rushed back to her. Consuming her. And threatened the potential for her to nail this job. It was impossible not to be nervous with Sam and Tate around each other again. I didn’t know where they could go. But I was secretly hoping they could fix what destroyed them in the past. Or at least get answers so Tate could move on.

Charlie steps in front of me, blocking my view. I am so busted. “Why are we staring at Satan?”
“I wasn’t.”
“You were. Are you feeling nice things, Tate Jones?”
“I wasn’t— I just…” I lean to the side to peek again. “Is he crying?”
She doesn’t even turn around. “We don’t care if it cries. We aren’t even sure it has feelings, remember?”
“I remember,” I say dutifully, straightening and grinning at her.

I loved Tate! She could be so black and white, and harsh. But it made sense, her whole life had been taken away from her. She wasn’t able to hide anymore. So I got her anger and hurt towards Sam. I got her nerves over whether this would affect her ability to work. She never seemed to have solid footing. Especially with Sam back in the picture. And Sam? Well, I had already fallen in love with him when he was 21. And as an adult, I desperately wanted to watch him redeem himself. For there to be such a solid answer for why he did what he did. Or that we put the clues together wrong. So anytime he was around Sam, it was hard to ignore the electricity between them. What they had built in a few weeks couldn’t be ignored all of these years later. So I struggled with my feelings right along with Tate.

I shove him once and he stumbles back, landing against the side of the truck. My hands come to the front of his shirt, pulling the cotton into my fists, and I want to tear it off, dig my hands into the skin underneath and pull his heart free.

The other characters filled in the story perfectly. Tate’s dad, sigh. Even though I didn’t like him, it got to the point where it was impossible to separate my feelings from Tate. When she wanted to find that connection with her dad, I wanted that for her too. Probably my favorite side character was Charlie, her best friend. I adored her! Ohhh and Nick her co-worker and main lead in the movie. He helped Tate so much, he was impossible not to love! I wish he got his own story. And the setting felt like its own character. I grew up not that far from where parts of this story took place. So hearing about Guerneville, where I went to camp and drove through countless times, to The Coddingtown Mall I would frequent with friends and my mom, to even the area the movie was north of Point Arena, wow that one knocked the wind out of me because that area holds such a special place from my late teens to early 20s. So this story was so vivid! I felt like I was walking back through those locations and it made my heart so happy!

“Can you believe me, though?” he asks quietly. “That the worst thing I ever did was for the best reason I ever had?”

I loved how we not only got first love in a NA setting, but an Adult second chance romance too. It was very similar in that vein to Love and Other Words, which is one of my favorite books by them! So if you’re wanting a romance story that will make you fall in love. Have characters that are so easy to click with. And a storyline that makes it so easy to binge, definitely add this one to your tbr. Just make sure you’re okay with not getting a peak into the future, because that was my only hang-up!

BOOK REVIEW: Help Me Remember by Corinne Michaels

May 22, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Help Me Remember by Corinne Michaels
Purchase on: Amazon

Synopsis:
In one second, my life disappeared.

My past. My memories. My future.

The only certainty I have from the last three years is that my older brother is dead, and I am the only eyewitness.

In order to protect the case, the lawyers demand that no one give me any information about my life . . . I must remember on my own. My only help comes from my brother’s best friend and world-renowned investigative reporter, Spencer Cross.

He has no idea how many nights I’ve spent dreaming of his name—and his body—next to mine.

Now we’re a team and our goal is to recover my memories and retrace my past. But each day we spend together, he’s looking at me as more than his friend’s little sister and I find it harder to want my old life back. Instead I’m wishing for a new one—with him. His kiss feels like home. His arms make me feel safe, and I never want this to end.

As my memories return, forcing me to face my future, everything falls apart... especially when I find an engagement ring hidden in my apartment. I have no idea who gave it to me, or what it means about my past.

I may have asked Spencer to help me remember, but now I wish I could forget.

Review:

Help Me Remember was an adult romance that had so much potential. This story had me instantly liking the characters, story-line and suspense. When Brielle woke up in the hospital, she learned that her brother was murdered and she was the only eye witness. She couldn’t remember the last 3 years of her life, and those around her weren’t allowed to tell her anything to fill in the gaps. So as not to compromise the case. I loved the premise and that we got to piece the clues together with Brielle. I already had so many guesses within the first few chapters. Spencer was her brother’s best friend who was always around. His actions and words made it seem like he cared for her more than her brother’s other best friends. So my heart broke for Spencer. For the loss he was currently consumed with. By not only losing his best friend but possible the woman he loved forgetting him. Or at least that’s how I was hoping the pieces would land together.

“You were never forgotten. Not by the people who loved you.”
“I know that.”
“Not by me,” I say softly.
His eyes find mine, and the way he’s staring at me has my throat going dry. I would swear he wants to kiss me, which is crazy because Spencer doesn’t look at me that way and we have never kissed . . . well, not like that.

The sexual tension between Brielle and Spencer was sigh worthy. They felt right together, it was as though they were meant to be together. And Spencer was someone who readers will adore. He was protective, caring, kind and oh so patient. So as Brielle’s got flashes and moments of her memory trickling back to her, I was so excited. I desperately wanted to know how Spencer fit into her past. And what they truly were to each other. Plus I was scared that the killer was still out there and could target her. But by two thirds into this story, my struggles became too glaring. I understood that those around her weren’t allowed to answer questions about her past. But I wish they would have evaded or said I can’t answer that question, instead of just lying to her face. Every single time that happened, it bothered and hurt me. And by then I also struggled with some of the choices that Brielle made. While I wanted to shake her a few times, when she pulled a TSTL move I knew I was done trying to make excuses for why she did what she did. There was no coming back from that. And my heart was sad because this was a story I could get lost in. So while Help Me Remember didn’t work for me, hopefully it’ll be a better fit for you!

BOOK REVIEW: Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

May 3, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon.

Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.

Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin to Knockemout, Virginia, a rough-around-the-edges town where disputes are settled the old-fashioned way…with fists and beer. Usually in that order.

Too bad for Naomi her evil twin hasn’t changed at all. After helping herself to Naomi’s car and cash, Tina leaves her with something unexpected. The niece Naomi didn’t know she had. Now she’s stuck in town with no car, no job, no plan, and no home with an 11-year-old going on thirty to take care of.

There’s a reason Knox doesn’t do complications or high-maintenance women, especially not the romantic ones. But since Naomi’s life imploded right in front of him, the least he can do is help her out of her jam. And just as soon as she stops getting into new trouble he can leave her alone and get back to his peaceful, solitary life.

At least, that’s the plan until the trouble turns to real danger.

Review:

Do you ever feel like you read a completely different book then everyone else? Or do you struggle comparing the tropes in one book to other books where they were done so beautifully that they were forever etched in your brain? Whelp that is me and Things We Never Got Over. I kept seeing this book all over bookstagram and I was so happy that our book club ended up picking this one to read. I jumped head first into the story and loved the beginning. But somewhere before the 100 page mark I could close the book and easily walk away. I wanted a book that was going to make me fall head over heels in love, but what I was left with was an emotional story that was just okay for me. So here are some of my favorite things and hiccups I had with this story….

“Why don’t you ever fucking listen?” he grumbled, lips moving against my hair.
“Because sometimes people don’t know how to ask for what they really need. You needed a hug.”
“No. I didn’t,” he rasped. He was quiet for a long moment, and I listened to his heartbeat. “I needed you.”

Some of my favorite things:
*I loved Naomi’s thoughts and her sarcasm.
*I loved the horrible meet cute, it felt like hate at first sight!
*I adored the small town setting.
*The friendships where the type where they will forever have your back.
*My favorite character was Waylay, and I don’t think a child in a book has ever been my top favorite character in a book *shrugs*.
*Nicknames – Not Tina and Daisy
*Found family

He was unfairly gorgeous. Too bad about the whole terrible personality thing.

My hiccups:
*It was soooo long, and I love my books long.
*Territorial. I have NEVER used this as a complaint towards a character. Knox and his caveman ways should have made me fall for him hard. But his ‘get your ass in the truck’ type of comments rubbed me the wrong way.
*It took forever to get to that first kiss.
*I loved the sex scenes, but some of the descriptions just pulled me straight out of the moment. Like…her quivering pu**y.
*Peeing off a deck. As someone who spent her first 20 years camping in the middle of nowhere, this shouldn’t bug me but I think I wasn’t ever a fan of Knox or any of his ways *sad sigh*.

This story went from hilarious to emotional drama to a criminal plot and I don’t know how I feel about that. It was a little bit of everything mixed together and I was left thinking of my favorite books with those aspects instead of reflecting on this story. With forced proximity, some enemies to lovers and the grumpy sunshine trope, this book should have been a slam dunk. But it wasn’t. Maybe I was off? Or maybe this author just isn’t for me. I’m going to try By a Thread the next time I feel like reading one of her books. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that book works for me!

BOOK REVIEW: Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros

April 30, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1)
by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter―like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda―because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Review:

We can live as cowards or die as riders.

Fourth Wing was epic, breathtaking and consumed my every thought. This is easily one of my top favorite books, ever. This book had me screaming from excitement, gasping from betrayal, and crying all the happy and sad tears. Foreshadowing of what was to come was secretly laced into the pages, leaving us with the feeling of dread that was all consuming. The betrayals cut deep. The friendships were beautiful. The enemies to lovers romance was a slow burn that was passionate and steamy. And the battles were intense and epic. If you love romantasy, you definitely need this one on your tbr!

“I’m used to functioning in pain, asshole. Are you?” I raise the dagger in my right hand just to prove that I can despite the blood that runs down my arm and drips from the tip of my blade, saturating the wrap across my palm. My gaze drops meaningfully to his side. “I know exactly where I sliced into you. If you don’t get to a healer soon, you’ll bleed out internally.”
Rage contorts his features, and he moves to strike.

Violet Sorrengail is one of my favorite heroines. She was smart, cunning and brave. She was so easy to connect to and feel all of her emotions. She thought she was destined to enter the Scribe Quadrant, but her mother changed her future. As the commanding general, her mother forced Violet to go to the Basgiath War College. And there she would either survive and become a dragon rider or die trying like countless others. The trials she went through were gutting, and I found myself cheering out loud for her every step of the way! Violet is a heroine that you can respect and love!

His eyes flare, and I don’t miss the hint of a smirk on that infuriatingly decadent mouth of his. It should be against the Codex to look that good and be so ruthless.

Xanden Riorson was someone that was so easy to obsess over. He was Violet’s enemy, because his parents had a rebellion that went against Violet’s mom. In punishment, he and the other children of those who rebelled had to attend the Basgiarth War College. Yet by the end of Chapter 7 I was definitely betraying Violet, I was obsessed. Xaden was smart, sly and seemed honorable. His subtle banter with Violet was EVERYTHING! So when Violet would follow through with one his suggestions for training, I was grinning from ear to ear. And when he taught her how to grapple on the mats, it was so hot *fans face*. It seemed like Xaden was trying to protect Violet, yet in her world deception and backstabbing were done without a second thought. So while I was under his spell, I still didn’t know whether I could trust him or not. I kept whispering for him not to betray her.

The inches between us feel like kindling, ready to burn at the first suggestion of heat, and I’m a living, breathing flame. This is everything I should run form, and yet denying the primal attraction I feel is completely, utterly impossible.
“We’ll both regret it.” He shakes his head, but there’s more than hunger in his eyes as he stares at my lips.
“Naturally,” I whisper. But knowing I’ll regret it doesn’t stop me from wanting it – wanting him. Regretting is a problem for future Violet.
“Fuck it.”

This world was fascinating! Maybe I was putting the clues together wrong, but it seemed like not everything was as black and white as Violet was taught. All the while, others around her elicited so many emotions. It was terrifying not knowing who you could trust. There were those who had no problem killing a threat, or just killing for fun. Even the grappling was intense, and I was shocked with my mouth left hanging open over how that would play out. Broken bones were the least of your concerns. So as people showed their true colors over time, some of that made my blood simmer. But at the same time, be careful who you get attached to. Death found some of them too soon. One especially I still can’t handle, even after finishing this book *sobs*.

“Are you pushing for a reason?” Tarin asks.
“Can you give me one not to?”
“He cares for you. That’s already hard enough for him.”
I scoff. “He cares about keeping me alive. There’s a difference.”
“Not for him there isn’t.”

The dragons in this book were larger than life! I can’t say much, because of spoilers, but the conversations and interactions were spellbinding. Also I loved the friendships that were formed between the humans. They were the type of friendships where you knew they would do anything to protect your life. Which is desperately needed since life and death moments were always present. Throughout this story, there was always this charge in the air that left me terrified of what was to come. And it was impossible not to have sweaty palms during some of the scenes or to feel your heart pounding in your chest! Plus the twists and turns were done beautifully! Some of it I saw coming, but others left me with my mind blown!

“There is no me without you,” he says against my skin.

With the most epic of last lines, this book left us at the perfect spot where we can breathe. For a bit. Yet you’ll still be left desperately wanting to grab that next one! With emotions and tensions running high, this was an action packed ride! The dragons, sparring, battles, political intrigue, friendships, and scorching hot and seductive scenes made this book beyond memorable. It had my whole heart in the palm of its hand and made me cry all the tears! Fourth Wing was beyond addictive and will easily become a favorite for romantasy fans!

“Going for blood today, are we, Violence?” he whispers. Metal hits the mat again and he kicks it past my head and out of my reach.
He’s not taking my daggers to use against me; he’s disarming me just to prove he can. My blood boils.
“My name is Violet,” I seethe.
“I think my version fits you better.”

PS The nickname that was given to Violet? I loved it so much!

I arch into him and claim his lips, kissing him like this might be the only time I’ll get the chance. This kind of desperation isn’t natural; it’s a wildfire that’s likely to burn us both to the ground if we let it.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

GIVEAWAY & EXCERPT: Bookworm by Cookie O’Gorman

April 25, 2023 / Jen / 1 Comment

With grumpy sunshine mixed with fake dating, it was impossible not to fall in love with this story! Check out the fabulous excerpt below, enter an amazing giveaway and you can read my 5 Star Review here. Enjoy ♥

Bookworm
Cookie O’Gorman
Publication date: April 20th 2023
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Bookworm (buk-werm): Someone who loves books, reading, and/or studying. For reference, see Charlotte Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Kent likes happy endings. Not that she’s looking for one herself. Awkward, never been kissed, and bookish to the core, Lottie would rather read about love than experience it.

But she enjoys helping others find their HEA in books.

Lottie loves working at the library…even if it means running into Bo Stryker.

Broody, athletic, and unfairly attractive when he frowns, Bo works at the flower shop across the street. Lottie is about to get rejected…when surprisingly, Bo steps in, pretends to be her boyfriend, and steals her first kiss.

One viral video later, everyone thinks they’re together.

Bo wants to keep pretending. Lottie wants to make amends—long story short: she was on a ladder; he startled her; the book slap was an accident.

A fake relationship may be the solution. But as they grow closer, Lottie can’t help falling for Bo—which is a disaster because grumpy sunshine only works in fiction…right?

This book features two opposites with undeniable chemistry, one lovable librarian, so many stolen kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a nerd falls for the grump-next-door?

Goodreads / Amazon

Excerpt:

Rolling my eyes, I reached over, gently grasped his forearm and brought it closer.

“What are you doing?”

“Relax,” I said, trying not to laugh at the alarm I heard in his voice. “If I wanted to hurt you, I would’ve done it by now.”

“Says the girl who gave me a bookcussion” he grumbled.

Biting back a smile, I concentrated on his forearm, running my fingers over his skin to find the correct spot. This took a few moments. When I found it, I leaned closer, using my thumbs to press down, gently at first, then adding a little more pressure. Bo didn’t tense. He didn’t move a muscle. I might’ve thought he’d stopped breathing he was so still. But then I felt his breath against my neck.

The sensation sent shivers down my spine.

I counted the seconds under my breath and then released him.

“What was that, Kent?” he asked softly.

“I looked up how to treat a sprained wrist,” I said with a shrug. “It was nothing, just one of the techniques they recommended.”

“You looked that up?”

Meeting his eyes, I nodded. “Does it feel any better?”

Bo glanced down at his wrist before looking back up, locking me in his intense stare. “Yeah, it does. Thanks, Kent.”

For some reason, I blushed. “No problem.”

I didn’t know what made me say it.

But I added, “Maybe now, you won’t be so opposed to working with me.”

Bo shook his head. “It’s not that.”

“It’s not?”

“No,” he said. “I just don’t like the idea of you taking care of me out of some misplaced sense of guilt.”

Oh.

I hadn’t even considered that possibility.

“I thought you hated having me around,” I admitted.

“I don’t.”

“You even told me how much you hate people.”

“Not you,” he said.

My heart skipped a beat.

“I could never hate you, Kent.”

About Cookie O’Gorman:

Cookie O’Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, and FAUXMANCE are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, and The Sweetest Game. Her newest release BOOKWORM came out on April 20, 2023!

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