BOOK REVIEW: Along the Trail by Kaci Curtis

November 13, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Along the Trail by Kaci Curtis
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In 1847, Winnie and her family are traveling west to start a new life in the Oregon territory. While many in their wagon train fret over river crossings, disease, and encounters with Native tribes, she relishes the unexpected freedom of life on the trail. Threatened by storms, wild animals, and outlaws, Winnie must rely on the bonds she s made and all she s learned in order for them to make it to Oregon alive. She also must decide if she is ready to risk forming an attachment to Hal, the cowhand who has a knack for showing up just when help is needed, or whether she will emulate Mae, the free-spirited daughter of their trail guide.

Review:

Along the Trail easily became one of my favorite books! This story reached into my heart and owned every last piece of me. What unfolded was a journey that was truly unforgettable. If you love stories that have romance, peril, will make you cry, and have a beautiful happily ever after, then definitely add this one to your tbr! This historical romance is one I’ll be recommending to everyone I know!

You’re living any explorers’ dream, right here, right now.

Leaving behind a life that was leading them to debt and ruin, Winnie and her family put all their cards traveling with others on the Oregon Trail. As their adventure unfolded, there was a richness and depth to this story that made it impossible to put down. I had to know what happened next! And these characters became so real to me. The story was told from Winnie’s pov, and she was someone who was so easy to adore. Her love for her family ran deep. But their future was uncertain. There was fear of the unknown, and mistakes were made along the way.

His body would lie here, all alone. Beneath a giant prairie sky.
The thought made Winnie sad, and she held Elijah’s hand tighter as everyone walked somberly back to their wagons.

With emotions that were raw and real, and tensions that ran high, this book held me in the palm of its hand. The obstacles that they faced shattered my heart time and again. I didn’t realize how horrific something as hail could be. Or how gutting it was leaving loved ones buried along the trail. To even how broken bones could be so detrimental. Yet through their countless struggles, I loved each and every moment of happiness. Whether it was music and dancing, or having a heart to heart with your sister, every last one of them was priceless.

She was not who she had been when they left Independence, and she wouldn’t be who she was now when they arrived in Oregon territory.

Winnie was surrounded by amazing women. I loved the deep sisterly bond she had with Nora. And I loved that her best friend and her always had each other’s backs. Plus her little brother Elijah was the cutest! But watching those around them become like family was beautiful. They came to care deeply for one another as they faced this perilous journey together. But from the moment Hal stepped on the pages, you could just tell. He was a kind man whose intentions were sweet and breathtaking. But the further we got into this story, the more scared I got. There was so much loss and hurt. And I became attached to too many. I was uncertain if they would all be there by the time they touched Oregon land.

Each footprint in the dust, every broken blister and itching mosquito bite they had suffered…it had all been a part of getting to this point, together. Every cross that had been hammered into the dirt, every laugh that had been silenced forever…it couldn’t all have been for nothing.
She would not allow it to be for nothing.

Along the Trail was the perfect combination of joy and heartache. And it was an instant favorite! The journey was unfathomable. I cried so many tears. From moments where I was afraid to breathe, to others that left me smiling and laughing, this was such a remarkable and memorable story! If you’re looking for a book that has romance, family, friendship, and will keep you glued to the pages, definitely choose this one! Curtis has made a fan for life, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

A few other favorite quotes…..

There would be no going back from this. She was forever altered.
Together, they would chart a new course.

Winnie knew she was breathing, because she was standing and not flat on her back, but she couldn’t feel it. All she could feel was her heartbeat, racing as though it had been trying to outpace the river itself.

It was like they’d created their own corner of the world.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Yule Be Mine by Piper Rayne

November 13, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Yule Be Mine by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When workaholic best man Carter arrives in Mistletoe Falls for his best friends’ Christmas wedding, a town-wide Santa Festival and a misplaced motel reservation leave him with one option—beg the woman he once rejected for a room at her bed-and-breakfast. Unfortunately, that woman also happens to be the bride’s sister…and the maid of honor.

To make matters worse, the bride and groom are delayed, turning Ashley and Carter into last-minute wedding planners, forced into a truce neither of them wants. But late-night checklists, a blizzard of holiday activities, and a charming small town turn their snark into sparks.

When they get snowed in and every near-kiss feels dangerously close to something real, Carter realizes there’s more to December than year-end deadlines.

As their truce melts, one question remains—is this a holiday fling, or the start of forever?

Review:

Yule Be Mine was a close proximity, holiday romance that was entertaining! With a best friend’s twin sister and a little bit of dislike to love, this second chance romance was a festive and quick read. In the story you’ll find watching Christmas movies, ugly Christmas sweaters, hot cocoa, falling snow, and even a stripping Santa lol. I didn’t realize at first that this was connected to Single and Ready to Jingle and the subsequent books after that. While this can be read as a standalone, I absolutely loved those first three stories! While I adored his siblings’ stories more, I was so happy that Connor finally got his happily ever after. And for those that love epilogues, this one will leave your heart happy. Yay!

All three of the Russell kids fell in love at Christmastime. Who could ever have predicted that?

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Weight of Falling by Lara Martin

November 6, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Weight of Falling by Lara Martin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Perfect for fans of Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles, The Weight of Falling is an emotional small-town romance filled with slow-burn tension, mystery, and suspense.

Kenzie Ellis, the shy greeting card illustrator with a smile for everyone, has always been known as the town’s sweetheart. She’s the last person anyone expects to kiss a stranger in a darkened storeroom, break into locked buildings, or end up in the middle of bar fights she definitely didn’t start.

The protective town knows exactly who to blame—Joel Adams, the handsome, enigmatic photographer who keeps to himself and hides a past he refuses to talk about.

Everyone says Joel is trouble. But Kenzie sees past his aloof exterior to the lonely man behind the camera lens.

Joel has spent years keeping people safe by pushing them away. But when Kenzie barrels into his life full of sunny, chaotic energy, he discovers that keeping his distance only makes the pull between them harder to ignore.

Their chemistry is undeniable. But so is the danger. Because the truth about Joel’s past isn’t just dark; it’s deadly.

And when his secrets come back to haunt the town and place Kenzie in danger, neither of them will escape unscathed.

Review:

The Weight of Falling was a grumpy sunshine, fake dating romance that was heartwarming and delightful! With romantic suspense sprinkled throughout the story and small town charm, this book was so easy to get lost in.

The memory of our kiss hangs between us. I’ve never been kissed like that before. I’m afraid the wonder of it is written all over my face.

The way this story started was so entertaining! While at a wedding, Kenzie and Joel found themselves together in a closet…and kissing. Kenzie thought he was someone else. Joel was trying to escape a certain person. And the chemistry was electric! When they end up fake dating, to help each other out, I was so giddy! The banter and teasing was so much fun, and their moments together made me laugh! If only they would cross that line from fake, to something more.

I tell myself to stop overthinking it. It’s one public date. A fake date at that. He’s helping me. I’m helping him. That’s all.

Joel was a wounded soul who had a heart of gold. It was so easy to adore him. But he definitely came across as the town grump who had his walls infinitely high. And then there was Kate who was a ray of sunshine. I loved her personality and charming ways, and Joel couldn’t help but be pulled into her orbit. As they kept running into each other everywhere and fake dated, and gossip swirled around them, I adored their heartwarming moments. They fit together so perfectly! I want to say more but my lips are zipped. This story unfolded in ways I didn’t see coming!

“You looked… intense.”
“I do everything intensely,” he says in a low voice.
For a second, I forget how to breathe as my imagination runs riot.

With group chats that will have you laughing out loud, secrets simmering, tension that will warm your heart and lead to closed door moments, and an epilogue that will leave you smiling, this book was so much fun! With charm, humor, and romance, The Weight of Falling was a beautiful story. Now I can’t wait to see what Lara Martin writes next!

His hand captures mine, and his thumb lightly traces the inside of my wrist. My skin is on fire.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look today?” he murmurs.

PS Technically this is a standalone, but if you want to read the characters we meet in this story and their HEA’s, it’s Phishing for Love and then Broken Heart Playlist ♥.

“You look at me like I’m worth saving,” he whispers.
“That’s because you are.”

PPS This quote is so me and had me cackling….

Kate, of course, has the store layout memorized and organizes her list by aisle.

BOOK REVIEW: The Nicest Thing (Southern U O’Brien Brothers #5) by Cookie O’Gorman

November 5, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Nicest Thing (Southern U OBrien Brothers #5)
by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Romance author seeks fake husband.

I told one lie. A lie of omission, but it may cost me my writing career—which can't happen. I need the money from book sales to save my grandma, the woman who raised me, or she'll be kicked out of senior living.

That's why I accept Finn's offer—even when I know I shouldn't.

Best friend wants to pretend.

Finn O'Brien is smart, kind, too gorgeous for his own good. He's a nice guy, a gentleman, and he's always had my back. When Finn finds out I'm in trouble, he steps in to save the day.

I've been secretly in love with my best friend for years—but he's also my roommate's little brother, four years younger than me, and so off-limits.

I won't risk losing him.

But as Finn and I attend author events, we end up sharing a bed. Will we stay just friends? Or will I finally tell Finn the truth?

He was always my endgame.

This new adult sports romance features two best friends, one marriage of convenience, fake romance, and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.

Review:

The Nicest Thing was a fake marriage of convenience that was so much fun. With sports and friends to lovers mixed together, this story was beyond easy to devour. So if you’re needing a romance that is beyond adorable, with a little steam, and two characters that love the book world as much as us, then this is your book!

“Gorgeous, Curvy Romance Author Seeks Fake Husband.”

Rose wanted a husband to do book reels with, and after lying in an interview that she was married she found herself stuck. When her bestie Finn volunteered to be her fake husband, Rose seemed floored. Finn and Rose had only ever been friends, and he was four years younger. While they were both clueless that the other one wanted them, it was entertaining watching them both find their way to their happily ever after!

I wanted to be used.
By her.
In any way, every way.

Finn was a cinnamon roll who had no problem laying it all out there. He had his eyes on the prize, and knew that Rose was his forever. I loved how supportive he was of her, and that he was one of her biggest fans! But I have to say that this book shocked me. In the previous books, Rose came across as confident and I loved her older vibe. But in this story we got to see all of her insecurities and the struggles she faced within her own head. I just wanted to hug her!

Finn never seemed to notice, but pieces of him were in all my books. Some of my heroes’ best lines were things Finn had said to me.

Once they both agreed to their fake marriage, I was clapping my hands with joy! Finn charmed his way into my heart, and I loved how their moments together had so much tension. It left me begging for them to truly cross that line to more. So with only one bed, steamy moments, sleepy confessions, and slow dances, I fell in love right along with Finn and Rose!

He was good at everything. Casual touches that set my skin on fire? Check. Flirtatious glances that made me feel like the sexiest woman in the room even though I knew I wasn’t? Check. Kind words that embedded themselves deeply into my heart? Check.

Finn and Rose were so effortless to love! Their journey had me laughing but I loved how it had touching emotional moments too. When you mix that with jealousy, friendship, book club time, and more, I adored their story! And while this was the final book about the O’Brien brothers, I can’t wait for us to read Emmy and Seaver’s story down the road. I hope she makes him work for it and grovel like no other lol!!!!

“Love is worth the risk.”

BOOK REVIEW: The Love Dare (The Love Match #3) by Kay Marie

October 15, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Love Dare by Kay Marie
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He’s the most eligible bachelor in professional hockey.

She’s his best friend’s little sister—aka, completely off-limits.

Until now...

Winnie Rusu is obsessed with romance—which is good when considering her budding career as a book cover designer, but not so good when considering the massive crush she’s harboring on her brother’s grumpy best friend. Not that she’d ever admit it to him, of course. The man is a hockey superstar who can get any woman he wants, and clearly, that’s not her. But when she discovers he’s the new lead of the hit dating show, The Love Match, Winnie is forced to make a decision—finally embrace her main character energy and tell him exactly how she feels, or watch him fall in love with someone else.

When she steps out of a limo on night one of filming, Tyler Briggs is sure he must be dreaming. She’s the one girl he’s always wanted, and the one girl he can never have—because her father saved his life, her brother is like blood, and he promised himself he would never cross that line. But when she says those three little words he’s always longed to hear, Tyler doesn’t have the strength to say no.

On the set of a show designed to produce love, falling is easy. But for a man who’s never felt wanted and a woman who’s never felt worthy, staying there is something else entirely.

THE LOVE DARE is a brother’s best friend hockey romance perfect for fans of grumpy/sunshine, it’s always been you, and dual POV. It’s the standalone, third installment of The Love Match series.

Review:

The Love Dare was a grumpy sunshine, brother’s best friend, hockey romance that went straight onto my favorites list! I binged this book in under 24 hours, and I don’t even remember the last time I’ve done that. And while technically yes, it’s the third in the series of standalones, start here! It’s so easy to love and effortless to start with this book. I promise you won’t be missing anything besides wanting to go back and read the others once you finish this one!

She was Alex’s sister.
She was Alexandru’s daughter.
She was completely off limits.
And she was devastatingly perfect.

The prologue had me cackling, and from there we are taken to the past. The first third of this story took place with moments from their past, and each chapter got us closer to the present. The way it unfolded had me completely hooked! How her dad took him under his wing for hockey. How we got to watch their friendship form and when Tyler stood up and protected her. And even how they both liked each other, but neither of them would make a move not knowing how the other felt. The bracelet, the jersey, the movies, the studying in college …. oh my gosh, those moments were everything!

“I know how they think. And they would absolutely live for the drama of Tyler’s childhood friend coming on the show as a surprise guest to confess her undying love for him.”
“What?” Winnie gasps, her heart launching like a rocket into space.

When we caught up to the show, I was beyond invested. Not only did I want Winnie as my bestie, but Tyler was a book boyfriend I was obsessed about. I loved how he tried his best to not play by the rules. But with stuff hanging over him, he had to go along with the show’s games. And while the drama was a lot of fun to read about, what made my heart race were their moments together. The looks. The touches. The handing out the necklace after each elimination. I was on bated breath waiting to see what happened next!

He leans closer.
“You’re sexy when you’re angry,” he whispers. “I’ve always thought so.”
“Always?” she asks, searching his gaze.

This story was a ton of fun! I laughed so much and even screamed quite a few times too. These characters easily stole a piece of my heart and I was rooting every step of the way for their happily ever after. Watching Winnie grow up and find her voice made me so happy. And Tyler’s past, ugh, it hurt my heart. But when they were together, everything felt right. The tension between them was simmering and those moments when they did cross the line were fabulously steamy.

“It was never about the bracelet.”

The Love Dare is my new favorite hockey romance! Their confessions, their kisses, and their dates swept me away. Every moment of them together was always my new favorite! And I even cried happy tears too! Plus, there’s an epilogue that looks into the future and it will make you so happy. So if you love sports romance, found family, and brother’s best friend, you need this book in your life! It was fun, flirty and emotional too. It’s my new favorite and I can’t wait to see what Kay Marie writes next!

“So, what now?”
“You’re the reader.” He shrugs.
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“Isn’t what obvious?”
He presses his lips to her ear. “We live happily ever after.”

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