Category: Review (Page 3 of 292)

BOOK REVIEW: Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance by Kate Robb

November 19, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Kitty St. Clair's Last Dance by Kate Robb
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Jules is stunned when eccentric and glamorous retiree Kitty St. Clair passes away and leaves her a dilapidated dance hall in their quaint lakeside community.

That is until Reeve, a charming, successful developer, returns to town, looking for the new owner of the dance hall, intent on turning it into luxury vacation condos. Suddenly Jules has a way to make her lifelong dream of going to medical school a reality. But selling the dance hall will only add to the steadily rising real estate prices, making it harder for the residents of her tiny vacation town to live there, not to mention Reeve also happens to be the man who Jules shared a magical night with two summers ago—and never heard from again.

Reeve wants a second chance with Jules and is determined to earn back her trust. But can she let herself fall for him again? Does he want her, or a guaranteed sale?

Jules wishes she could talk to Kitty, who always seemed to have the best advice, so she turns to the diary she left her. But as Jules falls asleep reading, she wakes up in the world of the diary, fifty years ago, accompanying a young Kitty to the dance hall in all its glory. Her dream visits to Kitty’s past begin to parallel the questions plaguing her in her own world. Will Kitty’s past hold the keys to unlocking Jules’s future?

Review:

Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance slowly unfolded into a tale that completely captured me. It was unlike anything I have ever read before. As the past and the present wove together with magical realism, this story completely surprised me. What started out as charming, turned emotional and I couldn’t help but cry. If you’re looking for a unique book that will stick with you for a long time to come, this is it!

It feels clichéd to think about it, but something inside me has changed. Maybe it’s hope.

Jules was left a vacant building by one of her elderly patients, Kitty St. Clair. And Reeve, a man from Jules’ past who ghosted her, was a developer who was interested in purchasing the property. Jules had so many questions, and when she found Kitty’s diary, she hoped there would be answers inside. As she started to read it before bed, the strangest thing happened. She became Kitty’s best friend Dot. They’re 50 years in the past and end up at the dance hall, which was the same vacant building she was set to inherit.

Despite our rocky start, I remember why I fell so hard the first time.

Between Jules’ struggles with her mother, to her best friend always having her back, to a man who wanted a second chance, to her “dreams” starting to influence her life, her plate was so full. I loved going on this adventure with her and she was such an easy voice to listen to. And I had all of my fingers crossed that Reeve wouldn’t hurt her again. He was sweet and thoughtful, and the butter tarts awwww that just melted my heart! I was hopeful for their happily ever after!

Life is a lot easier when you don’t let yourself want something in the first place.

Kitty had a personality that was vivacious and loud. We watched in the past as she started to fall for Knots, he was such a beautiful soul. But then there was Beau. His family was wealthy, and she knew that her future would be bright and shiny with him. While I didn’t always agree with Kitty’s choices, I understood what she wanted in life. And as I watched her chase after it, I realized Kitty would sacrifice everything for her hopes and dreams.

“I just thought that this was somehow going to be a love story.”
A single tear runs down Kitty’s cheek. She makes no attempt to wipe it away.

Secrets, hurt, friendship, broken hearts, steamy moments, and love swirled through the pages in this magical realism tale. And towards the end of this book I became so emotional. I didn’t expect for the hurt and anger to be simmering inside me so strongly. I couldn’t help but cry. But don’t worry, I closed the book happy and with a smile on my face. But the twists to get there kept me turning the pages. I guessed one of the big ones, but the other one…oh my gosh I didn’t even see it coming. Along with a few other twists too that surprised me. This novel was so cleverly crafted. I always know I’m going to have fun reading one of Robb’s books, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

“This is all your fault,” I tell her. “I was fine. My life was fine, and then you came along and…”
Changed things?
Changed me?

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

BOOK REVIEW: Problematic Summer Romance (Not in Love #2) by Ali Hazelwood

November 14, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Problematic Summer Romance (Not in Love #2)
by Ali Hazelwood
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Maya Killgore is twenty-three and still in the process of figuring out her life.

Conor Harkness is thirty-eight, and Maya cannot stop thinking about him.

It’s such a cliché, it almost makes her heart implode: older man and younger woman; successful biotech guy and struggling grad student; brother’s best friend and the girl he never even knew existed. As Conor loves to remind her, the power dynamic is too imbalanced. Any relationship between them would be problematic in too many ways to count, and Maya should just get over him. After all, he has made it clear that he wants her gone from his life.

But not everything is as it seems—and clichés sometimes become plot twists.

When Maya’s brother decides to get married in Taormina, she and Conor end up stuck together in a romantic Sicilian villa for over a week. There, on the beautiful Ionian coast, between ancient ruins, delicious foods, and natural caves, Maya realizes that Conor might be hiding something from her. And as the destination wedding begins to erupt out of control, she decides that a summer fling might be just what she needs—even if it’s a problematic one.

Review:

Problematic Summer Romance was an older brother’s best friend, age gap romance that was so much fun! And while I didn’t enjoy the first book in this series, I definitely did with this one! The way the past and the present were woven together was done beautifully! The characters were so easy to adore! Maya was fierce and sassy. And Conor was so multifaceted and effortless to love. And the destination wedding made me desperately want to travel to Italy!

“You okay?” I ask, cautious.
“Yeah.” A deep inhale. “Yeah. I just wanted to listen to you exist.”

But of course, my favorite thing about this story was the romance. The angst and tension constantly thrumming between them was addictive. And when they did cross the line time and again, it was hot! Plus that ending, awwww, I loved the happily ever after! Also, the soccer scene was probably my favorite nonromantic scene, I laughed so hard! And while I listened to the audiobook, the narrators weren’t my favorite. But I enjoyed listening to this story enough that I didn’t reach for my kindle.

“Since the first day I met you, you have been the best thing in my life. And you weren’t even in it.”

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.