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BOOK REVIEW: On the Slopes of Tahoe (Love Along the Way #2) by J.A. Forde

February 26, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

On the Slopes of Tahoe () by J.A. Forde (Love Along the Way #2)
by J.A. Forde
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Wanting each other is easy…
It’s everything else that’s hard.

Breck Kylie’s perfect life unravels in a squall of betrayal, leaving him and his seven-year-old daughter reeling. Choosing to retreat from the sunny shores of Sydney, Australia, they embark on an extended vacation to Lake Tahoe in hopes they’ll find a new ‘normal’ on the snowy slopes.

Rory Anderson had big dreams once, but years of living in a blizzard of impossible expectations has beaten her down. Stuck in a cycle of fear and self-doubt, she’s living a life she’s unsure she truly wants. So, when her brother asks her to help his best friend get settled in Tahoe, she agrees with a renewed sense of purpose.

When Breck’s personal hurricane meets Rory’s frozen fears, they find themselves in the eye of the storm—a quiet place where connection and clarity finally break through. For Rory, it’s a chance to focus on her own dreams. For Breck, it’s a glimpse of the future he thought was shattered.

Finding solace in each other is supposed to be a short-lived thing, but what happens when they find themselves feeling more than they bargained for?

Will they walk away, or will they fight to hold onto the peace they’ve only ever found in each other?

Review:

From that first page, I fell in love with On the Slopes of Tahoe. With a beautiful location, characters that were so easy to love, and an ending that had me smiling long after I closed the book, I loved this story! If you’re a fan of romance, older brother’s best friend, single dad, forced proximity, or found family, definitely pick this one up!

Unfortunately, sometimes life gives you something incredible, but it’s only meant for a season. Meant for a space in time.

Rory was someone you’ll instantly like and was so easy to click with. She was a Tahoe local, who worked at one of the ski resorts and had a passion for photography. When her brother asked her to help his best friend and daughter get situated for their extended vacation, I loved how she jumped right in. She fit in so effortlessly with Breck and his daughter Willow. But Breck had a lot of healing to do.

I jog upstairs to pull on a T- shirt. Rocking black joggers without a shirt doesn’t feel appropriate around my best friend’s little sister.
I keep calling her that in my head, as if it will somehow keep me from recognizing just how beautiful she is.

Breck stole my heart. With his fierce love for his daughter and a past that haunted him, it was so easy to fall in love with this single dad. He had a heart of gold, but he was definitely jaded when it came to anything more than friends with a woman. It didn’t matter that he was attracted to Rory. She was his best friend’s little sister, there was 8 years between them, and he needed to figure out where to go from here. Yet, he couldn’t stay away from her.

He lifts me off the counter and I slide against him until my feet find the ground. Too close. We’re too close.

By not even 100 pages in, I already had tears in my eyes. And oh my heart I cried so many more times reading this story! Breck and Rory’s journey was an emotional one. While they both tried to find their footing, I loved how they could talk out their problems. They could be open and honest with each other. It was refreshing and warmed my heart! And while this story was a fade to black, there were so many scenes that had me fanning my face. That tequila shot?! So hot! And their kisses were so steamy!

“Life never leaves us unscathed; it changes and molds us. But, I promise, you will get through this,” she says and presses a light kiss to my lips.

In this story was the most adorable little girl, Willow. I loved how she warmed up to Rory so quickly. From snowboarding, to making pizza, to everything in between, I loved their time together. Their bond formed so effortlessly. And surrounding them was the most beautiful found family. From Rory’s bestie, Jamie, who needs his own book please! To Rory’s brother and his significant other. I loved them all so much! So while this can easily be read as a standalone, you do get to see and spend time with the couple from the previous book. Their life updates made me sooooo happy!

Tonight, I don’t want to be Wes’s little sister. Or Jamie’s best friend or my parents’ biggest disappointment. I want to be a woman with a man looking at her like he doesn’t want to look anywhere else.

On the Slopes of Tahoe will make you laugh out loud and fall in love. This is easily one of my top favorites and I can’t wait to reread it! Plus since it takes place where I live, I couldn’t stop smiling. From the magic carpet ride we taught our kids to snowboard on, to the dock we bike to every summer, to even my commute to take my youngest to soccer every week lol, this story takes you to so many stunning places in and surrounding Tahoe! With blizzards, friendship, snowboarding, love, and sledding, this winter wonderland of a book will whisk you away and capture your heart!

I can’t move my eyes from Breck’s. They’re filled with that same look from this morning. It’s tender. It feels like more.

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

BOOK REVIEW: PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly

February 17, 2025 / Jen / 1 Comment

PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In this splendidly bittersweet romantic comedy, enemies forced together by a mutual loss are led on a cross-country journey toward a second chance.

Maddie Sanderson would be proud to honor her older brother’s dying wish, that she scatters his ashes over eight destinations that the adventurous 29-year-old never got to visit before he died from cancer. But in his will, Josh assigned her an impossible partner to help complete the mission—Dominic Perry. Seriously, if Maddie weren’t already at her brother's funeral, she would have killed him for this.

Sure, Dom was Josh’s life-long best friend. He’s also the infuriating man who broke Maddie’s heart back when she was naïve enough to give it to him. But since Dom insists on following the rules and Josh didn’t leave much room for Maddie to argue the matter, they embark together on a series of farewell trips that span thousands of miles, exploring new places and revisiting their complicated history along the way.

After a snowstorm leads to a shared bed, Maddie starts to wonder if her brother might be matchmaking from the grave. But when grief also reopens old wounds between them, Maddie will need more than Josh’s ghostly guidance to trust Dom again.

Review:

PS: I Hate You was an emotional powerhouse. With forced proximity and a second chance romance swirled together, I loved the journey this book took us on. It dealt with grief, healing, friendships, forgiveness, and trying to figure out how to proceed with a future that you’re uncertain about. This is a must read if you love adult romance, I can’t recommend this book enough!

My brother is gone.
Forever.
Gone.
I stop breathing.

When Maddie found out that she was supposed to scatter her brother’s ashes in the 8 states he hadn’t visited, she was hit by so many emotions. Especially since she was to do it with her brother Josh’s best friend, Dominick. Their past was challenging, to say the least. There was so much hurt and anger there. So Maddie’s sarcasm could be harsh and cutting. Her anger felt like a living entity inside her. I felt everything she did, and kept hoping it would all lead to her healing. She desperately needed it.

Last goodbye. This is the last goodbye.

I didn’t understand why Dom did what he did in the past, but I wanted to hold out hope there was a good reason. Especially since he could be so kind, compassionate, and thoughtful when it came to Maddie. While he seemed to hold a world of secrets, I loved how loudly his actions spoke. I loved that he always seemed to be thinking about Maddie. And I easily fell head over heels in love with him.

Even though my hands shake, I manage to spray the medication into my airways. But recovery is slow and painful. Especially with no one here to distract me or comfort me or simply reassure me that I’m not alone.
But that’s exactly what I am. What I always seem to be.
Alone.

Their on and off again road trip was filled with all of the bumps. And you’ll run through the gamut of emotions. How can you laugh, feel the most beautiful sexual tension, and cry at the same time?! That was this book time and again. I loved watching Dom work through his grief for his best friend, and Maddie for her brother. It wasn’t an easy process at all. And it made me cry all the tears. I don’t think I could go two chapters without bawling my eyes out. But mixed within that was also happiness and some fabulous steamy moments too.

If I have one day left, or thousands, I want you to be in every one of them.

PS: I Hate You had the perfect combination of joy and heartache. This beautiful journey towards healing will make you laugh, cry all the tears, and even fall in love. With a fabulous epilogue that will leave you elated, this story easily became one of my top favorites. If you’re a fan of romance, definitely add this one to your tbr!

BOOK REVIEWS: The Sea Witch (For the Love of the Villain #1) by Rebecca F. Kenney & When Wishes Bleed (When Wishes Bleed #1) by Casey L. Bond

February 14, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Sea Witch by Rebecca F. Kenney
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When Averil saves a young man from a shipwreck, she thinks she feels the Soul Echo--the sign that the young human male is her one true mate. And the malevolent Sea Witch is all too happy to offer a deal that could make all her dreams come true. He wants her to win the prince's heart--even coaches her in the art of seduction. But what is the real price of the Sea Witch's help? Why is he more brutally beautiful--and charming--than Averil expected?

Perfect for readers who simp for the villain and who enjoy dark, deliciously spicy retellings of beloved fairytales, reminiscent of the original but unique enough to keep it interesting!

Trigger warnings and content warnings can be found on the author's website or in the front matter of the book.

Review:

With twists to the original tale that were so much fun, The Sea Witch was a steamy, Little Mermaid Retelling! The Sea Witch was someone I loved right away. His backstory was fascinating, but from the moment Averil came to him for help, I couldn’t stop smiling. He wanted her. Even though she was forbidden to him. So as he helped her assimilate to her new legs, and teach her many different things *smirks*, I adored their story. The seductive scenes were scorching hot! And I have officially claimed this as my first monster romance, I learned so much haha. So if you love spicy fairytale retellings, with a dash of monster romance, then definitely add this one to your tbr!

When Wishes Bleed (When Wishes Bleed #1)
by Casey L. Bond
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
One Prince. One Witch. One Fate.

The upheaval in my life began the moment a prince stumbled into my house and asked me to read his fortune. Any other night, I might have made an excuse to get him to leave, but this was no normal visit. My fingers prickled to touch him. So, I granted his request by handing him a single wishbone. When he snapped it, the wish ... bled.

Hearing me suck in a shocked breath, he asked what it meant. Such an ominous omen could only mean one thing: his death was imminent. Fate revealed that he wouldn't die of natural causes. Someone wanted him dead. Stunned by the revelation, the man I now knew as Prince Tauren disappeared into a night I feared he wouldn't survive. The following day, I received an invitation to the castle. While it seemed the prince believed I could intervene and uncover who was plotting his death, his motives didn't stop there. I was being summoned to join twelve other women in vying for the opportunity to be his wife and future queen.

Going could mean jeopardizing my plans to reclaim my heritage and resurrect the House of Fate. But staying would guarantee Tauren's death, and the blood of his wish would be on my hands.

Review:

With an interesting magic system and unique world building, When Wishes Bleed was a fun read! This book took us on an interesting ride with little remnants of The Hunger Games and The Bachelor tucked into the story. The characters were easy to like, and the story was a quick read. Even though I got tears in my eyes towards the end, I still couldn’t fully connect to either of the characters. Even though I liked them a lot! Sable always seemed so calm and collected. And Prince Tauren was kind hearted. While this book started out with insta attraction, it did dive into insta love, yet it was done well! While I won’t be continuing on with this series, I definitely want to try another one of her series since this was my first book by Casey L. Bond.

BOOK REVIEWS: Dark Prince, Wild Thing & Forgotten Heir (Blueblood Vampires #1, #2, #3) by Michelle Hercules

February 13, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Dark Prince (Blueblood Vampires #1)
by Michelle Hercules
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
There are only two ways a human can cross the gates of Bloodstone Institute: as a familiar to one of the Blueblood vampires who attend the elite school or as a snack. I’m neither, but I have to get in at all costs. My brother made a big mistake, and now I have to fix it by stealing from the most powerful and cruel vampire to ever come to Bloodstone, Lucca Della Morte. If that wasn’t almost suicidal, I need to get it done before the spell concealing my human nature wears off. But I forget that I’m only pretending to be a vampire. I’m still human and susceptible to Lucca’s dangerous allure. His darkness calls to my soul. His savagery makes my blood sing. I’m falling for the dark prince, craving him in a visceral way that’s frightening and exciting at the same time. If he discovers my secret, he’ll destroy me. And yet, I can’t help wanting to get closer. I never thought I had a death wish until I met him.

Review:

Dark Prince was an academy, paranormal romance that was so effortless to enjoy. I listened to this series and the voices were phenomenal, plus the smidgen of enemies to lovers was so much fun! Lucca and Vivienne were both drawn to one another, and the tension between them was fabulous! I loved how fearless Vivienne was, and the lengths she went to to help her brother. And I fell for the vampire Lucca right away. With his cocky attitude, I knew there had to be a heart of gold underneath his jerk persona. So with political intrigue, and some wonderful twists, I finished this book and dove right into the next one. Each book is about a different couple. The Blueblood Vampire Series is captivating, sexy, and impossible to put down!

Wild Thing (Blueblood Vampires #2)
by Michelle Hercules
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Savage. Reckless. Wild. These are only some of the words used to describe me. I’m all of those things, and I never wished to be anything else in almost 500 years of existence. Then she came along. Aurora Leal, the daughter of the High Witch and destined for that role. She’s practically royalty in the magical world, but most importantly, she’s forbidden fruit. I was taught never to mess with witches, and I had no intention of breaking that rule until the night she crashed into my life. I couldn’t resist the pull, and like an idiot, I succumbed to her charms. Now I’m screwed. What was supposed to be only a hookup left a permanent mark. I ended up mated to the sassy witch. An eternal commitment wasn’t something I ever wished for, but when your destined mate is promised to someone else, that’s a much bigger problem. I only have two choices. Either I find a way to break the mating bond or Aurora will become a widow before she says I do. That will definitely start a war between vampires and mages. But the more time I spend with her, the less inclined I am to give her up. Damn, I guess I’m killing some mages, then.

Review:

Wild Thing was a forbidden, steamy, paranormal romance that was beautifully intoxicating. The tension and sexual desire between Aurora and Saxon was boiling over. Aurora was the daughter of the High Witch and was fated to be married to another, yet after a seductive night found herself mated to Saxon. Saxon was a vampire, so them being together would flame the war that seemed to be brewing in the background. The angst, the lust, the touches, it was all so fabulously done! I loved how protective and possessive Saxon was. And I loved how smart and cunning Aurora was. This book even made me cry. If you’re a fan of paranormal romance, definitely binge this series like I did! Sacrifice, friendship, and love wove through these pages, and I loved every minute of it!

Forgotten Heir (Blueblood Vampires #3)
by Michelle Hercules
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Have you ever heard of the curse of the middle child? It’s real, and it makes you invisible. Growing up in a house with three headstrong witches, I was usually stuck playing the mediator. When I met Rikkon, I immediately felt a kinship to him. He wasn’t invisible like me, but in a sense, he was forgotten. We bonded over things we couldn’t control. He was struggling with his demons, and I was lost. It was easy to fall in love, but that was when things got complicated. When I thought we could be more than friends, Rikkon’s past came to rip my hopes to shreds. He recovered his memories, and with it, the knowledge that he was never free to be mine. Someone else had staked a claim, a bond so strong, that no mortal human could break. Foolishly, I made a vow to help Rikkon reunite with his true mate, not realizing that by doing so, I might have unleashed the wrath of Ellnesari in our world.

Review:

Forgotten Heir was a fabulous continuation of the Blueblood Vampire Series! Each story dives us deeper into their world, and this one took us on a wild ride! With breathtaking action that kept me on the edge of my seat, hidden powers, angst, and forbidden love, I devoured this story. Rikkon and Miranda were fabulous together, and just when I thought they would get a break, something else was thrown at them. I loved the twists and turns and watching them fight for their happily ever after! I absolutely adore this series!

BOOK REVIEWS: Kiss Now, Lie Later (Rival Love #1) & For Now, Not Forever (Rival Love #2) by C.W. Farnsworth

February 12, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Kiss Now, Lie Later Not Forever (Rival Love #1)
by C.W. Farnsworth
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
She’s from one town…

I've heard a lot of things about Alleghany’s quarterback. Weston Cole is popular, conceited, and arrogant. Most importantly, he’s spent the past three years steadily dismantling my family’s football legacy. I should hate him. And I did. Until I ran into him freshman year and discovered he’s also complicated. Considerate. Captivating. When our paths cross again senior year, that awareness becomes more dangerous than his suggestive smirk. Hating him was easy…before I knew him.

…and he’s from the other.

No girl in Glenmont is more untouchable than Maeve Stevens. She lives across enemy lines. Her father is their head football coach. Her twin brother is their quarterback. But one conversation with Maeve makes me forget about the bitter, decades-long rivalry between our two towns. Makes me forget there’s a team of guys relying on me to lead them to another victory. A few forbidden kisses, and there’s only one thing I want to fight for. Her.

Review:

Kiss Now, Lie Later was a forbidden young adult sports romance that captured my heart. With town rivalry, friendships, first love, and fabulous angst, this book was impossible to put down. Maeve and Weston’s meet cute at the party was adorable, and I loved how they could be themselves around each other. What started off as a very slow, tentative friendship turned into something so much more.

Only one thought crosses my mind as I make the short journey through the rapidly falling drops of water.
That I hope the possibilities between Wes and me always feel this limitless.

Maeve and Weston had so many beautiful moments, and underneath it all was this fabulous tension. So with trust, practicing together, and pushing each other to be better, I fell in love right along with them. Be prepared to have your heart hurt, but the epilogue at the end jumped years into the future and I closed this book so happy!

For Now, Not Forever (Rival Love #2)
by C.W. Farnsworth
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
One boy. One girl. Two feuding towns.

LIAM

At some point, summer became my least favorite season. It begins the build toward the inevitable highs and lows of football. Losing isn’t a trait anyone looks for in a quarterback, and I never won when it mattered. Arlington University was supposed to be a fresh start. But infamy isn’t easily forgotten— especially when everyone knows my twin sister is dating my biggest rival. Constant reminders of their relationship have me just as on edge about Alleghany as I was in high school. Spending a weekend sleeping across the hall from Natalie Jacobs doesn’t help. The popular, pretty blonde didn’t just celebrate each of my defeats—she literally led the cheer against me. Just my luck the last girl who should pique my interest is also the only one who ever has.

NATALIE

Spending the summer back in Alleghany, dealing with my parents’ problems, is the last place I want to be. I jump at the chance to spend a weekend away, visiting a college friend. I’m not expecting to know anyone else visiting her cottage on the Cape, much less come face-to-face with Glenmont’s infamous former quarterback. Not-so affectionately known as Sergeant Stevens on my side of the lake, Liam is still every bit the stoic, serious rule-follower I watched bark orders on the field for four years. Sure, he’s nice to look at—especially shirtless—but that’s where any interest begins and ends. The one thing Liam and I agree on is the rivalry between our hometowns isn’t a surpassable boundary. And if we did allow ourselves to cross it, it would only be for now…not forever.

Review:

For Now, Not Forever was a new adult sports romance that was so easy to get lost in. And you definitely want to read Kiss Now, Lie Later before this one. We get introduced to Liam and Natalie, plus we get to see the couple from that book in this story too! This is my second book by C.W. Farnsworth, and I will definitely be bingeing the rest of her backlist!

Maybe there’s only so long you can be consumed by something before you risk letting it consume you.

Liam had so much resentment and bitterness eating away at his heart. For always playing second fiddle to his twin sister’s boyfriend, Weston Cole. And then there was Natalie, who seemed to be drowning at times from her home life. From an almost meet cute to the most awkward meet cute, I never knew what was going to happen next. These two people definitely kept me on my toes. With banter that had barbs, jealousy that will have you screaming and clapping, hope that shined brightly, and beautiful confessions, I devoured this story. That angst was done so well. The sexual tension had me wanting to push them together. And the happily ever after left me smiling!

“You’re perfect,” he tells me. “Fucking perfect.” He sounds annoyed about it. Angry, almost.
“I’m the furthest thing from perfect.”
“Not to me.”