Tag: Romance (Page 2 of 101)

BOOK REVIEW: The Simple Wild (The Simple Wild Series) by K.A. Tucker

BOOK REVIEW: The Simple Wild (The Simple Wild Series) by K.A. TuckerThe Simple Wild (The Simple Wild Series)
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

City girl Calla Fletcher attempts to reconnect with her estranged father, and unwittingly finds herself torn between her desire to return to the bustle of Toronto and a budding relationship with a rugged Alaskan pilot in this masterful new romance from acclaimed author K.A. Tucker.

Calla Fletcher was two when her mother took her and fled the Alaskan wild, unable to handle the isolation of the extreme, rural lifestyle, leaving behind Calla’s father, Wren Fletcher, in the process. Calla never looked back, and at twenty-six, a busy life in Toronto is all she knows. But when her father reaches out to inform her that his days are numbered, Calla knows that it’s time to make the long trip back to the remote frontier town where she was born.

She braves the roaming wildlife, the odd daylight hours, the exorbitant prices, and even the occasional—dear God—outhouse, all for the chance to connect with her father: a man who, despite his many faults, she can’t help but care for. While she struggles to adjust to this new subarctic environment, Jonah—the quiet, brooding, and proud Alaskan pilot who keeps her father’s charter plane company operational—can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. And he’s clearly waiting with one hand on the throttle to fly this city girl back to where she belongs, convinced that she’s too pampered to handle the wild.

Jonah is probably right, but Calla is determined to prove him wrong. As time passes, she unexpectedly finds herself forming a bond with the burly pilot. As his undercurrent of disapproval dwindles, it’s replaced by friendship—or perhaps something deeper? But Calla is not in Alaska to stay and Jonah will never leave. It would be foolish of her to kindle a romance, to take the same path her parents tried—and failed at—years ago.

It’s a simple truth that turns out to be not so simple after all.

Review:

The Simple Wild was a beautiful story that slowly unwound.  With small town charm, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, slow burn, and forgiveness laced throughout, this story easily seeped into my heart.  It made me laugh, sob, and fall in love.  This is definitely one of my top favorite reads from this year and I can’t recommend it enough!

How am I supposed to feel about possibly losing a person who has only ever hurt me?

Calla lived at home with her mom and stepfather.  When news came that her father would be fighting cancer, and they hadn’t talked in 12 years, she took a giant leap.  And traveled to Alaska.  While the journey there seemed to be a battle alone, what lay ahead would change Calla forever.

“‘Don’t worry, Calla.’ ‘It’s no big deal, Calla.’ That’s what a decent person would say,” I mumble feebly.
“I’m here to get your high- maintenance little ass to Bangor, not soothe your ego.”
High- maintenance? My ego? I crack one lid to shoot daggers at the back of his head. All pretenses of politeness have dissolved. “Does my dad know you’re such a giant dick?”

I absolutely adored Calla.  She could be so quick with her replies and her thoughts cracked me up!  Yet, I felt her pain and struggles.  Her first night with her father, my heart bled for her.  I was so hurt and angry for Calla.  It was hard to watch her struggle, since she didn’t fit in with her new surroundings.  But at the same point, Calla had so much room to grow.  And I loved watching her journey!

“I am not a Barbie doll!”
“No?” He gives me a sideways glance, amusement in his eyes. “Fake hair, fake face, fake nails . . .” His eyes dip to my chest before flashing away. “Is anything on you real?”

From the moment Jonah appeared on the pages, I wanted to hit him.  Hard.  He could be such a grumpy jerk, and his words at times could be laced with barbs.  Plus the games he played wanted to make me shake him.  So I was glad when Calla wouldn’t hold back.  Yet, underneath that rough exterior was a man who did know how to be funny.  Who liked to mess with others.  And he would do things that will melt your heart.  Jonah was a beautiful, complicated man who hid a kind heart.  He is definitely one of my top book boyfriends!  

How do you form a relationship with someone without forgiving them first?

While this story unfolded at a leisurely pace, I never wanted to put it down.  It held me completely captive.  The landscape was beautiful and I loved learning all I could.  It felt like another person in this story.  And Calla’s dad, Wren.  Oh gosh.  My feelings for him were so complex, just like Jonah.  As we spent more time with him, I couldn’t help but love Wren too.  Watching those moments of connection form between Calla and Wren made my heart explode.  I loved watching their father daughter relationship turn into something so beautiful.

His normally icy gaze slides over my mouth, my throat, my chest, and farther, before coming back up to meet my eyes. His hard swallow fills the silence. “You don’t need all that to look good, Calla. Seriously.”
My words falter. Was that a compliment?
From Jonah?

Jonah and Calla gave complicated a whole new meaning.  Their banter was absolutely fabulous!  And underneath it, there was almost a teasing tone.  Yet there was a tension there too.  As time passed and a tentative friendship started to form, I loved all of their moments together.  There were ones that held all the laughter and you couldn’t help it from bubbling up.  Payback was epic!  Others where there was a quiet peacefulness.  Ones laced with hurt or playfulness.  And moments that were filled with strong emotions.  It was impossible not to fall for Jonah and Calla, and want them to find their HEA.

Jonah wordlessly holds a headset out for me. I accept it, acutely aware of how our fingers graze in the process.
Even if I am not attracted to him.
Even if I still want to punch him in the face.

With a broody male, neighbors that feel like family, a dad you can’t help but warm up to and love, a fabulous stepfather, a supportive mother, a raccoon thief, and a small town community that’s so easy to adore, the characters in this book were everything!  Add that it was set somewhere stunning yet harsh at the same time, and this book truly had it all!  KA Tucker is going to be an author where I’ll be reading every single book she has ever written, and then I’ll be patiently waiting for that next release.  She is beyond talented, made me feel everything, and I can’t wait to read the continuation of Calla’s story in the next book!

PS Make sure to have tissues by you.  I sobbed all the tears!

A few more of my favorite quotes…

“You know, you’re definitely Wren’s daughter,” Jonah mutters.
“Why do you say that?” I ask warily. Do I want to hear this answer?
“Because neither of you have the guts to speak your mind when it matters most.”
I watch him stroll away, gravel crunching under his boots.

 

The deep chuckle that carries through the headset sends shivers down my spine and makes me smile dumbly. I’m becoming addicted to making him laugh.



“I’m saying that I might take risks, but they’re always worth it. Got it?”
“I think so?” Not really.
My gaze drifts to his mouth.

 

“I wish I’d been someone different than who I am.” 

 

Jonah is Alaska to me.

BOOK REVIEW: The Demon King (Seven Realms #1) by Cinda Williams Chima

BOOK REVIEW: The Demon King (Seven Realms #1) by Cinda Williams ChimaThe Demon King (Seven Realms #1)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima's first installment in a thrilling new fantasy series, in which the lives of Han Alister and the brave Princess Raisa collide in a magical and dangerous adventure.

One day Han Alister catches three young wizard setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. Han takes an amulet away from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to ensure the boy won't use it against him. The amulet once belonged to the Demon King, who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece so powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana'Marianna has her own battle to fight. She's just returned to court after three years of riding and hunting with her father's family. Raia aspires to be like Hanalea, the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But it seems that her mother has other plans for her—plans that include a suitor who goes against everything the Queendom stands for.

The Seven Realms will tremble when the lives of Han and Raisa collide in this stunning page-turner from bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima.

Review:

The Demon King was a YA fantasy that slowly unfurled into a fascinating story!  With multiple kingdoms, clans, and street gangs, there was so much going on in this story.  Throw in some forbidden magic, and so many questions, whelp I was hooked.  I loved learning everything and seeing how different groups of people fit together.  Two of my favorites, and who we got POVs from, were….

“Don’t ask for the truth, boy, unless you’re ready to hear it.”

Han was a street thug who easily captured my heart.  He had a way to make you want to root and cheer him on.  I didn’t care about his past, or what he had to do to get to where he was.  He was someone who was so charming, you couldn’t help but like him.  I wasn’t sure how he played into the bigger picture, but I gobbled up every single one of his chapters!

“You have to take chances, Raisa. What seems safest on its face may not be in the long run.”

Raissa was not what I expected.  While she enjoyed kisses and boys, she also spent time outside of the courts with the clan.  That gave her such a different view from the others we met.  As she very slowly started to realize how much in the dark she was being kept, I had such strong opinions on who she surrounded herself with.  I despised Micah even though she liked having him as her friend.  And then there was also Amon who was wickedly smart and made me want to steal him from the pages!

“History,” Mari muttered, as if she’d overheard his thoughts. “Why do we need to know what happened before we were born?”
“So hopefully we get smarter and don’t make the same mistakes again.”

I wasn’t sure how Raissa and Han would meet up, but I definitely got nervous because as the time passed I thought they would be perfect for each other.  But there was also Micah and Amon swirling around too.  As someone who has finished this series, I was extremely happy with how each of the characters’ stories went!  It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a YA fantasy that made me want to never put it down and consumed my thoughts, and this series did just that!

BOOK REVIEW: The Exiled Queen, The Gray Wolf Throne & The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms 2, 3 & 4) by Cinda Williams Chima

BOOK REVIEW: The Exiled Queen, The Gray Wolf Throne & The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms 2, 3 & 4) by Cinda Williams ChimaThe Exiled Queen (Seven Realms #2)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden's Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn't mean that danger isn't far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana'Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.

Everything changes when Han and Raisa's paths cross, in this epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.

Review:

I didn’t even realize The Exiled Queen had the academy trope and I absolutely ate it up!  With treachery, secrets, lies, and friendships I loved the second installment of this series.  But my favorite thing was how Princess Raisa made me so proud of her!  I loved how grown-up she has become, and the choices she made!  She was what anyone would want as a true queen!  Han is still my top favorite, and I couldn’t wait to see what he got into and learned next!  Micah, I still want an anvil to fall on his head haha.  And my heart bled for Amon and his duty.  This is a fabulous YA fantasy that I can’t recommend enough!

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Exiled Queen, The Gray Wolf Throne & The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms 2, 3 & 4) by Cinda Williams ChimaThe Gray Wolf Throne (Seven Realms #3)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana'Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he's concerned, the princess's family as good as killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he's saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

Review:

In The Gray Wolf Throne, so many secrets came out!  I was floored with not only all that we learned, but what the characters finally got to learn too.  Especially since they realized that truths could cut just as deep as a sword!  With plenty of action, the characters we have come to love were put through the ringer.  I truly couldn’t figure out how everyone was going to get their HEA, and that made me listen to this story so quickly!  This book was so much fun and a great addition to this series.  Han, Raisa, Amon, Dancer and Kat are everything!

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Exiled Queen, The Gray Wolf Throne & The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms 2, 3 & 4) by Cinda Williams ChimaThe Crimson Crown (Seven Realms #4)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

A thousand years ago, two young lovers were betrayed Alger Waterlow to his death, and Hanalea, Queen of the Fells, to a life without love.

Now, once again, the Queendom of the Fells seems likely to shatter apart. For young queen Raisa ana’Marianna, maintaining peace even within her own castle walls is nearly impossible; tension between wizards and Clan has reached a fevered pitch. With surrounding kingdoms seeking to prey on the Fells’ inner turmoil, Raisa’s best hope is to unite her people against a common enemy. But that enemy might be the person with whom she's falling in love.

Through a complicated web of lies and unholy alliances, former streetlord Han Alister has become a member of the Wizard Council of the Fells. Navigating the cut-throat world of blue blood politics has never been more dangerous, and Han seems to inspire hostility among Clan and wizards alike. His only ally is the queen, and despite the perils involved, Han finds it impossible to ignore his feelings for Raisa. Before long, Han finds himself in possession of a secret believed to be lost to history, a discovery powerful enough to unite the people of the Fells. But will the secret die with him before he can use it?

A simple, devastating truth concealed by a thousand-year-old lie at last comes to light in this stunning conclusion to the Seven Realms series.

Review:

I’m so happy I read this young adult fantasy; it was so easy to fall for!  With tensions running high and so many moving parts, there was so much happening in this final book!  And while the politics of court, along with the wants and needs of other groups of people played such a large role in this book, what I adored most was how the characters carried out the story.  It was so easy to become invested in their lives.  I loved how they pulled us along on their journeys and we watched as love, betrayal and friendship laced through the pages.  This is definitely a series I will always remember, and I loved how it wrapped up!

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Broken Heart Playlist by Lara Martin

BOOK REVIEW: The Broken Heart Playlist by Lara MartinThe Broken Heart Playlist by Lara Martin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Perfect for fans of Katherine Center, The Broken Heart Playlist is a single-parent, slow-burn, emotional romance.

Kate Miller is an extraordinary food stylist. She employs a whole host of tricks to make food look deliciously perfect, from painting grill lines on a steak to using mashed potatoes for an ice cream shoot.

But Kate is also living an extraordinary lie. The survivor of a brutal marriage, she’s stylized her life to present a perfect facade, hiding her brokenness and loneliness from everyone around her. The only love in her life? Her eight-year-old daughter. There’s no room for anyone else.

Until a handsome stranger with his own set of tricks moves onto her street. Suddenly, Gideon Walker and his therapy dog are everywhere, charming her family, winning over her daughter, and taking an unwelcome interest in her life.

The man who seems to know too much about her has invaded her small town. Against all odds, he also seems intent on breaking down her walls and invading her heart.

But Gideon is not without his own secrets. And if Kate gives in to their undeniable attraction, the truth could bring them together or tear them apart forever.

Review:

The Broken Heart Playlist was an emotional, slow burn, grumpy sunshine, single parent romance.  With a storyline that kept me hooked, characters that were multi-faceted, and a fabulous happily ever after, I enjoyed this book so much!  With joy, heartache, secrets, friendship, and love laced through the pages, I devoured this book so quickly!

I’m not a fan of tall, powerfully built men. I know what damage they can do. With their words. And their hands.

Jenna had a new neighbor, and she was nervous because of her past.  She was someone who loved to be well prepared, organized, and tried her best to know everything about those that surrounded her.  As someone who had survived a physical and emotionally abusive relationship, she liked to have all her ducks in a row.  So, while she could be prickly and closed off at times, she was so easy to like.  Her love for her daughter, family and job made her so easy to connect with.

 Gideon’s thoughtfulness is stirring inside me the tiniest flicker of hope. Which I need to snuff out immediately. The last thing I need in my life is a man who stirs up that emotion. Hope carves out a hole for vulnerability and I can no longer afford to be vulnerable.

While Gideon was a mystery, I loved him and his therapy dog Uno!  He didn’t seem daunted by Jenna and her weary and skeptical ways.  With a slow and steady hand, he started to build a rapport with Jenna.  Uno did too!  And I loved watching that progression!  Add in his compassion towards Jenna’s daughter, whelp I was a goner.  Gideon had a calm presence, and he was so thoughtful, caring, and saw so more than what’s on the surface.  It will be impossible for everyone not to fall for this man and his kindhearted dog!

“Go on a date with me,” he says.
“No.”
He lets out a humorless laugh. “I thought that would be your answer.”
“Then why did you ask?”
“In the hope that one day you’ll say yes.”

With rich and emotional moments, like in the coffee shop, sitting on his porch drinking coffee, Toto, and so much more, this story held me in the palm of its hand.  I loved watching the thoughtfulness of scenes.  And I loved watching Gideon and Uno’s ability to weave into Jenna and her daughter Lisset’s life.  Especially with how Lisset influenced how things proceeded.  Getting Uno ready was one of my favorites!  These characters are truly everything!

“She’s so unbelievably stubborn,” I say in disbelief. “It’s so frustrating she won’t accept help.”
He smiles at me for a second too long. “She sounds exactly like someone I know.”
And then he ambles away into the fading evening light, leaving me standing open- mouthed on my porch staring after him.

Rounding out this story were relationships with her grandma, parents, Aaron, and her sister Tess.    My favorite was the sisterly love between Jenna and Tess.  I loved how much the sisters trusted one another, how they could confide in each other.  Even though it wasn’t perfect.  Jenna and Tess could fight or bicker in the blink of an eye, but it felt so real.  So, while this book can easily be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend also reading Tess’ story, Phishing for Love It’s one of my top favorites of this year!  The romance from that book, along with some quirks like grandma and google, carry through to this book.

“I don’t like the person I was in my marriage.” My fingers twist. “I don’t even know if I like myself much now.”
“Fortunately, I like you enough for the both of us.” Gideon says it so firmly, so unwaveringly, a lump forms in my throat.

The Broken Heart Playlist was a heartwarming, slow burn, emotional, feel-good story!  I even cried three times when reading.  It was impossible not to feel everything Jenna felt.  There was a twist at the end, that was a shocker.  And I wish it would have played out differently.  But The Broken Heart Playlist was a memorable story, and I can’t wait to read whatever Lara Martin writes next!

*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 Witch’s Consorts Series by Eva Chase

BOOK REVIEW: The Witch’s Consorts Series by Eva ChaseThe Witch's Consorts (The Witch's Consorts Series)
by Eva Chase
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Every witch knows the rules: Stick to your own kind. Never reveal your powers to outsiders. Take a consort from the witching families or kiss your magic good-bye forever.

For years I've been quiet, obedient Rose Hallowell. I accepted the man my stepmother chose for me. But I never stopped missing my childhood friends: brilliant Kyler, stoic Seth, passionate Jin, daredevil Damon, and Gabriel, whose self-assured warmth brought us all together.

Now I’m back in town, and the boys I grew up with? Damn if they haven't grown up well.

They've got no magic, no place in my life. Even friendship with them is forbidden, let alone more. But they're charming and sweet and infuriatingly hot, and I can't seem to stay away. The more I try to resist, the more secrets I uncover about my family, my betrothal, and everything I thought was true about the witching world.

I've been lied to. I've been betrayed. So to claim my magic and my happiness, I'll break every rule there is—and then some.

Don't mess with this witch. Every rose has thorns.

*The Witch's Consorts is a spicy paranormal romance series with a dollop of gothic atmosphere and a heaping of romantic angst. This complete series set contains all five books in the Witch’s Consorts series—Consort of Secrets, Consort of Thorns, Consort of Pain, Consort of Fire, and Consort of Light—as well as the follow-up novella, Mark of Damon. Enjoy over 1500 pages of paranormal goodness!*

Review:

I definitely recommend The Witch’s Consorts Series if you’re looking for a witchy paranormal romance that has magic running through the pages! This was my first reverse harem series, and I was hooked! From that first book to the last I came to care for these characters so deeply.  Rose was a heroine I could root and cheer for, she was smart, caring and made me feel everything she did.  So as we were introduced to the men in her life, it was impossible not to fall for every single one of them.  Their friendship spanned years, to when they were younger, and they were such a tight-knit group.  I got why everything proceeded the way it did, it magically made sense to me.

What we had here, what we’d made together, it was right. It was good. And I couldn’t imagine ever feeling lost or lonely again, not while I had my consorts by my side.

We slowly got introduced to their world and by that third book it was non-stop action and kept you on the edge of your seat. I was always wondering what was going to happen next. And that fourth book even made me cry, the found family was everything! Also I loved how the series wrapped up, it left me feeling so happy! I listened to the first 5 books, and read the final one, and absolutely loved the narrators. They made the characters come alive!  It was so effortless to listen and read these books!  And as someone who was nervous that I would only be rooting for just one guy, because that’s what I have always done in the past, I had no problems loving every single one of them.  And wanting them all to live happily ever after together.  I can’t recommend this series enough!  

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