Meant To Be-ish

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

  4.5★

 Thank you to author,Ashley Lynn East for EARC, and letting me be part of her team!

 

 10.23.26    

 

Chloe Harper has a plan. 

It just involves stopping a wedding. 

Ten years ago, during a booze-soaked night in med school, Chloe and her best friend James Carter made a pact. Born on the same day and convinced it meant something, they swore that if they were both still single at thirty-seven, they would marry each other. Simple. Foolproof. Slightly desperate? 

Now it’s their thirty-seventh birthday, and Chloe is finally ready to cash in. 

There’s just one problem. 

James doesn’t remember the pact… and he just got engaged to a woman he met only one month ago, Bianca Blake. Polished, perfect, effortlessly put together. The kind of woman with sleek blonde hair who somehow makes even ordering coffee look elegant. The exact opposite of Chloe, with her chaotic trauma surgeon shifts, sharp tongue, and fire-engine red curls. 

Oh, and the wedding is in a couple of weeks. 

Which means Chloe has only days to stop James from making the biggest mistake of his life. 

Enter Dr. Wes Monroe, Chloe’s infuriatingly cocky and devastatingly attractive coworker who somehow always shows up at the worst possible moment. When a desperate lie turns into a fake relationship, Chloe enlists Wes to help make James jealous. What could possibly go wrong? 

Except the chemistry with Wes is anything but fake. And the closer the wedding gets, the harder it is to ignore one inconvenient Chloe might not be trying to win James anymore. She might be trying to let him go. 

Maybe “meant to be” isn’t about a pact you made ten years ago. Maybe it’s about the person you never saw coming.

 🌷

 
Such a cute story! I couldn’t get enough of Chloe and Wes’s story. Not long after I started reading the book, I knew I was going to love it. Within the first few pages of the book, I was hooked and only put it down to study. There were even a couple of nights where I stayed up later than I should have, reading it. I could see that Wes fell for Chloe first, just from the way he acted around her. There was something about him, and I hoped that Chloe would come to her senses and see how much Wes cares about her. I just hoped that she would realize it before it was too late. 

James; he was the one character that I wasn’t sure about. It was as if he couldn’t make up his mind. I felt bad for Bianca. I hoped that he would figure out what he wanted. I loved Bianca, but then it was impossible not to like her; she was so energetic, and the way that she went out of her way to include Chloe. I liked Chloe; however, sometimes the decisions she made I didn’t agree with. I was curious to see how the story would end. 

In the last few pages, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I liked that the story was told from Chloe and Wes’s perspectives, but there were times when I wondered what James was thinking throughout all of this. I read Ashley’s debut novel, The Nemesis Pact , last year and have been looking forward to this one since she announced it. I’m already eager to see what she has in store for us next.

Upstate.

 

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

Thank you to publisher, William Morrow for providing with eARC via Netgalley.  All opinions are my own. 

 

  10.27.26  

 

A grieving writer. An abandoned bookshop. A secret love story hidden in letters. 

From New York Times bestselling author Kim van Alkemade comes an unforgettable novel about found family, healing, and the power of the past to reshape the present.

 
Thirty-four-year-old writer Audrey Beacon is grieving alone during lockdown when a post about a bookshop for sale in upstate New York pops into her social media feed like a lifeline. Enthralled by the historic house and the massive barn bursting with books, Audrey impulsively makes an offer. Soon, she’s cashing out her savings, loading her possessions into her dead husband’s van, and fleeing Manhattan for the village of Schuywich, determined to outrun the ghosts of her past.

 
In 1956, it’s love at first sight when Schuywich librarian Hazel McIntyre meets dashing magazine writer Evelyn Cabot at a summer camp in Maine that discreetly promises a “different vacation for professional women.” By summer’s end, Evelyn has left Greenwich Village to move into an old farmhouse she’s bought in Hazel’s hometown. In her new column, “A Woman’s Place,” Evelyn writes about her adventures renovating a house, tending to sheep, and opening a bookshop in her barn with help from the woman readers know only as her “roommate.” Privately, Hazel chronicles their six-decade love story in a series of letters that abruptly end when they’re forced to abandon the bookshop in 2015. 

Reopening the bookshop in the summer of 2020 attracts a quirky community of villagers who continuously interrupt Audrey’s An unemployed Broadway set designer. An ambitious teenage entrepreneur. A story-telling Adirondack grandmother. Then there’s Sam Rensselaer, the distractingly handsome representative of the agriculture extension. Past and present begin to converge when Audrey finds “A Woman’s Place,” in a stack of old magazines, but it’s the discovery of Hazel’s letters that brings hidden love and long-buried family secrets to light. Will Audrey find the courage to heal the wounds of the past—including her own?

 

  🌷 

 
When I came across the book, it was the title and the blurb that caught my attention. I was also familiar with the publisher, William Morrow; I’ve read a lot of works from that publishing company. However, it was my first book by Kim van Alkemade , so I wasn’t sure what I would think of the story. It didn’t take me long to realize that I was going to like this book, but it wasn’t until a few chapters in that I realized that I was going to fall in love with this story. I fell in love with the story and the characters. When the story picked up the pace, I knew that I was in trouble, and once I reached the end, I had to think about it all. What a beautiful story. 

It didn’t take me long to get lost in Aubrey, Hazel, and Evelyn’s stories. I liked the way that Kim wrote about the women individually but also interconnected their stories. Aubrey, Evelyn and Hazel were all such strong women; even if they didn’t realize it at the time. This isn’t a love story, but a story about love, family, strength, and starting over. At some point I got so invested in the story that I didn’t even realize how much time had passed. Of course, I liked that it was told from dual timeline. Even though I enjoyed all the perspective, I loved reading Hazel’s letters to Evelyn the most. It didn’t take long to see how much Hazel loved Evelyn. The letters were filled with so much love and emotion that I found myself feeling them when I was reading them. 

I liked the way everyone made Aubrey feel welcome and tried to help her in any way they could. I can’t even begin to imagine making such a drastic change in my life. From the beginning of the book, Aubrey grew in so many ways, and although she was still healing, she changed as well. I think getting that bookstore is just what she needed. I’m so glad that I got a chance to read this book. I would highly recommend checking this book out.

A Love Like Mulled Wine(Wayward Hollow,#4)

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

  4.5★

 

Thank you to author,Hailey Frost for letting me be part of her ARC Team!   

 

  10.13.26   

  

Welcome to Wayward Hollow - Where everyone knows your name, your business, and usually your dog’s name before yours. 

I moved to Wayward Hollow, hoping to find a place to belong. And between small-town gossip, a chaotic friend group, and the cutest furry sidekick, I found it. 

Until Brooke. 

Brooke is my ex’s sister, the woman who looks at me like I’m a mistake she’s already decided to avoid. She runs the neighbor town's animal shelter, fights for every stray thing in town, and has zero interest in me being part of her world. Unfortunately for her, we keep colliding. When her shelter’s funding falls through, when I’m planning this year’s Christmas market… and by not so much coincidence, whenever I’m in town. 

Somewhere between Christmas cookies, snow-covered nights, and arguments that turn dangerously close to flirting, Brooke starts letting me in—and I realize I might actually have a shot with the one person I can’t stop wanting.

 🌷

 
Hailey Frost is officially one of my favorite authors. She knows how to write stories that tug at your heartstrings and connect you with all the characters. Wayward Hollow is a cozy small-town series that will stay with you; long after you turn the last page. There was part of me that didn’t want to turn the last page in A Love Like Mulled Wine because I didn’t want to say goodbye to all of these amazing characters, but at the same time, I wanted to see how it would end. 

Just like the other Wayward Hollow books, you can’t help but fall in love with the characters. One of my favorite aspects of the book is how they connect and are always there for their friends when they need them. The found family aspect in this series is one of the best. I loved the way that everyone was there for Kieran and Brooke, even if they didn’t know her as well, but they knew how important she was to Kieran. I think they knew before him; how much she meant to him. 

Wayward Hollow is one of those series; you want to jump in and just be there with everyone. One of my favorite aspects of A Love Like Mulled Wine was the addition of an animal shelter and sanctuary. I love stories that feature animals, especially if they include helping them. I couldn’t help but smile at how passionate Brooke was about the sanctuary. It melted my heart. Of course, I couldn’t get enough of Brooke and Kieran. Those two took care of each other, and I loved that about them. I can keep going with this book and this series. I would highly recommend checking out this series!

Eternal Storm(Star Touched:Witch Blade,#4)

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

  Thank you to author, Michelle Madow for letting me be part of her  ARC Team!

 

 

   10.26.26 

A divine sword. An impossible love. And a choice that could shatter the world.

 
The sea voyage that was supposed to save Jade Harrington destroyed her instead. Now the crew is scattered, the secrets are out, and she’s on the run with the only person she has left—Logan Ashford, the man she loves more than her own destiny. 

Their Pine Valley, a wolf shifter sanctuary protected by goddesses, where Jade finally comes face-to-face with another star touched champion. But belonging comes with a catch. Because every champion carries a celestial weapon forged by their goddess... except for Jade, whose goddess has been ignoring her for months. 

It turns out her weapon is buried at the heart of the Eternal Storm—the most violent lightning storm on Earth, which has been raging for five hundred years. Claiming it means surviving the creature that guards it, answering to the goddess who hid it, and facing a truth Jade would give anything to outrun. 

Because the blade forged to save the world is destined to destroy the man she loves. And when the gods demand a choice between love and fate, Jade will have to decide how far she's willing to go to defy them both.

   🌷

 
Outstanding. 

The Star Touched series keeps on surprising me; each book has me falling in love with the characters and their stories. Out of all the books in Star Touched Books, Witch Blade has been my favorite. Although I haven’t had a chance to read Fae Bound books yet. Witch Blade holds a special place in my heart; there is just something about this series, the characters, the story, the connections between the characters. I've been looking forward to Eternal Storm since I finished Crimson Storm; wondering what was going to happen with Jade, Evie, Logan, and Kieran, and what challenges they would face next. I didn't think I could be more on the edge of my seat, and once again I was proven wrong. 

I love Jade, Evie, Kieran, and Logan. If I were asked which of those are my favorites, I don't think I could pick. All of them are such kick ass characters. Jade, however, underwent such an impressive transformation from the first book. I can't even begin to imagine enduring what Jade had to. Despite all the challenges and all the hoops that she had to jump through, she kept on going. That was one of my favorite things about her. I'm curious to see what awaits her next. As for her and Logan, if what they have isn't love, then I don't know what is. I believe that he's one of the reasons that she made it as far as she has. I will be rooting for them until the end. 

Evie and Kieran are the other two who have gone through an outstanding transformation. Michelle portrayed all those characters amazingly. I am curious if Evie and Jade’s friendship could be repaired. I understand why Evie was angry, but her reaction was far from what I expected. The emotions in Eternal Storm were even more intense than the last one. The ending was the most intense. After that ending, I’m even more eager for the next one to come out. I cannot get this story out of my mind, and highly recommend this series to romantasy fans.

Then Until Forever(Maple Brook,#1)

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

 Thank you to author, Mase Evans and Beyond The Books PR for letting me be part of ARC Team! 

 

 

   10.06.26    

 

Avery Bennett hasn’t thought of Jax Anderson in four years. At least, that’s what she tells herself. She’s moved on from her high school boyfriend after he broke up with her before leaving for college. She’s built her own business from the ground up; she’s even tried dating again, though her relationship with her now-ex crashed and burned even harder than her first. She’s happy with her new life. She’s content. But she wasn’t expecting the flare of confusing emotions that came swirling back when she found out her high school sweetheart was back in town. And back to stay. 

Jax made a mistake. He lost the love of his life when he broke up with Avery four years ago. He told himself they could still be friends; that he would work up the bravery to call her once everything calmed down because he couldn’t handle losing her forever. But he hadn’t done it. Now, he’s determined to get her back. He knows he can’t have Avery in all the ways he wants, but he’ll settle for just being her friend, if she doesn’t hate him too much after how he left her.

 

  🌷

 Sometimes, you just need a romance book, with cozy vibes – giving you all the feelings. Then Until Forever was that book. I love reading books that are just romance, without the spice. I don’t mind the spice, but sometimes I just want to read about their connection, their interactions. I think that was one of the reasons that I loved Avery and Jax’s story; a sweet story about two people finding their way back to one another. Although I understood why Avery did it; I didn’t agree with some of the choices that she made. 

It was clear how much Jax cared about Avery, and throughout the book, I hoped she would see that. I loved how he tried to take care of her and agreed to be her friend, even though I knew he wanted so much more. I like the way that Mase portrayed their relationship; how their friendship grew. I think everyone knew those two belonged together before they did. The book started a little slow for me, but it picked up fast, and then I felt myself flying through the pages. 

One of my favorite aspects of the book is the way that I could relate to the characters in the book. I didn’t feel as if I was reading a book, I felt as if I was catching up with old friends. To me, those characters were real. Then Until Forever was my first book by the author. I’m curious about the others, and I’m eager about next book in series as well.

The Witch Fix

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  Thank you to author, Kennedy Rhodes and Rattle The Stars PR, for letting me be part of ARC Team! 

 

 

 

 

Magick always has consequences. Some are worth it.

 
The growing pile of burnt cauldrons in Eva Sutton’s backyard says it all—she’s not the perfect witch. But her coven’s magick is fading, and now is her moment to step up. 

Out of desperation, Eva casts a spell from a mysterious grimoire and ends up with a shockingly attractive, glasses-wearing demon in her living room. 

Sorren doesn’t have time for this. He has to get back to his draining, uninspiring job. Hell won’t run itself, after all.
But Eva doesn’t know how to send Sorren back, and she hasn’t decided yet if the demon working remotely from her gardening shed is another problem or the solution her collapsing coven needs. 

As they piece it all together, Sorren and Eva begin to realize that sometimes it takes an accident to find the life they were meant to live. 

As for Eva? She’ll figure it all out as soon as she finds her key.

 🌷

 
This was such cute read! 

I had so much fun reading this story! When I came across The Witch Fix, saw the cover, and read the blurb, I knew I had to check this book out. I’m so glad that I did! I liked the way that Kennedy incorporated sweet and spicy scenes. I don’t mind spicy ones, but I prefer a combination of the two, and that is what this book has. Although I did feel the first spicy scene was a little rushed. I adored Eva and Sorren; their relationship had me smiling on multiple occasions. It was so bittersweet, the way that the two of them bonded. I’ve read books about demons before, but I had never read about a demon like Sorren. He’s the type of guy that every girl knows she shouldn’t want, but she does. 

The Witch Fix gave me Gilmore Girls and Halloweentown vibes. I loved the friendship between Eva and Riley, and the way that they were always there for each other. In general, I loved the cozy small time, there was part of me that wanted to move there while I was reading. I was a little anxious of what would happen with Eva and Sorren if they did figure out how to send him back. I loved the cozy feel of this book, especially since I have been reading more serious books lately. There was a part of me that wished that this was a series, but that’s because I didn’t want to say goodbye to any of the characters. The Witch Fix was the first book I have read by Kennedy Rhodes, but I have heard of her and am excited to check out the others!

Ward D

 

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Medical student Amy Brenner is spending the night on a locked psychiatric ward. 

Amy has been dreading her evening working on Ward D, the hospital’s inpatient mental health unit. There are very specific reasons why she never wanted to do this required overnight rotation. Reasons nobody can ever find out. 

And as the hours tick by, Amy grows increasingly convinced something terrible is happening within these tightly secured walls. When patients and staff start to vanish without a trace, it becomes clear that everyone on the unit is in grave danger. 

Amy’s worst nightmare was spending the night on Ward D.

 
And now she might never escape.

 🌷

 
I shouldn't be surprised by how intense this book is, considering it's not the first book I've read by Freida McFadden. Once again, Freida took me by surprise. Ward D was such an intense book. I did feel that the first few chapters were slow. However, once Amy arrived on Ward D, everything started spinning out of control, and I found myself glued to the pages of the book. I was so invested in the story; I didn’t even realize how much time had passed. I needed to find out what had happened to Amy next, and, of course, I wondered who in Ward D was responsible for everything that had happened. 

I enjoyed the way Freida transitioned between the present and the past, and the way she intertwined the story. I didn’t trust Jade, especially after the way she acted the last time Amy visited her. I just had a bad feeling about her. Honestly, I was surprised that Amy had been friends with her for as long as she had, considering how she acted. I do understand why, though. There were quite a few suspicious characters in this book, and just when I thought I figured it out, another twist had me reconsidering everything. 

I've seen mixed reviews about Ward D, but I love reading any book that features mental health representation. Every chapter had something happening, and it had me on the edge of my seat. I found myself thinking about it after I turned the last page, and even recommending it to my friends. I feel like Ward D was one of her most intense books. Highly recommend it.

Undercover Light(Lights,Love,Vegas,#1)

 

 

 

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

  4.5★

 Thank you to author,Yuliana Zaikman for providing with eARC.  All opinions are my own.  

 

 

Nanny turned amateur sleuth. 

Ukrainian hotel mogul turned single dad. 

And a relentless detective who might tear them apart. 

Aurora Sinclair is a failure. At least that’s what she thinks when she’s not selected for a crucial internship, and her dream of becoming a school psychologist hits a dead end. Hoping for a change, Aurora decides to take a stopgap nanny job for a boy whose mother recently died under suspicious circumstances. When she meets his father, Sergei Chernov, she’s taken aback by his unapproachable demeanor. However, as they spend time together, Aurora discovers the soft, hopeful layer beneath, making it hard to keep boundaries from blurring. 

Sergei is a guarded Ukrainian mogul opening a luxury hotel in Las Vegas. Following his wife’s tragic death, Sergei is determined to be the best papa he can be. When Aurora enters his home, she ignites an unexpected attraction that threatens to complicate his already messy world. While navigating these feelings, he must protect his loved ones from the shadows of his past. 

But when Daniel Custode, an overzealous detective, finds out that Aurora is working for Sergei, he pressures her into joining his investigation to prove Sergei is responsible for his wife’s death. As Daniel’s demands escalate, Aurora grows increasingly determined to clear Sergei’s name. She must decide whether to betray the man she’s falling for—or come clean and risk losing him.

 

 🌷

Where do I begin? It was a joy to read this book. Undercover Light had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Every chapter had me craving for more; wondering what was going to happen next between Aurora and Sergei, and what Aurora and Daniel would uncover next. Daniel, I wasn’t so sure about him, and even though I understood why he did it, he seemed so sure that it was Sergei who was responsible for his wife’s death; it seemed like he didn’t even want to consider that it could have been someone else. I was curious to see what he would uncover. Like Daniel and Aurora, I was curious to find out what happened to Alessia. 

Undercover Light had me going through a range of emotions as I read. I adored the bond between Aurora and Misha; it was as if she were meant to be his nanny. I think it was because of her that Sergei started spending more time with his son. I could tell when Sergei fell for Aurora, even if he tried to deny his feelings. The way that he looked out for her. The way he seemed to want to spend time with her and Misha. I knew that it was only a matter of time until they fell for each other. Plus, Aurora was trying to learn Russian. I'm Russian, and it's a hard language to learn. I was rooting for them throughout the book, but I was also afraid of what might happen if Sergei found out what Aurora was doing. 

I was born in Ukraine, so I loved that one of main characters was Ukrainian, and he has my brother’s name. I have read few romance mystery books, but this one; it was unique and that was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I loved how the story kept you on guessing. The last few chapters of the book, I couldn’t put down, and probably stayed up later than should have, to finish it. I’m so excited that there is going be a second book! A beautifully written debut novel.

Heart Breaker(Deep Cove Millionaires Club,#3)

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

 Thank you to the author,Lily Miller for letting me be part of ARC Team! 

 

 

 

 

I didn’t plan on getting into a fake marriage with a millionaire pilot I barely know, but that’s exactly what happened when I said “I do” to Wes Winters, Deep Cove’s broodiest bachelor. 

So how did I get here? It’s all thanks to a looming scandal, a pushy publicist, and a deal too tempting to turn down. When a long-buried controversy from Wes’s past resurfaced and threatened to destroy the reputation he spent years rebuilding, suddenly I became the perfect solution. It turns out a sunshine wedding planner with a spotless track record is exactly what his image needs. 

The plan is simple: fake the perfect marriage and play happy newlyweds for one year, long enough for the tabloids to lose interest. Thanks to our carefully arranged marriage, Wes will get the squeaky-clean image he desperately needs, and I’ll get my dad’s medical bills taken care of. 

Simple enough, right? 

Except pretending to be Wes’s wife is a lot harder than I expected. He’s guarded, frustrating, and impossible to read. One minute he’ll barely speak to me, and the next he’s looking at me with those deep, charcoal eyes like he wants to devour me. Good thing none of this is real. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself as my ruggedly handsome new husband kisses me in public, calls me his wife like he means it, and slowly starts showing me pieces of himself no one else gets to see. 

Somewhere between sharing a home, pretending to be in love, and a chemistry so intense it’s impossible to ignore, the lines between fake and real blur beyond recognition and falling for my husband starts to feel inevitable.

 🌷

 
From the moment that I started reading this book, I knew that I was in for a wild ride. Before I even realized it, I finished half of the book. I’ve recently read the first book, Deal Breaker, and I loved it. However, this book…so many emotions, and it didn’t take me long to fall in love with Lottie and Wes. The connection between those two had me smiling. Although it started as a fake marriage, Wes tried to take care of Lottie and made sure she got everything she needed. There was nothing fake about that. 

One of my favorite aspects of Heart Breaker was the way that the growth in the relationship between Wes and Lottie was portrayed. It wasn’t just physical, but emotional too. I liked the way they slowly started to open to each other. The way that Wes took Lottie’s feelings into account reassured me of how much he cared about her and that she didn’t have to deal with it alone; it melted my heart. Their chemistry in general was so heartfelt. I was waiting for Lottie to see how much Wes cared about her and wanted to be with her. The scenes between those two were connected; I couldn’t get enough. I’m still thinking about it. 

Another favorite aspect in Heart Breaker that both had me smiling and broke my heart was the relationship between Lottie and her parents, especially her father. I loved the bond that those two had, and how Lottie was willing to do anything to help her father. I lost my grandmother 4 months ago, and reading this, it had me thinking about her, and I felt as if I could relate to how Lottie was feeling. I’m so glad that I discovered this author. Now, I’m going to go backward and read the second book. The way that this book ended, I’m eager for Noah’s story to come out.

Made Better Together(Battles In Love,#4)

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ 

 

  Thank you to the author,Kylie Skye, and Kylie Skye's MVP for eArc. All opinions are my own

 

  

EDEN

 
It’s been a year since I last saw him, when we shared a Fourth of July I’ll never forget. Only this time, he’s moved to my city for good. I’m overwhelmed by senior year pre-med reqs and my soccer goals, but still—I’m curious if our undeniable connection can turn into something real… 

The only problem? His new job doesn’t allow him to date clients. And guess which firm I hired to help manage my soccer opportunities?

 
CONNOR

 
I’ve been gifted a fresh start in Orlando, but I can’t seem to get things right—either with my post-college career or with her. Because as soon as we live in the same city, it turns out she’s off-limits. The fact that I’m stuck with this office job, after not being invited to any NFL rookie minicamps, only adds salt to the wound. 

With her so close now, there’s no way I can stand by and do nothing. Maybe we just keep things secret? Who would get hurt, anyway?

 🌷

 
Battles In Love has become one of my favorite sports romance series. It shouldn’t be surprising how much I loved Made Better Together, but once again, Kylie found another way to make me fall in love with the characters. I loved Eden and Connor together and couldn’t help but fall in love with them. It seemed that the universe seemed to push another challenge in their way, just when they thought that they could make it work. What I loved about the two of them was that they didn’t stop. However, I was worried about them keeping a secret; if anyone found out, I knew it could blow up. I hoped that they wouldn’t have to keep it secret for long. 

I couldn’t get enough of how Eden and Connor were supporting each other; of their dreams. Those two were always there, cheering each other on, and not once did they ask each other to give up their dreams for each other. The growth between Connor and Eden as a couple and individually was amazing. It was as if I were watching my friends achieve their dreams. I can’t even remember the number of times I smiled while reading the scenes between the two of them. There were days I read for hours, without realizing how much time had passed. I hoped that they would find a way to be together; without hiding. 

I can’t get the story out of my mind. I was lucky enough to read all four books as ARCs, and I loved them all. I think that’s one of the reasons that I loved the ending; it had me smiling so much. In general, I had so much fun reading this series, and part of me is sad that it’s over. However, I’m excited for Kylie’s next series! I also loved the way that Kylie portrayed family dynamics in this book. Made Better Together was so heartfelt, and so real.

Together Is Where We Belong(Courtright Ranch,#2)

 

 

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

  Thank you to the author,Harper Faith and The Author Agency for providing me with E-ARC, in exchange for honest review.   

 

 

At eighteen, I left Haven Valley with Leo Courtright’s final words ringing in my ears. 

I hate you. 

I swore I’d never come back to the small town—or the boy—I’d left behind. But when the manstalking me gets too close, I run to the only place that’s ever felt safe. 

Home. 

Coming back meant seeing the blue-eyed boy who was once my entire world. Only Leo isn’t a boy anymore. He’s colder. Harder. And he still looks at me like I wrecked his life. Returning home also means revealing the secret I’ve kept for eight years. 

He has Leo’s eyes. 

His inquisitive nature. 

And he can’t wait to meet his dad. 

When Leo shows up at my front door to welcome his new neighbor, the second his gaze lands on the little boy behind me, everything changes. 

The man who swore he hates me is suddenly everywhere—fixing broken locks, watching over us, asking questions I can’t answer without risking the fragile life I built to protect my son. 

The more time we spend together, the harder it becomes to deny what’s always been between us.
Because some first loves stay with you forever. 

Some people never stop feeling like home. 

And maybe, after everything we lost, together is where we belong. 

If the past—and the danger chasing us—doesn’t destroy us first.

 🌷

 
Such a heartwarming but heartbreaking story about first love, family, and a second chance. I’m still swooning over Carolina and Leo. 

I didn’t know what to expect from this story, since I haven’t read anything by this author. It was the cover, the title, and the blurb that caught my attention. The blurb is what caught my attention most of all; it sounded moving yet suspenseful. The moment I started reading Together Is Where We Belong, I knew I was in trouble, and I was right. I read it in a day because just when I thought I could put it down, something happened that kept me reading for a few more hours. Leo and Carolina’s story isn’t one you will be able to forget. You can feel the chemistry between the two of them from the moment they reunite. Even though Leo tries to fight it, I can tell how much he cares about her. 

I adored the instant bond that Leo had with his son, Luke. I couldn’t help but love Luke; his energy was so addictive, and I loved how he accepted Leo, even if he wasn’t in his life for a while. He was such a joy to read about. The three of them were a family, and even though Leo tried to stay clear, they still acted like one. I was rooting for them all through the book. I’m glad that Carolina came back and that Luke protected her once he found out about her stalker. I was scared for her and hoped the stalker wouldn’t find her. 

Family was an important aspect in this book. Despite what happened in the past, I loved how Courtright family accepted Luke, and how they tried protecting the two of them. I was smiling at the way that they all came together. Even though I finished the book this morning, I still cannot get it out of my head. Everything in this book, including the suspense, was portrayed in such depth and filled with so much emotion. Now, I must go back and check out the first book in the series. Highly recommended.