Worst Faking Idea(Babes Of Brewing,#4)

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️

  

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

 

 

 

 

 05.14.26 

  

 

Their secret fake relationship began with a little white lie...

 
Nora

 
My ginger beer brewery is, quite literally, my life. 

Unfortunately, my male business partner's new fiancée is insanely jealous. It's only a matter of time before she forces him to quit, which means we'll both lose the business we love. So I ask him what will get her to back down. A boyfriend. I make one up, telling her it's too early to introduce him, which works right up until she walks in on a heated private conversation between me and Cormac, my soon-to-be stepbrother. 

She comes to a wild the reason I'm keeping my boyfriend secret is because it's him.
I know I should set her straight. Cormac is the last person I'd ever date, and not just because our parents are about to get married. He's awkward, introverted, and has the people skills of a houseplant.
But I'm desperate enough to tell the worst lie ever.

 
Cormac

 
Nora makes me an offer any sane man would refuse. 

She wants me to be her secret fake boyfriend–an act that only has to work on two people.
In exchange, she promises to help me brush up my dating skills. 

It doesn't seem like much of a bargain, to be honest. She's been prickly since high school and isn't much of a charmer herself, but I agree because I've promised my father I'll try to get along with her. 

But the more time Nora and I spend together, the more I realize that I'd like our secret fake relationship to be real.

 🌷

 
I’m officially in love with this series. The only one I haven’t read yet is Sophie and Rob’s story. Worst Faking Idea had me falling in love with the characters, just like in the other books. I loved Nora and Cormac from the beginning, their interaction when Nora was apologizing to Cormac, and the way he reacted, you could tell that there was something there. Although Nora seemed to be in denial, at least at first. I did wonder if part of that was because Cormac was about to be her stepbrother. Once their fake relationship began, I had a feeling that there was going to be tension between the two of them. I was curious if Jose would believe that the two of them were dating. The way that he reacted, it had wondering is he still had feelings for Nora. 

I found it impossible to put this book down; every page had me wondering what would happen next. Most of all, I was eager to see what would happen between Cormac and Nora next. I was curious to see how long the two of them would be able to pretend. The scenes between the two of them were my favorites. I loved the way that Cormac took care of Nora, and the way that Nora worried about Cormac. I adored Cookie and the bond that she seemed to create with Nora. I couldn’t help but smile at those scenes. I loved the humor in this book, especially the banter between the characters; it made the book so much more fun to read. 

One of my favorite things about Angela Casella’s book is the way she portrays characters, including minor ones. I loved the way the friendship between Nora, Briar,Sophie  and Hannah grew; they reminded me of a few of my best friends. Also, the way she described everything made me feel all the emotions the characters were enduring. I didn’t want this series to end. Now, I need to go back and read Sophie and Rob’s story. I’m so glad I got the chance to read this series, and I cannot wait for the next one!

First and Forever.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️

 

  Thank you to publisher, Harlequin Berkley for Earc via Netgalley, in exchange for honest review. 

 

 

 05.12.26 

Duffy Distefano loves three things: her dad, the family cat, and Minneapolis Coyotes football. So when she gets booed out of a game and becomes the internet’s villain, she is distraught—and disgruntled. All she did was shove Coyote Carl away when he made a move on her, but everyone else just saw a woman attacking their team’s beloved mascot. Eager to clear the air, Duffy agrees to an interview on a hit morning show. She doesn’t expect a co-guest to join her—especially not the Coyotes’ star tight end. 

When MVP Connor Cunningham gets tasked with damage control to help his team out of their PR nightmare, he thought that meant saying a few words on the team’s behalf. Instead, he finds himself in a highly amusing verbal sparring match with a recently wronged fan on live TV. Duffy pelts him with fiery jabs but is also clearly diehard about the Coyotes—color him intrigued…and attracted. 

The interview instantly goes viral, and the public is obsessed with them. A strong push from the Coyotes’ PR team to ride the wave results in Connor asking Duffy out. Despite his distaste for PR stunts, he’s surprised to discover being with Duffy is much easier than he thought, and somehow it doesn’t feel fake to him. Harboring this secret can only blow up, but all he knows is that if he messes things up with Duffy, it’ll be the greatest fumble of his life.

  🌷

 
I adored this book; the characters, the story, I couldn’t get enough. 

I’ve heard of Lynn Painter before; however, I haven’t had a chance to read her books-until now. I love sports romance, so I decided to check it out, and I’m so glad that I did. Sometimes you need a romance story that isn’t spicy and focuses on the main character's connection. First and Forever was that book. I wasn’t fond of the reason why Connor asked Duffy out, but it didn’t take long to see how much he cared about her. I loved the banter between the two of them, some of which had me laughing out loud. I also loved the connection between Duffy and Connor, and how Connor didn’t just take care of her but her family, too. Who doesn’t want a guy like that? 

I think this book would make a very cute romcom movie. It didn’t take long to see that what Connor and Duffy had wasn’t fake. I don’t think that I seen Duffy as happy as she was when she was with Connor. Plus, the way that he included Duffy’s family? If that’s not love, then I don’t know what it is. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Connor; he’s the kind of guy that every girl dreams about. I knew that all of that could fall apart if Duffy found out the truth of why Connor asked her out. Part of me hoped that Duffy wouldn’t find out. The two of them belonged together. 

I liked that the book was written from both Duffy's and Connor’s perspectives, giving readers a better view of each character. The story felt so realistic, I saw it so vividly playing in my mind while I was reading. Now that I have read Lynn Painter's book, I can’t wait to check out her others.

City Of Shadow and Bone (Mates Of Gods & Fae,#2)

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  

   Thank you to the author,M.B Atkins and Rattle The Stars PR for letting me be part of review team for Mates Of Gods & Fae series! 

 

Bound by a bargain. Haunted by secrets. Destined for death. 

Sybil Hart’s unknown bloodline may hold the key to everything she desires, and she’ll do anything—even if it means dying—to claim it. 

Drawn into the rebels' rising war, Sybil is caught between Samian, her brooding protector, and Kieran, the fierce warrior bound to her in ways neither can deny. By night she trains with the rebels, by day she moves unseen, shrouded in shadows beyond her enemy’s reach—every defiance a dangerous gamble. But hope is fragile, and each stolen victory demands a sacrifice that cuts deeper than the last. 

As war with the Seelie Court looms, Sybil faces a choice that will shatter kingdoms: obey and destroy the ones she loves... or embrace her power within and rise. 

But death is only the beginning…

  🌷

 
I didn’t think that I could love this story more; I was wrong. I loved City of Light and Promise, but I loved City of Shadow and Bone even more. There was so much more happening in this book, and there wasn’t a single part of the book that didn’t hold my attention. Every page in the story had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen with Sybil, Samian, and Kieran next. I’m officially obsessed with this series. Halfway through reading City of Shadows and Bone, I was thinking about the third book. Just finished the second book, and it’s already one of my favorite fantasy series. I can’t get Sybil’s story out of my mind. 

Of all the characters, Sybil is my favorite. Sybil’s growth in the second book is phenomenal! One of my favorite parts in the book was watching her become stronger, more powerful, and less scared of her powers. I loved seeing her stand up for herself. However, sometimes the decisions she made had me shake my head. I was rooting for her all the way through. I hoped she would find a way to break from Ambrose's bond. I also loved how, despite everything she was put through, she kept on fighting. Sybil's transformation is probably one of my favorite characters' growths I've read. 

My feelings towards Ambrose changed. He needs to be stopped. I don’t remember the last time I disliked a character that much. I loved the mate bond between Samian, Sybil, and Kieran. You could tell how much both cared about her. It was interesting to read a book where a character has more than one mate; it was unique. I’m curious to see what happens between the two of them next. The twists in this book are what kept me turning the pages. I loved the magical world in this series; it’s unlike any other book I have read. A must-read! I can’t wait to see what is in store for us in the next book!

Calamity Rayne Back Again(Calamity Rayne,#2)

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

  Thank you to the author,Lydia Michaels and Lydia Michaels PR for E Copy, in exchange for honest review 

Rayne Meyers—a.k.a. Calamity Rayne—is back again in this hilariously sexy, opposites-attract romantic comedy from bestselling and award-winning author Lydia Michaels
After accepting the position as personal assistant for Remington Davenport, a moody, politically incorrect boomer billionaire, Rayne’s life changed forever. Caviar and cruise ships have replaced her otherwise dull days, but the most exciting addition to her life is her boss’s hot son, Hale. 

Hale Davenport lived a meticulous and methodical life—until Calamity Rayne blew in like a sexy hurricane of commotion. She has become the wrinkles to his starch, the chaos to his calm, and the beat of his heart. But now, in the midst of a nasty lawsuit and family feud, Rayne must return home. 

Can Hale and Rayne’s love survive the distance? Adulting has never been Rayne’s strong suit, and sh!t just got real! Find out how they fare in this fabulously funny, raunchy adventure of love, laughter, and awkwardness as the series continues!

  🌷

 
I’m officially in love with this series. 

This is one of those books; the moment you start reading it, you won’t want to put it down. I didn’t think that I could fall in love with the characters more, but I was proven wrong. Calamity Rayne is a series you will love, with the characters and setting, and you will find yourself turning the pages until the end. Once you do reach the end, you’ll want to pick up the next book right away, to see what’s next for Hale, Rayne, and Elle. I’ve been curious about the second book from the moment that I finished the first book, especially after that unexpected twist at the end. I needed to see what would happen with Elle. 

I loved Rayne’s loyalty to her friend, Elle. Even though it was hard for her to be away from Hale, she knew that Elle needed her. I knew that it was hard seeing Elle while she was in a coma, but it didn’t stop Rayne from visiting her every day. Their friendship reminded me of my best friend and me. Even though she lives far away, we are always there for one another. Like Elle is Rayne, my best friend, Mariah is the person I can tell anything to. Rayne has grown so much since the first book, and she has such a big heart, always wanting to help others. 

I loved Hale even more in this book. You could tell how much he loves Rayne. I loved how much he helped her while Elle while she was in coma, and how he supported her. Those two belong together. I adored the bond that Rayne had with Hale’s daughter, Elara. They might not realize it right away, but they were family already. I’m not sure what it is, but I just adore the relationship between Rayne and Remington. I think that Rayne needed someone like him in her life. Like the last book, I loved the humor in this book; had me laughing on several occasions. I’m so glad I got chance to read this series; my only regret is that I didn’t discover it sooner. Highly recommended for any romance fans.

Willowbrook Wishes

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

4.5★

 

 Thank you to author, Kristen Reads for proving with EARC, in exchange for an honest review. 

 

 05.05.26    

  

Can a wish tear down walls around a heart?

 
In the summer of 1998, Lily Harper drifts into Willowbrook, Ohio, her heart guarded by old scars and a plan to leave as soon as she’s done rebranding the town’s beloved county fair. But Ethan Calloway, the gruff bookstore owner protecting his late father’s legacy, turns her quick exit into a heated clash of wills. Their bickering sparks something deeper, kindled by the Wishing Tree’s hopeful ribbons and starlit summer nights. 

As 90s pop songs blast from boomboxes and kids race through the fairgrounds, Willowbrook’s loyal friends weave a community that tugs at Lily’s defenses. Can she trust a town—and a love—worth staying for?

 🌷

 
This story is one of the things that I love about small-town romance. I ended up finishing this book in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. Willowbrook Wishes is one of those stories that will break your heart at times, but at the same time will have you smiling. I loved escaping into Willowbrook, Ohio, and as I read, I pictured myself there, along with Lily, Ethan, Carol, and the others. One of my favorite things about Willowbrook Wishes was the community, and the way that they looked out for one another, and how everyone made Lily feel welcome. It had me wishing I could escape there myself; it sounds just the type of place I would love to live in. 

I loved that this book took place in the 90s, and the references brought it back to that time. I feel like this book needs a ’90s playlist to go with it. Ethan, at first, wasn’t sure whether he and Lily would get along, since he didn’t agree with her plan for the country fair. I understood why he didn’t, and he wasn’t the only one, and I hoped that Lily would change their minds. As time passed, I noticed the connection and attraction between Ethan and Lily; I feel like everyone did. I wished that Lily wouldn’t pull away from him, although I understood why she did. I loved the last few chapters. There was part of me that didn’t want the story to end, and I felt as if each character became a friend. 

I don't mind reading spicy books, but I also love closed-door small-town romance where the focus is on the characters' connection. However, Willowbrook Wishes was so much more than that. This was one of the books where there wasn’t a single character I didn’t love, they were like one big family, and I loved it! Willowbrook Wishes is a story that will stay with you, long after you finish it. I’m so grateful I got chance to read it. I can’t wait to see what Kristen has for us next.

Shield Of Sparrows(Shield Of Sparrows,#1)

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

  4.5★

 

The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel. 

I’ve spent my life kneeling—to their will and to my father’s. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king. 

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood. 

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.
Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him—bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know. 

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not—a queen, a spy, a sacrifice. 

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated? 

And what if—for the first time—I reached for it?

   🌷

 
I love fantasy. However, lately I haven’t been reading as much fantasy, and Shield Of Sparrows is the book that will get me back into it. A few of my friends have been talking about this book, and I’m so glad that I finally got a chance to check it out. There were a few slower parts throughout the book, but in general, I couldn’t put it down. If it hadn’t been for having company when I started the book, I would have spent the whole day reading. Every page had something happening, and every page you wondered what challenges Odessa and the guardian would have to face next. Of course, I was eager to see what would happen next between Odessa and the Guardian. From the moment that those two met, you could practically feel the tension between them. 

The action in this book was phenomenal; the descriptions made me feel as if I were there, along with Odessa and the others. In general, the descriptions throughout the book were outstanding and so vivid that I pictured myself there while reading. I loved the world building in this book. There were quite a few twists in this book that I didn’t see coming, but the ending was the most surprising one of all. I put the second book on hold at the library the moment that I read the last page. Shield Of Sparrows is the type of the book that I wish I read sooner, and the book that I will be recommending to my friends. 

I loved the interactions between Odessa and the Guardian; their banter had me laughing, but at times also shaking my head. I was rooting for those two and eager to see what happens between them next. Out of all characters, my favorites were Odessa, Ransom, Evie, and Tillia. I adored the way that Odessa and Evie bonded. I also couldn’t help but love Faze. There is so much I adored about this book, and I am excited yet anxious to see what awaits Odessa, Ransom, and Evie next.

The Setup(Smash Point Social Club,#2)

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

   Thank you to the author,Cynthia Gunderson and BookSirens for E Copy, in exchange for honest review. 

 

 

Talk about mixed doubles...

 
Justin's ex is on the executive team for the pickleball tournament series he’s hosting. And she’s bringing her new celebrity boyfriend on the tour. 

He needs a doubles partner off the court—stat. Enter prickly, private, and the last person you’d expect to agree to fake date anyone. 

But she’s got a killer poker face, a solid paddle grip, and zero interest in real romance. Which makes her the perfect fake girlfriend. 

The plan? 

Keep it casual. Fake some chemistry. Win the tournament—and the breakup optics. 

But between their kitchen banter, flirty foot faults, and steamy “practice drills,” lines are blurring fast. 

Now they’re stuck in close quarters on the tournament tour, dinking around with fake feelings that might not be so fake...

 🌷

 
Last year, I read The Big Dunk, the first book in Smash Point Social Club, and I adored Alecia and Calder’s story. I loved Sam from the moment she was introduced in the first book and was excited to find out that the next one is about her. I loved The Setup even more; there was something about Sam and Justin’s story that I couldn’t stop smiling. I liked the way Cynthia portrayed Justin and Sam, though I felt their relationship developed a little too quickly. However, you couldn’t help but root for the two of them. I know that they were pretending, but both give off the vibes that say otherwise. I couldn’t turn my pages fast enough; I wanted to see what would happen with two of them next. 

I liked the way that Justin and Sam connected, and that they watched Friends together; which happens to be one of my favorite shows. I wondered how long it would take them to admit their feelings to one another. I found myself rooting for the two of them, all throughout the book. Just like the last book, I wished that the book was longer; mostly because I didn’t want for their story to come to an end. 

Smash Point Social Club were the first book that I read about pickleball, and now I want to read more. I’m also eager to check out rest of Cynthia Gunderson books. Highly recommended for sports romance fans.

Across The Vanishing Sky(Starlight Grove,#1)

 

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

He spent a lifetime trying to escape his dark past…but to save her, he’ll wade back into the shadows.

 
Braedyn Winslow never expected to return to Starlight Grove—the town that took everything from her. Not after her best friend, the one who’d sacrificed so much for her, vanished without a trace. But with a young son to raise and a past that won’t stay buried, Brae is back…and determined to uncover the truth. 

She just didn’t count on the brooding, reclusive mountain man living next door. 

Dex Archer is the stuff of local legend—silent, rugged, and surrounded by whispers of his and his brothers’ violent father. But Brae sees through the scowl and his parentage to the man beneath: fiercely loyal, unexpectedly kind…and just dangerous enough to protect her when someone starts warning her off her search. 

The closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to stay away from Dex. And as things get more perilous, Brae realizes the only person she can rely on is the one man who swore never to trust again.
Only someone isn’t happy that Brae has been digging, and they’ll do anything to stop her. But Dex? He’ll do anything to save her, even slip back into the dark…

 🌷

 
Across The Vanishing Sky was the second book I read by Catherine Cowles, and I already know why so many love her. I love the way that Catherine interweaves suspense and romance. She hooks you to the story from page one and has you turning the pages until the last page. I was intrigued by this story from the moment that Nova went missing. I loved the determination that Brae has to find her missing best friend, and never giving up, despite what others were telling her. Like Brae, I knew that something had happened to Nova, and I found myself rooting for Brae to find out what and hoping that she wasn’t too late. Nova and Brae's friendship reminded me so much of my best friend, Mariah, and me. We've known each other for 23 years, and there's nothing we wouldn't do for each other. 

Dex. You can’t help but love him. Even though he was reserved when the two of them just met, and of course, I couldn’t help but laugh at how it happened. However, he was the only one who was willing to help Braedyn find Nova. I understood why his brothers were hesitant, but I loved that he was still willing to help. You could tell how much Dex cared about Brae, the way that he tried protecting her and was always there when she needed him. I liked how the relationship between the two of them developed. I adored the way that they helped each other, and how Brae didn’t judge him based on his family's past. The two of them were perfect for each other. 

Found Family is one of my favorite tropes, and it was portrayed perfectly in this book. I was so happy that Brae found people who fit in with her and were willing to help her find her best friend. The Archer brothers, I loved them all. I love romantic suspense, and I have to say that Catherine Cowles writes one of the best ones. I can’t wait to see what awaits us in the next book, Into Fading Twilight.

City Of Promise & Light (Mates Of Gods & Fae,#1)

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

   Thank you to the author,M.B Atkins and Rattle The Stars PR for letting me be part of review team for Mates Of Gods & Fae series! 

 

  

 

Sybil Hart's ordinary life unravels the moment she collides with a silver-haired stranger, pulling her into a hidden world of fae, ancient gods, and long-buried magic. A tempting job offer from the enigmatic Ambrose Farra quickly becomes a perilous path as Sybil's latent power awaken, threatening to consume her and strip away her humanity. 

As she's drawn deeper into a legacy she never knew existed, Sybil finds herself caught between two powerful men: Ambrose, a seductive manipulator with dangerous ambitions, and Samian, her brooding protector who urges her to take control of her fate. But nothing is as it seems, and when betrayal strikes from within, Sybil must confront the truth about who she is and what she's capable of. With the fate of an entire realm hanging in the balance, she faces an impossible choice... 

Can Sybil embrace the darkness rising within or risk loosing herself forever?

 🌷

 
I had a feeling that I was going to love this book. When I read the synopsis of City Of Promise and Light, it sounded just the kind of fantasy book I love. There is so much I can say about this, and I am going through so many emotions right now. I loved the world-building in this book; it was so vivid that I could imagine myself there while reading. I could see everything Sybil had endured, and my heart broke for her multiple times. I was rooting for her throughout the book, hoping she would find a way out. 

The characters in this book were phenomenal; I loved how Atkins portrayed each one of them- including Ambrose. At first, I wasn’t sure about Sybil. Even though I understood that she was scared and confused, I questioned the choices she made at the beginning, and how she believed everything anyone told her. However, as the book progressed, it made sense why she acted the way that she did. I’m eager to see what challenges and adventures await Sybil in the next book. 

 
I had bad feelings about Ambrose from the start; there was something about him that fell off. I hoped that Sybil would see him for who he was before it was too late. One of the things I loved about this book was the action; it got to the point where I found myself reading in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep, needing to see what happened next. Even though I disliked Ambrose, I enjoyed reading from his perspective. It made the story so much more intense and even more intriguing. I’m so glad that I got chance to read this book, I’m intrigued to see what happens next. Highly recommended.

Too Close To Home.

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

 4.5★ 

 

 Thank you to publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing|Park Row for Earc via Netgalley, in exchange for honest review. 

 

 

04.14.26   

 

  

 

Nothing in this idyllic community is quite what it seems…

 
Those lucky enough to live in the elite lakefront community of Cloverhill Lakes are drawn to it for its safety and top-notch school district. The moms meet for coffee at the park while their kids play, they’re heavily involved in the PTA, and the summers are filled with chardonnay, brunch, sundresses, and backyard bonfires. 

But everything changes when Regan Hoffman’s car explodes at the annual Labor Day party. The wrong person is killed, but it was meant for her. As the carefully crafted walls of her community begin to crumble, Regan tries to keep it together—something made infinitely harder when she sees her dead husband…alive. 

When a Cloverhill Lakes resident suddenly goes missing, dark secrets begin to surface from underneath the idyllic veneer of their beautiful community—and the truth threatens to destroy them all as Regan finds herself in a fight for her life.

 

 🌷

 
What a roller coaster ride! 

This story: it’s everything that I love about thrillers. Too Close To Home is the book that will hook you, and next thing you know, you’ve reached the end of the book. I’m still going through so many emotions after reading this book. Multiple perspectives worked perfectly in this book, and each had you on the edge of your seat, wondering what’s going to happen next. Although I enjoyed all the perspectives, Andi and Sasha intrigued me the most, especially Andi’s. What Andi had to go through, I can’t even imagine, but all the descriptions in the book made me feel as if I could imagine it. While reading from Andi’s perspective, I was on the edge of my seat constantly. I couldn’t put the book down, but there was part of me that was anxious about what was going to happen next. 

I liked the way that the author developed Andi, Sasha and Regan throughout the story, and by middle of the book, I felt as if all of them were my friends. What I loved about the story was all the twists. Just when you thought you had it all figured it out, you were proven wrong. It’s one of the reasons I spent most of the night reading, I couldn’t pull away from the story. I liked the friendship between Andi, Sasha and Regan; they reminded me of some of my closets friends. Too Close To Home was fast paced, and there was always something happening. 

I’m so glad that I got chance to read this book. I haven’t read many books by Seraphina Nova Glass , but this one is my favorite one. I think that this book would make an amazing movie. I loved the setting of this book, and how almost everyone came together. I highly recommend this book to any thriller fans.

Calamity Rayne: Gets A Life (Calamity Rayne,#1)

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

  Thank you to the author,Lydia Michaels and Lydia Michaels PR for E Copy, in exchange for honest review

 

  

An awkward girl's account of inexperience, sexual mishaps, and too much tequila... 

Needing a change, Rayne Meyers—a.k.a. Calamity Rayne—sets out to be a personal assistant for one of the wealthiest families in the world. What could possibly go wrong? Inexperienced with sophisticated settings, she does her best not to screw things up too severely, except there’s one complication she didn’t foresee—her boss’s devastatingly charming son, Hale Davenport.   

Hale is everything Rayne is not–experienced, mature, and methodical. But when he meets his father’s new assistant, a woman nothing like the calculating females he’s used to, he is captivated and prepared to throw caution to the wind.

 🌷

 
I love rom-com books. I was glad to have the chance to read this book. I don’t remember the last time I smiled and laughed this much while reading a romance book. One of my favorite things about Calamity Rayne: Gets A Life is that it had you laughing on multiple occasions, especially when Rayne got herself into awkward positions. I loved Rayne from the moment that I met her. I think it’s her personality, you can’t help but love her. Even though I had mixed feelings about Remington, I adored the bond between her and Rayne. Sometimes I got the feeling that she was the only one that he listened to. When I first met him, I never thought I liked him, but as the book progressed, so did my feelings towards him. 

Hale, that’s another character that I had mixed feelings about, but not as much as his father. In general, he was a good person; I didn’t always agree with some of his decisions. You could tell that there was a connection between the two of them from the moment that they met. I loved how Hale tried to take care of Rayne and how patient he was with her. I loved the scenes between the two of them, and I like the fact that it wasn’t all about romance, and that’s what made this book feel so real. Those two belonged together. I rooted for them all throughout the book. 

I liked that Calamity Rayne: Gets A Life was much more than a romance book, but it also dealt with real life issues. Rayne was an amazing character, and she grew so much from the beginning of the book. This was such fun book to read, and I had force myself to put down, so I could study. That ending, it has me craving the next book. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for Rayne and Hale! Highly recommended.

The Secrets Of Provence(Forgotten Bookshop In Paris,#2)

 

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   Thank you to publisher,Avon Books UK for providing with complimentary E ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.  

An unforgettable, heart-wrenching story tying together past and present, from the bestselling author of The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris Provence, 1940. Thrown out of occupied Paris by the Nazis, brave, beautiful Mathilde finds refuge with her cousin in Provence, where she’s soon drawn into the Resistance movement. Secrecy and subterfuge are her constant companions in her life on the run, where passions run high and betrayal is a constant threat. 

But Mathilde’s greatest pain and greatest joy are wrapped up in the most heartbreaking secret of one she must hide even from her beloved husband, and keep for the rest of her days.
Paris, present day. Juliette’s life should be perfect, with her bookshop established and her long-term relationship feeling settled, but something just isn’t clicking. Her thoughts turn to tracing her roots. Why did her French grandmother spend most of the war in Provence, after being expelled from Paris?
An old photograph will lead Juliette to a crumbling château, where she uncovers a story that will change her life in the most unexpected way…

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A story that will stay with you, long after you turn the last page. 

 The Forgotten Bookshop In Paris was the first book that I read by Daisy Wood, and the one that got me into her books. I loved Jacques’s story, but I was curious about how his wife was after she left. When I came across Secrets Of Provence, I had a feeling that I was going to love the book. Yet, it still took me by surprise. This story was so beautifully written, with descriptions, characters, and the challenges they faced. Despite the hard subject, I didn’t want to put the book down, but also didn’t want the story to end. 

Out of all the characters in the book, Mathilde was my favorite. She had to leave her husband behind and then endure so much afterward. What I adored about her was her courage and how willing she was to help others. I loved all descriptions from Mathilde’s perspective; making me feel as if I was there beside her; experiencing it all. Daisy Wood did an amazing job of merging Juliette’s and Mathilde’s timelines. Although, I enjoyed Juliette’s story too, I was more pulled into Mathilde story; eager to see where she end up at end of war. 

Every page in this story was an adventure. I cried, I got angry, and I laughed with all the characters throughout the story. I also liked the fact that there were a few surprises within the story that I didn’t see coming. Secrets of Provence is an outstanding book, and if I could, I would give it more than five stars. Daisy Wood is officially one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and I cannot wait to see what she has for us next!