Death On The Lanai(Golden Girls,#2)

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★  

 Thank you to publisher, Hyperion Avenue for complimentary  Earc via Netgalley. All opinions are my own. 

 

 

07.02.26     

When the Girls accept a very strange invitation to a lavish party on a remote island estate, they find that murder has a way of ruining even the most glamorous of evenings. 

The invite delivered to 6151 Richmond Street was short on details, only promising to celebrate “the greatest artist of the century” and accompanied by a jewel-encrusted brooch—the whole package a brand of mysterious opulence that another Saturday night of gin rummy just can’t match. 

Blanche Devereaux’s passionate dalliances are as plentiful as hot Southern nights, and surely one can’t be expected to remember all of one’s suitors. But when the Girls disembark the party’s ferry at a small Biscayne Bay island and meet their secretive host, the memories come flooding she a Radio City Rockette in her twenties, he the poor artist who could offer her nothing but his love. Fate drove them apart, but Declan, now a famous artist El Toro, professes that Blanche has always been his muse. 

Featured prominently in his artworks and central to El Toro’s return to the apex of the art world, Blanche is thrilled to have been such an inspiring figure to this man. But looking around at a party filled with those who have made their livings off the artist’s fame—his assistant, his art dealer, his greatest critic, and more—Dorothy isn’t so sure they’re welcome on the island after all. 

When a tropical storm knocks power out across the island, an optimistic Blanche proclaims that everyone looks better by candlelight anyway. But when Declan is found dead the next morning, all eyes are on her, his supposed muse of thirty-plus years. Trapped at the estate with the other guests—suspects all—the Girls must band together to find the true killer and get back to pleasant evenings of card games and cheesecake.

  🌷

 
I love Golden Girls! I remember how much fun I had watching this show, and I was sad once it was over. I even got my mom into the show. When the first book, Murder By Cheesecake came out last year, I was so excited. I loved that book, and I loved the way that Rachel portrayed the characters. When I found that there was a second book, I was even more excited and curious to see what awaited Rose, Dorothy, Blanche, and Sophia next. I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed Death On Lanai even more than the first book; there was more happening in this one. 

As always, I enjoyed the banter between the girls and how they came together when they needed each other. I enjoyed reading more from Blanche’s perspective in this book, and it was so well written. I was suspicious of the invitation from the moment the girls got it, and I had a bad feeling about it. I have always loved cozy mysteries, and adding Golden Girls to the mix makes them even more interesting to read. You could tell how much Blanche cared about Declan, just the way that she acted, which was different from how she acted with the other guys. So, I know she had more personal reasons for finding out what happened to Declan. I found myself trying to solve the mystery alongside Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia. 

Reading this book made me feel as if I was watching Golden Girls again, just with a mystery twist. There was so much I loved about this book, and it kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. Now, I’m even more curious what adventures await the girls next! I would highly recommend this to any Golden Girls and cozy mystery fans.

The Summer Swap.

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cecilia Lapthorne always vowed she’d never go back to Dune Cottage. So no one is more surprised than Cecilia to find herself escaping her seventy-fifth birthday party to return to the remote Cape Cod cottage—a place filled with memories. Some are good—especially memories of the early days with her husband, volatile artist Cameron. But then there are the memories she has revealed to no one. 

After dropping out of medical school, aspiring artist Lily is cleaning houses on the Cape to get by, guilt-ridden for disappointing her parents. Unoccupied for years, Dune Cottage seems the perfect place to hide away and lick her wounds—until Cecilia unexpectedly arrives. Despite an awkward beginning, Lily accepts Cecilia’s invitation to stay on as her guest, and a flicker of kinship ignites. 

Then Todd, Cecilia’s grandson—and Lily’s unrequited crush—shows up, sending a shock wave through their unlikely friendship. Will Lily find the courage to live the life she wants? Can Cecilia finally let go of the past to find a new future? Because as surely as the tide erases past footprints, this summer is offering both Cecilia and Lily the chance to swap old dreams for new…

 🌷

 
I love this author. 

The Summer Swap is my third book by the author, and so far, my favorite. I absolutely loved everything about this book! I loved most of the characters, even the ones that I felt I shouldn’t like. I felt a connection to every single character. When I started reading the book, I felt myself getting transformed into Cape Cod, along with Cecilia and Lily. The description in The Summer Swap was phenomenal, I could smell and see the ocean and picture myself in Dune Cottage. Even though I’ve read the author before, I was prepared for how much this book would affect me. 

The Summer Swap was a very character drive story; dealing with relationships, family, marriage. Each character deals with their own uncertainties about life. When I first started reading the book, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Kristen, and I wasn’t fond of how she treated her mother. As the story progressed, I came to understand her and feel for her. I began to wonder whether there was still a chance for Kristen and her mother to repair their strained relationship. Lily, I loved her from the start, and I loved the unlikely relationship that she formed with Cecilia. Considering what she was dealing with, she needed someone like her. 

I loved the way Morgan portrayed each character and how their stories came together. Cecillia, Lily, and Kristen all went through so much, and I hoped that they would find their way. The Summer Swap was an emotional story at times, but it was also heartwarming, which had me smile. You will find yourself going through a range of emotions while reading this book. I didn’t finish it that long ago, and I still cannot get the story out of my mind. I’m so glad that my friend chose this book for our buddy read. I’m even more eager to check out her other books after this one.

Tristan And The Majesteria

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

  Thank you to the author,Corwynn Rosewood and Rattle The Stars PR for letting me be part of review team!

 

Tristan Mulberry has a very unusual job. As a Majesteria Handler at Teakley Academy his duties include collecting Starlight, editing magical texts and procuring large amounts of cheese and pastries for the Majesteria, a trio of mice with extraordinary magical powers. 

When the Majesteria are entrusted with a secret mission to bring the Royal Cinderflower to the Queen’s Coronation by pirate ship, Tristan (a passionate fan of pirate romance novels) joins them on a seafaring adventure full of sea shanties, billowing blouses, moonlit kisses, sea serpents and a rather unreasonable amount of cheese.

   🌷

 
Wow. This is the book that I’m never going to forget. 

Tristan and the Majesesteria is one of those stories that will have you smiling, but also on the edge of your seat all the way throughout the book. From the moment I read the summary of this book, I had a feeling that it was going to be a good book. It had exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t put this book down, and on a few occasions, I lost track of time because I was so invested in the story. I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning until the end. There was part of me that wished there were another book, because I wanted to see what happened next with Tristan, Majesteria, and Wren. 

 
The world-building and the magic system in this story were incredible, unlike anything that I have read before. That was one of my favorite parts of the book. The way that Corwynn described everything was so vivid and felt so real. I loved Tristan and Majesteria right from the beginning, and the bond between them. Some of the things Majesteria did and said made me laugh. I also loved the bond that Tristan and Majesteria had with Captain Wren and her crew; they felt as if they were part of the crew. 

I love stories that feature pirates, and I had read couple in the past. This one was one of the best. I also loved the cover and the title; it draws you to the story. I’m so glad that I got chance to read this book. I would highly recommended it for any fantasy and rom com fans!

The Hot Shot((Smash Point Social Club,#3)

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️    

 

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

 

 

His son chose her first. 

She should’ve known she was playing with fire. 

Rachel never teaches outside of her pickleball club, but when a determined eight-year-old walks in wanting lessons, she makes a mistake. His dad, Jake, won’t commit to their schedule, plus the fitness app she works for is desperate for competitive content. 

Now she’s teaching pickleball at a firehouse court, getting way too attached to this kid, and being dragged into late-night poker games with Jake and the rest of his crew. The worst part? She’s starting to like it. She’s starting to like him.
But Rachel doesn’t play games she can’t win. Unlike Jake, she doesn’t take risks with her life or her heart, and when she finds out the truth about Jake’s last three years? About why he became a firefighter and why he battles for his son?

  🌷

 
What a heartwarming story! 

I’m officially in love with this series. I read the first book, The Big Dink, last year, followed by the second book earlier this year. It seems that I can’t get enough of this series. I didn’t think I could fall more in love with the series until I read Rachel’s story in Hot Shot. The chemistry between Rachel and Jake was instant – even if the two of them tried to deny it. I understood why Jake was the way that he was, considering what happened in his past. However, I hoped that he would realize that it’s okay to move on. 

Rachel, you couldn’t help but love that girl. The way that she was with Jake’s son, Colton. Also, the way she knew how to stand up for herself. I loved the description of pickleball when Rachel was teaching. I felt as if I was there, as if she was teaching me. Since starting this series, I have felt like I learned so much about pickleball, and I have become fascinated by it. 

There were some hard topics in the book, and I liked how the characters handled them. I also enjoyed the bond that Rachel created with the rest of the firefighters. I couldn’t get enough of this book; I couldn’t put it down. I do wish these books were a little longer, only because I get so attached to the characters and don’t want to let go. Highly recommended for sports romance fans.

Road Trip.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

   4.5★ 

  Thank you to publisher, St.Martin's Press for Earc via Netgalley, in exchange for honest review. 

 

 

07.02.26    

 

Maeve and Therese Dunigan are sisters—but the two have been estranged for years. They could not be more Maeve, a rule-follower and Therese, a rebel. But when their mother's death brings the family back together, the two find that they have inherited a painting—one that could be worth millions and could save each of them from their respective wolves at the door. The only issue is, the painting might be a fake and the only way the can solve the problem is to find the original. This means a road trip—to Ireland, to their family roots, and to a mysterious crime that occurred years ago. With tensions simmering, the two hit the road and find themselves on twisty lanes, in colorful villages, at local pubs, and with handsome men whose gift of the gab is surpassed only by their charm. 

Can Maeve and Therese find the real painting, remove a family curse, solve a cold case, and actually survive without killing each other? Join Mary Kay Andrews on a road trip that will entertain you for miles.

 🌷

 
From the moment that I picked up my first Mary Kay Andrews book in 2024, I fell in love with her writing. From the books I have read so far, there wasn’t one I didn’t like. I was excited when I found out that she was writing a new book. What I loved about Road Trip was the book's description, especially when the sisters were in Ireland. I had always wanted to visit Ireland, and after reading this book, I wanted to visit Ireland even more. I felt I was in Ireland, along with Therese and Maeve, while reading the book. I found myself going on adventures with two of them, and, of course, I was curious to see what they would discover about the painting. 

The relationship between Maeve and Therese was strained, and I loved how it grew throughout the book. Even though the two of them would banter, I could tell that they care about each other. What I loved about this book is that there was so much happening; it kept me turning the pages. As a reader, you can’t help but wonder how it would all end, and what it would mean for the sisters. I love reading books about siblings, especially sisters, and Road Trip is one of my favorites. 

The title Road Trip fit the book perfectly, although I felt it was so much more than that. I believe it changed both sisters in ways they didn’t expect. The setting was another one of my favorites about this book; I still can see it so clearly in my mind. I would highly recommend checking this book out! Be prepared to escape to Ireland!

Never Say Never(Battles In Love,#3)

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ 

 

 Thank you to the author,Kylie Skye and Luna Literacy for letting  me be part of ARC team!

 

AVERY
As the #1 WNBA draft pick, I expected to be embraced by sponsors and the media. Instead, I’m being told to act more ‘cheerful’ in front of the cameras, or it will cost me millions in endorsements. And I don’t want to use my father’s NBA legacy to be more popular either. 

Now I’m being offered an opportunity to change the narrative on my own terms - pretend to date the other rookie in town, Orlando’s new wide receiver, and create a fresh story for the public to obsess over. 

Can this football party boy really be the answer to my problems?

 
RAWLEY

 
All I wanted for my first year in the NFL was a fresh start. Yet, the sports pundits are fixated on my so-called character issues and I can’t shake my bad reputation. 

Then I meet her, this smoking hot, raven-haired goddess of basketball. By some miracle, weeks later our teams concoct a fake dating arrangement to help improve our media coverage. 

But that’s not enough for me. How can I convince her to give me a chance, for real?

  🌷

 
I didn’t think I could fall more in love with this series; I was wrong. Rawley and Avery, there is so much I could say about those two. I think that they are my favorite couple from the series- for now. You can’t help but root for Rawley and Avery from the beginning. I think this is one of my favorite fake dating storylines. There was something about this one; it was different. I like the premise of how fake dating was set up in the story, and the way Rawley and Avery formed a connection. I think their ‘fake’ relationship became real even before the two of them realized it. It seemed that Avery was in denial about her feelings, but I hoped that she would come to her senses. 

You can’t help but love Rawley, but then all the Battle siblings, you get attached to them. Rawley is the type of guy that every girl wants. I loved the way he was with Avery, and the way that they supported each other, and were there for one another. I loved that this story featured a basketball player, the one sport I played, but in middle school. I loved reading the descriptions of the game; they were so vivid that I felt as I was at the game. 

I love Avery and Rawley’s stories and found myself reading when I couldn’t sleep. I’m still thinking about their story; it had a big impact on me. There wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about this story. I’m so glad that I came across Kylie Skye. I can’t wait to read Connor’s story in September! Highly recommended for sports and romance fans.

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.