Before I Let Go(Skyland,#1)

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

4.5★

   

Their love was supposed to last forever. But when life delivered blow after devastating blow, Yasmen and Josiah Wade found that love alone couldn’t solve or save everything.
It couldn’t save their marriage. 

Yasmen wasn’t prepared for how her life fell apart, but she is finally starting to find joy again. She and Josiah have found a new rhythm, co-parenting their two kids and running a thriving business together. Yet like magnets, they’re always drawn back to each other, and now they’re beginning to wonder if they’re truly ready to let go of everything they once had. 

Soon, one stolen kiss leads to another…and then more. It's hot. It's illicit. It's all good—until old wounds reopen. Is it too late for them to find forever? Or could they even be better, the second time around?

 

 🌷

 
I’ve been hearing about Before I Let Go for a while. I ended up getting the book at the book festival last year. One of my friends has been wanting to read the book too, so we decided to buddy read. I didn’t know what to expect from this book since it was my first book by the author. The story and the characters took my breath away. I couldn’t get enough and kept on reading late into the night. Before I Let Go is a very descriptive book, and that was one of the things that I loved about this story. Because of the depth this book shows, it gave me a chance to connect with the characters even more, on a personal level. I got to experience everything that Josian and Yasmen were going through. I got to experience everything that Josian and Yasmen were going through. The scenes played in my mind as if I were watching a movie. 

I have a feeling that Before I Let Go will be one of those books that I will return to. I think that it would make a fantastic drama movie or even a limited TV series. I liked how realistic this book was. Before I Let Go isn’t just a love story; it also explores loss, grief, divorce, mental health, healing, and second chances. The way that Kennedy describes grief, mental health, and healing was outstanding. I might not have dealt with what Yasmen has been through, but I had been through depression, and I could feel her pain. There were so many times that my heart broke for her, for everything that she was dealing with. Throughout the book, I hoped that Yasmen would finally heal. 

The relationship and the confusion between Josiah and Yasmen were so real. I can see their relationship as something that can happen in real life. It wasn’t hard to figure out how much the two of them still cared for each other. I wondered if Yasmen was regretting the divorce. I didn’t agree with her on reason behind the divorce, but I understood why she thought it was the right decision. In general, I loved Kennedy’s writing, and even though it was descriptive, it flowed like poetry. There were few parts in the book that affected me. I’m hoping that Yasmen and Josiah will make an appearance in the next book, I’m curious to see what happens with them afterwards. This is the book that everyone should read. I am eager to read rest of Kennedy Ryan’s works.

Best Kind Of Trouble (Babes Of Brewing,#3)

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️

 

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

 

  01.29.26

Briar

 
My father gave me the family brewery as an early Christmas present. 

Generous, right? Except every single person on staff just quit, and I only have a budget that'll last through the end of the year. 

I need a miracle. 

 
Lucky for me, my best friend Hannah's big brother, Liam, is a genius brewer, and she convinces him to quit his job and come work for me. She only has one condition: I can never date him. 

It's an easy agreement to make. I've vowed to stay away from men after an embarrassing breakup, and I'd never get involved with someone who works for me. Besides, Liam's an amateur boxer and frankly a bit terrifying. 

Only...it turns out my best friend's brooding, insanely talented big brother is the only man who's ever really understood me.

 
Liam
I promised my sister not to date any more of her friends, because the last time I tried, it ended badly. Very badly. 

I took this job thinking it wouldn't be a problem to stay away from Briar. She's a daddy's girl who looks like a princess and talks like a boarding school teacher. Not my type. 

But the woman I wrote off knows a lot about beer, and she's a whole lot tougher than I gave her credit for. I want to run this brewery with her...and I want her too. 

To my complete shock, I'm falling hard for my boss, and if my sister finds out, there will be hell to pay...

 🌷

 
I love this series. Last year, I read Worst Nanny Ever, which was my first book by Angela Casella. I have been curious about Briar since the last book. Especially after that ending, I wanted to read Briar’s book right away. Although I loved Hannah’s story, I loved Briar’s even more. Briar has a kind heart and wants to please everyone, even if it means doing something she doesn’t like. Briar reminds me of myself; I used to be the same way, wanting to please everyone. I think that was one of the reasons that I felt such strong connection with Briar. I hated when her father made her go through it to get Silver Star Brewery. I had a feeling that there was a reason behind it, and I was curious to find out what it was. 

Liam, how can you not love him? I loved how he stepped up to help Briar, even though he could easily say no. It’s clear that Liam felt something for Briar before he started working for her, just based on the way that he had watched her. I was curious to see how long he would be able to stay away from Briar. I liked all those rules they came up with, and I wasn’t curious about whether they could stick to them, but about how long it would take them to break them. You could tell that Briar and Liam had a strong connection with each other. 

I loved Briar’s friends, Hannah, Sophie, and Nora, and how they tried to help her. I feel that if it weren’t for them and Liam, Briar would have given up. I loved Liam even more when he offered to go with Briar to her parents' dinner, so she wouldn’t have to deal with them alone. Even though Liam and Briar both promised Hannah, they wouldn’t date each other, I hoped they would find a way around it. I wanted them to get together. I’m excited to read Nora’s story next.

The Girl Who Told The Truth.

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

 

  Thank you to publisher,Bookouture, for providing with E ARC via Netgalley, In exchange for honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

 

Blood surges through Annie’s veins as she stares into the cold eyes of the Nazi who destroyed her family. This is her last chance to make it right… 

London, 1941. The war has already taken everything from Annie. Her sweetheart Harry returned from the front with broken limbs and grief-stricken eyes, and her father betrayed his family by joining the Nazis. But with each new day at her desk in the War Office, a flame burns inside her to right her father’s wrongs and do everything she can to stop the war…

 
Nuremberg Trials, 1946. The war is over, but the search for justice is just beginning. Annie’s stomach churns when she sees Margarete outside the courtroom. This woman stole her father away and was one of the last people inside Hitler’s bunker. Since the war ended Margarete has continued to support the Nazis. Annie knows this is her only chance to expose her. 

But if she tells the truth, Annie must also reveal her father's dark past, putting her own family’s safety at risk. With an impossible choice to make, will Annie have the courage to tell the world the truth about who Margarete really is, no matter the cost?

 🌷

 
These are the types of historical fiction books that I like. WW2 is one of my favorite historical fiction themes to read about. What I loved about The Girl Who Told The Truth is that it didn’t only take place during WW2, but also in the aftermath. Catherine described everything in such detail that I felt I was there with Annie and Margarete. I loved Annie, and despite everything that was happening, including in her love life, she kept on going. 

I thought that the character’s growth, especially Annie’s, was phenomenal. Although I was not fond of Margarete, I liked the way the author portrayed her. There wasn’t a single moment in the book where I didn’t wonder what Margarete was up to. You could feel the tension between Margarete and Annie from the start, and I found myself rooting for Annie. It’s clear from the moment you start reading the book how much research was put into this book. I found myself transported to that time period while reading, feeling all the fear, anger, and hope. 

The Girl Who Told The Truth is the first book I read by Catherine Hokin, and now I am eager to check out her others. I liked this book; however, I do feel that the second half was a little more captivating than the first. I would highly recommend this book to any historical fiction fans.

Running After Forever(Battles In Love,#2)

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️

 

 Thank you to the author,Kylie Skye and Luna Literacy for providing me with E-ARC, in exchange for honest review. 

 

 

 

01.22.26 

 

Grace

 I moved here to escape the devastation of giving up my track career. Except that means constantly running into…him. My brother’s best friend and teammate - who called our night together two years ago a mistake. 

I try to avoid him at first, but then he proves he’s more than the playboy jock I’d assumed. Now he’s showing signs he’s interested again, and I have to wonder: should I risk another chance with him?

 
Johnson
I blew it with her two years ago. And now she’s living here, going to the same events as me and coming to our games to cheer on her brother. Impossible for me to miss. 

Normally, I’d give it another shot but one thing hasn’t changed - she’s still my best friend’s little sister. I’m struggling to resist the draw to her, though. Could we explore our attraction in secret, without telling her brother?

 

 🌷

 
It’s official, I’m in love with the Battles In Love series. I read Best Year Ever last year, and adored Landon and Rori’s story. However, I was curious about both Grace and Johnson since they were introduced in the first book, and I've been excited to read their story since Kylie announced it. Even though I loved Landon and Rori's book, I loved Grace and Johnson's story even more. I think that those two became one of my favorite couples. There's something about the two of them, and I think it's the connection that the two of them had, and how supportive they were of each other. Those two had me smiling most of the book. 

I love the title, Running After Forever, which fits the story perfectly. I liked the fact that the story features a runner. Although I’m not a runner like Grace, and I do it primarily for fun, I feel like I could relate to the joy she got from running. I did worry about the two of them keeping a secret from Landon about what might happen if he found out before they got a chance to tell him. I liked how Grace and Johnson’s relationship developed throughout the book. I also liked reading from both Grace and Johnson’s perspectives. 

I like the way Kylie describes everything, especially sports. Even if you're not into sports, the way she explains everything will be easy to understand. Both Grace and Johnson had outstanding character development in this book. This was one of those books where there wasn't a single scene that didn't keep my attention. I would read it in one sitting if not for school. I'm so glad I got to read this one. Kylie Skye is now my instant-read author; I can't wait for her next one.

Emma On Fire.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You—all of you—are sleepwalking through global catastrophe. And I intend to wake you up.

 
What Emma Caroline Blake has planned at New Hampshire’s Ridgemont Academy is shocking. 

Her school blames a heartbreaking tragedy in her family.
Her best friends point to her most recent social media.
Her teachers, even her father, say it’s a drastic cry for help.
But Emma doesn’t want help. She wants to make a difference. Now. Today. Not tomorrow.
She’s going to walk through fire to change the world.

 🌷

 
Have you ever come across a book that, long after you finished it, you couldn’t get out of your mind? Emma On Fire was that book for me; I even recommended it to a few of my friends. In my opinion, this book deserves more than five stars. I have read a few books by James Patterson over the years, including ones he co-wrote. It was the first by Emily Raymond, and I got to say that the two of them make a great team. I was on the edge of my seat all the way to the end. Be sure you have time to read, because you won’t be able to put it down once you start. 

Emma On Fire is such a powerful book, and one of the most intense ones I have read this year. Every page had me wondering what would happen next, and if Emma would go through it. All through the novel, I hoped that someone would see what Emma was trying to say. I believe that listening to someone who is grieving is a powerful message in this book. I liked how raw this book was and how it dealt with so many real issues we face in real life. Having read a few of James’s books, this is unlike anything that I have read by him before. 

I also liked that it addressed the environment in this book, but in a completely different way. Emma On Fire is an emotional book, but the one where you find yourself turning the pages. I had the book on my mind for days after I finished it. Despite the subject, it was also an inspirational book for me. I would recommend this book to any thriller fans.

Keeper Of Lost Children.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️

 

  Thank you to publisher,Simon &Schuster, for providing with E ARC via Netgalley, In exchange for honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

 

02.10.26

 

Lost in the streets and smoldering rubble of Occupied Germany, Ethel Gathers, the proud wife of an American soldier spots a gaggle of mixed-race children following a nun. Desperate to conceive her own family, she feels compelled to follow them to learn their story. 

Ozzie Philips volunteers for the army in 1948, eager to break barriers for Black soldiers. Despite his best efforts, he finds the racism he encountered at home in Philadelphia has followed him overseas. He finds solace in the arms of Jelka, a German woman struggling with the lack of resources and even joy in her destroyed country. 

In 1965, Sophia Clark discovers she’s been given an opportunity to integrate a prestigious boarding school in Maryland and leave behind her spiteful parents and the grueling demands. In a chance meeting with a fellow classmate, she discovers a secret that upends her world.
Toggling between the lives of these three individuals, Keeper of Lost Children explores how one woman’s vision will change the course of countless lives, and demonstrates that love in its myriad of forms—familial, parental, and forbidden, even love of self—can be transcendent.

 🌷

 
What a powerful and beautiful story. 

I adored this story; it moved me in so many ways. I still cannot get the story out of my head. There is so much to love about the story: the plot, the characters, and especially the writing. I loved the way that Sadeqa Johnson portrayed Ozzie, Sophia, and Ethel, and how she connected all the stories. When I started reading Keeper Of The Lost Children, I wondered how the stories would connect, and Johnson intertwined them beautifully. Only within the first few pages was I intrigued by the story and captivated by the characters. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, eager to see what would happen next. 

I liked that the story was told from multiple perspectives: Ozzie, Sophia, and Ethel, and across different timelines. I liked reading from each character's perspective; however, Sophia and Ethel were my favorites. I loved the way that Johnson portrayed the two of them, giving both Sophia and Ethel a purpose. You couldn’t help but admire Ethel; what she had done changed so many lives, including her own. I couldn’t get enough of her story and was rooting for her all the way through the end. I admired Sophia for her courage and determination; despite everything that was happening, she didn’t stop trying to find out the truth. 

Keeper Of The Lost Children was the second book that I read by Sadeqa Johnson, and so far, my favorite one. Character development was excellent in this book. I liked the way that Johnson developed each of the characters’ stories, getting the reader to feel a connection to all of the characters. . Keeper Of The Lost Children was my first historical fiction read of 2026, and it had me craving more. I would highly recommend this for any historical fiction fans. For me, this is a must-read for 2026.

Burning Daylight(Defying The Stars,#1)

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

 4.5★

Juliette Calloway lives in a world of luxury, legacies, and lies. The daughter of Rosebrook Falls’ most powerful family, her life is a carefully crafted performance, and she’s tired of being polished to perfection. 

Roman Montgomery doesn’t exist. Not officially, anyway. He’s a shadow, a hidden weapon, the secret heir to an empire soaked in danger and a generations-old feud. 

When their paths cross, sparks fly. No names. No pasts.
Just reckless smiles and an undeniable chemistry neither of them can shake. 

Roman is charming. Mysterious. Infuriatingly flirty. 

And Juliette? She’s simply…his. 

When Roman is called back to claim his place as heir to the Montgomery empire, the truth crashes down: Their families are sworn enemies, and Roman’s very existence is a threat. Their love isn’t just forbidden, it’s impossible. 

Now, every kiss feels like a betray

al. Every stolen moment a risk. And in a town built on secrets and blood, their passion might just be the most dangerous thing of all.

 

 🌷

 
I loved this book! When I first came across this book, it was the cover and the title that captured my attention. The cover has both a romantic and mysterious look to it, and as a reader, you cannot help but be curious about the story. I also loved that Burning Daylight was a retelling of Romeo & Juliet, which is one of my favorites, and Emily did a fantastic job with it. I could feel the connection between Juliette and Roman from the moment they met, although it seemed that Roman felt an attraction to her at first. I wondered when the two of them would meet again and what would happen between them once they did. I was captivated by Juliette and Roman’s story. 

Burning Daylight was this month’s pick for my book club, and I couldn’t get enough of the story. Every chapter captivated me more and made it almost impossible to put the book down. Most of all, I was curious if Roman knew or at least suspected what Juliette was, and if he did, would he deny it? I enjoyed the banter between Juliette and Roman; some of it was amusing; however, I felt that there was too much of it at the beginning. However, I loved the way that Juliette and Roman’s connection grew, making me look forward to scenes between the two of them. I rooted for two of them, hoping that they would get their happy ending. 

I enjoyed the family rivalry between the Calloway’s and the Montgomeries, and that part reminded me a lot of Romeo and Juliet. It was wonderfully crafted. My favorite parts of this book were the way Emily portrayed each character, especially Juliette and Roman. I could feel every single emotion. I think that this book would make a fantastic movie or a TV show. Burning Daylight was the first book that I read by Emily McIntire and it won’t be the last. I'm already eager for the next book in the series. A story you will not forget.

Too Old For This.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5★ 

Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her. 

Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a small town. Her most exciting nights are the weekly bingo games at the local church and gossiping with her friends. 

When investigative journalist Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep asking questions about Lottie’s past and specifically her involvement with numerous unsolved cases, well, Lottie just can’t have that.
But getting away with murder is hard enough when you’re young. And when Lottie receives another annoying knock on the door, she realizes this crime might just be the death of her…

 

 🌷

 
What a wild ride! 

I have been hearing about Too Old For This since it came out last year. The cover and title are what captured my attention first; as a reader, they make you curious about the story. I would have read it sooner, but my library had a long wait list, and I just recently got the book. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but based on the synopsis and the cover, I had a feeling that I would enjoy this book. Too Old For This was a thrilling ride from start to end. It was one of those books that is hard to put down once you start reading it. What I liked about this one is that it was told from the perspective of a serial killer. I haven’t read many books that were told from a killer’s perspective, which gives the reader a different view. 

Even though I felt like I shouldn’t have, I found myself rooting for Lottie all the way through the book. My eyes were glued to the pages; I wanted to find out what happened to Lottie next. Most of all, I was curious to see if anyone would figure out. I loved Lottie; this was a unique spin on a serial killer; unlike any other thriller story I've read before. Considering Lottie's profession, she's not the kind of character that you should like, but I did, and I felt a connection to her. Part of me wishes this book were a series, because I am curious to see what comes next, especially after that ending. 

There is so much more that I wish I could say about this book. It’s been a couple of days since I finished it, and I still cannot get this story out of my mind. I’m eager to check out Samanatha Downing’s other works now. I would highly recommend this book to any thriller fans. Be ready for a thrilling ride!