Moira Green is perfectly content with her life. She has a rewarding career and plenty of wonderful friends, including the members of her weekly book club. Then everything in her life goes topsy-turvy when the town council plans to demolish the site of her mother’s beloved café to make room for much-needed parking. Moira is determined to save her mother’s business, so she swallows her pride and asks Gil Ryan for help.
Moira and Somerset Lake’s mayor were good friends once, the kind who could laugh at everything and nothing at all. Until one night changed everything between them. And now, with Gil supporting the council’s plans, Moira is forced to find another way to save Sweetie’s—and it involves campaigning against Gil. Going head-to-head in a battle of wills reveals more than either of them are ready for, and as the election heats up, so does their attraction. But without a compromise in sight, can these two be headed for anything but disaster?
The Good Luck Cafe is a charming, feel-good romance that is sure to leave readers with a huge smile on their faces.
When we first meet up with Moria, she’s happy with the status quo and isn’t wanting any change. But when her mom’s business is threatened by a much-needed parking lot, everything gets turned upside down. Moira will stop at nothing to save her mother’s business even if it means asking her frenemy, Gil Ryan for help…
The Good Luck Cafe is a wonderful addition to the Somerset Lake series. Gil and Moria’s story is well-written, heart-warming, and entertaining. The characters are exactly what you’d expect from a small town and are easy to relate to. I absolutely adored Gil. He was so sweet, and patient, and you could tell he really loved his community. Moira was hard-working, devoted, and had a huge heart. There was some history between Gil and Moira that added some drama to the story and I enjoyed seeing them overcome the mistakes of their past. I thought Gil and Moria made a cute couple. Their romance was sweet and definitely on the more tame side.
Overall, this book was a quick and easy read for me. It was a sweet small-town romance with a lot of heart and love for their community. And in the end, I had a fun time getting swept up in Gil and Moria’s story.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
A The Disciples & Five Points’ Mob Collection Crossover
She was an assignment. A selfish brat who’d run away from home and who’d found refuge in an MC. A spoiled pain in my ass that I had to bring back to Daddy. Only, Isabelle is nothing like the picture my initial research painted. Yes, she’s a brat. Yes, she’s insecure. And yes, she’s a Disciple…sort of. But she’s so much more than that. So broken, yet so hopeful. So lost, yet so eager to be found. I found her. But that means her father has too. Taking her home was supposed to repay a favor owed. I just didn’t realize that home was the most dangerous place in the world for her…
I’m a huge fan of Cassandra Robbins and couldn’t have been more excited about the Disciples and Five Points’ Mob Collection crossover. Filthy Disciple is a fast-paced, insta-love romance that will keep readers on their toes.
Cindy, also known as Isabelle or Belle to her friends, has been living a lie and hiding from her past while staying with the Disciples MC. She’s broken, a complete mess, and has the worst luck. She can’t stop messing things up and unfortunately for her, her luck has finally run out. You see, Cade has been keeping an eye on Cindy. He’s been slowly biding his time until the right moment comes and he’s able to convenience Cindy to return to New York with him. Cindy was supposed to a job, but the more time Cade spends with her, the more he starts to question everything….
I thought this book was an enjoyable read. It hit the ground running and I loved the instant chemistry between Cade and Cindy. Their story was intense and filled with lots of tension, sexy good times, and danger. I loved how imperfect Cindy was. She was a screw-up, a hot mess, and she knew it. She had a lot of issues and needed more support than what she got. And when it comes to Cade, there wasn’t much he wouldn’t do for Five Points even though he had his fair share of demons. Together, these two lost souls were perfect for each other.
All that being said, because of the fast pace, there were some things that didn’t quite mesh for me. I would have liked to have seen Cindy dive deeper into her demons and get the help she needed to work on herself. I also had a hard time with Cindy’s connection to the MC. Unfortunately, I didn’t really remember her character from the previous Disicple books and had a hard time believing that the women of the MC were truly her friends. Yes, Cindy was a screw-up but the way they treated her was really off-putting. I would also have liked to have seen a little more groveling at the end of the story. I felt like that whole part of the story was rushed and just left me wanting more.
Overall, this book was a fun read for me. I enjoyed getting lost in Cade and Cindy’s story. Sure, there were some parts that didn’t quite mesh for me, but in the end, it was a solid read and I’m glad to have checked it out.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
TRAILER
AUTHOR BIOS & LINKS
Cassandra Robbins
Cassandra Robbins is a USA Today, Amazon Top 50, KDP All-Star, and international bestselling author. She threatened to write a romance novel for years, and finally let the voices take over with her debut novel, The Entitled. She’s a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, driven to create obsessive, angst-filled characters who have to fight for their happily ever after. Cassandra resides in Los Angeles with her hot husband, two beautiful children, and a fluffy Samoyed, Stanley, and Goldendoodle, Fozzie. Her family and friends are her lifeline, but writing is her passion.
USA Today and International Best Selling Author Serena Akeroyd aka G. A. Mazurke is most known for her mafia and MC series set in the Five Points Mob Universe. Avid reader of all things romance, she first started her career as a why choose author in both contemporary and paranormal. She eventually made her way to MF romance where she found her groove with the O’Donnelly brothers, the Satan Sinners and most recently the Valentini Family.
In her back list you can find some MM, MF, MFM and Why Choose romances. HEA guaranteed! When not writing Serena is either reading, traveling or coloring.
The Broadway Series is relaunching with new titles and gorgeous new covers! Allie York brings you five steamy, suspenseful romance reads with everything from single parents and secret admirers, to surprise babies and more – all in one heartwarming series.
Chance Blurb
Jovie
Between running a successful business and attempting to pen a best-selling novel, I don’t have the time or energy for the kind or romance I love to write about.
So, I let it fall to the wayside.
The thing is, life has a funny way of delivering what you need when you least expect it. And trust me, I was not expecting a poodle to be the one delivering a sexy Brit into my world.
Ewan
A tragic accident left me with time for only one woman in my life – my little sister, Amelia. Raising a teenager is enough work without adding in the hassle that comes with relationships.
But when my disobedient dog, Clark, crashes into a sexy dog trainer and practically bows at her feet, the attraction is immediate.
The chemistry between us is hard to fight and Jovie fits comfortably in my life with Amelia.
It’s all or nothing when someone else decides they want to change the game. Someone deadly, who has their sights set on what’s mine.
This is my first book by Allie York and it certainly won’t be my last!
Between running her own business and attempting to write a best-selling novel, Jovie doesn’t have time for love. But when a chance encounter with a disobedient dog has Ewan crashing into her life, Jovie’s left wanting things she never anticipated.
I was pulled into Jovie and Ewan’s story from the very first page. The sparks between the two of them were instant and I loved the push and pull. Neither one of them was looking for a relationship, but fate had plans of its own. The road to happily ever after certainly wasn’t an easy one for these two. Jovie’s crazed client certainly stirred up trouble, keeping things interesting and leaving me on the edge of my seat as the story played out.
This series is off to one heck of a start and I can’t wait to see what adventure is in store for us next in the Broadway series.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Change Blurb
Lydia
Raising Ollie alone hasn’t been an easy task but there was no other option. Thirteen years ago, I let his father walk away – without knowing the truth.
I always thought it was for the best. Maintaining the secret about Ollie’s true parentage seems like the right thing to do.
But a chance run in with Jacob stirs up all the emotions I thought I’d left in the past and sends my world crashing down around us.
I’m forced to come clean and share my son with a man I never thought I’d see again.
I didn’t think we’d have forever…
Jacob
My life is nothing like I planned.
As if the death of my mother wasn’t enough, I managed to lose my wife and the roof over my head in one fell swoop. But, my ex’s infidelity isn’t the end of the lies. Returning to my hometown brings a whole new set of obstacles, including a son I never knew I had.
While Lydia’s world is tumbling, I’m realizing this could be my chance at the family I never knew I was missing.
Everything threatens to tear us apart.
I’m fighting for my family, while Lydia is battling her heart.
It’s a vicious game of tug-of-war because life and emotions are never simple. But, we could have had forever, can I convince her we could have it again?
“All the stuff I never knew I wanted was locked away in that house…”
Oh, man! I thought the first book in this series kept me on my toes, but boy was I in for a real treat with the second book in this series.
Book 2 follows the story of Jacob and Lydia. Their relationship starts off with a bit of an unconventional start. It was supposed to be a summer of fun. No promises. No falling in love. But, life had other plans in store for these two. When Jacob leaves for the job of his dreams, Lydia’s world gets turned upside down in the most unexpected way. It will be 12 years before these two former flames are reunited and once Jacob discovers what he’s missed out on, he’s a man on a mission who will do anything to get Lydia back.
I absolutely loved Jacob and Lydia’s story. It was consuming and entertaining at the same time. It checked off some of my favorite tropes: taboo/forbidden elements, second-chance romance, and surprise baby. The characters were relatable and intriguing. The plot was well-paced and kept me sucked in the entire time. I adored Jacob and Lydia as a couple. Sure they had their imperfections and didn’t always communicate best, but I think that’s what made them so real and relatable. Their road to happily ever after was filled with many obstacles for them to overcome and I thoroughly enjoyed their journey.
Another great read from Allie York. I can’t wait to start book 3.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Chase Blurb
Harriet
In less than a week, I’ve found myself homeless and alone.
What else is a girl to do when life keeps kicking me down? The only thing I know how.
Start over.
With a couple of bags and a scrap of paper, I put myself on a bus and set off across the country to the one friend I know I can turn to.
I had no intention of falling in love.
Then I found a notebook.
Briggs
I’ve always been the underdog. Coming into this world four minutes behind my twin brother Beck has never bothered me. Being burned, both literally and figuratively by Beck is a different story though.
With a failed engagement, a sick mother and a party-boy brother, most of my life is a blur.
Until I see her.
But lots of words and a dark cloud from her past threaten to tear it all apart.
Will she be able to see past the secrets to find who truly admirers her?
This is the third book in the Broadway Series but can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel. Book 3 follows the story of Harriet and Briggs. Harriet will capture readers’ hearts instantly with her tough life and free spirit. Everything that could go wrong for Harriet does, and just when she thinks life is going to give her a break, it throws more obstacles her way. Briggs’ life has been anything but easy. He always seems to be in competition with his unworthy brother. I couldn’t help but root for Briggs to find some form of happiness.
Overall, I thought this book was an enjoyable read. I liked Briggs and Harriet together. I thought they had wonderful chemistry and they definitely had me rooting for them. I loved that their story kept me on my toes not only in the romance department, but it also had its fair share of mystery and intrigue. All in all a great addition to this series.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Choose Blurb
Cori
Single mom, fearless, perpetually loveless.
With an ex-husband in prison and a feisty daughter to raise on my own, there was no time for anything else.
Sure, I may have needed a lot of things, but a man was not one of them. In fact, a man was the reason for every bit of misery in my life.
But, when a new girl joins my daughter Axel’s ballet class, with the company of her tall, tatted, sexy and very single dad, my ideas about men start to shift. Getting to know Griffin and his daughter, Celia, makes it harder to ignore not trying my hand at love again.
If only my head and my heart can see that we are worth it.
Griffin
Single dad, inked, badass.
Believe me when I tell you, no one was more surprised than me to find out that I had a kid – a daughter. Five years old when some social worker dropped her in my lap. My life was literally flipped upside down. Instead of late nights with loose women, I found myself home in time for bedtime stories and a house filled with more pink stuff than I could ever imagine.
With my priorities now firmly shifted from fun to family, falling for Cori is easy. Especially when her own daughter, Axel, breaks through Celia’s hard shell.
Now if I could just convince Griffin that one family together is better than two apart.
I’ve got my work cut out for me since we’re all a little tattered & bruised.
Book 4 is by far and away my favorite book in this series so far. From the moment you meet Cori and Griffin, you will be immediately captivated by their story. Cori is a single mom with her own share of baggage, just trying to do the best for her daughter. Finding love was the last thing on her mind until Griffin walked into her life. Griffin is best known for his playboy ways, but when he finds out he’s got a daughter he never knew about, he does a complete 360. He would move heaven and earth for his daughter. This former playboy is in for quite the journey and when he sets his sights on Cori, all bets are off.
I absolutely loved Cori and Griffin’s story. I knew one day, Griffin would meet a girl who would turn his world upside down and I am so happy that day has finally come. Cori and Griffin had some insane chemistry that just oozed off of the pages. Both of them had their own share of baggage and obstacles to overcome, but their journey was so worth it. I loved every second of this story from the plot to the romance to the twist that kept me on my toes. My only complaint is that this story came to an end.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Cherish Blurb
Meredith
Okay, maybe running away from my family and moving cross country with my boyfriend was a bad idea. A really bad idea.
For two years I let a man dull my shine and to leave me beaten and broken until I couldn’t take any more.
With a new life growing inside me, I know it’s time for me to go back home, even if my family never forgives me for the hurt I have caused.
The last thing I’m looking for is for someone to save, especially when I’m trying to save myself.
But something about Beck pulls me in.
Beck
I’m a horrible person. I know it and so does everyone else.
Everyday it gets harder to dull the pain and forget the past.
After waking up in a seedy hotel with a woman I don’t even recognize, I’m sure my life isn’t even worth it any more.
I’m just about to end it all when my salvation stumbles into my lap.
Meredith has every reason to push me away. But, I’m determined to prove to her (and myself) that I am the better man.
I can’t believe I’ve finally reached the end of the Broadway Series! It’s been such a fun and wild ride and book 5 doesn’t disappoint.
Meredith returns home after a long two years away when life has thrown her more than she can handle. The last thing she expected was to fall, literally into the hands of another man. Meredith’s life is more complicated than anyone could imagine and when Beck enters the picture, it’s game over. Will Beck turn out to be the knight in shining armor Meredith never saw coming? There’s only one way to find out…
Now I’ll be honest, getting to know Beck from the previous stories, I wasn’t 100% sure about him or whether or not his character could be redeemed, and boy was I glad to be proven wrong. I loved seeing Beck’s world get knocked off its axis. Not only did meeting Meredith change his ways for the better, but it also opened his eyes to a future he never knew he wanted. Meredith certainly wasn’t without her faults. She had her own past and mistakes to make up for and despite the warnings, she heard about Beck, the moment she met him it was like all the stars aligned and I was excited to see how their story would play out.
All in all, I think book 5 is an excellent addition to this series. This story was well-written and entertaining. I thought Meredith and Beck made the perfect match and loved their instant chemistry. Their story was filled with its share of ups and downs, but the journey was worth it in the end. I’m so glad that this author decided to write Beck’s story.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Excerpt from Chance, book one in The Broadway Series
Copyright 2022 Allie York
We hadn’t even made it to the mailbox before the leash was pulled from my hand and the hard plastic was bouncing behind him as he bolted down the street. I growled a series of curses worthy of making a sailor blush and took off in a run after him, screaming his name. Once I caught him, his slow painful death was inevitable. I would kill him and relish every second of it. I lost sight of him as I rounded a corner and skidded to a halt, nearly tripping over a crack in the sidewalk. I spotted him as he ran full-force into someone walking their dog and panicked. It wouldn’t be the first person my idiot dog leveled on a walk.
I took off as fast as I could, yelling at him, only to find the woman holding his leash with a very pissed off expression. I let her place the leash in my hand, doubling over to catch my breath and being assaulted by my own stupid animal. Her sheepdog stood still by her side in statuesque annoyance. I apologized, asking if he had knocked her over, to which she responded with a curt, “No.” The woman held out a card. Fantastic. My horrid beast had run into a dog trainer. A very lovely dog trainer.
About Allie York
I’m a mom, wife, and dog groomer by day. At night I write contemporary romance. I love funny dog videos, I read naughty books, and drink too much coffee.
Two people find love in the embers of their painful pasts in this slow-burn romance from Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Winter Renshaw.
For me, family is a curse. My father and brother made my life hell. My mother’s untimely death still keeps me up at night. Now that my brother, Donovan, has been killed in an accident, I can forget the past.
The last remnant is the childhood home I’ve inherited—and which I intend to burn to the ground. The only obstacle? Anneliese Nielsen, Donovan’s fiancée.
Donovan left her destitute, and selling this run-down house is her only chance to recoup her losses. I shouldn’t care, but…maybe it’s her eyes when she sees me. I look strikingly like my brother, a man she loved despite everything.
So we strike a deal. We’ll renovate the house together, but she’ll have to convince me to sell—or up in flames it goes.
But the more time we spend in the house, the more its terrible history threatens to come out.
And even more dangerous, the harder I start to fall for Anneliese.
“If my life was a story, you’d be the plot twist.”
Love and Kerosene is one contemporary romance that I didn’t see coming. From damaged characters to an intriguing plot, this story will captivate and intrigue readers right until the end.
Anneliese was living the dream until the sudden passing of her fiance. Her eyes have been opened to disappointing secrets and hits that never seem to stop coming. The latest hit, discovering that her dead fiance not only has a brother she’s never heard about but learns that the home she’s been renovating belongs to him. For Anneliese and Donovan, what started off as hate at first sight, quickly turns into more…
Overall, I thought this book was a good read. I was really intrigued by the premise of this story and was excited to see this author’s take on the “falling for your dead exes brother” trope. The sparks between Anneliese and Donovan were instant. I enjoyed their love/hate relationship and the entertaining banter it brought along with it. I think this story offered some good mystery and I enjoyed the unraveling of secrets and the past.
However, despite the instant sparks between our two main characters, their story is a definite slow burn. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good build-up/anticipation as much as the next person, but this was a little much for me. And as much as I enjoyed these characters and their story, I found some parts of their story to be lacking; like it just needed to be fleshed out a little more and not rushed.
Despite my issues with this book, I did find it to be an enjoyable read. The story wasn’t over the top or overly dramatic. I think the author delivered when it came to the angst and romance, I was just left wanting more from the characters and their story.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Life in three steps: Go to college. Get a job. Marry the girl of my dreams.
I went to college, then got a job with one of New York’s most notorious gangsters.
The girl? I lost her to a man who didn’t deserve her.
So when one of Italy’s most famous women made me a proposition to help me win her back, I couldn’t refuse her offer.
Georgina “Gigi” Dolce wasn’t the shallow Italian principessa I took her for, though—and she was out to wreck my well-laid plans.
Gigi:
Harrison Ryan thought he had me all figured out.
Because the world called me “beautiful,” he assumed I only ran skin deep. But he had no idea who I was beneath the surface.
How I craved to be loved by someone loyal and unwavering like him. How far I would go to claim that love for my own.
And when I wanted something, I considered it mine.
I wanted him.
MY REVIEW
Skin Deep follows the story of Gigi and Harrison. When we first meet up with Harrison, he’s a man with a plan. Go to college, get a job, and marry the girl of his dreams. Unfortunately for Harrison, the girl of his dreams found herself with a man that didn’t deserve her. So, when Gigi comes up with a plan to help him win his girl back, he’d be stupid to refuse….
Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. I was intrigued by the plot and was curious to see how it would all come together. The chemistry between Harrison and Gigi was instant and definitely steamed up the pages. All that being said, I won’t lie, it did take me a little while to really get into the story. Things just didn’t click for me as quickly as I had hoped they would, in fact, I found myself putting this book down quite a few times. However, I’m glad I stuck with it and kept reading. The more I read, the more I had to see Gigi and Harrison’s story play out. And in the end, I was happy to have kept reading.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
For the reasonable price of $1, Natalie Malone just bought herself an abandoned villa on the Amalfi Coast. With a detailed spreadsheet and an ancient key, she’s arrived in Italy ready to renovate—and only six months to do it. Which seemed reasonable until architect Pietro Indelicato began critically watching her every move…
From the sweeping ocean views to the scent of the lemon trees, there’s nothing Pietro loves more than his hometown. And after seeing too many botched jobs and garish design choices, he’s done watching from the sidelines. As far as he’s concerned, Natalie should quit before the project drains her entire bank account and her ridiculously sunny optimism.
With Natalie determined to move forward, the gorgeous architect reluctantly agrees to pitch in, giving her a real chance to succeed. But when the fine print on Natalie’s contract is brought to light, she might have no choice but to leave her dream, and Pietro, behind.
It Takes a Villa transports readers to the beautiful and unforgettable Amalfi Coast where Natalie has just gotten herself the deal of a lifetime. Armed with a 6-month renovation plan and a detailed spreadsheet, Natalie’s ready to make her dreams come true. However, with local architect, Pietro, watching her every move, things don’t go quite as planned.
It Takes a Villa pulled me in from the very first page. I loved the idea of this story and all of the complications that could arise from renovating in a foreign country. I thought the author did a really good job with her description of things and found it very easy to visualize everything.
I adored Natalie’s ambition. She was tough and didn’t let much knock her down. Pietro loves his hometown and will do whatever it takes to stop renovators from ruining his town. Together, I thought that Pietro and Natalie had some wonderful chemistry. I enjoyed the tension between the two of them. If I had any complaints it would be the slow-burning romance. I’m not the biggest fan of slow burns, but when done right, I really find them enjoyable. Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. In other words, the slow burn was too slow for this reader.
Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. I enjoyed the setting, the renovation drama, and the intrigue along the way. The chemistry and tension between Pietro and Natalie was on point, but for me, the slow burn fell flat.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
“The attention to detail adds depth to each character—even Joseph will win readers over—and the twisty plot keeps readers both guessing what will happen next and rooting for happy endings across the board. This is a knockout.”—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
“With thoroughly likable characters—even Joseph becomes appealing—this plot-driven novel is fast-paced and engaging throughout. Full of both humorous and heart-wrenching moments, the novel is packed with the perfect mix of contradictions to keep it engaging… An expertly plotted romantic surprise about self-forgiveness and second chances.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Beth O’Leary is that rare, one-in-a-million talent who can make you laugh, swoon, cry and ache all in the same book . . . surprising and deeply satisfying.” —Emily Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read
“Achingly clever.” —Sophie Cousens, New York Times bestselling author of I Just Haven’t Met You Yet
“Even as it taps beautifully into emotions and experiences that feel so universal, The No-Show is fresh, surprising, and oh-so-clever. It made me laugh, brought me to tears, and kept me reading late into the night. It’s the kind of book that leaves an impression on your heart. A truly special read.”—Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You
“Sweepingly romantic, bursting with character, and so, so clever I gasped out loud. Many writers make you feel good, but O’Leary also makes you think.”—Gillian McAllister, Sunday Times bestselling author of That Night
“A rom-com with a side of mystery.” —PopSugar
On April 12, Berkley is proud to publish THE NO-SHOW by bestselling author Beth O’Leary.
In 2019, O’Leary made a splash with her debut, The Flatshare, which sold over half a million copies. The book became one of the year’s most popular reads, receiving glowing praise from People, USA Today, Real Simple, Bustle, Refinery29, and so many more. The Hollywood Reporter recently announced the adaptation news for The Flatshare, naming Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey, Brave New World) and Anthony Welsh (The Great) as stars in the upcoming series.
Now, O’Leary returns with her most ambitious novel yet. THE NO-SHOW is a brilliantly sharp romantic comedy that manages to bring the laughs, while simultaneously breaking your heart—don’t miss the book that Publishers Weekly declared a “knockout.” Fans of romantic comedies and smart, feel-good women’s fiction will adore this highly anticipated title.
ABOUT THE BOOK THE NO-SHOW
THE NO-SHOW begins on Valentine’s Day with three seemingly unrelated women realizing they’ve all been stood up by the man of their dreams… which just so happens to be the same man. Siobhan is a quick-tempered life coach with way too much on her plate. Miranda is a tree surgeon used to being treated as just one of the guys on the job. Jane is a soft- spoken volunteer for the local charity shop with zero sense of self-worth. But where is Joseph Carter? More importantly, who is Joseph Carter? Is there more to him than meets the eye?
Once they’ve each forgiven him for standing them up, they let him back into their lives and are in serious danger of falling in love with a man who seems to have not just one or two but three women on the go………………………………………………………………….. Will they each untangle
the truth before they all get their hearts broken?
While it may seem like The Other Woman, the story reads more like One Day. The story is woven together perfectly while still highlighting how messy and nonlinear life can be. THE NO-SHOW offers readers the chance to experience how time passes, people change, and life goes on, with such authenticity that each scenario easily could have happened off
the pages and in the real world. It’s a beautiful reminder that there’s power in claiming your feelings and that happiness looks different for everyone.
O’Leary is a #1 bestselling author in the UK, and the reason why is on full display for THE NO-SHOW. Her latest is a smart, utterly captivating new romance that readers will devour this spring.
3 women stood up on Valentine’s day by the same man….need I say more. The plot of this story sounded so fresh and so unique. I had to pick up this book and see what the fuss was about.
The No-Show follows the story of Joesph and the three women he’s seeing. None of them know about each other and are stood up on Valentine’s Day for reasons yet to be revealed. This story is told from the points of view of the three women in Joesph’s life. To me, this was really intriguing. I thought it helped the reader connect to the characters and it made you want to know more about Joesph and the reasons behind his actions. Could he be redeemed for his behavior/actions?? You’ll have to read for yourself to find out….
The No-Show was a completely unexpected read. I went into this book thinking it was a rom-com and was a bit disappointed that it was not in fact a romantic comedy. Sure there were some humorous moments, but this book read more like women’s fiction than a romantic comedy, in my opinion. Despite that, I did find this story to be written well and very intriguing. I really enjoyed the characters and was curious how everything would come together in the end. The plot twist definitely caught me by surprise and connected all the missing dots for this reader.
While I enjoyed this book, for the most part, it wasn’t without its share of issues. I touched briefly on the categorization of this book genre-wise. I still feel that this book should be classified as women’s fiction. My other issues with the story were the pacing and overall timeline. Let’s start with the pacing. For me, this book started off rather slow and took me a while to get into. Don’t get me wrong, the story was very interesting, it just took a while to get into the flow. But, once I did get into the story, I found myself hooked and wanting to know more. Now, for the timeline. The timeline was a bit confusing to me. The chapters were broken up by character name instead of the number and didn’t indicate whether or not we were in the past or present. I think including “past” or “present” with each chapter heading would have made things a lot easier to understand and follow.
Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. It has been on my radar for a while and despite the issues I had, I’m certainly glad I checked it out. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to discovering more from her in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via Berkley Publishing and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Beth O’Leary is a Sunday Times bestselling author whose novels have been translated into more than thirty languages. Her debut, The Flatshare, sold over half a million copies and changed her life completely. Her second novel, The Switch, has been optioned for film by Amblin Partners, Steven Spielberg’s production company. Beth writes her books in the English countryside with a very badly behaved golden retriever for company. If she’s not at her desk, you’ll usually find her curled up somewhere with a book, a cup of tea, and several woolly jumpers (whatever the weather). Learn more at betholearyauthor.com, and follow O’Leary on social media:
No matter how far she runs, the forest of Edgewood always comes for Emeline Lark. The scent of damp earth curls into her nose when she sings and moss creeps across the stage. It’s as if the woods of her childhood, shrouded in folklore and tall tales, are trying to reclaim her. But Emeline has no patience for silly superstitions.
When her grandfather disappears, leaving only a mysterious orb in his wake, the stories Emeline has always scoffed at suddenly seem less foolish. She enters the forest she has spent years trying to escape, only to have Hawthorne Fell, a handsome and brooding tithe collector, try to dissuade her from searching.
Refusing to be deterred, Emeline finds herself drawn to the court of the fabled Wood King himself. She makes a deal—her voice for her grandfather’s freedom. Little does she know, she’s stumbled into the middle of a curse much bigger than herself, one that threatens the existence of this eerie world she’s trapped in, along with the devastating boy who feels so familiar.
With the help of Hawthorne—an enemy turned reluctant ally who she grows closer to each day—Emeline sets out to not only save her grandfather’s life, but to right past wrongs, and in the process, discover her true voice.
Haunting and romantic, Kristen Ciccarelli’s Edgewood is an exciting novel from a bold, unforgettable voice in fantasy.
Edgewood is a truly unique young adult, fantasy novel.
Edgewood is a well-written and intriguing story that spins quite the web of mystery. I enjoyed the mysterious woods and all of the secrets they held. I loved trying to figure out who you could trust or not. This book does dive into some pretty tough issues such as memory loss and I think the author did a really great job with the way she not only handled them, but the creative spin she put on them.
My only complaint about this book is that I wish the pacing had been a little more on point. There were some parts where the story seemed to drag a bit. And I do wish that the romance between Emeline and Hawthorne had been fleshed out a little more. Yes, their romance was definitely a slow-burning one, but they really left me wanting more.
Even though I did have a couple of issues with this book, I did find it to be an enjoyable read. I really liked all of the fantasy elements and the world this author created. I thought the author was really creative with the way the tough issues were handled.
This is my first book by this author and I would definitely be interested in checking out more from her in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
She’s high heels, he’s hiking boots . . . and they’re perfect together.
Chasing Serenity, an all new steamy and emotional opposites attract stand-alone from New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley is available now!
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Ashley brings a new novel in her River Rain series…
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Ashley brings a new novel in her River Rain series…
From a very young age, Chloe Pierce was trained to look after the ones she loved.
And she was trained by the best.
But when the man who looked after her was no longer there, Chloe is cast adrift—just as the very foundation of her life crumbled to pieces.
Then she runs into tall, lanky, unpretentious Judge Oakley, her exact opposite. She shops. He hikes. She drinks pink ladies. He drinks beer. She’s a city girl. He’s a mountain guy.
Obviously, this means they have a blowout fight upon meeting. Their second encounter doesn’t go a lot better.
Judge is loving the challenge. Chloe is everything he doesn’t want in a woman, but he can’t stop finding ways to spend time with her. He knows she’s dealing with loss and change.
He just doesn’t know how deep that goes. Or how ingrained it is for Chloe to care for those who have a place in her heart, how hard it will be to trust anyone to look after her…
“Life was not easy. You suffered for what you earned. Worked for it. Cheated for it. Stole for it. Whatever you had to do to get it.”
Chloe Pierce was trained by the best to look out for the ones she loves. But when that special someone passes, Chloe’s foundation breaks into pieces. If that wasn’t enough, she just has to bump into Judge Oakley. He’s her opposite in every way and drives her absolutely crazy. Each encounter with him ends up in disaster. Unfortunately for Chloe, Judge likes a challenge and isn’t going to back off anytime soon…
It’s no secret that I am a huge Kristen Ashley’s books, so when I heard about Chasing Serenity, I couldn’t get it in my hands fast enough.
Chasing Serenity follows the story of Chloe and Judge. Now, I’m going to be 100% honest, I did not love Chloe in the beginning. While I admired her independence, she was super rude, high maintained, and completely unlikeable. Judge certainly had his work cut out for him when it came to Chloe. But, Judge likes a good challenge and Chloe is unlike any woman he’s ever encountered. Together these two couldn’t be more opposite if they tried. Their relationship was slow to develop, but in the end had me rooting for their happily ever after.
While I did find Chasing Serenity to be an enjoyable read. I did have a few issues with this book. The first one being the pacing. The pacing in the beginning was extremely slow to the point that it was hard to stay focused. I found myself getting easily distracted and have no problem taking a break, which is not the norm for me when it comes to a KA read. That being said, the pacing does pick up after you reach the 50% mark. So, be aware that this book starts off on the slow side and the romance is very slow building. My other issue was the drama. Yes, I know that KA books tend to be a little over the top, but this book had way too much drama for this reader. To be quite honest, I feel like this book was missing the signature KA flare that I have come to know and love.
In the end, I think that Chasing Serenity is going to be one of those books that will be a hit for some, and a miss for others. And for this reader, it was just an ok read. Did I enjoy it? Once the pace picked up, I couldn’t put it down, but getting there just took forever for me. Did I like Chloe and Judge’s story? Yes, I found it entertaining and even though Chloe drove me absolutely nuts, in the end she won me over.
So, even though this book wasn’t a 100% hit for me, I’m still glad to have checked it out and look forward to the next adventure Kristen Ashley has lined up for us readers.
*I was provided anARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Excerpt
Considering the fact he’d brought in a coffee for his buddy, Rix, who managed the store, Judge was down on the floor where Rix’s office was, not on the top floor where his was, so he saw her when she walked into the shoe section.
He’d dated Meg.
And before Meg, there was Jess.
And before Jess, there was Kimberly.
They all had different color hair, Meg and Jess were tall, Kim was not.
But even so, Judge had a type.
He knew it.
And that woman who’d strolled up to the shoe displays?
She was his type.
Multiplied by a thousand.
Christ, she was beautiful.
And bad news.
He could tell that last by the outfit, including her ridiculous, high-heeled booties.
He’d worked at River Rain Outdoor stores for nine years—starting as a sales associate when he was still going to college and advancing to director of the Kids and Trails program.
In all that time, he didn’t think he’d ever seen a woman walk into any of their stores wearing shoes like hers.
And when he came down again a half an hour later to hit Rix’s office to make some copies because the copier in the corporate offices at the top level was busted, he noticed she was still there.
He also noticed he had further evidence she was bad news.
That evidence?
The sheer number of boxes of boots that she was trying on scattered around her.
She looked like she’d not set foot on a hiking trail in her life.
And she looked like she was there because she’d already trolled through all the boutiques around the square, but this hadn’t assuaged her shopping fix, because nothing really did.
Therefore, there was a possibility, after making a member of staff bring her fifteen pairs of shoes, she’d walk out not buying anything.
She’d do this not thinking a thing of it.
However, he noted some of the boots she was trying on were riding boots, and Judge could see that round ass of hers in the saddle on top of a horse.
Wearing a riding habit.
Even if she was trouble, and he had not the slightest interest (or he was telling himself that), he couldn’t keep his eyes off her.
Because he was a moron.
That said, she caught his gaze every time.
So he was looking.
But so was she.
His instincts proved true when he came down for the third time with more to copy, and he again walked through the shoe section to get to the office in the back. Doing this close to where she was seated, still trying on boots, because, yes, in the fifteen minutes between then and now, he had not stopped being a moron.
And again, she caught his gaze.
He had no clue why, but as her gorgeous hickory brown eyes hit his, he muttered, “Nice booties.”
Her back shot straight, and she demanded, “What did you just say?”
Kristen’s novel, Law Man, won the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Romantic Suspense. Her independently published title Hold On was nominated for RT Book Reviews best Independent Contemporary Romance and her traditionally published title Breathe was nominated for best Contemporary Romance. Kristen’s titles Motorcycle Man, The Will, Ride Steady (which won the Reader’s Choice award from Romance Reviews) and The Hookup all made the final rounds for Goodreads Choice Awards in the Romance category.
The thrilling conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando’s Fast & Fury series, fully loaded with intense emotions and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
All she wanted was the truth.
All he wanted was to be left alone.
Nadia has always been in charge of her life. As a private investigator, she makes her own hours and only takes on cases that she wants to work on. But when a family friend asks her to look into a case, she instantly regrets it—it hits far too close to home.
The last thing she wants to do is rip open old wounds. Especially Trade’s, the single father she’s been spending time with. It isn’t long before she’s falling not just for him, but for the kids he’s trying so hard to protect.
But the little voice in Nadia’s head tells her that something isn’t right, and she’s determined to find the truth. Using her connections to the Knights of Fury MC and the Fast & Fury motorcycle garage to gather evidence, Nadia uncovers evidence of a conspiracy that will leave everyone shaken—and force her and Trade to do whatever it takes to keep their new family safe.
All she wanted was the truth. All he wanted was to be left alone….Nadia is so stranger to taking care of herself. She likes things her way and in her control, and that goes for her work life too. But when a dear friend asks her to look into a case, this particular case hits too close to home. The last thing she wants to do is hurt the group of friends she now calls family. But in Nadia’s line of work, she’s learned to trust her gut. In her quest to find the truth, Nadia will find more than she ever bargained for…
Custom Love is the third book in the Fast & Fury Series and it follows the story of Nadia and Trade. Trade’s world was turned upside down when the love of his life was murdered. All he’s wanted to do is move on and forget the bad card life had dealt him. Unfortunately for him, his old wounds are about to blown wide open. When Nadia gets asked to take a look at a case that most would like to forget, she has no choice but to look into it. However, in her quest to find the truth, she finds herself getting closer to Trade and falling for a man she shouldn’t be falling for….
Overall, I thought this book was a really enjoyable read. Trade and Nadia were a force right from the start. I enjoyed their chemistry and banter. I loved that Trade was tough on the outside, but had a heart of gold was an amazing father. I thought Nadia had a lot of good character. She would do anything for her friends or those she loved. She had a big heart and would never purposely hurt someone. I liked how honest she was with Trade and how she tried to navigate the uncharted waters of their relationship. The road to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one for these two, but I had a good time reading their story and seeing how they sorted it all out.
As much as I enjoyed this story, I did have a couple of issues with it. There were some passages that I felt were a bit repetitive and it was kind of distracting at times. My other issue was that I felt like parts of the story were rushed. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed this story and could have easily have enjoyed another 100 pages of it. So, it kills me that certain parts were rushed.
All that being said, I still feel that Custom Love is a solid read. It was fun to get lost in and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know these characters as I’ve explored the Fast & Fury Series. I’m sad that this is the final book in this series, but hope that the author will do another spin-off as I’m not ready to say goodbye to all of these characters just yet.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
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