Fairest of Hearts

About the Book:

Fairest of Heart (Texas Ever After) by [Karen Witemeyer]

Title: Fairest of Hearts
Series: Texas Ever After #1
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: June 6th, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters–and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope’s guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

Book Review:

This was a fun read! I love fairytales and it was so cool to read this western Christian reimagining. Fairest of Heart is the first book in Karen Witemeyer’s new series, Texas Ever After. Snow White is such an interesting fairytale and it was cool to see how Witemeyer changed and modeled the story.

Penelope and Titus were just wonderful characters. They were engaging and I felt for them both as they tried to figure out life. I really liked how Witemeyer created her own version of Snow White. I was drawn into the story and I loved Witemeyer’s version of the seven dwarves. The seven old men were so sweet and I loved how they became like Penelope’s grandpas. Although it took me a little while to get invested in the book, the plot was interesting and I wanted to know how the story was going to end. I also enjoyed how Witemeyer wove faith into her book and how the characters had to learn to trust God more fully.

Fairest of Heart was a fun book. It was a clean Christian historical fiction romance. I would recommend it to those who enjoy Witemeyer’s other books or who just enjoy Christian western romance fiction. I am also excited to see what fairytale Witemeyer will do next!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Desire or Defense

About the Book:

Desire or Defense: An Enemies-to-Lovers Hockey Romance (D.C. Eagles Hockey Book 1) by [Leah Brunner]

Title: Desire or Defense
Series: DC Eagles Hockey #1
Author: Leah Brunner
Release Date: April 18th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

I’m not the hero in this story.

I’m the villain…

The notoriously angry, grouchy, D.C. Eagles defenseman that just can’t keep his temper in check. The temper that leads to a fifteen game suspension from the NHL.

As if that’s not bad enough, I’m forced into a short term youth-hockey coaching gig. Which my manager swears will “rebuild my image.”

But what I didn’t expect was for a gorgeous, spunky blonde to stomp onto the ice on day one and lecture me about being rude to her little brother.

Something about this spitfire of a woman, and the boy she’s so protective of, has my defenses melting.

And if I’m not careful, I’ll burst into flames, forever melting the ice I’ve carefully kept around my heart.(This is a closed-door romcom with mild language. Trigger warnings include: parental substance abuse & dealing with grief/loss of parents).

Book Review:

Ahhh! This was just a wonderful start to a new series. I am already invested in the characters. Desire or Defense is the first book in Leah Brunner’s Hooked on a Feeling. Okay, so Brunner is an excellent writer and I was super excited for this new series. It was just as good as I had hoped!

Andi was a lot of fun. I loved her spunk and how she cared for her brother, she was just trying her best. Andi was a strong character and it was fun to get to know her and see her match Mitch. It was hilarious to see that she didn’t know anything about hockey but how she would do anything for Noah.

Mitch was such a complicated character, but I loved his depth. He was struggling and he didn’t know how to deal with life. It was sweet to read about him connecting with Noah and then Andi. They broke down his walls. Mitch had to learn to fight for his future and hope for the best even when obstacles came.

Mitch and Andi were fun to read about. They had great chemistry and I loved seeing them fall in love. I loved how they connected over Noah and how they tried to be their best for him. The side characters were a lot of fun and I can’t wait to read the next books! I enjoyed reading about their interactions and how they stood by each other. The whole team needs their own books!

Desire or Defense is a must read! It is a closed-door hockey romantic comedy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Covert Ops

About the Book:

Title: Covert Ops
Series: Saint Squad #12
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: May 9th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Supsense

Sienna Blake is used to chaos. As a well-known movie star, she thought she’d seen it all. But that was before she fell in love with Craig Simmons, a navy SEAL and member of the Saint Squad. The path to matrimony has been strewn with postponements and disruptions, but wedding bells are finally going to ring―until Craig disappears just ahead of the most important day of their lives, leaving Sienna to evaluate whether she’s really cut out for the uncertainty of life as a military wife.

After a potential terrorist threat overseas leaves his wedding plans in ruins―again―Craig realizes he needs to make this wedding happen or lose Sienna forever. In short, he needs backup. With the enthusiastic help of his Saint Squad teammates, wedding plans are once more set in motion. But as the big day draws near, a startling discovery may mean a life-or-death situation for the Squad. The overseas threat looms much closer to home than they ever thought possible. Now it’s not just a quest to make it down the aisle―it’s a battle to survive.

Book Review:

Wow! Another winner by Abramson. Covert Ops is the 12th book in Traci Hunter Abramson’s Saint Squad series. Abramson’s books are always enjoyable and I was really excited to get to read this one! The Saint Squad is back with another exciting adventure.

I loved reading about these characters again. I do need to read the other books because I am missing a bit of the backstory between the characters, but it was still good. The Saint Squad had the greatest chemistry and it was fun to read about them interacting. I was on the edge of my seat as they worked together to complete their mission and keep others safe.

I felt so bad for Craig and Sienna, they were trying so hard to make their wedding happen. However it was sweet to read about them trying to work through the obstacles that kept on popping up and fighting for their future together. Sienna and Craig were just wonderful characters and I was cheering them on.

The plot was engaging. I did not know how Sienna and Craig were going to figure out their wedding plans or how the Saint Squad was going to complete their missions. I also loved seeing the Whitmores and Jim’s campaign for President.

Covert Ops is a fun book. The characters are compelling and the story draws you in. I feel as if it had the perfect blend of suspense, romance, and action. I would recommend reading it as part of the series though because it would be more enjoyable. Covert Ops is a must read. It is a clean romantic suspense novel.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Somebody to Lean On

About the Book:

Somebody to Lean On: A Small-town, Friends-to-Lovers, Sweet Romantic Comedy (Love in Charlotte Oaks Book 2) by [Jess Mastorakos]

Title: Somebody to Lean On
Series: Love in Charlotte Oaks #2
Author: Jess Mastorakos
Release Date: April 26th, 2022
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Do I want to kiss my best friend? Yep. Always have. Too bad it’s not that simple.

Jackson Wilson and I are long-distance co-guardians of our friends’ daughter, and even though we’re best friends and we’re totally committed to Phoebe, this isn’t a romcom where the best friends get together in the end.

Unfortunately.

But now, Phoebe and I have nowhere to go but Jackson’s tiny Tennessee town. And even though it’ll be hard to ignore my feelings, we’ll raise this adorable, sassy ballerina—while patching up the injury-prone busybodies of Charlotte Oaks—side-by-side, as friends.

Except … what’s with that fire in his eyes? And why is he smiling at me like that?

Uh-oh. I don’t deserve to ride off into the sunset with Jackson and Phoebe. And if we go there and it blows up, Phoebe is the one who’ll pay the price, and not even a pair of former combat medics have the skills to repair that kind of damage.

Then again, this job has taught me that there are no guarantees in life or love, but the reward is always worth the risk.

Am I brave enough to risk everything for a chance at a romcom-worthy happily ever after, or are we destined to stay in the friend zone forever?

Book Review:

This was a cute book! Somebody to Lean On is the second book in Jess Mastorakos’ Love in Charlotte Oaks series. Mastorakos is a talented writer. I am loving this new series and this was a great friends to lovers.

Bailey was a complicated character, she was dealing with a lot. However I loved getting to know her, she was just trying her best to care for Phoebe. I liked how strong Bailey was and how she connected with Jackson’s family. Bailey had fallen for Jackson years before but she was scared of the future and to let him know. Bailey had to learn to let Jackson in and even reach for her dreams.

Jackson was a sweetheart. He truly cared for Bailey and Phoebe. Jackson wanted to give Bailey his heart but he was trying to wait on her time. I enjoyed reading about Jackson and seeing him interact with his brothers and family, it was fun. Jackson had to learn to be brave and reach out to Baily

Bailey and Jackson were just so fun together! I was super excited for this one and it was great. I loved the characters and their interactions! The family relationships were so sweet. Phoebe was a great attention to the story and I love how she brought Jackson and Bailey together. The town was hilarious and their antics had me laughing.

I would definitely recommend this book. I think that it had the perfect blend of serious, funny, and romance. You need to read Somebody to Lean On! Somebody to Lean On is a clean contemporary romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Matched with Her Athletic Boss

About the Book:

Matched with Her Athlete Boss (Romance by Love, Austen Book 3) by [Britney M. Mills]

Title: Matched with Her Athletic Boss
Series: Romance by Love, Austen #3
Author: Britney M. Mills
Release Date: April 2nd, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Being matched isn’t for the faint of heart. Especially after the relationship train wreck I’ve been through.

After a rough year, both in relationships and her career, Kenzie Sullivan has sworn off dating and decided to take the self-employment route. She never thought it would lead her to landing Trey Hatch, her longtime crush, as a client. She tries to keep life separate, but Trey keeps worming his way through every wall she puts up, giving her a sliver of hope that something could happen between them.

Trey is ready to share his busy hockey life with someone. When his agent sets him up to be part of a matchmaking docuseries, he’s not sure that’s the way to find love. But after spending time with Kenzie, and convincing her to try the matchmaking app again, he’s hoping she’ll be one of his matches.

As their relationship progresses, will they stay friends or take things to the next level?

Book Review:

This was cute and fun! I was super excited to read this book because I really enjoyed the previous book and it did not disappoint. Matched with Her Athletic Boss is the third book in Britney M. Mills’ Romance by Love, Austen series.

Trey and Kenzie were super sweet to read about. I loved how they connected and how they really seemed to care about each other. Kenzie was such a unique character, she had a lot of past hurts to work through. However I loved her stubbornness and her kind heart. She was working hard to make her new business work, she never expected to fall in love along the way. Trey was also a sweetheart. I loved how he was looking for a family. It was cute to read about him connecting with Kenzie and falling in love.

The romance was sweet and the characters were engaging. I liked how it also showed Kenzie’s family and their interactions, it was lovely. It was fun to read about Kenzie and Trey falling in love. I like the way Mills did her matchmaking part of this book, it was perfect.

I would recommend Matched with Her Athletic Boss to those who enjoy relatable characters and a sweet romance. Matched with Her Athletic Boss is closed door romantic comedy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Wait for Me

About the Book:

Wait for Me: A Sweet Time Travel Romance (Waters of Time Series) by [Jody Hedlund]

Title: Wait for Me
Series: Waters of Time #4
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Release Date: May 9th, 2022
Genre: Time Split Romance

When the darkness closes all around,
Beauty is still there just waiting to be found.

Dawson Huxham blames himself for his sister’s death . . . until he briefly crosses time and discovers she’s alive in the Middle Ages. Hoping to reconnect with her, he searches for the holy water that will help him visit the past for a longer duration. But he realizes he’s not the only one looking for the miraculous water. Terrorists are threatening him and watching his every move.

As Dawson locates holy water from an unlikely source, he crosses fully into the past where he meets a beautiful noblewoman, Philippa Neville, who is desperately trying to escape her uncle’s plans for an arranged marriage. When danger closes in, Dawson agrees to wed her in an effort to thwart her uncle’s schemes. As forces in both the present and past conspire against the newlyweds, will they find a way to be together before the swiftly moving waters of time separate them forever?

Book Review:

This is one of my favorites in this series! I read it so quickly, it was just so good! Wait for Me is the fourth book in Jody Hedlund’s Waters of Time. It was worth the wait. Dawson definitely needed his own book.

Dawson had such a troubled soul. He was struggling to live again after the loss of his eyesight and then the death of his sister. I loved reading about Dawson growing up and learning to trust God even through all his troubles. Dawson had to learn to see the good in the world and what it meant to keep on living even when life feels hard. Dawson was such a strong character and it was fun to read about him helping others and being himself.

Philippa was such a sweet character. Life had not been easy for her and yet she still strived to help and care for others. Philippa had to learn how to fight for her future and for what she loved. I loved reading about her interacting with Dawson and drawing him in.

The romance was sweet and I loved reading about them falling in love. They really complemented each other. The plot was also interesting. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how this book would end. I also love the way Hedlund wove faith into her books and the lessons that were learned.

Wait for Me was a great book! I would definitely recommend it! Wait for Me is a closed door Christian time travel romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

What Dreams May Come

About the Book:

Title: What Dreams May Come
Author: Dana LeCheminant
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: May 2nd, 2023
Genre: Historical Romance

In a bid to escape the incessant attentions of a man she does not love, governess Lucy Hayes embarks on a journey to begin a new post. But when she’s stranded in a storm, her plans go shockingly awry. Desperate times call for desperate measures: against her better judgment, she agrees to a foolhardy scheme presented by a handsome stranger, known to her as only William. But when her mysterious benefactor falls ill, she finds herself unwittingly drawn into his family home in a case of mistaken identity: they believe she is William’s betrothed. Though she realizes she should admit the truth, the family’s warmth and welcome make it all too easy to play along, just for a while. Until she meets Baron Lord Simon Calloway, William’s older brother.

Simon is suspicious of his lovely future sister-in-law, a woman who seems completely unsuited to his self-important brother. As they wait for William to awake, Simon and Lucy are drawn ever closer together. But danger draws closer too, in the form of her unwanted suitor. Lucy knows that when Simon discovers the truth, he will despise her. Now she must find a way to keep herself safe . . . and avoid falling hopelessly in love with a man she can never have.

Book Review:

It took me a little longer to get into this book, but once I really started reading it I was hooked. I have loved LeCheminant’s books from the beginning so I try to get my hands on all of her books. What Dreams May Come is Dana LeCheminant’s second historical fiction book and it is even better than the first.

The characters were engaging. I had a harder time starting it because Lucy was pretending and lying to the Calloways. However, I do think that this was a more believable lie than other books that I had read and it made sense in the context.

Lucy was a refreshing character, she was kind and considerate but she was also strong. I love how Lucy tried to stay true to herself even while her life felt crazy. Although I was frustrated at Lucy at times because of her situation, I understood her.

I felt so bad for Simon. He was a complicated character and I adored learning more about him. Simon wanted to make his father proud but things were not going the way he had hoped. Simon needed a break and I felt for him as he tried to care for his family and his responsibilities.

I really liked both Lucy and Simon. They were both struggling to find themselves and figure out their place in the world. It was interesting to read about them interacting because they were trying to keep the walls up between them. I think that LeCheminant wrote the characters and their situation really well. It did not feel forced or awkward and yet it fit the book. The plot was engaging and I didn’t know how this book was going to end.

I enjoyed the story and the characters. I am hopeful that there will be more books. There are definitely some side characters who need their own happy ending. What Dreams May Come is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

The Nice Guy

About the Book:

The Nice Guy: A Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy (It's Amor Rom-Com Book 1) by [Abi Sabina]

Title: The Nice Guy
Series: It’s Amor #1
Author: Abi Sabina
Release Date: April 20th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Here’s my advice: Never fall for your boss when he is a walking red flag.

After finding out that my boyfriend cheated on me, I packed my bags and moved to Sunshine Falls.

My uncle’s ready to retire, and he has always dreamed of me taking over his partnership at the animal clinic in town.

My surprise comes when he introduces me to my new partner, and it’s the cute guy I was talking to at the coffee shop.

It’s okay, though. I’m not looking for a relationship. My priorities are my career and starting over.

Ivan and I clash at every turn, and our transition is anything but smooth. Throw in the exotic animals that keep showing up, and I think we’re doomed.

The one thing we can agree on is to make my uncle proud.

When Ivan starts to open up to me, it’s difficult to ignore my feelings. Throw in turtle-shelled glasses, and I’m putty.

I’m tempted to break my rule, but I know the consequences that come with dating a co-worker, and I won’t go through that again.

Book Review:

Okay, so this was just too cute! I am so glad that I found Abi Sabina’s books this year. The Nice Guy is the first book in her new series, It’s Amor, and you do not want to miss it. I just loved it!

I really love books that feature family relationships and give you a whole new set of characters to love. Madison and Ivan were wonderful characters that drew you in. There were so many things that I enjoyed about this book. I loved the family relationships and sibling banter showed. Ivan and Luna had the sweetest relationship and Sara and Mia were perfect little sisters. The unique pet owners and pets were just too much fun!

Ivan was just so much fun, especially because he was kind of awkward. However I loved his kind heart and how he generally cared for the people in his town. He had to learn to let Madison in though and be ready for new changes. Madison had to grow on me but I grew to love her. She was such a strong female character, I loved how she stood firm in her briefs and how she challenged Ivan to be better. Madison had to learn to work with Ivan and to understand that sometimes different isn’t bad.

The romance was sweet. I like how Ivan and Madison became friends first before they fell in love. I enjoyed their interactions and it was sweet to read about them falling in love. I think that this book did a great job of setting the stage for this new series while still being a good book. I also like how the plot came along, nothing felt forced and the characters’ reactions to different things made sense. The family scenes were some of my favorite parts of this book because it reminded me of my own family and our family gatherings.

The Nice Guy was just everything I hoped for it to be! I am beyond excited for the next one, I know that it is going to be good! You need to have this book on your TBR. The Nice Guy is a closed door romantic comedy

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Worlds Collide

About the Book:

Worlds Collide (Dream's Edge #3) by [Traci Hunter Abramson]

Title: Worlds Collide
Series: Dream’s Edge #3
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: February14h, 2023
Genre: Historical Romantic

Pairs figure skaters Tyler and Amaliya have achieved the ultimate victory: a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics. But somehow, that victory holds less weight than what faces Tyler next: asking Amaliya’s overprotective father for permission to marry his daughter. When Robert senses a disconnect in Tyler’s and his daughter’s goals, he withholds his blessing, and the couple must determine if what lies ahead for each of them can truly align. As they consider their next steps together, they are unaware that their careers are in jeopardy. They have caught the attention of dangerous and powerful men—men who have vowed to never again allow the American pair to rise above the Soviet’s.

Amaliya’s mother, Katerina, is haunted by the decisions of her past and longs to be reunited with her brother, who is trapped behind the Iron Curtain. But her attempts to see him do not go unnoticed. The KGB does not let its people go easily, and now they know where to find Katerina, the defector. With danger closing in on Katerina and the competition heating up for Tyler and Amaliya, it seems that their dreams for the future may shatter.

Book Review:

Wow! This book had me on the edge of my seat. There were some times when I wanted to put it down, but I just picked it back up again. Worlds Collide is the third book in Traci Hunter Abramson’s Dream’s Edge series.

Poor Tyler and Amaliya. They had a lot to work through, there were so many things going on in their lives. They had just won the Olympics but now they were facing the world championship competition and trying to figure out how to see Amaliya’s uncle and cousin again. They just had so much stacked against them, but I loved reading about them learning to work through their problems and figure out things together.

Oh my goodness, there was so much going on in this book. I was on the edge of my seat as I was reading. The characters were so engaging and the plot was interesting. I was rooting for Tyler and Amaliya as they tried to figure out their next steps.

Tyler and Amaliya had to learn to talk to each other and work through the problems of the future. They were trying to figure out what it meant for them now that the Olympics were over. It was cool to read about them coming together and trying to listen to each other. There was some conflict but it fit the story and Tyler and Amaliya.

There was also so much going on behind the scenes. Katerina, Amaliya’s mother, was trying to figure out a way to see her brother, Viktor but things were much more complicated than they seemed. The Soviet Union was watching them and Katerina might not even be safe. This part of the story was so interesting and oh my goodness, I was on the edge of my seat. I loved how Abramson was able to weave this part so seamlessly into the story and how it all fit.

Worlds Collide is an engaging wonderful book, it should be on your TBR! The ending was sort of satisfying but I hope that there are more books featuring these amazing characters. I would definitely recommend this book, however it definitely needs to be read as part of the series. Worlds Collide is a clean romance set during the 1980s.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

The Unassuming Curator

About the Book:

Title: The Unassuming Curator
Series: Georgian Gentlemen #5
Author: Sian Ann Bessey
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: April 11th, 2023
Genre: Historical Romance

Book Review:

This was a sweet historical read! The Unassuming Curator is the fifth book in Sian Ann Bessey’s Georgian Gentlemen series. I have been loving this series and this book was a wonderful addition to it.

I adored Emily, and she felt so real. Emily was just a sweet character who was searching for her place. She wanted to find a match but she didn’t want to settle for anything other than a love match like her brother’s. Emily was herself and she was wonderful to read about. Henry was also lovely. I liked how Henry loved his job and didn’t chase after the things of the ton. He wasn’t searching for love or anything like that but Emily had a way of changing things.

The characters were a lot of fun to read about! I really liked Henry and Emily, they felt real and relatable. Emily and Henry were a perfect fit together. I like how they understood each other and seemed to make each other better. They didn’t quite fit in with the rest of society but they were perfect for each other.

I was intrigued by the plot. I love how Bessey is able to weave a hint of mystery into her books along with the romance. It is also so interesting how Bessey also adds a bit of history into her books, this one features a curator of a museum. The romance was sweet and the book was very interesting to read. It was also nice to see a bit more of Phoebe and Adam, Emily’s brother, their book was great too!

I really enjoyed The Unassuming Curator and I would definitely recommend it. It is part of a series but it can be read standalone. The Unassuming Curator is a clean sweet Georgian romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.