Highcliffe House

About the Book:

Title: Highcliffe House
Author: Megan Walker
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: May 7th, 2024
Genre: Regency Romance

The daughter of a wealthy investor and a handsome young businessman clash in this enemies-to-lovers romance from the author who brought you Lakeshire Park.

1813, Brighton, England

When Anna Lane offered her heart to Alexander Lennox, she did not expect to learn he had secretly promised his suit to another. Hurt and embarrassed, Anna begs her father to take her to the seaside where she can escape the gossip of the ton and recover, but her father insists they remain in London so he can attend to some business. Feeling the sting of rejection again, Anna longs for the day when she can dictate her own future and find a companion who will love her for who she is.

Born into modest circumstances, Graham’s hard work and ability to spot a good investment has allowed him to provide for his mother and younger sisters. Now, with a new opportunity in his sights, Graham approaches Mr. Lane, his business partner and mentor, hoping to persuade him to travel to Brighton to close the deal. Graham must act fast or else he might lose his chance to turn his meager earnings into permanent financial stability.

To Graham’s relief, Mr. Lane is interested in his proposal, but he counters with one of his own. He has business elsewhere, so Anna–whom he trusts with his business affairs–will accompany Graham to Brighton, and if she gives a good report, he will invest. Both Anna and Graham hesitate. Though they have a passing acquaintance through Anna’s father, the two have never truly got along. Anna feels that Graham is only interested in money, while Graham feels that Anna is stubborn and self-absorbed.

The two reluctantly travel to Brighton together, and Anna is determined to find fault with every inch of the seaside town–including Graham. She is tired of feeling like a pawn being moved about by other people’s desires. But while staying at Highcliffe House and seeing the kind and gentle way Graham treats his family, Anna wonders if there is more to her rival than she thought.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that if they set aside their misconceptions about each other and be vulnerable enough to share their true selves, they might have a chance at real love.

Book Review:

Oh my word, this story held me captive. It was just amazing! Highcliffe House is written by Megan Walker and it was just lovely. The characters drew me in and I couldn’t put it down.

Anna and Graham were fighting but they had to learn to get along as they were both together at his family house. Graham was trying to help Anna see the beauty of Highcliffe house and Brighton. Anna was just trying to make it through the week.

I loved Anna, she was so strong and fiery. She was stubborn but she was also learning to let others in and consider them. It was sweet to see her interacting with Graham and his family. Anna had to learn to let go of her mistakes as she spent time with Graham and his family.

Graham was fun. He was just trying his best to support his family and overcome the obstacles that stood before him. He never expected that Anna would interrupt his life. I adored his relationship with his family, it really helped you get to know him. Graham had to learn that he didn’t need to do everything on his own and that he could let others in.

The romance between Graham and Anna was a perfect slow burn, at least for me. They had to learn to truly see each other before they were able to fall in love. There was much that they had to overcome. The story was interesting and Graham’s family was so fun, especially his youngest sister. I adored Tabs.

I would totally recommend Highcliffe House! It exceeded my expectations and it is definitely worth a read. Highcliffe House 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.

A Run at Love

About the Book:

Title: A Run at Love
Series: Love in the Spotlight #2
Author: Toni Shiloh
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: May 7th, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

A CONTENDER RUNNING FOR THE ROSES

As a Black woman in a field with little diversity, Piper McKinney is determined to make her mark on the horse-racing world. Raised on a Thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, Piper’s dream is for her horse to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With the help of her best friend and trainer, Tucker Hale, she gains national attention but must grapple with the complications that arise when a journalist delves into her past as a transracial adoptee.

A BEST FRIEND RACING FOR LOVE

In an effort to win Piper’s heart, Tucker formulates a plan to train Piper’s horse to victory, hoping to prove himself to her, her parents, and his own self-doubts. Then a shocking scandal hits the media, implicating both Piper and her parents, and she and Tucker will have to survive the onslaught to find their way to the winner’s circle–and each other.

Book Review:

This was so cute! I am loving this new series by Toni Shiloh and I was so excited to read this one. A Run at Love is the second book in Toni Shiloh’s Love in the Spotlight series.

Piper and Tucker had such a fun relationship. They were friends first before they moved to anything else. Their interactions were a lot of fun and I loved how they felt comfortable with each other. The romance was sweet and I liked the progression of their relationship. Both Tucker and Piper had to learn to trust each other as they navigate their relationship and the obstacles that stood before them.

I really liked Piper and I felt like I connected with her. She was trying to just find her place. I really felt for her as she tried to figure out what it looked like to care for her family but still be her own person especially as she navigated her family’s scandal. Tucker was also sweet. He was someone who tried to stick to his plans but had to learn to trust God’s leading.

I really liked Tucker’s relationship with the guys, it was so fun. The friendship relationships were some of the best parts of this book. The romance and the progression of the book was perfect. I didn’t want to put it down.

A Run at Love was a lovely book! I would definitely recommend it! The characters were lovable and the story was intriguing. I am so excited for the next book. A Run at Love is a clean contemporary Christian 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.

Flat Deception

About the Book:

Title: Flat Deception
Series: Roxbury Heirs #2
Author: Paige Edwards
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: May 7th, 2024
Genre: Suspense

Lady Sophie Henderson has worked tirelessly to establish a breeding stable for racehorses on her family’s Scottish estate. But when her father cuts her funding, she’s desperate to find a way to achieve her life’s ambition. Selling precious heirloom jewels enables Sophie to care for her thoroughbreds, though it’s a temporary solution—and one that does not go unnoticed.

Zander Matthews is painfully aware of the role he played in Sophie’s loss of sponsorship. Now, he’s determined to use his hard-earned wealth to help her achieve her dreams. When Zander shocks Sophie with the offer of a business investment, it seems her aspirations are finally within reach. But the new partners discover that finding success will not be simple. There is a dark side to the posh British racing community, and Sophie and Zander have captured the attention of an enemy whose greed knows no bounds. Even as their partnership develops into something more, their happy ending is just beyond reach. Because in a world where people are willing to do anything to win, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Book Review:

This was such an exciting book! Flat Deception is the second book in Paige Edward’s Roxbury Heirs series and it did not disappoint.

Sophie was strong willed and fiery, I loved her from the beginning. She wasn’t afraid to fight for what she believed in but she also felt deeply for those she cared about. However she had to learn to overcome the obstacles that faced her as she tried to make her dreams come true. She had to learn to let Zander in.

I adored Zander. He was so sweet and kind. He truly cared for Sophie and he had fallen hard. He was trying to figure out how to help her without stepping on her toes. I liked how he considered her his equal. However Zander had to learn how to let go of his past and not let it affect his future.

Sophie and Zander were such fun characters togethery. They had chemistry and they were able to match each other. I liked the progression of their relationship. They had to fight for each other because being with someone is hard work. The suspense was perfect and I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was happening. I don’t know a lot about horse racing but it was still so engaging. I enjoyed the side characters and getting to see cameos from other books.

I would totally recommend Flat Deception! The story drew me in and I didn’t want to put the book down. It was the perfect blend of suspense and romance with lovely characters. Flat Deception is a wonderful addition to the series and I am excited to see what is going to come next. Flat Deception is clean romantic suspense.

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.

A Provincial Peer

About the Book:

Title: The Unassuming Curator
Series: Georgian Gentlemen #5
Author: Sian Ann Bessey
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: May 7th, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance

Lord Benning is no ordinary nobleman. The heir to an earldom, he feels more at home working on the farm at his country estate than socializing in the ballrooms of London. So when a mysterious, veiled woman mistakes him for a farmhand, he takes the assumption in stride. And though he is not offended, he is intrigued.

Following a devastating outbreak of smallpox, Caroline Granger and her young daughter, Meg, retreat to Caroline’s childhood home in the village of Leyfield in Gloucestershire. Left widowed and weakened by the ravages of the disease, Caroline wears a veil to hide her facial scars and to prevent the inevitable gasps of horror or murmurs of pity others offer in response to her altered appearance.

Caroline is mortified when she learns of her error in addressing Lord Benning—or Benedict, as she called him during their growing-up years—as a farmhand. But shared childhood memories and a precocious four-year-old inevitably draw Benedict and Caroline together, and it’s not long before Caroline realizes that Benedict accepts every part of her—including her scars. With newfound courage and a growing love for Benedict, Caroline feels the first stirrings of hope. But when the disease that took so much from Caroline finds its way to Leyfield, she stands to lose more than she can bear, and Benedict must decide exactly how much he is willing to risk for a chance at love.

Book Review:

This was just the sweetest read. It was low stress and I adored the characters and the story. A Provincial Peer is the 6th book in Sian Ann Bessey’s Georgian Gentlemen series. I have been eagerly awaiting this book and it did not disappoint.

I adored Caroline and Benedict. They were just lovely characters and I connected with them from the beginning. I really liked their growth throughout the book and reading about them falling in love. They were both trying to future out their lives and they weren’t looking for love but it crept up on them.

Caroline was learning what it looked like to start her life again after not only getting sick and losing her husband. She was doing her best to care for her daughter, Meg. But she was still struggling. I liked how she learned to trust herself and see that her scars don’t make her a person.

Benedict was just the sweetest character. He was unlike other lords but he was trying his best to care for those under him. I loved how he connected with both Meg and Caroline. He truly loved Caroline and Meg, and they found a way into his heart.

The romance was perfect. I liked the progression of Caroline and Benedict’s relationship and how they knew each other beforehand. Meg was just lovely. The plot was interesting and I wanted to see how Caroline and Benedict would come together as they worked to help those suffering from sickness and lack of food.

A Provincial Peer was a stunning conclusion to this amazing series! I could not recommend this book enough. It was fun to read as part of a series but it can definitely be read as a standalone. I am sad to see this series end but I am excited to get my hands on whatever Bessey writes next.

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.

Cinder Luna

About the Book:

Title: Cinder Luna
Series:Once Upon a RomCom #1
Author: Marie Soleil
Release Date: January 30th, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Is Luna destined for a happily ever after, or is it “game over” for her love life?

Move to the adorable town of Brookhaven? Check.

Get bumped to first class on the train and meet the most gorgeous, considerate man of my life? Check.

Find a job in video game animation and a cozy apartment of my own? Not so much.

So maybe things in Brookhaven aren’t quite as idyllic as my friend promised. My one saving grace is playing video games every evening with my best online friend, MidKnight. Plus, helping him create his own video game helps me escape the drudgery of my demanding twin bosses and a dusty, cramped apartment.

It’s not long before our relationship turns from friendly to…a lot more personal.

Things get complicated when I run into the man from the train again. He couldn’t forget about me either, and he’s been searching for me. I can’t deny the intense physical attraction we have, but I feel like my heart is being pulled in two directions. But there are things that both guys don’t know about me.

Being brave isn’t my strong suit, but maybe it’s time to find some courage.

Book Review:

This was such a cute and sweet read. This is the first book that I have read by Marie Soleil but it will not be the last. Cinder Luna is the first book in Marie Solei’s new series, Once Upon a RomCom. It is a fun retelling of Cinderella.

Luna and Henry were just the sweetest characters! I liked getting to know them and reading about them falling in love. I really like the little nods to the original fairytale but how the Soleil also made the story her own.

Okay, so I liked Luna and it was cool to read about her growth throughout the book. She was just trying her best to figure out life and herself. I loved her little quirks and the fact that she was a gamer. That was so cool! I liked Henry, he was so kind. He was struggling to let others in and he had to learn to truly see Luna.

I liked how Luna and Henry got to know each other first. The romance was perfect. I really liked the side characters and I am super excited to see them get their own books. I also enjoyed the fact that both Luna and Henry liked gaming.

Cinder Luna is a sweet contemporary romance inspired by Cinderella. I would totally recommend this book. The characters were fun and I was drawn into the story.

Book Highlights:

Cinderella inspired

Gaming

Graphic designer

Learning to be brave

Sweet romance

Family bonds

Hints of more books

Secret identity

Falling in love

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.

Rocky Road

About the Book:

Title: Rocky Road
Series: Sons of Scandal
Author: Becky Wade
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: February 14th, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Christy Award Hall of Fame Author

FBI Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with by-the-book professionalism. There’s no reason why his latest assignment—which calls for him to pose as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare—should be any different.

Except Gemma is different. She’s creative, bold, and feisty. And as soon as she meets Jude, she wants to loosen him up, wrinkle his perfect shirts, and test every ounce of his towering self-control.

The FBI has an iron-clad rule against romances between those working together on operations. Jude’s never met a rule he didn’t respect. But adhering to this one is going to be tough because, as time goes by, he finds Gemma more and more irresistible.

Buckle up! It’s going to be a rocky road.

Book Review:

This was so cute and fun! Rocky Road is the second book in Becky Wade’s Sons of Scandal series. I was super excited to read this one and it did not disappoint! The cover is also really cute!

Jude and Gemma were just the sweetest couple together! They really balanced each other out. Jude was a straight laced kind of person who valued perfection. However Gemma managed to shake up his life in a way that he never expected. Gemma was trying to protect her family and do good. But getting to know Jude was a fun addition to her plans.

Gemma was a breath of fresh air, I loved her from the beginning. She was so fun and I like how she balanced Jude. Gemma was quirky but she was kind. I also adored her relationship with her family, they were so sweet together. Gemma had to learn to let Jude in and be vulnerable with him.

Jude was also so fun. He was such a grumpy person but he genuinely cared for his family and those he brought into his circle. Jude was weary of others but Gemma had a way of breaking down his walls and making him want to be better.

I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Jdue and Gemma. There were times when I wanted to laugh after reading about their interaction. The storyline was interesting and I was drawn into the story. I wanted to see how Jude and Gemma were going to make their fake relationship work for the operation. I liked seeing Jeremiah again and seeing hints of the next book.

I would totally recommend Rocky Road! I adored the characters and the story. There was the perfect hint of mystery and romance which was of course missed with the perfect amount of faith and family. This book is a must read and I cannot wait to read the last book. Rocky Road is a clean Christian contemporary romance.

Fake Relationship

Grumpy/sunshine

Sibling/Family relationships

Some mystery

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.

Escaping with West

About the Book:

Title: Escaping with West
Series: Exceptional Mission Unit – The Cardinals #1
Author: Claire Cain
Release Date: March 27, 2024
Genre: Closed Door Romantic Suspense

My position working for the embassy overseas is coming to an end and it’s perfect timing. I’m burned out and ready to set down roots after years of following my job around the world. With fellow female embassy employees going missing, I’m counting the days until I leave.

But when the one man I haven’t been able to get out of my head since we met over a year ago reappears in my life and he’s using a different name? Things get wild. I start running into this man of mystery everywhere I go, but is it a coincidence or something more?

He’s a man who doesn’t waver and he’s made one thing clear—he wants me. I’ve always sworn off military men with jobs that put them in dangerous situations. And yet, the pull toward Ryan West is irresistible—and could prove dangerous to my heart.

He’s more than a soldier, and I want to be open to life with him, though I’m not sure I can be. But when the danger overseas hits close to home, he can’t bury the protective hero in him, and I can’t help but wonder if this is a test we’ll be able to pass together.

Book Review:

I loved this book! Claire Cain is one of my favorite authors and this was another wonderful book. It was so cool to read a new genre but still get the same vibes and even see some old characters. Escaping with West is the first book in Claire Cain’s new series, Exceptional Mission Unit – The Cardinals. I was super excited for both of these characters to finally get their own books.

Ryan West and Emily were fun together. I liked how they had history but they still tried to get to know each other first. The romance was sweet and it didn’t feel rushed. I liked how they learned to meet each other in the middle and how they actually listened to each other.

Emily was fun because she was independent but she also learned to let West. I loved how strong Emily was and how she faced things head on. West was a fun character especially because I had seen him more recently in past books. West wasn’t looking for love but Emily snuck up on him. West had to learn to let Emily in and figure out what life would look like with her.

I adored Escaping with West! I could not recommend it more. I am so beyond excited for the next books. The side characters were just wonderful and it was so cool to see some old friends and get to know new ones. Escaping with West is a closed door contemporary romantic suspense.

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.

Never Fall Again

About the Book:

Title: Never Fall Again
Series: Gossamer Falls #1
Author: Lynn H Blackburn
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: March 12h, 2024
Genre: Christian Suspense Romance

Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven’s guests, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction.

Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family’s business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can’t bear to lose like that again.

Before construction on the house can begin, Landry’s pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger–but because of whom? But, after losing one relationship, he is hesitant to try again.

Book Review:

AHHHH! This book was so exciting and amazing. Never Fall Again is the first book in Lynn H Blackburn’s Gossamer Falls series. I will read anything that Blackburn writes so I was beyond excited to read this one!

Landry and Cal were just the perfect couple together. It is always fun to meet new characters and a new setting. I liked seeing Gossamer Falls and reading about the romance between Landry and Cal.

I really liked Landry. She was relatable and just trying her best. She adored her daughter and wanted to keep her safe. She had been hurt before but she was learning to let others in and trust in God’s plan. Cal was also a sweetheart. He was dealing with his own hurts. I loved reading about Cal with his family, it was so fun!

I adored the characters in this book and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. It was perfect, I didn’t want to put the book down. I wanted to know what was going to happen and how Landry and Cal were going to end up together. I liked the progression of their relationship and how they learned to trust each other first.

The side characters really added to the story, especially the whole Quinn family! Blackburn always writes the most amazing characters. The family aspects of this book were perfect. I also adored Landry’s daughter, Eliza. I am super excited for the next book.

I could not recommend Never Fall Again more! Blackburn is such an amazing writer and this is another winner. The characters, the romance, suspense, and story were lovely. Never Fall Again is a clean Christian romantic suspense.

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.

Rescuing the Rock Star

About the Book:

Title: Rescuing the Rock Star
Series: The Kendall Family #2
Author: Liwen Y Ho
Release Date: Feburary 29th, 2024
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

It’s time for this rock star to settle down …

Fame, fortune, and fans—Jace Kendall has it all. The only thing he lacks is a woman to share his success with. When he decides to stop playing the field, he runs into his first love who left him without a word a decade ago. To his surprise, she mistakes him for his twin brother, an assumption he doesn’t correct for fear that she might disappear again.

If Leah Parker wasn’t so desperate, she wouldn’t have befriended the brother of the man she once had a summer fling with. She’d never wanted to hinder Jace’s future, which is why she stopped contacting him when his career took off. But her daughter’s life-threatening illness forces her to ask the Kendall family for help and reveals the secret she’s been keeping for years.

When the media catches wind of their past, Jace and Leah not only have to deal with the fallout but also with their undeniable chemistry. Can they learn to trust each other enough to plan a future together?

Book Review:

This was so fun and I ended up reading it in one day! Rescuing the Rock Star is the second book in Liwen Y Ho’s series, The Kendall Family. Jace definitely needed his own and I was so excited to see that he was getting his own story.

Jace was a complicated character who was learning to live again and learn from his mistakes. Leah was a lovely character and she really fit Jace. Leah was a little weary but she never stopped loving Jace. I adored their daughter, Ella, she was so sweet. Jace and Leah had to both learn from their mistakes and find their identities in God.

I liked how Jace and Leah had a connection and how they seemed to truly care for each other. It did feel a little fast but I think that it fit the story and the circumstances. Jace and Leah found each other again and they had to learn to navigate what life might look like if they ended up together. It was sweet to read about them interacting with Ella.

I liked how you got to see some old characters, like Devin and Scarlet. The family relationships are some of my favorite parts of this book. There was also a fun little cameo. Ho wove together a lovely story of redemption and romance as Leah and Jace were brought together again.

I really enjoyed this book and the characters! I would totally recommend the book. The secret baby trope can be hard but Ho wrote it wonderfully. Rescuing the Rock Star is a clean contemporary romance

Book Highlights:

Secret daughter

Second chance romance

Celebrity romance

Family themes

Redemption

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.

If the Boot Fits

About the Book:

Title: If the Boot Fits
Series: Texas Ever After #2
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: March 12th, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Determined to prove that cattle king Eli Dearing has no justification for evicting his stepmother and half brothers, Asher Ellis uses the cover of a fancy ball to break into the Three Cedars ranch house to search for proof of wrongdoing. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent, Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting in her honor is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from her unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.

But when Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. And although Asher tries to keep his distance from Samantha for reasons of his own, a series of suspicious accidents befall her, and his protective instincts flare, no matter the cost to their future.

This Western reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale an enchanting story of courage, family, and the power of true love.

Book Review:

This was cute and exciting! I love fairytale retellings and I was so excited to read this new one by Karen Witemeyer. If the Boot Fits is the second book in Karen Witemeyer’s Texas Ever After series. It is inspired by Cinderella and it was so fun to read!

Asher and Samantha were great characters. They were both relatable in different ways and I was able to connect with them. Samantha had a lot to learn as she navigated what it looked like to love others. She had to grow on me a bit but I grew to love her by the end. I really liked her growth throughout the book and how she learned that no one was perfect. Asher was super sweet and I loved how he cared for his family. He had to learn to look past first impressions. Both characters had to learn to trust God and truly love others.

I loved the characters and the small parallels to Cinderella. I was drawn to the story from the beginning and it was such an enjoyable read. I adored the side characters and the way the story was fleshed out. There was so much going on and I wanted to see how everything would work out. The romance was sweet and fit the story. They seemed to fall in love more quickly but it made sense because of the circumstances.

I would definitely recommend If the Boot Fits! It was romantic but it did deal with some heavy topics. I also love the way that faith was woven into the story. If the Boot Fits is a christian historical romance with some hints of mystery/suspense.

Content warnings: death of a parent, infidelity,

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.