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.

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.

More Than a Silly Crush

About the Book:

Title: More Than a Silly Crush
Series: Cowboys of Stargazer Springs Ranch Rom Com Series #4
Author: Remi Carrington
Release Date: April 15th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

I only saw him as my best friend’s little brother . . . until I married him.

Getting pregnant before the wedding wasn’t my plan, but surprise! Then my fiancé (correction, ex-fiancé) tells me to take care of the problem. And that’s how he becomes my ex.

But being a single mom in this small town won’t be easy. Maybe not even possible. I’m a large animal vet. It’s not like I can take my baby to work with me.

Then my best friend’s younger brother drops to one knee and proposes so that I won’t be a single mom.
After hours of pondering, I accept Parker’s impulsive proposal.

Romance has never been part of our relationship, but he treats me better than anyone I’ve ever dated. He’s caring, protective, and more than a little good looking. Way more than I deserve.

But I really didn’t think about the day-to-day of married life. Or what it would be like to see him without a shirt all the time. He’s no longer the scrawny kid who liked to tag along. He’s a full-grown cowboy and quickly becoming my best friend. (Well, my other best friend)

Just when I think maybe a happily-ever-after is possible, tragedy strikes.

Now that there’s nothing to save me from, I have to let him go. But walking away from my knight in shining armor will absolutely shatter my heart.

Book 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.

Bookworm

About the Book:

Title: Bookworm
Author: Cookie O’Gorman
Release Date: April 20th, 2022
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Bookworm (buk-werm): Someone who loves books, reading, and/or studying. For reference, see Charlotte Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Kent likes happy endings. Not that she’s looking for one herself. Awkward, never been kissed, and bookish to the core, Lottie would rather read about love than experience it.

But she enjoys helping others find their HEA in books.

Lottie loves working at the library…even if it means running into Bo Stryker.

Broody, athletic, and unfairly attractive when he frowns, Bo works at the flower shop across the street. Lottie is about to get rejected…when surprisingly, Bo steps in, pretends to be her boyfriend, and steals her first kiss.

One viral video later, everyone thinks they’re together.

Bo wants to keep pretending. Lottie wants to make amends—long story short: she was on a ladder; he startled her; the book slap was an accident.

A fake relationship may be the solution. But as they grow closer, Lottie can’t help falling for Bo—which is a disaster because grumpy sunshine only works in fiction…right?

This book features two opposites with undeniable chemistry, one lovable librarian, so many stolen kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a nerd falls for the grump-next-door?

Book Review:

Charlotte is the definition of a bookworm. She is content with her romance novels and their happy endings. She isn’t looking for love and would rather help others find their HEA IN BOOKS. LOTTIE LOVES WORKING IN THE LIBRARY, even if it means running into Bo Stryker. Broody, athletic, and attractive even when He frowns, Bo works at the flower shop across the street. When Lottie is about to get rejected, Bo steps in, pretends to be her boyfriend, and steals her first kiss. One viral video later, everyone thinks they are actually together. Bo wants to keep pretending. Lottie wants to make amends- short version, she was on a ladder, he startled her and the book slap was on accident. A fake relationship seems like the solution, but as they grow closer, feelings start to grow. But grumpy-sunshine only works in fiction…right?

What a fun story! I have loved all the stories I have read from Ms. o’Gorman and this one is no exception! Lottie was so fun and so relatable! I love how bookish she was and working at a library? Dream job! She was sweet and I enjoyed her interactions with her family. She and her sister Scarlett were hilarious and felt like real sisters to me. Bo was a sweetheart, especially with his family! He was super sweet with Lottie even if he was a bit gruff about it all.

I loved the FAke dating and grumpy-sunshine! It was even more fun having Lottie noticing all the ways her life is looking like a romance novel! I appreciated how practical they were, overall, I mean they were still teenagers! It was also cool to see characters from other books! I loved the little connecting threads! This is a YA romcom with just kissing!

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.

Glass Midnight

About the Book:

Glass Midnight: A Cinderella Retelling (The Cursed Kingdom Chronicles Book 2) by [Kayla Eshbaugh]

Title: Glass Midnight
Series: The Cursed Kingdom Chronicles #2
Author: Kayla EshBaugh
Release Date: April 11th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

Welcome to the ancient land of Terra, where curses run rampant throughout all the kingdoms and where the royalty desperately attempt to break their curses and claim their own happily ever afters.

Princess Gabriella wasn’t cursed at birth like the other royals.
Although not cursed, she feels as if she might as well have been for the threat of the neighboring kingdom of Lune is ever present. This threat of war has forced her into growing up with a unique set of skills. Not only can she amaze with her beauty and grace on the dance floor, but her skill with a blade is unparalleled by any of the knights in her kingdom.

Prince Wesley isn’t sure that he’ll live to see himself crowned king, as his curse prevents him from being king unless someone loves him for himself and not his crown. His uncle, the regent believes if he wears a mask and keeps his identity a secret he can find a maiden to love him for who he truly is. Hidden all his life from everyone his mask hides more than just his face—he fears that no matter who he meets, or gets close to all they will ever see is the mysterious masked prince—not who he truly is underneath it.

Book Review:

The next in The Cursed Kingdom Chronicles is a lovely story inspired by Cinderella. Although Princess Gabriella wasn’t cursed at birth like the other royals, she feels the ever present threat from the neighboring kingdom of Lune. This threat has caused her to grow up with a unique set of skills, beautiful dancing skills along with incredible skill with the blade. Prince Wesley isn’t sure if he will live to see himself crowned king with his curse that requires someone to love him for himself, not his crown. His uncle, the regent, believes that wearing a mask to keep his identity secret will find him a maiden who will love him for who he truly is. However, after hiding his face all his life, he fears that no one will truly see who he is beyond the mysterious masked prince.

I was really excited to read Wes’s story. We met him in the first book, so it was cool to see him again! It did take me a little longer to really get into this book. I had a bit more trouble staying engaged with the story. However, overall I enjoyed it! Wes is really fun and a bit mischievous. But he really cared about his sister and wanted to be a good ruler for his kingdom. His relationship with Odette was adorable and it was so fun to see his friendship with Sir Thomas. I loved the brotherly teasing that they did! The story watches him grow into understanding his position as crown prince more and his ability to help his kingdom.

Ellie was so cool! I loved her devotion to her father and kingdom. She really felt the weight of the responsibility of being the princess. She was swept up into a romance with Wes, which was adorable! Yet throughout it all, she had the big picture in mind. I admired her dedication. She and Wes were also so sweet, they both were able to relax and be themselves with the other.

I enjoyed seeing more into the world of Lune and Solea, as well as seeing more into the lives of other royals. It was fun to see the threads of the fairytale woven through as well. Wes and Ellie had to work to ensure Luna and Solea would have peace and to break Wes’s curse. It was also exciting to see old characters and hints of next books! This is a sweet fairytale-inspired romance, with only some kissing!

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.

Wild about My Fake Fiance

About the Book:

Wild About My Fake Fiancé: A Sweet Friends-To-Lovers Romantic Comedy: Wild About You Series by [Anne William]

Title: Wild About My Fake Fiance
Series: Wild About You #3
Author: Anne Williams
Release Date: April 4th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Pretending to be Isaac’s fake fiancée should be a walk in the park,
Hello, all expense paid trip to Lake Tahoe!

Clearly we both have a lot of secrets,
His is absurd family wealth,
Mine is nine months of a growing waistline.
That’s right, I’m secretly pregnant.
But for now, I just have to help him out and put on a good show.
I was a Broadway actress, this shouldn’t be that hard.
But when it comes to Isaac, how much of this is really acting?
The one thing that’s no secret is that we’ve liked each other for a while now.
I should enjoy this while I can, because it’s temporary. It’s fake.
I’m a party of two, and once he finds out, there is no way he’ll want us.
Will he?

Book Review:

This was such a cute book! This is my first book by Anne William, and I loved it!

Skylar was such a fun character. There were layers to her, and I loved watching her learn to trust Isaac. She had been burned in the past, and she was trying to turn her life around for herself and for her baby. Skylar is pregnant at the beginning of the book, but nothing is shown at all. I loved watching her learn to trust Isaac and also hope for a better future.

Isaac was such a nice guy! He seemed like a flirt, but in reality, he was a total softie. I loved how much he adored Skylar. It was definitely an adorable he falls first book.

This was a fun, short read! I wanted to keep reading, but it wasn’t stressful at all. I love books that make me smile and laugh without making my heart hurt. I would definitely recommend this clean closed door romcom!

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 Heart Worth Stealing

About the Book:

Title: A Heart Worth Stealing
Author: Joanna Barker
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: May 2nd, 2023
Genre:Historical Romance

Miss Genevieve Wilde―a magistrate’s daughter and independent heiress―is determined to meet life’s challenges all on her own, just as her late father had taught her. So when her father’s pocket watch is stolen, she will do anything to get it back, especially when the local authorities prove incompetent.

Upon reading an advertisement in the paper, she takes a chance and contacts a thief-taker to find the watch. It’s a choice Ginny regrets when former Bow Street officer Jack Travers arrives on her doorstep. He is frustratingly flirtatious, irritatingly handsome, and entirely unpredictable, and Ginny wonders if she’ll be able to resist such a man.

But after Ginny discovers that the missing watch is just a small part of a larger, more frightening plot against her, she needs Jack’s help more than ever. To protect her home and her reputation, the two enter into a risky charade―pretending Jack is her cousin so he can begin his investigation, starting with the household staff. As they work together to unravel the mystery, Ginny finds herself falling fast for her charismatic thief-taker, leaving her heart in just as much danger as her life.

Book Review:

This was cute and sweet. I have to admit that this was the first book that I have read by Joanna Barker. However, it was so good! I have heard great things about this book and this author so I was really excited to read it.

Genevieve, Ginny, was a lovely character. I liked her from the beginning and it was interesting to get to know her more. Ginny had to learn to trust Jack and how to live again. Ginny was struggling after her father’s death but Jack had a way of helping her breath and laugh.

Oh, Jack, he was such a charmer. At first I did not know what to think of Jack, but he quickly won my heart. Jack was the perfect fit for Ginny. He was trying hard to prove himself and make amends for past mistakes. I enjoyed getting to know Jack more and seeing who he truly was. He was kind and considerate. Jack had to learn to fight for Ginny.

I loved the chemistry between Jack and Ginny. They were such a fun couple to read about. Their banter was funny and engaging. It was sweet to read about Jack and Ginny falling in love as they tried to find Ginny’s father’s watch. I was rooting for them. Barker wrote their romance so well, that it felt seamless.

The plot was also very interesting. Although it took me a little while to get into the book, I ended up sucked in by the end of it. I love the blend of romance, hints of suspense, and mystery that was woven into this book. I did not know how it was going to end and I really enjoyed reading the story. There were so many twists and turns. The characters were likable and the side characters were wonderful additions.

A Heart Worth Stealing is a wonderful book and I would definitely recommend it! It is a clean historical romance, I would recommend it to those at least 13 years and up.

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.