Bittersweet by Jacquie Underdown

Bittersweet by Jacquie Underdown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really fantastic romance. It's very sweet and sentimental feeling as it really revolves around a family. There is a great deal of emotion in this one. It's not a funny book. It's an emotional and moving story. This is one that definitely made me cry ... ok, it made me sob. But, in a good way - in that way that a beautiful and moving story will tug at your heartstrings. Jacquie Underdown has written such a wonderful book that I highly recommend. It's not a fun or raunchy romance ... it's sweet and lovely. It was such a nice change of pace for me after reading a lot of less emotional romance lately. I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend it.

NOTE: The publisher provided me an ARC copy of this book for an honest review

Infraction by Rachel Van Dyken

Infraction by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this romance and look forward to going back and reading the first book. And I'm eager for the 3rd book to come out since it will wrap up quite a bit that began with this novel. I've been reading a lot of romances with the overprotective brother trope so I was concerned this one would be just another book with that trope. And yet, Rachel Van Dyken really delivered a unique and interesting novel with this one. I thought the storyline was well done and the couple at the center was really well done. It has a little bit of it all - humor, romance, etc. I really enjoyed this couple and all of the characters surrounding them. I really liked the world that was created here and I can't wait to go back to visit!

NOTE: This ARC was provided by the publisher for an honest review.

Bad for You by J. Daniels

Bad for You by J. Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really loved this romance. The hero and heroine were outstanding! This one really excelled at the relationship development - this isn't a relationship that comes quickly or easily. Which makes it all the more satisfying to see where it goes. The hero is broken and complex. The heroine has such a compelling personality and story. The two of them together is just magic. This is a story that is heartwarming and full of hope. It doesn't wrap everything up perfectly as it feels more realistic than that to me. But, it's themes of redemption and healing are so beautifully done that I didn't want to put this book down. It's extremely readable and compelling! I hadn't read the first two books in this series but I don't feel as if I missed anything. I do want to go back and read the first two since this one was so fantastic!

NOTE: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher for an honest review.

Long Shot by Kelly Jamieson

Long Shot by Kelly Jamieson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this series and this one did not disappoint! I've been looking forward to Cade's story and Kelly Jamieson definitely delivered an amazing story! Cade and Reese are a fantastic, multi-faceted couple. They are not in any way perfect. They are complex, struggling people who begin to help heal each other. I love Reece's dog and how that storyline was weaved into the overall story. Quite well written, expertly paced, great character development. It has all the elements of a good romance! This one grabbed me and swept me up. I did not want to put it down and yet I didn't want it to end. I don't think you have to read this series in order but I think you'll get a lot of extra enjoyment if you do! I definitely recommend this one! Happy reading!

This one comes out on February 27th so be sure to make a note to pick it up then!

Note: I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

Don't Go by Alexa Riley

Don’t Go by Alexa Riley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm struggling with this review a bit because I liked this one but I didn't connect with it nearly as much as some other reviewers. I liked the story overall and the characters but the story arc felt very rushed and there were issues with the pacing for me. I haven't read the earlier novels in this series and I felt like perhaps I was missing something by coming in at book 3. Apparently, the hero in this book is the child of the hero/heroine from an earlier book ... which may explain some of what the disconnect was for me. I'm not sure but that was how I felt as I finished. There was an abruptness to the storyline and how things wrap up. And so I didn't love this one quite as much as I'd hoped ... but, after reading reviews by others, I'm wondering if maybe that was partly about coming in without having read the earlier books. And, so, if you've read the For You series and enjoyed it, this may be the book for you! If not, perhaps give those a shot before picking this one up.


NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book for an honest review.

Changes Coming ...

You are going to be seeing a number of changes here on the blog as I try to be a bit more present here and make sure I have a variety of content here for all of you! I tend to focus on reviews but I'd like to give you all MORE! You'll be seeing more variety as well as more frequent posts!

I don't know about you but I love quotes ... especially quotes about my favorite thing ... BOOKS! So, let's get this new phase of the blog started with one of my favorite quotes by Anne Lamott. Please comment and let me know if there are specific things you'd like to see me do here on the blog! I'm excited to see where this can go!