Books Just Like That by Lena Hendrix Book Review 8:52 PM Just Like That by Lena Hendrix Book Review Just Like That is the fourth installment in Lena Hendrix’s King Family series, and I can’t wait to share my book review! Just Like That Book SummaryJP King is the last person Hazel Adams should be involved with. He’s her sister’s stubborn ex. Completely off-limits. Convincing JP King to give up custody of a son he never knew existed should be easy, but nothing about him is simple. Their playful banter reveals unexpected chemistry. Despite his cold demeanor, a hidden softness emerges when he looks at her nephew.Forced to co-parent, their relationship shifts to one filled with whispered conversations and lingering glances. The more they clash, the deeper their connection grows, challenging everything they thought they knew about each other. But just when they start to understand their feelings, life throws a curveball that changes everything.TropesBillionaire RomanceSmall town romanceOpposites attract He’s controlled and polishedShe’s wild and unpredictableGrumpy vs SunshineSingle guardianAge gap (he’s 32, she’s 25)Witty banterFound familyCharactersHazel Adams a.k.a Hex“𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑟, 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒 - 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑦𝑝𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑙.”“𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐, 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑦 𝑜𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟. 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑎𝑦 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡’𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑔𝑖𝑓𝑡 𝑖𝑠. 𝑊𝑒’𝑟𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑦 𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑤.”John Pierce “JP” King“𝑀𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑖𝑔𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑠ℎ*𝑡 𝑜𝑢𝑡. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑛 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝐼 𝑒𝑥ℎ𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑.”“𝐽𝑃 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑝𝑢𝑧𝑧𝑙𝑒 𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑐𝑖𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑎 𝑘𝑒𝑦.”Theodore “Teddy” Adams“𝑇𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 - 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑦-𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟-𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑑’𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦.”Just Like That by Lena Hendrix Book Review Did I say book review for Just Like That? Because this is more than a review. This is my formal apology to JP King. Dear Mr King,I owe you a heartfelt apology. I judged you too quickly. I disliked you from the start. I doubted you and thought you were just your father’s extension—groomed to carry out his dirty work, even at the expense of your siblings. I couldn’t be more wrong.I didn’t see the weight you carried, the impossible position you were put in, or how much you sacrificed.To quote Hazel: “I stared at his face, wondering how I could have ever thought he was a callous bastard.” You weren’t just “the tough and logical one” cleaning up the family’s messes. You were the rock. The glue. The unsung hero of the family. Allow me to hug little JP when his first love was taken away. To comfort that five-year-old boy who woke up one day to find his mother gone, left to feel abandoned and unworthy of love. To hold the man who learned the tragic truth about his mother after years of unanswered questions and displaced anger.To assure the one King brother, who often felt like an interloper in his own family. JP King, you deserve a standing ovation, a trophy, and a lifetime of love and empathy. You deserve the loyalty of your siblings and the reverence of the townspeople for all you endured under your father’s cruel dictatorship. And I thought I couldn’t hate Russell King more. Ugh. 😤 When I thought no one could dethrone Abel King as my favorite King (Sorry, Abel!). Just like that, JP King came rolling in. With his expensive car, luxurious house, tailored suit, and fancy Amalfi Coast yacht dates. He’s cold and distant with a permanent scowl. But then you get to know the real him. Suddenly, all you want to do is wrap him in a hug and comfort the lonely, grief-stricken boy inside. The one who grew up to shoulder the weight of keeping the King’s legacy afloat and thriving, putting aside his own happiness. JP King deserves his title, not just for his name but because he truly rules. The King Enterprise. Outtatowner. Hazel and Teddy’s lives. And the hearts of us readers privileged enough to witness this beautifully broken family’s story. To Mr. JP King: the King who would willingly fall off his tower to save the people he loves. 🥂 Long live the King.TenorJust Like That Book Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 Oh, right, here is my review and rating. A perfect 5 stars, obviously. Just Like That made me cry, laugh, swoon, seethe, sigh in relief, and celebrate. A story that can play with your emotions like this is a winner in my book.Another delicious, unexpected love story with a plot twist I didn't see coming. And can I just say I’m generally a “bless those who hurt you” kind of person, but Russel King made me want to hurt him? Lol! Ah, well. That’s effective story-telling.I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Lena Hendrix is a genius.That Delicious Opposites Attract Vibe“𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑠ℎ*𝑡𝑡𝑦 𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠. 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑓𝑡 𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑠. 𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑔𝑢𝑟𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑜𝑢𝑡, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑒.” “𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔, 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.”“𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝑎𝑧𝑒𝑙 𝐴𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑠, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑒𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑.”The Sexy Swoony Scenes“𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑘𝑖𝑠𝑠 𝑚𝑦 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑡 𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑑. 𝑅𝑎𝑤.”“𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝐼’𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑦𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛. 𝐼’𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑤, 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝐻𝑎𝑧𝑒𝑙, 𝑖𝑡 𝑛𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒.”“𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑜𝑎𝑘 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑓 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑟. 𝐼 𝑠𝑢𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒.”Heartwarming Moments“𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝐼 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑔𝑜 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦.”“𝐺𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑡. 𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒. 𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑖𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑔𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑛𝑜...𝑖𝑡 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑦 𝑔𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦.”Read Just Like ThatJust Like That’s publish date is on January 20, 2025. Pre-order now on Amazon. I received an advanced reader copy of this book, but this review is entirely my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation. I review to support indie authors and well...because I love romance novels!Side note: I’m a Christian and don’t believe in seances or witchy stuff (though I’m a huge Harry Potter fan—go figure). That said, the mention of these elements didn’t take away from the fact that the story was incredibly well-written. Hey, book lovers! You can find me on Goodreads, Instagram, and Pinterest. If you give me a follow, drop me a message so I can return the favor. Let’s create a cozy corner for chapter chasers and share our passion for literature. (No following to unfollow, please!)This post contains affiliate links, so we’d get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Books Wild for You by Kristen Proby Book Review 1:11 PM Wild for You by Kristen Proby Book Review I’ve found my next small-town romance obsession! Wild for You kicks off Kristen Proby’s Montana-set The Wilds of Montana series with cowboys, charm, and the kind of love story that makes me sigh and swoon. Here's my Wild for You honest book review.Wild for You Book SummaryRemington Wild has a ranch to run, two adorable kids to raise, and zero time for distractions—until Erin Montgomery walks into his life. She’s sweet and sunny and just needs the help he needs to wrangle his chaos. Not to mention, she’s also the gorgeous barista he’s been secretly crushing on for months.Erin came to Bitterroot Valley to escape big-city life and find her happy place. She didn’t expect her new nanny gig to bring her face-to-face with the town’s hottest cowboy and his endearing kids. She knows mixing business with pleasure is a no-go, but resisting the gruff rancher’s charms is easier said than done.As secrets from the past threaten their new love and his kids’ safety, they’ll need more than chemistry to hold on to their happily ever after.TropesSingle Dad x NannyBest friend’s brotherAge gapGrumpy x SunshineCowboy RomanceSmall-townA dash of suspense (stalker)CharactersRemington WildSingle dad with two adorable kids.Grumpy, brooding rancher who underneath has a soft soul.Juggling running Wild River Ranch while being a total dad icon.“𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟, 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐼’𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑘𝑖𝑑𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦’𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑝𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑎𝑑, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡’𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒.”Erin MontgomeryA trust fund baby determined to make it on her own terms.Hardworking, funny, humble, and resilient.Her sunny personality and business savviness are the perfect addition to the Wild clan.𝐸𝑟𝑖𝑛 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑔𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑘-𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐, 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑔𝑜 𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠ℎ𝑒’𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔.Book Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶 🌶 Wild for You by Kristen Proby Book ReviewWild for You is a fun, flirty, full of love, and a feel-good read with a little bit of suspense. It made me want to pack my bags and move to Montana—preferably Wild River Ranch. It's the perfect start to a series I know will get me binge-reading.What I LikeThe Wilds of MontanaThe Wild family is adorable, with tight-knit bonds, plenty of heart, and humor.Let’s talk about the Wild Brothers:Sexy? Check.Protective? Definitely.Successful? Absolutely.IntriguingI like a small-town romance with family rivals. It makes me want to dig into the town's history, where they started the feud, what happened, and where it’s going. Especially if there’s a brewing chemistry between two people from the rival family. I am so excited to read Milli Wild’s story!Small-town VibeScenic ranch life. It makes me think of Yellowstone the way they describe it. Helpful, supportive, kind residents.“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝐵𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑦,” 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑘. “𝑊𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒.”Perfect pacing and Feel-goodThis story flows effortlessly with:Sweet, easy pacing.Just the right amount of steam.A touch of mystery that, while predictable, still delivered.I love Erin’s friendship with Millie.Swoony Do I recommend it? Faster than you can say, “Yeehaw!”Read Wild for YouGrab Wild for You by Kristen Proby if you’re craving an easy escapist read with a big heart and chemistry. It’s perfect for fans of small-town romance, cowboys, and stories that leave you feeling good long after you finish reading it. Free with Kindle Unlimited.Hey, book lovers! You can find me on Goodreads, Instagram, and Pinterest. If you give me a follow, drop me a message so I can return the favor. Let’s create a cozy corner for chapter chasers and share our passion for literature. (No following to unfollow, please!)This post contains affiliate links, so we’d get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Books Book Review: All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles 3:16 PM All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles Book Review All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles proves once again why she’s a master at blending heart-pounding suspense with swoony romance. This story has everything romance readers crave: a gripping crime mystery, electric chemistry between the leads, and witty banter exchanged in a charming small-town setting. I can't get enough of this book, and I'm already looking forward to the rest of the series. This is my book review after receiving an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this gem.All the Missing Pieces SummaryWhen true-crime podcast star Ridley rolls into Shady Cove to cover a cold case, town sheriff Colt’s protective instincts kick into overdrive. He sees her as a threat to his town’s peace, but her relentless passion and haunting blue eyes are impossible to ignore. Ridley’s not just stirring up old secrets. She’s stirring something in him that was not part of the plan.With danger lurking closer than either of them realizes, Ridley and Colt are forced to team up. What starts as a reluctant partnership soon turns into something much more intimate. But as the stakes rise, their growing connection may not be enough to keep them safe.The CharactersColter “Colt” Brooks, a.k.a. Law ManShady Cove’s grumpy sheriff. Beneath his gruff, broody exterior is a loyal friend and a devoted and protective brother, haunted by the shadows of his past. Weakness: sunshiny, unstoppable podcaster with a quick tongue that keeps him on his toes.Ridley Sawyer Bennett a.k.a ChaosA fearless and determined true crime podcaster with a past as dark as the mysteries she investigates. Ridley refuses to let her own pain define her. Instead, she transforms her pain into purpose, fighting to bring closure to tragedy-filled families like hers.TropesDislike to loversGrumpy vs SunshineCrime mysterySmalltown romanceForced proximityFound familyHealingSpicy All the Missing Pieces Book ReviewRating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 🌶 🌶 🌶 All the Missing Pieces is an unputdownable blend of spicy romance, pulse-pounding suspense, and heartfelt healing with emotional depth.What I LikeThe suspenseCatherine Cowles keeps you on edge, challenging your inner detective with twists and turns that make the mystery engrossing until the end. A love that casts out fears and healsColt and Ridley’s love story is a moving tale of two people who have been scarred by life but find solace and strength in one another. Both have endured immense pain. Colt, burdened by guilt and the weight of his past, and Ridley, haunted by the loss of her twin sister. Yet, instead of letting their fears drown them, they support each other, providing the lifelines the other needs.The other steps in whenever one falters, offering unwavering support and comfort. Their bond is a testament to the power of love: a love that doesn’t erase the darkness but makes it bearable, a love that says, “You don’t have to face this alone.” 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒖𝒔, 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒖𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚'𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔. The small-town charmFrom the stunning views to the quirky side characters, Shady Cove feels like its own character. I would love to move into Colt's breathtaking lake house. Eat at the town's coffee shop and get the latest gossip from Tyler at the bar.Perfect pacingIt seamlessly balances action and downtime, ensuring every scene drives the story forward without dragging or rushing. This page-turner maintains tension and interest throughout.QuoteVerdictIf you’re ready for an emotional ride, this one’s for you. Don’t forget to check the trigger warnings!Read All the Missing PiecesAll the Missing Pieces (Shady Cove Book 1) publish date is January 7, 2025. Pre-order it on Amazon. Happy reading!Note: I received an advanced reader copy of this book, but this review is entirely my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation. I review to support indie authors and because I love romance novels.Hey, book lovers! You can find me on Goodreads, Instagram, and Pinterest. If you give me a follow, drop me a message so I can return the favor. Let’s create a cozy corner for chapter chasers and share our passion for literature. (No following to unfollow, please!)This post contains affiliate links, so we’d get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Books Book Review: Born of Ice by Daisy Thorn 10:50 PM Book Review: Born of Ice by Daisy Thorn We are stronger together, Exton. We are made of one. We are born of the same ice.Born of Ice by Daisy Thorn might just be her most electrifying love story yet. I’m so used to her sunny romcoms that have me snorting with laughter and shaking my head at the ridiculous, over-the-top devotion of her love-struck heroes. But this book? It’s different. It’s darker than her previous works, not because it lacks heart, but because it dives into pain, loss, and the raw, messy journey of healing and rediscovery. And yet, I love this book just the same (maybe even more). Needless to say, I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy and share my Born of Ice book review with you.Born of Ice Summary⛸️ For Electra Monroe, life was golden—an Olympic figure skating dream within reach and a love story set to last a lifetime—until a single moment shattered everything. Now confined to a wheelchair, she’s bitter, broken, and hiding from the world in a cabin by the frozen lake. 🏒 Enter Exton “Axe” Quinn, one of the best defensemen in the league, a gruff hockey player with a bruised soul and a forced time-out from his career. Axe has no patience for coddling and even less for Electra’s sharp tongue. Despite their rocky start, their clash of personalities slowly turns into a powerful bond. Together, they confront their demons, rediscover their strengths, and ignite a passionate romance that burns so intensely, it's impossible to extinguish.Exton on Electra:𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑟𝑦 𝑒𝑙𝑓. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒’𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒.Electra on Exton:𝐻𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑚𝑦 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠, 𝑚𝑦 𝑖𝑐𝑒, 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑐 𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑟. 𝐻𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑘 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑠.TropesHockey/figure skaterDislike to loversSlow burnTrauma/healingOne bedForced proximityDisabilityHe falls firstGrumpy meet grumpierCommunication without wordsSmall town/Big cityHe gets a tattoo for herCouple pictures from PinterestBook Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 Born of Ice Book ReviewBorn of Ice is Daisy Thorn's hottest and emotionally charged tale of resilience, redemption, and love, that had me reaching for a fan and a cold drink. For a book about people who live and breathe ice, Electra and Axe just blaze and burn with a passion that could melt glaciers. And you won’t hear me complaining.Intense ExchangesFrom the get-go, their dynamic is explosive. Axe walks - no, he literally barges - into Electra’s life with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, calling her a “cripple” (yes, you read that right) and bossing her around like he owns the place. Let me tell you, I was livid. This wasn’t the charming, grumpy-but-hot male lead I’m used to swooning over. Axe was just… mean. But I trust Daisy, having read her previous works. And she delivered.Ultimately, Axe turns out to be one of the few people who really believes in, cares about, and protects Electra. Someone reliable and supportive. 𝐼 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑡. 𝐼 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑. 𝐼 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑐𝑒. Engrossing & Straight to the HeartWhat follows is a slow, raw unraveling of two people who are as broken as they are stubborn. Thorn does what she does best: she peels back the tough, icy exteriors to reveal the messy, vulnerable humanity underneath.Electra’s pain and bitterness felt so real I wanted to reach into the pages and hug her. The frustration of losing everything you’ve worked for, the helplessness of being treated like you’re worthless—it’s gut-wrenching.But Axe, infuriating as he is, becomes the force she desperately needs. He doesn’t coddle her or offer empty platitudes. Instead, he challenges, pushes, and sees her like no one else.Swoony“𝐼’𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢.”I adored their raw, vulnerable moments.Not in a pity party or a “let’s be toxic together” way. But in a “seeing the beauty and strength in each other’s brokenness and lending that strength in return” kind of way. Allowing each other to feel the pain they buried deep so they can bring it to light and face it head-on.𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒, 𝑠𝑜 𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑦. 𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑙 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑜 𝑖𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑝 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦. 𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑡ℎ 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑠 𝑚𝑦 𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦. 𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟. 𝑀𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑛, ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒’𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒.Their journey together isn’t about fixing each other but helping one another heal and rediscover their fire. Axe is battling his own demons—his fractured relationship with his father and the weight of his past—and Electra becomes the light that helps him face them.𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙𝑠 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠. 𝑂𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑚𝑒 𝑢𝑝 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟-𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑎𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑡𝑜𝑒𝑠.For all his gruffness, Axe becomes Electra’s unyielding force to fight back against her despair. He sees her as more than her accident, more than her lost dreams, and never gives up on her—even when she’s given up on herself. He pushes her, challenges her, and refuses to let her wallow in her pain, not out of cruelty but out of belief in her strength.𝐼 𝑚𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡’𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑎 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑠, 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑛, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝐼 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑡.When they first met, both were in a dark place, each “crippled” by the burdens they carried. But their togetherness became the beacon of light they needed—and deserved—to find their way again.𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛’𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑖𝑓 𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑢𝑑. 𝑊ℎ𝑦? 𝐵𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑡. 𝑊ℎ𝑦? 𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑖𝑡 𝑦𝑒𝑡.Sizzling HotHOLY. HOTNESS. Despite the icy setting, a snowy town, a frozen lake, and characters constantly on the ice, this book burns hotter than the tropics. Thorn doesn’t hold back, and when the slow burn finally catches fire? Whew. “𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑢𝑟 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒, 𝐸𝑥𝑡𝑜𝑛. 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡?”“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑢𝑟 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒.”“𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑑𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟𝑠.”“𝑆𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝐼’𝑚 𝑎 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑒.” “𝑀𝑚-ℎ𝑚𝑚.” “𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼 𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒.”Electrifying!And that scene on the ice. The pivotal moment that changed everything. Those two little words (don’t worry, no spoilers here) sent shivers down my spine. Goosebumps! I’m talking full-body, heart-pounding, oh-my-God-what’s-happening vibes. I was gasping, holding my breath, and practically praying alongside Electra. The intensity of it all left me stunned. Dumbfounded, exhilarated, and absolutely panicking all at once. It was explosive, unforgettable, and packed with so much emotion. How do you even explain that kind of magic?Daisy Thorn. The storyteller that you are.More than Just a Heart-throbbing RomanceBorn of Ice is raw, fiery, and deeply emotional. Electra and Axe’s story isn’t just about finding love in a hopeless place (yes, that’s a Rihanna song). It’s about fighting for yourself and each other, even when the odds seem impossible. It’s about reigniting that burning flame inside you, even when it feels like it’s been buried under layers of snow for too long. 𝑆ℎ𝑒’𝑙𝑙 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑘, 𝐼’𝑚 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑠𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑘𝑒. 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑦𝑒𝑡 𝑎 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑡. 𝑆𝑜 𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑎𝑓𝑎𝑟, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑦, 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑦, 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑜𝑢𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑎𝑙𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑒. 𝐿𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑝𝑜𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠ℎ*𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑟.It’s about accepting the uncontrollable events that have shaped your life and finding the strength to move forward. It’s about forgiveness, not just for those who’ve hurt you, but for yourself. It’s about breaking free from the lies that tell you you’re not worthy or incapable, the lies that keep you trapped in your own metaphorical wheelchair.This journey is as much about love as personal redemption and resilience.VerdictI highly recommend it to anyone who loves heartfelt, emotional love stories with a generous side of heat.Favorite Quotes“𝐷𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑒. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑎 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠.” (I mean, I've never related to a book character more. Lol!)“𝐵𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑠, 𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑. 𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟. 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠, 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢.” “𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒?”“𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑔𝑜 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑒.”Read Born of Ice by Daisy ThornBorn of Ice is out now! Grab your copy on Amazon. Available on Kindle (FREE with Kindle Unlimited) and in paperback. Happy reading!Note: I received an advanced reader copy of this book, but this review is entirely my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation. I review to support indie authors.Hey, book lovers! You can find me on Goodreads, Instagram, and Pinterest. If you give me a follow, drop me a message so I can return the favor. Let's create a cozy corner for chapter chasers and share our passion for literature. (No following to unfollow, please!)This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Books Book Review: Finding Hayes by Laura Pavlov 3:52 PM Finding Hayes is fun, heart-tugging, steamy 🥵, and charming. It is a beautiful finale to one of my beloved small-town romance series, Magnolia Falls. I was on cloud 9 when I received this book's ARC (advanced reader copy). Here's my book review of Finding Hayes by Laura Pavlov.Finding Hayes SummaryHayes and Savannah were inseparable as kids. But a decade ago, she skipped town without a word, leaving him heartbroken and adrift. Now, she's back, and their complicated history is reignited. A fake marriage, a fragile truce, and many unresolved feelings. Can they rekindle their lost connection, or will the past forever haunt their future?TropesBest friends to strangers to fake spouses to loversMarriage of convenienceSmall townGrumpy Firefighter x Sunshiny Interior Designer"It's always been you" vibeFinding Hayes Book ReviewRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 🌶 🌶 🌶 Finding Hayes is a well-written and engaging story exploring friendship, love, and redemption themes. The characters are relatable and endearing, and the story is filled with heartwarming moments. I was so excited for Hayes' story because he's the adorable grump I've loved since the first book of the Magnolia Falls series. Top right image: PinterestHayes WoodsonSigh. I mean, come on. This firefighter hero is everything you could ever want in a man. Watching him unravel around his childhood best friend, Savannah, is so fun and swoony. He may seem tough and gruff, but he's a softie to those closest to him.He's the ultimate protector, always putting others before himself. He's a natural-born dad, even if he doesn't quite realize it yet. And honestly, can you blame him for having walls up? After everything he went through as a kid, it's a miracle he can love. But boy, when Hayes Woodson loves, he loves wholeheartedly. This man gave up his dreams just to protect his sister. And how he is with his godson, little Cutler. Total dad material.Plus, they don't call him Rambo for nothing. He saved that little girl in the fire and walked out looking like that movie protagonist. He's the firefighter every town needs."A man who would do anything to protect his sister because he loves her so fiercely. A man who would walk through fire for his friends. A man who takes his responsibility as a godfather to Cutler very seriously, hence the endless supply of chocolate milk in the refrigerator. A man who was willing to marry a woman he hadn't seen in over a decade because she needed him." - Savannah describing HayesTenorSavannah "Shortcake" AbbotI love her resilience. This girl is Hayes's perfect match; their dynamic is just fun to witness. My heart broke for her, thinking her best friend abandoned her when she needed him most. But there was so much more to the story. I'm glad they cleared the air out. "She was always a bright light, even when sht was raining down on her.""Some people were glass-half-full people. Othes half empty. Savannah Abbot's glass had always been overflowing." - Hayes describing SavannahTenorPrecious FriendshipImagine not speaking to your best friend for a decade, both of you having issues with each other because of miscommunication, and then finding each other and getting married. What?! But the solid foundation they've had, like peas and carrots, two souls who had to weather their storms of pain and humiliation won. Those letters Hayes wrote during their time apart? STOP IT. My heart wasn't ready. The raw emotion, the longing - made me tear up."You were a part of me in a way that I can't even explain. I would do anything for you, but I also trusted that you would do anything for me."Ride or D!e CrewOh, it is a delight to see these beautiful hunks of men reduced to a puddle for Cutler and their women. Their group chat is as hilarious as ever. They are a beautiful found family.RedemptionI love how Laura took me on the journey, not just of Hayes and Savannah finding each other again but also of Hayes finding his true self and purpose. And Savannah finds her home in a town she once abandoned. I love how, despite the pain they went through hurting each other unintentionally, they're still there for each other when push comes to shove."He's my parner in crime till the end of time, and he's my friend but that doesn't rhyme. Even when I'm lost and in a daze, I can always find my Hayes." - Savannah's poem for HayesPeas and CarrotsI love how Savannah brought color and life into Hayes's gray world. He just thought he was content with his life—a good and heroic job, loyal friends, and his wonderful sister—but Savannah showed him what he's been missing and that a selfless person deserves more."Savannah Woodson had a gift for bringing everyone around her to life."Small-town CharmI love the beautiful town of Magnolia Falls, the heartwarming friendships not just with the RoD guys but also with their women, Beefcake charming everyone as always, and the cute family pets. It doesn't hurt that Magnolia Falls offers a stunning view.Minor GripeI wouldn't have minded seeing Hayes's scheming ex get more comeuppance for causing that damage in their friendship. But watching Hayes and Savannah get their happily ever after? That could be the best revenge.VerdictFinding Hayes is the perfect cherry on top of this fantastic series. It's got all the feels, all the swoons, and every reason to fall head over heels for Magnolia Falls one more time. This romance will have you believing in second chances and the beauty of coming home to your person. Laura Pavlov has done it again. Can't wait to see where Laura will take us next!Favorite Quotes"It had been the girl next door who had my heart all along.""You came back to town like a blazing wildfire and brought me back to life. Setting my world on fire. And I know without question that we belong together."What are you reading next?Please add Finding Hayes (Magnolia Falls 5) by Laura Pavlov to your reading list. It's now available on Kindle Unlimited, audiobook, and paperback.Hey, book lovers! You can find me on Goodreads, Instagram, and Pinterest. If you give me a follow, drop me a message so I can return the favor. Let's create a cozy corner for chapter chasers and share our passion for literature. (No following to unfollow, please! 😒)
Books Book Review: Just Between Us By Lena Hendrix 11:53 AM I was over the moon when I received Just Between Us ARC (advanced reader copy). This third installment in The Kings series is a heartwarming small-town romance that beautifully showcases the magic of opposites attracting. It was one of my most anticipated reads of the month and didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to share my book review of Just Between Us by Lena Hendrix with you.Just Between Us SummaryRoyal King: Creative artist and owner of Outtatowner’s King Tattoo. “Educational” content creator.“Royal was nothing like any man I’ve ever experienced. He was charming and kind. Sexy and mysterious. He was dangerous.”Veda Bauer: Smart and competent business manager. “When I’d first seen Veda, she was hell on wheels - her take-no-sh!t attitude was on full display, and she oozed masculine energy. With me, she was soft and pliant.”Blurb“For so long I had spent every waking second too caught up in the moment to take stock of my surroundings, and now I was tangled with a woman who only played by the rules.”Royal King is a charismatic and troublemaking playboy, and Veda Bauer is the woman cleaning up his family's mess.Despite their initial animosity, a clandestine connection develops as they exchange anonymous messages. Their playful banter escalates into a hidden romance, challenging their personal boundaries and forcing them to confront their covert desires.TropesSmall townSecret relationshipSpicy lessonsOpposites attract: black cat/golden retriever energyMysteryFun bantersHEA (happily ever after)Just Between Us Book ReviewJust Between Us is a dream come true for my black cat FMC (female main character) x golden retriever MMC fantasies. It’s hot, sweet, and utterly charming. It’s got humor, heart, and enough steam to fog up your e-reader. If you love seeing opposites fall like leaves to gravity (with a side of mystery to keep readers on their toes), this book is your next must-read.Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶🌶🌶🌶What I LikeRoyal King. Let’s talk about this guy for a hot minute. He makes me think about the lyrics, “I scratch your head, you fall asleep like a tattooed golden retriever.” Easygoing, mischievous, and always ready with a quip in any situation. Often described as scary, imposing, or menacing. But don’t let that fool you. Underneath those sexy tattoos are layers that make you want to hold that little boy before the hometown knows him as the Royal King. “You’re fun and optimistic and kind and sensitive. Big golden retriever energy.”Veda Bauer is a powerhouse. I love a woman who stands up for what’s right, even if that means losing a job. I can relate to how she always wants to be in control. I know it could be tiring. Sometimes, even the most independent individuals need a supportive partner to lean on, often without realizing it.“That woman looks like she would crush your balls and smile about it.”“You cross a black cat and you’re bound to get scratched.”Their chemistry? Off the charts! Love the banters and steam.Safe space. I love how Royal helps Veda loosen up and let go of control without changing her outside of that. Royal’s patience and care for her needs (in and out of the bedroom, if you know what I mean 😉) are just... *chef’s kiss*. “I will stand beside every version of you. You can frown all you want to.”Veda also does the same for him. She helps him face his demons and holds him when he needs to be vulnerable. It’s not just steamy scenes (though, holy cow, Royal King! 🥵). It’s the way they become each other’s rock. Veda holding Royal as he faces his past is good stuff. That’s what partnership is about.“We take care of each other.”Allison AldrigeThe Bluebird Book Club. Where can I find a book club like this? These ladies rally behind each other despite their differences, no questions asked. MJ King is the bestie every awkward new girl needs. This sweet girl deserves the world. (I wonder who will capture her heart).Sullivans and Kings. It’s adorable and funny how similar they are. Especially Lee and Royal. I can’t believe they used to feud. It feels like only yesterday when I read about how they prank and get at under each other’s skin in the Sullivans series. My, how far we’ve come. Suspense. All those burning questions from the Kings and Sullivans series I have have finally been answered! It might not be what I hoped for, but at least my curious mind can now rest. I love how the whole town cooperated to shake the villain Russel King.Lena Hendrix, you sneaky genius, leaving us with that cliffhanger for JP’s story! I’m already counting down the days.VerdictI wholeheartedly recommend this book. While you can technically read it as a standalone, I highly suggest checking out the previous books in The Kings series for a deeper understanding of the mystery. And if you’re up for it, start with the Sullivans series. It’s all interconnected, and the intrigue actually begins there. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on any of the excitement.Favorite QuotesWhat are you reading next?Just Between Us by Lena Hendrix will be released on October 15, 2024, and is now available for pre-order on Amazon.Hey, book lovers! Check out my top book recommendations listed by tropes here. You can find me on Goodreads, Instagram, and Pinterest. If you give me a follow, drop me a message so I can return the favor. Let’s create a cozy corner for chapter chasers and share our passion for literature. (No following to unfollow, please! 😒)
Books Book Review: Temptation Trails By Claire Kingsley 12:30 PM Temptation Trails By Claire Kingsley Book Review I was so pumped to get an ARC (advance reader copy) of Claire Kingsley’s Temptation Trails. As a fan of her work (I read ALL her books!), I dove in with high hopes. Let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. This latest addition to Kingsley’s masterpieces delivers everything I expect in a romantic suspense novel. From page one, I was hooked. If you’re looking for a page-turner, my Temptation Trails book review might pique your interest.Temptation Trails Book Summary🍪 Harper Tilburn: Superstitious town baker“Her eyes were a mesmerizing green. But it was her smile that almost knocked me over. Big, bright, beautiful. She was gorgeous. I blinked. What was I doing there?” - Garrett describing Harper🚨 Garrett Haven: Single dad, sheriff’s deputy“He was such a heady combination of handsome, intimidating, and drop-dead sexy. The kind of man who made you contemplate breaking the law just so he could arrest you.” - Harper describing GarrettBlurbRule follower and town hero Garrett Haven has no time for romance. Harper Tilburn, new to Tilikum, swears off dating until her bad luck streak ends. But when they meet, sparks fly.As Garrett pursues Harper, a cold case he’s investigating heats up. Now, he fears Harper might be the next target.With lives at stake, Garrett must protect those he loves and catch the culprit before it’s too late.TropesSweet Baker meets protective LawmanSwoon-worthy romanceSuspense Heartwarming found familyLovable teenage sonGuaranteed HEA (happily ever after)Temptation Trails Book ReviewRating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶🌶🌶Temptation Trails is a gripping romantic suspense. It made me exercise my detective skills and inquisitive mind while I was swept away by a swoon-worthy romance that raced my heart. It’s another Claire Kingsley hit—small-town suspense romance at its finest.Upper center and lower left pic from PinterestWhat I likeGarrett Haven. The kind of law enforcement officer you’d like to have in your town, the imperfect father who loves unconditionally, and the lover you dream of having. Perfect pacing. Never boring, never rushed.Sizzling chemistry. Garrett’s flustered moments around Harper are gold. There’s instant attraction. You’ll feel that magnetic pull when they’re around each other.Owen’s character arc. From problematic teen to the young man Garrett Haven raised: protective, brave, selfless, and just plain adorable.Tilikum. Reading another book set in one of my favorite fictional towns is like coming home. They may be quirky, but the residents always show up when needed.Strong female friendship. I love women supporting women.Minor Quibbles:I’m not superstitious, so I couldn’t relate to bad luck ruling her life whenever Harper mentions it.VerdictWill recommend it faster than another Tilikum squirrel could steal a cookie.Cannonball ReadFavorite ScenesThe pizza boxHeartwarming, wholesome moments between Harper and OwenFavorite Quotes“When I’m with you, I feel whole in a way I’ve never felt before. I can’t explain it. Maybe it’s crazy and maybe it’s too fast, but I don’t care. I love you.”“My dreams were coming true, even the ones I’d been too afraid to dream. I couldn’t have imagined a better happy ending to our story. And really, we were just beginning.”What are you reading next?Please add Temptation Trails by Claire Kingsley (The Haven Brothers Book 3) to your reading list. It’s now available on Kindle Unlimited, audiobook, and paperback.Hey, book lovers! You can find me on Goodreads, Instagram, and Pinterest. If you give me a follow, drop me a message so I can return the favor. Let’s create a cozy corner for chapter chasers and share our passion for literature. (No following to unfollow, please! 😒)
%20by%20Laura%20Pavlov.jpg "Book Review Finding Hayes (Magnolia Falls 5) by Laura Pavlov")
