Book reviews from the week of October 18th

 

Some weeks a gal just need to read some shorter books.  This week I read three novellas, a historical romance, and was introduced to Erin Hawkins in her debut novel ,"Best Laid Plans."

New Author Spotlight:

About Erin Hawkins

Best Laid Plans is Erin Hawkins's debut novel. She lives in Colorado with her husband and three young children. She enjoys reading, running, spending time in the mountains, and watching reality TV.

Follow her on Instagram @authorerinhawkins

Best Laid Plans by Erin Hawkins #OneNightStand #RomanticComedy 4.5 stars This is an excellent debut romance by this author. It is written in first person from a dual POV. It is well-edited, has good pacing, and a heart warming story line while packing in plenty of heat. I found this book in a roundabout way, but I am not disappointed in the least. I love Brooke's relationship with her identical twin Ellie. I love that they lean on each other, and that Ellie's husband Josh is a good guy. As secondary characters, Ellie and Josh have a sweet and supportive relationship that models the way a good relationship can be to Brooke. I felt like I understood Brooke and why she chose to avoid relationships and be very opposite of her pragmatic twin. I totally loved Cole. Up until now he has been focused on building his career and he is finally able to pursue his dream of love and family. He also has a sister in a happy marriage, which is wonderful to read. I love how free spirited Brooke is when she meets Cole, and I understood her reservations and even fear about the big feelings she had for him from the beginning. The chemistry between Brooke and Cole is combustible, and I really enjoyed reading their hot times and their sweet times together. I love the heart the author puts into the story. I really enjoyed not knowing how the story was going to play out- it kept me guessing on the details. I love the way Cole falls in love with Brooke unconditionally. I love the growth Brooke experiences as a result of her feelings for Cole and her devotion to her sister. I adored the fabulous happy ending. I will definitely be reading more by this author. I definitely recommend this book to others. The Governess Game (Girl Meets Duke #2) by Tessa Dare #HistoricalRomance #SingleDadRomance 5 STARS This is book 2 in the Girl Meets Duke series but it can be read as a standalone. It is written in third person from a dual POV. I absolutely loved how strong, resilient, and determined Alexandra's character is. Chase, on the other hand, had to grow on me a bit. The author did a good leading me to the place where I understood Chase, his fears, and his self-doubt. I loved that Alex had so much belief in him and could see past the act he was putting forward. The girls, Rosamond and Daisy were a real treat. Their shenanigans brought me many laughs. I loved how Chase went along with all of their drama. I adored how Alex finds a way to reach the girls, and her understanding of their need of love and security. Alex is a fighter. She is tiny but fierce and she has become one of my most favorite female characters. Laughs, heat, and a bit of drama mixed with the support of wonderful friendships. This is a winner.  A Date for the Masquerade (The Dating Series #10) by Heidi McLaughlin and LP Dover #SecretIdentity #BillionaireRomance ARC: Release Date October 27, 2020 4 STARS This cute novella is written in first person from a dual POV. Ensley is a fierce event planner with her business partner. She does something unusual for her when she hooks up with a man at a masquerade ball she planned, but the masks stayed on. I love how this story comes together. The mystery of the masks at a masquerade, the undeniable attraction they feel toward each other whenever they are together is just magic. The HEA is super sweet and steamy. This was a fast, fun read that is perfect for Fall. Before You Ghost by Debra Anastasia and Helena Hunting #ParanormalRomance #RomanticComedy 5 STARS This was a thoroughly enjoyable romp in the paranormal with a ghost boyfriend, a ghost pirate, a mermaid, undead carjackers, and an evil ghost on a mission to get the girl. Throw in a cop psychic, rabid raccoons, and rare birds that swear and you have the makings of an extremely entertaining book. I laughed out loud several times and some of the turns of phrase are truly classic. Even though Evan is dead, this story packs heat and lots of sentimental romance. I wasn't sure how the story would actually go, but there is a HEA at the end. This fun novella is written in first person from a dual POV. Online Dating by Mika Jolie (Re-read) #RomanticComedy 5 STARS This novella is written in first person from Brie's POV. It has humor and heat as it follows Brie's adventures in online dating. Once she thinks she meets the perfect guy, she feels things are looking up. There are some humorous surprises in store on the way to their HEA. I enjoyed this quick read very much.