What a week! I had 5 thoroughly enjoyable reads this week and I can honestly recommend all of them. Please see my reviews below.
Never Forever by Lucy Score
ARC: Release date- March 4, 2021
#OppositesAttract #SmallTown #SlowBurn #ARC
5 STARS
Lucy Score has written an epic novel covering the
relationship between Brick and Remi that spans nearly 15 years from the time
they meet until they finally get their HEA.
It is written in third person, and the reader has insight into both
Brick and Remi’s point of view.
Remi is a wild child who loves living life to its
fullest. I love her ability to jump into
things with both feet, even though it sometimes gets her in trouble. I appreciate that the author gave her the
special quality of seeing colors in the world that others cannot see, which was
fascinating for me. I loved that she is
an artist with a unique view of the world.
I also loved that she struggles with a physical ailment that is not
compatible with her free spirit lifestyle.
Remi has found her share of situations where she needs to be rescued and
Brick has been the one to rescue her on several occasions.
Brick is the solid, kindhearted, protective man who is a
mountain of muscle, and believes the world is black and white/right and
wrong. I loved his need to protect Remi,
even when he was angry with her. I love
how he is drawn to her. I appreciated
that underneath the big man, there is a gentle soul who doubts if he is worthy
of big love.
Remi and Brick do not have an easy relationship. They have both made mistakes and hurt each
other deeply over the years. When they
are reunited, they are drawn to each other physically and at a soul level. They must, however, overcome all the hurts,
doubts, and fears to get to the happily ever after. The process includes witty banter, fierce
fights, strong emotions, overcoming fears and doubts, and forgiveness to move
forward. Along the way the chemistry
creates an incredible slow burn. This
book is HOT. This is the hottest book I
have read by this author. (It made me
thankful for multiple kindle devices because I feared mine was going to
overheat and burn my hands). Remi never
doubted that she could trust Brick with her physical safety. As a result, she can help him let go in a way
that he never has, and she submits in a way she never thought was
possible. There is some consensual D/s
play and kink, and I really appreciated the conversations the couple had while
they explored the level of trust they had in each other to do that. At times, their relationship made me
crazy. At times, it nearly broke my
heart. Humor, five-alarm heat, and a lot
of emotion are required to get from point A to point B.
The book is set on the beautiful Mackinac Island in the
winter and it is described perfectly. I
loved the setting, the small-town vibe, and the cast of supporting characters,
which are fun and diverse. I appreciated
the family relationships both Brick and Remi had, and that they were not
perfect. I love that the town and the
family come together when trouble comes to town. I loved the element of danger
and suspense. I read Lucy’s books
significantly slower than any other author.
I think it is because the elements are so intricately interwoven that I
savor each page. The end-result though,
is that when I cannot put the book down, I sacrifice sleep. (Even when I must get up at 4 AM the next day
to go to work). I have to say that it is
worth it. I missed my sleep much less
than I would have missed going to work without finishing the book. As a result, I recommend that readers set
aside the entirety of a very long day to immerse themselves completely in this
world of Mackinac Island with Brick and Remi.
You will not regret it.
The Wedding Game by Meghan Quinn
5 STARS
#OppositesAttract #GrumpyHero #RomanticComedy
I loved this enemies-to-lovers romance that takes place over
a couple of months during a reality show.
It is written in first person from a dual POV.
Alec had a terrible childhood. He as isolated himself and buried himself in
work. He doesn’t believe in love,
romance, or happily ever after. He is a
perfect wounded and grumpy hero who isn’t always nice in the beginning. I love that figures out that he needs to make
some relationships in his life a priority and goes after them. I loved seeing him open up to his brother,
Naomi, and to Luna.
Luna is sunshine and happiness. She is a beautiful young woman who cherishes
her family and pursues her dreams. I
love that she has a kind heart, and a feisty but loving spirit. She is exactly what Alec needs. I adore her relationship with her brother and
his fiancé.
The story packs passion, drama, and a fair dose of humor as
the competition heats up. I enjoyed the
story thoroughly and I definitely recommend it.
Show Time (Juniper Ridge #1) by Tawna Fenske
#WorkplaceRpmance #RomanticComedy #FamilySeries
5 STARS
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dean and Vanessa's story. I adore the concept of the Juniper Ridge community and reality TV series. It is so creative! This book is written in first person from a dual POV.
I love that Dean and Vanessa are both successful, committed to moving on with their careers, and not pursuing relationships. It doesn't really work out that way though. They are drawn together by instant attraction. The physical connection is strong bot the mutual respect and admiration is what really makes it impossible to resist each other. I love the humor, the heat, and the family relationships in this book. The Judson's have pulled me in and I need to know them more. I love Vanessa's connection with her twin Valerie. I appreciate that there is a mystery that is revealed. There are so many interesting characters and possibilities. I think this is a fantastic set up for the series and I cannot wait to read more.
Let it Show (Juniper Ridge #2) by Tawna Fenske
ARC: Release Date- March 12. 2021
#SingleDad #Forbidden #RomanticComedy #FamilySeries #ARC
5 STARS
I adored this rom com featuring the Judson family
psychologist, Mari, and the new Juniper Ridge brewer, Griffin. This is book 2 in the Juniper Ridge series
and can be read as a standalone. It is
written in first person from a dual POV.
I loved Griffin. He
is such a good dad to his 12-year-old daughter.
He is doing his best. He has some
baggage from his previous marriage, and he is in the market for a fresh start,
not a relationship. I love his gruff
exterior and his brewing expertise that reeks of an intelligent mind. I love his sense of humor, his soft heart,
and his love for his daughter.
Mari is Doctor of Psychology and feels like the Judson
sibling who doesn’t really fit. I love
through the course of the story that her sibling bonds are strengthened. I love that they become closer and have
Mari’s back when she needs them. I love
how quickly she falls for Griff, despite her secrets. I felt her pain, her fear, and her joy.
There is passion, humor, and some angst as Griffin and Mari
find their HEA. I loved the supporting
characters, especially Griff’s daughter, Soph, and the parrot, Leonard. (There are some seriously laugh out loud
moments with that parrot.) I love the
concept of the series and I feel it is well executed. I cannot wait for the next book already.
The Dream Guy Next Door (Guys Who Got Away #1)
by Lauren Blakely
ARC: Release date- March 7, 2021
#SingleDad #SingleMom #RomanticComedy #SmallTown #ARC
4 STARS
Set in the small town of Duck Falls, this book is written in
first person from a dual POV.
Liam and his son Ethan move to Duck Falls from New York City. January and her teenage daughter, Wednesday,
call Duck Falls home. It is also the
home of a population which has a disproportionately higher percentage of women
to men. The result is that the hot
single dad with the English accent quickly becomes a hot commodity. When Liam moves in next door to January the
attraction is instant and mutual. They
are both also aware that a failed relationship in a small town could be
extremely awkward when it is with your next-door neighbor and they decide to be
friends.
I love the foundation of friendship they build very
quickly. They engage in flirty banter
and sarcasm that I adored. I really love
the relationships they have with their kids.
I laughed out loud several times reading this. When they decide to go for a physical relationship,
there is plenty of heat. This is a low
angst, sweet romance with the couple in their late 30’s; two aspects which I
really enjoyed. I love that their HEA
requires compromise and an evaluation of their feelings and priorities, just
like in real life. If you are looking
for sweet and spicy small-town romance, don’t hesitate to grab this one.
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