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Book reviews from the week of August 15th

 


I have been playing tourist with my son who is visiting and as a result I managed to read only two ARCs this week.  Both of these books release on 8/27 and they were both really good reads.  I hope everyone is enjoying the remainder of the summer and fitting in some good books along the way.  Happy reading!




Take Me to Bali (Take Me Abroad #1) by K.D. Elizabeth

ARC: Release Daye- 8/27/2021

#EnemiesToLovers #RomanticSuspense #ARC

5 STARS

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this book was a treat.  I had to put it down once for dinner, and it was difficult.  This is the first book in a new series by this author and it ends with a HEA.

Pippa has been traveling the world with just a backpack since she finished high school over a decade ago.  Schiller left his family’s business to focus on diving more than ten years ago.  These two characters have similarities in their motivations, their pasts, and their desire to be independent while seeking what truly makes them happy.  When they meet, sparks fly: primarily because each of them makes assumptions about the other.  Once they end up on the same page, sparks fly for an entirely different reason.  These two have chemistry and flames for days and their physical scenes might melt your kindle. Both characters were likable and passionate about diving in a way that is impossible to miss.

I loved the underlying story of the criminal who owns the boat and how they both become involved.  There is mystery, suspense, danger, and beauty along the way.  The descriptions of diving were fascinating and detailed in a way that made me want to learn to dive.  Bali has always been on my bucket list of places to visit, but now it is even more so.  This was a fantastic escape to an island 



Don't You Wanna Stay (Men of the Misfit Inn #3) 

by Kait Nolan

ARC: Release Date- 8/27/2021

#SmallTown #ARC

5 STARS

This is the third book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone.  It is written in third person with an alternating dual POV.

Wyatt and Deanna are both characters I have met in other books.  I love that they get together and get their HEA.  There are laughs, heart, romance, and heat over the course of the book.  As a HGTV addict myself, I fully appreciated the task that they take on to renovate the historic antebellum mansion that Deanna buys by accident.  I love the construction and renovation elements of the book.  I love that they fall for each other while having mutual respect and reverence for the dream they share.

Both characters grow and heal from past hurts over the course of their story.  I love that they can see each other’s true heart.  I adore the friendship they form along the way.  The group of friends and chosen family is an important aspect to this book, and I absolutely love that.  This is small town romance at its finest.  If you too like a little fixin’ up, you should definitely grab this book.


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