As we wrap up November and move into December, I am here for the holiday reads. I was able to read a Christmas and a Hanukkah book this week as well as two ARCs and a couple of books I used to meet the a November reading challenge at the last minute. Three of these books were new to me authors and I know I will be reading more of their work. I always love finding new authors from friend recommendations. I had a great week and I am looking forward to a festive month ahead. Happy reading!
A Partridge and a Pregnancy (Holiday Brothers #3)
by Willa Nash
#Holiday #SurpiseBaby #SecondChance
4 STARS
Tobias and Eva spent all of college as an inseparable couple
until they didn’t. Their second chance
is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Though this is the
third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, despite overlapping
timelines with the first two books.
For someone so successful, Eva has a few quirks. Tobias is
rock-steady, and I love that about him. They have solid chemistry and an
undeniable history between them. They know each other well, and at times that
impedes their communication process. I liked their story as they learn to
communicate with each other. This was a cute book to end the series.
Both Cam and West have scars from their time in the service. I think the author does an excellent job describing some of the PTSD things the characters are experiencing. Cam also has some scars from her dysfunctional childhood. They both have a lot going in in their personal lives that they are each dealing with separately outside of their relationship with each other. I felt like the book didn't give me enough of their love story. We see how they meet, we experience their physical intimacy with open door bedroom scenes, but I never felt like I got to see them fall in love. The author explains the trust issues Cam has and her reluctance to accept help from anyone. The book covers how Cam and West finally bare their secrets to each other and admit they are in love with each other. I just never felt that love between them.
Overall, this book has a lot of moving storylines with various relationships and work drama the characters experience. However, I felt like the romance was secondary to absolutely everything else. There was just too much missing for me in this one.
I received a paperback copy of this book in my bag at Indies Invade Philly, where I met the author. This is the first book I have read by her. This novella begins when Carys and David meet. Carys knows instantly that David id the one for her. Their story takes place through a series a flashbacks from present day, where there is some tension in their relationship, to how they came to be together in the present. This was a short read that I enjoyed. I understand that novella length books often don't carry the same character development that a full length novel does, however I liked the characters and their world. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the near future.
Come and Get It by Lauren Blakely
#prequel
4 STARS
This is the prequel to Come Again. It is written in first person primarily from
Easton’s POV. There are a couple of
short chapter interjections from Bellamy’s POV, which hint at things to
cocme. I am excited to read the book.
#EnemiesToLovers #ARC
4 STARS
The prequel “Come and Get It” makes up the first eight
chapters of this book. If you missed the
prequel, it is here. This book can be read as a standalone. It is written in
first person from Easton’s POV, like other Big Rock books. There are some
chapters that are made up of the emails between Bellamy and Easton as well as a
few chapters that give thee reader Bellamy’s notes for her podcast. This was very helpful in getting to know
Bellamy.
The characters have a ton of chemistry and steam. Their
banter is witty and fun. It took me a little while to get into the book, but
once I reached the halfway point, I was fully in. I love Bellamy’s strength of
character and will. She is so true to herself. I was so happy to see Easton’s
growth through the book. Their HEA was super-sweet. I also really enjoyed
seeing cameos from other characters in the Big Rock series.
This novella tells the story of Larissa and Yo. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. I love that they don't get off to the perfect start when they meet, yet they find commonalities that draw them together. I love the friendship they form and the heat between them. This could be a Hallmark movie if only they had steam. I enjoyed the author's writing style immensely. I was warned that I would want to read all of her books, and I believe that warning has come true for me. You is not your typical hero, yet he is sexy and funny, and smart. Larissa is a body positive character. I love that neither of them fit a typical romance norm. I also really enjoyed learning more about Hanukkah celebrations through their story. For a quick holiday read, this is one I would recommend to all who like their heroines sassy and their stories sweet with a helping of steam.
#SmallTown #SecondChance #FriendsToLovers #Firefighter #ARC
5 STARS
This is book three of the Light My Fire Series of
interconnected standalones. It is written in first person from an alternating
dual POV.
Mae and Rowan knew each other and were best friends in
college. They even went on a few dates before things came to an abrupt
halt. Over the course of the story the
reader learns why Mae cut off her association with Rowan, and that it was not
Rowan’s fault. I loved the friendship they share once Mae allows them to
reconnect. I love the chemistry and the steam between them. More than anything,
I love the trust the have with each other and their journey to nurture that
trust.
This book grabbed me in all the feels. I adored Rowan. I
understood Mae. Together they have a magic that was meant to be. This story
also deals with some heavy topics as Mae overcomes a tragic night in her past. I
thought her path to emotional recovery was handled tastefully and
realistically. This may be my favorite
book of the series so far and I recommend it.
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