Book reviews for the week of May 22nd

 

Happy weekend! I spent the last week visiting my family and helping my son pack to move across the country.  I have enjoyed my time with everyone but reading is definitely suffering.  I only read two ARCs this week.  I have a pile to get through by the end of the first week of June so her e is hoping I can make better progress soon.  

My first ATC this week, I read just under the wire before it released.  Delancey Stewart takes readers back to Kasper Ridge.  I loved reading Monroe's love story. Her character was complex and fun and readers are going to love her and Mateo.  My second book was Melanie Moreland's next book in her Reynold's restoration series.  Brett and Kelly are fire on the page as they move forward in their relationship.  I am thankful that though I only read two books this week, they were both excellent.  

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend a fantastic week of happy reading.

Only A Crush (Kasper Ridge #2) by Delancey Stewart

ARC: Release Date- 05/23/2022

#SingleDad #ForcedProximity #Workplace #SmallTown #ARC

5 STARS

This is book 2 in the Kasper Ridge series.  It can be read as a standalone though there is an underlying treasure hunt that runs throughout the series.  It is written in first person from a dual POV and ends with a HEA.

I have been excited about Mateo and Monroe.  They both seemed like they had a lot under the surface.  Annalee has a background one would not expect for a former Navy fighter pilot.  Mateo is a single dad loaded down by responsibility and grief.  When they are stranded together at an isolated cabin in a snow storm, they literally combust.  They are fire together.  Learning how to proceed or not once they get back to the real world is the challenge.  They both have baggage to overcome.  Annalee is tough as nails and sexy at the same time.  Mateo has a huge soft heart, especially when it comes to his daughter. 

This steamy romance was a very satisfying read.  I am looking forward to more books in this series and seeing them as cameos in the future books.

Shifting Gears (Reynold's Restorations #3) 

by Melanie Moreland

ARC: Release Date- 05/31/2022

#Fling #SmallTown #ARC

5 STARS

Book three in this series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.  Readers will want to read the first two books though because the characters in this group are a tight knit found family and they each play a role in the other couples’ books.  This is written in first person from a dual POV.

I was so excited to get Brett’s story, and to read as he and Kelly go from a fling to a year apart then find their way back to each other.  Brett fell hard for Kelly when they were just hooking up.  He spent a year trying to get over her after she left for her job as a photographer’s assistant working all over the world.  When Kelly comes back, he realizes he never did get over her.  He attempts to keep walls in place to protect his heart.  He soon realizes it was impossible to prevent his feelings.  I love Brett’s protective nature.  He is a good guy and I found myself drawn to him.

Kelly is a little worse for wear when she returns. She has been through something that has changed her.  Over the course of the book, readers discover more of her childhood as well as what has happened to her recently.  I adore her adventurous spirit and her artistic soul.  I really liked how she shows Brett love in the only way she knows how and the way their lovemaking changes over the course of their relationship. I really appreciated how she and Brett finally take the time to get to know each other.   Once they give into their undeniable chemistry, there are plenty of hot and steamy scenes.

The secondary characters contribute to several laughable moments.  Little Theo always has something to make me laugh.  I love the fierce friendship and love in this found family.  I love how Mama Rosa is there to offer wisdom and delicious food to everyone.  This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and an excellent addition to the series.  The next book is for Chase, and I am seriously looking forward to it.