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Book reviews from the week of January 1st

 


Happy weekend!  This week, I spent a lot of hours putting together my Best reads of 2023 post.  Check it out if you are looking for some book recommendations.  

That means I was only able to read two ARCs this week.  Thankfully, they were both excellent and filled my heart completely.  They are both small town, family series romances.  They both have characters finding love in unexpected places.  And they both have a mystery underlying the series.  They were so good!  Check out my reviews and add these to your TBR today.   I should have reviews of several more ARCs of upcoming releases by next week.  Until then, happy reading.


Charm Me (Cherry Blossom Lake #2) by Tawna Fenske

ARC: Release Date- 01/05/2024

#SingleMom #EnemiesToLovers #SmallTown #ARC

5 STARS

Book two in this series follows Lucy as she finds her HEA with Peter.  It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Though it can be read as a standalone, there are underlying plot points of mystery that begin in book one and continue in this book.  Charm Me ends in a swoony HEA.

In the beginning of the book, Peter thinks he has it all together.  It doesn’t take long for Lucy to prove that idea wrong.  He has some baggage he needs to address, and Lucy helps him find it.  Lucy is a wonderful heroine.  She is strong, sassy, kind, and confident.  She has the solid support of her family.  I love her relationship with her brothers.  It felt so real to life.  Her daughter, Harper, had me laughing through the whole book.  I loved that kid!  I especially loved the relationship that Peter formed with her.  Peter has a protective nature and does what he thinks he needs to do to protect those he loves.  I really liked the instant attraction between him and Lucy.  I also liked the heat between them and the adult way they handle their relationship.  I love how observant Peter is and how he takes Lucy’s desires into account.  I love how Lucy challenges Peter to be better and to keep open communication.

Steamy, funny, small-town goodness with a touch of mystery.  This was the perfect first read of 2024.


One Night (Sullivan Family #4) by Lena Hendrix

ARC: Release Date- 01/08/2024

#Forbidden #SurprisePregnancy #GrumpyHero #SmallTown #FamilySeries #ARC

5 STARS

Book four in the Sullivan family series, set in Outtatowner, Michigan, gives the Sullivan’s oldest brother, Duke, his happily ever after.  He finds that with the Sylvie King, who happens to be part of the family that his family has been feuding with for generations.  This book is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and ends with a HEA.  Though it can be read as a standalone, there is an underlying plot sequence to the series which makes it best read in order to avoid spoilers.

Duke is the stoic, grumpy, quiet oldest brother who takes care of everyone and everything because it is his duty and also because he is a solid man.  Sylvie is the quiet, seemingly cold, often invisible member of the King family.  I love how Duke is drawn to her.  Her sense of humor makes an appearance, and they end up being secret friends.  As real feelings develop on both sides, they both know that to pursue them is going to turn their families and the town feud on end.

I adored Sylvie.  She learns to find her confidence through Duke’s love.  I really like how Duke cherishes her and protects her.  He chooses her above all else, and I couldn’t love him more for it.  This man is 100% swoony.  I love the emotion and heat between them.  They connect on a physical level while their emotions still play a huge role, even in the steamiest scenes.  Several shot scenes, some laughs (the family banter is fantastic), and the deep emotions of each MC choosing themselves and each other over the expectation of everyone around them: I think this is my favorite book of the series.

Take a trip to Outtatowner.  Meet these two complicated families.  Enjoy their well-written characters and the fun subplot that runs through the series.  I am super excited for the rest of the Kings to find their person.  I am also excited to see how the rest of the feud’s history unfolds.  I can’t wait.

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