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Book reviews from the week of June 1st

 


Happy weekend! This week I read 4 ARCS. I had a lot going on on the home front and these were the bright spots of my week. Check out my reviews and see if they are books you need in your TBR today.

Until next time, happy reading.


The Accidental Dating Experiment (How To Date #4) 

by Lauren Blakely

ARC: Release Date- 06/06/2024

#SecondChance #BrothersBestFriend #ForcedProximity #GrumpySunshine #ARC

Book four in the series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. Readers who have read the other books will enjoy the cameos and interactions that Monroe and Juliet have with those characters but knowing them is not necessary to enjoy this book. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

Juliet is an optimistic romantic with a penchant for picking the wrong guys to date. Monroe is the divorced best friend of her brother, her co-worker, and the man Juliet had a fling with eight years ago. Both characters deny their ability to be vulnerable in relationships and are not always honest with themselves. They have fun banter for their podcast, and care about each other as friends outside of it. It was nice that they have the opportunity to spend some extended time together where they realized that the feelings and passion they once shared never went away. They had just been denying it.

There are some spicy scenes, some funny moments, and the personal growth of both characters in this book. That was my favorite thing. This was a quick, romantic read with sweet characters and a happy ending.


Salt Love by Marika Ray

ARC: Release Date- 06/06/2024

#SmallTown #ForcedProximity #GrumpyHero #ARC

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this standalone ends with a HEA.

Kenna is 34 and her life implodes through a series of events that all take place in one week. I felt really bad for her. She could not catch a break. When she arrives in the small Florida town of Sunshine Key, she is a hot mess personified. She is hurt, angry, frustrated, and struggling to keep it together.

Dec is 40. He has lived in Sunshine key for the last 10 years and is hiding a secret past. As Kenna’s next-door neighbor, he sees the train wreck of her life up close. I really loved that he does what he can to help her even though he doesn’t want to get close to a woman. He helps her out time and again. I loved his protective nature with her.

They form a friendship that becomes more. The book itself takes place over many months, which is a believable rate for the progression of their relationship. They have open door physical scenes. They each have some personal growth to achieve. It takes time, support, and each other to move beyond their baggage and get where they can have a healthy relationship. I especially love how Kenna learns to demand the relationship she deserves after her failed marriage. I love how she really rediscovers herself in her new environment.

This book delivered more than I expected from the blurb. There are funny moments, a seagull, a gator, and a flamingo along the way.  The characters are likeable, and the setting was perfect. This is the perfect summer beach read.



Full Throttle (Reynolds Restoration #5) 
by Melanie Moreland

ARC: Release Date- 06/13/2024

#SmallTown #FoundFamily #FriendsToLovers

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this final book in the series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

I met Dom and Cherry in Hannah and Chase’s book. Their chemistry was intense, so I am glad they got their happy ending. Dom is very persistent about going after Cherry. He knows what he wants, and he will not settle for less. Cherry is a little more reserved. She doesn’t want to get hurt and I think she realizes that her feelings for Dom were already big ones. They face some challenges along the way, but they only draw the couple closer together. I adore that there is no third act break-up. These are mature characters who handle life’s challenges like adults. I love that they are passionate with each other. They sizzle on the page. This was a wonderful wrap up to the series and I loved seeing all the couples with their families. I also loved seeing how the found family they developed only grew stronger (and bigger) over time. This is a fantastic series, and this was a fantastic read.


One Fine Night (Special Ops Scots #0.5) by Kait Nolan

ARC: Release Date - 06/14/2024

#Prequel #OneNightStand #Military #ARC

This prequel begins a new spin-off series starring Ewan’s friend Alex and young college student, Ciara. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Because this is a prequel, there is not a HEA at the end of this book. Instead, readers get the back story for this couple and their HEA is due out in October.

Ciara is such a friendly young woman. At 22, she is finishing up her university degree in Edinburgh. As she nears graduation, she is questioning what she really wants to do with her life. Alex is recently separated from the Royal Marines and is also trying to decide what comes next for him in life. When they meet on the train, they share an instant attraction. They also share in depth conversation and get along incredibly well. After spending the night together, they exchange numbers and plan to meet up again because the connection between them is undeniable. There is one more thing that happens, but I will keep that spoiler out of this review. Let’s just say that I am sorry that their book isn’t ready right now because I need to read it.


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