Top 20 Books Of The Year!

2019 was an amazing year for books! I laughed.. I cried.. I got so angry I wanted to throw my kindle across the room.. I let out a lot of dreamy sighs.. and I loved every minute of it! I found new authors that I absolutely adore and wait with great anticipation for their next book baby to be released! I was able to read over 100 books!

Before I look ahead to the New Year and new books, I thought I would pay tribute to some of these favorites that I fell in love with in 2019. I will tell you that my list is not in any particular order. I absolutely LOVED all these books and there is NO WAY I'll be able to choose a ranking for them! It just is NOT possible! So don't even ask!

So... without further adieu... here are my TOP 20 of 2019!!

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

                  

   

What are some of your favorites from 2019?

20 Tropes of 2020

While I was looking for Reading Challenge ideas, I came across one that was nothing but tropes. It sounded like a lot of fun so I thought what the heck! Let's do TWO Reading Challenges this year! 😊

So... without further adieu... I present to you my 20 Tropes of 2020!

1. Marriage of Convenience: Behind the Light of Golowduyn by Deborah M. Hathaway

2. Friends to Lovers: Faceoff by Rebecca Connolly

3. Enemies to Lovers: Perfectly Imperfect Us by Marika Ray

4. Single Parent: The Match by Sarah Adams

5. Second Chance at Love: Security Breach by Rebecca Deel

6. Secret Love: Believing in You by Jess Mastorakos

7. Beauty and the Beast: The Lost Letter by Mimi Matthews

8. Orphan: A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews

9. Small Town: Moose Be Love by Jacqueline Winters

10. Food Fiction: The Enemy by Sarah Adams

11. Forbidden Love: The Book of Sorrel by Jennifer Peel

12. Spy/Agent of the Crown: Ten Seconds to Dead by L.A. Clayton

13. Matchmaking: Mending His Past by Kristen Iten

14. Military/Bodyguard: SEAL's Promise by Rebecca Deel

15. Return to Hometown: The Story of Us by Teri Wilson

16. Arranged Marriage: Rescuing Lord Inglewood by Sally Britton

17. Slow Burn: Romancing the Rake by Nichole Van

18. Best Friend's Brother/Sister: Lines We Cross by Marika Ray

19. Workplace Romance: Statistically Improbable by Jennifer Peel

20. Secret Identity: Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt

If you're a fan of any or all of these tropes, feel free to join me! If you do a blog post, make sure you share the link in the comments so I can add it to my post.

20 Tropes of 2020 Participants:

Katie's Clean Book Collection

Happy reading my fellow Book Dragons! 

2020 Reading Challenge

Happy New Year my fellow Book Dragons! Welcome to my 4th Annual Reading Challenge! Are you ready to see what I've chosen for this year's challenge? Yes? Sweet!

Allow me to share with you KJ's Book Nook 2020 Reading Challenge!

1. A book you meant to read in 2019: Faceoff by Rebecca Connolly
2. A book that won an award in 2019: The Dear Wife by Jennifer Peel
3. A book published in 2020: The Enemy by Sarah Adams
4. A book you haven't read by an author you love: Security Breach by Rebecca Deel
5. A book by a new to you author: Ten Seconds to Dead by L.A. Clayton
6. A book with 400 pages or more: A Modest Independence by Mimi Matthews
7. A book with 200 pages or less: Guarding the Princess by Marika Ray
8. A book with a beautiful cover: In Name Only by Jennifer Peel
9. A book you've read but haven't reviewed: TBD
10. A book set in a country you want to visit: Romancing the Rake by Nichole Van
11. A book with the letter "W" in the title: For the Lady of Lowena by Deborah M. Hathaway
12. A book with recipes inside: The Story of Us by Teri Wilson
13. A book you got for free: Christmas with You by Jess Mastorakos
14. A book that cost you more than $5: Promised by Leah Garriott
15. A book published in your birthday month: The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews
16. A book with a three word title: My Favorite Moosetake by Jacqueline Winters
17. A book that's been on your TBR list for 2+ years: Soul of Flame by Rebecca Ethington
18. A book you love that never fails to make you smile: Paige's Turn by Jennifer Peel
19. A book WITHOUT people on the cover: Country Hearts by Cindi Madsen
20. A book by an author's pen name: Falling for Your Best Friend's Twin by Emma St. Clair

Does this challenge sound like one you would love to try to accomplish? If so, feel free to join me! If you do a blog post, make sure you share the link in the comments so I can add it to my post.

2020 Reading Challenge Participants:

Sally Britton
Heidi Reads...

Happy reading my fellow Book Dragons!

More Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Charlee Jensen-Carter has been looking forward to her first Christmas with her new husband, Ryan, and her adorable stepson for weeks. Not only is her dad tying the knot, but she’s looking forward to two weeks of no exes, no drama, and especially no trouble. At least that’s what she thinks.

First, she gets talked into wearing red hooker heels again. Next, she finds herself trying to save her dad’s wedding. And if that isn’t bad enough, more than one ex shows up, and she's suddenly in the middle of more trouble than she ever bargained for. On top of it all, everyone is counting on her to save the day.

Will she ever find the right moment to give Ryan the best Christmas present ever? Or will her Christmas hopes and dreams die a fiery death in this comical holiday tale?

My Review: 5 Stars

Charlee's life is a bit chaotic. Between her new hubby and adorable stepson, school, practicum, her dad and Felicity's wedding, exes, her friends and just life in general, she is wiped out! She's definitely looking forward to a nice first Christmas with Ryan and little Josh. But we all know how life with Charlee is.... cRaZy! And nothing, I repeat nothing ever goes as planned!

So it should be no surprise when trouble makes an appearance in more than one place. I mean, how bad can it get?! Well... this IS Charlee were talking about! Let's just say when more than one ex shows up, her dad is on the verge of calling off his wedding, those red hooker heels make another appearance and both their mom's crash their vacation, it has Charlee wishing she can whisk her two favorite guys away to a secluded island where no one can find them!

But in true Charlee form, she's determined to save the day... or die trying! Everything has to be perfect for her first Christmas with Ryan and Josh. One should never doubt a feisty, determined woman... ;)

*dreamy sigh*

Oh my gosh! Guys! I absolutely LOVED this book! I busted out laughing, growled in frustration, wanted to Gibbs slap people over and over and over again, let out little dreamy sighs and fell in love with Charlee, Ryan and little Josh all over again! This is such a fun and amazing addition to Trouble in Loveland! Eeeeeeeek! I can't wait to read it again!

I've said it before and I'll say it again... Ms. Peel is a natural when it comes to writing! Is it any surprise that she sucked me in from the beginning and didn't let me go until the end?! She has a way of writing that makes me feel like I am right there with her beloved characters experiencing everything they are! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

And yes... I can still see these two as Charlee and Ryan! *dreamy sigh* 

Return to Sender by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

He never wanted to leave her. She never expected him to return.

If Ariana Stanton has learned anything in life, it's that men leave. She's been taught this lesson well from the father she's never met, who sends her a mysterious letter once a year, to her ex-fiancé, who left her for another woman. So, when she meets the charming and seemingly perfect Jonah, she promises him they will never be more than friends. It's a promise she can't keep. But before he has a chance to leave her, she sends him away.

Dr. Jonah Adkinson has one regret--that he let Ariana remain convinced that love never lasts. But now, nine years later, the single dad is back in Pine Falls and on a mission: prove Ariana wrong. He's determined to win over the love of his life. And this time he won't let anything get in the way, not even her.

Now, not only does Ariana have to face the man she's still in love with, but she must confront the mystery of her father's letters, forcing her to reevaluate the past and her choices. But will it be enough to make her believe that, unlike the letter she's always returned, Jonah is hers to keep?

My Review: 5 Stars

9 years ago Ariana Stanton made one of the hardest decisions of her life. She let Jonah Adkinson go. She broke all her rules when she fell in love with him. But in her mind, she wasn't enough for him. What mattered most was his happiness and if her past has taught her anything, it's that she doesn't have the ability to give him the love and happiness he deserves.

But now Jonah's back and he's ready to do what he should have done 9 years ago. Fight for Ariana. Fight for their love. Fight for their happiness. All these years, she's been the only thing missing in his life. His life is not complete without her in it. He and his adorable daughter, Whitney, need her more than ever. Jonah is determined to prove to Ariana that she's enough. Prove to her that she is loved and capable of loving in return. Prove to her that if anyone deserves a HEA, it's them. Is it going to be easy? Absolutely not. Is it going to be worth it? You better believe it.

*dreamy sigh*

Have you ever picked up a book and knew from the very beginning that you were going to love it? Or been so captivated that you lose all track of time? Forget to eat? Or finish a book only to have it stay with you for days afterwards? If the answer to any of those questions are yes, then you know exactly how I felt while reading Return to Sender. One minute, I'm sitting in my big comfy chair in my room and the next I'm in Pine Falls getting lost in all things Ariana, Jonah and Whitney.

Oh how I adored those three! They quickly became favorites of mine. Their journey was definitely not an easy one. They had to learn to have patience, to love unconditionally, to have courage, to be understanding of each other, to have enough strength to make the necessary changes, to have faith and hope that everything will work out the way it should in the end.

Y'all! Ms. Peel has done it again! Just when I think I've found my favorite book by her, she releases another one and I fall in love all over again. I honestly can't get enough of her books! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

And of course I cannot forget my casting! I am in love with these two! What do you think?!

The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews

Synopsis:

She Wanted Sanctuary...

Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means traveling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and marrying a complete stranger. But Greyfriar's Abbey isn't the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill--though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome--is anything but a romantic hero.

He Needed Redemption...

Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household--and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one.

Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A dispassionate union free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena's past threatens, will Justin's burgeoning feelings for his new bride compel him to come to her rescue? Or will dark secrets of his own force him to let her go?

My Review: 5 Stars

When you're in one of those dreaded reading ruts and not one, not two, but three bookish friends tell you to read a particular book, my advice to you would be... READ IT! 

Justin Thornhill is in need of a wife. But finding one in a small, middle of nowhere town is proving to be impossible. Especially when the towns people won't go anywhere near him or his home. When his steward suggests a matrimonial advertisement, he agrees as long as the woman understands it's simply a business arrangement. 

Helena's life has been turned upside down and there's no one left to be her advocate. Her only option is to runaway to a cliffside estate and marry a complete stranger. But anything is better than living in the nightmare she's been living in for two years. A business arrangement sounds perfect to her. 

From the first moment Justin and Helena met, there was an instant connection. The more time they spend together, the closer they become. Both are secretly falling in love with the other. 

But when Helena's past finally catches up with her and takes them back to London, Justin finally sees how different they are. Will their differences be too much to overcome? Or will their love prove to be stronger than any obstacle they have to face?

*dreamy sigh*

I absolutely adored Justin and Helena! They were absolutely perfect for each other. Both of them had past struggles that needed to be dealt with and together they were able to overcome them. It definitely was not an easy road for them but there was nothing about their story that I would have changed.

I started The Matrimonial Advertisement right before I went to bed. Had it not been for my kindle constantly hitting me in the face (I was exhausted), I probably would've read WAY past my bedtime. But alas, I only got through chapter one that night. And when I woke up earlier than usual the next morning because my room was chilly, do you think I turned on my heater and rolled back over in bed? Nope! I turned on my heater and grabbed my kindle! I was completely hooked. I found myself sneaking in reading time whenever I could. I could not put this book down! I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.

This is my first book by Ms. Matthews and I can already tell you it will not be my last! I have already one-clicked the other books in the series and have pre-ordered the last one. I cannot wait to dive back into her books! 

And of course I cannot forget my casting! I love these two! What do you think?!

27 Ways to Mend His Broken Heart by Shari L. Tapscott

Synopsis:

Heal him so you can steal him.

Kaylee:
Before I begin, I need to be clear about one thing: Kyle was mine first. My best friend since fourth grade. My shoulder to cry on. My everything. And then during our senior year of high school, Ava waltzed into the picture and won his heart.

Kyle:
I asked Ava to marry me. (Spoiler—she said no.)

How do you move on after five years? If it weren’t for Kaylee, I don’t know what I’d do. I know she was only trying to cheer me up when she concocted the idea of the list, but why not give it a try? Ava has certainly moved on.

Kaylee:
I’ve never seen Kyle so destroyed. The list was supposed to be a joke, something to make him smile. Then I realized what it really is—an opportunity. By the time I’m finished with him, Kyle will be over Ava, and he’ll be head-over-heels for yours truly.

Kyle:
I trust Kaylee, and if she thinks the list will help, then I’m all in. She’s not like other girls—she doesn't plot and scheme, or have ulterior motives. What you see is what you get. A guy couldn’t ask for a better best friend…

My Review: 5 Stars

You guys! Can someone please tell me why in the world I waited so long to read this book?! Please?! Anyone?!

*dreamy sigh*

I loved this book! Once I started it, I had the hardest time putting it down! Does that sound familiar? It should because the same thing happened when I read 27 Ways to Find a Boyfriend. I found myself sneaking in reading whenever I could. I may or may not have been reading while walking mail to the mailbox at work today. Okay... who I am kidding?! I totally did that! And I regret nothing! ;) Hehe.

But I digress... 

Kaylee and Kyle were perfect for each other! I absolutely adored them! I'm a sucker for best friends to lovers trope and this one did not disappoint! I still wanted to Gibbs slap Kyle several times throughout the book though. That man drove me crazy! Haha. But once he finally opened his eyes and figured out what he wanted... watch out! *swoon* Their chemistry was off the charts! I could not get enough of Kaylee and Kyle!

Just like in the first book, I really enjoyed the side characters. Isaac was a great addition and I'm looking forward to reading his book next. I'm secretly hoping that Heath and Savannah get a book. There's definitely a story there. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and putting it out in the universe. It could happen, right?! ;)

Ms. Tapscott is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I seriously need to read more of her books! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

And y'all know that no review of mine is complete without the casting. I happen to love these two! What do you guys think?!

Chasing Home by Kacey Linden

Synopsis:

Two wounded hearts haunted by the same tragedy… Will they get a second chance at love?

For Rory Ellis, life is pretty much perfect. She’s a confident, successful business owner with a career she loves, two adorable little boys, and a family home filled with happy memories.

At least, that’s what she wants everyone in her hometown of Echo Creek to believe.

But Rory’s past has been anything but perfect. When her house burns down—nearly taking the life of a teenage girl—the aftermath threatens to expose secrets she thought were buried forever. Haunted by guilt, Rory can’t seem to move on, let alone rebuild her life and provide a new home for her two young sons. Not when she’s surrounded by reminders of everything she’s lost and everything she’ll never have—like gorgeous rancher Jake Cunningham.

Jake knows what it’s like to live with guilt over circumstances he can’t change. He also knows he should stay away from the beautiful owner of Echo Creek’s coffee shop, but he can’t seem to help himself. Especially not when Rory is homeless, hurting, and in need of help she isn’t willing to ask for.

Both Jake and Rory are searching for redemption, but they have a history too complicated to ignore. Can these two broken hearts find refuge in each others arms? Or will the past they’ve tried so hard to forget conspire to keep them apart forever?

My Review: 5 Stars

Growing up in the foster care system, Rory never felt love, never learned how to trust, never knew what it meant to belong. But all that changed when Victoria Ellis entered into her life. She took in the troubled girl and gave her everything she could ever want, including her last name. For the first time in her life, Rory was happy.   

Life only got better when she met her best friend, Drew Cunningham. They were inseparable and Rory spent countless hours out at his family's ranch. But from the moment she met Jake, she knew that there was something special about Drew's quiet older brother. She was drawn to him from the beginning but kept her love for him to herself. Little did she know that Jake felt the exact same way about her. 

Nothing could have prepared them for the night they lost Drew or for the feelings of guilt they each would have from events that lead up to the tragedy. Neither Rory or Jake could face what happened. Running away and bottling those secrets up seemed to be the only way they could deal with everything. 

But years later, when tragedy strikes again, they both realize that enough is enough. If they are ever going to heal and move on, they will need to face the truth of the past and come to terms with what really happened. Will their love for each other and the hope for a future together give Rory and Jake the courage they need to overcome the past and finally get the HEA they all deserve?

I absolutely adored this book! I fell in love with Rory and Jake from the moment I met them in Christmas in Echo Creek. You knew they shared a past, you knew they shared love, but nothing in that book could ever prepare you for the demons that they both had been fighting all these years. The feels are most definitely real in this book and I loved every minute of it! 

Chasing Home is a heart-wrenchingly beautiful love story about two people who have been affected by the same tragedy and their struggle to not only come to terms with it, but to move forward and face the future together.

This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine! Ms. Linden has captured my attention for sure. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

And of course I can't forget my casting. I absolutely LOVE these two! What do you think?!

2019 Swoony Awards... Let the Voting Begin Y'all!

'Ello our fellow Book Dragons! Guess what time it is?! It's VOTING TIME for the Swoony Awards! Are you excited?! Are you ready to vote?! I know we are!

But before you start voting.... let's review!

Are you new and wondering what the Swoony Awards are? Check out our updated 2019 Swoony Award post here!

Are you wondering who the Swoony Awards Hosts are? Check out our Introduction post here!

Are you wondering which books are eligible this year? Check out our REFERENCE list here! Or you can check out the running list on our blog here!

If you've read any eligible books that you don't see on our list, please feel free to let me know and I'll get them added.

Where can you go to vote?    

I'm so glad you asked! ALL the voting will be done through our Google form this year. We will NOT be counting any of the "votes" on our Goodreads reference list. Voting will be open from December 1-31, 2019. Click the link below to start voting!

2019 Swoony Awards Form

And just in case you're wondering, here's all the ways to stay updated on all things Swoony!

Blog: The Swoony Awards

Facebook: Swoony Awards Group and Swoony Awards Page

Instagram: SwoonyAwards

Twitter: @theswoonyawards

Pinterest: The Swoony Awards

We want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has participated so far! The Swoony Awards would not be possible without you guys! You guys ROCK! 

If you have friends that you think would enjoy being apart of the Swoony Awards, please invite them to join us! Help us get the word out about clean, secular fiction!

Happy reading our fellow Book Dragons! 

Swoon Worthy Spotlights!

Welcome to Swoon Worthy Spotlights hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Katie's Clean Book Collection and Bookworm Nation! Once a month we will feature 1-3 of our favorite books that we have read during the month. We will share the cover(s), our review(s) and a link to each other's post so you can check out which books we have all chosen!

For this month's Swoon Worthy Spotlights I am going to choose...

Christmas in Echo Creek by Kacey Linden

Catch a Falling Star by Cindy Roland Anderson

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And don't for get to check Katie's post here and Kathy's post here!

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Do you have a blog and want to join us for Swoon Worthy Spotlights? Then grab the picture and post with us! We will be posting on the last day of each month. Make sure you share your link with us so we can check out your favorite authors as well!

Happy reading my fellow bookworms!

Christmas in Echo Creek by Kacey Linden

Synopsis:

Can the magic of a small town Christmas convince her that love is worth the risk?

When Willow Renner ends up stranded in the quaint little town of Echo Creek, she intends to lay low until she can pay for car repairs and get back on the road. But the locals can’t seem to stop trying to help her, and their obsession with Christmas cheer makes her want things she never thought she’d have. Home. A family. Maybe even a chance at love with a certain handsome sheriff’s deputy…

Deputy Cale Matthews was planning to skip Christmas, until a quiet newcomer makes him rethink everything. Willow is clearly hiding something, but she’s also beautiful, courageous, and in desperate need of hope. It doesn’t take long for Cale to decide he wants more than just friendship, but Willow’s been hurt too often to trust easily.

With the help of a meddling matchmaker and a little mistletoe, will Cale be able to convince Willow to take a chance on love, or will the shadows of her past tear them apart forever?

My Review: 5 Stars!

The moment I started reading Christmas in Echo Creek, I knew I was going to have a hard time putting it down. Ms. Linden captured me from the very first chapter and I quickly fell in love with Willow and Cale.

Life for Willow has been anything but easy. She has lived in constant fear and uncertainty. She learned the hard way that she can’t trust anyone, and no one will save her but herself. My heart broke for her when I learned of her circumstances. She had been through some horrible things but she was a fighter and did whatever it took to take care of herself.

When Cale first laid eyes on Willow, his protective instincts kicked in. He didn't know who or what she was running from, he just knew that he had to help her. He knew that getting to know Willow and getting her to trust him was going to take a lot of time and patience. But there was something about her that called to him. He was going to do everything in his power to keep her safe.

Watching Willow and Cale go from acquaintances to friends to something more made my heart smile. Their journey was not easy. There was a lot that Willow had never experienced and didn't know how to deal with. But all the bumps along the road only made them stronger.

I absolutely loved the small town setting. I found myself not only falling in love with Willow and Cale, but with the town and the people in it as well. It was endearing to see everyone come together whenever someone was in need. Sprinkle on a little Christmas magic and you have the perfect afternoon read!

This is my first book by Ms. Linden and I can already tell you that it won't be my last. The feels were definitely real in this book and I loved every minute of it! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I have already one-clicked that baby! ;)

And of course I can't forget my casting. I am seriously in love with these two! What do you think?!

Caught in the Crossfire by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

Nicole Copeland should be planning her wedding. Instead, she's dodging bullets and staying one step ahead of a murderer. If law enforcement doesn't unmask the culprit soon, Nicole won't live long enough to marry the man of her dreams.

After paying a heavy price for an error in judgment, Mason Kincaid longs to leave his past behind and focus on a future with the woman he loves. But someone wants to send him to prison or a grave. Time is running out to trap the enemy before Mason and Nicole are caught in the crossfire.

My Review: 4 Stars

When Mason graduated from college at the age of 22, he decided to go out and celebrate. He ended up driving drunk and killing a mother and her infant daughter. It's a mistake that he'll always regret and one that he'll have to live with for the rest of his life. If he could go back in time and change it, he would. Life hasn't been easy for him. A lot of the people refuse to look past the person he used to be to see the man he has become today. 

From the moment Nicole first met Mason, there was just something that clicked between them. Mason was afraid of Nicole finding out his past mistake, so he tried to stay away from her. But she wasn't having any of that. She knew there was something between them and she wasn't about to let it slip away. Over time, Mason opened up to her and it only brought them closer together. Their relationship is built on trust, honesty and love. They know that they can face anything, as long as they do it together. 

But someone is determined to break them up. They don't know who it is or why they're doing it, but they refuse to give up what they have built together without a fight. They will do whatever is necessary to get their HEA. 

Mason and Nicole are not strangers to the small town of Otter Creek. We first met Mason in book 7, In Plain Sight, and Nicole in book 9, On the Edge. I instantly loved both of them and thought they were great additions to the Otter Creek series. They have a unique story and we've been able to get to know them through a couple of the other books. I was happy to see them get their own book. It made me love them even more. 

As most of you know, I have become a huge fan of Ms. Deel's. I will usually stalk Amazon or my email to see if her next book has been released. And once I have that baby in my hands, I usually drop whatever I'm reading to devour it. But with the last few books of hers, my excitement has kind of dwindled with the inconsistencies and grammatical errors throughout the book. Granted this book didn't have as many as the previous few did but there was enough to distract me from the story line. 

With that being said, I'm still looking forward to the next book in both series. I've been really excited to see a few of the characters we've seen throughout the series get their own books. :) 

And of course I can't forget my casting. I absolutely LOVE these two! What do you think?! 

Love and Second Chances by Shannon Guymon

Synopsis:

Donovan needs a distraction and Charlie needs a reason to believe in love again – will these two ever figure out that the best recipe for romance begins with two people and a little faith?

Charlie Walsh is running from her toxic past and desperate for a new start in Belfast, Maine. Following Riley's example of reaching for the stars, Charlie wants to open her own Bed & Breakfast. One problem: Riley and Mac break up, leaving Charlie holding the bag on her fixer upper. She has to figure out how to get those two back together, but in the meantime . . . Donovan Fitzpatrick is turning out to be quite the distraction!

Will Crystal break up this new love before it even has a chance to get started? Or will Charlie and Donovan let go of their pasts, and hang on to what matters most? Each other.

My Review: 3.5 Stars

All her life, Charlie Walsh has been beaten down and pushed aside. Her family had no problem letting her know that she was not wanted. After years of therapy, she finally realizes that enough is enough and it's time to take her life back. Moving to Belfast, Maine and opening up a B&B is just the change she needs.

Donovan Fitzpatrick has been in love with Crystal most of his life. She's an extremely toxic person and someone who is completely wrong for him. When his sister, Avery, tells him he needs a distraction from Crystal, he decides who better than the cute new B&B owner.

Charlie and Donovan decide to team up and help each other out. And if they happen to fall in love, all the better. But they should've known that life wouldn't be that easy. With all the odds stacked against them, they'll have to decide if a HEA is worth all the heartache they'll have to go through in order to get it.

I'm going to start out by saying I'm definitely in the minority here when it comes to Love and Second Chances. Don't get me wrong, I really did like this book. But I'm spoiled. The books I read always focus on one couple and one couple only. I'm not a fan of multiple love stories in one book. How can you really get to know a couple and their story when only 1/3 of the book is focused on them? I wanted more of Charlie and Donovan and a lot less of Riley and Mac. I won't go into detail but, Riley was not a favorite of mine.

All in all, it was cute. I loved the small town setting. I think that setting is becoming a favorite of mine. After I finish the books, I always want to pack up and move to a small town just so I can experience it.

From the moment I open one of her books, I can always count on Ms. Guymon to hold me captive, make me feel all the feels and not let me go until the very end. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

As for my casting... I'm not going to lie. Donovan was SO hard to find! But Charlie was super easy. I saw her from the very beginning. What do you guys think?

The Secretive Wife by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

I have a famous secret, but it’s not the biggest one I keep.

From an outside view, my life would be the definition of boring. I’m married to a landscaper, albeit a very attractive one, I drive an old cheap car, and I write articles for an online magazine. So, maybe I’ve been a constant fixture on the New York Times Best Sellers list for the last few years, but no one needs to know that.

Here’s a word of advice. If you want to keep a secret, don’t tease your mother-in-law, whose life goal is to save her son from you, about what’s in your attic. Now that my famous secret is out, past acquaintances willing to do anything to get their own fifteen minutes of fame are lying to the media about me. But my biggest problem isn’t the lies in the press, it’s the truth I’m forced to face. The secret I’ve kept from everyone, even my husband, the man I love, the first person who ever made me feel like I belonged somewhere.

Now I have no other choice but to tell the truth and face my biggest fear, that Peter and I were never meant to be together and my secrets could take him away too.

My Review: 5+ Stars!

Delanie had the most unusual childhood. All she ever wanted was to fit in... to feel loved... to live a normal life. But with Cat and Ron as parents, that would never happen. It wasn't until she met Peter that she ever felt love. But with him being a Priest, they would never be able to act on their love for each other.

Peter had never met anyone like Delanie before. There was just something about her that drew him in and had him questioning what he wanted out of life. They tried to stay apart but the heart wants what the heart wants. Peter made the decision to leave the Priesthood and build a life with Delanie. He didn't make that decision lightly. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was his life.

For the last four years they have lived in bliss. Their love for each other growing stronger every day. The only thing that could make it better would be if Peter's mom, Sarah, liked Delanie. But she has made it painfully clear every chance she gets that she strongly disagrees with their marriage. It seems she'll stop at nothing to tear them apart.

But their blissful life is about to be turned upside down. Who would have ever thought that a last minute party at Delanie and Peter's house thrown together by his mother would reveal a secret that they had been keeping from their family. The more they try to keep everything under control, the more secrets arise. Delanie and Peter are filled with hurt, frustration, doubt, anger and defeat. They don't know who to trust, who to turn to, or where they go from here. It seems like the entire world is against them.

When Delanie is hit with the ultimate betrayal, she'll have to decide what she really wants. She knows that Peter would be better off without her but just thinking about letting him go breaks her heart and leaves her feeling like a shell of a person. But when she receives the news that her and Peter have been longing for, she doesn't know if she could ever give him up.

Delanie may not know this, but she should never under estimate a man in love. Peter may be a putz at times and might not always know the right things to say but he will fight tooth and nail to keep her in his life. He's determined to show her exactly where she belongs... show her how much he truly loves her... and show her that, when it comes to the two of them, even though the road is wrought with trials, tribulations and setbacks, love will always, always conquer all.

*dreamy sigh*

WOW! All I can say is the feels! Oh my gosh you guys! The feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeels! I just can't even right now! Delanie and Peter... *sigh* Their story is SO real... SO raw... SO heart-achingly beautiful! To love each other so fiercely, so strongly, I can't even begin to describe it to you! You just HAVE to read this book! But fair warning... make sure you have a lot of tissues close by! You will most definitely need them!

I am LOVING this series! It is SO good! Both books have stayed with me long after I finish them... and I LOVE it when that happens! I can't WAIT for James and Avery's book!

Ms. Peel has definitely done it again! She's an AMAZING author! Just when I think I have found my favorite of hers, she releases a new book. I don't think I'll ever be able to pick a favorite of hers. They just keep getting better and better!

And can we please take a moment to appreciate this casting?! I saw these two from the very first chapter! I LOVE it when that happens! They're perfect in my opinion! What do you think?!

Content: Mild swearing. Mild innuendo. 

Catch a Falling Star by Cindy Roland Anderson

Synopsis:

She dreams of happily ever after. He doesn’t believe in love. What happens if their hearts belong together?

Londyn Montgomery has had enough of doing what her parents want, especially when they’re determined to marry her to a man who isn’t faithful to her. She decides to run away, hoping to find out who she is and what she wants out of life.

In her desire to escape a life of being controlled, she speeds straight past Sheriff Owen Hudson and narrowly avoids a ticket. She vows to stay off his radar, but destiny has other ideas, placing Owen and Londyn on a path that leads straight to a future neither one of them planned for.

My Review: 5 Stars

Londyn Montgomery is tired of living her life the way everyone else thinks she should live it. Every little detail is planned out for her, right down to what she's going to wear and who she's going to marry. But enough is enough. She's determined to take her life back and figure out who the real Londyn Montgomery is. 

Because of an incident that happened 10 years ago, Owen Hudson has sworn off women. He doesn't believe in love and there's no way that he'll ever marry. However, he didn't plan on Londyn speeding into his life and making him think twice about the vow he made all those years ago. 

The more time Londyn and Owen spend together, the harder it becomes to hide their growing feelings for each other. Neither of them feel like they're in a position to start a new relationship. But as the days go by, they will have to decide which path to take. Do they let fear of the unknown continue to rule their lives? Or do they take a chance on love and see what kind of HEA fate has in store for them? 

*dreamy sigh* 

Y'all can I just tell you how much I adored this book? By the end of chapter one I knew I was going to love it. And it only got better from there. I loved the interactions between Londyn and Owen. The chemistry between these two was sizzling! *fans herself* Talk about swoony! I couldn't get enough of these two!

Add to that some pretty amazing side characters and you have the perfect afternoon read. I am really loving this small town vibe. I cannot wait to read the other Hudson brothers books. I think I'm most excited for Jaxon. I don't know why, but he's already got my heart. 

This is another home run by Ms. Anderson! I love reading her books. I can always count on them to give me a much needed break from reality. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

And of course we cannot forget about my casting. I. Am. In. Love! What do you think? 

Dreaming of Ivy by Shannon Guymon

Synopsis:

Ivy Nyman is used to being the screw-up in the family. And with her issues with O.C.D and anorexia, she knows she's shaky at best. So when Rayne has to leave to save her life and she's left facing the world on her own, she's not sure if she's strong enough to handle the stress. Becket Lowell believes in her though and with his faith and love for her, she's determined to be a strong woman. Asher Murphy though is doing everything he can to come between her and Becket. As Asher's insinuations and Becket's suspicious behavior begin to take their tole, Ivy is left wondering if her dreams of happiness will ever come true.


My Review: 5+ STARS

Dreaming of Ivy is absolutely AMAZING! I LOVED every minute of it! And I have to admit that it is my new favorite book in this series!

Ivy and Becket are completely perfect for each other! They have both had a hard life, they both have issues that they are dealing with but they are also the only ones who can really see the other person for WHO they are on the inside... issues and all. Becket says it best when he tells Ivy, "We don't need to be perfect. We just need to be perfect for each other."

I loved watching these two grow and fall in love with each other. They had their struggles both separately and together but they proved that communication and unconditional love can go a long way to become better, to become stronger, to become closer to one and other. Becket knew from the start that Ivy was meant for him and he set out to make sure that happened. As I said before... they are PERFECT together!

As usual, I really enjoyed seeing the characters from the other books! The main one?! Tai!! What an AMAZING surprise!! I absolutely ADORED him!! Loved the way he stepped up and was willing to help Ivy and Cleo. Gotta love those Matafeo men!! ;) And speaking of Cleo... I know I am not the only one wishing that her and Tai end up together!! There is something there... I just know it! Ok... Ok... I don't know it... but I am definitely HOPING for it!! ;)

And we might as well discuss Asher... Oh my heck!! What in the world is WRONG with you?! Seriously buddy?! You turned into some psycho, possessive, non-boyfriend! How many times does Ivy have to tell you that you are JUST FRIENDS before you can get it through your thick skull?! I liked Asher in Falling for Rayne but he turned into a little twit! I no longer want him together with Cleo. She deserves to be someone's FIRST and ONLY choice in my opinion! I did think of someone I would be happy to see him with... Meredith! ;)

The mystery element was definitely on the low-key side in this book and was just the right amount in my opinion. I liked that the main focus was Becket and Ivy... these two NEEDED this happiness!!

I can't wait for the next book in this series!! I am extremely excited to see how everything works out in the end!! Shannon Guymon is absolutely AMAZING and I LOVE all of her books!! If you haven't read any of her books before then you are definitely missing out!! ;)

And my favorite part... my casting choice for Ivy and Becket... perfect.. right?! ;)

2019 Swoony Award Shout Out!

Wow! Can you guys believe that it's the first day of November already?! Where has this year gone?! We only have 2 months left in 2019! And once I realized that, I knew it was time for a Swoony Award Shout Out!

But first.... let's review!

Are you new and wondering what the Swoony Awards are? Check out our updated 2019 Swoony Award post here!

Are you wondering who the Swoony Awards Hosts are? Check out our Introduction post here!

Are you wondering which books are eligible this year? Check out our REFERENCE list here!

If you've read any eligible books that you don't see on our list, please feel free to let me know and I'll get them added.

Wondering which books I have read so far this year?

    

     

    

    

    

    

    

    

   

And just in case you're wondering, here's all the ways to stay updated on all things Swoony!

Blog: The Swoony Awards

Facebook: Swoony Awards Group and Swoony Awards Page

Instagram: SwoonyAwards

Twitter: @theswoonyawards

Pinterest: The Swoony Awards

I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has participated so far! The Swoony Awards would not be possible without you guys! You guys ROCK! 

If you have friends that you think would enjoy being apart of the Swoony Awards, please invite them to join us! Help us get the word out about clean, secular fiction!

Happy reading our fellow Book Dragons!