Lancaster House by Taylor Dean

Synopsis:

Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated 1920s Victorian Mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard?

The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.

My Review: 5 Stars

October 2018:

Oh my gosh! You guys! I still totally LOVE this book! It's SO good! And now is the perfect time to read it! Who doesn't love a spooky ghost story in the month of October?!

October 2017:

From the moment that Zoe Grayson laid eyes on Lancaster House she fell in love and just had to have it! While most people saw an old, run down house that is quite possibly haunted, Zoe saw a gorgeous Victorian that is in need of some major TLC. Lancaster House isn't some ordinary old Victorian home. No... it holds secret rooms, doors that lead to know where, secret passages and lots and lots of secrets.

Strange things start to happen at Lancaster House. Work that Zoe has started during the day is completed at night while she's sleeping. At first she thinks that she is beyond delirious and just forgot that she had completed it. She sets out to figure out what is going on. She purposely leaves work incomplete, only to discover the next day that it has been finished. What in the world is going on? Is there someone hiding out in her house without her knowledge?! Who is it and where are they hiding?! They just can't take up residents in her house! She refuses to allow it!

One night she hears someone climbing her stairs. She rushes out with baseball bat in hand ready to do damage. But she is quickly over taken by a burglar. She knows that she's in real trouble and that there is no way she can get out of the situation unscathed.

Enter in Andre... a mysterious man who appears out of nowhere. He rather forcefully tears the burglar away from Zoe and throws him out the window... to his death. Zoe can't believe her eyes! Did that just happen?! And where did this guy come from?! He just appeared out of thin air!

To Andre's utter shock, he realizes Zoe can see him. How is that possible?! No. No! He can't dwell on that right now. He must get Zoe to call the police, tell them the guy attacked her, that it was self defense, and do not tell them about him. Ummmm. How is she going to explain THAT to the police?! Will they even believe her?! But with no time to waste, she does as she's told.

From then on, Zoe is determined to figure out who and what Andre is. They spend as much time together as possible. Zoe and Andre soon find themselves falling in love. But how can they make it work? He's not human, he's not sure exactly what he is. Half-vampire, half-ghost. This will never work out.

So Andre starts to pull away from Zoe. He refuses to let her ruin her life on something that she will never have with him. Breaking his promise of never leaving her, he disappears and refuses to show himself to her. Zoe can't handle it and takes matters into her own hands. Little did she know that her choice would land her in the local loony bin. How will she ever get back to Andre?! It doesn't matter. It's what she has to do. She just can't live without him. She WILL see him again, or die trying.

Oh. My. Gosh! Someone please tell me why I waited so long to read this book?! I absolutely loved it and devoured it as quickly as I could! I am hurrying through my review so I can start book 2 right away! This one ends in a cliffhanger and I just HAVE to know what happens! Eeeeeeeeeek!

Ms. Dean does an amazing job of sucking me into her books and taking me on a journey with her beloved characters. I can't wait to read more by her!

And for my casting... *dreamy sigh* I absolutely love these two! What do you think?

Content: Mild language. Mild violence. Attempted rape but doesn't go into detail.

A Fine Gentleman by Sarah M. Eden

Synopsis:

London barrister Jason Jonquil has spent his entire life working to establish his identity as a gentleman, a man of refinement like his father and brothers. But when fiery Spanish beauty Mariposa Thornton walks into his office, he finds himself losing his grasp on his dignified character. The woman is infuriating, pushing him to the limit of his legendary patience. However, her case seems simple enough—a small matter of inheritance. Or so he believes.Once a well-born lady, Mariposa fought to survive the brutalities of Napoleon’s war on Spain. She braved horrific perils and undertook dangerous missions on behalf of those fighting against the invading French army. But her greatest battle still lies ahead: after being separated from her family, Mariposa sets in motion a plan to reunite with her loved ones in England. To avoid drawing the attention of the French, Mariposa dons a carefully crafted persona to conceal her true purpose. As Jason and Mariposa are drawn together by the case, they come to know the people beneath the masks they both wear. When the truth of Mariposa’s quest is revealed, the couple is pulled into a mystery that will test the limits of their courage—and expose the true desire of their hearts.

My Review: 4 Stars

Mariposa is in desperate need of help. She can only think of one person to turn to. Jason Jonquil. He has come highly recommended by his brother and she knows that if anyone can uncover the truth it will be him. But she must take heed to not give too much away. Her life and her family's lives depend on his utmost discretion. She does not like deceiving him, but she must keep her family safe!

Jason cannot believe the nerve of Mariposa! How dare she insult his intelligence and character! He has never met someone so condescending in his life! He will do his best to help her with her dilemma as quickly as possible so he can get the infuriating woman out of his life! 

But the more time he spends with her, the more intrigued he becomes. There is definitely more to the story than she is telling and slowly, he sees her firmly placed mask slipping. This spitfire of a woman is going to be the death of him. But heaven help him, he just can't walk away. Somewhere along the way, he has fallen in love with her and can no longer picture his life without her in it. He will help her solve her mystery and then he will do whatever it takes to keep this fiery Spanish beauty in his life for good. 

While I really enjoyed this book, I didn't love it like I have the others in the Jonquil Brothers series. I had a hard time connecting with Mariposa. I get why she did what she did, but at times I think she went way overboard. There were times during the story that I was willing Jason to just run far away! But, being a Jonquil, he saw past her faults and fell in love with the person she truly is. I did end up liking her more in the end but the beginning was definitely rough for me.

I absolutely love the Jonquil brothers! I have enjoyed all of their stories so far. Years ago, I read one too many regency/historical romances in a short period of time and got burned out on them. I have avoided them ever since. BUT I am happy to announce that rereading this series has made me fall in love with this genre all over again! I can't wait to reread more of Ms. Eden's books!

And speaking of Ms. Eden, from the moment I read my first book by her, I knew she would always be a favorite of mine. I have adored all her books. I know I will be reading and rereading her books years from now! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! If you haven't read anything by her then you are definitely missing out!

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.* 

2017 Reading Challenge

**UPDATE**

And I am finished! YAY! I have completed both of my Reading Challenges for 2017! I can't WAIT to start my 2018 Reading Challenge! It's going to be SO much fun! 😊

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I thought it was time to do an update on my reading challenge. I've actually been doing pretty good this year! On my below challenge I have 5 books left! WAHOOOOO! On my Goodreads reading challenge I have read 66 of my 100 books goal, I am more than halfway there! Which is amazing considering the last couple of years I struggled and kept getting into reading ruts. Gotta love when you can find amazing books and authors! 😉

What about you? Did you decide to do a reading challenge this year? If so, how's it going for you? If not, you know... it's not too late! Come join me! 😉 Hehe.

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Since I really enjoyed doing the 2016 Reading Challenge, I decided that I would do it again for 2017! After checking out some of the reading challenges going around, I knew there was no way I would accomplish even half of the list.

So, what's a girl to do when she really wants to do another challenge?! Why make her own of course!

Allow me to share with you KJ's Book Nook 2017 Reading Challenge!

1. A book by an author you have never read: Hidden Moon by K.R. Thompson
2. A book with a pretty cover: Hit and Run Love by Jennifer Peel
3. A trilogy: My One and Only, Free Fallin' and At Last by Shannon Guymon
4. A book by your favorite author: Paige's Turn by Jennifer Peel
5. A book by a friend's favorite author: I'm going to be a bit ambitious for this one. I have three friends that I always talk books with. So I am going to read a book from each of their favorite authors.. ;) Hehe. 1. How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison (Kathy), 2. Mergers & Acquisitions by Jennifer Griffith (Katie), and 3. Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen (Heidi). 
6. A book you have read before: Be Mine by Shannon Guymon (The above mentioned book buddies will know why this one is going to be tough!)
7. A book with a billionaire in it: The Daring One by Cami Checketts
8. A book with a one word title: Obsidian by Kimberly Loth  No review on my blog. Posted on Goodreads only.
9. A book that takes place on an island: Begin Again by Crystal Walton
10. A book with a topic you dislike: Lancaster House by Taylor Dean. I am so NOT a ghost person! Eeeeeek!
11. A book that "everyone" has read but you: A Fine Gentleman by Sarah M. Eden
12. A YA best seller: A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest
13. A favorite book from your childhood: The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
14. A book with a bad review from a Goodreads friend: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain  DNF at 50%.
15. Reread a favorite book from 2016: A Season to Love by Nicole Deese
16. A book with a hero/heroine's name that you love: Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson
17. A book with your favorite color on the cover: Georgie on His Mind by Jennifer Shirk
18. A book set in a place you would like to visit: Never Trust the Rain by Laura D. Bastian

Now, I can't take all the credit for coming up with the above choices. My good friend Katie over at Katie's Clean Book Collection helped come up with the various options. We had a list of about 40ish options... I just narrowed it down to 18. ;) Hehe. You can see her 2017 Reading Challenge list here.

Does this challenge sound like one you would love and could accomplish? Then feel free to join me! Happy reading my fellow bookworms!

Mergers & Acquisitions by Jennifer Griffith

Synopsis:

Everyone would think lawyer Jillian Price has it made, with her cushy legal job at one of L.A.'s biggest talent agencies. It's most lawyers' dream come true. She even has a big name young star on her client list. But it's sucking away her life, and Jillian is secretly aching for a way out.

When she stumbles across a painting that has all the hallmarks of a never-before-seen masterpiece by a recently-deceased master, Jillian thinks she might have found her ticket out of law. Then, at a client meeting with her young star, she meets the breathtakingly gorgeous Aero Jantzen, a banker with the bluest eyes she's ever seen. Besides giving her a soul-shattering kiss, he also gives her life-changing advice: that she use the art to break into the sparkling world of art she originally dreamed of entering.

However, the second she starts the ball in motion, Aero--for some unknown reason--starts working against Jillian's success. Her greatest champion is now her biggest roadblock.

And worse, she's still crazy-attracted to him.

Will Jillian be able to negotiate a merger, or is she fighting an uphill battle against an inevitable acquisition?

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Jillian Price can't believe her luck! Who in the world finds a never-before-seen masterpiece by a recently deceased artist at a garage sale?! This just may be her ticket out of Entertainment law. All work and no play is really wrecking havoc on Jilly's life. 

But before Jilly can put too much thought into what this painting holds in store for her future, she must meet her young Hollywood star client, Ryker, at a local amusement park. Who in the world holds business meetings at an amusement park?! Oh wait... this is Ryker we're talking about! ;) 

Matchmaker Ryker has a surprise in store for Jilly. One Aero Jantzen. He is a banker turned agent to the crazy kid. And Ryker will do anything to get these two together. 

From the moment Jilly and Aero meet there is an instant connection. Never before has either one of them been able to open up so easily and be real with others. Aero helps Jilly to see that there is more to life than just work. He helps her to see that she can still make her dreams a reality. 

Jilly starts the ball rolling and sets out to do just that. But when Aero sees the masterpiece that has helped Jilly take that leap of faith, he is all the sudden trying to sabotage her success. He refuses to tell her his reasons behind it and she can see their new found relationship unraveling right before her eyes. 

However, Aero refuses to give up on getting his hands on that painting or his relationship with Jilly. But with the painting standing in between them, will they ever have a chance? 

*dreamy sigh* Oh how I loved this book! Talk about swoony! I found myself routing for Jilly and Aero from the very beginning! These two were perfect for each other! And oh my heck! Ryker! Haha! I loved that kid! He was goofy and crazy on the outside but on the inside he's an amazing young man who cares more about others than himself. He was the perfect side character. :) 

I do have to say that I'm kinda bummed that it just ended. There were a few questions that I would've loved to see answered. But I did devour it in a day so that's saying something. I love when a book can capture me the way this one did!

I have only read a few books by Ms. Griffith but I will definitely be reading more! I have already downloaded the other books in this series. Can wait to read them! 

As for my casting.. between the cover and my imagination this is who I came up with. And I have to say that I love them! What do you think? 

Never Trust the Rain by Laura D. Bastain

Synopsis:

When Ami goes to help her sister with a new baby in Scotland, she never imagined she’d fall for the hot Scot that came to rescue her from the airport when the baby comes a few weeks early.

Duncan’s always been willing to help his American co-worker adjust to life in Edinburgh, but when he’s sent to retrieve the guy’s sister-in-law from the airport, he didn’t expect to want to spend more time with her than just the short drive.

As they spend time together, their feelings grow, but can either of them agree to give up the life they know for the chance of a life together?

My Review: 4 Stars   

Ami is headed to Scotland for her summer vacation to help her sister and brother-in-law, Jessie and Chris, with their new baby. With Jessie's due date still a few weeks away, she's hoping to do a little sight seeing before the baby arrives. However, no one anticipated Jessie going into labor early... especially on the day that Ami arrives in Scotland!

Duncan doesn't hesitate when Chris asks him to pick up Ami from the airport. What better way to spend his day off than helping a friend in need and playing tour guide to a cute girl? However, Duncan had no idea that Ami would be so captivating. She's unlike anyone he's ever met and he just can't seem to get her out of his thoughts. 

While both Ami and Duncan are not looking for any kind of relationship, they can't help but want to spend as much time with each other as possible. The more time the spend together, the closer they become, and the more they don't want to say goodbye to each other when Ami's time comes to an end. They have to wonder, is this really just a summer romance? Or do all signs point to a HEA together? 

Oh how I love Scotland! I have always wanted to go there! And the rain! *dreamy sigh* I couldn't help but fall in love with the setting as I was reading the book! This was a cute, quick read. Perfect for Saturday afternoon! This is the first book I have read in this series and I'm looking forward to checking out some of the other books. 

I have enjoyed all the books I have read by Ms. Bastian and am definitely looking forward to reading more! 

As for my casting... this one is all me. I didn't catch very many details on our hero and heroine so I'm kinda winging it here... ;) What do you think?

At Last by Shannon Guymon

Synopsis:

Maya Tenney just wants to feel safe again. She never would have pictured herself as a woman who runs from danger, but being put in the hospital by a violent man has made her realize that staying alive is more important than her pride. She'll even move in with the grouchiest man she knows if that will scare off her ex.

Tristan Jensen knows what it's like to deal with heartbreak, but he's not okay with anyone who hurts women. He's intrigued with Maya but he's done with women who manipulate and use others. Will these two be able to get past their misconceptions of each other or will they let pride destroy what could be a great love story?

My Review: 5 Stars

Oh. My. Gosh! I still LOVE this book! It was AMAZING! The perfect set up for the final book in the Fircrest series. I can't WAIT! Eeeeeeeeek! <3

Maya is on the run from her abusive ex boyfriend and finds herself in our dear town of Fircrest. All she wants is a fresh start and to feel safe. When she starts getting the cold shivers running down her spine and the feeling that she's being watched, she knows that Carter has found her. Now how is she going to be able to feel safe again?!

Tristan was burned by his ex girlfriend. While he was thinking it was true love, that they were meant to be together... she was out looking for bigger and better and ends up leaving him and taking his heart with her. She has turned Tristan into a bitter, grouchy man who refuses to ever trust women again. That is until Maya comes along and starts to open his eyes. She helps him to see that while his ex stole his heart right out of his chest... with hope and faith he can grow a new and better one.

Maya and Tristan were perfect for each other! They totally helped to balance the other out and helped each other to see just how strong they both really are. They learned together that life can and will go on and maybe... just maybe... it'll be better than they could ever imagine!

I absolutely LOVED At Last!! It was AMAZING!! Not only do we get to know Tristan and Maya better but we get to catch up with some of our other favorites in Fircrest. Meredith is still trying to scare everyone into doing what she wants them to do... Cleo is just as loving as she always is... Becket, Kam and Pule are their same overprotective selves that will do anything to keep their loved ones safe.. and Posey... oh my dear Posey! She is still a little firecracker that is NOT afraid to speak her mind! And I loved every last minute of this book!!

I seriously love all things Shannon Guymon and I especially love all things Fircrest!! I am so glad that there will be another series from our dearest friends in Fircrest because I seriously cannot get enough!! All these books can definitely put a smile on my face... brighten my dark days... and give me hope for better things!!

Shannon... I've said it before and I'll say it again... You. Are. AMAZING!! Thank you for writing all these books!! You seriously are a ROCKSTAR!! I cannot WAIT to see what you have in store for us next!! ;)

And let me guess... you're dying to see my casting choice... right?! Well... I absolutely LOVE this one!! Eeeeek!! Are you ready?!

Free Fallin by Shannon Guymon

Synopsis:

In the past, Pule Matafeo hasn't had the best reputation but now he’s stepping up when others need to count on him. He's doing his best to be a responsible man, so when Posey Tyler shows up and throws his whole life into commotion, he's not sure whether to run or embrace the wildness. And when tragedy strikes, Pule is the one people turn to to hold the family together, bringing everyone closer than ever before. Will he choose a life without risk, or will he give Posey a chance to hold his heart? But if he gambles on love, will everything he’s worked hard to rebuild, be destroyed?

My Review: 5+ Stars

Oh my gosh! Rereading this book was just as hard the 2nd time around! Oh the feels are SO real! </3

I will say up front that this is going to be the hardest review I have ever had to write. And once you read this book you will totally understand why. I currently have a love/hate relationship with it. I LOVED it! I really did! But there are just some things that really SUCKED! You have all been warned! But don't let that discourage you... you just HAVE to read Free Fallin!

When we first met Pule he was the biggest punk on the face of the planet! I had wanted to knock him out so many times it was not even funny! Everything was all about him and how he could get what he wanted. Then things started happening around him to open his eyes and see that the way he had been living was not the way he wanted to live. He started wanting what all his cousins and brother had... love. But not just any love... a love that is all consuming... a love that would make life worth living... a love that would last for eternity.

Posey... Posey... Posey... oh how I love her! She may seem like the shy, quiet girl but really... she's a little firecracker who loves very passionately. She's a vigilante for the underdogs.. someone who will always be there for you and help in any way that she can... whether she knows you or not. She is definitely NOT Pule's type and knows it. But this girl is determined. And once she makes up her mind?! Watch out world! She's independent.. is not afraid to be the real her.. and has no filter. I loved her honesty! She is absolutely perfect for our dear, sweet, amazing Pule.

I loved watching Pule fall for Posey. They had a very, very rocky start and Pule really didn't want to have anything to do with her. But over time they become friends and slowly but surely he falls head over heels in love with her. He FINALLY gets to experience what everyone else has... an all consuming love that makes life worth living... a love that just completes him. And he wouldn't have it any other way... *dreamy sigh*

I know it's been said before... and I'm going to add my two cents in... seriously... keep tissues handy!! You WILL need them... I PROMISE!! If I felt the way that I did while reading, I can only imagine how Shannon was feeling while writing!! I know that she has no control over what her characters do... so I will say.... CURSE YOU CHARACTERS!! How could you DO this to me?!

With all that being said I will say again how much I LOVED this book!! It was an amazing, emotional roller coaster ride that I had a VERY hard time putting down!! To be able to write a book like this and have it turn out AMAZING even with all the twists and turns (that you will NOT see coming) shows how much of a ROCKSTAR Shannon is!! Seriously... she is an exceptional writer who is and always will be one of my all time FAVORITEST writers EVER!! I love you Shannon!! I cannot WAIT to see what you have in store for us next!!

And there is NO way I can forget my casting... hehe. What do you think?! Personally... I think they are perfect!! ;)

 

My One and Only By Shannon Guymon

Synopsis:

Meredith Jensen has seen her share of ups and downs. She’s found love twice already and lost it in spectacularly traumatic ways. Now? She just wants a peaceful life, free from love and drama. Meredith’s plans for the future center around planning other people’s weddings and her new online dating website. Just because she works to help other people find love doesn’t mean she wants any part of it though. Unfortunately for Meredith’s plans, Asher Murphy is determined to get her to give love another chance. But then again, so is Pule Matafeo. Meredith has never denied that she’s stubborn and feisty so it might take the combined forces of all their friends in Fircrest to get her heart back on track in time for Valentine’s Day.

My Rating: 5 Stars!!

2nd read of My One and Only and I may or may not have devoured it in one afternoon... ;) Hehe. Rereading these books is seriously making me so happy!

Oh my goodness gracious great balls of fire Batman!! So many feelings!! I just don't know where to start!! My One and Only was absolutely AMAZING!! I LOVED it!!

Meredith and Asher are no strangers to our town of Fircrest. I'm sure along the way you have loved them and also may have wanted to shake them a bit and say "What in the world is wrong with you?!" At least I did! ;)

Meredith is pretty much broke. Her wedding planning business just is not taking off like she had hoped it would. She knew she needed to come up with something and fast before she either ended up on the streets or moving back home with her mom and dad. While talking with Asher she comes up with the brilliant idea of starting a dating service. And Asher, being the business savvy kind of guy that he is, takes the idea and runs with it. Enter in Brogan Moore and you now have True Love, L.L.C.

Things are going great! And then all of the sudden Asher and Pule Matafeo decide that they BOTH have feelings for Meredith! But what does Meredith do?! Well... she decides that she has been hurt by love one too many times and she would rather concentrate on getting her business up and running. She thinks she can be happy with lots of friends around her and that she doesn't need love in her life. What?! I know!! Crazy, right?! *sigh* This girl I tell ya! After hurting Asher she enlists Pule's help to make things right between the two of them. What starts out as Pule helping Meredith get Asher back as a friend turns into the whole Fircrest crew trying to get Meredith to open her eyes and see how much Asher really does love her, how much she really does love him and just how perfectly perfect they are for each other!!

One of the things I love most about Asher and Meredith is that they are just so passionate! When they love... they love hard... they will do anything and everything to hold on to what they've got... and as we saw in the other books... that isn't always a good thing. However, in My One and Only, you can see just how much those choices have affected them and see how much they want to change for the better. They really have grown up a lot!

Pule has also grown up quite a bit. Having to experience what happened to Cleo has really opened his eyes and mellowed him out. Once he realizes just how much Asher loves Meredith he does the only thing he can and that is to help his best friend get the girl he loves. I think one of my favorite parts is the moment that Pule and Asher share at The Iron Skillet. I'm not going to say anymore.. you'll just have to read the book to find out what I am talking about. :)

This journey for Meredith and Asher was more than just finding true love. It was a journey of self discovery.. of healing past hurts.. of hope that there is more to life then what they had been through.. of growing.. of learning.. of gaining new friendships and strengthening old ones.. finding peace with the past.. knowing that what they had been through had made them who they are.. and just knowing that no matter what has happened in the past they most definitely deserve their own HEA. And I. Loved. Every. Single. Minute!

Another amazing book by Shannon!! I seriously love everything that she creates!! She just has a way of sucking you in and not letting you go until the very end!! I am definitely looking forward to the other books in this series!! I can't wait to see Pule and Tristan get their own HEA!! So Shannon... when does the next book come out?! ;) Hehe.

And no... I have not forgotten your... I mean MY favorite part... ;) Hehe. My casting choice for Meredith and Asher...

A Season to Love by Nicole Deese

Synopsis:

At this point in her life, bravery is not a trait Willa Hart would readily claim. She believes her seven-year-old daughter, Savannah, who never knew her father and successfully tackled chemotherapy, is truly the courageous one. Yet after Willa has a fateful encounter with handsome young doctor Patrick McCade, her outlook—and her view of herself—begins to change.

Patrick, a thrill-seeking world traveler and temporary resident of Lenox, Oregon, sets out to show Willa the value of adventure, even within her tiny town. But just when their friendship shows signs of turning into something more, Patrick’s life as a traveling doctor calls him back. Will his last days in town signal the end of their journey, or will Patrick and Willa find the courage to transform a single season into a lifetime?


My Review: 5 Beautiful, Amazing Stars!

My second read of A Season to Love and I have to say I loved it just as much if not more the second time around! *dreamy sigh*

Willa's life hasn't been the easiest.. far from it in fact. Between losing her husband unexpectedly and her daughter, Savannah, being diagnosed with cancer, she has stopped living her life. She is just existing and doing everything she can to keep her family safe and close at all times. Although she has promised Savannah that things will change now that she is cancer free, she is scared to death to even try. Her brother, Weston, pushes her to do more, to get out and live her life. But she still just can't bring herself to do it. It's going to take a lot more than Weston's pushing to break down the walls she has built up and start truly living again.

Enter Patrick. *dreamy sigh*

Patrick is only in Lenox for a very short period of time helping in his father's medical practice while he is away. Mr. Adventurer, who lives life to the fullest, is just what the doctor ordered for Willa... literally. ;) Who better to help her break out of her shell and see that she has had the power within her the whole time to become who she was meant to be? She just needs a little, or at times, a big push in the right direction. I absolutely LOVED watching their relationship grow and evolve into more over time. I have said it before in other reviews and I will say it again because it is so, so true. These two were seriously perfect for each other! They brought out the best in each other and lifted each other up during the difficult times. These two are seriously AMAZING!

While the romance was sweet (and I loved every minute of it), this story really was about self discovery and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.. not only for Willa but for Patrick as well. It was amazing to watch Willa grasp onto her freedom and sore! The last scene at Cougar Mountain was by far the BEST one to show how truly amazing Willa is and how far she had come from the beginning of the book! I am not ashamed to admit that I cried cleansing, happy tears for her during that scene. :)

One paragraph in that scene sums up everything for both Willa and Patrick perfectly in my opinion. Even though it was Willa's thoughts, it definitely can be applied to Patrick's life as well. "How many paths had I avoided in life? How many times had I been content to stop at 'close enough' - too afraid to push ahead? To afraid to let go?"  It really makes you think about their relationship and what a huge part they played in each others lives. <3

And can I just tell you how much I loved Alex?! From the moment her appearance was mentioned (down to her hair color), I knew she would be an important part of the story and that she would be one of my favorite side characters. There's just something about those spunky, sassy characters that get me every single time... ;)

 A Season to Love is one of the best stories I have read! I was sucked in from the very beginning. I stayed up way too late reading and woke up way too early just to finish it! I was hoping after I read A Cliché Christmas that Willa would get her own HEA and I was seriously blown away at how amazing her story was! It is one that I will forever treasure. It was just what I needed to read at this time in my life. Seriously AMAZING! If you have not read this series yet then my suggestion is to go grab both books and read them right now! You will NOT be disappointed! :)

After only reading two books by Nicole Deese, I am hooked! I'm definitely looking forward to other books by her! She is officially on my favorite authors list! Gotta love it when you find new authors! <3

And of course one of my favorite parts of reviewing... my casting choice! I think I am in love! ;) Hehe.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison

Synopsis:

The best day of his life, the worst day of hers.

Back in college, Marco Dawson never thought of Belle as anything more than a friend. If she had crossed his mind on his wedding day, it was probably only to wonder why she hadn’t shown up to be a bridesmaid. After all, his new wife was her old roommate. Seven years have passed since then, and Belle just found out that Marco is divorced and vacationing with his family in an elegant Cancun resort. She’s not about to let the right man get away twice. She heads to the resort where she plans to casually bump into Marco and ignite some romantic flames.

But Belle hadn’t planned on one thing: Flynn Dawson, Marco’s handsome, charming, and determined twin brother. He thinks Marco and his ex-wife can make amends and he’s not about to let Belle stand in the way.

My Review: 4 Stars

Belle was extremely shy and awkward in college. She often thought of herself as invisible. When she meets the devastatingly handsome Marco (or Dawson as he liked to be called in college), she can't think straight, gets tongue tied and tries her best to get him to notice her. But sadly, he only ever saw her as a friend. 

Belle is devastated when Marco meets and falls in love with her best friend/roommate, Daisy. Their friendship becomes strained as Daisy and Dawson's relationship develops. Belle is heartbroken. She can't believe Daisy would do that to her. Being around them gets to be too much for Belle to handle so she cuts all ties with them. 

7 years later, she runs into Pearl who informs her that Dawson and Daisy have divorced and Dawson is headed to Cancun for a family reunion. After debating back and forth she decides that it's a sign and she heads off to Cancun to get reacquainted with Dawson. Now that she has out grown her shyness and is no longer invisible, she's guaranteed to have a shot with him. Right? Wrong! Fate and Dawson's twin brother, Flynn, have another thing in mind for her. 

Flynn is determined to do everything he can to make sure Daisy and Marco have a fair chance in reconciling their differences, even if that means making sure the beautiful Belle stays far, far away from them. But Belle is definitely someone who will not go down without a fight. She has been carrying this torch for Marco for years and is determined to have her shot with him. 

All I have to say is let the games begin! The chemistry between Belle and Flynn is off the charts and felt by all. But they got this! Right?! This little game is just a means to an end. But the more time they spend together, getting to know one and other, the more they both start to rethink which brother Belle is truly meant to be with. 

Will Belle and Flynn figure it out before it's too late? Or will secrets and lies keep them from their HEA? 

I am going to start out by saying I really enjoyed this book. But the story line was definitely a hard sell for me. Twin brothers and one girl? That's just weird to me. I can't really express it in any other way than weird! Lol. I can say that I absolutely loved and adored Flynn! I thought he was amazing! Belle, on the other hand, seemed desperate and pathetic at times. I'm not sure why but I had a hard time connecting with her. I wish she would've realized her feelings for Flynn sooner and have more of a development of their real relationship. I was disappointed that we only got a small glimpse of it at the very end. I also wish we would've seen more of Pearl in this book. She played such a very small role in the book compared to the other books I have read in the Matchmaker series. 

All in all a cute read. I will definitely be picking up more by this author in the future. I think this is only my second book by her?

And of course I just can't forger my casting! What so you think?! 

Begin Again by Crystal Walton

Synopsis:

What happens when a free-spirited artist from big-city New York collides with an uptight business owner from small-town Ocracoke? Fireworks. The kind neither saw coming.

A single call is all it takes to drive artist Ti Russo into what she does best. Run. But hey, lying low in a beach town for a while isn’t so bad. Thanks to the distraction of playing consultant to a guy she’s determined to crack, she can almost forget about the past stalking her back home. But she never counted on the real danger being a picket-fenced life she has no business falling for.

Focus and self-preservation have gotten single dad Drew Anderson through the last nine years. With the threat of his shop’s foreclosure jeopardizing his daughter’s health care, the last thing he needs is a distracting hippie chick swooping in to shake up what he’s fought to protect. Including himself. The bank’s deadline adds enough pressure without re-risking feelings better left buried.

But as sparks flare and secrets escalate, the race against time propels Ti and Drew into a choice neither’s ready to make: Find the faith to surrender their past or forfeit their only chance to begin again.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Growing up, Ti had the worst imaginable childhood. Her first opportunity she had to run away, she took it... running as fast and as far away as possible. But when her best friend needs her, she returns to do anything she can to help her out. In the process she realizes that enough is enough. She is going to face her past and show them that she is no longer afraid. But one phone call is all it takes to bring her nightmare of a past back and make her run again. This time to Ocracoke Island. 

Ti is in desperate need of a distraction. If she has something other than her own life to focus on she might just be able to keep the nightmares at bay. The distraction comes in the form of Drew, a single father who is struggling to keep his family souvenir shop open, his daughter's health under control, medical bills paid and keep his own demons from consuming him. But one look at Ti has him fighting every step of the way. She reminds him too much of his past and he cannot afford to be hurt again.

But somewhere along the way these two lonely, broken individuals learn to rely on each other, fight for each other, help each other, and love each other. That doesn't mean their journey is all sunshine and roses. No.. far from it. It was an uphill battle the entire way. They had to learn to overcome past hurts, learn to forgive, learn to let go, learn to be selfless, learn to have faith, learn to love all over again. This book is full of emotion and heartache. But you will find yourself cheering Ti and Drew on as they strive to achieve their HEA. 

Ms. Walton has a way weaving a tale full of emotions. She has this way of taking you on the journey with her characters, as if you're living their lives right along side them. I can't wait to see where she takes us next! 

And of course I just can't forget my casting! I love these two for Ti and Drew! What do you think?  

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*

And make sure you head on over to Crystal's blog to enter to win this amazing giveaway! Click here to go right to it! :)

The Daring One by Cami Checketts

Synopsis:

Summer Anderson has the perfect life—designing toys and traveling the world—until the venture capitalist company, Mumford’s Sons, helps her dad sell his toy company to the highest bidder. Summer loses her designs, her job, and her lifestyle, and is forced to work for a friend in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Chance Judd, owner of Mumford’s Sons, takes a mountain biking trip to Crested Butte and accidentally runs Summer off a running trail. He asks her out repeatedly, but she always has a sarcastic response ready for him. When he finally convinces her to go to dinner, he realizes that he is partly responsible for her losing her job and designs, and knows she’ll hate him if she finds out the truth. He has no choice—he lies. 

But how long can a secret this big stay hidden and will Summer ever forgive him when she finds out the truth?

My Review: 4 Stars

After losing her job, her toy designs and her lifestyle, Summer is in need of a fresh start. What better place than Crested Butte, CO where one of her best friends lives for said fresh start?! Working at Sugar N' Spice until she can figure out her next move and find a new job, she embraces all the beauty around her. So what's a girl to do when a gorgeous stranger runs her off the trail? Why she embraces him too! ;) 

Chance is visiting Crested Butte for a much needed vacation. He's out enjoying the beautiful scenery when out of no where he runs a beautiful hiker off the trail. After their first encounter he decides that he must get to know her better. She's sassy, feisty, funny and can definitely keep him on his toes. But Summer isn't going to make it easy on him. 

Things are going great between the two of them until Summer discovers the secret that Chance has been keeping from her. How can they move forward when he was the on responsible for ruining the life she had? Does she care enough about him to overlook everything and forgive him? Or will she force herself to move on breaking both of their hearts? 

While I loved the setting, the banter, the swoony kisses and good ol' Chance, I have to say that I didn't love Summer. :( While I found her sassy in the beginning, it got to the point where she was a bit snotty and I wanted Chance to run far away. Haha. Maybe it's just my mood? But I absolutely LOVED Chance! I thought he was a pretty amazing guy. He can come rescue me any day! ;) Hehe. 

It never fails... Ms. Checketts always has me waiting not so patiently for her next book. I can always count on her to sweep me into a suspenseful, swoony adventure. I can't wait to see what she has in store next! 

As for the casting... for those that have already read this book already... please don't be disappointed in me! I just couldn't picture anyone else! Haha. The heroine is all me though.. ;) Hehe.

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

Synopsis:

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.

A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.

She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.
An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.

Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

My Review: 3.5 Stars

A Shade of Vampire is part of my 2017 Reading Challenge... the YA Bestseller. This is actually the 2nd time I have read this book, Well, actually, it's the 1st time all the way through. A couple of years ago I made the mistake of picking up the old version... the one with 150 pages. I only got halfway through the book before I said enough is enough... I just can't! So I gave up on it and moved on.

But when I saw that on of my best book buddies read the longer version and seemed to enjoy it, I decided that I would give the longer version a try. It just goes to show you that mood reading is a real thing because I actually did get through the whole book! Haha.

While on vacation, Sofia is kidnapped by vampires and taken to an island called The Shade. There she is chosen to be part of Derek Novak's harem. Terrified and alone, she does what anyone in her position would do, try to escape. But she quickly discovers that there is no way she will ever escape. She must face her fate and do the best she can to stay alive. And the only way to do that is to stay in the good graces of Derek Novak.  

Derek has never met anyone like Sofia before. She is a marvel. There is just something about her that not only draws him in, but makes him want to be a better person. He is much more than his circumstances and with the help of Sofia he just might be able to become better and stronger than he already is. 

But when outside forces attack and plant seeds of doubt, they both will need to face demons within themselves and enemies if they are going to survive. 

My advice, if you are going to be reading this book/series, is to keep in mind that this is an urban fantasy. Not everything is going to be believable, there will be insta-love and warnings that you see will be ignored by the beloved characters in the books. I know there are a lot of people out there who have a hard time reading books like this because there is so much within the book that just wouldn't happen. If you are one of those, then I would suggest skipping over this one. If you are not, then you will probably enjoy this book. 

After looking into this series more, I have discovered that there are 39 books so far. That is definitely A LOT of books! I am not sure if I will continue on and read the entire series but I think I am intrigued enough to continue on with Sofia and Derek's story. This book does end in a bit of a cliffhanger so if you love this book, be prepared to want to grab the next book in the series. 

And of course I can't forget my casting... what do you think? 

Content: 

Language - Mild... a handful or so including both b's, h's and d's. 

Violence - Mild to moderate. A couple of fights, death, attempted rape... nothing is detailed though. 

Hidden Moon by K.R. Thompson

Synopsis:

When 17 year old Nikki Harmon moves to Bland, Virginia, she expects her new life will be as dull as the town's name.

But she finds that not everything is as it seems and the forest surrounding her new home holds secrets—one of them being a centuries-old Indian legend, carefully guarded by Adam Black Water, the leader of a pack of boys known as the Keepers.

Nikki will soon discover that the forest holds more magic and danger than she ever dreamed possible as a killer lurks on the Appalachian Trail. As she searches for the truth, she will unearth the darkest secret of all.

But will she lose her heart? Or will she lose her life?

My Review: 4 Stars

After Nikki's father passes away, her mom, little sister and her move to Bland, Virginia to live in her great-grandmother's house. Between the look of the city and the name, Nikki thinks her life is going to be extremely boring. 

But looks can be deceiving. 

The forest behind her house is full of magic and secrets. There are also some people who are not happy to see Nikki and her family. Between the mean girl at school trying to make her life miserable and the Trail Killer, there is never a dull moment in Bland. 

On top of all that, there are two boys who are vying for Nikki's attention. Her new best friend Brian and the mysterious, aloof Adam. While she feels comfortable around Brian, there is just something about Adam that draws her to him. The connection with him is strong and undeniable. 

As Nikki embarks on her new journey in Bland, she will learn that not only is there more than meets the eye within Bland, but there is more than meets the eye within her. She will discover who she really is, the power she holds and what fate has in store for her. But will she find out before it's too late?

I do have to admit that in the beginning I was a little worried that I wouldn't end up finishing this book. When it comes to YA paranormal novels, I try my best to go in with an open mind. But when a book starts to feel like another book I have read, I get a little apprehensive. In this case, it had a definite Twilight feel to it, except with wolves instead of vampires. There were so many scenes and aspects in the beginning that were similar that I started listing them off to one of my book buddies. I had even mentioned that if it continued on like this, I would not finish the book. I was pleasantly surprised when the author's unique twist entered into the book and it intrigued me enough to continue with the book. I am glad that I gave this book the full chance that it deserved.  

I really did enjoy my first book by K.R. Thompson. I will definitely be checking out more books by her. 

Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson

Synopsis:

Seven years ago, Cambri Blaine fled her small hometown of Bridger, Colorado after her senior year of high school ended in a fiasco. But now her father needs help, and Cambri has no choice but to return home. So with trepidation, she takes a leave of absence from the landscape architecture firm where she works and heads home, hoping against hope that Jace Sutton is no longer around and that the past can stay where it belongs—in the past.

If only life worked that way.

Jace never expected to see Cambri again. After she walked out of his life without a backward glance, he was left with no choice but to try to forget her and move on. But now that Cambri is back and looking more beautiful and sophisticated than ever, some of those old feelings resurface, and Jace instinctively knows, for the sake of his heart, that he needs to avoid her at all costs.

If only it were that easy.

My Review: 4 Stars

Cambri is not as brave as everyone thinks she is. When life gets tough, she gets scared and does the only thing she knows how to... runs. And that's exactly what she did when life with Jace and her father became too much. Now, six years later, her father needs her and she must return home. Will she have the courage to tell them why she did what she did? Will they understand that she needed to get away in order to become the person she is today? Will they forgive her?

Jace was devastated when Cambri just up and left without a reason, without a goodbye. He did everything he could to reach out to her but all she did was ignore him. Six years later and he's still trying to move on. But how can he move on when the only available house for him to purchase is the very one that Cambri spent hours telling him exactly what she would do if the house was hers. And it's about to get even harder with her back in town taking care of her father. He does his best to avoid her, but fate has something else in store for them.  

While Jace has every reason (in my opinion) to make things hard on Cambri, he chooses to be the bigger person and does anything he can to help her out while she's home. The more time they spend together, the closer they become. She finally opens up and tells him the reason she just had to leave. She wouldn't be the person she is today if she would have stayed. But now that they have rekindled what they had years ago, how will she ever be able to give him up a second time? 

I really enjoyed Cambri and Jace's journey. It was fun to see them overcome the past and grow closer and stronger together. I also enjoyed her repairing her relationship with her father. Both of them were definitely stubborn and set in their ways. But they were able work things out and have a real father/daughter relationship. My only complaint is the book just ended! I seriously hate that! Things were hinted to and BAM! The end! Grrrr. This girl needs closure dang it! Haha. 

I always enjoy Ms. Anderson's books! She never disappoints! And it never fails, every time I read one of her books I always think, "Why did I wait so long?!" I really need to start grabbing her books as soon as they are released! 😉

And of course I just can't forget my casting. My review just wouldn't be complete without it! 

Be Mine by Shannon Guymon

Synopsis:

Men are terrifying to Bailey Downing. Not that she wants anyone to know that, but with her mom insisting she fall in love and Kam Matafeo pushing her to feel things she doesn't want to feel, Bailey is determined to make a nice, safe choice. Dean Hogan is the perfect man for her. Smart, wealthy, charming and best of all, safe. But when her romance begins to unravel with Dean, she's faced with a choice: open her heart, or stay safe, cold and lonely. Kam is determined to help Bailey no matter what it takes and with the support of her sister Taryn and her brother Rob, she makes the decision to be brave. But Kam's ex-girlfriend Meredith isn't shy about wanting him back. Bailey will have to learn to fight for what she really wants. The question is, would she rather be safe or would she rather be loved.

My Review: 5 Stars

*dreamy sigh* I absolutely LOVE Be Mine! I have lost count on how many times I have actually read this book.

For those of you who have followed Shannon Guymon and her Fircrest series, you will know how hard this was for me to read again! But I felt like it was time! I needed to rip off the band-aid and just do it!

If you have NOT followed Shannon's Fircrest series you are missing out! You should definitely grab her series! But you MUST read them in order! Start with You Belong With Me and go from there. You can thank me later! 😉

Bailey has always intrigued me. She comes across as confident and strong. But part of me had a feeling that there was something going on with her... something that she is hiding... I just couldn't figure out what.

Kam takes one look at Bailey and knows that there is more to her then she lets on. He sees what she is busy hiding from everyone else... he sees HER. And he just knows that she is the one for him. He has a bit of a long road ahead of him to help her see that she deserves to be happy and loved but he is definitely up for the challenge.

You see, something horrible happened to Bailey when she was younger but she never told anyone anything about it. She kept it bottled inside because she was ashamed and didn't want it to hurt others in her family. But when she is assigned a story she has to make the tough choice of finally facing it and getting everything out in the open so that she can heal and move on... becoming a better and stronger person.

On top of all this going on with Bailey, she has to deal with Meredith... the psycho ex-girlfriend of Kam. All I have to say is WOW! What in the world happened to Meredith?! I knew that she was a feisty little thing but holy crow Batman!! She just went nuts!! But I do have to say I got a kick out of the cat fight between those two... it was awesome! Haha! They both are a little feisty... ;)

Once everything is out in the open and Bailey has faced it, she finally sees that she DOES deserve love and happiness. And she finds it in Kam. They had their fair share of ups and downs but in the end it was all worth it! And they are better together! These two are my most favoritest couple in the Love and Trust Trilogy!

As I said before Be Mine was just what I needed! It reassured me that even though there is evil in the world and no one is perfect... everyone deserves love and a chance to be happy! Love is not always easy but have a little faith in it... it can heal and make you whole again. <3

And as promised... my casting choices for Bailey and Kam...

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Synopsis:

Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own.

My Review: 4 Stars

Growing up I had the hardest time reading books! I just could NOT get into them! I would rather be outside playing and going on adventures than in the house reading a book. So when I absolutely had to read books for school I searched a long time until my teacher helped me discover The Boxcar Children. From the very beginning I was hooked! I absolutely loved this series! 

So when my 2017 Reading Challenge had a favorite book from your childhood, I just HAD to chose this one! And I was so happy that I did! It was fun to reminisce about my childhood! So many great memories! I would have LOVED to have an old boxcar to play in with the stream near by, a fire pit, and being able to discover the world around me! I think this is a timeless classic and would be fun to share with all my nieces and nephews! :)