One Choice I'd Never Make by Remi Carrington

 

Synopsis:

Never Date a Guy When Your World is Falling Apart

Being an only child has its perks . . . and its disadvantages. My parents want the best for me. That I get. But they also want to dictate my life.

Not gonna happen.

They want me to move back home, but I like living three hours away. Then I meet the perfect guy. He’s another reason not to leave my small town.

My parents don’t like that I’m not moving—they don’t know about the guy—and demand their stuff back . . . everything they’ve bought me. What am I supposed to do underemployed and without a car? I can’t ask my boyfriend to save me from that.

But I’ll do anything to figure out life on my own terms. Even if it means working on a goat farm.
Once I establish my independence, I introduce Harper to my parents. They hate every choice I make, but I think they’ll love him.

I’m not sure what I’ll do if they don’t.

My Review: 5 Stars!

Oh holy swooniness Batman! Y'all. It's official! Cami and Harper's book is my absolute favorite in the series so far! 💗

When we first met Cami in previous books, she was all over the place and you couldn't help but laugh at her antics. While she has no filter and calls them like she sees them, she'll be your most loyal friend and will always be there when you need her. She's definitely a handful but she's pretty special and deserves someone pretty incredible. 

Enter in Harper. Y'all. These two have the best cute-meets. (Yes, I meant meets.) Both times had me laughing and I couldn't wait to watch their story unfold. And oh what a story it was! I had one of those goofy grins on my face the entire time I was reading and I let out all kinds of little dreamy sighs. These two are absolutely adorable! 😍

One of the things I love most about Harper is his ability to know just what Cami needs at the very moment she needs it. He was always there saying and doing all the right things. He picks her up when life knocks her down and he's her biggest cheerleader. He lets her be herself and is completely smitten with her. He finds her antics endearing and loves her perfectly. *dreamy sigh* I seriously love these two! 

If you haven't been able to tell, I absolutely love this series! I love seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I cannot wait to read Delaney and Eli's book. I have a feeling it will be very entertaining. 😉 Poor Eli! 😂

Ms. Carrington has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her books have all been such a fun break from reality and I have loved all the ones I've read so far. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

And we can't forget my casting. *dreamy sigh* I'm in love! What do you think?!

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

Synopsis:

When Lucy Pickett arrives at Blackwell Manor to tend to her ailing cousin, Kate, she finds more than she bargained for. A restless ghost roams the hallways, werewolves have been reported in the area, and vampires lurk across the Scottish border.

Lord Miles himself is clearly hiding a secret. He is brash and inhospitable and does not take kindly to visitors—even one as smart and attractive as Miss Pickett. He is unsettled by the mysterious deaths of his new wife, Clara, and his sister, Marie. Could Miles himself be to blame for the deaths?

Working together, Miles and Lucy attempt to restore peace to Blackwell Manor. But can Lucy solve the mystery of Miles? Can she love the man—beast and all?

My Review: 5 Stars

Confession. I have read this book at least once a year for the last 4 years. To say it's one of my favorites would be an understatement. While reading it this time around, a memory from the first time I read it came to mind and I just had to share it. 

Picture this. It's almost midnight, my room is pitch black, minus the light from my kindle, my apartment is completely silent, and I'm fully engrossed in the story. I come to an extremely intense part of the book and I'm on the edge of my seat unsure of what's going to happen next. Just as something slams into a wall in the book, something slams into my wall in my bedroom! 😱 I screamed and jumped sky high. I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest. To say I was a little freaked out would be an understatement. It took me awhile to calm down and stop shaking. And I may or may not have slept with my light on that night. 🤪 I can laugh at it now but y'all! I was freaked out! 😂

Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairytale. There's just something about it that has this girl letting out all kinds of little dreamy sighs. And this book had me doing just that. 

Lucy and Miles are seriously the best! Both of them can be pretty dang stubborn but they love fiercely and will do anything to protect the ones they love most. I loved watching these two navigate through their rough beginning, learn to trust and open up to each other, all while falling in love. They make the perfect team and I absolutely adore them!

This was my first introduction into the world of steampunk and I loved it! Sadly, I haven't found any other books that can hold a candle to the Steampunk Proper Romance series. But that doesn't stop me from continuing to try. 😉

Not only was this my first steampunk romance, but my first book by Nancy Campbell Allen. She did an amazing job of sucking me in to her world and making me forget reality. And y'all know how much I love it when that happens! 

And of course I can't forget my casting! What do you think?

Conspiracy by Rebecca Deel

 

Synopsis:

When Police Chief Blair Hoffman is injured during an ambush, she’ll leave no stone unturned to find a would-be killer determined to finish the job. To unmask the culprit before he succeeds, Blair accepts the help of a Navy SEAL turned cop with a dark past and deadly skills.

Deputy Sheriff Elliot Montgomery has avoided a distracting Blair Hoffman for two years. But when someone places a target on her back, Elliot’s protective instincts override his common sense. After he becomes Blair’s personal bodyguard, the threats escalate. But Elliot never backs down from a fight. With danger looming, he’ll need every ounce of cunning and courage to save himself and the woman who refused to leave him alone in the darkness.

My Review: 4 Stars

Y'all. I don't even know where to begin with this review. It's going to be one of those that's hard to write because I don't want to give anything away!

From the moment I picked up this book, I did not want to put it down! Talk about intense and action-packed! I was sucked in from the very beginning!

Blair and Elliot have had feelings for each other for the last two years. But for reasons only known to Elliot, a relationship between the two of them just wasn't possible. But all of that changed when Blair was ambushed on the job and Elliot's protective instincts took over. Unable to hide their feelings for each other any longer, they'll have to work together to find out who's responsible for all the danger plaguing their every move. 

Guys, that's all I'm willing to say about the actual story. I am not taking an chances of accidentally divulging the entire plot. Trust me, this is something you're going to want to read and figure out on your own! 

What I can say is that I absolutely loved Blair and Elliot. These two were absolutely perfect for each other. They are fiercely loyal and protectors to the core. Their banter and flirting had me letting out little dreamy sighs throughout the book. Their chemistry was hot, hot, hot! I couldn't get enough of these two! 

Since I clearly loved this book, why only 4 stars you ask? There were several typos and grammatical errors throughout the book. I tried to ignore them but some of them were just too distracting. The other reason is the book just ended. I really hate it when that happens! There was so much focus on one particular aspect and we didn't even get to see it. I was super bummed. 

All in all, I really did love this book. I may have been hesitant going into it because the last couple of books kind of fell flat for me, but this one was a breath of fresh air. Blair and Elliot are definitely one of my favorite couples of Ms. Deel's. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

As for my casting, y'all. These two are pretty dang perfect in my opinion. What do you think?

The Holiday Ex-Files by Jennifer Peel

 

Synopsis:

Once upon a time people called me the holiday queen. But catching my husband under the Christmas tree with another woman kind of did something to me. Like make me digitally crop him out of all our wedding photos and post them online. Who knew that post would go viral? Thanks to all the requests I received to do the same for other jilted partners, I started a new business called, the Holiday Ex-Files. And I couldn’t be happier. Well . . . at least I’m not unhappy.

Then along comes my ex-husband’s best friend, Noah Cullen. Yep, like the vampires. He’s extremely gorgeous like them too. He has a plan to help me believe in the magic of holidays again. But the more I’m around him, I begin to think he’s the magical one, and that perhaps I picked the wrong best friend to begin with. Maybe, just maybe, it will be a very merry Christmas after all.

My Review: 5+ Stars!

*WARNING* Before starting this book make sure you clear your entire schedule and prepare for a major book hangover! Trust me! Y'all are in for one heck of a wild ride! And you're going to love every minute of it! I promise! And if you don't, well, then I guess we can't be friends! I'm kidding... maybe... 😉

Where in the world do I even begin to tell you guys not only how much I loved this book but how amazing it is?! I lost count of how many times I busted out laughing, how many times I let out little dreamy sighs, how many times I swooned over Mr. Noah Cullen. Y'all that man is a Saint!

But before I start gushing over Noah, lets get to know Cami a little bit. 

*sigh* 

Cami, Cami, Cami. Guys that woman has been through A LOT! Her conniving weasel of an ex-husband really did a number on her and now her strong, independent, happy, Christmas-loving self has been buried and lost amongst all the walls she's placed around her heart. But don't worry y'all. Good ol' Miss Sparkly (you guys are seriously going to LOVE her! 😂) and Swoony Saint Noah have decided enough is enough. They miss the real Cami and will do anything and everything in their power to find her and bring her back to life.

*dreamy sigh*

Y'all. I'm putting this out there right now. Noah Cullen is and will forever be my book boyfriend and I will fight everyone who tries to claim he's theirs or tries to take him away from me! He's all mine! Sorry not sorry! 😂 The lengths this man goes through for the love of his life will have you guys swooning like there's no tomorrow! It's going to be really hard not to fall in love with this man! But you're going to need to fight that feeling because, again, He's. All. Mine! 🤪😂

And speaking of feelings... y'all the feels are most definitely real in this book! You'll bust out laughing, get teary eyed, giggle, get angry, fall in love, swoon, and let out all the little dreamy sighs! When I said you're in for one heck of a wild ride, I meant it. But oh what a ride it'll be! This will definitely be a book you'll want to read over and over and over again! 😍 

Y'all. I've never met a Ms. Peel book that I didn't love! Her writing is seriously amazing! She never fails to transport me to some fabulous destination where I'll eat, drink, breathe and live life right alongside her beloved characters, experiencing and feeling everything they are. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

And of course I cannot forget my casting! Y'all. I. Am. In. LOVE! 😍

More Than Second Chances by Sara Jane Woodley

 

Synopsis:

My life as an NFL quarterback was everything I thought I wanted... Married to a beautiful model, on the verge of winning a championship, and making more than enough money to look after my mom and grandpa.

It was perfect… until it wasn’t.

And now that everything’s falling apart, I’m returning to Aston Falls.

It’s been ten years since I’ve been back to my small, quirky hometown. Ten years since that fateful night when I told my best friend’s sister I loved her. Right before I left her.

I broke Grace’s heart that night, as well as my own. I had no choice.

When an accidental run-in forces us back into each other’s lives, I do my best to keep my distance… but I can’t.

Will Grace ever find a way to forgive me for what I did?

Because all I want is a second chance.

My Review: 5 Stars

There's no greater feeling than grabbing a book and being instantly swept away to a place where the world around you ceases to exist. These are books that I will treasure always.

From the very first page, I was transported to Aston Falls where I not only fell in love with Grace and Nicholas, but I fell in love with the entire town. Oh how I wish I could live there! Between Morning Bell Café, Sweets n' Sundaes, Sam's Sled Tours, the playground, the hiking trails, it had the perfect small town feel.

Grace and Nicholas quickly became favorites of mine. I loved how real they were. They were easy to relate to, loving, intelligent and were not afraid to let their vulnerable side show. Their journey from forgiveness, to friends, to more may have been a hard one, but it was absolutely beautiful.

Y'all. I loved every single minute of this book. I had the hardest time putting it down and found myself sneaking in reading time whenever I could. I was literally counting down the hours until my lunch break because I was dying to know what would happen next. I absolutely adored this book!

An amazing book always has amazing side characters and this one definitely had them. I loved getting to know Austin, Ella and JJ. They were always there when Grace or Nicholas needed them and would do anything to help them. I cannot wait to get my hands on Austin and Ella's story. I've already preordered that baby. August 31st can't get here soon enough! This is one of those times that I have to remind myself that writing actually does take some time.

This is my very first book by Ms. Woodley and I already know that it won't be my last. I am extremely excited to see what she has in store for us next!

And I am absolutely loving these two! What do you think?!

The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams

 

Synopsis:

I have found rock bottom. It’s here, moving in with my older brother because I’m too broke to afford to live on my own. But that’s okay because we’ve always been close and I think I’m going to have fun living with him again.

That is until I meet Cooper…

Turns out, my brother has very strong opinions on the idea of me dating his best friend and is dead set against it. According to him, Cooper is everything I should stay away from: flirtatious, adventurous, non-committal, and freaking hot. (I added that last part because I feel like you need the whole picture.) My brother is right, though. I should stay away from Cooper James and his pretty blue eyes. He’s the opposite of what I need right now.

Nah—Who am I kidding? I’m going for him.

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I have been on a roll lately and reading all kinds of good books that I absolutely adore. I'm always afraid that after so many good books, I'll get duds. While searching for my next book, I remembered I had not read the It Happened in Nashville series. Crisis averted for at least 2 more books... 😉

Oh my gosh. You guys.. I absolutely adore Lucy! She's seriously awesome. I want to be like her when I grow up. She's the in for a penny, in for a pound kind of gal. She might care about what people think in the beginning and then it's screw it! I know what I want, I know what will make me happy and I'm going for it dang it!

As for Cooper. Y'all prepare to swoon and bust out laughing at his antics. That man is the best thing to happen to Lucy besides Levi. He pushes her, he lifts her up, he stands behind her and he loves her wholeheartedly.. quirks, awkwardness and all. Everyone deserves a Cooper in their lives!

Y'all know how big of a sucker I am when it comes to single parent tropes. They are probably one of my favorites. I love seeing the interaction between the child(ren) and the love interest. Cooper and Levi were seriously the cutest! I think I fell in love with Cooper a little more each time he was with Levi. 

I cannot wait to read Jessie and Drew's book. I already love how feisty Jessie is and I'm looking forward to Drew meeting his match. It's going to be very entertaining, that's for sure!

One of the things I love most of about Ms. Adams' books is how real and relatable they are. I could totally see myself doing some of the things her beloved characters do. She's one of the best when it comes to writing awkward, loveable heroines. These heroines are quickly becoming favorites of mine. 

I have seriously loved every single book I've read by Ms. Adams. I need to stop making myself wait so long to read them. It's really not fair to either of us. Haha. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

As for my casting, y'all. I am in love! What do you think?! 

Rescue a Stubborn Heart by Cindy Roland Anderson

 

Synopsis:

She doesn’t believe true love is real.
He thinks he’s too broken for love.
Everything changes when two stubborn hearts meet.

On the run from her ex-husband’s twisted family, Finley seeks help from Jaxon Hudson, the Navy SEAL who rescued her three years ago. Even though she only knew him for a few hours, it was long enough for her to fall in love. But Jaxon’s imminent deployment squashed any hope of a relationship, and he walked away, taking a piece of her heart with him.

Now Finley is older and wiser and not looking for love. So when Jaxon proposes a marriage of convenience and offers the protection of his name, but not his heart, Finley accepts the terms.

There’s only one problem, the spark they had three years ago never died out...placing her in danger of falling for him all over again.

My Review: 5 Stars!

Oh my heart! Y'all! I can't even with this book! I. Can't. Even! 😍

Where do I begin?! 

I fell in love with Jaxon when he made his appearance in Catch a Falling Star. There was just something about him that drew me in. I knew from that moment, it was going to take someone pretty amazing to rescue our hero. I never imagined it would be under the guise of him rescuing her. 

From the moment Jaxon and Finley met, there was a strong, undeniable connection between the two of them. The pull toward each other was strong, but it just wasn't their time and life ended up taking them in different directions. But life has a way of bringing people back together when they need it the most. 

Y'all. There are no words to express how much I love Jaxon and Finley! Their story was so heartachingly beautiful and tugged at my heart strings. The journey back to each other wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. It was filled with hurt, pain, guilt, and doubt. But along the way they found peace, happiness, trust, love, and family. Watching these two broken souls get their happily ever after had me feeling all the feels. The chemistry between these two was sizzling and their kisses had me melting into a big ol' pile of goo! YOWZERS! 😍

Can we just take a moment to talk about little Gracie? She is such a sweet little bundle of joy who melted the hearts of all the Hudson's. Watching Jaxon with her made my heart smile and had me letting out little dreamy sighs. It was adorable! 😍

I am loving this series! I cannot wait to get my hands on Walker and Briar's story. Y'all. The hardest part about loving a series like this is waiting for the next book to be released. Oh how I wish I could just snap my fingers and their book would appear in my hands. But alas, that wish never comes true. I have to keep reminding myself that writing takes time. 

You guys. If you haven't read any of Ms. Anderson's books then you are definitely missing out. She's an amazing author and I have loved everything I've read of hers. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

As for my casting... *dreamy sigh* I am seriously in love! What do you think?!

The Mostly Real McCoy by Julie Christianson

 

Synopsis:

Single-dad Mac needs a temporary nanny for his daughter, Daisy. I need a second job until my promotion kicks in. Since our arrangement is only for one month, I am positive I won’t get attached. Medium positive. Okay, I’m negative.

This is a terrible idea.

Because I can’t give Mac and Daisy what they need, and I won’t risk breaking their hearts, but his green eyes and her crooked pigtails have me dreaming about forever. And who can resist a dad buying pink ballerina tights after a day spent in a hard hat?

The thing is Mac is a fixer, and I need to repair my own life. Better yet, I don’t want to feel broken. So it’s a good thing the worst has already happened to me. Nothing will hurt more now. Water can’t get wetter. That’s what I keep telling myself.

Too bad I’m all wrong...

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. It's probably a good thing that I got everything thing done that I needed to get done for the day before I started this book. Why? Because the moment I started reading, there was no way I was putting this book down until I finished it.

I was quickly swept away to Apple Valley where I lived and breathed all things Brooke, Mac and Daisy. Oh how I adored these three! They had me busting out laughing (literally and now my neighbors think I'm even more crazy), getting teary-eyed (it's not all sunshine and rainbows), swoonying (that first kiss... yowzers), and letting out little dreamy sighs (I couldn't help it!) throughout the entire book. I loved their journey of self discovery, of healing, of strength, of family, of being their for each other even if it's sitting on the sidelines and cheering them on. Their journey was absolutely beautiful! I loved every single minute of this book.

I do have to say that little Daisy kinda stole the show for me. Watching her blossom and grow under Brooke's care was seriously the sweetest thing ever. I just can't with all her cuteness! And her names! MeeMaw and PeePaw. Y'all! I lost it! I seriously love Daisy! Haha.

I will admit that I was kinda sad when the book ended. I was not ready to say goodbye to Brooke, Mac and Daisy. Thank goodness this is a series and I'll get to catch up with them soon! I am dying to get my hands on Emi and Nash's book. Y'all. I can already tell that Emi doesn't stand a chance. Nash is a go getter and he always gets what he wants. I'm already planning on clearing my schedule when their book is released. I have a feeling I'm going to be sucked in again. Hehe.

I am SO glad that I found Ms. Christianson while searching Amazon for new authors to try. The moment I read the synopsis, I was stalking her until release day. I highly recommend grabbing this one! It is SO good!

And of course we can't forget my casting. Y'all. I'm loving these two! What do you think?!

Promises at Pyramid Rock by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

Will this Marine risk everything for a chance to leave the friend zone?

Ethan “Mac” McCarthy is secretly in love with his best friend, Ana. It all started on the playground when she kicked him down the slide because he was too scared to take the plunge. But they haven't lived in the same town since they were kids, so it's been easy to keep their relationship platonic.

The only person Ana Vincent can count on is her long-distance best friend, Mac. He knows her better than anyone. When he suggests she finally get her own place instead of hunting for yet another roommate, that's exactly what she does. And boy is he in for a surprise when he finds out where she’s bought a house.

Mac has always told himself their physical distance was the only thing keeping him from admitting his true feelings. He doesn’t think she feels the same way. How will he keep his secret with her right under his nose again?

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Confession. Friends to lovers tropes always seem to be either a hit or a miss for me, never in between. But I'm happy to say that this one was a hit. 

Ana and Mac have been best friends since she kicked him down the slide at the age of 4 because he was too scared to go down it. These two are the epitome of polar opposites. She's Miss Adventurer who leaps before she looks and he's Mister Thinker who always looks before he leaps. But some how this works for them. They always ground and balance each other out. 

I absolutely adored Ana and Mac! Their witty banter back and forth had me crackin up throughout the book. There was no denying (unless you're Ana and Mac) that these two were wholeheartedly in love with each other. Their journey wasn't all hearts, rainbows and happiness. But that's what made it so fun. There's nothing better than watching two people finally opening their eyes to see what's been standing in front of them for years. 

I am loving this series! Ms. Mastorakos definitely has another hit on her hands. I cannot wait to get my hands on Stone's story. Y'all. I predict fireworks. Lots and lots of fireworks! It's times like these that I have to remind myself that writing takes time. 

And let's not forget my casting. I'm loving these two! What do you think?!

Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden

 

Synopsis:

As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster's timid heart with dread. She hasn't her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family's enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne's misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.

My Review: 5 Stars!

Confession. Seeking Persephone has always been my favorite book of this series. I never thought I would love another book more than that one. And then I read Romancing Daphne.

From the very first page, I was transported to London where I lived my life right along side Daphne and James. I loved their relationship. There was a connection between them that only grew stronger the more they got to know each other. Watching their relationship grow from friendship into something more was beautiful. Even when unforeseen forces tore them apart, they couldn't ignore their connection. They leaned on each other, strengthened each other, helped each other, lifted each other up in their times of need, loved each other when they thought no one else loved them. These two were absolutely perfect together. 

I had the hardest time putting this book down. The time I spent away from it was absolute torture. I found myself sneaking in reading time whenever I could. I may or may not have gotten irrationally angry when real life kept me from finishing the book as fast as I wanted.

This book is definitely a roller coaster ride when it comes to your emotions. Holy. Hannah! You will laugh, you will cry, you will get so angry that you wish someone would skin a certain somebody alive and throw them to the Falstone wolves, you will smile all the goofy smiles, and you will find yourself letting out all kinds of dreamy sighs. 

I'm sure most of you would agree when I say, Ms. Eden is an amazing storyteller! I have loved every single book of hers I have read so far. I cannot wait to dive into the rest of this series. 

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

2021 Genre/Trope Reading Challenge

Happy New Year my fellow Book Dragons! Welcome to my 2nd Annual Genre/Trope Reading Challenge! Yes.. I added genre into the mix this year.. 😉

So... without further adieu... I present to you my 2021 Genre/Trope Reading Challenge!

1. Small Town: More Than Second Chances by Sara Jane Woodley

2. Amnesia: Memories of You by Jess Mastorakos

3. RomCom: One Choice I'd Never Make by Remi Carrington

4. Christmas: The Holiday Ex-Files by Jennifer Peel

5. Southern Charm: Rescue a Stubborn Heart by Cindy Roland Anderson

6. Fantasy/Urban Fantasy: Countess of Glass by Hazel Linwood

7. Opposites Attract: Promises at Pyramid Rock by Jess Mastorakos

8. Regency: Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden

9. Contemporary: The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams

10. Single Parent: The Mostly Real McCoy by Julie Christianson

11. Pirates: Trapped and Liberated by Bree Wolf

12. Steampunk: Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen

13. Tear Jerker: Silent Partner by Jennifer Peel

14. Suspense: Conspiracy by Rebecca Deel

15. Novella: Little Lost Love Letter by Shari L. Tapscott

If you're a fan of any or all of these genre/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.

2021 Genre/Trope Challenge Participants:

Emily - Seriously Sweet Reads

Happy reading my fellow Book Dragons!