The Planner by Jess Mastorakos

Synopsis:

She’s my best friend’s sister, which makes her off-limits. So why can’t I stay away?

I’m a master at hiding my true feelings for Aria Bristol. Well, except for that one time. That one kiss. She almost figured me out then, and I vowed to never let it happen again.

The fact that we were separated by thousands of miles helped a lot. But now that I’m back, all I can think about is recreating that kiss from high school. And that’s bad, because if I know anything, I know she deserves so much better than me.

But she’s fierce. Feisty. And she knows me better than anyone. I don’t know how much longer I can keep up this act. And the scariest part of all? I’m not sure I want to.

My Review: 5 Stars!

Y’all. I. Just. Can’t. Even. Right. Now! Oh holy swooniness Batman! This! This right here is JUST what I needed! I love love! 😍

Aria and Will have known each other forever and have been in love with each other for just as long. But the fear of ruining the only family Will has, had him holding back his feelings for Aria. That is until he’s stationed back in his hometown where Aria currently resides. Watch out world!

Aria knows what she wants and is tired of waiting around for Will to open his eyes to see what’s standing right in front of him. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with and I loved that about her! She made it her mission to help Will see who he really is on the inside and that if anyone deserves a HEA, it’s him.

I couldn’t get enough of Aria and Will! These two are absolutely perfect for each other! I loved every single second of their journey and found myself sneaking in reading time whenever I could. I had the hardest time putting this book down because I just HAD to know how their story would end! 😍

I am loving this series! I cannot wait to get my hands on Layla’s and He Who Must Not Be Named’s book. Y'all. I see another rollercoaster of a ride coming my way! And I just know I’m going to love every minute of it! *dreamy sigh*

Just when I think I have found my favorite book by Ms. Mastorakos, she releases another one. I can always count on her to kidnap me and then make the world around me disappear. I’ve finally realized that, when it comes to her books, absolutely nothing is getting down until I see the words “The End”. Adulting is overrated, right? 😉

As for my casting…. *dreamy sigh* Y’all. I just can’t with these two! I love them! What do you think?

A Royal Christmas for the Marine by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

Surprise! I’m a prince.

As the heir to the throne of a small country, I was shocked when my younger sister decided to leave her royal life behind and move to America. Like any good big brother would, I started digging to see what she was up to.

Somewhere along the way, I found myself chatting with the woman of my dreams on a new dating app. She’s smart. She’s funny. And she’s about to get out of the Marines after serving for eight years.

The only problem is, she doesn’t know I’m a prince.

Now I’ve come to America to tell her. Hopefully she doesn’t freak out.

My Review: 4 Stars

Confession. I'm not a big Royals romance fan. I usually avoid this trope. But when a favorite author writes a Royal romance, you read the book. I actually mentioned in my review of A Princess for the Marine that I hoped Theo would get his own book. Well.... Surprise! 

Theo and Maya met through the First Comes Love app and there was an instant connection. They had no clue what the other looked like so it made it easier for them to start building a strong, meaningful relationship through their chats. I loved that they were free to be themselves without having the added stress of life getting in the way. 

I had no clue how Maya would react to the 500lb bomb Theo dropped but I couldn't help cheering them on and crossing my fingers for the best. I thought Theo and Maya were amazing. I loved getting to know them and watching them work through some of the challenges they had to face. This was such a cute, fun, quick read. 

But I do have to say that, while I really enjoyed this book, I found myself wanting more. There were several scenes I wished I could've been apart of but alas, there was only a brief recap of them. Oh to be a fly on those castle walls! 😍

I loved this series and I'm a bit sad to see it end. But, thankfully, I'm one of those readers who loves rereading my favorite books/series. This is definitely a series that I'll be reading over and over again. 

I know that when Ms. Mastorakos releases a book, I'm going to need to clear my schedule. Once I start her books, I never want to put them down! I cannot wait to get my hands on her next book baby! 

And we can't forget my casting. Love them! What do you think?

The Problem with Planning Love by Claire Cain

 
Synopsis:

Single dad. Divorcé. Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army.

All titles I’ve come to terms with, even if I didn’t see those first two coming.

I never imagined making a military move to Germany as a single parent. What else I never imagined? Having an insane spark like I’ve never felt with my son’s kindergarten teacher.

Livie’s a singular force of light and beauty, and I’ve never wanted someone so much. But after what happened last time, I can’t escape the dread of dragging a new wife into this life and failing again.

Besides, our lives are too different. Our plans don’t match. We definitely shouldn’t date and absolutely can’t afford to catch feelings.

Everything changed the day I walked into that classroom. And now the only thing that scares me more than trying for another chance at love is living with regret if I don’t.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Confession. I have had a sample of this book sitting on my kindle for several months. After searching for a few hours to find my next book, I finally gave up, closed my eyes, clicked on a sample and this one was the winner. Once I started it, I had the hardest time putting it down. It was just what the doctor ordered. 

Y'all. I'm not going to lie. There were times that Livie and Eric drove me crazy! I kinda wanted to shake them and tell them to WAKE UP! At one point I may or may not have wanted to throw my kindle over my balcony. 😂 

But, frustration aside, I adored these two! Their chemistry was sizzling and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. I enjoyed watching these two work through their insecurities and find their HEA. And we can't forget Delia and Robby! Oh my heart! Y'all! They are adorable and the story wouldn't be complete without them! 😍

This is my first book by Ms. Cain and I'm totally hooked! Don't ask me why it took my so long to dive into her books but I'm determined to rectify that immediately. I've already downloaded the next book in this series and can't wait to get to know Noah and Katie! And to see more of Eric, Livie, and their whole gang! 

And of course I cannot forget my casting. Y'all. I'm in love! What do you think?

The Proposal by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

My best friend is basically my dream girl. Too bad I can’t have her.

As a Marine who jumps out of perfectly good airplanes for fun, you could say I’m fine with taking risks. But not when it comes to Shelby.

For years, I’ve been firmly in the friend zone, right where she wants me. And since I won’t risk our friendship, that’s where I’ll stay. But I can’t pine over her forever.

When I propose to my girlfriend and get rejected in front of the whole town, the joke’s on me. Turns out proposing to the wrong woman because you can’t have the right one is a bad idea.

Shelby’s always had my heart. Can I convince her to trust me with hers?

My Review: 5 Stars

Oh my heart! Y'all! I can't even with how much I loved this book! I think I had the world's largest goofy grin on my face and I lost count of all the dreamy sighs I let out while reading.

If I had to describe this book in one word, for me, it would be perfection! I found myself reading late into the night and waking up way before the sun even thought about rising just so I could dive back in.

Shelby and Paul are the best of friends and have secretly been in love with each other since high school. However, difficult circumstances beyond her control has Shelby putting and keeping Paul strictly in the friendzone. 

However, a rejected proposal will have Shelby and Paul finally opening their eyes to see what's been right in front of them the whole time. But in order for them to get their HEA, they're going to need to learn how to face and deal with a hard situation, together. 

My advice to all who read this book is sit down, buckle up, and enjoy the ride that you're about to embark on. There's a good chance you'll find yourself laughing, shedding a few tears, giggling, swooning, and letting out little dreamy sighs. But one thing I know for sure, you will not regret immersing yourself in all things Shelby and Paul!

This is such an amazing start to what I'm sure is going to be another phenomenal series by Ms. Mastorakos! I cannot wait to see what she has in store for the rest of the Brides of Beaufort stories! 

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

Trusting in You by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

Am I falling for my client? I plead the fifth.

The moment Lucy James walks into my office, I know beyond a reasonable doubt that I’m in big trouble.

Exhibit A: The way my heart kicks up a notch every time she looks at me.

Exhibit B: The fierce need I have to help her and her neurodivergent teen brother, even though I’m already swamped and shouldn’t take on another case.

Exhibit C: The fact that I can’t seem to get her off my mind long after she leaves.

Once we sign on the dotted line, a relationship between us could get me disbarred. So even though she appears to be everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman, I know I need to stay far, far away.

But helping Lucy means spending time in each other’s worlds. And now I have a feeling mine will never be the same.

My Review: 5 Stars

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be AMAZING! From the moment I picked it up, I was transported back to San Diego where I lived and breathed all things Eric and Lucy. I had the hardest time leaving. I found myself sneaking in reading whenever I could. I love it when a book can capture me and make the world around me just disappear. 

Eric and Lucy are seriously the best! I quickly fell in love with these two and found myself rooting them on from the very beginning. They were absolutely perfect for each other. And it didn't hurt that their flirting, chemistry, and swoony kisses were hot, hot, hot! 

This is the perfect addition to the San Diego Marines series. I'm so glad that Eric finally got his story! If anyone needed a HEA, it's him! 

This is a prime example of why Ms. Mastorakos is one of my favorite authors. I can always count on her to give me that much needed break from reality. I can't wait to see where she takes us next! 

As for my casting, *le sigh*. I'm in love! What do you think? 

A Princess for the Marine by Jess Mastorakos

Synopsis:

What happens when a side gig working security turns into a royal calamity?

My mom is clawing her way out of a massive amount of medical debt. So, in addition to being an active-duty Marine, I'm also working security for my friend's matchmaking company to help her out as much as I can.

Then one night, a gorgeous and mysterious woman needs my help evading a group of well-dressed men who are after her. I don't question it, I just get her out of there.

Then I find out she's the princess of a small country, and she wants to leave her royal duties behind.

She doesn't want to go back. I don't want to give her up. Now what?

My Review: 5 Stars!

Confession. Most of you know this, but for those who don't, the Royal trope is not my favorite. I've literally gone out of my way for the last few years to avoid it. And it's not just in books. Royal weddings? Royal Hallmark movies? Nope! That's a big negatory for me. I just can't do it. But. When a favorite author writes about Royals, you suck it up and read.

I may have been hesitant going into this book, but y'all... one of these days I'm going to learn to trust my favorite authors. They are my favorite for a reason... 😉

From the very first page, I was transported into the world of Zara and Huck. Everything around me ceased to exist and I lost all track of time as I immersed myself in their love story. And oh what a story it was! 

Zara is a Royal who wants nothing more than to leave her royal duties behind and go after her own dreams. Huck is a Marine who has taken a side gig at First Comes Love to earn extra money to help his mom pay down her medical debt. Both of them have plans that don't include the other. Little did they know, fate was about to take over their lives to make sure they get the HEA they've both been longing for but didn't know it.

Oh holy swooniness Batman! I can't even begin to tell you how much I adored this book! It's phenomenal and I had the hardest time putting it down! If ever there were two people who were absolutely perfect for each other, it would be Zara and Huck. I loved getting to know them and seeing what made them tick. They're pretty amazing as individuals but together, they're pretty extraordinary. I seriously could not get enough of these two! 

I loved seeing old friends from previous books and meeting new ones. Huck's mom and sister, Terri and Alice, were fun to get to know. I loved seeing how close the three of them were and how they welcomed Zara with open arms, no questions asked. It was as if she had been apart of their lives from the very beginning. 

I seriously love this series and I'm sad to see it end! Part of me is hoping for at least one more book. Ms. Mastorakos likes to spoil her fans so I'm hoping she'll spoil this one by giving us Zara's brother, Theo's, story. Yes, I know he's a Royal but y'all, Ms. Mastorakos has already proven she can get me to love a royal... 😉

As for my casting... I saw these two from the very beginning. I'm definitely in love! What do you think?!

Christmas in Kailua by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

I hate Christmas. But I'm willing to let her change my mind.

How did I get roped into playing Santa at a toddler's holiday-themed birthday party? Oh, right. Because I'd probably walk through fire for the birthday girl's gorgeous mom if she asked me to.

And when she decides to take me around the island to do a bunch of Christmas stuff to cure my Grinch vibes, I can't help but want to play along.

Before I know it, the peppermint mochas and festive lights start to go to my head, and I fall for her. Hard.

But then her ex comes sniffing around. He’s playing nice, but I’ve got my eye on him. Tess and Sadie are changing everything I know about love, family, and the meaning of Christmas. So if he thinks it’ll be easy to push me out, he’s wrong.

My Review: 5 Stars

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas to us! Yes, I know it's only September BUT it's never too early to start reading Christmas romances, right?! It's one of my favorite tropes! Add in the single parent trope and this girl right here is in heaven!

Where do I even begin with my review?! I absolutely adored this book! I had the hardest time putting it down and was getting irrationally angry when life was rudely interrupting my reading time. Adulting is SO overrated! 😂

Growing up, life was tough for both Tess and Logan. Tess's parents were non-existent and her only support was her older sister, Nora. Logan's dad was abusive and his mom didn't do anything to stop it. After having to grow up the way they did, they were both determined to break the mold. They not only wanted to do better, but they wanted to be better. They wanted to be the kind of person they needed in their lives growing up. 

Y'all. I absolutely adored Tess, Logan, and little Sadie. I couldn't get enough of these three! I'm not going to lie, little Miss Sadie pretty much stole the show. Watching her relationship with Logan was seriously the cutest! She had him wrapped around her little finger before he and Tess ever started dating. Some of their scenes melted my heart! 😍 I also loved watching Tess and Logan grow together, forge their own path, and get their HEA. If there were ever a quote to describe how perfect Tess and Logan were for each other it would be, "Everyone comes with baggage. Find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack." 💗

Was it all sunshine and roses? Heavens no! There were definite bumps along the way. Annoying, almost break your car kind of bumps named Jimmy. Y'all. I can't even with that man! He needed a swift kick in the butt with steel-toed boots and a knock upside the head with a cast iron skillet. Harsh? Maybe. But you guys are totally going to agree with me... I promise! 😂

You guys, I absolutely hate when the series I love have to come to an end. It makes me so sad! I have loved getting to know the Kailua Marines and watching them all get their HEA's. They will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm excited to see a couple of familiar faces in the next series. It's one of those bonuses Ms. Mastorakos gives us. We never really have to say goodbye. It's more of a see you later. 

And speaking of Ms. Mastorakos... have I told you lately how amazing she is? Not only is she a favorite author and an auto-buy for me, but she's also one of the handful of authors that I no longer need to read the book blurb for. I know that what ever she writes, I am going to love! I cannot wait to get my hands on her next book baby! Beaufort, SC. here we come!

And of course I can't forget my casting. I personally think these two are pretty perfect. What about you?

A Blind Date for the Marine by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

Blind dating for the digital age. What could go wrong?

When my best friend asks me to test his new dating app, I'm not sure it's a good idea. After all, I'm moving out of the country in six months. What's the point?

But he insists it's just to help him out, so I give it a shot. Plus, the mystery of it is kind of fun. There are no photos until you've been talking for thirty days, so it's all about the connection.

What I didn't expect was to immediately hit it off with a bookish charmer on the app at the same time as someone pretty similar in real life. Two women? Why couldn't this happen when I wasn't about to leave?

Now that I thought about it, BookishDreamer from the app reminds me a lot of Claire from the real world... wouldn't it be crazy if they were the same person?

Nah. What are the odds of that?

My Review: 5 Stars

*BREAKING NEWS* We interrupt your sacred reading time to bring you this important message.

Book Dragons. Drop whatever you are reading, head on over to Amazon, and grab a copy of A Blind Date for the Marine. Fans everywhere agree... this enchanting story is one you will NOT want to miss!

Oh my heart! Y'all! I can't even begin to tell you how much I adored this book! From the moment I picked it up, I was a goner. There was no turning back for me. I just HAD to see how Claire and Mateo's love story would unfold. I have to say... I was NOT disappointed!

There's no denying the spark between Claire and Mateo. But for various reasons, their mutual attraction hasn't gone anywhere. When Amy asks Claire, and Dex asks Mateo, to be their test dummies for their new dating app (with the stipulation that they can't tell anyone about what they are doing), they both go into it with zero desire of finding love. But from the very first message, everything changed.

*dreamy sigh*

You guys... I couldn't get enough of Claire and Mateo! It was fun watching them get to know each other through messages. I think I was just as excited as they were to read them. I literally had to force myself to not look ahead and read the messages. I'm not going to lie, the struggle was real! 😂

Oh the feels! The feels were definitely real in this one! Laughing, crying (sad and happy tears), frustration, swooning, you name it and I felt it. Is it any wonder why I'm obsessed with this series? It's just SO good! I know I said that I had a feeling Huck's book was going to be my favorite, but I lied. Claire and Mateo's story is really going to be hard to top! I seriously love these two! 😍

Y'all if you're a fan of You've Got Mail then you are going to love this book! But just a warning... you're going to want to watch the movie when you're done reading this book! Just ask me. I'm currently watching it as I type this. 😉

Ms. Mastorakos has hit it out of the park with this one! This is a prime example of why she's an auto-buy and favorite author of mine. Y'all. I'm telling you... if you haven't read any of her books yet, you are definitely missing out! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

And for my casting... I'm in love!

Heartbeats in Honolulu by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

I need this promotion. But if I win, what will I lose?

I've done everything right in nearly a decade as a Marine, but thanks to stuff outside of my control, it's all gonna come crashing down if I don't pick up a rank soon.

Enter recruiting duty. My one chance to kill it and earn the promotion that will save my job.

There's just one thing standing in my way. Her.

Hot-tempered, pigheaded, and frustratingly gorgeous Sergeant Nora Cannon is gunning for the same promotion. Shots were fired the moment we met and I can tell neither one of us is going down without a fight.

The only problem is, when we’re not fighting, sparks are flying. And I can’t get her fierce attitude and cunning smile out of my mind. But I can’t afford to let her distract me. I can’t afford to let her win.

Or, can I? Because as much as I don't want to lose my job, I don't want to lose her, either.

My Review: 5 Stars

It always feels like Christmas when a favorite author releases a new book. I get all excited, let out a little squeal, and do a happy dance around my room. Not too sure my neighbors appreciate me doing that at 4am but come on guys! I can't help it! There's nothing better than diving into a new book! 

Y'all. I'm not going to lie. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. If I'm being completely honest, I was a bit hesitant. I have loved Hunter from the moment we first met him and knew it would take someone pretty amazing to capture his heart. But it never even crossed my mind that it would be another Marine. Don't ask me why I never thought about it because I have no clue! But in hindsight, it's actually pretty perfect.

I absolutely adored Nora and Hunter and found myself routing for them from the very beginning. They got off to a pretty rocky start, but I loved watching their friendship grow, watching them open up to each other, watching them learn who the other is and what makes them tick. They love deeply, are fiercely loyal, know what they want in life and are not afraid to go after it. Add to that their explosive chemistry and you have the makings of an amazing book! 

I am really loving this series! It's a lot of fun and giving me that much needed break from reality amidst all this craziness called life. There's nothing better than curling up in my big, comfy chair and diving into a great book. I'm looking forward to reading Tess and Logan's story. Y'all know how much of a sucker I am when it comes to single parent tropes. And the best part? Sadie is the perfect age! I cannot wait to see her wrap Logan around her little pinky. Hehe. 

I seriously can't get enough of Ms. Mastorakos's books. Y'all. She's seriously amazing! I always know I'm in for a treat when I pick up one of her books. She just has this way of kidnapping me and holding me hostage until the very end. I don't know about you, but I LOVE when that happens!

And of course I can't forget my casting. I know I say this a lot but.... I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!

Believing in You by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

How do you make a long-distance relationship last? Don't fall for your brother's best friend.

While on deployment, Jake Murphy takes to online dating hoping to find someone to share forever with back home. His connection with a beautiful kindergarten teacher is everything he was looking for. That is, until he realizes she's his best friend's sister.

After being dumped by her high school sweetheart, Ivy Brooks gets pushed into online dating by her well-meaning friends. Despite her reluctance, she hits it off with a handsome Marine. Too bad her brother would never be cool with her dating one of his friends... especially after what happened last time.

Jake and Ivy know they shouldn't keep talking, but late-night flirting and inside jokes leave them both glued to their phones. Their secret is bound to come out sooner or later. Will their love survive the fallout?

My Review: 5 Stars

Have you ever read a book that was SO good that you wanted all your friends to read it? I'm not talking about the... "Oh my gosh! You have to add this book to your TBR list!" I'm talking about the... "Drop whatever you're reading and read this book! I do not care if you have 20 review books that need to be read! You need to listen to me and pick it up... RIGHT NOW!" That's where I'm at right now. 😉

This is, hands down, my absolute favorite book in this series. I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved it! I may or may not have had to turn my kindle off when my lunch hour was over so I didn't sneak in reading instead of actually working. Oh the problems of a Book Dragon. 

Y'all... I quickly fell in love with all things Jake and Ivy. I couldn't get enough of these two! Watching their attraction turn into friendship and then into love melted my heart. They were absolutely perfect for each other. And that sizzling chemistry that was jumping off the pages?! YOWZERS! Butterflies were doing all kinds of dive bombs in my tummy! Their first kiss and that epilogue turned me into a big ol' pile of goo... and loved every minute of it! Best. Book. Ever!

One of the things I love about series like this one is being able to see old friends and catching up with their lives, as well as see new relationships develop. I am going to be so sad when this series is over. I have one more book to read before I'm all caught up and I can't decide if I want to read it now or if I want to wait. Whatever I decide, I'm definitely going to be suffering from a major book hangover. The struggle is real y'all! 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I am so glad that I discovered Ms. Matorakos. Her books have been just what I needed right now. I have loved every single one of them and I will definitely be reading them over and over again. I'm excited to see what she has in store for us next! 

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

Romance on the Reef by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

It’s pretty hard to stay away from her when she moves in right next door…

I’m the jokester of the group. I always have that one-liner that lightens the mood, even in the darkest of moments. It's just who I am. It's who I had to be. I lost my wife eleven years ago when I was on my first deployment, so now I’m just trying to keep things light.

And because of that, I refuse to put my heart out there again while I’m a Marine. It’s not worth the risk. What if I’m gone and she needs me? Nope. Screw that.

So when a beautiful single mom and her daughter move in next door, I’m going to fight that attraction tooth and nail. Good thing Maggie doesn’t want to be with me any more than I want to be with her. Her late husband was a Marine, too. And there’s no way she’ll let her daughter go through that again. Or herself.

But we run in the same group of friends and now we share a wall. It’s not going to be very easy to keep our distance.

And we need to.

It doesn’t matter that sparks fly whenever we’re together. It doesn’t matter that her daughter is just as much of a book-nerd as I am and we get along great. And it definitely doesn’t matter that the three of us are somehow turning into a family without meaning to.

Because we both know what it’s like to lose the one you love, and that old saying about how it's better to have loved and lost than not loved at all? We disagree.

My Review: 5 Stars

Dreamy sighs, swoons and all the heart eyes! Y'all. I just can't with this book! I have definitely found my new favorite in this series!

PJ has intrigued me from the very beginning. Between his witty one-liners and his grumpy façade, I have been dying to know what makes this man tick and see how that special someone would break through his ever present barriers. If you've been reading the series since the beginning, then you know PJ doesn't do warm and fuzzy. 

I have loved Maggie and Bree from the moment they were introduced in Promises at Pyramid Rock. These two were thrown the ultimate curveball but that hasn't stopped them from living their best life. The bond between this mother and daughter is beautiful and unbreakable. I was curious to see how the dynamics would change when that special someone came along. 

And this is where the dreamy sighs, swoons and heart eyes come in. 

I absolutely adore Maggie and PJ! Even though they are surrounded by some pretty amazing people, no one really sees them. No one except each other. I loved how in tuned they were with each other and how they seemed to know what needed to be said at the exact moment they needed to hear it. These two make the perfect team in life and in love. 

Y'all. I have to say... PJ has met his match in Bree. These two are absolutely adorable and they crack me up! She is full of sass and has no qualms firing back at PJ when he delivers one of his famous one-liners. I loved seeing their relationship develop. It was seriously the sweetest thing. I couldn't get enough of these three!

If you haven't guessed already, Ms. Mastorakos has another hit on her hands! And y'all, there's a reason why she's one of my favorite authors. I love how she can transport you into her books where you eat, sleep and breathe her characters stories. I know that when I start one of her books, I better have my schedule cleared because there is no way I'm stopping until I reach the end. I can't wait to get my hands on her next book baby! 

Now. Can we please take a minute to admire these two? I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!

Stranded at the Sandbar by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

When they get stranded in paradise, can they put aside their differences until the cavalry arrives?

Kate Wilson jumps at the chance to live in Hawaii when her brother offers to let her rent his extra room. Unfortunately, the last time she was in town, she kissed his best friend... then ghosted him. And he does not seem pleased to see her.

US Marine Tyler Stone prides himself on being a nice guy. But when he gets stranded at the sandbar with the kind of girl who would rather date a long string of losers than find a life partner, he's done being nice. Her loss.

Kate and Tyler aren't on the same page about much when they first wind up alone in the clear-blue water. They'll need to find common ground--and fast--when Tyler gets injured. As the fellow castaways get closer to being rescued, they also find themselves falling in love. But what happens when they get back to civilization and old wounds re-open?

Stranded at the Sandbar is the third book in a new sweet military romance series. Follow along with six handsome heroes in these interconnected stories about the Marines stationed in Kailua, Hawaii.

My Review: 5 Stars

As a reader, there's no greater feeling than seeing a new book by a favorite author waiting for you to dive in and get lost among its pages. And there's nothing worse than real life pulling you away and stopping you from devouring said book. Y'all... I may or may not have gotten irrationally angry that this was happening to me while reading. Apparently it was too much to ask for uninterrupted reading time. Life can be so rude sometimes! 🤣

Because of all the interruptions, I treasured every single minute I spent in this book. I absolutely adored Tyler and Kate! They quickly became favorites of mine. Being stranded on an island can definitely bring two people closer together. I loved that, even though Kate was scared out of her ever loving mind, she trusted Tyler to protect her and keep her safe. His calm demeanor helped her to put all her faith in him and know that he could and would get them through anything. These two were absolutely perfect for each other. ❤️

Y'all know by now that one of my favorite things about series like this is getting to see and catch up with old friends and meeting new ones. I love how close knit this group is and how they're always there for each other. We all need friends like this in our lives. I cannot wait to get my hands on PJ's book. He has intrigued me from the very beginning and I'm dying to know what makes that man tick. And bonus for me... it's a single parent trope! Whoop! Whoop! Haha. 

Ms. Mastorakos has quickly climbed my list of favorite authors. I may or may not squeal and do a little happy dance whenever I see one of her books hit my kindle. I can always count on her to give me that much needed break from reality. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

As for my casting... y'all! I'm in love! 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?!

A Match for the Marine by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

Matchmaker Rule #1: Never fall in love with the client.

Amy Thomas is in the running to become CEO of First Comes Love. All she has to do is outmatch her conniving co-worker. Maintaining her perfect matchmaking track record should be no problem, especially since her client is a hot Marine with bulging biceps and a killer smile.

Gunnery Sergeant Dexter Harrington is not looking for love, but his mother has been laying on the guilt about not wanting him to die alone. So when she buys him the VIP package at Southern California’s premier matchmaking company, he has no choice but to play ball.

Right from the start, Dex recognizes Amy is a better match for him than any of the disastrous dates she arranges. Amy isn’t going to let the gorgeous gunny get in the way of achieving her life’s goal. What happens when the matchmaker is the perfect match for the Marine?

My Review: 4 Stars

Y'all. Love seems to find people when they least expect it and when they aren't even looking for it.

Amy is a matchmaker on her way to becoming the next C.E.O. of First Comes Love. Dex is a single marine who's mother signed him up as a client at said company. Both of them are so focused on other things that neither of them saw the other one coming.

This was such a cute book. I loved watching Amy and Dex's relationship grow from friends into something more. Some might think that these two could never work, but they totally do. Their journey was a fun one and I loved seeing the walls they both had built up around their hearts come crumbling down. I will admit that it was a little slow going for me and I would have loved to see more interaction between Amy and Dex as a couple, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book. 😊

I'm really looking forward to the other books in this series. I think Claire and Mateo's books is going to be lots of fun. But I have this feeling that Huck's book is going to be my favorite. There's just something about him that has me intrigued. I think Mr. Jaded needs someone who is feisty and full of sass. Someone who will keep him on his toes. It'll definitely be fun to watch. 😉 

It's always a great day when a book by Ms. Mastorakos hits my kindle. They're definitely a fun break from reality and I know that she'll have me swooning and letting out little dreamy sighs. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

As for my casting... I saw these two pretty early on. I'm in love! What do you think?!

Treasured in Turtle Bay by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

It’s all fun and games until their fake relationship sparks real feelings.

Molly Whitman’s carefully arranged life unravels when her fiancé dumps her right before their wedding. Now she’s headed to Hawaii on the honeymoon of a lifetime—alone.

Helicopter Crew Chief Roman Russo has never thought of himself as a knight in shining armor. But when Molly forgets to cancel some honeymoon activities and needs someone to stand in as her husband, he’s right there to save the day.

Armed with her fake husband and three weeks of sand, sun, and sightseeing, Molly intends to forget the past and move forward. But is pretending to be married to this handsome Marine clouding her vision of the future?

My Review: 5 Stars

There's no better feeling than opening up your email and finding a book you've been dying to get your hands on sitting in your inbox waiting to be read. I may or may not have squealed and did a little happy dance as I jumped out of bed to hurry to complete my "must do" chores before sitting down and devouring this book.

If Hawaii hadn't already been on my bucket list, this book would have sealed the deal. From the moment I started reading, I felt like I was right there with Molly and Roman experiencing everything they did and watching them fall in love.

Molly and Roman, while polar opposites, are pretty perfect for each other. They balance each other out and make each other better. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I confess that I had one of those goofy grins on my face the majority of the time I was reading this book and I lost count of how many times I let out little dreamy sighs. Y'all! That epilogue was perfect!

I absolutely loved every minute I spent in Turtle Bay. And in case anyone is wondering, I totally looked up Turtle Bay Resort the moment I finished reading this book! Y'all! One word... GORGEOUS! 😍

I am extremely excited about this new series! I cannot wait for Mac's story. I'm definitely intrigued. This is one of those times that I have to remind myself... "Writing takes time!" I'm not going to lie... I am horrible when it comes to waiting for the next book by a favorite author to be released.

Y'all. I have loved every book I've read of Ms. Mastorakos' and I highly recommend checking out these sweet romances. I can't get enough of them!

I know I say this all the time but come on! How can I not say it?! I am loving these two! Aren't they perfect?! *dreamy sigh*

Adored by You by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

Can the sergeant and the celebrity get their second chance?

Sergeant Noah West was eighteen years old the last time he saw Paige Walker. He joined the Marines for a more stable life and she left to chase her movie star dreams. But no matter where the Marine Corps sends him, he can't help but hope that their paths might one day cross again.

Paige was catapulted into stardom when she landed the role of a lifetime on what would become one of prime time’s biggest medical dramas. After eight years on the show, she’s ready for a change. There’s just one problem—no one thinks she can play anything other than the role that made her famous.

In a happy twist of fate, Noah and Paige are reunited thanks to a film opportunity in San Diego. She'll need his help to secure the part, but Noah isn't willing to let their relationship be purely business. As old fires spark back to life, can they pick up where they left off despite the scars from their time apart?

My Review: 5 Stars

When it comes to reading, one of my favorite sayings is: You can't read all day... unless you start in the morning! Guess what I've been doing most of the day?! That's right! Reading! What else was I supposed to do when my body decided I had had enough sleep at 3:26am?! Haha. 

I'm sure I'm not the only one that loves when a book can sweep you off your feet and give you that much needed break from reality. That's exactly what happened while reading this book. The second chance romance trope is one of my favorites. There's just something about seeing two people who are meant to be together, reunite and finally get their HEA. 

I thought I was going to have a hard time relating to Paige. But I really shouldn't have been worried. I absolutely adored her and Noah. Their reunion was 8 years in the making and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. Their fun, easy going vibe made it easy to relate to them. They both were selfless and had the biggest hearts. Making others happy is what made them happy. They are truly perfect for each other. They are definitely one of my favorite couples in this series.

I loved seeing all our favorite Marines and their families in this book. Today, being Thanksgiving, was the perfect day to read it. It made the Thanksgiving weekend in the book extra special. It's a little bittersweet to see this series end, but this was the perfect ending to an amazing series. I'm so glad that Ms. Mastorakos isn't ready to say goodbye to our friends forever. I'm looking forward to their cameos in the next series. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us! 

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

Christmas with You by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

Marine Staff Sergeant Charles Cooper is desperate. When he idiotically made up a fake girlfriend to appease his grandmother, he hadn’t counted on Grandma Jean flying halfway across the country to meet her at Christmas. With only a few days until the big family dinner, he needs a girlfriend. Fast.

Angie Black can think of few people who get under her skin more than Cooper. Unfortunately, she has to tolerate him since their best friends are married to each other. When Cooper asks her to be his fake girlfriend for a family dinner, Angie agrees only because she could use a fake boyfriend herself. Her entire office is invited to the wedding of their boss, and he happens to also be her ex.

Their fake relationship seems to solve both of their problems. That is, until unexpected feelings arise. With his deployment looming, will they figure out that they're meant to be before they find themselves half a world apart?

My Review: 5 Stars

Have you ever started a series that is so good that you wish someone would create a “pause life” remote so you can stop everything and just read? That’s where I’m at right now. I want to sit in my comfy chair with my hot cocoa and sweet treats and just read. Life can be tough when you don't want to adult. 😉 

If you follow my blog, you know that I am not a fan of the fake relationship trope. But since all the books I've read in this series have been amazing, I thought what the heck. Let's give it a go. Y'all Ms. Mastorakos is making a liar out of me! I ended up loving this book! I guess I just haven't been reading the right authors. 😉

I absolutely adored Cooper and Angie! Their bantering back and forth had me giggling and made me root for them even more. I loved watching their relationship develop from kinda enemies to friends to something more. Both of them had been in a bad relationship and were so focused on not falling into the same trap again that they didn't realize they were falling in love. They're definitely favorites of mine. 😊

And can we talk about Grandma Jean for just a second? Y'all she was the best! She was always up to something when it came to Cooper and Angie. Sneaky and full of mischief. I loved the role she played in getting them together. It was perfect!

Christmas with You was a great addition to an amazing series. If you're looking for a fun series to escape into, I highly recommend this one. I'm going to have a major book hangover once I finish this series. I am so glad that I discovered Ms. Mastorakos! Her books are just what I needed right now.

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

Away from You by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

Lance Corporal Matthew Mills returned home from his first deployment with more than just a bullet wound. While he knew that injury would heal, he feared the invisible ones never would. He couldn't trust his own mind anymore and the only way to keep Olivia safe was to push her away... maybe for good.

Olivia wanted nothing more than to stand by her husband while he battled PTSD. If he needed time and space, that's what she'd give him. But how long was too long? Just when she was about to lose hope, fate and a few meddling friends stepped in.

A week in the woods at Big Bear Lake promises relaxation, fun with friends, and adventure. Without the pressures of the outside world, Olivia hopes she can convince him that their love is worth fighting for. And as much as it scares him, Matt can't help but want to let her.

My Review: 5 Stars

Have you ever picked up a book, started reading it and instantly knew you were going to have the hardest time putting it down? Well, that's exactly what happened to me with this book. The only thing that stopped me from staying up all night reading was my kindle continually hitting me in the face every time my body drifted off to sleep. But, the moment I woke up this morning, you better believe I grabbed my kindle, curled back up under my blanket and picked up right where I left off. It was the perfect way to start my Sunday. 😊

Matt and Olivia have been together since their freshman year in high school. Their relationship was strong and they knew that when hard times came, they would be able to weather them together. Neither one of them were prepared for Matt getting injured in combat and coming home with PTSD. Words were said, trust was broken, and Matt's decision to end their marriage crushed them. But when your love is as strong as theirs and your friends know the only way to overcome this trial is by being together, you have to give it your all and trust that, in the end, it will all work out the way it should. 

I knew from the moment I started reading this book that it would be an emotional rollercoaster. I found myself rooting for Olivia and Matt from the very beginning. They were young, barely starting out in their marriage, and were dealing with something that no one around them had ever gone through before. To say their journey was tough is an understatement. But it made them better and brought them closer together. I loved every single minute of this book! It's one I know I'll be reading over and over again. 

There are several reasons why authors become one of my favorites. One of those reasons is their ability to take a very hard, taboo subject that no one wants to read about, and address it in a respectful way that has you opening your eyes and understanding, even if it's just a little bit, what others who are suffering with it may be going through. Ms. Mastorakos does an exceptional job writing about the hard stuff that most of us will never face in real life. PTSD is one of those hard subjects no one wants to talk about but that everyone should be talking about it. It's real and it probably tears more families apart than most of us realize. I've always had a deep respect for our military men and women and their families. But after getting a "behind the scenes" look into what they can and do face every day, my respect for them has grown even more.  

I am absolutely loving this series! I've been in a bit of a reading funk lately but this series has completely captivated me and I don't want to do anything BUT read. I can already tell you I'm going to have a major book hangover when I finish this series. 😉

As for my casting... y'all... I'm loving these two! What do you think?

Back to You by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

Spencer and Ellie are just friends. Right?

For Spencer, Ellie has always been his rock. His stability. The one who was there for him in his darkest hour. But he's never thought of her as more than a friend... until now. And that's just inconvenient, since he knows what she wants right down to how she takes her coffee, and it isn't him.

Ellie wants a stable life and a white picket fence, so she only dates guys who want that, too. She knows Spencer doesn't do relationships. And besides, high school is over and he's about to be a U.S. Marine. It could never work... could it?

Since they want different things, they're just fine remaining friends. That is, until one night changes everything.

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I am not a fan of books that are full of angst and drama. It's one of the reasons I stay away from YA books. I get so frustrated that I want to throw my kindle across the room. And I may or may not be mentally Gibbs slapping the characters until they get their act together. 

So. Why am I bringing this up? Well, this book is all about the angst and the drama. One of my favorite book buddies had to listen to me vent my frustration last night. BUT. This morning, I had to eat my words. The moment I finished the book I sent her the following message: "Ok... so she has this way of making all the angst and the drama worth it. I ended up loving it!" And, if you're wondering, yes.. she totally laughed at me. 😉

This was a true friends to lovers story. Ellie and Spencer have been best friends since the 6th grade. They've been through everything together and are by each other's sides no matter what. The night before Spencer leaves for boot camp, things start to change. But because Spencer is stubborn and Ellie has a boyfriend, neither were ready for the rollercoaster ride they were about to embark on. 

Oh. My. The feels y'all! The feels! You will experience every single one of them. Every. Single. One. You better hold on tight for this upside down, full of loops, twisty ride! I loved every frustrating, dreamy sighing moment of it!

As far as the swoon factor goes, let me just say... oh my holy swooniness Batman! Y'all the chemistry in this book is off the charts! I thoroughly enjoyed watching it knock Spencer of his feet! WOWZERS! That's just one of the reasons it made all the angst and drama worth it. 😉 

I am loving this series! I can't wait to start Olivia and Matt's book. I love that they were a big part of this book and that I'll get more of Ellie and Spencer in their book. Seeing all the couples throughout the series is a definite plus for me. 

If you haven't read anything by Ms. Mastorakos yet, then I highly recommend checking out her books. I've read 3 of them so far and have NOT been disappointed. She's definitely been added to my favorites and auto-buy lists. 

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

Home with You by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

A widowed Marine, his eight-year-old son, and the spunky PE teacher who keeps striking out at love...

When Staff Sergeant Owen O’Malley gets orders to San Diego, the first thing he thinks about is how much his eight-year-old son, Finn, will love the beach. After losing his wife three years earlier, he knows they could both use a little sand between their toes.

Rachel Peters decides San Diego holds her fresh start after her roommates find love and move out. Leaving Texas behind, she plans to soak up the sun, coach Little League, and teach PE to the military kids on base. She does not plan to fall for the handsome, single dad of one of her favorite students.

Miramar is a small base, so when Owen and Rachel keep running into each other, they believe it’s only because of their shared proximity. Little do they know, there’s a four-foot-tall matchmaker pulling the strings. Will Finn accomplish his mission or will they balk at their chance for true love?

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Confession. I am a sucker when it comes to the single parent trope. I don’t know what it is about it, but I love it! I didn’t even finish reading the synopsis before I was dropping everything to read this book. It was just what I needed.

I quickly fell in love with Rachel, Owen and the adorable Finn! Y’all. I’m not going to lie… that kid stole the show! I loved watching him play the little matchmaker, a very important role to get his dad and Rachel together. 😉

Finn was wise beyond his years. But at the age of 8, he had already experienced so much heartache. In a way, he had to stop being a kid at the age of 5 and deal with real life. But the moment Rachel came into their lives, I saw the change in him. He was able to be a kid again and experience new and fun things.

I loved watching Rachel and Owen’s relationship develop from friends into something more. It wasn’t an easy road for them. They both came with baggage and were afraid to unpack it. They felt safer not taking that chance. But with life comes growing pains. They had to learn to let the other one in if they were ever going to find their HEA.

This may be book 6 in the series, but it's the first one I've read (other than the prequel). I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the other books in the series. I can already tell they're going to be a fun break from reality. 

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