Caught in the Crossfire by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

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

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

My Review: 4 Stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love and Second Chances by Shannon Guymon

Synopsis:

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

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

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

My Review: 3.5 Stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Secretive Wife by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

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

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

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

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

My Review: 5+ Stars!

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

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

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

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

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

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

*dreamy sigh*

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

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

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

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

Content: Mild swearing. Mild innuendo. 

Catch a Falling Star by Cindy Roland Anderson

Synopsis:

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

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

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

My Review: 5 Stars

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

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

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

*dreamy sigh* 

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

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

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

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

Dreaming of Ivy by Shannon Guymon

Synopsis:

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


My Review: 5+ STARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2019 Swoony Award Shout Out!

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

But first.... let's review!

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

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

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

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

Wondering which books I have read so far this year?

    

     

    

    

    

    

    

    

   

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

Blog: The Swoony Awards

Facebook: Swoony Awards Group and Swoony Awards Page

Instagram: SwoonyAwards

Twitter: @theswoonyawards

Pinterest: The Swoony Awards

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

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

Happy reading our fellow Book Dragons! 

Spooktacular HallowReads Winners

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

Brianne G.

and

Katie W. 

Congratulations ladies! You are in for a treat! My "mini" mystery boxes turned out to be not so mini! Haha. I will be emailing you for your addresses. I'm waiting on one more thing to come in and then I'll get your prizes mailed out. 😉

And for those who missed out on this giveaway, stay tuned! I'm thinking about doing Christmas Mystery boxes again.. hehe.

Happy Reading my fellow Book Dragons!

Buried in Blue by L.G. Rollins

Synopsis:

Doctor Elise Sterling has one last chance to save her career and prove that researching werewolves is safer than exterminating them. But her tendency to separate science from the people who’s lives it change has left her with few allies.

Captain Nathaniel Hopkins, owner of the fastest steam-powered submarine in England, has just returned from a two-year stint at sea and is in no hurry to leave home again. But when he meets Doctor Sterling, he has to choose between his duty to his daughter and his growing attraction for Elise.

Too focused on her science to be distracted by romance, Elise is betting it all—her career as well as personal safety—on an experiment where she will dive with nearly a dozen werewolves to the deepest trench in the Atlantic Ocean.

My Review: 5 Stars

With life being extremely crazy right now, I haven’t had much time to read. It’s been a little bit here and a little bit there. Thankfully the stars finally aligned, and I was able to get in some good reading time.

Confession. I haven’t read too many Steampunk novels. The ones I have read, I absolutely ADORED! So, when I started reading Buried in Blue, my expectations were pretty high. All I have to say is this book did NOT disappoint! Once I was able to sit down and read, I had an extremely hard time putting this book down. I found myself staying up way past my bedtime and waking up early just to see what happens next. 

This was such a fun, unique twist on werewolves. I was intrigued from the beginning and kept trying to figure everything out. And just when I thought I had it figured out... BAM! Plot twist! There may or may not have been a time or two that I had to stop and ask myself... what just happened?! Haha. I loved every minute I spent within the pages of this book.

Were there characters that I absolutely loved? You better believe it! Elise and Nathaniel were so perfect for each other. I loved that they could balance each other out. They trusted and relied on each other to get through some tough times. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning.

Were there characters that I absolutely loathed? You better believe it! There was one in particular that was just so slimy, that I couldn’t help but wish for their demise! And no, I’m not going to tell you who. I want to see if you feel the same way I did! Haha.

This is my first book by Ms. Rollins, and I can tell you it won't be my last! Any author who can make me feel this much emotion and keep me from getting sleep, definitely deserves their books being added to my TBR list!

And of course, we can’t forget about my casting. I’m pretty much in love! What do you think?