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?!

On Her Own by N.J. Ricks

Synopsis:

"I’m sorry. I don’t think I am cut out for marriage. I tried."

After the unexpected end of her five-year marriage, Emily Walsh is back in her hometown, dreading the ghosts of her past and ashamed of her failed marriage. Back in the house she grew up in, she is faced with the demons she has been able to ignore for years while trying to find out who she is all over again.

She is surprised to find an unexpected friendly face from her past who reminds her of who she used to be and helps her see what her life could be if she were only willing to take the chance.

As Emily tries to gain her footing in her new life, she encounters obstacles, the greatest of which may be her own insecurities. She will have to decide if she will allow the pain from her past to keep her from the future she never knew she always wanted.

My Review: 5 Stars

Confession. I am one of the biggest mood readers you'll ever meet. Between yesterday and today, I have downloaded about 35 samples of books looking for "something different". While talking to one of my bestest book friends, she suggested I check out N.J. Ricks. After reading the description for On Her Own, I knew this was going to be a winner.

From the moment I started reading, I was transported to the small town of Stevensville where I walked side by side with Emily through her journey of self-discovery and love. This was not an easy journey. She's just coming out of a bad marriage, she doesn't know who she is anymore and her fears and insecurities are stopping her from going after the future she deserves.

Enter Brandon, her childhood best friend she hasn't seen in over a decade. And like the best of the best best friends, they picked up right where they left off as if no time had passed at all. Their friendship is easy and just what Emily needs. If anyone can help her figure out her future, it's Brandon. She'll have to face some hard times and make some tough decisions, but he'll never leave her side.

I adored this book and had a really hard time putting it down. I absolutely loved the nostalgia in it. I was transported back to when I was a kid, swinging on swings, doing underdogs, climbing the "spiderweb" dome, running to the huge tractor tires at recess and snagging the inside before anyone else could. Life was so much simpler back then. I don't know about you, but I miss the good ol' days!

This is my first book by Ms. Ricks and I can tell you it won't be my last. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series and whatever else she writes in the future. Finding new authors is the BEST!

And of course I can't for get my casting. What do you think?

Ain't No Other Man by Chelsea Davidson

 

Synopsis:

There is a thin line between love and hate. For Allison Walsh, that line was a tightrope hanging a hundred feet in the air, with no safety net to catch her if--or when--she fell.

Ali was barely treading water after losing her big brother, who was her hero and best friend. His sudden death left her to raise her twin nephews when the man that was supposed to share the responsibility with her went MIA after the funeral.

Kade's MMA training made him a champion, but it never equipped him to fight off the one force beyond his control: his feelings for his best friend's little sister. He's sure his demons mean he's not good enough for her, but he's going to do everything in his power to conquer them.

When the hunky, tattooed fighter shows up on Ali's doorstep out of the blue with a bag hanging over his shoulder and a smile that would make a nun blush, he seems different. But after all he's put her through, Ali's not in a forgive-and-forget kinda mood.

Will Kade prove that he's the man worthy of Ali's heart and trust, or will his past sins determine their future?

My Review: 4.5 Stars

One of my favorite things about reading is finding new to me authors. The search for them can be a lengthy process for my reading preferences. There have been times that I've downloaded upwards of 50 samples of books, only to have none of them grab and keep my attention. So imagine my surprise when I download ONE sample and it ends up being a winner.

Y'all. Can I just tell you how excited I was to see a character named KJ?! Like SO excited... until I discovered KJ was actually a 13 year old boy. I may or may not have said... "Oh come on! Really?!" It had me going back in time when I met a guy named Kevin Johnson and he demanded that he was the one and only KJ. He did not like me pointing out the Kathy Jo was my FIRST name so therefore, I was the one and only KJ! 🤣

Buuuuuuuuuut.... I digress. 

I absolutely adored Ali, Kade, Ricky and KJ. They haven't had it easy the last 18 months since Patrick, Ali's brother, Kade's best friend and Ricky and KJ's dad, suddenly passed away. Their lives have been turned upside down and they're left trying to figure out how to go on without their rock. It wasn't easy and they all dealt with it in their own ways. I enjoyed watching them figure out their new normal, grow closer together and move on as a family unit. I loved the Hallmark feel to it. ❤️

This was such a fun break from reality. Just what the doctor ordered after a week of craziness. For a few hours I was able to escape my life and enjoy all things Ali, Kade, Ricky and KJ. My only complaint would be more kisses! Y'all know how much I love me some swoony kisses! Hehe. 😉

I am officially hooked on this series. There's just something about the small town, the feisty heroines and the swoony heroes that has this girl wanting to go back to visit over and over again. I cannot wait to get my hands on Jess and Ethan's book. I can already tell Jess is going to be a handful and I love it! Haha.

You know what else I love? I love when authors who write steamy books see that there's also a market for sweet books and choose to share their talent with both markets. Some authors are more successful than others when it comes to making their books clean and Ms. Davidson is one of them. I may or may not have let out a ssssswwwwweeeeeeeeeettttt! as I read her "no explicit content or graphic language" in the description while downloading her book via KU. We need more authors who are willing to do this! Don't you think?!

As for my casting... y'all. I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?

Swoon Worthy Spotlights!

Welcome to Swoon Worthy Spotlights hosted by KJ's Book Nook! 

Once a month I'll feature 1-3 of my favorite books that I have read during the month. I'll share the cover(s) and my review(s).

For this month I'm going to choose... 

Treasured in Turtle Bay by Jess Mastorakos

Love the One You're With by Jennifer Peel

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What are some of your favorite reads from February? 

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*

The Love Potion by Becky Monson

 

Synopsis:

Can a magic love potion help her see what’s right in front of her?

Ally Hawkins, ever cheerful and always willing to see the bright side of things, has never had a date for Valentine’s Day. But this is her year. She can feel it in her little optimistic heart. Even if she, a full-grown woman, resorts to believing in a love potion she bought at a county fair. After all, the day she accidently got some of the smelly concoction on herself, the object of her desire asked her out to lunch. That can’t be a coincidence, can it?

But ever since the potion came into her life, Josh Wise, Ally’s coworker and office BFF, has been acting strange. He’s been pulling away from her, and she finds that she’s missing his playful antics and the way he can always make her laugh and smile. The potion, it would seem, is lifting the curtain on a reality that Ally has been blind to. But will she recognize what’s been right in front of her all along before it’s too late?

My Review: 4 Stars

Confession. I have never really been a big fan of Valentine's Day. To me, it's just another day. And I'm sure if Ally ever heard me saying that, she would be appalled! 🤣

Ally is such a sweet, fun character. I think we all could use a friend like Ally. She's always looking for the best in people, even when they don't deserve it. She's extremely optimistic and looking on the bright side comes easy for her. It's one of the many things her best friend, Josh, loves about her. 

Y'all. Josh is seriously the best. He's very supportive of Ally and her happiness. You can tell from the very beginning he only wants the best for her. I think I fell in love with him from the start. 

While there was some romance in the book, the main part of the story (at least for me), was watching Ally become a better version of herself. One where she doesn't lose her optimism but is able to see things without the rose-colored glasses on. Her "Ah-ha!" moment with Hazel was the best! ❤️

I really enjoyed this book. It was super cute! But I found myself wanting just a little bit more. An epilogue would've been perfect. Maybe of a certain special date? 😉

I just realized while I was reading that I haven't read very many of Ms. Monson's books. I have loved all the ones I've read so far. I see some binge reading happening in the near future!

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

Love the One You're With by Jennifer Peel

 

Synopsis:

Is it love or is it reality?

Kasie Baldwin’s life is not turning out how she expected. Separating from Jake, her husband of seventeen years, and living back home with her momma were not in her plans. She for sure never saw herself getting mixed up in a reality TV show. And she definitely never thought she’d be breaking and entering into the self-appointed queen of Nashville’s house. Yet here she is. But perhaps all the trouble is exactly what Kasie and Jake need to repair their marriage—maybe, just maybe, their love is the most real thing of all.

My Review: 5 Stars

Confession. I have a very strong dislike of reality TV shows. I just can't watch them. I was a bit hesitant going into this book because of said show, but I shouldn't have been worried. The reality TV angle was definitely NOT what I was expecting it to be and I ended up loving the book!

Y'all... Kasie is my kind of gal! She's easy to relate to, she keeps it real, she loves fiercely, she protects what is hers and will do anything, and I mean anything, for her family and friends. This woman has a heart of gold! Definitely one of my favorite heroines!

As for Jake... *dreamy sigh* He quickly became a favorite of mine as well! I loved that he not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk. He may have been a putz, but when he finally woke up, he had no problem showing Kasie just how much she really meant to him. Their journey was absolutely beautiful! 

And can we just take a minute to talk about the chemistry that was flying off the pages?! YOWZERS! Between Kasie and Jake and Abs and Dallas, I kept turning into a big ol' pile of goo! Y'all. I cannot WAIT for Abs and Dallas's book! I have a feeling it's going to be hot... hot... HOT! 

I wasn't going to say anything about Vivian, but I will. Karma. That. Is. All! 🤣

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Ms. Peel is a phenomenal author. I know the moment I pick up one of her books, I will be held hostage until the very end. Nothing ever gets done when I'm reading her books. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

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

Book of the Month - February 2021

 

Welcome to

KJ's Book Nook

Book of the Month! 

From the moment I started reading this book, I was hooked! I could not devour it fast enough! This book was one of those that I wanted all my bookish friends to drop whatever they were reading and start reading it right that very second! This is one of those books that you don't forget. This book is the reason that I tried to talk the other Swoony Award hosts into allowing all of us to choose TWO books for our 2020 Swoony Awards. This book is the whole reason I started my Book of the Month. Because, y'all! If I could give this book a Swoony Award right now, I would! It. Is. That. Good! 

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?

You can check out my review here.

Happy reading my fellow Book Dragons!