Buried Secrets by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

Mindy Long left her painful past behind and is determined to create a new life for herself. All she wants is to grow a successful business and provide a stable, loving home for her nephew. But when she’s kidnapped, Mindy realizes she’ll have to defeat a deadly enemy from her past to be truly free. To accomplish that, she needs the help of a cop with lethal skills.

Despite more than a decade apart, Deputy Levi Montgomery never forgot the woman who stole his heart as a teenager. Now that she’s back in his life, he’ll stop at nothing to win her heart. But when a desperate adversary targets Mindy and her nephew, Levi will break every rule to protect them. His new mission: save his family by any means necessary.

My Review: 3.5 Stars

I've been wanting to get my hands on Mindy's story since she was introduced in Conspiracy. To say she's had a hard life is an extreme understatement. And to say her father and brother were absolutely horrible would be another extreme understatement. Mindy has got to be one of the strongest heroines I've read in a long time. 

Mindy and Levi were high school sweethearts. but their relationship came to an abrupt halt when her father upped and moved their family out of town without a trace. Fast forward several years, and Fate has brought them back together. Life is far from sunshine and roses for both of them. Neither of them forgot the other and now the only question is, will their past tear them apart or bring them closer than ever?

Y'all. I'm not gong to lie. I find it harder to review a favorite author's book when it was good, but not great. There were a few things that kept it from being great for me. The first would be Roman. He's only 5 years old, but the way he spoke was well beyond his years. I struggled with trying to suspend belief but I just couldn't do it. The next would be inconsistencies and grammatical errors. I really crave immersing myself into all the books I read but these kinds of errors take away from the story. They should have been caught by alpha/beta readers and/or editors. 

With that being said, I still enjoyed Mindy and Levi's story. It was fun watching their relationship develop and getting their long awaited HEA. The addition of Roman made it even better. It was also fun catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous for the new team. Not sure why but I am. Haha. I'm looking forward to getting to know them better. 

The Contract by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

It started as a marriage of convenience, then turned out to be anything but.

Zoe Katsaros is one of my best friends. She's also a fellow Marine who has my respect as well as my admiration after what we went through on deployment together.

The one thing I never thought she'd have? My last name.

But my family will lose everything if I don’t find a way to pull in some extra money, and her dad is trying to push her into an old-school arranged marriage with a guy she doesn't even like, let alone love.

Thanks to dual-military benefits and my willingness to embrace her Greek family's traditions, a contract marriage between friends might be the perfect way to solve both of our problems.

But married life might not be all its cracked up to be, even when it's with your best friend. We come from different worlds and even though that's never mattered before ... it matters now.

She can teach me to Greek dance and how to pronounce the names of their favorite foods, but how can I be the husband her family wants me to be when my own family has only shown me what not to do?

One thing's for sure: being married to Zoe might have started as a means to an end, but I'll stop at nothing to make it so much more.

My Review: 5 Stars

Book Hangover: A condition in which attachment to a book or series that has ended causes the reader traumatic emotional distress. It usually lasts for one to two weeks, or until a new book of higher-than-average quality enters the reader's life.

Y'all. This is me right now. I'm in emotional distress. It looks like my reading slump I've been in for the last few months is going to be just a little longer. But this book is absolutely worth it! 

I knew from the very beginning that Zoe and Chase were going to be favorites of mine. There's just something about these two that draws you to them. I loved that they were best friends and would do anything the could to help each other out. Little did they know that said help would end up changing their lives forever. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey and did not want it to end! And it would be remiss of my not to mention their first kiss. Holy wowzers! Now THAT was a first kiss! The chemistry between these two were off the charts! Zoe and Chase had me feeling all the feels for them. Their story couldn't have been more perfect! 

As usual, I loved catching up with old friends and seeing where they are in their journey. It's one of the reasons I love series like this! I never want to say goodbye to my favorite couples. I also loved getting to know Zoe's family. They were such an amazing addition to the story. Just like Zoe and Chase, you can't help but love them! They may be loud but they love hard. And once you're in, you're in... which is just what Chase needed in his life. 

I am definitely looking forward to getting my hands on Nate's book. Y'all. He seems like the ultimate grumpy Gus! I have a feeling he's going to fight hard against what Fate has in store for him and Nikki. Knowing Ms. Mastorakos' style? I am going to love every minute of it! I cannot wait to dive into their journey! 

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

More Than a Pretty Face by Remi Carrington

 

Synopsis:

The one who got away was here all along

When I’m abandoned at a party and find myself in a vulnerable situation, a stranger rescues me. I want to thank him, but I have no memory of his face, only a text telling my housemate that he’s a cowboy with a pretty face. That’s not a lot to go on.

I’ve build him up as a fantasy in my head, but when a flirtatious ranch hand makes his interest clear, I have to choose between clinging to a memory, one that’s fuzzy at best, and embracing the present.

A real-life cowboy is better than a dream. Right? What if I’m wrong about that?

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? That was me with this book and y'all, let me tell you, it was amazing!

I quickly fell in love with all things Jasmine and Tyler. It wasn't hard to root for these two. They both had a fun, easy going vibe that made it easy to relate to them. Watching their attraction turn into friendship and then into love melted my heart. Add to that some sizzling chemistry and these two were absolutely perfect for each other. I couldn't help but let out all kinds of dreamy sighs.

I am loving all of these interconnected series. It brings that small town vibe I've come to crave in books. It's make my heart smile to see old friends and meet new ones. And speaking of old friends... I am dying to get my hands on Kent and Poppy's book! Y'all. I have a feeling that theirs is going to an all time favorite of mine. But then again, how can it not be when you have little Mason thrown into the mix. I seriously love that kid!

Now is the time I have to keep reminding myself that writing takes time because all I really want to do is reach out to Ms. Carrington on a daily basis and ask... is it done yet?! There's a reason she's one of my favorites. I cannot wait to see what she has planned for us next!

As for my casting.... *dreamy sigh* I am loving these two! What do you think?

The Fake Date by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

My rules as Mr. Fake Date? Weddings only. Kissing has a surcharge. And catching feelings is absolutely forbidden. What could go wrong?

As a professional wedding date, I have strict boundaries.

Feelings make things messy, and I need this side gig because my pay as an active-duty Marine isn’t nearly enough to cover my old man’s medical bills.

Then my pops shocks me with one of those gut-wrenching “Make me a promise, son” kinda talks, saying he wants me to give up this fake-dating business and find something real.

But then the bookish stunner I’ve been low-key crushing on for over a year suddenly needs my services.

And even though this gorgeous woman and her beautifully different brain could be the one to make me risk it all, I’ll be her perfect fake date … and then I’ll walk away.

Because despite the promise I made to my pops, I won’t fall in love with her only to lose her like I’ve lost everybody else.

I can’t.

My Review: 4 Stars

Confession. The fake dating trope is not one I usually read. But when a trusted author writes it, I read it. 

I have been curious about Lyndi and Beau for a little while. There was something about them that intrigued me and had me wanting to know their stories and see what makes them tick. I was excited to dive into their book.

I have to admit that, while I enjoyed their story, I had a bit of a hard time getting behind their relationship for a good portion of the book. They each have their own reasons as to why nothing real could happen between them, and they were valid reasons... it just seemed to drag out a little too long for me. 

But that didn't stop me from finishing the book. When they both finally allowed themselves to open up and see what kind of future they could have together, the story picked up and I couldn't read fast enough. Even though I struggled, I really enjoyed their journey. It was real. It was raw. It was beautiful. Lyndi and Beau are absolutely perfect for each other. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of them in the next book.

I'm loving the Brides of Beaufort series. I loved seeing old friends (even though I kinda wanted to knock Layla out at one point) and meeting new ones. I'm looking forward to getting to know Chase and Zoe more! I can't to see what Ms. Mastorakos has in store for them! 

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

A Pumpkin and a Patch by Jennifer Peel

 

Synopsis:

Every person has that one thing they’re known for, and it doesn’t matter what you do, that one thing—whether good or bad—follows you around like a bloodhound for the rest of your life. For me it’s a story I wrote when I was fifteen. Forever more I will be known as the Reece the Rogue Pirate girl, instead of Josie Peterson. Why couldn’t I be known for all the cute children’s stories I’ve written about my family’s pumpkin patch?

Tragically, the torrid story I wrote as a teen was based on a real person, Reece Cavanaugh. And guess what? He grew up to be a pirate—okay, lawyer. Same thing. To make matters worse, the man is representing my ex-fiancé who wants to steal my treasure, aka engagement ring. If that wasn’t the icing on the cake, Reece has an adorable daughter who happens to be my new student. That’s right, I must now have actual conversations with him after avoiding him for half my life, even by hiding behind banana displays when needed. But the more I get to know Reece—the real version, not the imaginary one who ravishes me on sandy beaches—I can’t help but wish we could roll around in the sand together. There’s a problem though, the school I work for frowns upon relationships between parents and teachers. And it’s pumpkin season, which means all my free time is spent on the family farm. But when he kisses me, I can’t help wanting to break all the rules and get tangled up in the barn. The burning question is, am I brave enough to make my story a reality or will it be another bad ending?

My Review: 5+ Stars!

Y'all! Can I just tell you how much I loved this book?! Once I started it, I had the hardest time putting it down! And once I finished it, I wanted to read it all over again! Talk about all the heart eyes and dreamy sighs... I. Just. Can't. Even. Right. Now! 😍

Josie and Reece are perfection! Oh how I adored these two! I loved watching their relationship grow from friendship into love. Their journey is absolutely beautiful! I couldn't help but root for these two from the very beginning. The way Reece was with Josie had me falling head over heels in love with him. She desperately needed him in her life to help her face and conquer her fears, to stand by her side and cheer her on. He left no doubt in her mind that he would be by her side always. The feels are most definitely real in this one and I loved every single minute of it. 

And can we take a minute to talk about little Andi? Y'all. She almost stole the show! I fell in love with her from the first moment she was introduced. I mean, how could you not fall in love with that adorable little girl?! She was absolutely precious! I loved that she needed Josie just as much as Josie needed her. Their relationship was seriously so sweet! 

Y'all. My words aren't doing this book justice. It is seriously AMAZING! I couldn't devour it fast enough and I never wanted it to end! Trust me when I tell you that this book is a MUST READ! It's one that I know I'll be reading over and over again! Ms. Peel never ceases to amaze me with her talent! I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

As for my casting, y'all. These two were playing hide-and-seek. It took me forever to find them! But I am totally in love! What do you think?!

The Dragon Finds Forever by Kristen Painter

Synopsis:

Monalisa Devlin is a Will O’ The Wisp, a rare and potentially dangerous creature. Unfortunately, her greedy father makes sure she lives up to that potential. Monalisa is magically compelled to obey her father's evil commands--until he finally agrees to free her in exchange for one, last mission: Travel to Nocturne Falls and use her powers to force Ivan Tsvetkov back into the ring.

Once a champion on the supernatural MMA circuit, Ivan 'The Hammer' Tsvetkov retired after a devastating injury that left him unable to shift into his dragon form. Wounded and embittered, Ivan wants nothing more than to be left alone. Until an infuriating, stubborn, delicately beautiful stranger shows up on his doorstep and demands that he rebuild his life.

Posing as a rehab therapist seemed like the easiest way to get close to the smoldering recluse, but Monalisa quickly realizes that nothing about this mission is going to be easy. To gain his trust, she shares more of herself than she ever has before, and as their connection deepens, so does the weight of her secrets. She thought she was willing to do whatever it took to win her independence...but when her deception blows up in her face, will Monalisa discover that the loss of Ivan's heart is too high a price to pay? Or will their love rise from the ashes to burn stronger than ever?

My Review: 5 Stars

Confession. I almost skipped over this book. I'm not sure why, but it just wasn't calling to me. And then I started reading it. Y'all. I'm so glad I decided to give it a try.

Monalisa has been controlled by her father her entire life. No matter what she does, he refuses to let her go. She's too valuable to him and his world full of greed. With yet another "promise" of giving her her freedom, she heads to Nocturne Falls to help his prize MMA fighter heal and get him back in the ring.

Van has been undefeated in the ring until a fight gone wrong leaves him injured and unable to shift into his Dragon form. He can't bring himself to enter into the ring again so he makes the tough decision to retire. But when Monalisa shows up on his doorstep with a story of helping him or losing her job, his protective instincts kick in and Fate takes over from there.

I really enjoyed Monalisa and Van's story. I loved that, even though Monalisa was brought up by horrible parents, she never once wanted to be like them. She stood up to them whenever she could and tried to always do what was right. Van was the perfect champion for her. It didn't take long for his protective instincts to kick in. His desire to treat her like she was the most precious person in the world had this girl letting out all the dreamy sighs.

I am definitely hooked on this series and there's no going back. I loved seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I cannot wait to dive back in to Nocturne Falls. Only a couple more books to get through before I can start Marigold's book. I cannot wait! 

The books by Ms. Painter just keep getting better and better. I cannot tell you how happy I am that she already has lots for me to choose from! Y'all. It feels like Christmas! 

And of course I can't forget my casting. *dreamy sigh* I love them! What do you think?

The Vampire's Fake Fiancée by Kristen Painter

 

Synopsis:

Sebastian Ellingham isn’t known for being a happy vampire. And when his long estranged wife comes to town expecting to pick up where they left off, things take a sharp turn toward cranky. Sure he’s been protecting her for centuries, but her assumption that he’s still available (he is) rankles.

His answer is to hire a woman to play his fiancée. The lucky victim is Tessa Blythe, sister of one of the town’s deputies, librarian in need of a job and, oh yes, reluctant Valkyrie. Playing along with Sebastian is all about the end game for her, the position of Dean of Library Studies at the local private academy.

When unexpected sparks fly between them, they agree to mutually deny the attraction. Fate, however, has other plans…

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I lied. Sebastian and Tessa are my new favorites in this series. Tall, dark, handsome, and broody? Ummm... yes please! 

I have been intrigued with Sebastian from the very beginning. There's just something about him that pulls you in and makes you want to be the one who understands him. After hearing how horrible (understatement of the century) his estranged wife is, I knew it was going to take someone pretty amazing to bring love and happiness into his life. 

And Tessa was just that. She's a Valkyrie and has been hiding her powers since an unfortunate accident happened when she was a teenager. Being a Valkyrie, she's able to sense people's intentions and whether they are lying or not. Because of this, she was able to see past Sebastian's grumpy gruffness to his heart and see not only who he really is under that tough exterior, but what he really needs in his life.

Tessa and Sebastian didn't know it at the time their "arrangement" began, but they're the best thing that's happened to each other. I loved watching them push each other to see past the heartache and the pain and realize just how truly strong and amazing they really are. Fate knew what she was doing when she brought these two together. 

This is a phenomenal addition to the Nocturne Falls series. I swear, the more I read, the better the books get. Series like this make my heart smile! I cannot wait to dive into Roxy and Alex's book next. 

Ms. Painter is doing an excellent job of sucking me in to her world. I cannot tell you how happy I am that I finally gave her books a try. They're just what the doctor ordered!

Y'all. I may or may not be a bit bias, but I am loving these two! What do you think?!

Content: PG, mild language, innuendo, swoony kisses.

The Professor Woos the Witch by Kristen Painter

Synopsis:

Pandora Williams is Nocturne Falls’ most successful real estate agent. And least successful witch. Her magic never has the intended outcome, but she’s learned to live with that. Mostly. Yes, it sucks, but what can she do? Then a hot new neighbor shows up and suddenly her magic works. Very cool, but very suspect. Especially since he’s a total non-believer.

Cole Van Zant likes practicality and absolutes. Things he can see and touch. So not magic. But when his teenage daughter insists she’s a witch—and they’re now living in a town that celebrates Halloween every day—he needs help. Of the witchy variety. Thankfully, his sexy neighbor buys into all that hocus pocus.

Enlisting her help seems like a great idea until spending time together reveals a supernatural surprise about who Cole really is. A secret even he didn’t know. Could Pandora and Cole really be meant for one another or is their attraction too much to believe?

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I think I've found my new favorite book in the series! I literally could not put this book down. I kept telling myself... just one more chapter... just one more chapter... until it was almost 1am and I had finished the book. I'm now running on about 3 hours of sleep but, we all know, sleep is overrated.. 😉

Cole and his daughter, Kaley, moved to Nocturne Falls after he inherited his great-uncle's house. His plan is to renovate it and then sell it. And this needs to happen fast. Kaley is talking about being a witch, coming into her powers, and when Cole doesn't believe her, she runs away and ends up at Pandora's house.

Pandora's magic has been "broken" her entire life. It never fails to go awry whenever she uses it. It isn't until she meets Cole and Kaley that it starts acting the way it should. Trying to figure out why that is, is going to be a bit difficult seeing as she can't stand the man.

Add in a crazy ex, a meddling ghost, overprotective family members, and a man who has zero clue what he is, and you've got the makings of the perfect break from reality.

Y'all. This book is fantastic! I adored Pandora and Cole. Watching them go from extreme dislike to like to love had this girl letting out all the little dreamy sighs. Unlike the other books I've read so far in this series, these two don't jump right in bed together. They focus more on getting to know each other and seeing if they're compatible because if they're wrong, there will be consequences to pay.

I'm still really enjoying this series. Nocturne Falls is my new favorite destination. I loved seeing some old friends and learning about new ones. I can't wait to see who's story is up next!

I really don't know why it took me so long to give Ms. Painter a try, but I'm glad I finally did. It's been nice not having to scroll through my kindle or search Amazon for new books and/or authors. Makes my life so much easier.. 😉

And of course we can't forget my casting. I think these two are pretty perfect.

Content: PG, mild language, innuendo, swoony kisses.