A story filled with some of romance readers' favorite tropes: college romance, sports romance, forced proximity, hidden identity, enemies-to-lovers, aA story filled with some of romance readers' favorite tropes: college romance, sports romance, forced proximity, hidden identity, enemies-to-lovers, and second-chance romance.
HAIL MARY ● Mary (22) & Leo (22) ● tattoo artist / college football player ● both are gamers ● both went to high school together ● they gamed together in high school but he doesn’t know who she is ● after an embarrassing high school experience for Mary trying to tell Leo who she is - she began to hate him ● 7 years later while he was in college he had another chance to get to know her ● except he doesn't recognize her from high school ● Leo and his football buddies have her move in while her place is being fixed
I'm not a gamer but it made me smile because I know gamers and how passionate they can be as teenagers thinking playing whichever game is going to change their lives. This story started with Mary asking for Xbox when she was 15 and that did change her life.
OUT ON A LIMB ● Win (28) & Bo (29) ● works at cafe / works in finances ● meet at a Halloween party - both wore pirate costumes ● one-night stand ● move OUT ON A LIMB ● Win (28) & Bo (29) ● works at cafe / works in finances ● meet at a Halloween party - both wore pirate costumes ● one-night stand ● move in together to share expenses for the upcoming baby ● Win is born with a smaller hand and Bo’s leg was amputated due to cancer ● accidental pregnancy ● sunshine/sunshine
“Perhaps that’s all Bo and I are. Two people leaving behind the worst, looking forward to the good to come.”
This story was so good! Both characters are funny and handle what life throws at them with humor (which is something I can relate to).
Audiobook source: Hoopla Narrator: Victoria Connolly Length: 12H 15M
Returning to Signal Bend felt like stepping into a familiar embrace; it immediately resonated as home. The dynLOVED IT!! The book hit me in the feels.
Returning to Signal Bend felt like stepping into a familiar embrace; it immediately resonated as home. The dynamics between the characters struck a chord that I believe many can relate to. Whether as a parent witnessing their young adult child take their own path or as that independent young adult, feeling the push and pull of parental guidance while striving for autonomy – it's a narrative that echoes reality.
Set on Christmas Eve in Signal Bend, the story revolves around Gia's return to her family (Isaac, Lilli, and her younger brother Bo). The weather station is calling for a huge storm and is urging people to stay off the roads. Gia, however, stands firm, refusing to yield to both family persuasion and weather forecasts, to leave earlier to make it home before the impending storm.
I loved that we got to see the rest of the Horde members. "Buncha broken-down old men. Still hot as f*ck, though."
Ms. Fanetti said, "You don’t need to have read any of my books to enjoy this one, but if you have read the Night Horde books, then Christmas in Signal Bend also serves as a bridge from the stories I’ve written to the stories I’m planning and currently writing. The first book of the Night Horde next-generation series readers have been asking for since 2014 is on deck, and it features Gia as the female lead. (I also introduce the male lead of this first book in Christmas, but it’s subtle and Gia and he don’t interact.)"
I'm so excited to see more from Ms. Fanetti!!...more
Wow! My first book by Kristin Hannah, and it didn't disappoint. A tough book to read at times but also one that you couldn't put down. It captivates yWow! My first book by Kristin Hannah, and it didn't disappoint. A tough book to read at times but also one that you couldn't put down. It captivates you from the first page until the end of the book. “Books are the mile markers of my life. Some people have family photos or home movies to record their past. I’ve got books. Characters. For as long as I can remember, books have been my safe place.”
On a side note - there was part a small part of the story that reminded me of Gilmore Girls. It's irrelevant but a fun tidbit. (view spoiler)[ When Cora deals with her parents ... that reminds me of Lorelai with her parents. High society life. And when Cora is telling Leni how she used to sneak out by going down the tree to meet up with boys that is similar to what Lorelai did too. (hide spoiler)]
Audiobook source: Libby Narrator: Julia Whelan Length: 15H 03M
“My heart clenches at the sound of her voice. It’s crazy how much you can miss someone’s voice when you’re no longer hearing it every day.”
LOVED IT!
“My heart clenches at the sound of her voice. It’s crazy how much you can miss someone’s voice when you’re no longer hearing it every day.”
THE GRAHAM EFFECT ● Gigi Graham (21) & Luke Ryder ● women’s hockey player / men’s hockey player ● both in college - Juniors ● the men’s hockey team is merging with their reveal’s team ● Ryder is co-captains with the best player from their rival team - Case ● Case is Gigi's ex-boyfirend ● Ryder grew up in foster care (view spoiler)[ his dad shot his mom (hide spoiler)] ● Off-Campus 2nd gen ● Gigi is the daughter of Garrett & Hannah from The Deal
Campus Diaries series #1 Gigi Graham & Luke Ryder - The Graham Effect #2 TBA
Audiobook source: Libby Narrator: CJ Bloom & Teddy Hamilton Length: 14H 03M
NEXT OF KIN ● Chloe (24) & Warren (23) ● recent graduate - graphic designer / mechanic ● both are trying to do a sibling guardianship ● ‘Team Up’, proNEXT OF KIN ● Chloe (24) & Warren (23) ● recent graduate - graphic designer / mechanic ● both are trying to do a sibling guardianship ● ‘Team Up’, program to help those who want to adopt but can’t due to income, housing, etc. ● C & W end up being roommates ● Warren is trying to get custody of his 15-year-old deaf brother, Luke ● Chloe is trying to get custody of her newborn sister, Willow
Debut novel
Audiobook source: Hoopla Narrator: Penelope Ann Rose Length: 7H 26M
"The Fantasyland Series is a series of five novels that take place in our world and a parallel universe where fantasies are true... but perhaps not al"The Fantasyland Series is a series of five novels that take place in our world and a parallel universe where fantasies are true... but perhaps not all you would expect."
Another fun story by Kristen Ashley that is set in this world and a fantasy world. "Good" Cora ends up in the fantasy world. And "Evil" Cora has switched places with Good Cora and ends up in our world.
ROOTBOUND ● Tait (29) & Henry (31) ● works for a publishing company doing research & photography / works for the ranch ● Tait is divorced after beingROOTBOUND ● Tait (29) & Henry (31) ● works for a publishing company doing research & photography / works for the ranch ● Tait is divorced after being the same guy since she was 16 years old ● her ex-husband married her, now former, best friend ● publishing company sends her to her dad's ranch to take pictures ● she hasn't seen him since her parents divorced when she was little ● she has a lot of negative feelings towards her dad's side of the family because she thinks they abandoned her ● her dad's ranch is used to film a popular tv show ● small town ● Idaho
NEAT ● Logan (26) & Mallory (26) ● works as the lead tour guide / wants to do art but her dad (who owns the whiskey distillery) is forcing her to woNEAT ● Logan (26) & Mallory (26) ● works as the lead tour guide / wants to do art but her dad (who owns the whiskey distillery) is forcing her to work as a tour guide ● their families hate each other because of past hurt over the distillery and the death of the father of the Becker boys ● Mallory is being groomed to take over the tour part and take Logan's job ● her dad is giving her an art studio IF she gives him 5-years working at the distillery ● Dali is the male cat who ends up being the art studio cat ● enemies to lovers ● Romeo & Juliet vibes ● forbidden love ● small town in Tennessee
Becker Brothers Jordan (32) football coach for the high school (the only one who doesn’t work at the whiskey place) Noah (28) works with the barrels Logan (26) lead tour guide Michael (17) works in the gift shop
RECKLESS ● Winter & Theo ● doctor / bull rider ● Winter is Summer’s "mean" older sister ● their meet-cute was fun - they're both driving to the EatonRECKLESS ● Winter & Theo ● doctor / bull rider ● Winter is Summer’s "mean" older sister ● their meet-cute was fun - they're both driving to the Eaton's. He's following behind the slowest most cautious driver ever. When they both pull into the driveway she jumps out of her car and cusses up the stranger who has been following too closely to her car. ● Theo knew at that moment someday he was going to marry this feisty woman ● Winter is trying to mend fences with her sister and that's why she's in town ● she and Theo hook up for one night of passion
I don't want to ruin the book for anyone so I'll leave it at that. Theo is a great hero. He's there for Winter when no one else seems to be.
---- Gold Rush Ranch series #2 Violet & Cole - A Photo Finish
The siblings: Cade (grumpy, single dad), Beau (military), Rhett (bull rider), and Violet (horse jockey). Plus Jasper (Beau's best friend and pro hockey player)
LOVE, THEORETICALLY ● Elsie (27) & Jake ● adjunct professor & fake girlfriend services / MIT professor ● Jake is Elsie’s client’s (fake dating situatLOVE, THEORETICALLY ● Elsie (27) & Jake ● adjunct professor & fake girlfriend services / MIT professor ● Jake is Elsie’s client’s (fake dating situation) older brother ● Elsie - chronic condition (Type I diabetic) ● Elsie - the twin brothers’ storyline was odd to me (view spoiler)[ The mom wants her to mediate between her older brother’s love life because she owes the family this since her disease took so much from the family when she was growing up. (hide spoiler)] I think this part of the story was unnecessary.
As a former tennis girlie from my high school days, I was thrilled when I learned that this book revolved around a tennis player. "Carrie Soto is BackAs a former tennis girlie from my high school days, I was thrilled when I learned that this book revolved around a tennis player. "Carrie Soto is Back" delves into Carrie's tennis career, showcasing her rise, fall, and eventual comeback. One of the most significant relationships explored in the book is between Carrie and her dad who was also her coach and supported her journey to the top.
Like Carrie, my dad took an interest in my tennis playing and coached me in the off-season. Drawing from my own experiences, I resonated with the ups and downs depicted in Carrie's relationship with her dad. There is a quote from the book that encapsulates the essence of their bond:
"I did not pick up a racket to grow tense and weary and afraid of failing. I picked it up to feel the joy of smashing a ball as hard as I can. I picked it up to spend time with my dad."
A fun aspect of four of TJR's books (Daisy Jones & Six, Carrie Soto is Back, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and Malibu Rising) is that some characters from each book appear in the others. While each book can be read as a standalone, it's a fun little Easter egg to spot some of the other characters from other books.
Audiobook source: Libby Narrator: Full Cast Length: 10H 30M
ISN’T IT BROMANTIC? ● Vlad “the Russian” & Elena ● professional hockey player / journalist ● childhood friends ● marriage of convenience (married EleISN’T IT BROMANTIC? ● Vlad “the Russian” & Elena ● professional hockey player / journalist ● childhood friends ● marriage of convenience (married Elena so she could come to America for school) ● Vlad has a gluten allergy (finally diagnosed after some embarrassing moments) ● Elena's father was killed trying to uncover a sex trafficking ring. Elena is secretly trying to unearth who is behind it. ● Vlad is writing a romance novel (kind of mirroring his situation) ● cinnamon roll hero ● second chance romance
Audiobook source: Libby Narrator: Andrew Eiden Length: 9H 55M
WOW! I finally found a TJR book that I'm giving 5 stars to. I loved how the drama held my attention throughout the whole book.
The book has two timeliWOW! I finally found a TJR book that I'm giving 5 stars to. I loved how the drama held my attention throughout the whole book.
The book has two timelines running simultaneously, which is not usually my preference, but for some reason, it worked for me. The first timeline depicts Mick and June's relationship (starting in 1956) and their four children (Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit). The second timeline takes place in 1983, the day of Nina's annual end-of-summer party.
I've heard that this book has been optioned for the screen, either as a movie or a limited TV series. This makes it the fourth TJR book to be adapted for the screen after Daisy Jones & Six, One True Loves, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (which is currently in progress).
Another fun aspect of four of TJR's books (Daisy Jones & Six, Carrie Soto is Back, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and Malibu Rising) is that some characters from each book appear in the others. While each book can be read as a standalone, it's a fun little Easter egg to spot some of the other characters from other books.
Audiobook source: Libby Narrator: Julia Whelan Length: 11H 05M
Wow, this book is a rollercoaster of emotions that had me laughing one moment and crying the next.
The story revolves around Riley (20), the girl nextWow, this book is a rollercoaster of emotions that had me laughing one moment and crying the next.
The story revolves around Riley (20), the girl next door, and Dylan (23), who returns home on medical leave. The first night back Riley helps Dylan out by giving him a quiet place to sleep that he was unable to find at his dad's house. All the while she was battling her own demons of grief.
As they carve out a life together, Dylan must return to active duty, leaving Riley waiting for him. But when Dylan returns, he is a shell of the man he once was, having gone through a harrowing experience that has left him trapped in his own mind.
This book is my favorite of the series.
“Because sometimes you need to have nightmares to appreciate the dreams.”
More Than: #1 Jake & Kayla - More Than This #2 Logan & Amanda - More Than Her #3 Logan & Amanda - More Than Him #4 Cam & Lucy - More Than Forever #5 Dylan & Riley- More Than Enough
At the start of Yours Truly, I found it amusing that the "bad guy" in the book shared my name. However, as the story progressed, it became clear that At the start of Yours Truly, I found it amusing that the "bad guy" in the book shared my name. However, as the story progressed, it became clear that Amy wasn't evil but had made a questionable decision to date Jacob's brother shortly after breaking up with him. Although she was a minor character, her name made her stand out to me.
There are a couple of small parts that are told through notes and a diary, which I always enjoy in books.
Jacob has switched hospitals to avoid seeing his ex (Amy), and he starts fake dating Briana so that his family knows he is doing well mentally after the break-up. I loved the dynamics between Briana and Jacob's family, especially his grandpa.
Their fake dating was a lot of fun, and I could have kept reading about these two.
Overall, Ms. Jimenez did a great job with this book. Easily a 5+ star book.
YOURS TRULY ● Briana & Jacob (35) ● both are doctors at the hospital ● they leave fun notes for each other ● Briana's brother needs a kidney and has to move in with her ● Jacob has an anxiety disorder ● cinnamon roll hero ● workplace romance ● fake dating
I recently read Mile High by Ms. Tomforde and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was my first book by the author, but it won't be my lasI recently read Mile High by Ms. Tomforde and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was my first book by the author, but it won't be my last. In fact, I'm eagerly anticipating Stevie's twin brother's book, The Right Move.
One of the things I loved about this book was including a rescue for senior dogs. As someone who follows a similar rescue on social media, I found this detail to be heartwarming and relatable.
The story follows the dynamic between Zander, the bad boy of hockey, and Stevie, a feisty flight attendant. Stevie has been assigned to be one of the flight attendants for the hockey team for the season, and Zander's attitude initially gets on her nerves. However, their interactions become increasingly spicy, making for an entertaining and engaging read.
Adding to the fun is the forbidden nature of their relationship since Stevie will be fired if she is caught fraternizing with any of the players. This adds an extra layer of tension and excitement to the story.
While the book is quite long, I found myself engrossed in the story and didn't mind the length at all. I particularly enjoyed the various romance tropes used throughout the book, including annoyance to lovers, sports romance, and workplace romance.
MILE HIGH ● Zanders (28) & Stevie (26) ● hockey player / flight attendant ● for Halloween the hockey team dressed up as Disney Princesses for their teammates' daughter. The daughter picked out which princess they would be and Zander was Elsa (because everyone thinks she’s mean but really she’s nice just like Zander is thought of) ● Stevie helps at a rescue center for senior dogs ● forbidden romance ● annoyance to lovers ● sports romance ● workplace romance
Audiobook source: Hoopla Narrator: Winston James & Null Mari Length: 16H 48M
LOVED HACKED ● Sandra (28) & Alex (21) ● psychotherapist / waiter ● Sandra has been taking her potential dates to the restaurant works at for 2 yearsLOVED HACKED ● Sandra (28) & Alex (21) ● psychotherapist / waiter ● Sandra has been taking her potential dates to the restaurant works at for 2 years ● there's a mystery surrounding Alex that he can't reveal to Sandra for her safety ● went to prison as a 15 year old for hacking ● bitcoins ● that ending when Sandra figures out a way the government can't force her to testify against Alex ...more
THE RIGHT MOVE ● Ryan (27) & Indy (27) ● NBA star / flight attendant ● Indy’s fiance cheated onLOVED IT
“Sometimes the quietest love is the loudest.”
THE RIGHT MOVE ● Ryan (27) & Indy (27) ● NBA star / flight attendant ● Indy’s fiance cheated on her and then kicked her out of their place. She’s left with nowhere to go ● Stevie (Ryan’s twin sister and Indy’s best friend) works it out that Indy will stay with her brother while she saves money for her own place ● Indy is a CODA (father is deaf) ● her list for him to make him into “book boyfriend” ...more
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