Book Review: Faking It With the Grump (Second Chance Café) by Kate O’Keeffe

Faking It With the Grump is the first book in the Second Chance Café series by Kate O’Keeffe. He’s grumpy, boring, and thinks it’s okay to wear a suit and tie to a small town bar full of lumberjacks. But when I kiss him? Let’s just say I wasn’t expecting THAT. It's one thing to be dumped by the huge Hollywood star you thought you were going to marry. It’s quite another to move back to the small town you're both from. As a booby prize for being shown the door by Dex Ryder, everyone is trying to set me up with their son, their nephew, or their long-lost cousin’s gardener. I’m not going to put up with their patronizing sympathy anymore. So, when I spot new-guy-in-town Christopher Young, I set out to make him mine. Or you know, pretend to make him mine. I’m still in a horrible funk over Dex, and Christopher is an uptight grump. Not exactly my type. The fact that despite appearances, he’s gorgeous and doing weird things to my blood pressure doesn't mean a thing.

Faking It With the Grump is a fun ride. I enjoyed the characters and the set up of the small town that will be the setting for the series. I thought Harper was a likable and realistic character. She is smart and funny, but is generally too accommodating for her own good. Christopher has been operating under strict control for a long time, and while his seems very smart and observant, he occasionally seemed to be a little lost and clueless. It was sometimes an endearing dichotomy- but sometimes just had me shaking my head. I think I liked the secondary characters and town a bit more than I liked this particular romance. I saw the stumbling blocks a mile away, and while some worked out just fine and I enjoyed the ride- there was one that really frustrated me, and it seemed to me like Christopher never really understood the problem. I did like the final resolution and found the story as a whole to be entertaining and enjoyable, that one thread of the story bothered me enough that I did not love the book as completely as I expected to. 

Faking It With the Grump is a solid opposites attract romance with the promise of more stories to come. 

Book Review: A Novel Disguise by Samantha Larsen

A Novel Disguise by Samantha Larsen is a the first book in a new historical mystery series. When Miss Tiffany Woodall assumes the identity of her half-brother after his death, she realizes she isn’t the only one with a secret to hide.

1784 London. Miss Tiffany Woodall didn’t murder her half-brother, but she did bury him in the back garden so that she could keep her cottage. Now, the confirmed spinster has to pretend to be Uriah and fulfill his duties as the Duke of Beaufort’s librarian while searching Astwell Palace for Uriah’s missing diamond pin, the only thing of value they own. Her ruse is almost up when she is discovered by Mr. Samir Lathrop, the local bookseller, who tries to save her from drowning while she's actually just washing up in a lake after burying her brother. Her plan is going by the book, until the rector proposes marriage and she starts to develop feelings for Mr. Lathrop. But when her childhood friend, Tess, comes to visit, Tiffany quickly realizes her secret isn’t the only one hidden within these walls. The body of a servant is found, along with a collection of stolen items, and someone else grows mysteriously ill. Can Tiffany solve these mysteries without her own disguise being discovered? If not, she’ll lose her cottage and possibly her life.

A Novel Disguise is an engaging read with a well balanced mixture of historical, romance, and mystery elements. I really liked how the romance aspects did not take over the whole story, and instead the character development and mystery aspects were the highlights of the story. Tiffany is a pragmatic and intelligent character, well aware of the dangers and possible paths her life could take if things went wrong. I liked that few characters were all good or bad, they were realistically human with good and bad aspects of their personalities and the decisions to match. I also liked the mystery created here- and even when I guessed a connection before the point was made in the book, I enjoyed watching the characters get there as well. I also liked that the author did the research, and shared what they learned about the time and place that they wrote about with the readers that take the time to read the endmatter. I look forward to following this series.

A Novel Disguise is a charming start to a new series, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here. 

Book Review: How to Grill Our Love, Volume 1 by Shiori Hanatsuka

How to Grill Our Love, Volume 1, by Shiori Hanatsuka is a manga style graphic novel. Dating can be tough when you nerd out over barbecue. Kenta, a practical pitmaster, looks for a grill-friend in Chihiro, an aloof and faultless business babe…or is she? Scared of being rejected for who they really are, the two of them find comfort in food and each other…and all is well until Kenta must transfer away. With their developing relationship at steak, Chihiro proposes they tie the knot and they marry for better or wurst. Winging a long-distance marriage is one thing, but here’s the rub—they barely know each other! It’s a rare marriage where all the awkwardness of dating meets a sizzling passion for grilling!

How to Grill Our Love is a fun and enjoyable read. I liked the story- and getting some recipes along the way. I liked the set up and I thought it was a very cute read. My only complaint is that at the end of the book I had a pretty good understanding of Kenta as a character and I really liked him. However, I have no more of an understanding of Chihiro than Kenta does. I understand doing a slow reveal, but I think her personality is completely left of the page, and while it might get explored in later volumes I am not sure that everyone will stick around to figure out who she is. I did enjoy the read, and I liked it overall, I just wish I knew more about Chihiro when the first volume ended. 

Book Review: Olympic Enemies by Rebecca J Caffery

Olympic Enemies by Rebecca J Caffery is a contemporary romance. Three weeks at the Olympic Village. Two Gymnasts who've been rivals for half a decade. Forced to share a room at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Oliver and Lucas are less than happy. After five years of fighting, the team needs them to learn to work together if they stand any chance of medalling. To make matters worse, Lucas, king of lone wolves, has absolutely no desire to become best friends with the three musketeers who make up the rest of the male British Gymnastics Team. So when the press becomes intrusive towards Lucas and Oliver finally steps in to defend him, things are looking up. Until that sliver of common ground truly demonstrates how thin the line between love and hate really can be. However, when their fighting turns to kissing which results in headlines in every newspaper and potential heartbreak for the pair, it isn’t just gold on the line -- it's their hearts.

Olympic Enemies is a un read with a nice balance of character and relationship development. I liked how well developed the main characters, and the most prevalent secondary character were. I thought the family and friendship ties, and the reasoning behind concerns and issues were all well built into the story. I liked the build up and resolution for the relationship between Oliver and Lucas. I thought the details about competitive gymnastics were well researched, and I loved getting a better understanding of what it can be like, and some of the stresses that the media and world in general can put towards those in the spotlight. I thought the team and coach dynamics were some of my favorite moments in the book, but I did find myself feeling like one secondary character was rather left out in the cold towards the end, and I would enjoy seeing them get some love in future books from the author. 

Olympic Enemies is an engaging and enjoyable read.

Book Review: Too Wrong to Be Right by Melonie Johnson

Too Wrong to Be Right by Melonie Johnson is a contemporary romance. While it is not labeled as in a series, fans of the author will see some familiar characters. 

After her latest jerk of a boyfriend dumps her (and ditches her with his pet hedgehog), florist Kat Kowalski is done chasing after Mr. Wrong. With her two best friends moving on to more serious relationships, she’s ready to stop repeating the same mistakes that are leaving her stuck in the single lane. Armed with a list of qualities for her perfect Mr. Right, Kat swears off dating until she finds him. Then in a meet-disaster involving a corpse and a salty cockatoo, she stumbles across Mick O’Sullivan at his family's funeral home. Their immediate chemistry warns Kat to keep things platonic; after all, following her heart never worked out in the past, and this time she’s determined to listen to her head. But can Kat and Mick be just friends? As she gets to know him better, the lines blur, and Kat starts to wonder if she’s gotten it wrong and Mick is exactly who she’s been looking for.

Too Wrong to Be Right is an engaging romance, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I liked Kat, even if she got stuck in her own head too often. Although, as someone who does the same I really should not judge. I thought her attempts to break the cycle and find a better relationship was realistic and something many readers might relate to. I really liked Mick, and adored his family. I thought the cast of characters, and the pets, were well written and in most cases fun to read about. I liked the interplay between Kat and Mick, and thought the family dynamics and self doubt were realistic and relatable obstacles that kept me turning pages and looking to see how everything would come together. 

Too Wrong to Be Right is a well written and entertaining romance.

Book Review: What the Hex by Jessica Clare

What the Hex by Jessica Clare is the follow up to Go Hex Yourself. It can be read as part of the series, but stands up as a stand alone as well. Penny Roundtree wants nothing more than to be a familiar to a witch. She’s been a member of the Society of Familiars ever since she was old enough to join the Fam. There’s just a small problem—no one’s hiring. Witches and warlocks are so long-lived that there are far more familiars available than witches to train them. So when an unorthodox arrangement to apprentice under the table to a forbidden warlock presents itself, she takes it. Willem Sauer is banned from having a familiar due to past transgressions, thereby limiting his magic-casting abilities. Unfortunately for the surly, Prussian warlock, he has no choice but to work with enthusiastic Penny as a familiar. They immediately clash like dried roan horsehair and honeycomb gathered by moonlight (it’s a terrible spell combination, ask anyone). Casting spells has delightful perks Penny never could have dreamed of, but also greater dangers. Someone is targeting Penny. Willem and Penny must work together to catch their enemy, and if their ploy requires a little kissing on the side, who is to question the rules of magic?

What the Hex is a romance with a nice balance of mystery and magic in the mix. While readers that read the first book in the series will have a head start in knowing the characters and set up of the witch/familiar details in this world, I think new comers to the author will be able to catch on quickly, and be interested enough to go back and read what they already missed. I listened to the first book, so it took me a bit to get into the groove of the story after switching format, but I still really enjoyed the read. I thought the character development was well done, and I really got into the mystery and suspense elements. I thought the story did a good job of moving a larger plot line ahead along with the romance, and I look forward to seeing how the witch and familiar society changes and who finds their happy ever after next. 

What the Hex is a solid romance and a good continuation of the series. I look forward to the next installment.

Early Book Review: Best Men by Sidney Karger

Best Men by Sidney Karger is currently scheduled for release on May 2 2023. Max Moody thought he had everything figured out. He’s trying to live his best life in New York City and has the best friend a gay guy could ask for: Paige. She and Max grew up next door to each other in the suburbs of Chicago. She can light up any party. She finishes his sentences. She’s always a reliable splunch (they don’t like to use the word brunch) partner. But then Max’s whole world is turned upside down when Paige suddenly announces some huge news: she’s engaged and wants Max to be her man of honor. Max was always the romantic one who imagined he would get married before the unpredictable Paige and is shocked to hear she’s ready to settle down. But it turns out there’s not just one new man in Paige’s life—there are two. There's the groom, Austin, who’s a perfectly nice guy. Then there's his charming, fun and ridiculously handsome gay younger brother, Chasten, who is Austin's best man. As Paige’s wedding draws closer, Max, the introverted Midwesterner, and Chasten, the social butterfly East Coaster, realize they’re like oil and water. Yet they still have to figure out how to coexist in Paige’s life while not making her wedding festivities all about them. But can the tiny romantic spark between these two very different guys transform their best man supporting roles into the leading best men in each other’s lives?

Best Men was a surprisingly emotional read for me, mostly because of how I connected with Max. I have often felt like he seemed too- like an outsider or someone that do not matter as much to those around them as they matter to him. His feelings about being left out, replaced, He was going through a lot- and since there was so much happening all at once there was really no one for him to talk to to about it- and I feel like so many of us have had that moment where it feels like the world is collapsing around us and no one notices. Or is that just me? On a lighter note, I thought the characters and relationships were generally well developed and I really enjoyed some of the exchanges Max has with Paige, coworkers, and Chasten. I will say that I felt like a couple things that I wanted closure on  and did not get. I want more on how some of Max's coworkers fare, and something big for Max at work as well. There are hints and bits, but I really felt like there could have been one or two more moments on the subject to better resolve a couple things for me. I also would have loved to have had any of this book from Chasten or Paige's point of view. I think it would have just rounded the anxiety and heaviness that I got from Max through so much of this book. 

Best Men was a well written and engaging read. 

Early Book Review: Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg

Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg is currently scheduled for release on April 25 2023. The only thing worse than hating your boss? Being attracted to her. Liz Baker and her three roommates work at the Nether Fields, a queer magazine in New York that’s on the verge of shutting down—until it’s bought at the last minute by two wealthy lesbians. Liz knows she’s lucky to still have a paycheck but it’s hard to feel grateful with minority investor Daria Fitzgerald slashing budgets, cancelling bagel Fridays, and password protecting the color printer to prevent “frivolous use.” When Liz overhears Daria scoffing at her listicles, she knows that it’s only a matter of time before her impulsive mouth gets herself fired. But as Liz and Daria wind up having to spend more and more time together, Liz starts to see a softer side to Daria—she’s funny, thoughtful, and likes the way Liz’s gender presentation varies between butch and femme. Despite the evidence that Liz can’t trust her, it’s hard to keep hating Daria—and even harder to resist the chemistry between them.

Just as You Are is a novel that will be exactly what some readers need. I loved the honest look at gender identity and the struggles that every character had with in figuring out who they were, what the wanted, and how to be true to that. This is something everyone can relate to, and I think will definitely strike a chord with readers. I also like the character growth for everyone- in found family, friendship, and work not just through the romance lenses. I have to admit that I want to know more about some of the secondary characters, even those that only came up in very specific settings. I look forward to reading what ever Kellogg releases next. 

Just as You Are is a highly engaging and honest look at friendship, finding yourself, and the complications of all that and love. 

Early Book Review: The Plus One (A Brush With Love) by Mazey Eddings

The Plus One by Mazey Eddings is the third book in the Brush With Love series and is currently schedule for release on April 4 2023. I have nor read the previous books, and while those that have will have a head start on knowing the characters, I think newcomers can easily enjoy this book as a stand alone if they wish. 

On paper, Indira has everything together. An amazing job, a boyfriend, and a car. What more could a late twenty-something ask for? But when she walks in on her boyfriend in an amorous embrace with a stranger, that perfect on paper image goes up in flames. Jude has nothing together. A doctor that’s spent the last three years traveling the world to treat emergencies and humanitarian crises, a quick trip home for his best friend’s wedding has him struggling to readjust. Thrust into an elaborate (and ridiculously drawn out) wedding event that’s stressing Jude beyond belief and has Indira seeing her ex and his new girlfriend far more frequently than any human should endure, the duo strike a bargain to be each other’s fake dates to this wedding from hell. The only problem is, their forced proximity and fake displays of affection are starting to feel a bit real, and both are left grappling with the idea that a situation that couldn’t be worse, is made a little better with the other around.

The Plus One is a fun and engaging read that talks about mental health with respect and realism. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing them get to know each other again. This book combined some of my favorite tropes; forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and brother's best friend, and did it well. I enjoyed their interactions and the bickering was very entertaining. I did not read the previous books, and did not even know it was a part of a series until I was already reading and realized it must be part of a larger series. However, it did not effect the love story between Indira and Jude, only the larger family and friend group. I thought the portrayal of both Indira and Jude's mental health was handled with a great deal of honesty and respect. I really liked that the reality of how different things effect us all differently and that being aware of the issues at hand does not automatically remove their impact on our emotions and lives are important things for us all to remember. 

The Plus One is a well written and engaging romance. 

Book Review: A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley

A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley is a contemporary paranormal romance. Mariel Spark knows not to trust a demon, especially one that wants her soul, but what’s a witch to do when he won’t leave her side—and she kind of doesn’t want him to? Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries of the famed Spark family, but to the displeasure of her mother, she prefers baking to brewing potions and gardening to casting hexes. When a spell to summon flour goes very wrong, Mariel finds herself staring down a demon—one she inadvertently summoned for a soul bargain. Ozroth the Ruthless is a legend among demons. Powerful and merciless, he drives hard bargains to collect mortal souls. But his reputation has suffered ever since a bargain went awry—if he can strike a bargain with Mariel, he will earn back his deadly reputation. Ozroth can't leave Mariel's side until they complete a bargain, which she refuses to do (turns out some humans are attached to their souls). But the witch is funny. And curvy. And disgustingly yet endearingly cheerful. Becoming awkward roommates quickly escalates when Mariel, terrified to confess the inadvertent summoning to her mother, blurts out that she's dating Ozroth. As Ozroth and Mariel struggle with their opposing goals and maintaining a fake relationship, real attraction blooms between them. But Ozroth has a limited amount of time to strike the deal, and if Mariel gives up her soul, she'll lose all her emotions—including love—which will only spell disaster for them both.

A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is a wonderful series starter, and I loved the worldbuilding and character creations here. The town, Mariel's family, and the oddities of their part of the world were very well written and grabbed my attention.  I could empathize with Mariel, even if she sometimes frustrated me. Her family dynamic is one that I think many people can related to, although likely not to the same scale, and I loved her friendships. Ozroth had his own issues from the past and confusion to deal with, and I liked the dynamic between the two. I have to admit that I did find the final resolution to be a bit easy, but I cannot think of a better or more complete resolution so I cannot really complain. And honestly, I am very much looking forward to the next couple's drama based on the teaser at the end of this book.

A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is a fun ride for those that enjoy a witchy romance.  

Book Review: Anyone But The Billionaire by Sara L. Hudson

Anyone But The Billionaire by Sara L. Hudson is a contemporary romance. Self-made mogul Chase Moore is a charming hound dog with a hairless cat and a family business to save. He was fine being the spare to the heir until the family's billion-dollar business threatens to go belly-up. Now Chase will need more than his rakish good looks to fight his father for control. Powerhouse marketing guru Campbell King returns to Texas and launches her own company after being chewed up and spat out by the city that never sleeps. One phone call makes all the difference when a suave and sexy male voice offers her the chance to redeem herself and help him save his swanky Manhattan store. When the sexy redhead finally runs into her new billionaire boss, they’re both in for a shock. But there’s no way Campbell is dating the boss. In fact, anyone but the billionaire would be better.

Anyone But The Billionaire is a well written romance with drama on several levels. I liked that Chase and Campbell have their issues, and had chemistry together right from the start. Chase has some serious family issues and drama that seeps into every other part of his life, and Campbell is still struggling to come back from how being too trusting almost ruined her. Their interactions were fun, and I enjoyed Campbell's humor and snark right away. I like that while I saw the missteps and misunderstanding coming a mile away, the execution and resolution were very well done and night exactly what I expected. The humor threaded through the book was really a highlight for me. The friends and secondary characters were just as interesting and I look forward to some of them coming back around as they find their own happy ever after in future books from the author. 

Anyone But The Billionaire is a engaging and entertaining read. 

Early Book Review: Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa

Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa is currently scheduled for release on March 21 2023. High-school senior and notorious wallflower Hawkins finally works up the courage to remove her mascot mask and ask out her longtime crush: Regina Moreno, head cheerleader, academic overachiever, and all-around popular girl. There’s only one teensy little problem: Regina is already dating Chloe Kitagawa, athletic all-star, and middling English student. Regina sees a perfectly self-serving opportunity here, and asks the smitten Hawkins to tutor Chloe free of charge, knowing Hawkins will do anything to get closer to her. And while Regina’s plan works at first, she doesn’t realize that Hawkins and Chloe knew each other as kids, when Hawkins went by Belle and wore princess dresses to school every single day. Before long, romance does start to blossom…but not between who you might expect. With Belle of the Ball, cartoonist Mariana Costa has reinvigorated satisfying, reliable tropes into your new favorite teen romantic comedy.

Belle of the Ball is a great young adult graphic novel. First off, I really enjoyed the art style and think it was well done throughout the entire book. I loved the details and choices that were made to move the story forward with the images. I also greatly enjoyed the characters. There were surprises with each of them, and many aspects of each that were continuously relatable and engaging. I liked that each character grew and changed as people, and that readers got to see bits of their pasts as their relationships and sense of self shifted along the way. I think this is a great story about figuring out what you want and who you want to be, and how that can change. I think that this book will strike a chord with many readers and become a favorite. I cannot wait to see what the author does next. 

Belle of the Ball is a wonderful graphic novel that I think will resonate with many young adult (and older) readers. 

Book Review: Mr. Nanny (The Nannies) by Sam Crescent

Mr. Nanny is the tenth book in The Nannies series by Sam Crescent. It stood up fine on its own, but returning readers are likely to have some advanced knowledge of Caleb and his friends. 

Annie Wells needs help. When she's suddenly given a baby to care for, she doesn’t have a clue what to do. She needs someone who knows how to help. Annie turns to Caleb Nanny, hoping he can teach her how to take care of the baby that is now her responsibility. One look is all it takes for Caleb to know that Annie is a sweet, young woman. She looks so distraught, so he takes pity on her. He agrees to help and it has nothing to do with how sexy her ass looks—or maybe it does. He can't fight his attraction for her. What started out as a pity job, soon turns into more, and when Caleb tells her that he loves her, he knows he’s gone too far. But what will happen when Annie attempts to give him the memory of a lifetime? Will he reject her, or will he finally fall for the woman that loves him with her whole heart, and never wants to let him go?

Mr. Nanny is an okay story, but I felt like there was a great deal of wasted potential. I liked the little I learned about Caleb and Annie, but I felt like we could have learned much more about Annie and baby Tara, and how things turned out they way they did for the pair. Readers do get a bit of a glimpse at Caleb and his issues, but I feel like there could have been more about the actual romance between the two. The outline was there, but it felt like so many details that could have made the story more engaging and real were left out. Things just felt a little flat all around, which is a shame since I thought it was going to check all my boxes for favorite, quick romance reads.

Mr. Nanny is a quick weekend read.

Early Book Review: The Firefighter's Dilemma (Mile High Firefighters) by Mariah Ankenman

The Firefighter's Dilemma is the third book in the Mile High Firefighters series by Mariah Ankenman and is currently scheduled for release on February 27 2023. Each book in the series can be read on its own.

Firefighter Stephanie Díaz won’t let anyone stop her from becoming the youngest female fire chief in Denver. Not the jerks who’d like to see an ambitious Latine woman admit defeat. Not the ultra-bro firefighters she has to work with. And definitely not her ridiculously hot and often infuriating, fellow firefighter Eli Ward. Now Stephanie has the chance to prove to everyone that she’s got what it takes…but there’s one helluva catch. The Battle of the First Responders is a live, balls-out competition in the secluded Rockies and Stephanie has been selected—along with Ward as her partner. On the line are their reputations, a whole lot of cash…and the promotion they’ve been fighting for. Teaming up is the perfect chance to finally settle their never ending one-upmanship, but it also exposes the smoldering attraction they’ve held at bay. Now their days are fueled by a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled competition. Their nights are filled with sizzling deep kisses that steal her breath away. But this sexy little fling is about to set off a five-alarm blaze she can’t control.

The Firefighter's Dilemma is a great friends/coworker to more romance. I love that neither ever expected to come together, and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters (well getting to know them better since I have read some related books) and see them figure things out. Diaz is a favorite of mine- I love her strength and her vulnerable, caring side. Ward is fun and alot more self aware than most, and a generally great guy. I loved the banter and comradery between them- even when thing were not going according to plan. I thought the fact that the author can make me interested in the stories of even the secondary, troublemaking characters is a great skill and they use it in the very best way. I enjoyed the read and loved the balance of fun, humor, suspense and some serious introspective moments for both the main characters was spot on. 

The Firefighter's Dilemma is yet another fun and engaging read from Ankenman.

Audiobook Review: Make a Wish (Spark House) by Helena Hunting, Narrated by Jason Clarke; Stella Bloom

Make a Wish by Helena Hunting is the third book in the Spark House series and is narrated by Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom. I did not read the previous books, but was able to enjoy the story fully despite that. Returning readers will have a better grasp on the main character's sisters and some backstory. 

Ever have a defining life moment you wish you could do over? Harley Spark has one. The time she almost kissed the widowed father of the toddler she nannied for. It was so bad they moved across the state and she never saw them again. Fast forward seven years and she’s totally over it. At least she thinks she is. Until Gavin Rhodes and his adorable now nine-year-old daughter, Peyton, reappear at a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Spark House, Harley’s family’s event hotel. Despite trying to avoid the awkwardness of the situation, she can’t help but notice how unbearably sexy he looks in a tutu. Add to that a spontaneous hives breakout, and it’s clear she’s not even remotely over the mortification of her egregious error all those years ago. Except Gavin seems oblivious to her inner turmoil. So much so that he suggests they get together for lunch. For Peyton’s sake, of course. It’s the perfect opportunity to heal old wounds. Or it could just reopen them. This is one of those times Harley wishes she could see the future.

Make a Wish is a solid romance with a single parent, a kind of second chance romance, a smart kid, and plenty of emotion. Lets start with the narration, because honestly that can make or break an audiobook. I greatly enjoyed the dual narrators and think that Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom did a great job bringing these characters- and all of those emotions- to life. They did well conveying grief and stress as needed in the story, and I think I would have been less invested in the story if I had read it instead of listening to it. In the story itself I liked the characters, and think the struggles they faced were very realistic and well portrayed. Harley is dealing with huge changes at work and in her roles and dynamic there with no concrete solutions in sight, adding in the relationship with Gavin and Peyton made everything even more high stakes. Gavin is still struggling with loss, grief, and facing his own emotions making things harder for everyone, but especially himself. I thought the trauma and grief was handled very well, and it felt real as I was listening. As did Harley's frustration and uncertainty about work. I have to say that the biggest downfall of the book for me was Harley herself. I completely understand and commiserate with where she stands and how she rarely asserts herself- but aside for one moment in the book she is almost too perfect, too understanding, too empathetic and it bothered me. She never seemed to even have negative thoughts about people seemed a bit off to me, and she just seemed too perfect to be real. However, I am still glad I read the book, and it was overall an enjoyable read. 

Make a Wish is a good romance, and fans of the author and series will not want to miss it. 

Book Review: Nonverbal (Love Beyond Words) by Raina Ash

Nonverbal (Love Beyond Words) by Raina Ash is a contemporary romance. Paige—a bubbly, autistic woman obsessed with EDM—is lost when it comes to finding a man to connect with. But when she moves in with her best friend's brother, the chemistry is instant. Is there room for love in her fight for independence? Paige yearns for one thing: release. But physical barriers make that wish seem impossible. Thanks to a shattered home life, she also doesn't know how to trust. Especially those she loves. Paige isn't expecting a spark with her bestie's brother, Brody. He's gigantic, protective, and makes her feel something she hasn't felt in a long time: safe. Brody wants to keep his relationship with Paige platonic, but he can't get the troubled woman out of his mind. Maybe it's the way she makes him question his entire stance on relationships. But his sister, Amber, warns him to stay away. He needs to listen. For everyone's sake. As Paige struggles to navigate her tumultuous feelings and legal troubles, words fail her. How can she understand her heart when her past left her damaged? And what if revealing the truth means losing Brody forever?

Nonverbal gives readers a good look at how one nonverbal, autistic woman feels and what she has been through. Her search for a life, and an orgasm, is the foundation of the book. I loved the relationship with Brody, and how organically it is formed. I also love that the book contained honest looks at how addiction and trauma effects people, and how being willing and ready for change is just as important of every other aspect of growth. I felt like Paige, Brody, and Ashley all grew a great deal in this story, and that even secondary characters that we only saw glimpses of are on their own journeys- not just scenery for this one story. There is talk about abuse and trauma, and a great deal of honesty thoughts and conversation about sex. If any of these things are triggers for you, or something you just do not want to read about, then I would skip the read. However, I thought all of the hard topic included in the book are tacked with honesty and respect, which I greatly appreciated. 

Nonverbal is a engaging and emotional read.

Book Review: A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson

A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson is a contemporary romance. Xavier Reynolds is doing less than stellar. He just got dumped, was passed over for a prestigious fellowship, and to top it all off he's right back home in Harper's Cove, Maine (population: 9,000). The last thing he wants to do is to work as a prep chef in the kitchen of the hip new restaurant in town, The Wharf. Especially since the hot, single-father chef who owns it can’t delegate to save his life. Logan O’Hare doesn’t understand Xavier or why every word out of his mouth is dipped in sarcasm. Unfortunately, he has no choice but to hire him—he needs more help in the kitchen and his tween daughter, Anne, can only mince so many onions. It might be a recipe for disaster, but Logan doesn’t have many options besides Xavier. Stuck between a stove and a hot place, Logan and Xavier discover an unexpected connection. But when the heat between them threatens to top the Scoville scale, they’ll have to decide if they can make their relationship work or if life has seasoned them too differently.

A Dash of Salt and Pepper is a romance with nuanced characters and a great sense of humor. I really enjoyed getting to know Xavier and Logan, and the secondary characters that brought a lot of heart to the story. I thought he back and forth between our couple was highly entertaining and I was very engaged in Xavier's personal growth as well as the romance. I loved the small town aspects and how no character was all good or bad, they were just real characters with plenty of grey- just like the people you run into every day. I loved the friendships and relationships between the main characters and secondary characters- and those those in the background have with each other. The only thing that I really did not like in the story was the ending. Of course there is a happy ending- I would not really label this a romance with out at least a happy for now. I saw two ore three ways for this to play out, but the chosen conclusion just fell flat for me, and I think even the same ending timed a bit differently in the action of the story would have worked better for me, but it just did not work for me. The book is still very much worth the read, and my disappointment is totally a matter of personal preference and other readers (including you) might very well disagree. 

A Dash of Salt and Pepper is a solid contemporary romance with all the feels. 

Book Review: Sweep of the Heart (Innkeeper Chronicles) by Ilona Andrews, Narrated by Nora Sofyan

Sweep of the Heart is the sixth installment of the Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews, and was originally released as a few novella series. The audiobook is narrated by Nora Sofyan. Life is busier than ever for Innkeeper, Dina DeMille and Sean Evans. But it’s about to get even more chaotic when Sean's werewolf mentor is kidnapped. To find him, they must host an intergalactic spouse-search for one of the most powerful rulers in the Galaxy. Dina is never one to back down from a challenge. That is, if she can manage her temperamental Red Cleaver chef; the consequences of her favorite Galactic ex-tyrant's dark history; the tangled politics of an interstellar nation, and oh, yes, keep the wedding candidates from a dozen alien species from killing each other. Not to mention the Costco lady. They say love is a battlefield; but Dina and Sean are determined to limit the casualties!

Sweep of the Heart is a must read (or listen) for fans of the series. There is plenty of action and danger, great growth and display of character for Dina and Sean as well as the secondary characters. I really enjoyed getting to see some visits from characters that I remember from the Edge series, and those that have made prior appearances in the Innkeeper world. I feel like I got a great deal out of this audiobook, but that readers that are new to the series would be very lost. There are some great summaries and catch up moments if readers mist a related book, but someone with no prior foray into this series would not fully appreciate the amount of information, humor, and winks to other books that fans and returning readers that will enjoy. I have to admit to laughing in my car as I was listening to this, and I was inspired to go back and download other books by the author that I had somehow missed.

Book Review: Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon

Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon is a contemporary romance and the start of a series. Every morning, a gorgeous mystery man jogs by Jacqueline Butler’s office window, tempting her to break her “no dating” rule. She’s good with ogling him from afar, but her best friend-slash-colleague Vince Carson suggests she do more than stare—he wants her to ask the runner out. Vince knows his best friend Jackie better than she knows herself, and the last thing she needs is a date with a pompous, swole jackass. But Vince can’t exactly ask her out himself. Encouraging her to pursue a guy who is all muscle and no substance will not only get Jackie off the bench, but will also open her eyes to the fact that Vince is the right man for her. Vince takes Jackie on practice dates, promising to help her hone her skills, but can’t resist edging the fake romance into reality. After a ridiculously epic kiss, Jackie sees a sexier side of Vince, and suddenly anything is possible.

Eye Candy is and contemporary romance that has some friends to lovers, some co worker romance, and a slew of interesting characters that have me looking forward to the next book from the author. I liked getting to know Jackie and Vince, and while many times the friends to lovers things falls short for me- it worked really well here. They were really good friends to each other, not just one (or both) biding their time until they could make a move. They each honestly wanted what was best for the other- and that is what made it work and feel sweet rather than creepy- which can happen. I greatly enjoyed the secondary characters, and thought they were a wonderful support system for our couple, and made things even better. I will say that my only complaint is that I felt like the conclusion left to many real life problems up in the air, and that bothered me a lot when I finished the read. I am hoping that the next book (Arm Candy) answers some of those questions for me while also giving Davis and Grace their story- which i am eager to read. 

Eye Candy is a entertaining and engaging read. I will be reading the next book by the author. 

Book Review: Lucky Penny by Ananth Hirsh, Yuko Ota

Lucky Penny by Ananth Hirsh is a graphic novel.  If Penny Brighton didn't have bad luck, she'd have no luck at all. She lost her job and apartment on the same day, and with no other options, she started crashing at her best friend Helen’s storage unit. As a last resort, Penny snags a job at the laundromat, which is managed by Helen’s surly twelve-year-old brother. Things couldn’t get much worse, but that doesn’t keep the ever-buoyant Penny down. After all, she’s been sensing boyfriend potential with the cute receptionist at the community center who’s been sneaking her in so she can use the shower. Maybe things are looking up! But if Penny knows one thing for certain, it’s that luck has never been her strong suit. How long can this last?

Lucky Penny is a graphic novel aimed mainly at the young and new adult set, of which I am neither, but I still greatly enjoyed this read. I liked the artwork, I enjoyed the line and color work and thought it did a great job of capturing and enchasing the storyline. While I have never been quite as down as my luck as Penny is at the start of this book, I think everyone has had a moment that they felt that the world was crashing around them and can relate to Penny on some level. Penny's changes between acting like everything is going to be fine and self consciousness is also something that many readers will be able to relate to. I loved the romance storyline, and thought the story as a whole was very engaging and entertaining to read. On the other hand, I have to admit that there were moments that I was a bot confused, whether what was happening on the page was real or part of Penny's imagination or her personally vision exaggerating the truth.  Regardless, I enjoyed the read and was really glad I requested this title via Netgalley.