Review: The Prince’s Bride by J.J. McAvoy

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This was my most anticipated book of the latter half of the year. And I’m pleased to say I was not disappointed.

In order to receive her inheritance, Odette must marry someone who is worthy and of status. And who is both of those things? Prince Gale, whose family is in desperate need of money. Both Gale and Odette are hesitant to marry, as their families continuously pressure them.

I was completely engaged in this book. Arranged marriages are a hit or miss with me. But I enjoyed this. The plot was entertaining and addicting. I struggled with putting this book down. And luckily, this book is part of a duology. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment. Because again, I’m highly interested in how this story is going to play out.

Both Gale and Odette were great characters. I didn’t prefer one POV more than the other. Both were equally great. And it was interesting to see them change through this conflict in their life.

It was very romantic. Gale is a prince and also a poet. I thoroughly enjoyed the bit where him and Odette were writing letters to each other back and forth. I thought that was a nice touch, and it warmed my heart.

In addition, to this book having a great romance – the family aspect of it is great too. Odette has a complicated family history. And both hers and Gale’s families are nicely woven into the book. It doesn’t lack nor is it not interested. I was highly invested in the family aspect as well.

Final Thoughts

The Prince’s Bride is an addicting story of two people forced to marry to save their family. 

Review: The Widow Spy by Martha Peterson

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I remember learning about the Cold War in school; but I’ve never read it from the perspective of a CIA operating during that time. During quarantine, I recently binged the FX show The Americans. It’s about two KGB agents who were sent to the United States during the 1980s. After finishing the show, I hopped on YouTube and started watching a couple of interviews of the lead actors. On a panel with them, there were a couple of former CIA agents. Martha Peterson was one of them. She was asked about her time operating in Moscow and she explained a story where she was captured by the KGB after a mission was compromised. After hearing that story, I was intrigued and immediately got her book.

The Widow Spy is an enlightening and intriguing read. It was hard to put the book down. As the story progresses so do readers' heartbeats because it’s clear where this is going. With Martha being arrested. Martha goes from being a young woman, who just lost her husband in a tragic accident, to an important asset to the CIA in Moscow. 

I do wish that the author included much more of an epilogue. The book begins with her revealing to her teenage children that she had been a spy and had been married before. I wish that it circled back to that. And as intriguing as this book was, I also wanted to know more about her time as a CIA agent throughout her long career.

Final Thoughts

The Widow Spy is an interesting story of how someone joined the CIA and became a part of history. 

Review: All About Us by Tom Ellen

I’m not the only one who thinks from time to time, if I made a different decision with someone else, could life have been different? All About Us, takes love on the what if and shows the potential of the temptation when life gets tough, what could be.

Ben and Daphne have been together for awhile, just like many couples, they have been going though some obstacles in their marriage that had left them feeling disconnected. When an old friend appears, Ben wonders if life would’ve been different had he gotten with Alice instead of Daphne.

One night while hanging out with a friend at a local bar, Ben comes in contact with a man who gives him a chance to test fate. Instead of wandering, the man gives him a watch that takes him back to the beginning where his choice began between the two. While getting the chance to do over again, it’s up to him to make the decisions to lead to what his true heart was or is meant to go.

I loved the book. I had no idea that this was written by a guy until I finished the book. I say that because I couldn’t put my finger on what made Ben’s character so special as the book progressed. It had a different vibe that captured a sensitive, vulnerable depth that I really appreciated. It’s sort of interesting because when I first started reading, I’d thought I made up my mind about what I knew was right for Ben. What a complete twist in thought by the end. The plot twist with the going back in time had me wanting to grab some tissues because some of those moments were so heart breaking and memorable. Your heart just aches with Ben.

Overall, it was beautiful and engaging, sprinkles with moments that will make you laugh, cry and make your heart smile. By the way, the picture under the umbrella, just beautiful. Make sure you add this one to your TBR.

Review: Blind Date with a Book Boyfriend by Lucy Eden

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Blind Date with a Book Boyfriend was adorable and entertaining.

The story centers around Jordyn. She has arrived in Culver City, CA to interview for the job of her dreams. While browsing at a bookstore, she meets Mike. He’s irresistible and she agrees to spend the day with him.

I enjoyed this book. The characters were extremely likable and charming. Their chemistry was off the chart. The teasing and flirting were honestly top tier. And despite these characters knowing each other for a short amount of time, their development never felt rushed. It felt natural.

This is a book that could be turned into a very good romantic comedy. It has the sworn worthy guy, a great main character, and an entertaining plot that is surprisingly a little unpredictable. Bonus points for it being funny.

I think one small issue I had with the book was the ending. Jordyn had a big decision to make and the way the book ends, readers are left hanging. There is an epilogue that I was extremely thankful for because it did provide details of her decision. However, it was one year later.

Final Thoughts

Blind Date with a Book Boyfriend is a feel-good entertaining book with a great romance. 

Spotlight: Someone by Kendra Danielle

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I think I think this book might be my favorite romantic comedy-esque book of the year. It was funny, entertaining, and an all-around good time.  

Someone is novella about Colton and Whitney. Colton is the newly appointment CEO of Rivers Digital Solutions, and Whitney is one of the company’s most value developers. Colton has a huge crush on Whitney and goes out of his way to see her. Unfortunately, for him she’s leaving the company. This results in his using a new app to woo her back.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked.  The chemistry with Colton and Whitney was off the charts and they had great banter. And even though some aspects of their relationship might be too much of a coincidence, I liked it.

In addition to having an amazing romance, I really enjoyed the characters. They brought a smile to my face.

Colton is trying very hard to not be like his father and unfortunately, he’s trying too hard. And in the first chapter, there is a moment where he asks someone about how their relative’s birthday party was. And that employee answers that it wasn’t a birthday, but something else. It was a real embarrassing moment for him. But it sold me on the book.  Although, a small moment, it really showed that he’s trying and it made me like him. Both him and Whitney had layers and I really enjoyed them both.

Final Thoughts

Someone is a great romantic book with fantastic leads and an addicting plot. 

Review: Christmas Ever After by Karen Schaler

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Summary

From Karen Schaler, the writer of the Netflix phenomenon A Christmas Prince and Hallmark’s Christmas Camp comes this new heartwarming holiday romance. Mamma Mia meets The Bachelorette in Christmas Ever After…

While promoting her next novel, a Christmas love story, author Riley Reynolds is caught off guard when she’s asked during a live national television interview how she can write about romance when she still hasn’t found “the one” herself. Scrambling for an answer, she quickly answers that she has had great love in her past and that love inspired her novels. Little does she know that this one offhanded remark will turn her world upside down. Three of her ex-boyfriends see the interview, and each, believing she’s talking about him, shows up for her Christmas Camp book event at the Christmas Lake Lodge, determined to rewrite his happily-ever-after with her! Over the festive weekend, Riley’s old boyfriends compete to win her heart, pulling out all the stops while planning the most romantic Christmas dates on the planet. 

Despite herself, Riley starts falling for each guy- again-but for different reasons. As Riley revisits each relationship and discovers more about herself, she embraces the magic of Christmas and finally finds true love and her own Christmas ever after…

Review

I really hope this book becomes a Hallmark movie. There are no words to describe how much I loved this book. If the holidays get you down and you’ve given up on love, then this will definitely jump start and open your heart to believe anything is possible if you believe.

This book just made my heart smile. I loved everything about it. When you get to know Ryan, you will understand why she feels the way she does and fall in love with her. She becomes such a lovable character that you can’t help to root for. The evolution of her perseverance to save her career and opening her heart made me fall in love with her journey. There were some fun curveballs thrown into the plot that made it fun and page turn worthy. I loved the traditions, the setting of the Christmas Lake Lodge really inspired a warm festive, magical atmosphere. Let me not leave out how book boyfriend worthy Luke is. His charm and chivalry really warmed up the pages. If you are a pet lover, than you will love his dog, Comet. What a sweet addition to the plot he brings. Their backstories brought heart and soul to the plot and that just makes you want to know more about them. There is so much to love about this book and I recommend you adding this to your tbr.