Review: Breaking All the Rules by Amy Andrews

About the Book

Sometimes you gotta toss your whole life into a burning dumpster to find what’s most important...

Beatrice Archer has always done everything she’s supposed to —worked her ass off, ignored her non-existent personal life, and kept her mouth shut. Now she’s over it. The rat race, respectability…the underwire bras. She’s taking her life back. Starting with moving to Nowhere, Colorado to live life on her own terms.

Now Bea gives exactly zero forks. Beer for breakfast. Sugar for everything else. Baggy sweats and soft cotton undies FTW. Then a much younger and delightfully attractive cop is called to deal with her flagrant disregard for appropriate clothing outside the local diner (some folks just don’t appreciate bunny slippers) and Bea realizes there’s something missing from her little decathlon of decadence…and he might be the guy to help her out.

When it comes to breaking rules, Officer Austin Cooper is surprisingly eager to assist. He’s charming, a little bit cowboy, and a whole lot sexy. But Bea’s about to discover that breaking the rules has consequences. And all of the cherry pies in Colorado can’t save her from what’s coming…

Review

Breaking All the Rules was delicious and fun and will definitely absorb your attention from the beginning through the end.

I had a love/hate relationship with Beatrice or as she preferred “Bea” in the book. When we are introduced to her in the book, from the gate, I was like, my new bestie. In her new chapter of life, starting over, she gives no crap about anything and the ride was pure fun. Her personality and the things that she says will have you laughing out loud and when she meets Austin, you’ll not want to put the book down. Their chemistry is so magnetic and the banter between them makes the book so much so much sweeter.

Here’s a little backstory. Bea is 35, the reason it matters in context is because when she comes to this small town, her path crosses with the young, handsome officer Austin, who is 25. He has piqued her interest and they can't get enough of each other. As they spend more time together and even though it wasn’t defined, there is an undefined label that seems obvious to everyone except Bea. I loved them together. Due to a situation from her past, getting involved with someone younger was a no no. That is one rule she was determined not to break. Even though it seems so wrong, you can’t help what feels so right. 

Now, I was feeling Bea all the way until the consequences as she felt breaking the rules was getting in the way of her feelings. I really haven’t read age/gap romances but loved how these two characters were perfect for each other. Yes, there was a 10 year age difference but it wasn’t an issue until it became one. She knew what she was getting into but Austin isn’t your typical twenty five year old. He’s mature and definitely knows what he wants and has a plan for his future. Those qualities alone I thought would override her fear but she let it block what was right in front of her. This is the point in the book where I was hating her for a little but redemption came with an awesome hea that made me like her again. 

Overall, this book was amazing. It was a light, fun story that you can jump into and feel good. As I sing their praises, the supporting characters brought their own fun to the book that are worth mentioning. You will go on a roller coaster with them but it’s worth it. If you haven’t read yet, add this one to the list because you will not want to miss out on all the fun.

Buy on Amazon | Audible | Bookshop.org

Review: Jasper Vale by Devney Perry

About the Book

From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Devney Perry comes a small town, fake relationship romance.

Eloise Eden’s pride and joy is her family’s hotel in Quincy, Montana. Her lifelong dream is to own The Eloise Inn. All she has to do is prove to her parents that she’s the epitome of responsible. That her days of being duped and making reckless decisions are history. She’s so close she can taste it.

Until after one weekend in Las Vegas, she comes home married to a stranger.

Jasper must have put her under a spell with those soul-deep eyes because after a single night together, they woke up husband and wife. Her only hope is to keep this marriage a secret until it’s annulled. Then she’ll pretend it never happened.

Except Jasper begs her to stay married. To fake it for three months so she can accompany him to a wedding. Maybe she’s lost her mind to agree. But her brooding husband seems desperate. It’s only three months, right? Then she’ll say goodbye to Jasper Vale, and with any luck, hello to her new hotel.

Review

I wish I was one of those readers who are hopelessly devoted to The Edens series because I think Devney Perry has some good material and good foundation woven within her books. Unfortunately, I’m not, and have at the two books within this series (excluding Jasper Vale). I had similar feelings after reading Juniper Hill (Book #3) and Garnet Flats (Book #4). I finished feeling a little bit disappointed. Here recently, especially after reading Jasper Vale, I find myself often thinking about Juniper Hill, and I think I might have--- actually no--- I’m sure I enjoyed that book more than Garnet Flats. I hadn’t known what to expect with Juniper Hill, and if I reread it, I think I might enjoy it a lot more. Garnet Flats still leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth, and I was nervous to read Jasper Vale. However, like most of the books I read, I saw a quote and I realized that Devney Perry would get more money from me, and I purchased Jasper Vale. And now, I think it’s one of my favorite books in the series.

Jasper and Eloise couldn’t have been more different, and somewhat, they worked. Jasper is a little bit damaged, very broody. And Eloise is so sweet and determined to prove to her parents that she can run the family hotel without any problems. I really enjoyed them book, and their very explosive chemistry. I can probably speak in great lengths about this but one of the things that really makes a book regarding marriage of convenience or accidental marriage, is when the romantic leads fall into an accidental routine and those moments are shown on the page. Spicy time is great; however, so are the sweet moments between the couple as they slowly fall for each other. Those moments between Jasper and Eloise stuck out to me, which is why they were one of the most memorable couples in this series.

One of the few things that I didn’t really enjoy within this book was Jasper’s past. It reminded me a little of what I didn’t like from Garnet Flats. Jasper had enough baggage from his parents. He didn’t need a plot surrounding his ex, that was wrapped up quickly and felt very unnecessary in the grand scheme of things. Especially, when the story was setting up another major moment towards the end. The big climax towards the end of the book didn’t feel as jarring as what happened in Juniper Hill, because I've come to expect some major dramatic moments towards the end in this series. The book, of course, could have done without. And I wish that instead of it, the author would have focused more on Jasper/Eloise in relation to her family. Eloise loves her family, and Jasper was sort of disinterested in them at first. I think seeing him learning to love and feel welcomed in her family would have added so much to this book. There was so much material there.

Final Thoughts

Jasper Vale is definitely a standout within the Edens series. Like the other books, it’s heavy on family and small town. However, it succeeds in the romance department as well for me. Eloise and Jasper were knock outs.

Buy on Amazon | Audible | Bookshop.org

Review: Zodiac Academy 8: Sorrow and Starlight by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

All stars must fall.

Bloody, lost, broken. We live to fight another day. But with so much stolen from us, can the fates ever twist in our favour again?

My sister and I have been torn apart by shadows and despair, and now we each stand alone.

Our sorrow is spun like a web, trapping us tight, and I fear our enemies will soon come to feast upon our souls.

But if I have my way, the merciless sky will have dealt us its final fortune. It’s time for us to take back the power that’s been ripped from our grasp and turn the tide of this war.

All stars must fall, and all Phoenixes must rise.

Long live the Savage Queens.

Review

I finished this book, and was just so tired. Zodiac Academy has never been a masterpiece to me; however, I was able to overlook some of the many problems, and finish the majority of some of the books entertaining. Since maybe the fourth book, my definition of entertained has been paired with a level of pain that isn’t quite describe but nevertheless, I have been entertained.

The ending of Zodiac Academy 7 broke me. And I waited months, excited to read the final book in the series. And then one random day it was announced the book would be split into two books, and my fear for reading this book increased. Because how much more pain can these characters endure? I’ll get to that question in the minute. So anyway, there would be a book 9, which would be the final book. Fast forward to December 2022, I see people reading Book 8 and their reactions are mixed, and I was a little terrified. And after reading it, again I’m just so tired. Why do these authors find joy in writing pain, and why must all the pain in the world be thrown into one book? 

There were few happy moments within this book. It felt like a pain fest. A boring pain fest that has lost the plot from the original book. The series started revolving around Darcy and Tory. However, this book has 19 POVS. It felt as if any character who has been mentioned in this book got a POV. Due to that, the main characters in the series have been sidelined within their story, and torn apart. Darcy and Tory are undeniably the best characters within this series, and I continued this series for their journey. The POVS of Justin, Mildred, and Xavier don’t matter to me. And I will admit I skipped those chapters and more, and the story was still easy to follow. They don’t add anything to the story.

I wish these authors would learn that quality and quantity are not the same thing. And that a big fantasy story can still be told in a limited amount of POVs.

Final Thoughts

Sorrow and Starlight was 1000+ pages of filler with a disjointed pace and so many extra POVs. 

Buy on Amazon | Audible | Bookshop.org

Review: Kiss Me in Sweetwater Springs by Annie Rains

About the Book

If Lacy Shaw could have one wish, it's that the past would stay in the past. And with her high school reunion coming up, she has no intention of reliving the worst four years of her life. Especially when all she has to show for the last decade is how the shy bookworm blossomed into...the shy town librarian. Ditching the event seems the best option until a blistering hot alternative roars into Lacy's life. Perhaps riding into the reunion on the back of Paris Montgomery's motorcycle will show her classmates how much she really has changed...

While growing up as a foster kid, Paris Montgomery only felt at home in Sweetwater Springs, which is why he picked the small town to start over after his divorce. He can't afford to ruin this refuge with another doomed relationship - especially one with a woman who is his total opposite. But when the town's sweet librarian offers to help him reconnect with his foster dad, he finds they have more in common than he thought. Both are about to discover that home is where the heart is.

Review

Kiss Me In Sweetwater Springs is a charming novella connected to the Sweetwater Springs series that will make you feel good. If you haven't already read the books in the series, this gives a glimpse into this sweet small town that I know you will love.

This is a short read but a fulfilling one. You can't help but fall in love Lacy and Paris. I love how they both had tough backgrounds that hurt them but they both found each other at the right place and the right time in their lives which makes you want to root for them. It was so much goodness in a small package that it would've been nice to spend more time with them but I believe their story was told as it should be. The best reward was their journey getting to their hea which no two people deserved it more.

Without giving too much away, I always love the familial and friendship supporting characters with stories such as this. It pulls on the emotion and makes you feel invited into their lives. Overall, they all brought together a heartwarming story that will make you smile.

If you haven't come across this series, make sure you check it out. If this is your first time being introduced to Annie Rains, please check out her other books because if you love charming small town romance stories, you will love her books.

Buy on Amazon

Review: The Summer Cottage by Annie Rains

About the Book

This summer, they’ll learn that home is where the heart is.

Somerset Lake is the perfect place for Trisha Langly and her son to start over. As the new manager for the Somerset Cottages, Trisha is instantly charmed by the property’s elderly residents and her firecracker of a new boss, Vi Fletcher. But Trisha is less enchanted by Vi’s protective grandson Jake. No matter how tempting she finds the handsome lawyer, Trisha knows that if Jake discovers the truth about her past, she’ll lose the new life she’s worked so hard to build. 

Jake Fletcher left Somerset Lake after a tragic loss, but he’s returning for the summer to care for his beloved grandmother, hoping Vi will sell the run-down cottages and finally slow down. There’s just one problem: Trisha, Vi’s new employee. She’s smart, beautiful, and kind, but Jake’s job is to protect his grandmother’s interests, and his gut is telling him Trisha’s hiding something that could jeopardize Vi’s future. However, as they spend summer days renovating the property and bonding over their love for the town, Jake realizes that Trisha is a risk worth taking—if only she can trust him with her secrets . . . and her heart. 

Review

The Summer Cottage, is the first book of four in the Somerset Lake series. After the book, we’re given a glimpse into the second book, The Christmas Village and the novella, Kiss Me in Sweetwater Springs. 

There’s something special about characters who have been heart broken by life that deserve and get a second chance. Somerset Lake is one of those places that embodies what you want home to feel like. Trisha, a single mother after the debacle with her ex husband, getting a second chance at life, really grabs the heart. Starting over isn’t easy and raising a child under the ominous cloud of the past can be difficult but seeing her work hard and not give up makes you want to root for her. She is a likable character that deserves a chance to have a great life for herself and Petey. Petey, her son was so adorable and such a lovable character. His big heart just shines through.He’s inquisitive and charismatic. Hopefully we will see them again in the upcoming books. 

Jake, you can’t help but fall in love with him. He has such a big heart that deserves to be loved. The love he has for his grandmother is pure bliss. The sentimentality of her life experience with his desire of obligation to her pulls at the heart. I loved the relationship and bond he had with her. The wisdom and influence of his grandmother on his life makes me reminisce about my own grandparents. The joy of how fate found him and didn’t want to let go gave us something to root for him in the book. His and Trisha’s journey unfolding had the right balance that was emotional, heartwarming and pulls in the right places.

The supporting characters were enjoyable to read as well. The residents of Somerset Lake with their quirks and charm brought some fun and sass. Many friendships including the book club girls with Trisha, made you want to be part of the gang. It would be nice to see these folks again in the series. They truly represented the heart of the community.

Overall, this was a wonderful introduction to the series and I look forward to discovering what’s to come in Somerset Lake. If you haven’t already read this, this would be a wonderful series to read through. 

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

About the Book

A FORBIDDEN LOVE SET IN THE EXPLOSIVE WORLD OF THE NBA...

Think you know what it's like being a baller's girl?
You don't.
My fairy tale is upside down.A happily never after.
I kissed the prince and he turned into a fraud.
I was a fool, and his love - fool's gold.
Now there's a new player in the game, August West.
One of the NBA's brightest stars.
Fine. Forbidden.
He wants me. I want him.
But my past, my fraudulent prince, just won't let me go

*Contains intimate partner violence not involving the hero. Read reviews for further guidance.

Review

Wow. Just wow. I finished this story with tears in my eyes and even after a few days I find myself thinking about this story. Apparently, I have read this story before. I had a purchased copy on my Kindle; however, I don’t remember it. And it didn’t impact me as much as it did this time. I cried so many times.

Long Shot was a book that pulled all the emotions out of me. I felt anger. Blurred vision anger. I felt fear. And eventually, there was joy. This is a tough story to read. Before reading everyone should check the trigger warnings.

There are so many layers to this book, and I don’t have the words to describe it. I can only keep repeating hat it’s an emotional experience and the author dares to take daring risks that many authors might not do. It’s clear this story was created with the intention to enlighten individuals and such care within to accurately portraying characters and how the story should go.

Iris is an incredible character, and her personal growth throughout the story gave me chills. She’s so incredible strong, and I adored her from the first interaction. She’s so wide eye and full of life when we are introduced to her. Her and August’s chemistry is off the charts. But there is a problem. She had a boyfriend. And she turns August down at first. And her boyfriend isn’t the sweet boy as he’s portrayed to be. It gets so much worse—slowly; while August is living his dreams of playing for the NBA. Somehow their paths always cross, but they can’t act on their feelings. But they still hold this amazing chemistry and friendship. August is amazing, consistent and patience, and everything that Iris needs. This is a story about growth that just so happens to feature a romance, so the romance does take time.

I really enjoyed Iris and her cousin, Lotus’s, friendship in this book. It’s rocky at times, and they have instances of being jealous of each other, but when they need one another, they drop everything and come running. It’s unconditional love.

Final Thoughts

Long Shot is a brutal, gut wrecking, emotional story. It’s not just a romance. Calling it a romance only would be a disservice. It’s a story about surviving and the ugly and terrifying nature of life. And despite that, there are still beautiful, scared, and loyal things in this world waiting and giving us hope. 

Buy on Amazon | Audible | Bookshop.org