Category: Book Reviews

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Book Review: Smitten by the Brit

I wrote about the first book in Melonie Johnson’s “Sometimes in Love” series (Getting Hot with the Scot) not too long ago, and I was head over heels with the series then. Nothing has changed, and I actually love it a little more with the second installment, Smitten by the Brit.

You can read the blurbs and other synopses elsewhere. I’m going to tell you why I love this book on a personal level. Simply put, I could be Bonnie. Well, minus the fiancé issue, but everything else is very familiar.

I am the biggest Shakespeare nerd, and always have been. I can find Shakespeare quotes for various situations. I loved how Bonnie was a smart heroine, and made no apologies for it. That’s an unfortunately rare find in romance novels sometimes. But it’s one of the things that makes this series stand out.

The romance between Bonnie and Theo is as swoon-worthy as all of the previews and blurbs say. There’s a slow-burn that makes the reader ache right along with the “meant to be” couple. And when they finally get together…holy combustibility!

But the real reason that I love this book so much is simple and personal. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is my favorite Shakespeare play. When I taught high school drama at a predominately Hispanic high school, we mounted a version of it that is still remembered nearly 20 years later (crap, was it really that long ago?!?)

I’d always loved Shakespeare, but watching those kids learn his language and bring it to the stage was a life-changing moment for those students and for me. In other words, the author had me at Bonnie’s adaptation of the play to include bootleggers, speakeasies and 1930s gangsters.

Just for good measure, she also has me at the opening party where everyone is in costume, and then went ahead and mentioned my OTHER favorite play (The Importance of Being Earnest).

Honestly, I think Bonnie is my book doppleganger.

Anyway, go for the Shakespeare, stay for the romance. It’s another winning entry, and once again, I can’t wait for the next one!

Smitten by the Brit (Sometimes in Love, #2)Smitten by the Brit by Melonie Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t think it was possible to beat the first book in this series, but the author did it. I absolutely loved book two in the “Sometimes in Love” series. I identified with Bonnie in the first book, and even more so in this one. I am a fellow Shakespeare nerd, and could totally relate to her quoting him and finding parts of her life that were similar to his plays. And I am jealous of the job she took in England; I would kill for that! Oh yeah, the romance is great too, but you knew it would be because Theo is the perfect Austen hero. This is one of my favorite series, and I can’t wait for the next one. To find out more about how I relate to Bonnie, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. A HUGE thank you to St. Martin’s Press (via NetGalley) for the opportunity to read a complimentary digital ARC of this book.

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Book Review: The Scent Keeper

Simply put, this was one of the most stunning books I have read in a long time.

The beginning was very mysterious, and I liked that the reader was kept off balance as to the location of the story. I felt that added to the intrigue of Emmeline’s story, and left the question as to whether her life was similar to those of the fairy tales that her father tells her.

The imagery is absolutely beautiful. One passage about the rain talking to the roof and the fire snapping at it to be quiet actually stopped me from reading for a moment. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that described quite so perfectly.

The author evokes so much emotion just through the descriptions of locations and events, but it’s not false emotion. I really felt like I was with Emmeline and feeling her experiences right along with her.

Especially school. I could totally empathize with that.

But what I liked best about this book, what will stick in my memory and what inspired curiosity and a desire to learn more was the whole concept of smells and what they can capture.

We know this to be true, right? I can name certain smells that take me immediately to places that I had thought long forgotten. For example, if I smell cinnamon and sugar baking (like Snickerdoodle cookies) I instantly remember what one of my best friend’s bedrooms looked like…because her mom was always baking Snickerdoodles.

Or the smell of Aqua Net brings back memories of high school. (Yeah, I’m an 80s gal, and proud of it!)

But the way Emmeline treats smells, and her thoughts later in the book about missing notes was fascinating. The author made me want to learn more about the science, as I am sure that it is accurate.

I have also found that I am more aware of my sense of smell when I enter a store. Read the book, and you’ll know exactly what I mean.

But seriously, this is one unique book, and you should really give it a try. It is one I plan to re-read (knowing how it ends) because I think I will have a different perspective on the beginning. I love when a book can do that.

The Scent KeeperThe Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly did not know where this book was going when I first started reading, but I quickly became engrossed in Emmeline’s story, and then I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. At times poetic and haunting, at other times exhilarating – but always fascinating, I felt everything right along with Emmeline. I loved the concepts, especially of smells as colors, and was thoroughly intrigued by Emmeline’s abilities. This was a fantastic book that should go on everyone’s “Must Read” list. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for more detailed thoughts on this book. A huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press (via NetGalley) for a pre-release digital ARC of this book.

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Review and Blog Tour: Undeniable

Let’s be honest right off the bat: this book had me at “distillery” and “rye whiskey.” I knew I was going to like it based on that alone.

But for you guys, I’ll talk about the other stuff as well.

I loved the way the author rolled out the relationship between Chloe and Oliver and how we got to see it from both of their perspectives. It gave the story more depth and allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. I also liked how it was nearly the end of the book before we finally got the full story and background. That curiosity helped move the plot along.

(Yeah, I know it’s a romance and all that, but sometimes I like to have a little bit of substance in between the sexy, romantic times. So sue me)

And as to those sexy, romantic times? I make notes in my Kindle when I’m reading, because it helps me write my reviews. There is a scene in the bedroom about 1/3 of the way through that I just typed “Holy hell that’s hot.” But there was also another about 1/2 way through where I commented “le sigh.” I love that the author balanced hot sex and romance and got them both perfect.

Oh, and about that rye? I absolutely got into the story that Oliver told Chloe about the growing of the rye. That was a fantastic historical piece and added a lot to the story.

When I received this, I didn’t realize it was the second in a series, so I’m going to find the first one, and believe me, I will be looking out for the rest in the series.

Undeniable (Cloverleigh Farms, #2)Undeniable by Melanie Harlow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Undeniably sweet, undeniably sexy, and undeniably romantic (with a little bit of snark), the author couldn’t have picked a better title for this book. Oliver and Chloe are a study in missed opportunities, but the inevitability that they will end up together cannot be denied. Everyone seems to know it except for them. The author deftly maneuvers between present and past and between Oliver and Chloe. It sounds complicated, but it all worked smoothly, and I was never confused. I loved how Chloe was no pushover and that she was a strong character in general (not just when it came to romance). At times dreamy and then steamy, this book covered all the bases, and I can’t wait to read more from this author. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for a more detailed review. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC.

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Book Review: Just Past Two

Holy helluva hot book! Seriously, this book needs a warning on it, because it is hot, hot, hot and just about melted my Kindle.

The author deftly explores a marriage in which two people finally realize that they have desires that each can fulfill…they’ve just never thought to explore them. Abby has tried to forget her wild college days and make herself a better person, while Sam has always been straitlaced.

An interesting encounter at Abby’s college reunion (which was interesting on its own, because I would not recognize a single person from my college) leads the couple to question their interests. In turn, they decide to “experiment with fantasies.” And they have no idea what they have gotten themselves into.

The sexy times in this book were some of the hottest that I have ever read, but they were unique in that they were between a couple who had the ultimate trust in each other, due to almost a decade of knowing each other. It was such a refreshing change from the usual combustible 20 somethings who have no experience at all.

(Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s kinda been done to death.)

I really loved that Abby and Sam approached their exploration from a base of mutual trust, and that they remained solid in their commitment to each other as each new experience made them question the foundations of their relationship.

The secondary characters were well done as well…the only person I could have used more of was Angela (the Home Depot scene was great). She kind of seemed to appear only when needed, and it would have been interesting to see more of her.

I liked how all of the characters (main and secondary) were truthful in their commentary. Mitchell’s descriptions of his life were not just there for titillation; it seemed based in honesty and reality.

I also appreciated how the author built each of Sam and Abby’s experiences on the previous one. This allowed for a very natural flow to the story, which was enhanced by the characters’ thoughts and feelings about each event.

Truly, you should grab this book. It’s a fascinating exploration of what may lie beneath the surface of a marriage.

And did I mention it’s hot as hell?

Just Past Two (Comes in Threes, #2)Just Past Two by Elia Winters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t even know where to start with this book. I loved the characters, I loved the character development, and I loved the entire plot. It was very evenly paced and incredibly realistic. The way the author allowed the characters to explore their feelings and emotions felt natural and was very unlike many romances of this genre. Abby and Sam were so real and honest that they could be anybody going through the same issues. I appreciated that the author wrote about main characters who were older and married (instead of the usual young and inexperienced). The author hit the nail on the head with this one. I truly enjoyed reading about their growth and experiences, and I look forward to reading more from this author. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for some more detailed (and dirtier) thoughts on this book. Thank you to Entangled: Scorched (via NetGalley) for a pre-release digital ARC.

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Book Review: Waisted

Society has an unhealthy focus on weight. Fashion magazines feature rail thin models and it seems like every celebrity has a fad diet that “worked for them” (yeah sure, give me unlimited time to work out and a private chef that cooks to order and I could probably look like that too!).

The pendulum seems to be swinging the other way, however, with clinically obese models now gracing the SI Swimsuit edition. Don’t get me wrong, it takes courage and I love the pride they have in themselves, but promoting an unhealthy look is wrong regardless of whether it is too skinny or too fat.

Waisted by Randy Susan Meyers dissects this abnormal focus on weight through the experiences of Daphne and Alice (and a few other women) who sign up for a reality show that is ostensibly to help them better themselves and therefore learn how to lose weight in a healthy manner. Healthy mind/healthy body and all that jazz. Unfortunately, the program is anything but healthy.

As always, no plot spoilers here. But it is definitely a book worth reading. I appreciated the contrasting family lives of Daphne and Alice, as they served to enhance the message that no matter what someone looks like on the outside, they are probably dealing with their own issues.

There were some parts that didn’t ring true to me, however. First, there were the descriptions of the women who were overweight. For example, near the beginning, Daphne weighs in at 192.08 at 5’4″. Yes, this is obese, but the sizing seemed off. Claiming that she is wearing an 18 does not seem accurate. A person who is 5’6″ and 220 generally wears a 16. Now, I know that weight is distributed differently, but it still seemed odd.

Second, I was disappointed that there was not more to the reality show/documentary plot line. It could have been a major theme, but once it (semi-)resolved itself, it seemed to be more of a mechanism to cause friction between Alice and her husband than anything else. And that didn’t have enough follow through.

In fact, the last third of the book seemed to completely switch focus. Once the women were back with their families, the whole reason for them coming together became part of the background. I appreciated that we got to see the reality of the struggle of weight loss, but I didn’t care for the sole focus on the two women – only because the whole concept of the documentary was so good, and could have carried through to the end.

I also wish there had been a little bit more closure to each of the women’s stories. The other women who were in the documentary were essentially faceless by halfway through the book, and there could have been a great counterpoint between all of them if they had remained essential characters.

Overall, however, it is an extremely sharp commentary on how women perceive themselves and how they think society perceives them. There were some good lessons to be had, and I think it would be an informative read for anyone who has ever had even the slightest worry about her weight.

WaistedWaisted by Randy Susan Meyers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This unflinching look at how women perceive themselves in the face of excessive weight gain is sometimes difficult to read. The author hits the nail on the head when it comes to the focus that society has on “being skinny.” I appreciated the overall message that people need to love who they are whatever weight they may be, but I wish there had been a little more focus on the “being healthy” aspect. I also wanted a better resolution to the women’s experience in Vermont. I felt that the author let that plot point go in order to focus on the self-realization of the individuals, and the end felt a rushed. There were too many times that inner dialogues stopped the action. For some more thoughts on this, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to Atria Books (via NetGalley) for a pre-release digital ARC.

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Book Review: Wrong Bed, Right Girl

I know that I am not the only reader who likes a book better when she can personally relate to the characters and/or the situations they find themselves in. Rebecca Brooks’ new release Wrong Bed, Right Girl is totally that book for me.

Talia is a ballerina who ends up in the middle of a sticky situation solely because she sublets an apartment from a fellow dancer…who she also happens to be replacing as the lead in the ballet “Giselle.” Reed is the DEA agent who is looking for the other dancer, only to find Talia instead. The two meet VERY awkward, but it actually sets the tone for the rest of the book.

So what about it could I personally relate to? I used to be a ballerina (for over 15 years) before I moved into Musical Theater. I met my husband in a very interesting way, when he was lead narcotics investigator as part of joint task force. We should never have been compatible because our brains are wired differently, but we compliment each other in all of the right ways.

I saw a lot of us (not us now, really, but the “us” of when we met) in Talia and Reed, even down to the nosy family on Long Island! There were a few events that were extremely familiar – but I’m not sharing which ones those were! (wink wink) I will say that Reed’s fears for a relationship in his line of work are accurate and (unfortunately) common.

All of those things allowed me to enjoy the book on a personal level, but I think I would have liked it regardless. I thought the setup was unique, the characters were well-written. I loved how they helped each other without realizing that they were doing so – that’s often how it works in real life.

And can I just say that the sexy times about melted my Kindle? The author described a few well-placed instances in detail but didn’t feel the need to make it allllll about the sex. The casual references and allusions to their times together were enough to let the reader know how much they had progressed in the relationship without letting sex become the entire plot. I appreciated this because sometimes sex takes over a story and the plot gets lost. Not so here.

Do yourself a favor and pick this one up…it’s a great set up, and the HEA will make you swoon!

Wrong Bed, Right Girl (Accidental Love Book 2)Wrong Bed, Right Girl by Rebecca Brooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me at narcotics (DEA) agent and ballerina. It would be difficult to find two more opposite people, but it spoke to me on a personal level for many reasons (former ballerina here, for one). The author hit the nail on the head with numerous details for both professions but was a little stronger on the DEA attitudes and worries. I would have liked to have seen a little more of Talia’s rehearsals to balance the war she felt with herself. Most primas I knew would never let a guy distract them from the lead in “Giselle.” But that’s being nitpicky, because oh holy hotness for the sexy time scenes! Wow! I thought everything was well-balanced and very realistic and would definitely recommend this book. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for more of the reasons this was a personal one for me! Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary pre-release digital ARC.

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Book Review: The Night Before

I’m a fan of The Walking Dead. One of my favorite quotes of the entire series is Carol’s reaction when she first encounters the Kingdom.

“I don’t know what the hell is going on in the most wonderful way!”

That pretty much sums up how I felt reading the latest release from Wendy Walker.

First, there are so many meanings to this title that it’s difficult to cover them all.

It could mean a night that occurred a decade prior to the story, where the main characters lives (Laura’s in particular) were changed forever. Or, it could mean the night of Laura’s date, when her sister worries if she is ready to get back in the dating pool. Or a few other “nights before.”

The author also does a fantastic job of giving the reader just enough information to feel comfortable in the direction that the story is headed, only to change abruptly with a thoroughly probable event that sends it in a different direction.

Laura was one of the most complex characters I have read in a long time. There was so much to her, but she remained an enigma, even to her own sister. It isn’t until the end that there is a revelation which neatly explains nearly all of her behaviors, as well as reasons for being the way she is in general.

As always, no plot points here, but I will tell you that there are some “Holy crap, I had no idea” and “No WAY!” moments scattered throughout. It makes for one helluva story that you won’t be able to put down!

The Night BeforeThe Night Before by Wendy Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go. There were a lot of twists, a few red herrings, and a whole lot of guessing (and being wrong). The author did a phenomenal job of keeping the reader off-balance. Occurrences which sent the book in a different direction were plausible enough so that it didn’t feel forced. Everything felt like it could actually happen. I read this book in one day, and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a psychological thriller that will keep you on your toes. See my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for a more in-depth review. Thank you to St.Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a pre-release digital ARC.

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Book Review: Red, White & Royal Blue

Excuse me while I go off-script for this review.

I had absolutely no problem with the angle that the author took with the two main characters. I requested to read the book for that very reason, because I think it is important to have books with strong characters in “alternative lifestyles” (or whatever the current proper phrasing is – it seems to change daily).

I actually loved reading about Alex’s awakening and Henry’s struggle, because I think both were indicative of all of the intricacies involved in life realizations. I thought their romance was tender and well-written, and that Henry was especially poetic. Some of his thoughts were among the most romantic I have read in a long time.

I liked how the girls counterbalanced the boys, and how Pez was sort of ambiguous. The characters were well fleshed out. I liked the plot (as improbable as parts may be). Putting the characters into extreme situations allowed the author to spotlight the challenges that many people face. I get all of that. And I enjoyed the journey up to a point. But then about halfway through, it jumped the rails.

What I did not like was that the author had to go full political and demonize the right, making them the evil villains and horrible people. I get that the author probably has an ax to grind, but the plot would have worked just as well if it had been a Democrat primary challenger who had pulled the crap that the Republican did.

Let me be clear, I understand why the author felt the need to make the GOP candidate the bad guy because let’s face it, that’s the cool thing now. What I do not appreciate in a work of fiction is the overreaching blanket assumptions that anyone who leans right is the devil. My notes in the book went from commenting on the characters and plot to wondering why the extra political opinions mattered so much, totally taking me out of the story.

When will people get through their heads that there are people who lean right who support LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of being able to love who you want to love regardless of gender or status or familial duty? That being Christian is not being ugly any more than being an atheist is? That these types of blanket statements and political partisanship can ruin what would have otherwise been a charming love story?

I still recommend the book, because most of my Christian, right-leaning, GOP-voting friends will appreciate it and see it for what it is because they are also open-minded and accepting…far more than people give them credit for being.

Red, White & Royal BlueRed, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book had a lot of promise. The characters were engaging, and the plot was unique. I thought the author did a perfect job of handling the sensitivity of Alex’s realizations balanced with the sense of duty that both Alex and Henry felt to their family situations. The tenderness and romance between the two came through. What I did not like is that the author felt the need to go very political. I mean, I get it, Alex’s mom is the President, so I understand that there needed to be politics involved. But I like to read to escape, and don’t care for “real life” politics to enter. I felt that the journey that Alex and Henry took was strong enough to stand on its own without needing to rely on apparent bias. I would still recommend the book and would have been a solid 4 stars were it not for the above. For additional thoughts, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a pre-release digital ARC.

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Book Review: Emily, Gone

There is no beating around the bush: this was an incredible book that had me avidly turning pages . From the Woodstock-like concert that kicks everything off to the final resolution, the plot never let up.

I especially liked how the author handled the reasons for why Vicki did what she did. This is a sensitive subject, and (taking the time period into account) I think it was an extremely accurate portrayal. Vicki’s character is written in a way that enabled her actions to be perfectly plausible while also allowing other characters to have reasonable reactions to her.

(I know that sounds cryptic, but you know how I hate to give away plot points)

On the flip side is Rachel, a mother who never gives up and learns how to adapt. I think she changes most throughout the book (although Mama Dixon gives her a run for the money). However, by the end, we see that Rachel is still the same nurturing, caring person who never gave up hope. That was a powerful message.

Mama Dixon was an interesting character as well. Her revelations regarding her own actions show the importance of forgiveness and taking other people into consideration. Although Rachel travels the longer journey, Mama Dixon’s transformation is more profound. She becomes the one person who can ultimately help Rachel.

I loved how the author plotted the passage of time. Even though there were events that were lightly skipped over, the pivotal events were detailed. This balance allowed the plot to flow smoothly to the end.

The only thing I missed in this story was a resolution to Murphy’s part in the whole thing. It almost seems as if the author forgot about him because he just disappears roughly two-thirds of the way through. He makes a decision about something that warrants further explanation, but then *poof* he’s gone. I definitely wanted more of a resolution for him, especially since a few of the characters were in the proper location for things to happen.

But to be clear, I didn’t want it to be over the top. Even a “near-miss” incident would have added an interesting touch to the whole story, and it would have wrapped up his part instead of just kind of leaving it.

Regardless, this was an excellent book that detailed the power of a mother’s love, with a few unexpected twists thrown in. It’s available now, so give yourself a treat and pick it up now!

Emily, GoneEmily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is very fitting that I read this book in one day on Mother’s Day because it is ultimately a study of the love a mother has for a child. I thought that the author did a fantastic job of laying out the plot, and there were enough gentle twists for it all to be plausible. I only wish that there had been more of a resolution with Murphy; it seemed as if he was just forgotten, and I would have liked to have seen him have some closure. Other than that point, I thought the dual message of hope and faith was powerful, and I loved how everything played out. I highly recommend this book. For some more in-depth thoughts on this novel, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary digital ARC.

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Book Review: Then He Happened

A romance novel should be about the couple. They can have trials and tribulations, and fight or whatever conflict propels the growth of their relationship. That’s how I view romances. I get frustrated when a plot takes over and draws attention from the main characters. That is the way I feel about this book.

There was a little bit of a Sixteen Candles vibe to it at the beginning, but when the family started treating Eileen terribly instead of just “forgetting” her birthday, it turned me off. Her sister was beyond awful from the beginning, but I just couldn’t understand how both Eileen and Jason let their families manipulate them so easily. It totally distracted me from their budding romance.

I also thought there were a few places where logic took a leap beyond the two of them running all over creation and spending their money for a shotgun wedding. For example, there was one scene when Jason and Eileen were looking at wedding venues. Eileen observes that there is one place that would be perfect at sunset, but then continues with “…especially if we take this place up on that discount for doing Friday morning…” Huh?

It may seem nitpicky, but things like this just took me away from them as a couple. I never really got that he was the womanizer and awful person that he was supposed to be; he actually didn’t seem all that bad, considering everything he was doing for his cousin.

At any rate, this one just wasn’t for me. I look forward to giving this author another try next time, though.

Then He HappenedThen He Happened by Claudia Y. Burgoa
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this book, as I have enjoyed past books by this author. But this one seemed very uneven to me. I liked the premise that the couple (Jason and Eileen) meet over the shared misery of helping family members plan a wedding. But the story seemed uneven and disjointed. I never got the full feeling of Jason being the cad that he was supposed to be. And to be perfectly frank, I couldn’t understand why both of them didn’t tell their relatives to take a flying leap – they both took way too much abuse to be believable, and the hideousness of the relatives took over the romance. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for more thoughts. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC.

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