Everything We Left Unsaid {a review}

You may recall that yesterday I posted my review of Something That Could Last. Well today I am talking about Everything We Left Unsaid. That's right folks, we are staying with the Wild Hearts series by Ashley Cade. I mean why not, Anything For This Love releases on May 24, so it's perfect timing.

Now I really need to watch what I say in my recap of the book, as well as my review. You see if you read Something That Could Last, you know that we did not get our HEA in that book. Everything We Left Unsaid picks up two years in the future. But don't you worry, we get little snippets of the past here and there so we know what has happened with Abby and Jacob. (as well as a little blurb about Tiff and Luke)

A lot can change in two years, and it certainly has for Abby. She's graduated from college, and is working the job she has been dreaming of. No longer does she need to work two jobs to pay her bills. It's wonderful for the most part. Yet a part of her is missing Jacob. As for Jacob, he went on that internship, and is now working full time. He also has a place of his own, but will be moving back with his parents for a short period of time. As I said, it's been two years, and Jacob cannot get his mind off of Abby. He loves her. She is his first true love, and he knows he needs to figure out what went wrong. So he takes off to Abby's home town to track her down. They need to talk. They need to see each other, and hopefully reconnect. When Jacob arrives in town, he tracks Abby down at Rosie's, and it is there that his life changes. 

I think that I liked Everything We Left Unsaid more than I liked Something That Could Last. I say that because the first book was the beginning of the relationship. It was the getting to know you stage, the falling in love (or lust) stage, and figuring out if a future could work. In this book though, things have changed.  There is still that attraction between Jacob and Abby. There is still that spark. That love. That connection. But there's also distrust, and heartache, and pain. These two need to fight to work things out, and to find out who was trying to sabotage their relationship. After all someone wrote that letter from Jacob, and it certainly wasn't him. Also, someone had his phone, and replied to those texts, but it wasn't him. So who was it? What was the motive? Then there's the scene with Grandma. Oh my heart. OH MY HEART. You can't do that to me. I can't take things like that. Yet there was Jacob, doing what he could do help. To protect those he loves. To try to minimize the pain and heartache for those people.

This book, was just so good. It is reconciliation. It is forgiveness. It is trust. It is building back stronger. And I loved it. I am looking forward to reading Anything For This Love, as I need to know how their story wraps up. What happens now? After everything that Abby and Jacob had been through in this book, what does their future hold?

I hope you'll consider reading the Wild Hearts series, because it is a good one.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Something That Could Last {a review}

 

Something That Could Last is the first book in Ashley Cade's Wild Hearts series. 

In this book we meet Abby, Tiff, Jacob, and Luke. Abby and Tiff are best friends, they live in a small town, and are trying to figure out their lives. Abby (our main heroine) is working two jobs, attending school, helping out her Grandma, and it's just a lot. Enter Jacob and Luke. These two are escaping reality, and their parents control, to blow off a bit of steam, and enjoy a two week vacation. They never planned on falling for a couple of locals. All it took for Jacob was taking one look at Abby, and he was done for. Luke was immediately taken with Tiff as well when they met later in the day. When the girls aren't working, they are spending time with the guys.

Something That Could Last is really all about Abby and Jacob's relationship. It's instalove, with a little opposites attract action happening. This book is also quite steamy. Oh, and the way it ends, you'll want to have the second book on hand. That's all I'm saying.

I really enjoyed Something That Could Last. It was an easy read without too much drama. I found myself really liking Abby and Tiff. Jacob and Luke seem like nice guys as well, but I will say that Luke is quite full of himself and comes across as a bit too much. Knowing that Abby has to work two jobs in order to pay for her schooling makes her hit a little closer to home. She's relatable in that sense, as most people have to work through college or take out loans. Abby's also been through some rough times, but she has her Grandma and her brother (Ethan) by her side to work through all the emotions/heartache that were caused.

When I started reading the book, I wasn't expecting it to be a two week relationship for our couples, nor was I expecting it to end the way it did. I fully expected more time to pass for the couple, and for them to get their HEA. I figured book two would then focus on Tiff and Luke. But that's not the case. It is looking like the entire Wild Hearts series is all about Abby and Jacob. (which I'm perfectly okay with)

If Ashley Cade is a new-to-you author (she was for me!), then please give the Wild Hearts series a read. The third book, Anything for this Love, releases on May 24.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Dirt Queen {a review}

Happy Book Release Day to Nora Blake! 

Dirt Queen is Nora Blake's debut novel, and she has kicked off with an amazing story. 

Dirt Queen is based on a true story, and it is a friends to lovers story. 

Aaron and Sarah were childhood friends, and when they became teenagers they both realized they were attracted to the other. But those words were never spoken. About that same time, Sarah moved away. They tried to keep in touch, but life happens, and they became more like acquaintances than friends. As time went on, Aaron and Melany were married, and had two little boys. That marriage ended. Shortly before the divorce was finalized, Sarah returned to town. The sparks were immediate. The attraction was still there, and a relationship started. That is where the story begins, and my little recap ends.

This book was absolutely amazing. I laughed. I awww'd. I laughed some more. I cringed. I gasped. I ugly cried. My emotions were all over the place, and even though I was a wreck, I loved it. Even how it ended. Aaron and Sarah's relationship was fast, but when you have that history with the other person it just works. It's as though they were meant to be. Plus they had the mutual love of racing and working on the race cars. Watching their new relationship blossom was spectacular. Watching Aaron call out Sarah when she was trying to hold back was so good. He wasn't letting a communication issue happen in their relationship. Even the relationship that Sarah had with Aaron's boys was special. Then there was Nick. What a fun person. Perfect for the comedic relief. 

There is so much I want to say about Dirt Queen, but I also don't want to spoil this amazing story. Just know that you will laugh, you will fall for the characters, you'll be frustrated with the custody situation, you'll also be devastated, and you'll feel the love between Sarah and Aaron. I gave Dirt Queen 5 stars, and I am going to be talking about this book for quite some time. As of now, it is definitely on my top 5 for  May.

Should you choose to read the book, have the tissues handy.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Dirt Queen by Nora Blake is now live!

I love you. Always.

Sarah--We hadn't spoken in years, and more often than not, he was on my mind. When I moved back to town he reached out. I stalked him enough times on Facebook to know he had a wife and two kids. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but the pull I felt inside couldn't be ignored.

Aaron--She was back. I thought I'd never see her again, but there she was. Within my reach. She agreed to meet up at the dirt track when I sent her a message. What would she think of me being a dad? Did she even know?

The unspoken feelings she tried to leave in the past forced her to keep him at arm's length. He was in the middle of a divorce and had two boys they both needed to consider. He was all in but she was questioning everything.

But sometimes...you have to follow your heart and let yourself fall--no matter how things might end. It'd be worth it. Always.

This book is based on a true story.

Photographer: Courtney Hartness Photography

Download today!

http://mybook.to/dirtqueen

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3vxIgz1

Meet Nora Blake

Nora Blake is a lover of nature and getting lost in her made-up worlds. When she isn't writing or spending time with her amazing family, she is horseback riding or reading. She has a passion for literature and her goal is to promote the importance of reading while engaging readers in her stories. Her debut novel, Dirt Queen, is set to release in May and is based on a true story.

Connect with Nora

Website | Amazon | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | BookBub | Pinterest

Thank you to Nora Blake and Grey's Promo for providing me with an advanced copy of Dirt Queen.

Caught in Us {a review}

Yesterday I shared my review of Caught in the Chase by Kacey Shea. It is the first half of Alicia and Chase's duet, and you do need to read that prior to reading Caught in Us. After all we are picking up about 3 years later.

If you've read Caught in the Chase, then you know how it ended. You know we were left unfulfilled, and Alicia & Chase did not get their happily ever after. We know that Chase finally went to see Mav, they reconnected and forgiveness was given, and Chase also returned home. For Alicia we know that she ran to her dad's bedside after his medical crisis, returned to the community center to gather her belongings, and then went off to pursue her degree in London. We also know that Alicia wrote a letter to Chase before she left which she left at the house he had been staying.

So what happened next? Well they both went on with their lives. For the most part. Alicia went to London, and began her life there. But it was shortly after she arrived that she realized she was pregnant. Meanwhile Chase was assigned to a new fire station, and he started a teen program in his area. So that's awesome. Flash forward a bit and we are gearing up for Cam and Jill's wedding. Chase is the best man, and has many jobs to fulfill for Jill. Alicia has sent in her RSVP, and stated that she is attending the wedding. Alicia hasn't seen, nor spoken to, Jill or Callie since shortly after she left. She just cut all ties, and to say her friends are angry would be an understatement. And that is all I will say about the plot of the book. I'm cruel I know.

Caught in Us was unbelievably good. I could not put the book down, and I may have stayed up a bit too late while reading. Thank goodness for coffee, and three of my kids being at school. Other than what the teaser told me, I went into the book not knowing what would happen. I mean my fingers were crossed that there would be an HEA, but as I read, I wasn't so certain that was going to happen. Witnessing Alicia reconnect with Jill and Callie was wonderful. To have friends like that, who can forgive you, love you, and jump right back in with is so special. Those are the true friendships that so many of us long to have. Then there is the little piece of information that Alicia hasn't shared with many (Simon, Jill, Callie), and it needs to come out. This secret needs to be revealed. Chase and Alicia are also frequently surrounded by people drinking, and occasionally it finds them needing to find a meeting quickly, as it is just so overwhelming. But they work through it. I could not get enough of the book. I would have loved to have witnessed Chase reading what was in the box. To see his reaction, and how that all affected him.  I also really want to know if Chase ever said anything regarding the secret he revealed. I mean yes, it was briefly mentioned he told his dad, but waht about Cam? What happened with that? I'm not ready to say goodbye to Alicia and Chase, nor any of the other characters. They feel like friends, and I want to know what happens next in their lives.

This duet had me feeling so many emotions, and I loved every single minute of it. Please, go read Alicia and Chase's story. I think you'll like it a lot. If you do read it, send me a message on Facebook, or drop me an email, I'd love to chat about it with you.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
 

Saving Us {a review}

Saving Us by Wendy Million was released on May 17, 2021. It is a new adult sports romance that takes place at Northern University. Sebastian and Johnny are both football players, and Annika and Natalie are roommates. In this book we follow these four characters, and while the focus is more so on Annika and Johnny's relationship, our main characters are actually Natalie and Sebastian. 

Right away before I even dive into a brief synopsis of the book, I want to say that there are content warnings for physical and sexual assault. If that is difficult for you to read about, then feel free to click out now. I won't go into specifics, but just know it is a side story in the book.

Oh how to even recap Saving Us. Natalie, Annika, Johnny, and Sebastian are all college students at Northern University. Sebastian has just transferred in for his junior year, and he is the running back on for the Ravens. Johnny is a senior, and is focused on making it to the NFL. Natalie and Annika are best friends, and roommates. Annika is a major football fan and dreams of being a coach. Annika is also extremely interested in Johnny. Natalie is not a football fan, and she is working toward becoming a lawyer. One night the Natalie and Annika head to a party at the frat house. Most of the football players are in that frat, so it just makes sense to go there. It is there where Annika and Johnny's story begins. It is also there that Natalie feels a bit sketchy about Johnny, and she also meets Sebastian for the first time. She has an immediate attraction to Sebastian, but once she learns he's a football player, she really doesn't want anything to do with him. It is at this party where Natalie and Sebastian's story begins as well. 

I want to continue on with a recap, but it is shortly after this where things pick up. So I need to cut it here.

If you all have read my weekly recaps, or if you follow me on Goodreads, then you know I am extremely stingy with my 5 star ratings. So me saying that Saving Us is a 5 star read, means a lot. This is not only a love story between the characters, but it's also the story about friendships, and teammates. You have friends who will stand by your side through the good times and the not so good times. You have teammates who you want to be by your side, you want their support, and you hope they'll stand by you through it all. 

When I started reading Saving Us I figured it would just be the typical sports romance that I adore. As the story went on though, I realized that wasn't the case. Not at all. There was nothing "typical" about this sports romance. Once the rumors were started about the quarterback, and the disagreement between friends grew, I knew I wasn't going to be able to put the book down. I was so fully invested in this storyline that I just had to know what was going to happen next. What was going to be that moment that switched things? What was going to happen in both of these relationships? Were Sebastian and Natalie ever going to start dating, or would they remain friends? What about those rumors? Was there truth behind them? If there was truth behind them, when was it going to come out?

Now don't worry, you get all those answers! You'll know what happens with Annika & Johnny, and Natalie & Sebastian. There is a HEA for one of the couples. That much I will tell you.

Oh how I loved this story, even though the assault portions were difficult to read. I highly recommend this book. Please go order it. If your library has it, check it out. Just promise me that you'll read it.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

NEW RELEASE

Release Date: May 17

Hot, talented, and fresh to campus. Can Natalie trust the gorgeous new football player, or will his team loyalty win out? 

***** 

Natalie Chapman is drawn into a friendship and flirtation with Northern University's newest football transfer, Sebastian Swan, when her roommate and best friend, Annika, begins dating his teammate. Fresh off a breakup, Natalie isn't interested in hooking up with a player who has women chasing him all over campus. 

But Sebastian claims his best quality is perseverance, and he has no problem pursuing Natalie instead. As the two grow closer, details of Annika's troubled relationship with the star quarterback come to light.  

With the football team on the cusp of winning a National Championship, Natalie wonders if Sebastian's loyalty to his teammates supersedes all else. Can she trust him to do the right thing, or will he let her down when it matters most? 

Triggers: Sexual and physical abuse

One-Click here

Add To Your Goodreads TBR List!

Meet Wendy Million

Wendy Million is a Watty Award winner, and author of Saving Us, her newest novel. Her contemporary romances about strong women and troubled men have captivated her loyal readers. She is also the author of the romantic suspense series The Donaghey Brothers, and the contemporary romance When Stars Fall. When not writing, Wendy enjoys spending time in or around the water. She lives in Ontario, Canada with two beautiful daughters, two cute pooches, and one handsome husband (who is grateful she doesn’t need two of those). 

Connect with Wendy Million

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

Hosted By:

Thank you to Wendy Million and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of Saving Us.