All We Are by JH Croix {a review}

Thea was a drug, the very best kind for my body, the forbidden fruit.

The time has come for the final book in the Haven's Bay Holiday series from JH Croix. That means it's time for All We Are which is Thea's story! As we learned in All We Have, Thea and Joe were high school sweethearts who were heartbroken when their relationship ended. After all it wasn't their choice, but rather that of a parent. Now here we are years later, and their meet cute involves a snowstorm. I love a good second chance romance!

My rating for All We Are:

If you've read my reviews for All I Want, All We Have, and All I Need you'll know that I have mixed feelings about this series. When I first heard of the Haven's Bay Holiday series, my mind immediately went to Hallmark and Lifetime movies. I fully expected that quintessential holiday romance. You know what I'm talking about, the instalove, small town, major holiday vibes romance. That's what I wanted. That was what I built up in my head. How could I not when this is marketed as a holiday romance series set in a small town. Maybe I've just watched too many of those movies over the years. (and I'll continue to watch them.)

That being said, I enjoyed Thea and Joe’s story. Their meet cute was adorable, and I love their history together. First loves reuniting will always tug at my heartstrings. 

Then there's the fact that Joe is a dad! He has a little boy who he doesn't get to spend a lot of time with, but when they are together, you can feel the love. This storyline hit those mama feelings. No it wasn't perfect, but there is nothing perfect about being a parent. Plus Joey has been through a lot in his little life, so I fully expected things to not be smooth sailing. I will say I wasn't expecting the twist that came into play. I'm still not in favor of that twist. I feel it was unnecessary. But that's just me.

Thea's reason for returning to Maine makes sense as she was looking for an escape. The news she received back in Boston wasn't something she had expected. Plus the person she had been dating didn't handle that news all the best. So she was nursing heartache on top of that news. I have mixed feelings about how her and Joe reestablished their relationship. Plus that storyline regarding Thea's news was never really closed with other individuals. I don't like to say "closed", but that storyline made it seem as though it would be a discussion with others, but those discussions never happened. It was essentially swept under the rug. I will say that I was happy that JH Croix didn't take that storyline another route with a "Christmas miracle" type situation.

While this reunion started in December, it didn't all happen that month. So would I consider it a holiday romance? No I would not. See my above expectations for this series. Was Thea and Joe's reunion still a good story? Yes it was. Was it my favorite of the series? No it wasn't. I would say that it was my second favorite. Noah and Sasha's story was my favorite. Did I enjoy the second chance romance for Thea and Joe? OH absolutely! Second chance romance is a weakness of mine.

Final thoughts...The stories in the Haven's Bay Holiday series were enjoyable. I just had higher expectations for the storytelling after reading a couple of JH's series that are set in Alaska. At times it felt like the Haven Bay stories jumped forward too much, and it just didn't flow how I'm accustomed to. I also can't help but come back to the "holiday" moniker. These are not holiday romances, not by any means. They are the standard contemporary romance, and they just begin in the month of December.

Do I recommend the series? Yes, but no. As with any book, it's all about the reader. If the descriptions of the books sound interesting, go for it. I just suggest going in with an open mind. Only you can determine if the book is right for you. Don't let my thoughts deter you from reading. If you do decide to read the series, please let me know your thoughts.  Also, which couple is your favorite?

Happy Reading,
Laura

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A swoony small town holiday romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!

✔️ Two broken hearts
✔️ One holiday week
✔️ Swoony second chance
✔️ Holiday hotness
✔️ Small town shenanigans


The forbidden bad boy. The rich good girl. High school sweethearts.

The last person I expect to see when my car breaks down is Joe Martinelli. I broke my own heart when I moved away after high school. Joe is my first and only love, and my father refused to let us see each other.

That was all before my father blew our family up and landed in jail for fraud. I meant to escape to Maine for the week before Christmas, except it turns out my brother is holed up at the house with my friend. I have a broken down car and nowhere to go.

Of course, it’s also snowing so heavily I can only see a few feet in front of me. When Joe offers to let me stay at his place, it seems like the smart plan. It has nothing to do with how hot he is, absolutely nothing to do with how much I missed him, and definitely nothing to do with my latest bad luck in romance.

One night turns into two, one kiss turns into three and even more.

Joe & Thea’s story is perfect for readers who love: swoony second chances, broken hearts mended, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon and all the feels, and a protective hero who’ll do anything to win back the only girl he ever loved.

Thank you JH Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of All We Are.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Ruthless Reign by Aleatha Romig {a review}

Nothing is as it appears. Reflections deceive.

I still consider myself relatively new to Aleatha Romig's writing. At this point I've read 6 of her books, and I've fully enjoyed each of them. So when I heard about a royal romance series, I knew I had to read it as soon as possible. I downloaded the prequel, but I didn't need to as that's included within Ruthless Reign. Should you choose to pick up Ruthless Reign, know two things: 1) there are twists and turns and you may find yourself a bit lost at times, and 2) THAT CLIFFHANGER!

My rating for Ruthless Reign:

If you follow me on Goodreads, chances are you saw my review pop up, and were confused. I literally wrote three sentences. Which if you've read any of my reviews, you know I am long winded. Don't take that brevity as me not liking the book. This book pulled me, confused a bit, and then knocked me upside the head with that revelation. Seriously, I was blown away. So I didn't know what to say in my review at the time.

Not only did I not know what to say in my review, I was also worried about divulging too much, or even potentially giving a spoiler. Here's what I can tell you...

• Lucille married Prince Roman, and moved to his country.
• Their marriage is basically in name only, and they spend little time together.
• Lucille is bored, and wants to help out more with matters of the state. Roman, the King, and the Firm all are against this.
• Roman has a temper, as well as anxiety, and he's not handling things very well.
• Oliver is an actor who has just been offered the role of a lifetime.
• There is something going on in the country, and the villagers are very unhappy.
• Attraction is building, and not acting upon it is getting difficult.
• Secrets are being kept by everyone, and some are about to spill.

Was I vague enough?

Ruthless Reign was such an interesting read. The way it ended has me cursing the fact that Resilient Reign isn't out until January 31, 2023. I don't want to wait that long. I need to know what is going to happen next, when this secret is going to get out, what else is happening, who can be trusted, all of it...I need to know. Now I sit and wait, and maybe pout a little.

If you are a fan of Aleatha's storytelling, then run and grab this book immediately. (or be smarter than I am, and wait for Resilient Reign to release so you don't have to deal with that cliffhanger for as long.) Prepare yourself for the twists and turns, the revelations, and to be watching every single character to see who is trustworthy.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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I have a secret. I’m not who you think.

In this world where gowns, castles, and crowns make for the perfect reflections, life isn’t always as it appears. Love is elusive, even when the most beautiful woman is right before you. Illusions distort visions, shadows lurk in the sunshine, and monsters tread behind smiles and chivalrous facades.

I, Roman Archibald Godfrey, swore an oath to Molave.

To the king.

And above all, to Princess Lucille.

Forget the fairytales you’ve heard. This world is ruthless.

Thank you Aleatha Romig, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Ruthless Reign.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

December Anticipated Reads

“In the winter she curls up around a good book and dreams away the cold.”

–Ben Aaronovitch

The last month of the year is almost upon us! Can you believe that? I'm a little shocked. It feels as though I was just returning to my blog, catching up on things, and getting used to my kids being in school again. Then I blinked, and here we are. 

December brings a lot of fun happenings for my family, as well as Christmas and New Years Eve. I'm looking forward to it all.

What I'm also looking forward to are these new releases! I have 16 books on my anticipated reads list, and my goal is to read them all. You'll have to wait for my monthly wrap up (to be posted in January) to see what I actually read. Don't want to wait? Follow me on Goodreads!

Let's jump into the books.

Compassion by Xavier Neal {a review}

People are exactly like books. We all have stories. We all have chapters. We all have pages that some are interested in exploring while others miss out.

Compassion is the latest release from Xavier Neal. This slow burn, opposites attract, grumpy-sunshine romance is filled with banter, book discussions, humor, and the eventual falling of Jaye and Archer. Compassion is also filled with healing from past experiences. For Jaye that is finding herself after the death of her fiancee. For Archer it is healing from life itself. From his childhood to his time in the military to where he is now. It is a lot to adjust to, and he just needs someone in his corner.

My rating for Compassion:

Xavier Neal wrote yet another wonderful story. Book after book she pulls me in with her characters, the banter, the comedic moments, and has me falling for their stories.

Compassion was no different. By Jaye taking that brief moment to talk to Archer, she showed him compassion. She showed him that people do still see the good in him, and that he is worthy of interaction.

I absolutely loved Jane. I loved all the book references that she brought up. I loved her passion behind it all. She is one of my top 5 female characters that Xavier has brought to life.

Archer tugged on my heartstrings with his story, and I think that is why I fell for him so easily. To see all that this veteran has been dealing with, and the way he's been treated just gutted me. Then to meet Jane, and have someone finally in his corner, it was just spectacular.

The romance between these two was slow burn, and I am here for it. Slow burn romances are hit or miss with me, but this one was written wonderfully. They have a connection, they are building a friendship, and moving into a romantic relationship will happen. It's about building trust, and finding the courage to move forward.

In Compassion, Xavier Neal breaks the 4th wall, and the characters speak directly to the reader. Personally this isn't my jam. I looked at it a different way. Instead I chose to view those bolded sections as the internal dialogue of Jaye and Archer. That allowed me to move on easier, and still enjoy the story. 

I loved that Xavier Neal tackled the topic of PTSD, showed us what Archer is dealing with, and how he he works through it. Discussions of the mental health of our military members (current or former) are often overlooked, but it is important to bring up. Same goes with the lack of support that our veterans can receive after leaving the service. That too was something that Xavier brought up, and I appreciate it.

Jaye's mom...oh that woman. Didn't like her at all. She rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning. Jay's dad though, he was amazing. Definitely protective, but also his daughter's biggest fan.

Oh, and getting to see familiar faces pop up brought a smile to my face. Even just the reference of a couple had me reminiscing to those books.

I hope that you'll consider picking up a copy of this book. It truly was a good read, and you can find yourself escaping into the world that Xavier has created.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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From USA TODAY BESTSELLING author Xavier Neal comes an unconventional, contemporary romance featuring a grumpy, wounded veteran and a quirky librarian who proves all the world needs in it is a little more compassion...

Private Academy Librarian Jaye Jenkins isn't afraid of the green-eyed homeless man she finds digging in her trashcan one cold winter night.

He's starving.

Just trying to survive.

Could use a bit of kindness that she can't help but give.

And when that kindness leads to her saving him from some misplaced hatred, an unorthodox situation begins.

One that will change both of their lives.

Forever.
 

Thank you Xavier Neal for providing me with an advanced copy of Compassion.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

The Endgame by Bianca Borell {a review}

One day, Levi Kingston will be a memory. A bitter memory, but a memory, nonetheless.

The Endgame is the latest release from Bianca Borell. This is a sports romance featuring the brother's best friend trope, as well as first love, and a virgin heroine. The Endgame also spans quite a bit of time. I hesitate to call it a slow burn, because in the steamy sense it's not, but in the HEA it is. If that makes sense. 

This was my introduction to Bianca Borell, and let me tell you, I will be back to read more. I felt all the emotions while reading, and was rooting for these two to get together. Of course I was also rooting for Ian to stop being the protective older brother, as well as the family dynamic shifting a bit.

My rating for The Endgame:

I loved this book! I mean it features one of my favorite tropes, plus it's a sports romance. That wasn't the only reason why I loved it though. This book was all about timing with our characters, and for the longest time they just couldn't get to their happily ever after. When it finally did happen though, I was celebrating. Levi and Amelie had gone through so much. So to see them finally getting to this moment had me smiling.

Is it instalovy? Well yeah, but at the same time no. Like I said above it's walking that fine line. If anything I would say it's more insta-lust, but you can't deny the connection that these two had from their first introduction.

I loved Amelie and Levi together. I felt their chemistry, their bond, and could not wait to see everything they were going to need to go through to get their happily ever after. And boy oh boy did they have to go through some stuff.

A little over half way through the book I thought this is it, they're getting their happily ever after now. But then I looked at the % of the book I read, and instantly knew the characters were about to go through something very difficult. I just wasn't expecting it to be what it was.

I did really like how Amelie was able to follow her dream, and how all of that happened. I was wondering who the investor was, and while in the back of my mind I knew, at the same time I was speculating a few different people. The passion that Amelie has for baking radiated off the pages. No matter the emotion, Amelie was able to calm herself, and her mind through baking. I loved that for her.

Some might get frustrated with all the back and forth with our couple. For me though it just added to the intensity of their story. It created these moments where you couldn't look away. It honestly was like watching a movie.

This book was filled with emotions, passion, heartache, separation, healing, and a great connection. It wasn't just regarding their relationship though. There were family dynamics at play that also caused hurt, frustration, anger. All of that required healing and forgiveness to move forward.

I hope that you'll pick up The Endgame. Maybe you'll fall for these two the way I did. Maybe you'll fall for some side characters. Maybe you'll find yourself hoping those side characters get their stories told. Or maybe that's just me.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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Every girl with a brother grows up with one fundamental rule: his best friend is off limits. That’s one rule she longs to break when he crashes into her life.

Amelie Weston has been taking the safe path for as long as she can remember. Not disappointing her parents by pursuing the career she wants. And not pursuing the guy she’s been crushing on.

But she’s tired of being the good girl.

Her brother’s best friend is pushing her to stop being a people pleaser and open the bakery of her dreams. Little does he know he’s also at the top of the list of her heart’s greatest desires... and he’s making himself impossible to resist.

Levi Kingston fully intends to become a legend on the field as one of the best players ever. He must stay focused and work relentlessly toward his goal. He doesn’t have time for distractions... until he meets his best friend’s sister, and his well-laid plan is challenged.

Bad timing, responsibilities, and loyalty to her brother keep them apart. But the connection between them only grows stronger. Their feelings become impossible to ignore, and the fight against them is pointless.

Will they take a chance on love? Or waste an opportunity for long-awaited happiness?

Thank you Bianca Borell, and Grey's Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Endgame.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!