Thankful

 

Today is Thanksgiving here in America. It is a time to look back at the good moments that have happened in the year, and be thankful for those. 

What am I thankful for this year?

First and foremost, my husband and our kids. I think that is an automatic.

Our amazing neighbors. This year there are 5 of us families that have come together and have found fun ways to spend time together. We are building friendships, our kids are deepening theirs, and memories are being made.

The kitchen remodel is essentially complete! Now it's just those smaller projects (backsplash tile, baseboards) that need to be accomplished. This was a major undertaking, and it has turned out better than I could have expected.

My oldest brother had no major damage to his home in Florida after Hurricane Ian went through. (he had just moved to Florida a month earlier!)

Speaking of that hurricane...I am also thankful that my Mom and stepdad were NOT in Florida during that. The mobile home community that they have a property in had so much destruction. While that chapter of their Florida story is over, they've since found another place to move to.

Music. I have been playing 3 albums back to back, and I regret nothing. (If you're curious: Harry's House, Midnights, and Faith in the Future) Music brings such joy to my life, and I often find myself singing along to whatever is on the radio (or those 3 albums that I play on repeat.)

Books, and the authors who create the books. In 2022 I have been fortunate enough to read many advanced copies of new releases. Through these advanced copies I've discovered many authors who I adore. They are the ones that you see on my anticipated reads list month after month. Reading is my primary hobby, and being able to escape into those amazing worlds is just the best.

Last, but certainly not least, is the fact that I am able to continue to be a stay at home mom. With the way prices are going, that may not always be the case. Right now I cherish these moments, and give thanks for the situation. Being a stay at home mom allows me to take care of my kids when they are sick without having to worry about work, run them to doctors appointments, have meetings with their teachers, pick them up early from school if need be, volunteer at their schools, and so much more. This blessing is something I do not take lightly.

What are you thankful for? What positive events from this year stand out?

Laura

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I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

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

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

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

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

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

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

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!