Books, Romance

Review of Dare Me Once (Angel Fire Falls Book 1) by Shelly Alexander

Beth

Dare Me Once (Angel Fire Falls, #1)Dare Me Once by Shelly Alexander

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed Ms. Alexander’s writing in the past, but I think this is my favorite of her books. Start with a single dad of a special needs son, add in a supportive family and watch what happens when a beautiful young woman takes refuge in the family’s resort as a way to hide from her past.

Every story has a moment of conflict, so the characters can deal with it and get their happily ever after. I really dislike when the conflict is the result of a “misunderstanding,” and either one or both of the characters overreact. I sometimes see the situation coming and it always makes me cringe. There was no such issue in this story. Lily had a secret, and we always knew that Trace and his family would find out about it, most likely not from Lily herself; what we didn’t know was how they would resolve it so they could be free to have their happy ending.

Having a special needs son myself, I could relate to Trace struggling to care for his child and often feeling like he wasn’t doing enough for him. I enjoyed getting to know Trace’s brothers, seeing them work together to support their family’s business, and I look forward to Elliot and Spencer’s stories as the Angel Fire Falls series continues.

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Review of: The Angels’ Share (The Bourbon Kings #2) by J. R. Ward

Rebecca

Bourgon King 2This second book in the “The Bourbon Kings” series delivered a captivating next chapter for Lane and his family. I perhaps liked it better than Book 1 (maybe). The story of the Bradford family continues. A case of who-done-it beautifully woven between relationship tales and intriguing characters. Wealth and stature, family and solidarity meet adversity in this one. I savored this book and tried to take my time, but my goodness! the pages wouldn’t stop turning. The end is beautiful. I can’t wait to see what Book 3 brings.

My favorite moment in the book (moderate spoiler) is when Gin and Samuel T. meet at the Seminary. Oh my heart was heavy. I’ll leave it there.

Beautifully written passages and quotes that make you pause, pepper this beauty.

“He was old school meets new school, WASPy without the condescension and prejudice classically handsome as a Polo Ralph Lauren ad yet down to earth as a sitcom father.”

“For a moment, the beauty and the tranquility were so resplendent, she actually took a deep breath. Even though it was only May, there were blooming flowers, everywhere, and verdant leaves, and brick walkways that all led to the square of lawn in the middle. Fountains along the ivy-covered brick walls offered a symphony of calming sounds, and as the last of the light drained from the sky, peach-colored sodium lanterns on the tall wrought-iron stands made everything seem like Victorian London.”

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Review of: The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe

Rebecca

5 out of 5 stars

This book was originally published in 1958. It was recently given new life and is still so relevant today. I love this book on so many levels. Makes it into my all time favorites list.  A 1950s Devil Wears Prada meets Sex an the City and Casablanca. It’s gutsy, truthful, and relevant. Some exquisitely written passages that gave me chills.

-“You’ll buy a drink and you’ll take it outside on the terrace…And you’ll be looking out at the beautiful tropical night and listening to music from inside the bar, and you’ll sip at your drink, and then you’ll think of me, and you’ll feel pleasantly sad.”

-“He took her hand and led her to the mirror that hung over her dresser and he stood there behind her, his arms crossed over her waist in front, resting his chin on the top of her head.”

I will recommend this book everytime. Makes it into my top 5 favorite books.

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Books, Romance

Review of: The Fine Art of Faking It (Blue Moon Book 6) by Lucy Score

Beth

fineart5 of 5 stars!

Another fantastic visit to Blue Moon. This book was a combination of my two favorite types of stories: second chance romance and fake relationship, with the usual Blue Moon zaniness, swoon-worthy sexy times and laugh out loud moments that Lucy Score does better than anyone.

I love catching up with the other members of our favorite community and getting to see what they’ve been up to since the last book, but the stars of this show are Davis and Eden. They have a complicated history, which is something I always love, as well as a complicated present, since their families have been feuding for the past 50 years!

They are forced to spend time together through the shenanigans of the well-meaning but often ridiculous Beautification Committee. Things don’t go as planned, of course, but we are all better off for it!

Being a big fan of origin stories (especially Lucy’s Where It All Began, the Blue Moon prequel), I especially loved the bonus epilogue. Here’s hoping there’s plenty more Blue Moon in our future!

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Book Review, Books, Romance

Review of: Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Rebecca

Love and Other WordsI don’t give many books 5 stars. This book is SO GOOD. Wonderfully written. I was eager to find out what happened next, turning page after page.  Many great memorable quotes. My heart was heavy and my eyes were nearly tearful the entire time. At the end, tears streamed down my face. Everyone needs an Elliot :). I’m going to read this one again because it is that good.  A wonderfully rare find.

P.S. I read this digitally, and had to go get the hard copy because I needed it on my shelf.

Definitely Recommend!

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Books, Romance

Review of: The Bourbon Kings (Book 1) by J.R. Ward

Rebecca

Bourbon king

4 out of 5 stars

First in a three-book series. Lane finds himself in a position to fix all that has been lost. A wealthy family who prides itself on luxury, bourbon, and horse racing, finds itself in many different intriguing situations. It reminds me of a Kentucky Derby meets Downton Abbey. They may appear all that you could ever want, but no family is without it’s secrets. Characters are very likeable. Text is rich and descriptive. This is suspenseful and romantic with a surprise around every corner. J.R. Ward hit it out of the park. Now on to Book 2.

I recommend this book! So good.

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