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amberisalwaysreading86's reviews
1096 reviews
The Apple Tree by Jewel E. Ann
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
“I love that you’ll never stop taking my breath away. And when I’m old, and on my deathbed, I’m going to give you this smile with my last breath, and doing so will be the greatest honor of my life.“
Not gonna lie, this book and its characters moved me to tears more than once.
Eve is one of those female characters that you just cannot help falling hopelessly in love with. Her precocious nature and devil-may- care attitude hides so much depth of emotion, and past traumas which she uses humor to deflect. Her home life was tough for me to read about, because I personally, share so much of her history.
Kyle is a charmer, self proclaimed math nerd, former football star and father to an adorable little boy. His chemistry with Eve and the various ways she reminds him of himself evoke a sense of nostalgia when you read their early interactions in the story.
The quick banter, shared smiles & winks, and heartwarming moments with Josh made me swoon.
On the surface, this is story of forbidden love, coming of age, and finding oneself. It’s also about feeling unconditional love and acceptance for your children without the need for control and dominance.
This multi layered series has brought about some of my own personal healing, and I don’t think it’s possible to feel more connected with characters. Once again, Jewel
has given her readers a time for quiet reflection, bravery, and a sense of yearning to break the weight of others expectations over our lives. The story is beautiful and it moved me.
I’m so looking forward to the third and final Jacobson sister,Gabby’s book!
Not gonna lie, this book and its characters moved me to tears more than once.
Eve is one of those female characters that you just cannot help falling hopelessly in love with. Her precocious nature and devil-may- care attitude hides so much depth of emotion, and past traumas which she uses humor to deflect. Her home life was tough for me to read about, because I personally, share so much of her history.
Kyle is a charmer, self proclaimed math nerd, former football star and father to an adorable little boy. His chemistry with Eve and the various ways she reminds him of himself evoke a sense of nostalgia when you read their early interactions in the story.
The quick banter, shared smiles & winks, and heartwarming moments with Josh made me swoon.
On the surface, this is story of forbidden love, coming of age, and finding oneself. It’s also about feeling unconditional love and acceptance for your children without the need for control and dominance.
This multi layered series has brought about some of my own personal healing, and I don’t think it’s possible to feel more connected with characters. Once again, Jewel
has given her readers a time for quiet reflection, bravery, and a sense of yearning to break the weight of others expectations over our lives. The story is beautiful and it moved me.
I’m so looking forward to the third and final Jacobson sister,Gabby’s book!
What's Left of Us by B. Celeste
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
While this story is quite a departure from B. Celeste’s usual brand of angsty romance, the added element of suspense and intrigue made for one heck of a novel!
I couldn’t put this story down,and I can wholeheartedly say that I was invested in these characters from the prologue.
If you enjoy books featuring:
•romantic suspense
•Right person,Wrong Time
•secret relationships
•marriage of convenience
•leads in law enforcement
•princess-in-the-tower vibes
You will thoroughly enjoy Georgia and Lincoln’s hard-won love story. Their forbidden affair made for the perfect combination of tension,angst, and just the perfect balance of heartache and healing.
I loved it!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.🫑
I couldn’t put this story down,and I can wholeheartedly say that I was invested in these characters from the prologue.
If you enjoy books featuring:
•romantic suspense
•Right person,Wrong Time
•secret relationships
•marriage of convenience
•leads in law enforcement
•princess-in-the-tower vibes
You will thoroughly enjoy Georgia and Lincoln’s hard-won love story. Their forbidden affair made for the perfect combination of tension,angst, and just the perfect balance of heartache and healing.
I loved it!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.🫑
The Butcher by Penelope Sky
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Bastien Bastien BastienI read this gem of a book today and HOLY. MOLY.
Bastien……😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
There is something to be said about the strong moral character this “bad boy ” possesses.
This man is sexiness personified .
His quiet strength and unquestionable authority are exactly what Fleur needs after finding out her husband of three years has played with her time and emotions.
It was refreshing to enjoy a MMC who is honest, at times to a fault.
Never leaving anything to be desired,always saying precisely what he means,asking for what he wants and delivering nothing but loyalty and respect to the FMC.
I could gush about his honesty all day.
I’m looking forward to finishing the series and seeing where multiple aspects of the plot in book one takes them in the future.
This book does not end on a cliffhanger, but it does leave you wanting more.
Heat, heart, and a happy ending are what we readers have to look forward to!
Bastien……😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
There is something to be said about the strong moral character this “bad boy ” possesses.
This man is sexiness personified .
His quiet strength and unquestionable authority are exactly what Fleur needs after finding out her husband of three years has played with her time and emotions.
It was refreshing to enjoy a MMC who is honest, at times to a fault.
Never leaving anything to be desired,always saying precisely what he means,asking for what he wants and delivering nothing but loyalty and respect to the FMC.
I could gush about his honesty all day.
I’m looking forward to finishing the series and seeing where multiple aspects of the plot in book one takes them in the future.
This book does not end on a cliffhanger, but it does leave you wanting more.
Heat, heart, and a happy ending are what we readers have to look forward to!
Chase Lovett Wants Me by Helena Hunting
5.0 out of 5 stars
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Legolas,who?! Gimme some Chase
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and hilarious story coupling an adorable and quirky fanfic writing nerd & the hot jock who didn’t see her coming!!
I listened to the audio and the fantastic narrators added an additional layer of goodness as they blessed my ears with their sultry voices and steamy humor.
This story is set within Helena’s Toronto Terror universe and I loved getting bonus glimpses of some of our favorite past book characters and their siblings.
If you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time, check this book out!
I listened to the audio and the fantastic narrators added an additional layer of goodness as they blessed my ears with their sultry voices and steamy humor.
This story is set within Helena’s Toronto Terror universe and I loved getting bonus glimpses of some of our favorite past book characters and their siblings.
If you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time, check this book out!
The Dragon Queen by Penelope Barsetti
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was an emotional, and fitting end to a fantastic series!
I didn’t think I could love and enjoy these characters more than I did in the first three installments of this saga, but I was an emotional wreck the entire time I was reading the conclusion.
While we received a hard-won ending,everything about it was perfectly executed, and I highly recommend this series to fantasy and romance readers alike.
Well done!
I didn’t think I could love and enjoy these characters more than I did in the first three installments of this saga, but I was an emotional wreck the entire time I was reading the conclusion.
While we received a hard-won ending,everything about it was perfectly executed, and I highly recommend this series to fantasy and romance readers alike.
Well done!
If You Need Me by Helena Hunting
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Oh Dallas, you sweet lil’ softie….I love you, so!
Having secretly pined for,and devotedly jumped through hoops to gain the admiration and attention of Hemi for years, Dallas finally shoots his shot.
After a few missteps in years past, Dallas and Wilhemina rely on each other to get through what is sure to be a brutally uncomfortable, High School reunion.
Hemi’s high school frenemy-turned-nemesis is back to her old antics of jealousy, and pettiness.
All Hemi wants is to show up and DAZZLE her former tormentors with how amazing her career, and love-life is…hopefully with a hot date in tow.
Enter: Dallas
Despite knowing one another for their entire lives, these two have always allowed hurt feelings and miscommunications to drive a wedge between them. When Dallas sees an opportunity to come to Hemi’s rescue, He jumps at the chance to right past wrongs, and hopes to finally allow her to see just how much he adores and admires her….
Fake boyfriend/fiancé to the rescue!
Dallas is such a lovable, affable character, and I enjoyed all of his hilarious antics immensely.
Hemi took a little bit of warming up to for me.
Even though she is a Spitfire and capable boss-babe (which I loved), at times she seemed unnecessarily mean to Dallas.
At their age, it seems like high school party fouls would be long forgiven and forgotten, but since that is the entire premise of this book, I looked past my prejudice at her immaturity and tried to understand that it was still negatively affecting her.
I loved how patient Dallas was with her, and that he went the extra mile with her friends and each individual family member of hers, to show just how special she was to him, and how much regretted his past decisions.
Moving forward with love and respect was at the forefront of his mind, and that was conveyed perfectly.
The friendships between the Toronto Terror hockey team, and their respective ladies, will always be the best part of this series. I love their family and team camaraderie.
Overall, this was such a feel-good book, and a welcome addition to the collection. I am looking forward to the next in the series!
Having secretly pined for,and devotedly jumped through hoops to gain the admiration and attention of Hemi for years, Dallas finally shoots his shot.
After a few missteps in years past, Dallas and Wilhemina rely on each other to get through what is sure to be a brutally uncomfortable, High School reunion.
Hemi’s high school frenemy-turned-nemesis is back to her old antics of jealousy, and pettiness.
All Hemi wants is to show up and DAZZLE her former tormentors with how amazing her career, and love-life is…hopefully with a hot date in tow.
Enter: Dallas
Despite knowing one another for their entire lives, these two have always allowed hurt feelings and miscommunications to drive a wedge between them. When Dallas sees an opportunity to come to Hemi’s rescue, He jumps at the chance to right past wrongs, and hopes to finally allow her to see just how much he adores and admires her….
Fake boyfriend/fiancé to the rescue!
Dallas is such a lovable, affable character, and I enjoyed all of his hilarious antics immensely.
Hemi took a little bit of warming up to for me.
Even though she is a Spitfire and capable boss-babe (which I loved), at times she seemed unnecessarily mean to Dallas.
At their age, it seems like high school party fouls would be long forgiven and forgotten, but since that is the entire premise of this book, I looked past my prejudice at her immaturity and tried to understand that it was still negatively affecting her.
I loved how patient Dallas was with her, and that he went the extra mile with her friends and each individual family member of hers, to show just how special she was to him, and how much regretted his past decisions.
Moving forward with love and respect was at the forefront of his mind, and that was conveyed perfectly.
The friendships between the Toronto Terror hockey team, and their respective ladies, will always be the best part of this series. I love their family and team camaraderie.
Overall, this was such a feel-good book, and a welcome addition to the collection. I am looking forward to the next in the series!
From Air by Jewel E. Ann
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is, easily, one of the best stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
Tragic, Compelling, full of angst and heartache
But beautiful, nonetheless.
I fell so hard for these characters and their complicated pasts. Each step forward for them felt like an immediate victory for me, the reader.
I have long adored Jewel’s writing,but this story and the feelings it evoked in me is on a new plain of emotion .
If you’re looking for a book which explores optimism, connection, the human condition, and are of the opinion that sometimes beauty means pain, dive wholeheartedly into this gorgeous love story. It’s one I will never forget.
5 resounding stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tragic, Compelling, full of angst and heartache
But beautiful, nonetheless.
I fell so hard for these characters and their complicated pasts. Each step forward for them felt like an immediate victory for me, the reader.
I have long adored Jewel’s writing,but this story and the feelings it evoked in me is on a new plain of emotion .
If you’re looking for a book which explores optimism, connection, the human condition, and are of the opinion that sometimes beauty means pain, dive wholeheartedly into this gorgeous love story. It’s one I will never forget.
5 resounding stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elevator Pitch by L.B. Dunbar
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I’ve truly been looking forward to reading this story,after immediately being sold on its “older main character” aspect…I was NOT disappointed! Phew 😮💨 let me tell you,there is something so incredibly refreshing about reading entire pages of dialogue, featuring conversations in which emotional maturity reigns supreme.
Ross Davis is a former all-star pitcher,turned coach.
A 47 year old widower,father of two college aged sons,
and straight up burnt out on the grind of travel and vapid supermodel situationships.
Verona Huxley is a 45 year old widow,with two grown daughters and a career writing romance novels…atleast, when she isn’t experiencing writer’s block.
After an adorably embarrassing elevator meet-cute,these two find out happenstance leads to second chances and a new outlook on luck and love.
There was a lot of anticipation,but very little angst and tension in this love story. It felt natural,and the progression of their developing friendship and romance wasn’t rushed.
The story flowed seamlessly,and I found myself endlessly smiling at how wonderful this characters were,each in their own right.
I wish there were more books exactly like this.
Written by women who have experienced a bit of life,love and the ensuing heartache it can bring. I want to be friends with the women in this book. I want to have a beer and watch a baseball game with the guys. It’s just a feel good novel that reminds me why I take true pleasure in reading,and I enjoyed it immensely.
Well Done
Ross Davis is a former all-star pitcher,turned coach.
A 47 year old widower,father of two college aged sons,
and straight up burnt out on the grind of travel and vapid supermodel situationships.
Verona Huxley is a 45 year old widow,with two grown daughters and a career writing romance novels…atleast, when she isn’t experiencing writer’s block.
After an adorably embarrassing elevator meet-cute,these two find out happenstance leads to second chances and a new outlook on luck and love.
There was a lot of anticipation,but very little angst and tension in this love story. It felt natural,and the progression of their developing friendship and romance wasn’t rushed.
The story flowed seamlessly,and I found myself endlessly smiling at how wonderful this characters were,each in their own right.
I wish there were more books exactly like this.
Written by women who have experienced a bit of life,love and the ensuing heartache it can bring. I want to be friends with the women in this book. I want to have a beer and watch a baseball game with the guys. It’s just a feel good novel that reminds me why I take true pleasure in reading,and I enjoyed it immensely.
Well Done
Blood of Dragons by Penelope Barsetti
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Whew! What a wild ride this series is turning out to be!
The twists and surprises joining the fray by additional side characters has me on the edge of my seat.
Just when I thought I could pinpoint the exact motivations behind each character’s need for revenge,I’m sent into a tailspin.
As is usually the case, this story ended with a bloody cliffhanger! I can’t wait for the next book and to get some answers for my muddled brain.
5⭐️ for creativity
5⭐️ for action and battle sequences
5⭐️ for passion and sheer depth of feeling between our main characters
The twists and surprises joining the fray by additional side characters has me on the edge of my seat.
Just when I thought I could pinpoint the exact motivations behind each character’s need for revenge,I’m sent into a tailspin.
As is usually the case, this story ended with a bloody cliffhanger! I can’t wait for the next book and to get some answers for my muddled brain.
5⭐️ for creativity
5⭐️ for action and battle sequences
5⭐️ for passion and sheer depth of feeling between our main characters
Madness by Shantel Tessier
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
✅Secret Society
✅Dark Secrets
✅Spice and Depravity
✅OTT~Possessive Hero
✅Shocking Twists
Madness is book 6 in the L.O.R.D.S world, and like the rest of the series there are key seekers and components of Haidyn’s story which answer some burning questions… and in true Shantel style,leave you with others.
There’s steam,and boundary pushing.
The testing of friendship, teamwork and camaraderie.
And build up that will meet a Crescendo in what *I believe* will be the final book in this series Where we will finally get the big reveals. We’ve been waiting for.
Pros-If you like mindbenders, and theorizing for days, then this is the book series for you!
One is never able to grasp what’s real, or which situation is leading up to a stomach plummeting moment which leaves you scratching your head, & questioning everything you thought you’d previously known about these characters.
Cons- This book is long. Unnecessarily so, in my opinion. I think the author wants to give each character enough time to shine, but six books and several connected stories later, this one being a little over 800 pages long had my attention waning a bit by the end.
Overall, I’ve been invested in this storyline and these characters/world for quite some time, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing the final result and big “Aha!” Moments to come.
✅Dark Secrets
✅Spice and Depravity
✅OTT~Possessive Hero
✅Shocking Twists
Madness is book 6 in the L.O.R.D.S world, and like the rest of the series there are key seekers and components of Haidyn’s story which answer some burning questions… and in true Shantel style,leave you with others.
There’s steam,and boundary pushing.
The testing of friendship, teamwork and camaraderie.
And build up that will meet a Crescendo in what *I believe* will be the final book in this series Where we will finally get the big reveals. We’ve been waiting for.
Pros-If you like mindbenders, and theorizing for days, then this is the book series for you!
One is never able to grasp what’s real, or which situation is leading up to a stomach plummeting moment which leaves you scratching your head, & questioning everything you thought you’d previously known about these characters.
Cons- This book is long. Unnecessarily so, in my opinion. I think the author wants to give each character enough time to shine, but six books and several connected stories later, this one being a little over 800 pages long had my attention waning a bit by the end.
Overall, I’ve been invested in this storyline and these characters/world for quite some time, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing the final result and big “Aha!” Moments to come.