juliebooklover's reviews
161 reviews

Inky Water by Heather Grey

4.0

 

I adore the small lakeside town of Bluefield.  The characters we meet and story told.  As a debut we have a lot to look forward to from this author, and I plan to read it all! 

Lillian needs a change, so summer it is at her family's cottage in Bluefield.  She needs to break through her writers block and find new inspiration.  She meets Jackson, in the rain, and they are attracted.  But something is amiss in Bluefield, and my attention was drawn to the subplot the entire book.  

I recommend this book to my small-town, suspense-loving friends.  

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review. 

If Only You Hurt by Stefanie Castro

4.0

 

This is book three in the If Only series, and like the two before it, it is an emotional journey.  A story that begins in childhood and moves to their youth.  A strong supporting friendship, until it becomes more.  

Grant’s devotion to Laney is what I want in a book boyfriend. His strength and protection are what she needs. Life has not been kind to her, and his support helps her move forward.  

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review. 

Every Beat of my Heart by Lea Coll

4.0

 I am enjoying the Calloway family; the men are protective, stubborn, assets to their community, and, in Jameson’s story, swoon worthy. As we follow Jameson’s journey of grown and maturity that only Claire can bring out in him. He is ambling along in his three jobs, plus supporting his family business, enjoying it all, but has no clear direction. He is the youngest boy, the funny one. At the same time, his family does not understand his choices. But a fire in Claire’s home brings the two together.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review. 

That First Flight by Jenn McMahon

4.5

 I loved this story; Macey is a single mom to Mackenzie, making a big move to better themselves and their lives. On her flight, her seatmate refers to her as his seat wife, and little did the two of them know how they were about to change each other's lives. 
 
Oliver, travel blogger, brother, and all around swoon worthy. We also find out he is quite a dirty talker! 

If you have not read this author before, take a chance with Macey, Mackenzie, and Oliver. Small town, single mom, roommates, found family, and a great read. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review. 

Dating the Defensive Back by Lisa Suzanne

4.0

 We are back in Vegas following Aces football. Grayson has been traded to his brother Lincoln’s team. We now have three of the four Nash brothers on one team, one coaching and two playing. I like the single-book format and the continuous story, but I miss some of the cliffhangers. 

Grayson and Ava’s story goes back a long way. Once the contract is signed, Grayson calls his best friend with the news. Beckett asks Grayson to check on his younger sister once he gets to Vegas. The universe has other ideas, bring on the secrets, fake dating, and chemistry galore. And then there is the tease for the next book…

This book starts with a hook, and in true Ms. Suzanne fashion, it pulls me in. I know it will be a one-sitting read, so do I plan accordingly? No. 

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review. 

Fall With Me by Brooke Montgomery

4.0

 I loved my return to Sugarland Creek. Landen and Ellie take us on a journey from hate to love. 

Landon is easy to love, and Ellie is a spitfire with sass for days. The banter and chemistry are well written. I love the small town element and the side characters it brings. There is some suspense that fell a little flat for me, but otherwise a great story and I look forward to more. 

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review. 

The Biggest Lie by Betty Walters

4.0

 Let’s start with this is a debut novel, that does not read like one! The author is a great storyteller. We're in the small town of Maple Falls, and Skye is a wedding photographer looking for her perfect shot. As this day is not going as planned, why should shot cooperate? 

Reed is the grump, the small town detective, just trying to solve his case. Meeting Skye has made a mess of his case. That bad day has made its way to upend Reed’s case. 

I enjoyed these two, who have no promise for a future, pulling off their secret. Or are they falling for their own story? The banter is great, the laughs plentiful, and the chemistry is off the charts. I am looking forward to more books from this author.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review. 

New Beginnings at Rosemary Beach by Cecelia Scott

4.0

 Ms. Scott is quickly becoming a one click author, her families are embracing, their tales are not perfect, but with time and grace on the mend. This first in a new series is a fantastic summer escape read to the lovely town of Rosemary Beach.

This book centers on reconnecting with the past, a mother and daughter, sisters, and coming to terms with loss. I always expect strong women, a great story, and a little mystery with any of Ms. Scotts books. This one did not disappoint.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review. 

Sterling Streak by L.B. Dunbar

4.5

Cadence and Ford’s story has a lot going on, and I enjoyed every page. Can Sterling Falls have its magical ways with our latest couple? Both have successful professional lives but are seeking what their professions cannot provide. Both have not had luck in the love department; he is looking to slow the pace, and she a family. Life is a mystery, but can together they be their solution?

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review. 

Forbidden King by Laura Pavlov

4.5

I Highly recommend this book and series to all Laura Pavlov fans. I was laughing through most of the early chapters as Beefcake still has the best game. Bee phobia, speedo, and more. This group of friends is the best and Ms. Pavlov’s writing has you jealous you are not one of them. 

King and Saylor are just the best, like the couples ahead of them. They have been friends, although Saylor has just returned to town and is opening a bookstore. Saylor is also the brother of King's best friend. Kingston is one of the core so you get friends to lovers, a little forbidden, and sneaking around happening. The strength in their friendship and respect for their found family is strong in every book. 
 
When I was finished, I was all ready to return to Magnolia Falls!

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.