montanamomreads's reviews
699 reviews

Matter of Persuasion PB by Theresa Howes

emotional hopeful informative reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to @hqstories @netgalley and the author for the #gifted e-book.

In New York during the Gilded Age, a time marked by the Industrial Revolution and the rise of suffragettes, we meet Amy, an accomplished authoress caught in a web of familial selfishness and social expectations. Eight years prior, Amy ended her engagement at the insistence of a family friend to Wareham, as he was deemed  unworthy due to his financial standing. Now, with Wareham’s unexpected return, old feelings reignite, leaving both to ponder whether they can rekindle their romance.

This narrative echoes the themes of Jane Austen's Persuasion but stands out as a distinctive retelling. The author masterfully immerses readers in the details of the era, illuminating its societal norms. Amy’s journey to strike a balance between her ambitions and family duties is both relatable and deeply moving. It’s disheartening to witness her family’s lack of support for her literary aspirations. The tension between Amy and Wareham is palpable, electric, filled with longing and unexpressed emotions. Each encounter vibrates with significance, artfully reflecting the complexities of their past and the societal pressures that bind them.

If you cherish richly crafted historical romances and adore Jane Austen, this book is an absolute must-read. Mark your calendars for its release on January 30, 2025!

The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to @gallerybooks and @letizialorini.writes for the #gifted book.

I couldn't put this book down; I absolutely loved it! This author has quickly become one of my new favorites.  This book is part of the Love & Other Recipes series. 

The story follows Amelie, a talented chef who experiences a whirlwind of loss within a year—her restaurant, fiancé, and best friend all slipping away. The narrative skillfully weaves between Amelie’s initial engagement with Ian, who is plagued by marriage phobia, and their eventual reconnection in the present. Their love story is beautifully crafted, and the chemistry between them ignites from their very first encounter. I was captivated as their friendship evolved powerfully into love.

The witty banter that flowed through Amelie and Ian's texts and calls was a highlight for me. Ian's humorous handling of Amelie’s challenges had me laughing out loud—his lightheartedness brought such joy to the story. I found myself cheering for Amelie as she finally mustered the courage to stand up to her fiancé and best friend, who had taken advantage of her kindness.

This book has everything you could want: romance, humor, and a compelling journey of self-discovery for both characters. If you enjoy heartwarming love stories laced with laughter, this is the perfect read for you. I can’t wait to dive into more of this author’s work!

Promises Promises by Buck Turner

emotional inspiring reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to @pageandvinebooks @luvbooksclub and @buckturner_official for the #gifted book.

This captivating story explores the bonds of friendship, first love, and the power of promises. 

At its heart is the enduring friendship between Harper and Sidney, which brings joy and warmth, alongside the sweet romance between Harper and Cameron. While it is indeed a love story, it also deeply emphasizes the significance of friendship. Observing the evolution of Harper and Sidney's bond is truly delightful. The characters are authentic and relatable, drawing readers in. Set in the present day with skillful flashbacks, we uncover the backstory of Harper and Cameron's relationship, enriching the narrative. Cameron's strong sense of honor and duty adds an admirable layer to the tale.

One quote that resonated deeply was, “𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦?”

This book beautifully captures love, forgiveness, loss and the power of love.  If you love books that will stay with you, tis book is available now.

With This Ring by Amy Clipston

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to @amy_clipston @tnzfiction and @austenprose for the #gifted book.

This story captivates with a delightful blend of emotions.

Hudson returns to the charming town of Flowering Grove with the intention of stopping his sister's wedding. However, he unexpectedly encounters his ex-fiancée, Dakota, who is creating the wedding dress. As they navigate their past, old feelings begin to resurface for both of them.

The dynamic between Dakota and Hudson is both tense and intriguing, evolving beautifully as they spend time together. Dakota stands out as a strong-willed character, determined to succeed with her bridal shop without asking for help. I admired her growth when she finally set aside her pride to seek assistance. Surrounded by supportive family and friends, she shines. Meanwhile, Hudson grapples with his own challenges, particularly his grief over losing his parents. His acknowledgment of this burden adds depth to his character and enriches the story. Second chance romances are among my favorites, and this one is executed remarkably well.

The small-town atmosphere adds a delightful touch, filled with kind neighbors and friends who genuinely care for the couple.

If you crave sweet romances and joyful conclusions, this book is a must-read for you! It is available now. 

The Beasts We Bury by D. L. Taylor

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 and @dltaylorbooks for the #gifted audiobook.

This debut novel is an absolute must-read! From the very first page, it grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. 

The author excels in crafting a captivating magical world with an inventive magic system that enriches the narrative, weaving together themes of deception, betrayal, and profound family drama. The electrifying power struggle between Mancella and her father is particularly compelling, with moments of emotional conflict that enhance the storyline. You truly feel her internal battles, trauma, and her heartfelt quest to save herself and her sister. The chemistry between Mancella and Silver adds another layer of intrigue and connection.

The narrators breathe life into these characters brilliantly. The distinct voices for Mancella and Silver enhance the experience, making the intense moments resonate with raw emotion.

If you’re on the hunt for an engaging new series, look no further. This book is set to release on February 4, and I can’t wait for the next installment in what promises to be an extraordinary series, The Broken Citadel.

The Reunion by Beth Reekles

funny lighthearted reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @wbyWattpadBooks @authorbethreekles for the #gifted book.

The reunion of the class of 2014 in the school gym uncovers the surprising paths our lives can take. Amidst secrets, unexpected romances, and an unforeseen power outage and fire alarm, the night is anything but ordinary.

This delightful read unfolds over the course of a single evening, presented through the perspectives of six classmates, which adds rich depth to their journeys. It’s fascinating to witness how their realities diverged from the perceived aspirations their classmates had of them.  The intertwined storylines captured my attention from start to finish, and the author’s engaging writing style made it easy to follow each unique narrative.

If you appreciate fiction sprinkled with romance and a touch of nostalgia, this book is a must-read.

Cross My Heart by Megan Collins

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @Simon.audio and @megancollinswriter for the #gifted audiobook.

Prepare to be captivated by this fast-paced thriller that will pull you in from the first page. 

Rosie has undergone a life-saving heart transplant, setting off a series of unexpected events. In what begins as an anonymous correspondence with Morgan Thorne, a grieving writer whose wife's tragic death she believes has gifted her a second chance, Rosie finds an intense connection that quickly becomes complicated.

This gripping novel is a rollercoaster filled with shocking twists that keep you guessing until the very end. The intricately woven plot unfolds at a perfect pace, layering stalker-like tension, obsession, and hidden secrets that explode into eye-opening revelations.

The narrator brilliantly immerses us in the complex dynamic between Rosie and those around her—friends, family, and police. Her voice breathes life into each character, enhancing the suspense.

If you're a fan of edge-of-your-seat reads, this is a must-add to your list. Mark your calendar for its release on January 14, 2025!

Daughter of Chaos by A.S. Webb

adventurous informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @Harlequin_Audio, @HTP_Hive and @webbandpen for the gifted audiobook.

Danae, the daughter of a fisherman, discovers she possesses extraordinary powers that set her on a thrilling journey. Forced to leave her home, she embarks on a quest to uncover her true identity, only to find herself tangled in a grand conspiracy involving the Gods. Joining forces with Heracles and other legendary heroes from Greek mythology, Danae's quest becomes a pivotal adventure that may alter the fate of humanity.

The author excelled in crafting a richly detailed world that captivates the imagination. Every location and mythical creature is vividly portrayed, making the story come alive. The characters, especially Danae, are well-developed and relatable, inspiring readers to root for her throughout her trials. The action is relentless, drawing the audience deep into the narrative's excitement.

The narrator's performance deserves special mention; her voice perfectly suited the unfolding drama. She skillfully brought each character to life, enhancing the storytelling experience.

This innovative interpretation of Greek myths is truly engaging. This book is available January 14, 2025.   I eagerly await the sequel to continue the adventure!

The Blood Crown by Kate Cunningham

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to @authorkatecunningham and for the #gifted book.  

Oh my gosh!  Why did this book have to end? 

If you’re wondering whether to pick it up, let me assure you: this sequel to The Blood Kingdom is nothing short of phenomenal!

Aurelia and Ven's journey back to the Blood Kingdom is a heart-pounding adventure as they face the terrifying King of the Void and his eerie demons. Aurelia must tap into her powers with the support of Ven and her loyal friends. 

The writing is exquisite, with vivid descriptions that enhance the story. This installment deepens your understanding of the various kingdoms and the intricate magic at play. The character development, especially Aurelia's growth, is beautifully portrayed. Plus, the romance between Ari and Ven evolves tenderly, adding another layer to the narrative. The supporting characters are brilliantly crafted, and you will find yourself loving them even more. The theme of found family is perfectly woven throughout the story.

The thrilling tension in the final 100 pages will leave you breathless, and the shocking twist at the end will have you shouting in disbelief! The conclusion sets the stage for the final book in the series while leaving you with numerous burning questions.

This book is truly one-of-a-kind, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who adores romantasy!

The Matter of the Secret Bride by Darcie Wilde

challenging informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing and Austen Prose PR for the gifted book.

As the eighth riveting installment in the beloved Rosalind Thorne Mysteries series, this book boasts a delightful cast of characters who come together to solve an exhilarating mystery inspired by real occurrences. While it can be enjoyed independently, exploring the previous installments will enrich your understanding of the characters' fascinating backstories, and I can’t wait to dive into them.

In this enthralling tale, Rosalind Thorne and Adam Harkness join forces to recover the stolen secret marriage certificate of Mrs. Fitzherbert and King George IV—an item that holds potentially explosive political implications for the nation. With her loyal friends by her side, Rosalind skillfully navigates a maze of suspects and uncovers hidden truths along the way.

The author's vivid and engaging writing style pulls you in, making this book impossible to put down. The gripping blend of murder, political intrigue, and rich historical detail captivates and keeps your heart racing as you piece together the intricate puzzle.

For anyone who appreciates Regency-era historical mysteries featuring relatable and expertly crafted characters, this book is a must-read. I eagerly anticipate what thrilling adventures lie ahead for Rosalind and Adam!