rebeccareadstheworld's reviews
574 reviews

The Way We Collide by Tia Louise

hopeful 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

Sure seems like weddings turn into babies in the Bradford family. When football superstar Hendrix is called home for a few days, he has no idea what’s in store for him. But in true Bradford family style, he’s greeted by the woman he can’t get out of his head from almost 2 years ago and his new daughter. 

Hendrix isn’t about to let this little girl (or her mama) out of his sight, and Raven needs something from him as well. So, she moves to LA with him for an arranged, short-term marriage. Pretty sure we know how this ends, but we’ll read it and love it anyway! 

5/5 stars, 4/5 for spice
*marriage of convenience
*surprise baby
*football romance
*Small-town romance

Make Mine Sweet by Genny Carrick

funny hopeful 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

Sometimes, I think I live in Sunshine. The character development that Genny Carrick brings to the table is phenomenal. I know all of these people and feel I am right in the story with them. This grumpy/sunshine romance has all the great feels but has some real-life obstacles. Ian doesn't want to be around anyone, but when his new duplex neighbor moves in, he can't resist her smile. Or her son, August, who becomes his dog's new best friend. 
As the two navigate what they feel and think they should feel, they turn to each other more and more. You'll love taking this latest trip to Sunshine!

5 stars, kisses only

Out of the Shadows by Christina Sol

adventurous inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

They've been friends for years, but when Gavin thinks Sabrina (Bean) has been hurt, his inner protector emerges -- strong. He can't quite explain what changed, but he has to be around her, taking care of her, making sure she heals.
Bean starts to feel it, too, that niggling bit of attraction. What is happening? She's not noticed him like this before.
Over a few days, their friendship and work relationship transforms into a passionate romance. And the only people who are surprised by it are them.
I can't wait for the rest of this series!

5/5 stars, 3/5 spice (a few detailed scenes, but a LOT of good plot)
*Workplace romance
*Romantic suspense
*friends to lovers
*military hero

Known by You by Claire Cain

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

Kenny: How long do I have you for?
Liz: Um, forever?

It’s the book we’ve been waiting for, when will “Barbie” finally find his love? Kenny tries to keep his crush a secret when Liz comes to town. He had already asked her out, and she said no. So, what’s a guy to do?

Liz needs a friend. She needs community and to feel comfortable. Can she do that in Silverton -- or is she just waiting until her old job is available?

As usual, Claire weaves a wonderful story of found family, new love and a happily ever after.  

5/5 stars, 2/5 Spice Level - fade to black

I'll Look for You, Everywhere by Cameron Capello

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

This was a dramatic and often angsty story about childhood friends -- with childhood crushes -- who return to their hometown in Italy for a friend's wedding. Magdalen Savoy was gone for one year at university, and now she's home, trying to find her hiding place among the shadows of her loud family. Theo, her brother's best friend, is back after a seven-year absence; as try he might, he simply cannot resist her. From family drama and past trauma, these two navigate the complications of growing up together and discovering those childhood crushes may not have stayed in the past.

The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Women writers in the 1930s in England were a special group, so they formed one. This group of top-notch mystery writers -- including Mrs. Agatha Christie -- were fast friends and feminists. In The Queens of Crime, they advocate for a missing girl who shows up murdered. They won't stop until they get some answers, and they won't let anything get in their way. This is a wonderfully written story about the power of friendship and curiosity.

Playing Mr Perfect by Melissa Foster

emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

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

4.0

While this was my first Melissa Foster book, I was glad it was the first in this new series, The Bradens at Ridgeport. 
Clay has been chasing Pepper for as many years as she's been running. But with the help of their family and friends, the two end up the only singles on a Paris trip, and they are forced to spend time together. After a "it didn't happen" night together, they go their separate ways, and Pepper tries to ignore her feelings for Clay. You can probably guess how this ends, but the road to get there is phenomenal. But beware, you'll be hooked and start reading all her books! 

4/5 stars; Spice Level 4/5 

The Kiss Lottery by Ilsa Madden-Mills

hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

This was the perfect short read to prepare me for the Valentine's season. When Everyly receives an anonymous invitation to return to her small town and participate in the annual Kiss Lottery, she hesitantly follows through. The tradition and the small-town flair are a perfect match for her podcast. When she arrives and reconnects with some old friends, her secret admirer continues to shower her with attention. Everly hopes it's her childhood best friend Beckett, but they haven't spoken in ten years. As the gifts keep coming and the lottery gets closer, will Everly and Beckett allow themselves a chance at love? You'll have to read to find out. 

5/5 stars; Spice Level 3/5 (A few detailed scenes, but not overwhelmingly so). 

Stealing Hearts by Lex Martin

emotional medium-paced

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

5.0

Is there anything better than a cowboy romance? Why yes, one that starts a series that involves 5 brothers. In this series opener, Lex Martin introduces us to the Walker brothers. 

Imagine his surprise when Rhett finds his late best friend’s kid sister sleeping in her car one early morning. He scoops her up and brings her to the failing family ranch. A fake wedding follows — to try to save the ranch – and things start clicking into place over the agreed-upon six-month marriage. Will they stay together, and what would that mean? I’m already very excited about the second book, which is out this summer.

My Plus One = You by Angela Haas

funny medium-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

When Rachel and Cameron meet at a wedding they are not excited to participate in, they forge an easy friendship. They quickly learn that they enjoy seeing each other, and when Rachel needs an escape from her mother and her ex, she finds Cam a willing participant. They quickly agree to be the other's "plus one" during wedding season. But when the chemistry builds, will they try dating for real or stay in the friend zone?
If you're looking for a slow burn, lots of flirting and low-spice contemporary romance -- this is it!