thesummerbaker's reviews
428 reviews

Downpour by Maggie C. Gates

4.0

This book is about Ray finding himself again after a life changing injury because Brooke, a sunny sweet CNA gave him back autonomy, let him control when he wanted help and didn’t walk away when things got dark. Ray is a former bull rider who had a traumatic, career ending injury that left him paralyzed. He’s moody, sad and grappling with his new reality when Brooke bursts into his life with so much life and tenacity it was impossible for him to resist. . 

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Dust Storm by Maggie C. Gates

4.0

I really enjoyed this story. Christian (single dad rancher) and Cass (big city publicist) and Christian’s girls and his family and family’s ranch are everything. I love the way neither of them want the other to change. There an undertone of healing and acceptance of oneself. There’s a push and pull and undeniable connection. Loved it. 

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Love Notes & Lifelines by Avery Maxwell

5.0

😭😭😭 oh my word. I read this book in a single sitting. It’s 3am but it was worth it. This story pulled me in so fast and kept my attention the whole time. Beck and Stella… they’ve both been through hell but have fought for the lives the each had individually.. but they closed themselves off from relationships and connections until a tragedy and unexpected custody of Beck’s nieces shake things up. There are moments I couldn’t stop smiling and others that left me weepy. Do dang good. 

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Caught in the Axe by Daphne Elliot

4.5

Loved this. It’s a heavy story at times but also filled with so much support, love, growth, friendship, found family and more. Lila and Owen are so good for each other. 

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When We Burn by Kristen Proby

4.0

Dani and Bridger and Birdie are everything! 😍😍 I love this story. They are so sweet and precious and protective of each other. They are each others safe space and it’s beautiful. I love the banter and teasing. 

Book club is hilarious and relatable. The found family and friend group are so loving and supportive and real. 

Plus you’re trying to solve the mystery of who is intentionally setting fires around town. So much going on yet moments feel so simple and sweet. 

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Lita's Love for the Alpha by Sierra Allen (The Unlikely Optimist)

3.5

For a shifter romance I really enjoyed the complexity of the story. Lots of dynamics, lots of history, lots of growing, changing, healing. A story of love and inclusion. A story of heartbreak and pain that makes the beautiful relationship and healing that much sweeter. 

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Mafia And Maid: A Single Mom Romance by Isa Oliver

3.0

This is a mafia romance that feels very little with the actual “mafia side” of their work. It’s alluded too but not super detailed or graphic. The MMC is the enforcer - he thinks because of his job that he’s unlovable. The FMC is from an affluent family who degrades her because of her appearance and marry her off to an abuser when she’s 18. 5 years later she escapes and she searches for a job and ends up as the mafia’s maid.  

Please check trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. 

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Sealed by Laura Pavlov

4.5

Only reason this isn’t a 5 star is because of the way the book is formatted. I would have loved that when there was a change in day or a jump in timeliness acknowledged with words or a big space or character or something. It made it a bit cumbersome to read at times. BUT…..

I adored this story! There’s something about a fake dating romance with their cute contract, she’s a spitfire and he’s the perfect date. The chemistry, the pull towards each other….a cute cute kid and big, loving family vibes. Gah I loved it. 

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Catching Sparks by Hannah Cowan

3.5

😳🫣🤭 holy biscuits…. This book is steamy. The story is good too but the sexual connection they have is definitely the focus. Holy moly. 

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Rally by Devney Perry

5.0

I loved this story! And finding out why the title is Rally…gah I love it. Rush and Faye…the way their friendship, relationship grows in this book is beautiful and sweet. 

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