thesummerbaker's reviews
355 reviews

Riley Thorn and the Blast from the Past by Lucy Score

4.0

Riley Thorn is a physic who just moved into a fixer upper mansion/business headquarters for Nick - her private investigator boyfriend. If you have read the first 2 books then you know that there is mystery, hysterical friends & family and a sweet relationship. Riley's family and physic guide, Gabe are the quirkiest, funniest, most supportive group of people. Riley's former roommates (a bunch of geriatric, sassy men & women) are hilarious and you never really know how they are going to get in the way or make something funny happy. This read was incredibly enjoyable and funny with life lessons sprinkled in. 

Quote: 
He [Gabe] nodded, "Being who we are meant to be is not always easy."

[Riley] "I don't want to be this. I want to be normal. Ordinary." 

[Gabe] "No one is meant to be ordinary. We are all extraordinary," he said, his brown eyes beseeching her. 

[Riley} "Yeah? Well, I just want to be ordinary." That's all she 'd ever wanted. To be normal. To fit in. 

[Gabe} "It is here that our beliefs diverge, Riley," he said. "Life is an adventure to be lived, not a series or repetitive days to survive."

[Riley} "Would you please stop talking in fortune cookies?"

Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score

5.0

😭😭😍😍 gah this book. So many emotions. So many things going on. Heartbreak, drama, crimes to solve, found family to love, smart therapists, supportive friends… so so good. 

This book tied everything up that has been happening this whole series. It was perfection! 

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Timeless by Devney Perry

4.0

I have been really wanting Aubrey and Landon’s story and it did not disappoint. I would have loved more but I also enjoyed the lead-in/setup for Charlie’s story! 

Aubrey and Landon are perfect for each other. She’s strong and sassy. He’s secure and patient and loves for her sass. 

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Mr. Fixer Upper by Lucy Score

5.0

Gannon (love this name!) and Paige! ♥️ the chemistry is amazing, the banter is perfect. He is caring, loving and grumpy. She is loyal, caring, helping and stubborn. 

I love this story based around an “extreme makeover” style show. Add in a cancer fighting little girl, loyal teammates, loving family, and determination and it’s such a fun story! Love! 

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score

5.0

I ADORE Noah and Cat and the sweet small town of Merry. I love this second book in The King Siblings duology! So fun - so much tension and banter in the beginning that you know it’s going to get good. 

Family dynamics, found family, helping others in crisis, finding love, finding healing, being vulnerable and helpful. Adored this story! 

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Finally Mine by Lucy Score

4.0

Aldo and Gloria….*sigh* 

Man have they been through it. If you’ve read book one of this series you know that Gloria is a survivor of long term abuse and Aldo is a military vet who survived an IED. They are both broken, hurting, trying desperately to heal, to find peace, to find real, lasting love. 

This is a story of redemption and deep, powerful love. 

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Wild Love by Elsie Silver

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Ford is obsessed with Rosie. The way he describes her from his POV in the beginning of the book is everything. He is so thoughtful, methodical, sentimental, kind, patient and matches Rosie’s sassy and sarcastic. This is best friend’s little sister, small town, billionaire, friends to lovers done to perfection. I highlighted half of this book. Incredible. 

Rosie dishes out the snark and the sarcasm. I found myself giggling throughout this entire book. There are so many little unexpected, sweet, charming, challenging things that happen throughout this story. I could not get enough. 

Go to Elsie Silver’s website to get Cora’s bonus epilogue. I’m bawling. So god damn sweet. 

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Visions of You by Catherine Cowles

5.0

This little novella was wonderful. Catherine Cowles packed a lot of feelings into so few pages. Loved it.

Protecting What's Mine by Lucy Score

4.0

Doc Dreamy & Hotshot - a match made in good looking, first responder heaven. Linc fell for Mac so hard and fast it was adorable. Their friend group is wonderful. Seeing them both fight for their love, figure out how to love long term and find stability in the midst of high adrenaline careers was so fun to read. 

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Stay by Willow Aster

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

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

5.0

Oh my word this story is precious and sweet and perfect. Felicity & Sutton 😍 add in Owen and I’m toast. Their dynamic is wonderful. Owen is such a sweet kid. I adore the Landmark family and the characters of Landmark Mountain! This series is special and I enjoyed every minute of it. 

🌶️🌶️🌶️