Tag: indie author

Book Review: Love on Deck (Arcadia Creek #1) by Kasey Stockton

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 314 pages
Author: Kasey Stockton
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: August 15th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

He calls it fake dating, but she calls it being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. Lauren Foley and Jack Fletcher already tried to be amicable once—on a blind date that ended in complete disaster. Now, years later, they have to put up with each other for the sake of her sister and his best friend, who are eloping on a cruise to the Bahamas. But that’s not the worst of it. No, Lauren’s in even deeper water when she finds herself agreeing to play Jack’s fake girlfriend for the duration of the cruise. Now the only thing on her mind is trying not to strangle him when he dials up the charm, but it becomes harder to remember exactly why she ever hated him in the first place. Jack, on the other hand, is enjoying the perks. Until the cruise lands on American soil again and real life hits them square in the face. Lauren is up for a promotion at work, and Jack promised her something that would secure it. But promises are easily broken, vacation life doesn’t always translate to the real world, and sometimes enemies start that way for a reason. Book one in the Arcadia Creek romance series, Love on Deck is a fake dating enemies-to-lovers story with forced proximity and a happily ever after. This modern romance will also introduce you to small town Texas and show you just how cozy it can be.

THIS WAS FUN.

Kasey Stockton absolutely nailed all of the banter in this book. I was laughing and smiling and loving the intensity between Lauren and Jack. It was fun having the cruise ship setting and all of the antics that went along with that.

I loved the general plot between the main characters and how they had to work through some of their differences and work obligations to find that compatible ground between them. I loooved seeing all of Jack’s family and the small town goodness that came from going home.

Lauren’s sister did sideline some of the story for me. Her sub-plot felt very main plot in the second half and I was missing the conversations between Jack and Lauren. A sweet book overall though and I’m excited to see who’s story is next in the series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses

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Book Review: All Out of Love (Boys of Riverside #3) by Gracie Graham

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: NA Contemporary Romance
Length: 548 pages
Author: Gracie Graham
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: February 27th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Book three in the Boys of Riverside series takes off where book two leaves off, bringing you an epic love story for the boy Mackenzie Hart did not choose.

A GOOD CONTINUATION.

I’ve been wanting to see where this character’s story was going to go and I liked seeing his development! I also am purposely not naming him because he’s a part of the love triangle from the previous two books and the suspense is key!

I liked the romance. It had a lot of good swoon and conversations. I loved seeing both of the main characters grow and change and grasp what they wanted to do with life. It’s perfectly heated and I loved the tension.

I did struggle with suspending some belief about one of the main plot lines. It seemed a little farfetched in the end. And I don’t love a third act martyr situation.

OTHERWISE. I am still very much loving this series and can’t wait to continue.

Overall audience notes:

  • NA Contemporary Romance
  • Language: low
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: moderate
  • Content Warnings: physical altercations, child abuse, mentions of infidelity (side characters)

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Book Review: Heir of Sun and Moon (The Five Realms #1) by Jenessa Ren

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Rating: ★★★
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Length: 485 pages
Author: Jenessa Ren
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: October 31st, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Forced into isolation by the ruler of the Mortal Kingdom, Princess Rhea Maxwell spends her days in the company of her pet fox, Bella, dreaming of an existence outside the confinement of her tower. As the rightful queen, she knows that there must be more to life than the endless monotony she’s been forced to live. Harboring a deadly secret from her past, her desolation grows until one fateful night brings an unlikely ally into her life. Though wary to trust this stranger, Rhea suddenly finds herself with something she’s never had: a choice. With a future she never thought possible hanging in the balance, the princess must decide if following her heart is worth risking everything she’s ever known.

In the neighboring Mage Kingdom, Princess Bahira Daxel is the first of her kind to be born without magic. Fixated on finding a way to unlock the power she believes to be hidden within, Bahira knows there is no price too great to achieve her goals. As tensions rise and her kingdom prepares for a threat they can not defend against, her desperation comes to a head. Ultimatums push Bahria to rethink who she truly is and the future that she had pictured for herself.

In a post-war world where kingdoms are divided by a powerful spell, can Rhea and Bahira each break free from the shackles of the lives expected of them to forge their own paths? Or will lies and obsession threaten to destroy everything.

UNDECIDED.

This one started off really intriguing. I loved that it was a loose Rapunzel retelling with a bodyguard romance, YAY. But execution wise, it dragged badly. Rhea was stuck in that dang tower for so long that I had to do some speed reading to see if the plot ever actually got to moving. Aaaand the romance came off as a bit insta-lovey. There were some cute and sweet moments, yet I’m not sure I’m convinced of them quite yet.

THEN we have our other POV. As a personal preference, I don’t love when the main character sleeps with other people who aren’t the love interest with actual on page spice. Otherwise, I liked Bahira’s storyline. I’m curious about the magic, about where she ended up and how that will play out with future books (but will I read said book??? I DON’T KNOW).

The ending happily blindsided me and I am admittedly intrigued about how those things will go. This was just too long without enough engaging plot.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: low
  • Romance: 1-2 open door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, weapons violence, kidnapping, abuse

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Book Review: One Small Secret (Gift-Wrapped Romance) by Esther Hatch

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Rating: ★★★
Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Length: 214 pages
Author: Esther Hatch
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 13th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Ruben Palmer is on every woman’s Christmas wish list. Except mine.

I grew up with him and bested him in practically everything we did together–debate, grades, mini-golf, you name it. So I’ve built an immunity to his boy-next-door charm. Sure, sometimes I might accidentally type his name into my search engine, but his dimples, hotel empire and thirst-trap photos don’t tempt me. I’ve got my sights set on earning my way to the top of the Palmer Hotel empire, and nothing is going to get in my way.

Until my step-sister leaves her secret toddler with me before skipping town for three months. Now suddenly everyone thinks he’s mine, and instead of powering my way to the top, I’m struggling to not get fired. And instead of Ruben staying on the executive floor where he belongs, he’s invading my apartment, breaking dates with starlets, and looking disappointed that I decided to settle down with anyone except him.

But I know Ruben, and Ruben doesn’t settle down. So there’s no way I’m giving him my heart. Not even for Christmas.

WELL.

This wasn’t all bad, truly. I just feel like there was a whole lot going on for 200 pages and I think I got off on the wrong foot with the way the entire plot was set-up. It left me with more questions than answers.

There were a lot of good swoony moments and the kissing scenes were fantastic. I did like the second half more and I adored Ruben the most. He really did roll with the punches and had some of my favorite love confession scenes. I liked all of the holiday content and office place romance. There’s good banter and it’s witty. While things didn’t fully click for me, I look forward to more contemporaries from this author.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Holiday Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: parental abandonment

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