Tag: self published

Book Review: The Off-Limits Rule (It Happened in Nashville #1) by Sarah Adams

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: New Adult Contemporary
Length: 291 pages
Author: Sarah Adams
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: January 4th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

I have found rock bottom. It’s here, moving in with my older brother because I’m too broke to afford to live on my own. But that’s okay because we’ve always been close and I think I’m going to have fun living with him again.

That is until I meet Cooper…

Turns out, my brother has very strong opinions on the idea of me dating his best friend and is dead set against it. According to him, Cooper is everything I should stay away from: flirtatious, adventurous, non-committal, and freaking hot. (I added that last part because I feel like you need the whole picture.) My brother is right, though. I should stay away from Cooper James and his pretty blue eyes. He’s the opposite of what I need right now.

Nah—Who am I kidding? I’m going for him.

A MUST READ.

But really. A one sitting, absolutely loved every moment, kinda read. Sarah Adams best book [yet]. I LOVED IT SO MUCH.

Honestly, I feel like that should be the review. Just trust me. But, I’ll give you more.

I haven’t read many brother’s best friend trope books and this one nailed it. From the moment Cooper and Lucy meet, their chemistry flew off the charts. The sexy and fun banter was *chef’s kiss*. The antics they got into literally had me laughing out loud multiple times. I never laugh at books. This one brought out all the chuckles. I really fell for both of these characters and what they brought to the relationship. Everything was so tender and precious and I just want to read this book again for the first time. That’s my level of appreciation for this story.

The supportive family and friends was a wonderful change of pace. I like how those surrounding Lucy loved and cared for her throughout some difficult situations. Even when Cooper entered the picture, he never made her feel less and y’all, *swwwwooooooonnn*.

If you’re looking for a beautifully wonderful low steam (no outright love scenes, open or closed), give you all the fuzzy feelings kinda read. THIS IS IT. It brought me out of a slump I didn’t even know I was in and let me enjoy a fantastic romance for a few hundred pages. Oh this was the best.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses / make-outs; implied scene at the very end

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Book Review: A Christmas Spark by Cindy Steel

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Rating: ☆☆☆ 1/2
Audience: Contemporary romance novella
Length: 131 pages
Author: Cindy Steel
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: December 5th, 2020
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

When my best friend found out I’d be alone over Christmas, she hooked me up with a week stay in her family’s cabin in Idaho. I was on a publishing deadline for my latest book and was really looking forward to a cozy week by the fire, cuddled up in flannel pajamas with my laptop and hot chocolate.

Alone.

So imagine my surprise when I arrived at the cabin during a blizzard, and found it already occupied. By an all too familiar face and a fine pack of chiseled abs. Even though it had been ten years since I’d last seen Chase, he had no problem picking up exactly where we left off.

I had a big problem with it.

It didn’t matter what he threw at me—the old nickname, the teasing, his charming grin, or even those chiseled abs (did I already mention those?), I refused to let him get to me after…the incident. Nope, not me. I was made of stone.

Unfortunately, I’m beginning to understand that when you strike Chase against stone…you get sparks.

Lots of them.

NEEDED MORE SPARK.

I’m having mixed thoughts over this. Probably because it’s a novella. And those either hit well for me and still feel developed or otherwise feel like they’re lacking.

This leaned more towards lacking. The initial premise was explained well and I could understand the turmoil and reasoning behind why Penny and Chase hadn’t spoken in years. All the time they spent in the cabin together, I wanted more discussions about that, not just one brief night of actual communication. The banter was was cute and the story was simple.

It was a quick read and had some adorable moments. I think it felt a little rushed, but the ending definitely made me laugh.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Holiday Romance Novella
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: falling through ice into frozen lake

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Book Review: Holiday Heist (Wayfair Witches #11.5) by A.A. Albright

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Paranormal cozy mystery
Length: 237 pages
Author: A.A. Albright
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: November 21st, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

This is a standalone cozy mystery novel, set in the Wayfair Witches world. It can be enjoyed without having read the Wayfair Witches series.

A holiday heist, a powerful child, and a parolee Melissa can’t stand the sight of? It sounds like a recipe for a very Merry Solstice.

The Nemo Foundation’s kids are planning some Solstice shenanigans, but Melissa has no idea what their hijinks might entail. She’s far too busy figuring out why an emaciated wizard was drained by a harpy, and trying to keep a young weredog out of jail. Plus, the Queen of the Faeries has promised three miracles this holiday season – and in order for those three miracles to pass, Melissa must learn to trust someone she hates.

ALL THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT.

This book just shouted HAPPY HOLIDAYS, and I loved it. All the Christmas-time vibes with some magical miracles really melted my heart.

I love that this story had quite a bit of Will in here. I’ve always loved his character and I really needed and appreciated getting more of him in this book. Especially with Melissa. The focus on forgiveness was tender and fit this story perfectly.

This really is the last story [right now?] for this series. It’s a side story that didn’t have a murder mystery this time, but a mystery all the same. We got to know more of the members of Nemo and the great work that Melissa and Miles are accomplishing for and with them.

Heartwarming and a delightful read. I’m glad I took the time to read these side stories as well. They truly only added to the whole Wayfair Witches series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Paranormal cozy mystery
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: magical, kidnapping

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Book Review: All Hallowed Out (Wayfair Witches #11) by A.A. Albright

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Length: 273 pages
Author: A.A. Albright
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: October 25th, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Halloween is coming to Riddler’s Cove. And this year, it might just last forever …

Wanda and her coven are looking forward to the holidays. Unfortunately, a dangerous spell is in the works, and in order to see it through, witches are being put to sleep or being murdered, without a clear connection between them all.

With the help of a hyperactive familiar, Wanda and the gang need to track down the novel which began it all. But with all the copies quickly disappearing, and the book’s writer in a deep sleep, their task is a difficult one. And if they can’t stop the spell in time, the world will never be the same again.

Will Berry, now imprisoned in Witchfield, might well be the only one who can help. But only if they can bring themselves to trust him …

A FITTING ENDING.

Y’all. I did it.

I read this entire series during the fall season and it fit perfectly. In addition to the book review I want to add a touch of a series review too. I just loved these characters, how within the murder mystery of each installment there were bigger pieces being moved. The sweet romance and friendships. Cute talking animals, a great setting. I can’t wait to read Albright’s other series because this is definitely a favorite. I rarely stick with and read all the books in a series in such a short time period, these continually kept me entertained.

Now to the book, I love how this ending worked out. It was fitting and gave a certain character the redemption arc I needed to see for them. The mystery had me guessing the entire way through with its twists and turns. It flew by so quickly and I’m sad it’s over!

I love Wanda. I love Max. I love Dizzy, Melissa, Wanda’s family and coven, Finn, and oh my goodness everyone. These characters continue to do what they do best and make this series what it is. A hidden gem that I will definitely continue to recommend if you’re looking for a cozy paranormal mystery.

Overall audience notes:

  • Paranormal cozy mystery
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: murder

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