Witch Please (Fix-It Witches #1) by Ann Aguirre

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Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls in this adorable witchy rom-com with:

• A bisexual virgin baker with a curse
• A witch looking to avoid romantic entanglements
• And a chemistry between them that causes literal sparks

Danica Waterhouse is a fully modern witch—daughter, granddaughter, cousin, and co-owner of the Fix-It Witches, a magical tech repair shop. After a messy breakup that included way too much family “feedback,” Danica made a pact with her cousin: they’ll keep their hearts protected and have fun, without involving any of the overly opinionated Waterhouse matriarchs. Danica is more than a little exhausted navigating a long-standing family feud where Gram thinks the only good mundane is a dead one and Danica’s mother weaves floral crowns for anyone who crosses her path.

Three blocks down from the Fix-It Witches, Titus Winnaker, owner of Sugar Daddy’s bakery, has family trouble of his own. After a tragic loss, all he’s got left is his sister, the bakery, and a lifetime of terrible luck in love. Sure, business is sweet, but he can’t seem to shake the romantic curse that’s left him past thirty and still a virgin. He’s decided he’s doomed to be forever alone.

Until he meets Danica Waterhouse. The sparks are instant, their attraction irresistible. For him, she’s the one. To her, he’s a firebomb thrown in the middle of a family war. Can a modern witch find love with an old-fashioned mundane who refuses to settle for anything less than forever?

Source: borrowed from HooplaAudio

Witch Please started off well. It seemed to live up to its clever, cutesy title. Danica and Titus seemed like the classic rom-com couple that readers and viewers always adore, and it was all going swimmingly until...until several details popped up that made the story not so great overall.

As the blurb suggests, Danica and Titus are both looking for love, though they have differing requisites for their long-term relationships. Danica needs to end up with a fellow witch to appease her grandmother and continue their witchy legacy. Titus just wants to be with someone who actually wants to be with him wholeheartedly. Commitment has always eluded him and he has this debilitating tendency to fall head first for any person. It feels so right and so different with Danica, whereas all she wants is a quick fling with a non-witch before she agrees to her grandmother's terms. I was okay with this setup because forbidden love is kind of sexy, but then it veered into an unpleasant direction.

Danica's grandmother is distrustful of humans. History has treated woman and witches badly. However, her distrust is full on bigotry when you get further into the story, and she uses it to manipulate Danica and her cousin, Clem. She'd previously shut out Danica's mother because she married a non-witch, a big no-no, so she's willing to do the same to Danica. Clem also goes along with the grandmother and is outright hostile and unsupportive of Danica's relationship with Titus. The part that's frustrating is that Danica can see her grandmother's unreasonable and unfair behavior. She sees it towards non-witches, she see how her grandmother treats her mother, yet she doesn't say anything. She and her cousin are so indoctrinated that they simply accept their grandmother's bullying. Danica spends most of the story worrying about pissing off her grandmother instead of confronting her. It was incredibly annoying.

Another plot detail that was horrifying - and I'm sorry but this is a spoiler - is that Titus' unfortunate love life is because of a curse that was placed on him by Danica's mother. Her mother had simply arranged for Danica's true love to never be able to connect with anyone so that he'd only be available to Danica when the time was right. It was her way of providing a happy outcome for her and to counteract the  grandmother's meddlesome ways. WHAT??? NO!!!!! This is not romantic in the least. Instead it's manipulative and just so WRONG! Rather than up to her own mother, she took the coward's way out and effectively robbed Titus of his choice over his own fate. Not only was he not aware of it, he also thought that something was wrong with him. How is that remotely acceptable? This is not a fairytale of centuries past so we shouldn't have to deal in that kind of backwards scheming in a story in today's climate. Yet Danica accepts it with no qualms and reacts like it's a loving gesture. 

The one small bright spot in all this is Titus and his sister providing a home to their younger stepsister. Their parents are essentially clueless about how their kids feel left out and now shoved aside with a baby on the way.  Titus has a big heart and it was so sweet of him to create a safe, welcoming space for her. There's more involved in that bizarre family dynamic but this really was the one thing that warmed my heart in this story.

I can generally handle flawed characters and scenarios and wade through the storm with them. Do I expect my heroines to be perfect? No. But I expect some awareness or smarts. Danica's complete inaction to call out inappropriate behaviors were problematic. She didn't seem like an adult with her own mind but a child restrained and too afraid to venture outside the bubble. Even when she did finally stand up for herself she never addressed all the issues. And while she and Titus got together, I did not celebrate it because it was due to magical manipulation instead of free will. I did not find it endearing at all. Witch Please might conclude with a happy ending, it's the issues that weren't treated with any kind of gravity - the bigotry, manipulation and complacency - that make that ending unsatisfying. 

~ Bel

Uncharted (Survival Instincts #2) by Adriana Anders

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Hotshot pilot Leo Eddowes is afraid of nothing and no one. So when she's asked to evacuate a man from the wilds of Alaska, she doesn't hesitate. But with enemies in close pursuit and the weather turning sour, what should have been a simple mission quickly shifts to disaster.

And there's only one way out.

When Elias Thorne disappeared, he was America's most wanted. Now he's spent more than a decade in one of the most remote places on earth, guarding a dangerous secret. Leo's arrival, quickly followed by a team of expert hunters, leaves him no choice but to join forces with her—and run. Neither is prepared for their reluctant partnership to flare into something as wild and untamed as the frozen world around them...but as desperately cold days melt into scorchingly hot nights, Leo and Elias must learn to dig deep, trust in each other, and forge a bond as strong as the forces of nature.

Stranded together in a frozen wilderness,

There's nowhere left to run...

*Source: ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

When you pick up Uncharted you need to sit down, buckle up and settle in because once the action starts it keeps going. There's barely enough time to take in an entire breath when the next thing happens and so on.

Uncharted continues the fight or flight tension of the first book. Once again people are after the deadly virus that was first discovered in Antarctica and there are many actors in this game. So many one's not sure who's on which side. Leo doesn't begin this adventure in the best way. The little Alaskan town she and her team have been hiding out in while searching for an elusive scientist is suddenly taken hostage by an armed group working for a nefarious organization. Not good when she's trying to get over a stomach bug. She manages to get out aided by a local who insists that she help her find her nephew and save him from the danger that's coming. Leo, who's a skilled pilot is still shot down and Elias, the guy she was sent by the local to look for, comes to her rescue. It's touch and go for a bit because she's badly injured, in and out of consciousness and that only slows down their escape. In her lucid moments she tries to figure out if Elias can be trusted and/or of he's the guy she and her team have been looking for. When the hunters get close, the chase is pretty much nonstop from there. And it only gets more harrowing in the rough Alaskan wilderness. 

This was a blast to read! I needed a change of pace and this was definitely it. It's suspenseful and thrilling, and when Leo and Elias decide they can trust each other, it only becomes more intense. A lot of their attraction and chemistry comes from the situation they find themselves in, but they also make sense. They compliment each other beautifully in terms of attitude and grit. Elias has been hiding out in the wilderness for so long that he needs for someone to be able to handle that, too. Leo has just as much grit as he does. The big surprise for me was how much I ended up liking a certain hunter - Ash. His role in everything is not exactly clear but boy, oh boy, does he have the stealthy bad boy vibe down. Combined with an English accent and he is freaking sexy to me. I must know more about this mysterious operative. 

Uncharted is ceaseless high-octane fun with tender and steamy interludes thrown in. There's also a a dog (Bo), and who doesn't love a human's best friend that's in on the adventure and looking out for them? I had an awesome time reading this and I'm excited for more to come!

~ Bel

Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker

* * 1/2

Single and proud of it! Oh, oops...

As a Certified Professional Organizer, everything in Paige Parker's world is as it should be. Perfect apartment, perfect office, perfect life. And now, the perfect vacation planned to honor Singles Day. After all, what's better than celebrating her pride in being single? Because who needs a man anyway? They have zero taste in quality television, leave the toilet seat up, and sleep with your best friend. No thanks. Her life is fine just the way it is.

As the owner of a now-dormant bed & breakfast, Lucas Croft's life is simple and quiet. It's only him and his five-year-old daughter, which is just the way he likes it. Because who needs a woman anyway? They nag you to clean up your stuff, want the toilet seat put down, and expect the dishes to be done the same day the meal is cooked. No thanks. His life is fine just the way it is.

But when Paige books a room that Lucas' well-intentioned sister listed without his knowledge, their two worlds collide. If they can survive the week together, they just might discover exactly what they've both been missing.

Source: library; Hoopla ebook

Paige books an impromptu vacation at the behest of her assistant who thinks that she desperately needs the break. She arrives at the bed and breakfast and it is not as advertised. Uh oh. 

Lucas is hostile towards Paige and treats her as an intruder even though she's a paying guest and he knew perfectly well that she'd be arriving. Okay yes, his sister Sophie went behind his back to post his B&B's listing but that's hardly Paige's fault. There's no way for her to turn around and hightail it out of there because, of course there'd be some massive storm that would ground all ferries to and from the mainland. We're clued in on the fact that Lucas is a widower who's still grieving his loss and has no heart to open up the B&B that was his wife's dream. But somehow these next few days of forced proximity forces Lucas and Paige to play nice and tolerate each other. One thing leads to another and then things get pretty steamy between them. Their bubble has to end eventually when she has to return to her life and he to his.

I was so prepared to love this story but I had a hard time buying in to her and Lucas as an item; and I generally like this trope. This might be kind of a spoiler but he was so hesitant to get involved with another woman let alone fall in love, then his change in attitude happened overnight because of a dream. The change was instantaneous and his intensity about getting with Paige threw me off.  Not to mention he has a five year-old he's so protective of, so while it's too early to put a label to it, the reality is that Paige is only a passing visitor and his life is on the island raising his daughter. I feel like that was entirely glossed over. Then there's the ending which perplexed me. Once again, without spoiling it, it involves a drastic life change and the grandest of gestures which felt so presumptive and risky. It all felt too much, too sudden because I didn't get a good sense of how much time had lapsed nor did I get the sense that they had been in touch since she left the island after her one-week stay. I think it needed just a little more of what happened in between. Filling in those gaps would show how the relationship developed and help make sense of the ending. At least that's what I wish for.

There are pieces of the story that I did enjoy, like Paige. She's so smart, self-assured and a kindhearted person. I was amused by her friendship with her assistant. I also like Sophie who's spunky. By the way, she owns a bookstore which is in an old fire station so that automatically makes her pretty awesome. Lucas' daughter Maddie was cute, though as with a lot of toddlers written into romances I was skeptical. Having been through 3 kids myself no amount of suspension of disbelief can make me think a child is that well-behaved, LOL. As for Lucas... I just never warmed up to him after his rude behavior at the beginning, and he'd make some offhanded remarks that rubbed me the wrong way.

I've liked what I've previously read from Walker and I did like the idea of Happy Singles Day  but in the end this was a miss for me.

~ Bel

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

* * * * *

Wanted:
One (fake) boyfriend
Practically perfect in every way

Luc O'Donnell is tangentially--and reluctantly--famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.

To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship...and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he's never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.

But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that's when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don't ever want to let them go.

Source: ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

I've been sort of done with the whole "fake relationship" trope. That is until I found out Alexis Hall was releasing Boyfriend Material and well, you know how you tend to make exceptions for authors you like/trust? I made that exception here and let me tell you, I am IN LOVE with Boyfriend Material!!

via GIPHY

Boyfriend Material's charm has everything to do with Hall's writing. I honestly love the way he writes and phrases things and emotions and moments. Oftentimes they're amusing anecdotes and other times they're absolute gems of clarity. In Luc and Oliver, I also saw a little bit of me. Who hasn't gone through that insecure feeling that they're not worthy of love and attention? When that kindness is directed at Luc and Oliver, it's almost an alien-like feeling. Luc has learned to be super protective about himself and is highly cynical of new friendships or attention because he's been a magnet for the gossip rags. Thanks to the antics of his famous parents, and especially his neglectful father, Luc's been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. When that spotlight threatens his job he has to find a way to clean up his image. The problem is solved somewhat when his best friend hooks him up with Oliver, a lawyer whose pedigree and refined mannerisms are the exact opposite of Luc's. But since they both could use some help with their love life, they go for it - fake dating to appease Luc's employer and Oliver's family. 

What makes this story standout for me aside from the writing is how Luc and Oliver's characters are developed. Relationship-averse Luc almost self-sabotages their arrangement a few times but it's Oliver who redirects with kindness and reassurance. In fact, I was so blown away by how he helped Luc through his more neurotic moments that I might have gotten a little jealous of Luc. Then when the table is turned and Luc is the one providing all the support and encouragement to Oliver ... it's just remarkable how much growth took place for him to even venture outside of his comfort zone to be a friend to Oliver in return. 

I've been anxious lately about a number of things so I savoured every single second I had reading Boyfriend Material. It was an entirely delightful escape that gave me several moments of laugh out loud joy. I appreciated Luc's self-deprecating humour, I loved Oliver's dry retorts to Luc's silliness. They balanced each other so well and I definitely liked how their relationship gradually deepened. I also enjoyed all the quirky side characters. They just own their quirkiness. I giggled through any scene where Luc interacted with his somewhat dimwitted co-workers because they were so far out there it was hard not to love them. 

It's truly intimidating to write a review after reading something so perfect so I hope it's sufficient to say that Boyfriend Material is one of my favourites of 2020. Top 5, for sure! It was also educational because it taught me what 'versimilitude' is 😉 And I do believe that this will be a comfort read for me, one I revisit for its amusing and enigmatic personalities, and its happily ever after!

~ Bel

Starbreaker (Endeavor #2) by Amanda Bouchet

* * * * *

THEY NEVER WANTED TO BE HEROES

Captain Tess Bailey and Shade Ganavan are still the galaxy's Most Wanted, and with revolution in the wind and the universe on the brink of catastrophic war, the situation couldn't be more desperate. Despite the Dark Watch scouring the known sectors for them, rebel leaders have handed the crew of the Endeavor a delicate and dangerous mission: break into Starbase 12 and free renowned scientist Reena Ahern. She's the only one who stands a chance of tipping the odds in their favor for the first time in decades.

BUT PULLING OFF THE IMPOSSIBLE IS WHAT THEY DO BEST

The clock is ticking. But as their attraction builds and secrets are revealed, Tess and Shade must decide if they trust each other enough to execute this impossible prison break. They could change the course of history, but they'll be risking everything... They'll just have to tackle one crisis at a time.

Source: advance e-galled provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

It seems as if during these days (and months) of shelter-in-place our only hope for thrill-seeking is to seek it out in books. What could be so perfect at removing us from our own reality to the outer edges of the galaxy than the much-awaited Starbreaker!

Tess, Shade and the gang are barely recovered from their previous adventure in Nightchaser when they are recruited for their next mission. They'd essentially be organizing a jailbreak out of one of the most tightly guarded locations in the galaxy while also delivering life-saving supplies to those who need it. Tess is used to high stakes missions but Shade is the newcomer here. He now not only gets to see the risk Tess and her crew take on but he gets to participate as well. All this as he and Tess are trying to navigate their new relationship. Both are still a bit out of practice when it comes to full on trust or even believing that they might be enough for each other. They definitely grapple with their insecurities especially when faced with what they want out of their future.

The new lovebirds also have to contend with the bad guys aka Uncle Nate chasing after them. We have an unexpected turn of events here so let's say that not everything is at it looks and no one is more astounded than Tess. With newfound revelations and possibly new allies it looks like nothing can stop Tess and her team from dismantling her father's tyrannical Dark Watch regime. 

There were some new details that I caught onto in Starbreaker, one of them being the wistful memories of an Earth that's long since ceased to exist in the way it was. Quite a few times mention is made of creatures, colours or life that's associated with Earth, though no one has any firsthand experience of those things. It's kind of sad, really, people holding onto an existence that's no longer theirs but they're somber little touches, reminders of fragility and more importantly, humanity.

Sci-fi is not generally in my wheelhouse but in this case I'm here because I'm a fan of Bouchet's. Whether she's building a world in space or in a mythical land, she weaves incredible stories that you can sink your teeth into. If you're itching for non-stop, gripping adventure right now then you have to read Starbreaker. You can barely catch your breath before the next action begins. Tess continues to be a dominant leader, fighter, mother figure, friend, and now lover as well. She's inspiring Shade to be a better version of himself and encouraging her crew to open up, too. This is probably her most challenging time yet, personally as she faces a bit of an existential crisis. Being someone who has always viewed things in terms of good versus evil, she's now confronted with the possibility that grey areas do exist, and that they can prove to be even more difficult that picking a side.

Starbreaker is a brilliant adventure that takes you on a ride through the highs and lows of love, the dangers of outlaw life, and affirmation that a good leader with altruist intentions can bring about change.

~ Bel

Whiteout (Survival Instincts #1) by Adriana Anders

* * * * *

Angel Smith is ready to leave Antarctica for a second chance at life. But on what was meant to be her final day, the research station is attacked. Hunted and scared, she and glaciologist Ford Cooper barely make it out with their lives…only to realize that in a place this remote, there's nowhere left to run.

Isolated in the middle of a long, frozen winter with a madman at their heels, they must fight to survive in the most inhospitable—and beautiful—place on earth. But the outside world depends on what Ford and Angel know and, as their pursuers close in and their new partnership burns bright and hot, they will stop at nothing to make it out of the cold alive.

Source: advance e-galley provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review


As someone who does not like the cold or enjoy winter I cannot think of a more nightmarish scenario - being stuck on a hostile, frozen continent with a bunch of bad guys after you. No, thank you. But I'll happily read about it if it's an Adriana Anders book!

After witnessing a gruesome murder, Angel, originally set to depart from Antarctica after her months-long stint as the cook - a role she fulfilled with purpose - misses her flight and becomes the prey. Not only did she witness the murder, she also got away with what the murderers were after: vials containing a deadly virus that was collected by scientist, Ford Cooper aka Coop. Angel hasn't had much contact with him as he prefers to be out in the harsh elements alone with his scientific equipment than seek the company of people. But she knows he is her only salvation at this point even if he's barely said two words to her or looked at her the entire time she's been there. Coop knows something is definitely wrong when he finds traces of abandoned and broken equipment out in the elements but no signs of one of his fellow researchers. When he returns to his research station, he knows something is definitely amiss, and once he runs into Angel, all his suspicions are confirmed. They need to seek out safety by travelling to a distant Russian research station that's over 300 miles away. The vehicle they travel in doesn't take them far and then the rest of the perilous journey has to be taken on foot, or skis rather, while lugging equipment, food and those much sought-after vials. Keeping them out of the wrong hands is imperative. 

It's hard to decide which is worse, the mercenaries they're escaping from or the hostile weather environment they're in. In some ways, the weather is an unlikely ally by grounding planes or decreasing visibility. Surviving in it is a different story completely. I was surprised by Angel's grit just as she was. She came to Antarctica to distract herself from what she lost or left behind. She didn't expect to find this extraordinary version of herself who's willing to push the limits of her mind, body and endurance to protect something that could destroy the world. Every mile walked is a mile conquered but comes with unforeseen dangers. Coop knows what's out there. This is his life and he thrives in these elements. He's used to it but to be responsible for someone who never sought this out is something entirely alien to him. Angel tests his fierce discipline. He's someone who prefers solace because he can't handle excess stimulus and Angel has always been more than his senses could take. Now here in the middle of nowhere he employs his knowledge of this inhospitable landscape and his instincts to keep them both alive. What he doesn't anticipate is Angel's proximity to chisel away at his tough exterior. Fully aware of what's at stake, she astounds him with her determination and unwillingness to give up. Thankfully Anders can always be counted out to increase the heat factor between her heroes and heroines. If forced proximity is your jam, then you'll feast off of this literal life and death situation where the tension is amped up all the way to 11. There's nowhere to go to hide from it.

Whiteout is high-octane adventure with numerous twists and turns that propel the action the entire time. Even in the downtime there's that heady feeling of anything can happen in a split second. Antarctica is the other main character in the book, ambivalent towards everyone but a major player in what is to come. If it's not the imminent evil chasing after them, it's the hazardous conditions, depleting rations, and unexpected dangers that could do them in. Then there are additional POVs adding another sinister element to the overall story. The evil mastermind has a heartbreaking motivation behind their nefarious plans which blurs all moral lines. 

I couldn't read Whiteout fast enough and I had to contain my own anxiety for Angel and Coop which was spiking all over the place! Anders is a sensational writer for letting her characters get under your skin and deep into your veins. The ending which promises of a happily ever after is shattered by a cliffhanger that left me startled and excited. If this is how the first book went, I can't even begin to imagine how much more high stakes and crazy it will get in the next one!

~ Bel

The One For You (The Ones Who Got Away #4) by Roni Loren

* * * *

The highly-anticipated fourth book in Roni Loren's unforgettable The Ones Who Got Away series.

She got a second chance at life.
Will she take a second chance at love?

Kincaid Breslin wasn't supposed to survive that fateful night at Long Acre when so many died, including her boyfriend—but survive she did. She doesn't know why she got that chance, but now she takes life by the horns and doesn't let anybody stand in her way

Ashton Isaacs was her best friend when disaster struck all those years ago, but he chose to run as far away as he could. Now fate has brought him back to town, and Ash doesn't know how to cope with his feelings for Kincaid and his grief over their lost friendship. For Ash has been carrying secrets, and he knows that once Kincaid learns the truth, he'll lose any chance he might have had with the only woman he's ever loved.

Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review


It seems almost weird to be such an avid fan of this series that follows the lives of four friends years after they survived a school shooting. Weird because it's a god-awful event that brought these people together, otherwise they might not have ever crossed paths. The friendships that sprouted from that brought hope and love into their lives, and the strongest of bonds that'll stand up to any challenge.

Kincaid and Ashton are both survivors. Best friends in high school with Aston nursing the biggest crush on Kincaid but never coming forward with his feelings. Things changed dramatically after that night and later when Ashton couldn't take it anymore, he moved away. Kincaid always felt that he left her behind so she had to heal and get on with life on her own without her most trusted friend by her side. Now that he's moved back to Long Acre temporarily after a break up and to write his next book, they have to make peace and get along. Ashton still loves her but Kincaid has been in love with a ghost this entire time - her boyfriend who died in the shooting. That's always stood between them. But now that they're older, and Ashton is not as timid about expressing his feelings, he's willing to let it all out there even if he hasn't quite figured out the rest of his plans.

I loved that these two had a friendship before this. They clearly got each other and had fun. Their reunion may be uncomfortable for a bit but at least they're working through it. I like that there is communication between them instead of waiting for a good portion of the book for them to be honest about their feelings. Kincaid, for all her bravado and upbeat personality hides her insecurities well which is obviously harder to do when Ashton knows her best and knows how her family history affects her. And Kincaid knows why, other than the shooting, that it's hard for Ashton to come home. The toughest part of this unexpected reunion is that they finally have to confront certain truths about that dreaded night. They have to separate fact from fiction which is painful but necessary if they are to repair and rebuild their relationship. 

The reason this series is so powerful to me is because it looks at what the survivors go through years after a shooting. The repercussions don't go away with thoughts and prayers. They are intrinsically tied to that event forever and it's hard to carve out an identity away from that, something that Kincaid, Ashton and the town of Long Acre know too well. Long Acre is still perceived as a morbid tourist destination attracting spectators rather than investors, and its town folk have to figure out how to re-brand itself, so to speak.

I knew The One for You was the last book but I was surprised by how I was not ready for it to end. I actually had to read the epilogue twice to accept it. I also had to wipe away a tear after that. Kincaid, Bec, Taryn and Liv thought they were alone after their tragedy but together the found friendship and unending support. The epilogue was so satisfying for me because they each got their happily ever after and that's the most you can wish for someone who's thriving after overcoming the worst. 

~ Bel

The Ones Who Got Away Series Sale & Giveaway!

This amazing sale is happening now through October 8th!

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Amazon     I     B&N     I     Indiebound     I     Apple     I     Kobo     I     BAM

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GIVEAWAY!

Enter to win an advance reader's copy of The One For You (on sale December 31st) and other goodies to provide a cozy reading experience! Enter here! 

More about The One For You: 

The highly-anticipated fourth book in Roni Loren’s unforgettable The Ones Who Got Away series.

She got a second chance at life.
Will she take a second chance at love?

Kincaid Breslin wasn’t supposed to survive that fateful night at Long Acre when so many died, including her boyfriend—but survive she did. She doesn’t know why she got that chance, but now she takes life by the horns and doesn’t let anybody stand in her way

Ashton Isaacs was her best friend when disaster struck all those years ago, but he chose to run as far away as he could. Now fate has brought him back to town, and Ash doesn’t know how to cope with his feelings for Kincaid and his grief over their lost friendship. For Ash has been carrying secrets, and he knows that once Kincaid learns the truth, he’ll lose any chance he might have had with the only woman he’s ever loved

Click here for more information on The One For You

Crazy Cupid Love (Let's Get Mythical #1) by Amanda Heger

* * * 1/2

Eliza Herman has spent years avoiding her calling as a Descendant of Eros. After all, happily-ever-afters are a myth. But when a family crisis requires her to fill in at her family's Cupid-for-hire shop, Eliza finds herself enchanting couples under the watchful eye of her mentor, Jake Sanders.

After Eliza accidentally enchants Jake instead, they set rules to keep his arrow-struck desire at bay. But some rules are meant to be broken, and before long Eliza is rethinking her stance on true love...until they discover a conspiracy that could destroy thousands of relationships--including their own.

Source: purchased

Eliza has come to accept that she's a bungling cupid, and she's tried for the most part to stay away from the family business. They're cupids for hire if you need to introduce a little romantic sizzle into your life. So why is she staying away? Because she's kind of a liability. She's so accident-prone that the wrong move would literally mess up a job and could have someone declaring their undying love for her for weeks. Her clumsiness is demonstrated within the first few chapters reiterating the fact that she's better off doing something else. However, when her father suffers a heart attack and her twin brother Elijah (seriously, Eliza and Elijah, so cute and so confusing) needs help running the business, she reluctantly steps in. She gets a little help from Jake, her friend since forever who's also been her eternal crush for just as long. Jake coming on board is a good thing because he knows Eliza best and can guide her. At the same time, his presence makes her all wobbly inside. 

Part of Eliza's problem is confidence. She's severely lacking in it and it isn't helped by her mother's random comments and nitpicking. But Eliza's devotion to her father pushes her beyond her comfort zone to work past the mental blocks she's erected in her mind. With Jake encouraging her it should be a breeze, but no. The few enchantments that she's cast for clients initially work well. Then something goes horribly wrong with each of them. At first she thinks she's botched the jobs but after further investigation she and Jake suspect something sinister's afoot. 

I usually have issues with characters who are "clumsy" because it feels like a lot of the examples wind up being gratuitous which in turn make me annoyed and embarrassed for the character. I was so relieved when that gradually abated and Eliza got to shine and show what a smart and talented person she is. She's such a genuine sweetheart who'd love to give the world to anyone. There are also tons of laugh-out-loud instances that had me in giggling fits. A prime example of the humor and how much fun Heger had with the book: a governing entity named "The Department of Affection, Seduction and Shellfish", or as the author pointed out to me, The Department of A.S.S. Tell me that doesn't make you laugh!

While Eliza's spells going haywire is a predictable part of the plotline, Heger's addition of quirky clients and their bizarre problems keeps things unusual and interesting, as does the mystery that pops up halfway through. I had so much fun reading this and think this goofy, joyous read makes it perfect for your summer reading list.

~ Bel

The One You Fight For (The Ones Who Got Away #3) by Roni Loren

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How hard would you fight for the one you love? 

Taryn Landry was there that awful night fourteen years ago when Long Acre changed from the name of a town to the title of a national tragedy. Everyone knows she lost her younger sister. No one knows it was her fault. Since then, psychology professor Taryn has dedicated her life's work to preventing something like that from ever happening again. Falling in love was never part of the plan...

Shaw Miller has spent more than a decade dealing with the fallout of his brother's horrific actions. After losing everything―his chance at Olympic gold, his family, almost his sanity―he's changed his name, his look, and he's finally starting a new life. As long as he keeps a low profile and his identity secret, everything will be okay, right?

When the world and everyone you know defines you by one catastrophic tragedy...

How do you find your happy ending?

Source: advance e-galley provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review


The One You Fight For follows yet another survivor of the Long Acre High School shooting. Taryn along with Liv, Finn and Rebecca from the previous books were brought back together by a documentary in which they participated. Since then we've come to know how they've coped since the shooting.

Taryn is definitely interesting because of the unique way she has chosen to move forward with her life. As a professor who has done extensive research into sociopathic behaviour she hopes to put her work to good use. Since her life was spared she wants to make sure that everything she does makes a difference and brings about positive changes. But she's always gingerly towing the line between being the dutiful daughter and letting her creative side break through. 

At the other end there's Shaw who's life was upended by the shooting because of his relation to the killer. Though he didn't pull the trigger he's carried the guilt and shame of what happened. His life fell apart and his future took on a far different trajectory than what he was destined for. He moved away for a while to escape all the unwanted attention and was convinced to come back to Austin to start up a business. 

This isn't necessarily a case of opposites attract but two people at opposite ends of the same tragedy.. Somehow Taryn and Shaw work. Honestly, I'm surprised by Taryn's ability to compartmentalize all these facts and details and look past all the ugliness that surrounds their association to each other to fight for a chance with Shaw. This is why I find her so interesting - she really is one surprise after another. There's so much working against them least of all people's reactions to their friendship. But what might drive them apart is the one thing that they have in common: that they've continued to be defined and imprisoned by this one event. Perhaps their union is the catalyst to help them recover the parts of their identity and lives that went to pieces. 

I couldn't get enough of Taryn and Shaw's chemistry but mostly it was their complicated situation that kept me tuned in. It was enough to make me fidgety. And then there's the tragedy itself that has forever marked these individuals. I'm fascinated by how Loren relays these individuals' experiences reminding us that the effects don't just stop because the horrible thing is over. They last forever, there's no escaping that and each one of these friends has dealt with it in their own manner. 

As with the first two books in this series, The One You Fight For is a highly addictive read. It overwhelms with emotion, squeezes your heart and also offers a glimmer of hope to hold onto.

~ Bel

Nightchaser (Endeavor #1) by Amanda Bouchet

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A delicious new heart-pounding romantic adventure from USA Today bestseller Amanda Bouchet!

Captain Tess Bailey and her crew of Robin Hood-like thieves are desperate and on the run. Pursued by a vicious military general who wants them dead or alive, Tess has to decide if she can trust Shade Ganavan, a tall, dark and arrogant stranger with ambiguous motivations.

Shade Ganavan had oodles of arrogance, oodles of charm, and oodles of something that made me want to kick him in the nuts.

What Tess and Shade don’t know about each other might get them killed…unless they can set aside their differences and learn to trust each other—while ignoring their off-the-charts chemistry.

Source: advance e-galley provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review


Amanda Bouchet is at the top of the list when it comes to imagination and world-building. It's what made me a fan after reading her Kingmaker Chronicles Series. Naturally I was eager to read Nightchaser and more than a little curious to see how she'd switch from Greek mythology to space and the great beyond. 

The blurb describes Tess and her ragtag crew as Robin Hood-like and it's an accurate description. Tess is a threatening figure to the Black Watch because she steals their valuable resources to give to the less fortunate. You know, your average space-roving pirate. She's fearless against them which only makes her more dangerous to them. Her capture and subsequent removal is their top priority. This time she might have taken on more than she can chew and after a harrowing and death-defying chase, winds up on another planet, Albion 5 to refuel and assess the damage done to their spacecraft. Thinking she's undetected, she also conducts some sketchy business on the side but her presence raises questions for one Shade Ganavan who has priorities of his own. Tess could be his ticket to freedom so he'd better not muck it up. And of course, he mucks it up. That's half the fun!

I ate up each and every page of Nightchaser. I couldn't get enough of it and I even felt crushed once it was over. It's adventurous, suspenseful, funny. If you're familiar with the show, Firefly then that gives you an idea of the space crew assembled on Endeavor and the loyalty and affection that binds them together. I loved Tess immediately because she is grit personified. No matter what she's been through she has this "bring it on" attitude that lets you know nothing is over until she's tried everything she can. The moral fiber at her core prevents her from simply giving up and looking the other way. She is a warrior. I also loved her and Shade together. Any couple that can banter well together gets two enthusiastic thumbs up from me. 

I did notice some similarities between this and the Kingmaker Chronicles, namely strained familial relations and an emphasis on the family you choose as opposed to the one you're born in to. Tess feels the weight of the world on her and sacrifices a lot without uttering a word about it to everyone. Shade, who's conflicted about what his role should be embodies the moral dilemma of the story. Either he can go with the status quo looking out for himself only or he can become part of the resistance. But don't think of him as the handsome hero swooping in to rescue the damsel in distress because Tessa is more than capable of taking care of herself. For Tessa, it's about learning to trust someone outside of her tight crew and you know how dysfunctional families lead to trust issues.

Nightchaser was a blast and I can't wait to read more in the Endeavor series!

~ Bel

Never Let Me Fall Tour

Welcome to the NEVER LET ME FALL Blog Tour!

“Dark and delicious.”—KERRELYN SPARKS, New York Times bestselling author, for Race the Darkness

Seeing is believing…

Thomas Brown can’t see color, but he can see people’s true souls. His abilities allow him to work with criminal investigators and deliver justice to families of the wronged. And he’s starting to accept that his life will forever be in black and white…

Then he encounters Helena Grayse, and everything changes. She brings vibrant color to his world, and he brings acceptance and belief to hers. But Helena’s past is quickly catching up with her, and Thomas is in the crosshairs.

As an enemy hidden in plain sight threatens their every move, they’ll have to rely on their love to beat the darkness.

What People Are Saying About Abbie Roads

“A dark and intense romance that pulls no punches and offers plenty of mind-bending twists.”

—RT Book Reviews for Hunt the Dawn, 4 Stars

“A haunting story about love, redemption, overcoming the past, and acceptance.”

—Harlequin Junkie for Saving Mercy

“Roads blends high-action romantic suspense with the paranormal to tell a love story.” 

—Booklist for Race the Darkness

Amazon     I     B&N     I     Apple     I     Indie Bound

Excerpt

She’d loved Rory the way any naive girl could love a boy. Their relationship had been a sweet exploration for both of them. It hadn’t been complicated or difficult. It had been nice and easy and, for her, different. He had been her first in so many ways. Her first boyfriend. Her first lover. Her first heartbreak.

“Oh, Rory.” She whispered the words—not quite ready to let the world have the full volume of her voice. “Everything was so normal one moment, then the next you were dead and everyone blamed me.” The situation had been horrible all around, but one thing had made it even worse for her—knowing that someone had killed Rory and gotten away with it. She wanted to promise him that she’d find his real killer. But she didn’t make promises she couldn’t keep.

No tears came for Rory. Just as she’d had none for her grandparents when she’d visited their graves, minutes ago. The only thing she felt was regret that so many people’s lives had been shattered. Rory’s. His mother’s. Her grandparents’.

She tore her gaze away from the gravestone and the pain it represented.

A man stood no more than fifty feet from her. Tall and… Strong came to mind. It was more than the width of his shoulders; it was something about the set of them, as if he carried a heavy burden. His hair was so dark it rivaled the majesty of the night sky. But it was his eyes that enthralled her.

From that distance, she couldn’t see their color, but she could see kindness in them. Maybe it was the way they tilted down at the outer edges to lend a strange understanding to his expression. But then his lips moved, sliding upward, into a look of undiluted male satisfaction.

Her heart warmed under his appraisal, and the weirdest sensation came over her. It took a moment for her mind to match a word to the feeling—pleasure. She basked in the glory of his attention. Everything inside her wanted to go to him. Meet him. Talk to him. But the thought of speaking, of sharing that piece of herself that she’d kept hidden away for so many years… The mere thought terrified her. Her voice had been the only part of the past ten years that she’d retained control over.

All the warmth she got from being the center of his focus turned to ice. She wasn’t fit for public consumption. Fairson Reformatory for Women had fractured her as neatly as a broken bone. Now she needed time to heal. Oh, and that wasn’t even taking into consideration her status as a felon. As much as she wished it wasn’t true, people would judge her for the rest of her life on that murder conviction.

She couldn’t bear to look at him any longer, couldn’t bear to see him looking at her. Without any hesitation, she turned and walked away. Her legs felt gangly and awkward, as if they didn’t want to obey her bidding, but she forced her feet to keep moving.

Don’t look back. Don’t look at him. Don’t you dare.

She clenched her fists so tight they shook. A deep, throbbing ache formed in her palm where the Sister’s blade had sliced her. Exactly what she needed. She thrust her fingers wide open, stretching the injury, allowing the burning pain to vanquish all thoughts of the man.

One step and then another, she walked through the wrought-iron cemetery gates and headed out of town toward her next destination. The cold didn’t bother her. She’d planned to be outside all day and had made sure to purchase thick, warm clothing.

She followed the strip of road as it wound its way through the naked woods and low hills. Salt crunched beneath her insulated boots, the sound rhythmic and soothing. Occasionally a car passed, but for the most part she was alone. Alone was nice. Alone meant she was safe. Safe from the Sisters for the first time in ten years.

Some women spent years planning for their wedding. She’d spent the past decade planning for this day. The day she walked out of prison.

She used to fantasize about Grandma making all her favorite foods. The joy of sleeping in her own bed. But Grandma and Grandpa had died in a car accident on their way to visit her three years ago. And then she’d had to sell the house…

It’d taken a while, but she’d formulated a new idea. Visit the graves of everyone she’d lost, visit the Bear, then find a place to stay. She’d give herself one night—maybe two—to say a final goodbye to the life she used to lead and then move on. Move away from this place that represented so much pain.

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