REVIEW: Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry

Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Only a Breath Apart is another stunning YA romance from Katie McGarry. This standalone centers upon Jesse Jameson is in line to inherit the land that's been in his family for generations. He's been in love with next door neighbor, Scarlett Copeland since childhood, but he's distanced himself from her because he wanted to protect her and a dark, family secret.

Scarlett has some dark secrets of her own, namely that her overprotective father is violent, and unpredictable--physically abusing her mother with the potential for more violence to Scarlett and her younger sister. The years of mental and emotional torment have left Scarlett isolated and dreaming of graduation and hopes that college might finally be the opportunity for her to break free. She is still deeply hurt by Jesse's action their freshman year; however, following the death of his grandmother, they seem to be on a destined path toward each other. Jesse's passion is to inherit and tend the Jameson land----there's just one catch: to prove his maturity, he has to win Scarlett's approval and her father's. But when Jesse finds out that Mr. Copeland is abusing her, he must decide what truly matters most: his family's land or helping the girl he's fallen in love with.

McGarry has the knack for writing page turning YA romances which also bridge important real word issues such as abuse and trauma. The relationship between Scarlett and Jesse is honest and heartfelt while being an excellent example for the kinds of relationships young adults should aspire to build. I loved every tenderly, crafted word of this book.

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REVIEW: Consumed by J.R. Ward

Consumed by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Consumed is the type of romance thriller that fans of J.R. Ward have come to expect from this bestselling author. Not only is there scorching romance but also the building of relationships with depth and vulnerability as well as plotting an entertainingly intricate mystery. What I enjoyed most was the development of this new community of not only firefighters but characters who are family, friends and even lovers.

As co-workers, Anne and Danny have a close relationship that must be hinged on trust; however, their complicated feelings for each other make it difficult to keep personal separate from professional. All that changes during a horrific warehouse fire that will change everything for Anne and Danny. Both have to come to terms with this event before they can move forward. And it just so happens that Anne's first case as an arson investigator hits a lot closer to home that anyone would have imagined.

This novel is fun, sexy but also a well developed thriller with loads of potential for the series.

A note for readers, Danny and Anne's story really begins in the two part novella, "The Wedding From Hell', which I recommend reading before Consumed.

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REVIEW: Dance of Thieves by Mary Pearson

Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dance of Thieves is a new novel set in the Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by new young queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.

This novel is full of action, adventure, romance and betrayals. A must read for fans of Pearson's work as well as readers who enjoy Sarah J Maas and 'Furyborn' by Claire Legrand.

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REVIEW: A Brand New Ending by Jennifer Probst

Expected Publication: October 23, 2018 by Montlake Romance

Publisher's Summary:
Ophelia Bishop was a lovestruck teenage girl when she and Kyle Kimpton chased their dreams to Hollywood. Kyle’s dreams came true. Ophelia’s did not. When Kyle chose his career over their relationship, Ophelia returned home to rural New York to run the family’s B & B—wiser, and more guarded against foolish fantasies. Now Kyle has come crashing back into her life, and all her defenses are down.

Kyle can’t think of a better place to write his latest screenplay than his hometown. After all, that was where he met the heart of his inspiration—his first love. He knows the damage he’s caused Ophelia, and he wants a chance to mend their relationship. If anyone can prove to Ophelia that happy ever afters aren’t only for the movies, it should be him.

As much as Ophelia’s changed, she still has feelings for Kyle. But her heart has been broken before, and she knows that Kyle could run back to Hollywood at any time. She gave up her dreams once, but maybe she can dare to change her own love story…one last time._________________________________

The second in the Stay' series, A Brand New Ending features Ophelia and Kyle, soulmates whose youthful romance ended nearly ten years before; however, Kyle is back, determined to change the ending to their story. As teens, they kept their romance secret, eloping in Vegas, and then pursuing their dreams in California--Kyle to become a successful writer and Ophelia, a singer. 

Readers discover that Kyle had overnight success, but becoming consumed with work, he failed to recognize Ophelia's distress about not wanting to be in the spotlight.  In short, their relationship is broken, and after one too many promises is broken, Ophelia leaves, seeking the solace of her family and the B&B in New York.

With Kyle's return, Ophelia is flooded with intense emotions and a good dose of sizzling hormones. The attraction is still there, but she is scared she'll end up hurt again.  Kyle is determined to change her mind; however, their relationship is not the only part of his past that he needs to make peace with--namely his recovering, alcoholic father.

Oh, and that divorce they assumed was final ;) turns out they are still married, but will it end it bliss or unhappily ever after?

Once again, Probst delivers and engaging, character driven contemporary romance that will have reader's wanting more.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: From Here to You by Jamie McGuire

Publisher's Summary:
As Darby Dixon sits in a tiny Texas church bathroom on her wedding day holding a positive pregnancy test, she realizes that of all the bad decisions she's made in her life, marrying her abusive fiancé would be the worst. She's never been able to stand up for herself, but she'll sure as hell stand up for her baby. With just the cash she has on hand, she runs to get a bus ticket to the farthest place she can afford. Between her sheer grit and pageant-queen smile, she lands a job as a front desk clerk at the Colorado Springs Hotel. It's not a glamorous life, but she and her baby are all that matters.

A former Marine, Scott "Trex" Trexler has worked in the most dangerous, corrupt, war-torn places on earth. Now he finally has a chance to return to the last place he'd felt at peace--Colorado Springs, Colorado, to take a new job with the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, a top-secret military installation buried deep within the granite.

The moment Trex walks into the inn, Darby knows he's dangerous. There's no way she wants to get involved with another man who seems to be keeping way too many secrets. As charming and devastatingly gorgeous as Trex is, he clearly isn't telling her everything. But as wildfires rage on the mountain and Darby's ex-fiancé shows he isn't so willing to let her go, both she and Trex are soon to find out that what you don't know absolutely can hurt you.

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Loosely connected to the Maddox Brothers books by the same author, From Here to You tries hard to be a sweeping romance full of angst and too much extra plot. Unfortunately, the relationship that develops between Darby and Trex feels predictable, trite and far too rushed. From the first few chapters, it is too easy to for readers to predict the outcome--Ex beauty queen Darby, discovering she's pregnant, flees her abusive soldier fiance and lands in Colorado Springs.  Low and behold, ex Marine, ex FBI, current private government contractor, Trex appears as her knight in shining armor.

They're soulmates! But Darby can't make up her mind and tends to make some really impulsive, stupid decisions and Trex is far too enamored with her to see that things might get worse before they get better.

**SPOILER**

Reader's can see abusive Shawn's return a mile away. Darby does some stupid things that put her and her baby's lives in jeopardy but convenient that Trex and his super team of highly trained ex-soldiers can fix it.

Honestly, I wanted to like it, but the pacing was slow and reading to the end felt like work rather than escapism. A 3 out of 5 is generous since it should be more like a 2.5 out of 5.

There are similar authors like Colleen Hoover and Jay Crownover who handle the genre with more flare.

REVIEW: Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Expected Publication: September 4, 2018 from Gallery Books

Publisher's Summary:
Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right? 
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I absolutely adored everything about this! Hazel is a hoot. Free spirited and hilarious, reader's can see why she hasn't met the right guy.  Her lack of filter is refreshing.  Josh is her polar opposite. Despite their bargain to 'not date', these two are actually perfect for each other. I also appreciated that the authors chose a male protagonist who was not the stereotypical 'hot, white guy'. Part of Josh's charm and sex appeal is his Korean heritage and relationship with his family.

It is no secret that I'm a sucker for friends turned more romances and this checks all the boxes. Josh and Hazel's history plus the disastrous blind dates are hilariously entertaining!

This writing due continues to excel with great, funny, sexy relationship reads. I don't often give perfect ratings but I enjoyed every minute of this book, even laughing out loud quite a bit.  My only misgiving was that it ended far too soon.  I want more!!!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill

Publisher's Summary:

In the first thrilling installment of Chloe Neill's spinoff to the New York Times bestselling Chicagoland Vampires series, a new vampire will find out just how deep blood ties run.

As the only vampire child ever born, some believed Elisa Sullivan had all the luck. But the magic that helped bring her into the world left her with a dark secret. Shifter Connor Keene, the only son of North American Central Pack Apex Gabriel Keene, is the only one she trusts with it. But she's a vampire and the daughter of a Master and a Sentinel, and he's prince of the Pack and its future king.

When the assassination of a diplomat brings old feuds to the fore again, Elisa and Connor must choose between love and family, between honor and obligation, before Chicago disappears forever.

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As an avid fan of the Chicagoland Vampires, I was super excited about this book! First off, I definitely recommend reading the other series in full as well as book 13.5 Slaying It (a novella of an adventure during Merit's pregnancy with Elisa).

So, some twenty odd years have passed. Elisa is all grown up, so is Connor (and Catcher and Mallory's daughter Lulu). Elisa has returned to Chicago after leaving for Paris to finish school and on a quest to find herself.  As the only person ever 'born' a vampire and as Ethan and Merit's kid, it hasn't always been easy. Plus, she's never told anyone but Connor about the dark magical secret that dwells inside her. 

Neill does what she does best. She's built an intriguing narrative rife with romance, action, adventure and tension (both political and inter-species). I'm really looking forward to future books to see how the characters develop and what is in store for Chicago!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars