What If Love Is The Point?

I received a free electronic copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

The world saw Carlos Pena and Alexa Vega enjoying the success of their acting careers–Carlos on Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush and Alexa in the Spy Kids movies. But what they didn’t see was the question both Carlos and Alexa were asking in the midst of all that fame and fortune: What’s the point of it all anyway?

Overflowing with both laughter and honest reflections, What If Love Is the Point shares Carlos and Alexa PenaVegas’ incredible story–from the red carpet, Spy Kids movies, and Big Time Rush to Dancing with the Stars to marriage and their greatest adventure, parenthood.

Join them as they:

• Offer an inspiring window into how God builds young faith and strengthens it into lasting love
• Give insight into how to put God at the center of relationships, family, and career
• Explore why society’s expectations never fulfill our true needs
• Share ideas for resisting the hustle of today’s culture and finding true rest

Carlos and Alexa believe that following Jesus was what they were made for–and they believe it’s what you were made for too. If you find yourself asking, “Isn’t there more to life than this,” lean in to their remarkable story of tender faith, God’s persistent work, and learning why love is always the point of it all.

I don’t read very many non-fiction books and when I do, it usually takes me awhile to get through them. but I read What If Love Is The Point in only 2 days. I absolutely loved this book.

I love hearing people’s testimony. It is always such an encouragement to hear how God has worked in someone else’s life. So I really enjoyed hearing about Carlos and Alexa’s life and seeing how God has completely changed their life. This book is a huge encouragement for readers.

Betting on the Boy Next Door

I received a free electronic copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

Make one stupid bet and suddenly you’re fake dating your hot new neighbor . . . I’m a nurse moonlighting as the lead singer in a local rock band—a secret I don’t even tell my best friends and roommates. So when one of them—Ruby—gets it into her head to find me a man, I can’t explain that I really don’t have time for her matchmaking. Ruby turns it into a bet to make sure I go along with it, but it doesn’t matter. My ex taught me the most important thing about men: you can’t count on them. When Ruby picks the worst possible guy for me, I know I’ve got this in the bag. Sure, our brand-new neighbor, Josh, is hot, but he’s the privileged scion of an Austin family whose money is so old, it’s dusty. Been there, done that, and I’m not going back. The thing is, Josh isn’t easy to shake, especially not after he discovers my rock ‘n’ roll identity. With the help of a fake dating scheme, a cursing parrot, and our late-night balcony talks, I’m beginning to think he’s a risk worth taking—but is Josh just a little too good to be true?

Melanie Jacobson is back with a fun new series featuring a group of friends/roommates. I loved this book and am excited for the rest.

Normally I’m not a fan of the “bet” trope, but Melanie puts her own spin on it and I enjoyed it. This is not a harmful bet focussed on one guy e.g. “I bet you can’t get … to fall in love with you”. Instead this bet is different. Ruby bets Sami that she could find her someone to fall in love within a year. I enjoyed that there was no harm to either Sami or Josh. It was necessary to lie and there wasn’t any uneccessary miscommunication.

The banter between Josh and Sami was fantastic. There were many moments I couldn’t stop smiling and even laughed out loud. But I also loved the serious moments. The way both Josh and Sami had to grow and mature. Character growth is always a favourite of mine.

I am sure you are going to love this book as much as I did. I loved it so much and am already excited for the next book, which is a best-friends-brother trope, my favourite.

Objection to Love

I received a free electronic of this book. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

One thing is for sure… law school was way easier than love. September Miller has a ten-year plan for success, and it doesn’t include a personal life. So why does it hurt that her colleagues think she’s a bore and never invite her anywhere? And, more importantly, why is she enlisting her new next-door neighbor to fix that? Garrett has barely moved in but somehow he’s already caught up in helping his neighbor learn how to have fun. It’s selfless of him and has absolutely nothing to do with finding the uptight lawyer attractive. But maybe agreeing to spend every Saturday together wasn’t the best plan for either of them. September’s plans can’t be abandoned and there’s an expiration date on how long Garrett will be around. So what are they supposed to do when more than just Saturdays start to look appealing?

Oh my goodness. I absolutely loved this book. Objection to Love is the third book in Karen Thornell’s Greenbank Romances series. If you are looking for a swoony romance with a serious side, then this should be your next read.

Em and Garrett’s story was so cute. From the moment they met there was so much fun and swoony moments. This book made me laugh out loud and cry. It was also fun seeing some of the other characters I loved from the previous books.

I am sure you are going to love this book as much as I did. This book is a standalone, but I definitely recommend the rest of the series. You will not be disappointed.

Trigger Warning: Please be aware that there are mentions of in utero medical issues and surgery.

Cruise(shipped)

I received a free electronic copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

If I’m going to be stuck with anyone, at least it’s a hot fireman with that smile I can’t seem to forget. Brooks and I met three years ago when my best friend’s boyfriend held a party to propose to her in front of all their friends — in the middle of his goat farm. Yes. You heard me. His goat farm. When my eyes traveled across the driveway that night and landed on Brooks, I didn’t count to ten. I didn’t consult the saints. I took off at a casual pace, walking straight toward him. my hips swaying and my head held high. How could I not? Here in the middle of podunk Ohio stood the most captivating man I’d ever laid eyes on. There’s one small problem. Brooks fights fires in a small midwestern town. I live in Boston with my family and all the culture and opportunities a big city has to offer. So, after the best weekend of my life, I returned home, single. And I put him out of my mind–mostly. At least I tried to. But, now Brooks is here, on this cruise. And just like before, I can’t keep my eyes off him, especially when he’s singing the Ohio state theme song off-key, with hand motions, on the stage of the dueling pianos show. Or when he’s lounging by the ship’s pool in only his board shorts. Ay. Mami. Is it hot in the Caribbean, or is it just that fireman? I need to pull it together before I make the worst mistake of my life–falling in love with a man who’s committed to living a thousand miles away from me.

I have been so excited for this book. Ever since we first met Brooks and Gabriela in Town(shipped) I have been looking forward to seeing how their story played out.

This book is not your typical will they/won’t they romance. This book jumps two fee into the romance almost immediately. We get so many amazing swoony moments right from the beginning. I loved it. This book is more of a “how” will this work when we live 1000 miles away from each other.

There were so many different moments I loved. Gabriela’s family both in Puerto Rico and in Boston were a lot of fun. I also loved some of the moments on the shore trips when Brooks and Gabriela did their own thing. That’s all I’m going to say about those because you need to read them for yourself.

The seniors on the trip were also so much fun. With no context here is a quote that made me laugh.

And I figured, seein’ as my bride wasn’t gonna have a proper shower, we’d all dress like we were headin’ to the shower anyways.

Chapter 14

If that quote doesn’t make you want to read this book then maybe this one will.

Each kiss says, You surprised me. I didn’t expect you. You’re the one. And the las tkiss says the most. It says, I love you.

Chapter 17

There are so many more things to love this book. I am sure you are going to love it as much as I did. I also recommend the rest of the series. But Cruise(shipped) can be read as a standalone.

Well, now I need to go look at crusies, because this book made me want to go on one.

Royal Gone Rogue

I received a free electronic copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

“You can’t choose a wife based on a spreadsheet.”

“It’s a RUBRIC.”

“Even worse!”

With the king’s health in decline, the time is short for Crown Prince Phillip of Elsinore to choose a suitable wife. Preferably NOT one of the many titled women who seem only interested in the crown. Like the logical, responsible man he is, Phillip treats this task the way he does everything else–analytically, with measurable data points. Leaving Elsinore in secret, Phillip travels to a tiny Italian village to meet the woman best matching his qualifications. The plan is to present Alessia with a proposal of marriage and return to the palace before anyone notices his absence. What he didn’t plan for: FEELINGS. His–almost immediate, gut-punching attraction like he’s never felt. Hers–seeming dislike and distrust like he’s never experienced. Phillip’s very practical plan has been replaced with a new one: to stay on and win Alessia’s affection at any cost. Even if the cost is walking away from the crown …

Ahhh!!! I have been so excited for this book and it did not disappoint. Royal Gone Rogue was amazing and is definitely in the running for my favourite book of the year (yes, I know it is only February, but it was that good).

Phillip and Alessia were so much fun. You could feel the sparks flying off the page. I loved how Alessia was able to bring out a more “human” side of Phillip and lmake him just change all of his plans.

Probably my favourite characters, of course, were the nonnas. I can just imagine these three old men with completely different personalities, raising and loving Alessia and continuing to meddle. There are so many moments including Enzo, Sal and Gianni that made me laugh, cry and just thoroughly enjoy.

It was also fun to see some of the characters we love from Royally Rearranged as well as a quick mention of our own Doctor Love – Sam.

This is a fantastic book with Cinderella and The Prince and Me vibes filled with hilarious language blunders, Sean Astin references, The Princess Bride and so much more.

If I haven’t already convinced you to read this book maybe some of the following quotes will help.

“It is quick, yes, but it it is the start of love. It does not come in only one speed.” – Chapter 7

“Any man who makes you come alive is a man I like. Too long, you have been in the shadows. He is worthy of you,” – Chapter 8

“This is dish talk. Not sexy talk. There’s not even a hint of double entrendre I can pick up on with his words. But the delivery!” – Chapter 9

“You are reason enough to stay” – Chapter 11

“You want me? Then you better want my curves.” – Chapter 12

“We were lost without you. And not just because you’re the crown prince. Because you’re you.” – Chapter 21

“My older brother will always struggle to turn off the logical side of his brain, but he’s better with you. You are his heart.” – Chapter 26

Love on the Heart

I received a free electronic copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

Jack returns to Crane’s Cove with a secret that will change everything. She thought he was her soulmate—then he left, crushing her hopes for a future together. Molly Crane’s divorce was incredibly painful—a pain so deep she’s gone to great lengths to protect her heart. But there was something different about the Cliff Walk Resort’s spring hire, and she allowed herself to fall for him. Then he left without a word, breaking her heart all over again. Her family and building her event-planning business give her the stability she needs—until Jack returns, shaking her life to its foundation. Jack Dalton, an executive protection specialist and Special Forces veteran, made a big mistake leaving Molly behind. He has the courage to face any enemy, but telling the full truth about his life to a woman with grief equal to his own scared him. He’s finally ready to face his feelings and win her back, unless danger and her own fears get in his way. Meeting again as the magic of the holidays lights up Crane’s Cove, they can’t deny their chemistry is as intense as ever. But Jack still has a big secret, and he’s already broken her trust once before. Can they overcome their heartaches to trust in each other and face the future together? Or will their pasts—and a terrifying threat from Jack’s former life—destroy their love before it has a chance to blossom again?

Love on the Heart is the 5th book in Kerry Evelyn’s Crane’s Cove series. I have loved all of the books in this series and this one is no exception.

This is not a slow burn. Because the characters already knew each other and had been in a relationship before the book began, their feelings were already there. This book was more about forgiveness, personal growth and seeing what the future would bring.

There was so much happening in this book. So if you love romance, a little bit of suspense, a whole lot of character growth, a bit of Christmas, a cute, precocious boy with a disability and a bit of faith, then this is a book you are going to enjoy.

I definitely recommend the rest of the series as well, but Love on the Heart can be read as a standalone.

Cold Light of Day

I received a free electronic copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community. Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are–to disappear–when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he’s not sure even Autumn could save him. As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.

If you are looking for a great suspense read with a bit of romance, then I am sure you will enjoy this book. It is always fun when a book is set in a place you’ve never been. It’s not often I read books set in Alaska, so I enjoyed a new scenery.

This book is full of twists and turns and surprises. I enjoyed the way it was written because you never really knew who the bad guys were, who they were after or why

I always enjoy Elizabeth Goddard’s books and I am sure you will too. This book is the first in her new series, so read it now so you don’t get behind on the series.

Almost True

I received a free electronic copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

A chance encounter with Madeline Reynolds left me longing for a person I hardly knew. In fact, I didn’t even know her last name or who she was. Call me an idiot, but I had no idea she was a big deal CEO or record-breaking businesswoman. Maybe that came from living the widowed single-dad life and working myself into the ground. She’d hooked my ruined heart, and even when I find out who she is and know she’s out of my league, I can’t help wanting her. I can’t help doing anything she asks me, even if it makes me a fool. I take the job landscaping her vacation home even though it’ll put me in her path constantly when I know I should stay away. I can’t help hoping that when she leaves—and make no mistake, she will—that she’ll at least remember me. I know I’ll never forget her.

I have loved the Back to Silver Ridge series and was excited for Almost True.

I loved the chance encounter/first date meet-cute. This was such a unique idea and I loved that the whole meet-cute was descrribed, it wasn’t just a sentence or two. It really made me love and root for the characters more.

I also loved seeing so many of the characters from Claire’s books. Many from the Back to Silver Ridge series as well as others from her Silver Ridge Resort series and Soliders Overseas Romance series. I am ashamed to say that it took me way to long to make the connection of who Maddie’s brother was.

If you are looking for a fantastic closed door romance book with a widowed father, an extremely intelligent and lovable preteen, character growth and a whole lot of swoonworthy moments, you are going to love this book. You don’t need to read the rest of the series to enjoy this book, but I am sure you aren’t going to be able to leave these characters without wanting to read more.

Sundown

I received a free electronic version of this book in exchange for my honest review

Synopsis

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn’t trust Tae, the woman who is caring for his ailing father at Sky King Ranch. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, he can tell there is a troubled–and smart–woman. A few of her stories prove true–he’s found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her story of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets. But Colt’s not about to let her go it alone. And when they discover that her secrets include the antidote to a plague that threatens the world, it’ll take all three Kingston brothers to save the country they’ve vowed to protect.

Sundown by Susan May Warren is the thrilling conclusion to the Sky King Ranch series. If you have read the rest of the series I am sure you going to enjoy how the series ends.

This action packed story is full of adventure sprinkled with romance. I loved the growth of Tae and Colt and they way they had to come to terms with their past in order to embrace the future. It was also a great reminder that no matter what God is always there for you.

I loved the glimpses into the lives of the rest of the Kingston family. If you’ve read other Susan May Warren books you would also recognise some of the other well loved characters including Ham, Ford, Scarlett, Orion and more.

You could read this book as a standalone, but I think it would be very confusing as the characters and some aspects of the storyline start in the previous books.

If you love adventure, action and a bit of romance I am sure you are going to love this book. I can’t wait to see what is next from Susan May Warren.