4.5 stars. I couldn’t quite decide between 4 and 5. I loved that the characters were both flawed in diametrically opposite ways, and in coming together they complemented each other perfectly. I like a book that gets better as you go along, and this falls into that category. Some open threads to be solved in the books that follow which will keep me reading, but not cliffhangers that frustrate. One thing I struggled with was the character names. Authentic or not, they were distracting.

“The Garden” is an engaging read from the very start. The plot has many twists that will continue to keep the reader engrossed and curious for the conclusion. The characters are all very well drawn and the villain is hard to pinpoint, which adds more drama and curiosity for readers." - In'D Tale Magazine

I have been reading Victoria Holt books all my life, so when I needed a “goto” I reached for this one. Her Australia settings have not been among my favorites, and as I got deeper into this one, I saw how it had not withstood the test of time. i grew impatient with the heroine, and the stuck-up hero, playing games instead of talking to one another. “And if he hadn't gone to the trouble of making me jealous, I never would have realized how much I loved him.” Run, Jessica. Run as far from this self absorbed man as you can.”

NOt sure how to rate this one. Think To Kill a Mockingbird from the recluse’s viewpoint.

A buttoned up rich guy, a hot mess of a woman overcommitted to her job. He craves peace and order, she thrives on chaos. It all comes together in a fast paced read that held my interest. The one downside - abrupt transitions. POV switches that had me retracing my steps to see what I’d missed.

I am a fan of Courtney Milan historicals, so when she was handing out copies of a contemporary, I was skeptical. It took me this long to pick it up.

First, I thought it was a baseball themed book based on the title. It’s not. Its more a prince and the pauper story, with the pauper being a Chinese American girl, and Trade Me is “let’s trade lives for a month.” Ms Milan delivers on so many levels, from Tina’s history to Blake’s personality. As a rule, I’m not a fan of billionaire heroes, but she has made him so very likeable and relatable, and Tina so fractured it hurts, right up to the point where she sees herself for who she is. I very much enjoyed the ride!

When enemies collide

Absolutely loved the way Cordelia finds her way from expected behaviors to who she truly is. Fun read from start to finish.

A different take on Regency romance with both characters outside the ton. No dukes to seduce or secret governess crushes. Just two characters trying to overcome their perceived and actual reputations. Nicely done.

Love is messy

4.5 stars
Kennedy wants a perfect life, and that’s what she has. Perfect career, perfect boyfriend. And then she has an unexpected encounter in a Las Vegas elevator.

The missing half star is for familiar movie scenes that I love, but which (to my way of thinking) shouldn’t be borrowed. Loved the story, loved the resolution.