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novelgossip


Wow this one was unique and a totally unexpected win for me. I really didn’t have expectations going into this, I’ve never read the author before and I didn’t reread the synopsis before starting and I’m glad I didn’t honestly. I loved how quirky and fresh it was and I adored the authors writing style. There was such a great balance between Margo’s struggles as a new mom and some seriously great humor that was dark at times. Besides being a young and totally unprepared new mom Margo also had some of the most complicated and wacky relationships with basically everyone in her life. At its heart the plot is simple but somehow the author managed to infuse a world of depth and heart into the story. Margo was one of the best characters I’ve had the pleasure of reading about lately, I couldn’t help but root for her despite her sometimes beguiling naïveté, she just got to my heart. If you’re looking for something different and effortless this was excellent and will most certainly be one of my favorite reads this year. 




I always know I’m in for a delightful time when I start one of the authors books, pure sunshine and joy and this was no exception. Listening to the audio version of this was like listening to a friend tell a very entertaining story that you can’t get enough of. Patti Murin brings Emma to life, she made me laugh with her performance and during the emotional sections there is a depth to her portrayal. I always feel like the authors books are perfect for those readers who don’t tend to pick up a romance, they’re so charming and just plain fun I feel like everyone can enjoy them. 

If you’re building your summer TBR this would be a fantastic addition! It’s fast paced and begs to be read in one sitting, it’s addictive and has some high stakes for the characters and its set in Paris, so if you can’t make the trip there for your own vacation you can at least see the sights from the pages of this one. The author does domestic suspense really well and I enjoyed her vacation spin this time around. The idea of a dream trip turned nightmare was fascinating and I felt for Stella as she tried to navigate the mess her husband created on foreign soil which added another layer of tension and anxiety. Not all of the surprises were true surprise for me but this was still really fun and enjoyable for me.

This is the second book in a series and while I liked the first book, I loved this one. Part of what I love so much about small town romance is that sense of a strong community as the series progresses and the author did such a great job at giving me that feeling with this book. Bitterroot Valley sounds dreamy and quaint with a gorgeous Montana setting and residents who look out for each other. Summer and Chase were adorable together, this is friends to lovers, he falls first, protective cop hero and a dash of suspense. Such an amazing combo that had me hooked, I was truly invested in their HEA and believed in their love story wholeheartedly. Stella Hunter and Connor Crais were both amazing narrators, Chase is so protective and Connor does a growly man so well lol. 

This is the first book in a new series, and I have to say it definitely made me excited for more! Ben and Gillian were high school sweethearts and madly in love until he moved away for a career in the NFL. It’s a small town, second chance, single parent romance with swoony charm and some sizzling heat. Gillian was exactly the kind of heroine I enjoy, she was strong with a side of sass and was the best, most supportive mother to her teenaged son, Clayton. Their bond was adorable and the way Clayton didn’t immediately warm to Ben felt really authentic and true to teenaged behavior. There was a great balance between angst and hurt from the couples past and fun and witty banter as they realized they still couldn’t resist each other. This was breezy and light, a really fast escapist read and I’m already looking forward to being in Plain Daisy Ranch again

I really enjoy the authors style of writing books about messy families, she explores that dynamic in a really authentic and charming way that always works for me. I think we’ve all daydreamed about what we would do if we won the lottery and that’s the reality for the Jacobson family and the premise here. As exciting and life changing as it is for this family, it also opens up a host of issues and exposes some problems they weren’t ready to face. They’re all still reeling from the loss of their beloved mother and trying to navigate life without their matriarch and grief was discussed in such a relatable way. I enjoyed all four of the siblings and sometimes shook my head at some of their struggles and others were very universal. Their father, Leo was such a character and he was one of my favorites. This is such a perfect summer read, especially if you enjoy reading about other people’s problems and dramas in an endearing and entertaining way.

This one had a lot of potential for me, some of my favorite tropes including single parent,  age gap and small town but the romance itself was a bit lacking for me. It moved from Wren being very skeptical of Drake to her quickly doing a huge shift and all of a sudden they were basically in love. A bit rushed for me, it didn’t feel like there was enough time and development for them to really be all in yet. It definitely wasn’t all bad, I enjoyed the town, Wren’s adorable son and the mystery surrounding Drake’s families past. I just wish he felt more of a romantic connection between Wren and Drake. 

This one reminded me exactly why I adore Jill Shalvis. I can always count on her to write a heartwarming story that will make me laugh, make me swoon and make me want to befriend her characters. Besides those must haves this one also had a dash of mystery which is something new and it was such a fun addition. Anna and Owen have an immediate connection but their push and pull relationship kept me wanting more and the author delivered the perfect amount of angst to keep me invested. Anna’s sister, Wendy and her husband, Hayden are serious goals. Their relationship was adorable and Wendy and Anna’s sisterly bond was so sweet. Some of my favorite scenes were when Wendy was on the phone eavesdropping since she was on bed rest, too funny! No one does witty dialogue better than JS and not only did Anna and Owen have great banter, the sisters did as well. If you like cozy romances with a side of spice, all the good vibes and humor and a beautiful setting this was excellent.