(I don’t know how to write a review for this one without giving away a few things … so beware now and stop reading if you need to

Those who have read the series already know that Quincy Gritt has lived a pretty messed up life but has worked hard to get clean & make a healthy, satisfying life for himself, one that he can be proud of. He's managed to stay clean and surround himself with a group of friends and family that will be there whatever may come, and after meeting Roni he knows that he's just missing that last connection.

While Roni never dealt with an addiction, her life so far hasn't been the easiest either. She grew up in a rough neighborhood but with the love of her grandmother and a talent for dance, she found a way to get out. Then a terrible accident changed everything. Back home and teaching dance classes, she's working to find what her future might bring and Quincy is there to tempt her with possibilities. But is she willing to take him on knowing his background?

These two together are just the best. Quincy has such an appealing openness to his thoughts and feelings because of his recovery. It's refreshing and helps to draw in Roni, whose history has left her missing a lot of the social opportunities that most of us take for granted. Years spent concentrating almost exclusively on dancing means she missed out on parties, dating, and teenage rights of passage. But Quincy is just the person to open up those possibilities and show Roni what she can have with the right partner.

Sweetness, honesty, and support are front and center in Foster's newest and she delivers them all in spades.

(I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.)

I really enjoyed Whisler's Rescue You but I gotta start with a little gripe. With Rhett being former military and the blurb comment about the dog rescue being threatened, I expected there to be a little more action in the story. It's an excellent emotional journey piece about people learning to let go of the past and healing so they can have a future. But the adventure really only comes into play towards the end and Rhett isn't that much involved. If that's what you are looking for, I'm afraid that it might leave you a little disappointed ... although all the feels will definitely give you a great read.

Constance is struggling to find her footing after taking care of her dad as he faced a terminal illness and losing her fiance. She used to be a person in charge but lately she can barely make it out of the house. A chance encounter at a local gym puts her on the path to finding who she can be. And maybe a new chance at love.

Rhett is still struggling both physically and mentally from his last mission. Having a quirky woman who is obviously out of place drop into his gym has him working to push her out of her comfort zone, to help her find the strength hidden inside. And maybe a way to handle some of his own pain.

While Constance and Rhett play the main roles here, Constance's sister Sunny and the men in her life also need a little help in figuring out what their own futures hold. All around there's a lot of growth, support, understanding, and love that wraps you up and holds on until the very last page. It left me wanting me, hoping some of the others at Rhett's gym will get a chance to find HEAs of their own.

(Review is my own and not influenced in any way.)

I have to admit that I really didn't find Justin that appealing early on. He was young when he won the baking show and has managed to turn himself into an "influencer" but he seems to have gotten too caught up in it. He didn't have a solid childhood so he's trying to get to the point he feels comfortable about his financial future. It's caused him to make a few poor choices and he's starting to struggle with it. And meeting a truly good soul in Brody only emphasizes how lost he's become. He stumbles a few times but the developing relationship with Brody has him figuring out the right thing to do. 

Brody is much more appealing from the first. He might have taken a hit to his self-esteem but his heart is good. And meeting Justin has him realizing that his ex might not have broken him after all. He's a positive influence on Justin and quickly the two are spending time together, growing closer.

Cupcakes & Christmas is sweet, simple, and full of all the good things that makes a holiday romance work. Two people meet, develop feelings for one another, face their demons, and figure out a way to have a future together, which makes for a straight-up, feel-good read. The best kind for this time of year!

(Opinions are all my own and not influenced in any way.)

*3.5 Stars*

After his brother's death, James's eagerness for life takes him all over the world, seeing adventure and fun. Hannah didn't have the most stable of childhoods so steadiness is pretty important to her. While the two of them have a connection that goes back years, their paths have been taking them in different directions. But, meeting again now, their feelings may prove strong enough to find a solution that works for them both.

Shalvis's newest is a short and sweet second chance romance. Being a novella it is a little short on pages and these two do have troubles that probably could have used a little more attention, but overall I felt satisfied with how everything is resolved.


(I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

*4.5 stars*

So part of me wishes this one had been longer but most of me realizes that I should enjoy all the goodness for what it is! I was intrigued about Penny and Scott as I read The Gritty Truth and I was super excited to see their story was next. We join them a few months into their relationship and while we missed out on those early moments what we are given is definitely super satisfying.

Scott is dealing with a lot of fear and anxiety over how his past at the hands of his abusive parents might impact his future as a husband and a father. He's convinced himself that he's better off not taking the chance of being a father in case he might turn abusive too. But the depth of his feelings for Penny has him selfishly wanting to keep her, even knowing how badly she wants a family one day. 

Penny may want kids but she finds herself asking herself if she wants Scott more ... and if maybe one day he might change his mind. She understands his concerns but she also knows how wonderful he is with his nieces and nephews. How kinda and caring he is to his sisters, and how how amazing he is with her. If only he could see himself the way that everyone else does, surely his doubts would disappear. Right? 

These two together are a fabulous match and I loved every minute spent with them (here's where that wishing for more comes in). Even though readers can figure out how things are going to go that doesn't stop the journey from being a good one. Foster brings a ton of emotion as both Scott and Penny evaluate their relationships, themselves, and what they want out of the future. It definitely left me as big a gooey mess as one of Penny's famous sundaes. 

(I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

*4.5 Stars*

Bonnie is a little bit worn down, living a life that hasn’t exactly gone the way she expected. An unexpected inheritance from an uncle she hardly remembers means she has to decide exactly how much of a risk she’s willing to take.

I really liked Bonnie – she’s very normal but facing some not so normal choices. With a little push from her younger, bolder best friend, Bonnie quickly finds herself on an adventure that has the just might change her life.

While not a romance exactly, Ward’s newest definitely left me feeling festive and happy. It’s full of quirky, lovely people and an opportunity to find a place where you truly belong.

(I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Love and Ohana Drama is an awesome beach read, perfect for an imaginary getaway (especially if it’s cold and wintry where you are too). There’s enough wackiness, drama, fun, and hijinks to keep you entertained and coming back for more.

Cora doesn’t quite fit in with her family and she’s not looking forward to days together for a family reunion, even if it is to celebrate her parents’ anniversary. Being in Hawaii does help take some of the sting out of it … until she finds out her ex-boyfriend in coming along as well. Things are going about as well as she expected … then she runs into her childhood crush. Maybe things are looking up? Of course, it’s not smooth sailing, especially with her family around, but love might be there if she’s willing to take a chance.

Baldwin’s latest is entertaining, with enjoyable (albeit self-centered) characters and a feel good ending all around.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Based on the blurb, you’d probably expect quite a bit of angst here but Parrish has a surprising light hand with it. There are a few growing pains as Charlie and Rye get to know each other and fall in love, but it handled with minimal drama and a fair amount of sweetness & compassion.

For having a life big on struggle and light on close connections, Rye has an amazing understanding of people. He may be blunt and a little prickly but he’s got a big heart and a surprising perception of the complexity of relationships. Living with a lot of different people, with a lot of different quirks, has given him amazing insight into what makes people tick.

Charlie has spent so many years making sure that the rest of the world is happy and getting exactly what they want that he’s forgotten about himself. With a little help from Rye, he starts to explore who HE is and what he wants. And what he wants most is more time with Rye.

Best Laid Plans is a delightful and emotional read about two people finding each other, learning about themselves, feeling seen (and supported) for the first time, and inevitably falling in love.

(I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Fun, but full of angst, Freeman delivers a story with a good mix of drama, humor, and feels.  

I've seen quite a few complaints about how often Mia is talked about as being "different" than the other girls. It didn't bother me as such, I just saw it as part of how poorly she thought of herself and ties directly to her past troubles on the romance front. She's got all sorts of issues, with believing in herself & in others, and it creates plenty of ups & downs. But with patience, and help, she may figure it out.  

It's enjoyable getting to know Luke as Mia does, seeing how he's turned into the good time guy he is today and the big-heart that he hides underneath his easy smile. He's fun and funny, a good friend and has plenty of potential to be a great partner.  While the reformed rake is an oft-used romance plot, I felt that Freeman does it pretty well. We understand why he's the way he is and that he's just been waiting for the right person to shake him up, to get him to see his life a little differently, and to want something more. 

You definitely have to be in the mood for a bit of drama to enjoy Freeman's latest. Both Mia and Luke have been burned in the past and are letting it affect their current romantic choices - trust issues, ex issues, self-esteem problems ... the road to a HEA has quite a few bumps but Mr Right Across the Street delivers plenty of smiles as well!

(I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)