Dark Shores Series Book 2: Dark Skies by Danielle L. Jensen

Dark Shores Book 2

A RUNAWAY WITH A HIDDEN PAST

Lydia is a scholar, but books are her downfall when she meddles in the plots of the most powerful man in the Celendor Empire. Her life in danger, she flees west to the far side of the Endless Seas and finds herself entangled in a foreign war where her burgeoning powers are sought by both sides.

A COMMANDER IN DISGRACE

Killian is Marked by the God of War, but his gifts fail him when the realm under the dominion of the Corrupter invades Mudamora. Disgraced, he swears his sword to the kingdom’s only hope: the crown princess. But the choice sees him caught up in a web of political intrigue that will put his oath – and his heart – to the test.

A KINGDOM UNDER SIEGE

With Mudamora falling beneath the armies of the Corrupter, Lydia and Killian strike a bargain to save those they love most—but it is a bargain with unintended and disastrous consequences. Truths are revealed, birthrights claimed, and loyalties questioned—all while a menace deadlier and more far-reaching than they realize sweeps across the world.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41438058-dark-skies

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Book 2! And I will say it took me a bit to get back into this world. Well first off, this book takes place at the same time as book 1 since now we are following Lydia and Killian's story. The beginning was a bit slow for me, as I tried to remember this world. But once it picked up, I loved this story. Lydia and Killian are such great characters. Lydia fighting to get back home to save those she loved after making a mistake. Yet, she finds herself in a new war. And Killian is trying to save his kingdom despite the lack of faith it has in him and many of his own choices taken away. They find themselves drawn to one another yet, they won't let themselves be selfish in what they want. Both are too selfless when it comes to protecting the innocent. This book had it all romance, action, adventure, and political scheming that left you wondering who to trust and what was going to happen next. All I know is that I definitely need book three after this. I need more Lydia and Killian. And I definitely want to go back to Marcus and Teriana to find out more with them! Cliffhanger endings are the worst, but with one issue solved there is plenty of more conflicts on the way! Can't wait for the next book.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Stonefire Dragons Book 12: Persuading the Dragons by Jessie Donovan

Stonefire Dragons Book 12

STONEFIRE DRAGONS BOOK 12

Nearly a year ago, a human female showed up on Stonefire’s land carrying a flash drive full of information stolen from the Dragon Knights. However, before Zain Kinsella could interrogate her, she soon fell into a coma and hasn’t awoken since. His initial anger fades and he starts to wonder if the thin, pale girl would ever wake again. When she does, it’s up to him to help guard her and make her strong enough to face some questioning. He most definitely shouldn’t notice her delicious heat or the sadness in her eyes. She’s their prisoner, and can be nothing more.

Ivy Passmore finds herself inside a dragon-shifter’s hospital, bedridden and barely able to sit up. Despite the overwhelming grief at the death of her brother, she’s determined to do everything she can to atone for her part in helping the Dragon Knights and causing her brother’s murder. She’s more than ready to tell the dragons everything. Soon one tall, quiet Protector makes a deal—she endures his physical therapy and he’ll help track down her brother’s killers. Ivy has no choice but to agree and slowly her idea of dragon-shifters changes, especially around one certain dragonman.

As two former enemies morph into something more, the Department of Dragon Affairs finds out about Ivy and demands she be surrendered. Will Zain do his duty and hand her over? Or, will they be able to find a way to be together?

Full-length story with a happy ending.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51758443-persuading-the-dragon

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Been waiting quite a while for this book and I gotta say this was definitely worth the wait! We finally get to see Ivy and Zain! Last we saw of them Ivy was in Stonefire territory and fell into a coma before being able to share the information she brought from the Dragon Knights. Zain was the one that found her and has been waiting for her to wake up. A year has passed since then and now Ivy is awake. As Ivy begins the healing process she begins to realize that dragons are not at all what she was taught during her time with the Dragon Knights. The organization that has been causing so much harm to dragons have all their information wrong. And Ivy's eyes are finally truly opened. She fled to Stonefire after the Knights turned on her because she wouldn't go along with what they were doing and they retaliated by murdering her brother. Ivy will do whatever it takes to stop them. Zain wants to stop the Dragon Knights and working with Ivy is the key to that. That's all he wants from her. But that slowly changes as they get to know one another and he sees her changing and helping them. Their journey to be together is long and hard but one that is worth the wait. Loved this story! Zain and Ivy are great. And dragons are one step closer to getting rid of the Dragon Knights for good.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

Naomi Westfield has the perfect fiancé: Nicholas Rose holds doors open for her, remembers her restaurant orders, and comes from the kind of upstanding society family any bride would love to be a part of. They never fight. They're preparing for their lavish wedding that's three months away. And she is miserably and utterly sick of him.

Naomi wants out, but there's a catch: whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare.

But with the countdown looming to the wedding that may or may not come to pass, Naomi finds her resolve slipping. Because now that they have nothing to lose, they're finally being themselves--and having fun with the last person they expect: each other.

When your nemesis also happens to be your fiancé, happily ever after becomes a lot more complicated in this wickedly funny, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy debut. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44143895-you-deserve-each-other

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

What a freaking fun and hilarious book! I absolutely adored this story and could not put it down. It was hysterical and so freaking romantic and cute. Naomi and Nicholas are in a bit of a slump in their relationship. Naomi thinks whatever they had is gone but they are due to be married in a couple of months. But with Nicolas's insane mother hinting at the cost of the wedding and what would happen if it didn't happen, how can Naomi back out? She thinks her acting skills have been on point because Nicholas doesn't seem fazed. But after a small hint about his feeling for the wedding, Naomi realizes that she isn't the only one unhappy and looking for a way out. This kicks up a series of pranks and emotional warfare between the two in the hopes someone will call off the wedding. And it certainly won't be Naomi who will be stuck with the will. But it turns out Naomi doesn't completely realize the truth depth of their battles. This isn't about breaking off a wedding, it's about saving themselves and their relationship. About finding themselves once more and falling in love all over again. Because now that they aren't skirting around one another's feelings, they can finally be honest. So adorable and beautiful. I simply adored this story. Their battles were hilarious. You can't help but laughing out loud and cheering them both on. You can't help but admire Nicholas's will to fight for their future. And Naomi to finally stand up for herself and be honest. Great, great story!

Pandava Quartet Book 3: Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi

Pandava Quartet Book 4

War between the devas and the demons is imminent, and the Otherworld is on high alert. When intelligence from the human world reveals that the Sleeper is holding a powerful clairvoyant and her sister captive, 14-year-old Aru and her friends launch a search-and-rescue mission. The captives, a pair of twins, turn out to be the newest Pandava sisters, though, according to a prophecy, one sister is not true.

During the celebration of Holi, the heavenly attendants stage a massage PR rebranding campaign to convince everyone that the Pandavas are to be trusted. As much as Aru relishes the attention, she fears that she is destined to bring destruction to her sisters, as the Sleeper has predicted. Aru believes that the only way to prove her reputation is to find the Kalpavriksha, the wish-granting tree that came out of the Ocean of Milk when it was churned. If she can reach it before the Sleeper, perhaps she can turn everything around with one wish.

Careful what you wish for, Aru . . .

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51300436-aru-shah-and-the-tree-of-wishes

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This series gets better with each new book. Wow! Was this a good one! Lots of twists in turns in this one. And that ending!? Insane cliffhanger. Aru and her Pandava sisters and Aiden are back! The book opens with them on a mission to rescue a clairvoyant and her sister, who turn out to be the last two Pandava sisters. But when one of the sisters shares a prophecy, the gang as only a few days to find the Tree of Wishes before the Sleeper does. A new friend joins their cause, Rudy, the prince of Naga-Loka, who fits right in with this unique group. Lots of fun and adventures and Hindu myth. This one was a great addition to the series. With so many revelations, you can't help but wonder how everything is going to play out in the final book. I can't wait!

Cloverleigh Farms Series Book 4: Unbreakable by Melanie Harlow

Cloverleigh Farms Book 4

In hindsight, I should not have had that fifth mimosa at Breakfast with Santa. 

Or the sixth, seventh, and eighth.

But my shame over the public meltdown that resulted was nothing compared to being abandoned by my husband of fifteen years for a much younger woman—and did I mention she’s pregnant?

For the sake of my children and my pride, I packed up and headed for my childhood home and the small town where I grew up. Cloverleigh Farms would be the perfect place for a fresh start.

Falling for Henry DeSantis wasn’t part of the plan.

Sure, he’s easy on the eyes and hard in the bedroom (also the hallway, the bathtub, and on top of his desk), but he’s newly divorced too, and things between us are moving so fast I’m afraid neither one of us has had enough time to heal. Not to mention the fact that I’m a single mom now—my kids have to come first.

But Henry makes me feel beautiful and sexy and wanted and strong—I haven’t felt that way in years. We understand each other, and when I’m in his arms, I’m tempted to trust again. To love again. To let myself be loved without fear.

But deep down, I’m terrified.

Is this all too much, too soon? Or am I a fool to let a second chance at happily ever after pass me by?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50668664-unbreakable

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Sylvia and Henry's story was so sweet! Sylvia moves back home with her two kids after her ex-husband divorces her for a younger (and pregnant) woman. She's more sad for her children than her husband leaving her. She was unhappy for so long, she wants to rediscover herself and be there for her kids. Meanwhile, Henry recently divorced after his wife left him when the chances of them having kids together reached an all time low of probably never. He too, is figuring out what is next. He wanted a family of his own and how can he have hope at starting again after so many years? For the first time in many years, Sylvia and Henry get a chance to really know one another and become friends. The chemistry between them is intense and they understand better than anyone. But the timing sucks. How can they have a relationship just after such recent divorces? And Sylvia worries about her kids and their reactions. The situation isn't easy but both realize that perhaps it is worth fighting for. I really enjoyed this story! And there is one sister left, so I must have another story!

Cloverleigh Farms Series Book 3: Insatiable by Melanie Harlow

Cloverleigh Farms Book 3

I didn’t mean to see him naked--it was an accident.

It had to be, right?

Because Noah McCormick and I have never been anything more than friends. In all the years I’ve known him, he’s never once laid a finger on me. And even though he was a cute lifeguard at 16 and a hotter-than-hell sheriff’s deputy at 34, he's always been that protective guy I could trust to keep his hands to himself. I never wanted to mess with that.

Until I walked in on him getting out of the shower and saw his hard, muscular body totally bare and dripping wet. At that moment I never wanted to mess with anything so badly in my entire life. 

I should have covered my eyes. Said I was sorry. At the very least, I could have handed him a towel.

After all, I was only in town for a few days, and he was just doing me a favor by escorting me to my sister’s wedding. It wasn’t a real date. 

But I didn’t apologize. And he didn’t cover up.

(Talk about a hot mess.)

After all those years of being just friends, suddenly we’re insatiable.

He’s made it clear he’s not interested in romance. Which is fine with me because 

I’ve got a plane ticket back to my real life at the end of the week. 

It’s all in fun...or is it?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48594193-insatiable

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Meg and Noah's story was so cute! Might be my favorite of the series so far. Meg has returned home for her sister's wedding and when she is home she reconnects with her friend Noah. Noah and Meg were close ever since he saved her life as teenagers. They've kept in touch on and off throughout the years, but have always remained just friends. But when Meg returns home, sparks fly and soon they come up with the plan to hangout for the week as more than friends. Just until Meg goes home. Then they can go back to being just friends. But being friends with benefits is never that simple. Any feelings they had been avoiding for one another comes in at full strength. Meg realizes that them being together is worth the risk, but can she convince Noah? Another great addition to this series! 

Cloverleigh Farms Series Book 2: Undeniable by Melanie Harlow

Cloverleigh Farms Book 2

When we were eleven, Oliver Ford Pemberton dared me to jump off a barn roof. He said you couldn’t break a leg from a 12-foot-jump.

He lied.

(You can also break a collarbone, which served him right as far as I was concerned.)

I wish I could say it was the last dare I ever took from him, the last bet I ever made with him, the last time I ever trusted Oliver Ford Pemberton.

But it wasn’t.

Because he had the nerve to grow up gorgeous, charming, and sexy. And as we got older, the dares only got dirtier—and the betting stakes higher—until finally, he left me in pieces. I swore I’d never talk to him again.

But twenty years after I took that flying leap, he’s back in my life, daring me to risk everything for him: my job, my self-worth, and my heart.

How many chances does love deserve?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45133648-undeniable

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

I read book one and figured let me read book two in the same day. Another cute romance story in the Cloverleigh Farms series! It's Chloe's turn and her and Oliver's story was quite something! Brave is what I would call Chloe, even when she was afraid. Chloe and Oliver have broken one another's hearts so much and Chloe tended to come out of it the worst in the past. And when Oliver comes back into her life for a business deal, it doesn't take them long for feelings to come back. Chloe has given Oliver many chances. Can she give him a few more? Their relationship is definitely tested in this one. But there is no denying Oliver's feelings for Chloe and hers for him. I really enjoyed their story and look forward to the next books!

Cloverleigh Farms Series Book 1: Irresistible by Melanie Harlow

Cloverleigh Farms Book 1

I’m a full-time single dad to three daughters and CFO at Cloverleigh Farms. I don’t have time to fall in love—I’m too busy trying to run a business, keep the red socks out of the white laundry, and get the damn pillowcases on without owing a dollar to the swear jar.

Sure, Frannie Sawyer is beautiful and sweet, but she’s twenty-seven, the boss’s daughter, and my new part-time nanny—which means she’s completely off-limits. It’s bad enough I can’t stop fantasizing about her, what kind of jerk would I be if I acted on the impulse to kiss her?

(Exactly the kind of jerk you’re thinking.)

Actually, I’m worse than that—because I didn’t stop with a kiss, and now I can’t stay away.  She makes me feel like myself again. She reminds me what it’s like to want something just for me. She’s everything I ever needed, but nothing I ever imagined.

I’m a former Marine. I should have had the strength to resist her from the start.

But I didn’t. And now I have to choose between the life I want and the life she deserves.

Even if it means giving her up.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44099084-irresistible

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

This was such a sweet romance story! Frannie has had feelings for Mac for such a long time. A crush she figured would never be noticed. Mac is a divorced dad who lives and breathes for caring  for his three little girls. He knows that they come first above everything. Frannie is Mac's boss's daughter and she takes care of his kids part time. But the chemistry between them has been there and finally they act on it. Though Frannie is thrilled to finally be with Mac, Mac still feels that he'll only hurt her in the end. How can he give her his attention while being a full time dad? And what if Frannie realizes she can do a lot better? But Mac underestimates Frannie's determination. She doesn't give up on those she loves. And she'll do whatever it takes to prove that to Mac. Like I said, such a sweet story.