His North Star by Amanda P. Jones

 

I fell in love with my best friend, but he only ever loved me like a sister. So I moved on—with idiots. In an attempt to ignore the fact that my best friend, Ty, would never love me the way I wanted him to, I dated a lot . I even got engaged to Ty’s cousin. Except my ex-fiancé wasn’t the man I thought he was. When he broke off our engagement and fled to LA, I was left devastated and emotionally wounded. Leaning on Ty—the only man who has ever stayed by my side—I drowned myself in work and helping Ty renovate his new house. When Ty confesses he’s in love with me, I’m torn. He’s all I’ve ever wanted, but I’m scared, shattered, and nowhere near good enough for him—something my ex made sure I knew. How can I risk a relationship with the one person I can’t live without? His North Star is a sweet contemporary romance with a sprinkling of heat romance.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Cute, cute, cute! ⭐ I love the cover of this book and how perfectly it matches what is inside.  Ty and Maren have a fantastic relationship and a solid friendship.  It's been built on a firm foundation over the years.  I really loved how easy it was for them to be supportive and have fun.  Of course, friends to lovers generally means you have to wait FOREVER for the kissing to start and yup, that's what happened here.  But the buildup and tension were good so the wait only felt like forever and not forever and EVER.  😂  This was a quick romantic fix for me and I enjoyed it.

Side note:  I got to meet this author recently at an event our library was having.  She is lovely.  I had previously read a couple books by her so it was good to meet her face to face. 

Content:  kissing, some light innuendo.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Along a Breton Shore by Arlem Hawks

 

France, 1794

Maxence Étienne, a soldier for the République, believes fiercely in the revolution that is bringing liberty to France. But even though the monarchy has fallen and Maxence is part of a great cause, he is still searching for a place to belong.

Armelle Bernard is a young woman from Breton whose father was sentenced to death for hiding counterrevolutionaries. She decides to confront the priest who betrayed her father, and as the conflict escalates, she herself is ordered to be executed—an order to be carried out by Maxence.

Maxence has seen his share of violence and bloodshed, but he also carries a tragic secret and can’t bring himself to carry out his assignment. In allowing Armelle to escape, he is forced to combat a fellow soldier, who dies in the struggle.

Though Armelle and Maxence are strangers and on opposite sides of the revolution, they find themselves united as fugitives of the new republic. Now they must find a way to trust each other as they search for a path to peace, and to freedom.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

I love historical fiction.  I was SO excited to start this one and then I opened it up to 8 pages of pronunciation and word definitions.  That really intimidated me!  I figured if there were eight pages of words I needed help with, this might be a hard book to read.  So, then I put it off and set it aside, thinking I needed to wait until I was in the right space to really tackle it.  I really shouldn't have waited.  It wasn't that bad and I was being silly.

Armelle is so spunky and smart.  I love her wit, her fire and her hope.  She is so consistent, loyal and everyone she meets loves her too.  Maxence though, he has quite the emotional and personal journey which Armelle helps facilitate with her kind, easy, yet direct personality.  I loved their interactions and conversations.

This book is set during the French Revolution but there isn't much actual war violence described in the story.  There is danger at every turn but mostly it is a love story that takes shape in the midst of a war with two characters on opposite sides.  It's a story of loss, hope and reconciliation.  It was so, so good.

Content:  violence, peril.  Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author: 

ARLEM HAWKS began making up stories before she could write. Living all over the western United States and traveling around the world gave her a love of cultures and people and the stories they have to tell. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications, with an emphasis in print journalism, and she lives in Utah with her husband and four children. 

Naming of the Queen (Return of the Ancestors, Book 2) by JJ Makenzie

 

What is the cost of a name? Everything.

The princess always knew her name would come with a price, but she never knew how steep the cost would be. Falsely accused of killing her husband’s family, she’s on the run with the father she never knew. With help from him and a band of outcasts, she’s learning just how much she might have to pay, not only to save herself but all of Greatland. It’s up to her to learn who she truly is and restore the ways of the Ancestors. Yet what her heart yearns for most is to be reunited with the man she must speak her name to first—Rowan, king of Northrend.

Rowan vowed no woman would ever own the heart of the king of Northrend again. But the woman with no name captured not only his heart but his soul. And despite the crimes she’s been accused of, he’s having a hard time believing he was wrong about her. Yet with the balance of Northrend and Greatland in his hands, he has a choice to make—choose the woman he loves, or save his kingdom from going to war.

It is a dangerous game they play. One where it’s hard to know who is a friend and who is a foe. But if they wish to win, the lovers must reunite and help their people choose love and freedom before a shadow overcomes the land. The people must name their queen before it’s too late.

* Amazon * Goodreads *

Oh. My. Heart.  It's feeling all the emotions like a roller coaster.  Up and down.  Over and under.  Around and around.  Frustration, anticipation.  Sadness, happiness.  Hope, relief.  The thing about these emotions?  They are BIG.  This book (and this series) is like riding the wave of emotions.  I love books that make me feel.

First, I should say that you absolutely need to read the first book, The Queen with No Name, before you dive into this one.  And if you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?!?!  It's time.  Seriously.  

This second book really brought out my love for the princess.  She will capture your heart in the first book but she really steps into who she is in this book.  As her power as a woman and a leader settles within her, I could feel her strength growing.  It made me so proud of her.  Even with the growing power she keeps the softness and kindness present as well.  Princess/Queen is such a fantastic balance of all things a strong woman should be.  I love her.  Adore her.  AND!!  She finally shares her name!!  Sigh.  It's perfect.

The story really ramps up in this book.  The first book left me in a state of worry and concern and luckily the second book picks up right where the first left off.  I was worried for a minute that I was going to have to hate Rowan (again) 😂.  (Their angry reunion is awesome.)  As I said before, it was a roller coaster of emotions but I'm happy to say that it all ended in such a satisfying place.  I am still basking in the afterglow of happiness and contentment.  This book is still in my mind and my heart days, weeks after reading it.  And, I've read it twice already.  It's full of intrigue, action, emotion and magic.  I love it so, so much!!  

I have hopes for a book three.  I REALLY want to get a story about Marek and Sasha!!  Or anyone really.  I just want more of this type of book.  🙏🙏🙏

Both of the books in this series are on KU if you have that.

Content:  violence, peril.  Kissing.  Intimate relations between a married couple with fade to black.  Some innuendo between them.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book but have since purchased my own copy.

In This Moment (Timeless #2) Gabrielle Meyer

 

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until, that is, she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of an influential senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a Navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she's asked to join a hospital ship being sent to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon, yet unable to use her modern skills in her other paths.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era. The mysterious British gentleman. The prickly, demanding doctor. The charming young congressman. She's drawn to each man in different ways, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer.

With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Do reviewers make a difference when recommending a book?  They absolutely do for me.  I have so many fellow reviewers that I trust so when several of them mention a book and rave over it, I'm going to pick it up and read it.  That's what happened with this book.  It popped up multiple times in my reading circles and everyone was gushing over it.  I knew I had to pick it up.  Plus, the combination of genres was just too enticing to me.

Historical Fiction.  Time Travel.  Romance.  Sounds like a good mash up, right?  This book had me hooked from the very start.  It's a fascinating concept with Maggie living in three alternate time periods.  It's like three stories in one, three lives in one.  I liked that it didn't hurt my head to try to figure out the time travel aspect and Maggie was such an easy character to like.  I was so invested in which pathway she was going to choose.  There were some surprises along the way and I always like that too. 

Every time I had to put this book down, I was thinking about it and wishing I was back reading it.  I love when books have a powerful pull like that.  This is actually book two.  I didn't read book one but I had absolutely no problems with anything.  From what I understand, this book may be a spoiler for the previous book and it's characters though.  I will be going back to read that one and I will be following this new to me author and reading whatever comes next.  LOVE!!

Content:  peril, kissing.  Some Christian elements (mention of God and praying, faith)

- I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.  All opinions expressed are my own.

No Matter What by K.M. Frost

 

Mason’s life is far from perfect, but it turns out it can get worse. When his mom ends up in prison, he’s shipped off to the middle of nowhere. Apparently he’s got grandparents—parents of the father he knows nothing about. Mason’s not interested in bonding with these newfound grandparents. He just wants to survive until his eighteenth birthday so he can escape this backwater town and finally be free.

Emily is struggling to keep what’s left of her family from falling apart after a horrible accident stole her mom. She has enough on her plate with mothering her younger siblings and protecting a secret that could destroy everything, when she runs into Mason—literally. Her life doesn’t need more complications, and this distractingly attractive, clearly damaged boy promises nothing but trouble. Still, she can’t help but be drawn to him.

Mason and Emily are opposites in nearly every way, but neither can deny the attraction between them. Mason knows he isn’t good enough for her, and Emily knows she should stay away, but that doesn’t stop the pull they feel toward each other. Their tentative relationship is threatened when Mason is put in the crosshairs of the local gang and the town sheriff. Mason and Emily will have to decide what they really want—and if they’re willing to fight for it.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I'm not sure how long it's been since I read a YA romance but it feels like it's been awhile.  This is a new author to me so this all around felt like a nice change of pace.

Sometimes YA romance can feel small and young but this author did a great job of giving me characters with strong voices and great personalities that I could root for.  They were struggling with big things and typical teenage frustrations as well.  It felt full and real and substantial.  

Mason has had the worst luck and has lived a difficult and unfair life so far.  I  felt for him and what he was going through.  He really is the kind of character that you cannot help but root for from beginning to end.  I loved his grandparents.  Adored them.  And Emily?  Emily was everything Mason needed most- a friend, a confidant, and a light.  Her sense of duty and loyalty was strong and I loved that most about her.  That and her fantastic music choices.  😀

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.  It kept me interested and invested the whole way though.  This might be my first book by this author but it won't be my last.

Content:  violence, peril.  Kissing.  Mention of drugs and alcohol use.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

More Than a Silly Crush (Cowboys of Stargazer Springs Ranch #4) by Remi Carrington

 

I only saw him as my best friend’s little brother . . . until I married him.

Getting pregnant before the wedding wasn’t my plan, but surprise! Then my fiancé (correction, ex-fiancé) tells me to take care of the problem. And that’s how he becomes my ex.

But being a single mom in this small town won’t be easy. Maybe not even possible. I’m a large animal vet. It’s not like I can take my baby to work with me.

Then my best friend’s younger brother drops to one knee and proposes so that I won’t be a single mom.

After hours of pondering, I accept Parker’s impulsive proposal.
Romance has never been part of our relationship, but he treats me better than anyone I’ve ever dated. He’s caring, protective, and more than a little good looking. Way more than I deserve.

But I really didn’t think about the day-to-day of married life. Or what it would be like to see him without a shirt all the time. He’s no longer the scrawny kid who liked to tag-a-long. He’s a full-grown cowboy and quickly becoming my best friend. (Well, my other best friend)

Just when I think maybe a happily-ever-after is possible, tragedy strikes.
Now that there's nothing to save me from, I have to let him go. But walking away from my knight in shining armor will absolutely shatter my heart.

* Goodreads * Amazon *

Aw, what a sweet story.  I just loved Parker (aka Dumplin').  He was seriously THE SWEETEST human ever.  So attentive, kind and gentle with Bluebonnet.  His charming, easy personality was my favorite.  Love is in the little details and Parker displayed this on every page.  What a lucky girl Bluebonnet is.  I'm glad she came around to the same kind of love that Parker carried his whole life.  So very satisfying.

I love this growing community of friends on this ranch.  They are in every book and that just makes me happy because I don't have to leave anyone behind.  This series is a fun one!

Content:  kissing, implied intimate relations between a husband and wife with no details. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

A Heart Worth Stealing Joanna Barker

 Little Sowerby, England, 1802 

Miss Genevieve Wilde—a magistrate’s daughter and independent heiress—is determined to meet life’s challenges all on her own, just as her late father had taught her. So when her father’s pocket watch is stolen, she will do anything to get it back, especially when the local authorities prove incompetent.

Upon reading an advertisement in the paper, she takes a chance and contacts a thief-taker to find the watch. It’s a choice Ginny regrets when former Bow Street officer Jack Travers arrives on her doorstep. He is frustratingly flirtatious, irritatingly handsome, and entirely unpredictable, and Ginny wonders if she’ll be able to resist such a man.

But after Ginny discovers that the missing watch is just a small part of a larger, more frightening plot against her, she needs Jack’s help more than ever. To protect her home and her reputation, the two enter into a risky charade—pretending Jack is her cousin so he can begin his investigation, starting with the household staff. As they work together to unravel the mystery, Ginny finds herself falling fast for her charismatic thief-taker, leaving her heart in just as much danger as her life.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

Ooh, this is one of my favorite books so far this year.  😍  It took me a quick minute to fall into the story but it happened.  It really, really happened.  I love when a story just takes over my mind and my heart.  This one was filled with mystery, danger and sparking attraction.  I loved every single minute of it.

I pegged the bad guy from the beginning but I didn't have it all figured out.  This mystery had me suspecting all kinds of people and things.  I love that even though I had two major things figured out, I was still surprised.  That's some great writing.

I loved fiery, independent Ginny.  She was independent but knew when she needed help.  I admired her courage and determination.  Once that girl makes up her mind about something, watch out!  Jack was her perfect counterpart.  Equally independent and full of confidence, strength and smarts.  I just loved them both!!

This story was a fun, romantic distraction from beginning to end.  I loved it.

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

You can receive an exclusive launch merch bundle by buying a paperback copy of this book and submitting your receipt to ShdwMtn.com/JoannaBarker

About the Author: 

JOANNA BARKER firmly believes that romance makes everything better, which is why she has fallen in love with writing Regency romances. When she’s not typing away on her next book, she’s listening to podcasts, eating her secret stash of chocolate, or adding things to her Amazon cart. Joanna’s books have received praise from Publishers Weekly, the Historical Novel Society, Readers’ Favorite, and more. She thinks being an author is the second-best job in the world—right after being a mom. She is just a little crazy about her husband and three wild-but-loveable kids.