Eleanor & Grey by Brittainy C. Cherry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Eleanor & Grey is a story that spans almost 2 decades. The first half is set when Eleanor and Grey are in high school. Grey’s grandfather has recently passed from cancer. He’s the popular boy who’s surrounded by people but desperately lonely. Eleanor’s mother is also battling cancer. This half of the book is absolutely beautiful. Two sad souls finding peace and strength in each other. I loved the juxtaposition of their youth side-by-side with the maturity and gorgeous love they have for each other. Endearing and heartbreaking…I soaked up every word and praised the “Kindle Unlimited” gods for sending me this book.

The second half revisits these characters 17 years later. Truth be told I finished the book a day ago and am just now writing my review. My thoughts were all over the page and I wanted to give you lovely book friends an accurate review. I’m sorry to share that when the story re-introduces Eleanor and Grey…two characters you’ll be enchanted with from the first half…they don’t even resemble the people they once were. Don’t get me wrong, the second half of the story has beauty, moments of sorrow, triumph, and humor. It just seemed like a different book, featuring different characters.

The author is obviously very talented. She wove a story that not only spanned almost 2 decades, but a variety of emotions, settings, and issues. I kept hoping to see more redemption, perhaps more of the characters they resembled in their youth. In an effort not to give away spoilers I’ll just say I think Eleanor deserved more prominence and instead feel like the book ended with her in more of a supporting role.



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Unexpected Gift by R.S. Lively

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Whew- this book took me on a roller coaster ride that I’m not quite sure I enjoyed.

From the description I would assume most readers go into the story knowing there are going to be certain dark elements and sadness. The first 30% of the story the sense of loss and melancholy is almost palatable. The author does a fantastic job of walking the reader through the almost insurmountable pain they are experiencing. Brilliant writing! As a reader I was hooked but also ready to move on from the pain and watch the characters grow within themselves and lean on each other.

What I got instead was two adult “children” who bickered, slut shamed, and then had sex with each other. The author didn’t craft a path for growth or redemption. I’m at a loss…





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For Lila, Forever by Winter Renshaw

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Book friends- For Lila, Forever has earned a 5-star glowing review from me! I knew I’d be posting a gushing review when I woke up at 4am, unable to sleep until I finished the story. If you are prone to manic book reading sessions take note! Perhaps dive into this book over a long weekend when you can supplement your sleep loss with naps? Just a suggestion. 😉 Now let me detail why this book had me so excited.

The setting for this story (or at least the most pivotal moments) is an private island called Rose Crossing. The author does a fantastic job describing the gorgeous, yet desolate island for readers. The story would not be plausible without the island being crafted or introduced in a very specific manner. For example, the island is accessible by boat but only at certain times of the week and under the supervision of the island’s controlling owner and/or his loyal staff. It also has extremely limited cell service, cable, internet, etc. This means that although the residents and guests of Rose Crossing are enjoying luxurious accommodations they are (for all intents and purposes) at the mercy of the island’s owner…who just so happens to be an maniacal and calculating man.

ATTENTION LADIES- I’m going to introduce you to your next book boyfriend! Thayer Ainsworth is everything beautiful in this world. Even as a young child his family admires his amiable and relaxed manner. He has a soft heart that welcomes others and is slow to judge. His loyalty even in the most difficult times- is unwavering and relentless. Swoon! Lest not you worry! The outside is just as gorgeous as the inside! At one point in the story Thayer is enlikened to a Greek god. Tall, dark, and handsome….oh, and he’s also set to inherit millions of dollars and a private island. Yes, please!

After reading that description I’m sure you’re wondering what lucky lady could possibly be worthy of such a man… Lila Hillard arrives at Rose Crossing to work alongside her grandparents after her mother suddenly passes away. She’s blonde with long legs and carries a negative outlook on life. Lila is constantly waiting for the proverbial other shoe to fall. Even though life has handed her a rough start she’s a hard worker, smart, and shows moments of strength. While I will share there were missed opportunities for her to rise above her circumstances I don’t want that to overshadow your reaction to the story.

I’m worried to go further into the plot and characters without giving away spoilers. Rest assured there’s equal parts of cute romance, frustration and angst, anger towards the wicked, and hope for the characters to overcome all that they’ve lost. I loved this story and hope you do also!

Happy reading book buddies!



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Crash by Drew Jordan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


4 WTF stars. Twisted, warped, at times very sexy, and completely mental.



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The Swedish Prince by Karina Halle




DNF – sorry ladies, I was hoping this one would enchant me as much as “A Nordic King”. Sadly, the best friend is annoying AF. I just coudln’t get past it which is silly. I’m a big girl and she’s probably just in the first few scenes to help set the stage for more….



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Love Hurts: a Delaney Brothers Novel by Emily Snow

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


WARNING! POTENTIAL UNPOPULAR REVIEW- Tread forth at your own risk.

Book friends- I’m not going to lie to you. I’m a tad pissed off. This is the 11th book by Emily Snow that I’ve eagerly read. I’d consider myself one of her loyal and avid readers. So why the heck do I walk away from this book with a sour feeling in my stomach?!? Honest-to-God I feel cheated. I’ve waited oh, so patiently for this book to be released. The previous book ended on a MAJOR cliffhanger so I’ve been all a flutter to find out more.

Sinking my teeth into this story it took me a bit to reengage with the characters, their nuisances, and history…far longer than I’d expect. Nevertheless I pushed forward, watched the characters endure agony all in pursuit of the answers from book 1’s cliffhanger. Now here’s where I feel cheated. The characters may have aged since the first book but that’s about it. As a reader I still feel tormented, confused and now annoyed. The cliffhanger from book 1 isn’t answered until the final scene of book 2. Aside from that- nothing else was accomplished in the pages in-between. This series should have been 2 books and not stretched to 3. It’s my humble opinion that by forcing this into a triology the author sacrificed the integrity of the pacing, character development, and substance. All tormented souls…no substantial plot for the readers.





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The Slow Burn by Kristen Ashley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


First and foremost- Daphne and Margot are “mom goals”. Wow- two powerful characters who’s influence spanned generations. Gorgeous characters and a beautiful story.

While I found the very first scene between Toby and a random hookup to be mind numbing and annoying I loved every other moment of the book. Also- thanks be to the ultimate book goddess Kristen Ashley for giving us so many opportunities to revisit Izzy and Johnny.

I’m glowing in my post book consumption glory. Carry on my lovely book buddies!



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Maid for Love by Marie Force

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


My first reaction to the book cover… ah man. This is going to be a cheesy romance like they sell at the grocery stores. Reminding myself not to judge a book by its cover I dove into the story and did my best to reserve judgement. What did I find amongst the pages of this book? Insta love, a flare for the dramatic, and (sorry, not sorry) cliche characters. So… in this case it’s absolutely fair to judge a book by its cover.

If light and fluffy romances with cute kids are you’re thing – download or pick up this book immediately. I can see this being a popular choice to read by the pool this summer. Pour yourself something sweet to sip and dip into this romance.



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