​This is exactly the book we all need right now to remind us to find the little joys in life, not to live in fear, and “Never Miss a Chance to Celebrate.”
 
I stayed up until four in the morning reading this story. I couldn’t put it down, and yet I woke feeling refreshed, happy, and lighter than I had in days. That’s what a good book can do, it can erase your stress and restore your faith and hope. 
 
The characters were wonderful with complex, and complicated backgrounds, but you instantly are attracted to them. Sam is so much fun, yet there’s a strength to her that she didn’t know she had that pops out at times and makes you cheer her on. And at other times, she’ll break your heart with her fears and doubts and insecurities. Duncan sounds like the most amazing—and fun—guy you’d ever meet and then you meet him and he’s anything but. It makes you crave to know his history and you’ll find yourself rooting for him to find his joy in life again.
 
The story is classified as women’s or family life fiction, but it’s so much more. It’s a romance in the truest since of the word, a love story, a tale of friendship, and yes, family drama. While it tugged at my heart, it wasn’t depressing, although it had its sad moments. Katherine Center has a way of writing about some of life’s toughest moments in way that lifts the character and the reader up, and reminds us that we are stronger than we know, that there is good even in the bad, and leaves you (or at least this reader) craving more from her.
 
I don’t know if the world will still be as despondent when the book releases in July, but one thing I’ve learned is we always need hope, laughter and love, and you’ll find it here. Do yourself a favor and pre-order this book now!

​I finally got to read the full story of THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT and I LOVED IT. 
 
If you read my “extended preview review” you’ll know that I was captivated right from the start by this book. I love strong, smart heroines and female characters and Farrah Rochon totally delivered. But for a romance to work, it has to have great chemistry between the two main characters, in this case, Samiah and Daniel, and those two burned up the pages from the start.
 
Samiah, is wicked smart, strong, sexy, sassy and successful, as are her two friends and sister. Yet, they are not perfect. They are driven, yet just like most of us they listen to their hearts and sometimes that gets them hurt, which makes them totally relatable. Otherwise, they would have been somewhat intimidating. But what I loved the most about these women (and the sister) is the instant bond they formed, the support they gave each other, and the strength they lent to each other when needed. So while this is a romance, it was also a friendship story and how important those people are in our lives when it’s time to focus on us. The story also had great family dynamics with a super supportive sister and the perfect husband who is everything you want in a brother-in-law.  I mean, the man brought carbs when needed! Enough said about him.
 
As to the romance, it was sweet, funny, touching, and smoking hot. There’s something about the forbidden fruit here. Daniel had totally had my interest piqued from the start. He had me asking, “What was his game?” And wondering, “Could I trust him or was he going to be another dirtbag?” I’m happy to say, Definitely not a dirtbag. Try totally swoonworthy. Daniel was such a great match for Samiah. Smart (you’d have to be to keep up with her), but compassionate. The kind of guy who asks how you’re doing and genuinely wants to know. Such a rare quality. He was also funny, insightful, and sexy (guys with glasses…sigh). 
 
Together these two are a powerhouse. I loved their wit and banter, but also how Samiah was open to trusting again and how Daniel respected her. The plot was great and not filled with too much tech speak that I felt lost, but enough that it read like the character really knew her job. I hate when characters get cool job titles and you never get to see them at work, but that wasn’t the case here. And there’s a tiny mystery to solve, which was another fun aspect of this story.
 
Overall, I thought THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT was well written, witty, funny, sexy and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I’m completely looking forward to the next in the series.

​SPOILER ALERT: This ISN’T a romance, but then again, it’s not billed as one. If you’re looking for one of Liz Talley’s sweet, fun romances, stop right now. But if you’re looking for a story about life including broken friendships, marriages in trouble, finding yourself…then this is the book for you.
 
First, I fell in love with Liz Talley’s writing eons ago when reading her romances. She’s talented and has a knack for bringing humor to the page, along with touching moments that just send a zing straight to your heart. So, when she released her first Women’s Fiction book, Room to Breathe, I one-clicked without a moment’s hesitation. And guess what? I loved it, just like I loved THE WEDDING WARS.
 
Now, these women are not sweet. They’re not even remotely nice to each other and sometimes to others, but life and circumstances have shaped them into the people they are now. And that’s life. Real life. We’ve all had moments we’re not proud of, but what I loved about this book, is the author’s ability to show these horrible sides of these women and then tell a tale of redemption and forgiveness. It’s a tale of facing your own demons and recognizing that you’re not perfect, that your life is not perfect, and growing up enough to own your own faults, as well as make the steps necessary to improve. 
 
It’s not all dark and dreary and depressing. There are humorous moments. There are touching moments between the two once-upon-a-time best friends where you can see hope. And there are moments of enlightenment where you just have to cheer for both Mel and Tennyson to open their hearts and give each other a chance again. There are also heartbreaking moments dealing with a marriage in trouble, and some sexy moments as one of them starts to find love, real love and a chance at happiness.
 
I found the story funny, moving, sad, and hopeful. The writing sharp, witty, and thought-provoking. And while we don’t get our typical Happily Ever After like we do with Ms. Talley’s romances, we do get to witness the true strength of women’s hearts and souls and what they are capable of dealing with and handling. 

​I need this book NOW! I was so caught up in the story that when I hit the end of the extended review, I wanted to cry. Such great characters. Samiah, along with her sister and her two new gal pals were everything you could ask for: smart, strong, successful, sexy, and sassy. I loved their fast friendship, as well as the relationship between Samiah and her family. We were just getting to know Daniel and he's totally piqued my interest. What exactly is he up to? Hmm, can't wait for the release when I'll get to find out, plus enjoy the wonderful, fun ride this romantic comedy is sure to take us readers on!

​Angie Fox's Demon Slayer series is one of my favorites. I remember reading book one out loud to my husband with tears streaming down my face and not being able to breathe from laughing so hard. Well, book seven still had me laughing out loud. I've loved Lizzy's journey, and her love story with Dimitri. Then there's the witches..kickass senior ladies who ride Harleys. And let's not forget everyone's favorite Jack Russell...Pirate, who has his own pet dragon and makes friends with ghosts. The book was full of action, but also deep friendships and family relations. In other words, it has it all. Oh, we also got to catch up a little with Amie and Dante from GENTLEMEN PREFER VOODOO, which is always nice. If you're looking for a fun paranormal, that's not your average vamp or were, has a bit of sass and lots of humor mixed in with the fun, this is your book! 

WRONG SIDE OF FORTY by Jana Deleon

I've been a fan of Jana Deleon's for years, so buying this book was a no-brianer and I wasn't disappointed. Wrong Side of Forty has Ms. Deleon's trademark wit, funky southern small town hijinks, and quirky characters but with a dash of mythology and some really great women. If you're looking for a fun, uplifting women's fiction book, then start right here because while our main character might have spent the last twenty years being a doormat, she's done and fighting back but grace (sort of) and style (lots). Add in some super fun secondary characters and it's the perfect book to spend a few nights with or lose yourself in for the day. Looking forward (as always) to what comes next from this author.

​BETWIXT by Darynda Jones

​Classic Darynda Jones...which means lots of laugh out loud moments and really great best friend dynamics (and of course, at least one hot guy and lovable pet). 

Betwixt was so much fun to read. Plain and simple.

I loved Defiance, her best friend Annette, and her gigi in a box. All three were wonderful, funny, zany women. Put together with a fun story plot, and great secondary characters and you have the perfect mix for a unputdownable read (Classic Darynda Jones). 

The story is a fresh, updated, and fun twist on the "Charmed" mythology and since I loved the original show and even the reboot, this hit the sweet spot for me. As did the setting (I mean, what's not to love about Salem, MA!). I don't want to give spoilers away, but Gigi was a hoot and a half. I'm very curious to see where the author takes this series and will definitely be reading the next book in her #PWF series!

​It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Jamie Beck’s, and with her newest book, If You Must Know, that hasn’t changed. Jamie Beck is a master at the inner workings of relationships, especially those between friends and families. 
 
In her newest and most definitely women’s fiction, is a story of two very different woman who seem to have one thing in common, their sisterly bond, weak as it is. But as we get into the book, we learn that deep down they both have so much more, like insecurities, regrets, hopes and dreams and the real desire to be closer to each other. However, a lifetime of misperceptions and differences can’t be wiped away overnight. Each woman is struggling with her own issues, plus dealing with their mother who is going through her own problems. None are great at communicating with each other, because as is true in real life, no one cuts as deep as those we love the most. The author does a phenomenal job of demonstrating this in the story. 
 
Some of the things I loved about this story were how realistic the characters read, how realistic the family dynamics were, and I loved the small humorous moments that kept what could have been a very sad story from going to the dark side. I also loved Mo (everyone will love Mo). 
 
Overall this was a fantastic book. A bit of suspense in the storyline dealing with Amanda’s husband (loved the ending). A bit of sweet romance for Erin. And a happy, satisfying ending for the Turner women and this reader. As usual, I look forward to Jamie Beck’s next book!

​The final installment of the Extracurricular series is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat, flipping pages until the sweet, satisfying end.
 
Never before have I started a book with tears in my eyes as I have with this book, only to have my heart ripped out again and again. 
 
Just when I think there will be no hope for anyone in this story to find happiness again, or justice to be served…. Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out who gets their just desserts and who doesn’t. 
 
Let me just say, Ms. Brown didn’t disappoint. This is a very timely story given today’s headlines with the subject of college admissions scandals. Watching the news play out, you can’t help but wonder what goes through those parents’ heads, why would they do such a thing. Ms. Brown gives a glimpse into the mentality of desperate parents, privileged parents and more. Now the question is, given she started this series before the scandals came to light, will the punishments of the real-life criminals’ match those of her fictional ones? Read the series and find out!

​It’s been a while since I’ve read a Dark Protector book, and I’d forgotten how much I liked the world with all of its magical beings. What was especially nice was that I didn’t feel lost having skipped several books before picking up Hero’s Haven. Zanetti does a wonderful job of weaving in the supporting cast from previous books along with their story so that everything flows. 
 
I won’t write a recap of the book because I don’t believe in giving away spoilers. However, I will say that I really liked Haven Daley. She was spunky and feisty and even though this was a new and somewhat crazy world, she did her best to embrace the new, instead of checking herself into a mental health ward like you’d expect. She also didn’t take being bossed around—not from the bad guys, not from psychotic, obsessed shifters or the love interest. She tried to do what was right and despite a crappy childhood, she had a really good heart.
 
As for Quade. Well, at times, I wanted to slap him. I hate the male dominance trick in the bedroom. That’s not how you get a woman to listen to you and I really, really hate it when authors use it in books. But hey, I know some people love that stuff. So, to each their own. When Quade wasn’t being a macho jerk, he was cute. Loved his obsession with eating toothpaste because it tasted too good not to eat it. Loved how he tried to understand this new time and world and his love of his brothers and oath, as well as his weakness for Haven.
 
Great supporting cast. Lots of fun moments mixed in with the fast-paced action. Super sexy. Prepare to have some emotional punches especially when it comes to Haven’s backstory. As with all of Zanetti’s series, whether it’s paranormal or romantic suspense, this story was well written and pulls you in from the first page and holds your attention to the last.