​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.  

​Beautifully written, full of emotion, warmth and depth.
 
Maybe it was because I was once a single mother, but I totally connected with Meg as she went on her journey to renovate the Spring House and in the process discovered Diane’s tale. Or maybe it was just the beautiful way the author told these two women’s stories that pulled me in from page one until the very last. Either way, I loved the book. It made two flights and a very long layover sail by. I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t even mind the uncomfortable chairs in the airport lounge and that’s saying something.  
 
Spring House was a wonderful story of friendship, starting over, family dynamics, the hardships life throws our way and the ability to overcome the odds. We see this not only in the present-day story surrounding Megan in her quest to succeed as a single and pregnant woman, but also in Diane’s tale from more than a hundred years ago. This book is a powerful reminder of how resilient we women truly are and that the greater the odds are against us, the greater our strength and resolution to succeed can be. It also had a lovely love story woven in that didn’t overtake the book, but gently flowed and highlighted the characters’ strengths and even their flaws.  
 
This is one of those stories that’s going to sit with me for a while. Highly recommend both Winter Cottage and Spring House. The books can be read as stand alone, however, I would suggest they be read in the order above to fully understand the backstory and the family dynamics best.

​Not your tired, typical paranormal. I love that Casey Wyatt goes beyond your normal vamps and wares and digs deeper into the world of paranormal with her wonderful stories.

In this book we delve into the world of Chinese myths and legends along with family dynamics, grudges, legacies, and loyalties. Combine all that with the fun and complicated romance, that provided lots of sizzle to the story, along with a reluctant heroine, who just wanted to be an average person, and you had a great read.

If you're looking for a fun book, with something different, give this a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed.