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patmcbau's reviews
112 reviews
More Than a Story by Jenni Bara
4.0
Book Review
More Than A Story
A Novel By Jenni Bara
Fiction - Sports Romance
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy to read and review.
A story about a baseball player and a sports reporter, what’s not to like for this baseball fan! ⚾️⚾️
Taran Murphy and Corey Matthews are the main characters. Taran is a Sports Illustrated Gossip Reporter. Not sure if that is a real position?!
Corey Matthews is the star pitcher for an MLB team based in NYC.
Corey is very guarded about his personal life and avoids the media. Taran is struggling with a tragedy in her life that happened a few years ago. Taran would like to do a story about Corey, but she needs to earn his trust. Corey wants to trust Taran, but is she only being nice to him to get a story.
This book is for readers who love enemies to lovers stories and love after lost stories.
This book is the fourth in the Becoming An Evans Book Series. This is the first in the series that I have read. I would like to read the first three. There were many minor characters in this book. Because I hadn’t read the first three books in the series, I had a hard time keeping track of all those characters.
My one issue with this story is Corey choosing not to go on the road with the team a few times. This would not happen in MLB. Players must travel with their team unless there is an injury or family emergency.
“Trust is a two-way street, especially because I want more than just that.”
More Than A Story
A Novel By Jenni Bara
Fiction - Sports Romance
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy to read and review.
A story about a baseball player and a sports reporter, what’s not to like for this baseball fan! ⚾️⚾️
Taran Murphy and Corey Matthews are the main characters. Taran is a Sports Illustrated Gossip Reporter. Not sure if that is a real position?!
Corey Matthews is the star pitcher for an MLB team based in NYC.
Corey is very guarded about his personal life and avoids the media. Taran is struggling with a tragedy in her life that happened a few years ago. Taran would like to do a story about Corey, but she needs to earn his trust. Corey wants to trust Taran, but is she only being nice to him to get a story.
This book is for readers who love enemies to lovers stories and love after lost stories.
This book is the fourth in the Becoming An Evans Book Series. This is the first in the series that I have read. I would like to read the first three. There were many minor characters in this book. Because I hadn’t read the first three books in the series, I had a hard time keeping track of all those characters.
My one issue with this story is Corey choosing not to go on the road with the team a few times. This would not happen in MLB. Players must travel with their team unless there is an injury or family emergency.
“Trust is a two-way street, especially because I want more than just that.”
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
5.0
Book Review
Every Summer After
A Novel By Carley Fortune
Fiction - Romance
304 Pages
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This should be the summer read of 2022!
Persephone Fraser and Sam Flores are the main characters in this friends to lovers and second chance at romance story. Percy and Sam met 17 years ago when both were 13. Percy’s parents bought a cottage next door to the home Sam lives in with his brother Charles and their mother, Sue. Percy and her parents spend the summers at the cottage in Canada. The Flores’s family are year-round residents at the lake.
Percy has been punishing herself for a mistake she made 12 years ago. Unexpected news brings her back to the lake and to Sam. The story is told through Percy’s point of view. The chapters alternate between the past and the present. The past chapters explore the friendship between Percy and Sam as it grows into love. In the Now chapters Percy must confront her past mistake and her enduring love for Sam.
I loved the characters in this book, especially Percy and Sam. Charles, not so much.
“I’ve tried to forget about you for more than ten years, but I don’t want to try anymore.”
Every Summer After
A Novel By Carley Fortune
Fiction - Romance
304 Pages
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This should be the summer read of 2022!
Persephone Fraser and Sam Flores are the main characters in this friends to lovers and second chance at romance story. Percy and Sam met 17 years ago when both were 13. Percy’s parents bought a cottage next door to the home Sam lives in with his brother Charles and their mother, Sue. Percy and her parents spend the summers at the cottage in Canada. The Flores’s family are year-round residents at the lake.
Percy has been punishing herself for a mistake she made 12 years ago. Unexpected news brings her back to the lake and to Sam. The story is told through Percy’s point of view. The chapters alternate between the past and the present. The past chapters explore the friendship between Percy and Sam as it grows into love. In the Now chapters Percy must confront her past mistake and her enduring love for Sam.
I loved the characters in this book, especially Percy and Sam. Charles, not so much.
“I’ve tried to forget about you for more than ten years, but I don’t want to try anymore.”
The Golden Couple by Sarah Pekkanen, Greer Hendricks
4.0
Book Review
The Golden Couple
A Novel Written By Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Fiction - Suspense/Thriller
326 Pages
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Marissa and Matthew Bishop appear to be the golden couple living in a wealthy suburb in Washington DC. Their “perfect” marriage is hiding many secrets. Marissa seeks the help of therapist, Avery Chambers, after she is unfaithful to her husband. She desperately wants to save her marriage for their young son, Bennett, and also because she loves her husband.
Avery has recently lost her professional license because of her unorthodox methods. Despite not having her license, Avery continues to counsel clients.
As the story progresses, it is difficult to trust any of the characters. Who is telling the truth? Who is lying? Who is still hiding secrets? Who will be the villain? Who will be the hero?
This book is quite the page turner. The conclusion will surprise you. I will definitely read other books by these two authors.
“You can never truly know what is inside another person’s heart or head.”
The Golden Couple
A Novel Written By Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Fiction - Suspense/Thriller
326 Pages
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Marissa and Matthew Bishop appear to be the golden couple living in a wealthy suburb in Washington DC. Their “perfect” marriage is hiding many secrets. Marissa seeks the help of therapist, Avery Chambers, after she is unfaithful to her husband. She desperately wants to save her marriage for their young son, Bennett, and also because she loves her husband.
Avery has recently lost her professional license because of her unorthodox methods. Despite not having her license, Avery continues to counsel clients.
As the story progresses, it is difficult to trust any of the characters. Who is telling the truth? Who is lying? Who is still hiding secrets? Who will be the villain? Who will be the hero?
This book is quite the page turner. The conclusion will surprise you. I will definitely read other books by these two authors.
“You can never truly know what is inside another person’s heart or head.”
November 9 by Colleen Hoover
4.0
Book Review
November 9
Novel Written By Colleen Hoover
Fiction - Romance
307 Pages
Published 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fallon and Ben meet each other on the day Fallon is moving cross-country from LA to New York City. There is an instant attraction which causes them to spend Fallon’s last day in LA together. Both are 18 years old with their lives ahead of them. They decide to meet each year on this date (November 9) for the next five years. They have no other contact other then that date. They don’t exchange phone numbers. They block each other on social media. Ben is hoping to be a novelist. Fallon would like to restart her acting career. Over the next five years they develop strong feelings for each other until Fallon discovers something devastating about Ben.
I really liked Fallon. My feelings towards Ben changed throughout the course of the book. At times I loved him. At times I hated him. I understand the reasons why they chose to only meet one time each year.
Colleen Hoover’s storytelling makes this a quick read. I needed to know what was going to happen each November 9. I loved the way the author wove three characters from Ugly Love into the plot of this story. If you have not yet read Ugly Love, read it first before reading November 9.
“I’m not finished falling in love with you yet.”
“A body is simply a package for the true gifts inside. And you are full of gifts.”
November 9
Novel Written By Colleen Hoover
Fiction - Romance
307 Pages
Published 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fallon and Ben meet each other on the day Fallon is moving cross-country from LA to New York City. There is an instant attraction which causes them to spend Fallon’s last day in LA together. Both are 18 years old with their lives ahead of them. They decide to meet each year on this date (November 9) for the next five years. They have no other contact other then that date. They don’t exchange phone numbers. They block each other on social media. Ben is hoping to be a novelist. Fallon would like to restart her acting career. Over the next five years they develop strong feelings for each other until Fallon discovers something devastating about Ben.
I really liked Fallon. My feelings towards Ben changed throughout the course of the book. At times I loved him. At times I hated him. I understand the reasons why they chose to only meet one time each year.
Colleen Hoover’s storytelling makes this a quick read. I needed to know what was going to happen each November 9. I loved the way the author wove three characters from Ugly Love into the plot of this story. If you have not yet read Ugly Love, read it first before reading November 9.
“I’m not finished falling in love with you yet.”
“A body is simply a package for the true gifts inside. And you are full of gifts.”
Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood
4.0
Book Review
Under One Roof
Novella Written By Ali Hazelwood
Fiction - Romance
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mara is a recent PhD graduate who is working as an environmental scientist at the EPA. Her PhD mentor has recently passed away and left Mara her house in Washington DC. The problem is that her mentor’s nephew, Liam, owns the other half of the house.
This novella is short and fun to read. This is a cute story with the enemies to lovers and close proximity tropes.
This is ebook available on Amazon.
Under One Roof
Novella Written By Ali Hazelwood
Fiction - Romance
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mara is a recent PhD graduate who is working as an environmental scientist at the EPA. Her PhD mentor has recently passed away and left Mara her house in Washington DC. The problem is that her mentor’s nephew, Liam, owns the other half of the house.
This novella is short and fun to read. This is a cute story with the enemies to lovers and close proximity tropes.
This is ebook available on Amazon.
Stuck with You by Ali Hazelwood
4.0
Book Review
Stuck With You
Novella Written By Ali Hazelwood
Fiction - Romance
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sadie is a recent PhD graduate who is working in New York City as an engineer at a small environmental company. At 10:45 on a Friday night, she gets stuck in an elevator during a power outage. She gets stuck in the elevator with Erik Novak, a man she had a one night stand with a few months ago.
This novella is a quick, fun read. If you like the second chance at romance and close proximity tropes, you will love this story.
Stuck With You
Novella Written By Ali Hazelwood
Fiction - Romance
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sadie is a recent PhD graduate who is working in New York City as an engineer at a small environmental company. At 10:45 on a Friday night, she gets stuck in an elevator during a power outage. She gets stuck in the elevator with Erik Novak, a man she had a one night stand with a few months ago.
This novella is a quick, fun read. If you like the second chance at romance and close proximity tropes, you will love this story.
The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner
4.0
Book Review
The Summer Place
A Novel Written By Jennifer Weiner
Fiction - Family Drama
414 Pages
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
This book is a must read for Jennifer Weiner fans, especially if you have read and enjoyed her two previous books Big Summer and That Summer.
A family is preparing for a wedding on Cape Cod. It is a wedding that the father and stepmother of the bride to be wish wasn’t happening. This family has many secrets. Some of the secrets have been haunting the person for many years. Some secrets have come to the surface because of current events. As the story unfolds, some secrets are revealed while others are kept a secret.
Jennifer Weiner is a great storyteller. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
“Maybe you couldn’t get THE life you wanted, but you could have A life you wanted.”
“Marriage is compromise.”
The Summer Place
A Novel Written By Jennifer Weiner
Fiction - Family Drama
414 Pages
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
This book is a must read for Jennifer Weiner fans, especially if you have read and enjoyed her two previous books Big Summer and That Summer.
A family is preparing for a wedding on Cape Cod. It is a wedding that the father and stepmother of the bride to be wish wasn’t happening. This family has many secrets. Some of the secrets have been haunting the person for many years. Some secrets have come to the surface because of current events. As the story unfolds, some secrets are revealed while others are kept a secret.
Jennifer Weiner is a great storyteller. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
“Maybe you couldn’t get THE life you wanted, but you could have A life you wanted.”
“Marriage is compromise.”
Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
4.0
Book Review
Hook, Line, and Sinker
A Novel Written By Tessa Bailey
Fiction - Romance
353 Pages
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the sequel to the book It Happened One Summer which I recently read and reviewed. This book focuses on two characters from It Happened One Summer, Hannah and Fox. Hannah is Piper’s younger sister. Fox is Brendan’s friend and crew member on his fishing boat.
I liked this book more than It Happened One Summer. Hannah and Fox were more likable characters. Their developing romance seemed more believable than the romance between Piper and Brendan in the first book. The spice was a bit toned down in Hook, Line, and Sinker.
This book had a very unique Prologue. It was a series of text messages that Piper and Fox sent each other during the year Hannah left Westport and returned there to work on a movie being filmed in the seaport town. The text messages were flirty and show the two are developing feelings for each other.
Although Hannah and Fox insist theirs is a platonic relationship, it is difficult for both to hide their feelings for each other. They both have obstacles to overcome. Hannah has a crush on her boss. Fox has commitment issues.
“I didn’t know what right felt like until you. I’m holding to the good you give me. I’m holding on to you.”
Hook, Line, and Sinker
A Novel Written By Tessa Bailey
Fiction - Romance
353 Pages
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the sequel to the book It Happened One Summer which I recently read and reviewed. This book focuses on two characters from It Happened One Summer, Hannah and Fox. Hannah is Piper’s younger sister. Fox is Brendan’s friend and crew member on his fishing boat.
I liked this book more than It Happened One Summer. Hannah and Fox were more likable characters. Their developing romance seemed more believable than the romance between Piper and Brendan in the first book. The spice was a bit toned down in Hook, Line, and Sinker.
This book had a very unique Prologue. It was a series of text messages that Piper and Fox sent each other during the year Hannah left Westport and returned there to work on a movie being filmed in the seaport town. The text messages were flirty and show the two are developing feelings for each other.
Although Hannah and Fox insist theirs is a platonic relationship, it is difficult for both to hide their feelings for each other. They both have obstacles to overcome. Hannah has a crush on her boss. Fox has commitment issues.
“I didn’t know what right felt like until you. I’m holding to the good you give me. I’m holding on to you.”
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
3.0
One Italian Summer
A Novel Written By Rebecca Serle
Fiction
245 Pages
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Katy, the main character and narrator, is having a difficult time dealing with the death of her mother from cancer. Her mother, Carol, was Katy’s best friend. Katy is also having doubts about her marriage to her husband, Eric. Katy and her mom had planned to take a trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Carol wanted to show Katy the places she visited when she lived in Positano as a young woman. Katy decides to take this trip alone to help her deal with her mother’s death and decide if she wants to stay married. While there, Katy sees her mom - a 30 year old Carol. Katy gets to know this younger version of her mother.
From the beginning I did not like Katy. I found her annoying and selfish. Her relationship with her mom was unusual. It’s difficult to like a book when you don’t like the main character. As the story unfolded in Italy, I started to find Katy more likable. This story shows how to move on after a loss. We also see that the people we think we know very well may not be who we think they are. The author is a great tour guide in Italy. Her descriptions make you want to visit there.
“And above all else, I hope you know that even if you can’t see me, I am always with you.”
A Novel Written By Rebecca Serle
Fiction
245 Pages
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Katy, the main character and narrator, is having a difficult time dealing with the death of her mother from cancer. Her mother, Carol, was Katy’s best friend. Katy is also having doubts about her marriage to her husband, Eric. Katy and her mom had planned to take a trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Carol wanted to show Katy the places she visited when she lived in Positano as a young woman. Katy decides to take this trip alone to help her deal with her mother’s death and decide if she wants to stay married. While there, Katy sees her mom - a 30 year old Carol. Katy gets to know this younger version of her mother.
From the beginning I did not like Katy. I found her annoying and selfish. Her relationship with her mom was unusual. It’s difficult to like a book when you don’t like the main character. As the story unfolded in Italy, I started to find Katy more likable. This story shows how to move on after a loss. We also see that the people we think we know very well may not be who we think they are. The author is a great tour guide in Italy. Her descriptions make you want to visit there.
“And above all else, I hope you know that even if you can’t see me, I am always with you.”
Maybe We Should by Melissa Foster
4.0
Book Review
Maybe We Should
A Novel written By Melissa Foster
Fiction - Romance
300 Pages
Published 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After reading two books in a row with emotional plots, I needed to read a book that would be light and easy. This book was it!
This is the second of three books in The Silver Harbor Series. I’ve read all three in the series.
This book focuses on the romance between Cait Weatherby and Brant Remington. Brant is smitten right after meeting Cait. Cait is much more guarded. She has a dark past that she must come to grips with before pursuing a lasting relationship with Brant.
This book is for you if you are looking for a light, easy romance with a predictable plot.
“You make me want to dream.”
“This is what couples do. We open doors and help each other find all the things that make us happy.”
Maybe We Should
A Novel written By Melissa Foster
Fiction - Romance
300 Pages
Published 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After reading two books in a row with emotional plots, I needed to read a book that would be light and easy. This book was it!
This is the second of three books in The Silver Harbor Series. I’ve read all three in the series.
This book focuses on the romance between Cait Weatherby and Brant Remington. Brant is smitten right after meeting Cait. Cait is much more guarded. She has a dark past that she must come to grips with before pursuing a lasting relationship with Brant.
This book is for you if you are looking for a light, easy romance with a predictable plot.
“You make me want to dream.”
“This is what couples do. We open doors and help each other find all the things that make us happy.”