rebmay's reviews
87 reviews

Holiday Hoax by Nichole Greene

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Ian and Mia are easy to like and want to cheer on to a happily ever after. Their age-gap, fake relationship romance is very entertaining and enjoyable. I loved their  banter, their white-hot chemistry and their effortless connection. Mia is sweet, funny and unassuming with an independent streak. Though she is struggling financially, Mia doesn’t want to ask for help. She is agreeable to the fake relationship plan because it will benefit Ian too. She will get a chance to garner new clients in his wealthy social circle that she can bring in to the gallery, and Ian will be able to show the board that he meets their unspoken requirement for being CEO, being in a committed relationship. The board won’t know their relationship is fake. It doesn’t take long before Ian admits his deeper than friendship feelings, and tells her that he wants their relationship to be real, not fake. He doesn’t try to hide his feelings or wait for her to admit her feelings first, and he doesn’t push her into deciding if she wants a relationship too. I really like that. Their story just makes me smile.

I will happily recommend this book. 

His Temporary Wife by Katie Lillig

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Melody and Tony’s is a hidden identity, he falls first romance that makes me laugh out loud and smile. There are sparks and a whole lot of awareness between them as soon as they meet, but fiercely independent Melody has guards around her heart and refuses to take the very charming Tony seriously, especially his claim that he wants to marry her. Their chemistry is super hot and both find that they can’t resist the other, but Melody insists that their hookups, she is not ready to call it a relationship, remain a secret between them. A weekend away ends in a marriage that Melody wants to keep secret too, because she is convinced it won’t last. Her father, and everyone other past relationship, has taught her that men don’t stay, at least not with her. When she inadvertently learns that Tony has been lying to her, Melody is glad that she never told anyone about their marriage. Then she has to face a life changing new development….she is pregnant. 

Tony knows he messed up, but his lie was based on his need to keep a low profile because he is a witness in a criminal case involving organized crime. He is ecstatic about the baby, and genuinely loves Melody. He wants a lifetime with her. Now that he has broken her trust, how can he convince her to give him and their marriage another chance? Fortunately or not, they have a group of meddlesome friends and family that love and support them. His friend and lawyer’s wife, Aspen, is hilariously nosy, impulsive and knows no boundaries. Neither does Tony’s mom who is more than ready for a grandchild. Melody’s friends are there to support her and also to remind her that she is worthy of love and that maybe she should give Tony a chance. The texts between the characters are funny, informative and even a tad spicy, which makes this book very entertaining and engaging.  

I will happily recommend this fascinating book.

Mountain Refuge by Elise Gedicke

challenging emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book is the first in a new series. After reading this gripping book, I can’t wait to read the whole series. The characters are fascinating, true-to-life and drag me willingly into their story. Adam’s efforts to protect his kids from the truly evil machinations of someone who should love and protect them are at the centre of this story. A connection to a childhood friend proves to be life saving for Adam and the young children he desperately wants to keep safe. One phone call puts their well-being into the hands of a skilled group of people who are experienced in helping those who have found themselves in desperate straits and are in need of guidance, a safe haven and protection. After days of stealthy travel, a snow storm nearly brings a fatal ending to Adam and the children’s journey. Thankfully, Brooke is able to rescue the little family and bring them to her remote mountain cabin. That rescue is the beginning of a new chapter in the family’s lives and in Brooke’s. 

Brooke and her fellow residents on the mountain have their reasons for isolating themselves, living off grid and maintaining a self-sustaining life style. The storm means Adam and the children will be Brooke’s houseguests for at least a few days, though none of them expect to develop deep feelings or to begin to dream of a future together. Their story is fraught with danger, self-reflection and growth, as well as confronting the demons that haunt them. It also features a wonderful slow-burn romance between two people who have more than enough reasons to guard their hearts and turn their backs to any new relationships. The network of men and women who work together to aid and protect the innocent in horrible situations is also a focus of this book and introduces readers to characters who will featured in other books in this series. 

It was easy to fall for Brooke, Adam (Elijah) and the young kids. Their love story is poignant, rather bumpy and a tad spicy. They both transform over the months since his and the kids arrival on the mountain. It is young Belle who truly melts my heart as she transforms from a terrified and withdrawn young girl into a fierce, independent and feisty young lady who can protect herself and those she loves if necessary. I could not put this book down and stayed up into the wee hours of the morning in order to discover what happens with Brooke, Adam (Elijah) and the children. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this compelling book. It has my highest of recommendations. 

Holiday Pursuit by Kenna Kingston

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Claire and Everett’s story sweet and charming with a dash of spice. Tired of her mom nagging her to get out more to meet eligible men, Claire tells her mom she is dating her neighbour. She then asks Everett, her very hot and sexy neighbour, if he could pretend to be her boyfriend for a few minutes, just to show he is real, then he was free to disappear if he wanted to. Everett is more than eager to take on the role of boyfriend, but he hopes that by the end of the weekend he can convince her to let him be her real boyfriend. 

Their chemistry is intense, and Everett definitely sells himself as Claire’s boyfriend. This cinnamon role hero is it to win it and the prize is Claire and a future with her. This short Christmas romance was a delight to read. I will happily recommend it to all lovers of romance. 

His Curvy Candy Cane by Lyssa J. Cole

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is a quick and delightful Christmas romance. There is lots of snark and flirty banter as well as some very hot encounters.  Life has taught Elise to be independent and guarded, but Ethan, her gorgeous new neighbour, definitely brings the sparks and light with him. Her resistance proves futile. The sparks of instant attraction ignite and turn into love in a flash, maybe with the help of a little Christmas magic or a guardian Angel or two. 

I will happily recommend this delightful book.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book continues from where The Inheritance left off. An antique mirror that suddenly appears and disappears is a portal into the past for Sonya, the new owner of the Poole Manor, and Owen, another Poole descendant. Going through the portal gives them a new prospective of the lives and deaths of the Poole ancestors, especially those who were victims of Hester Dobbs treachery.  A spectre from a time two hundred years in the past, Hester Dobbs is set on expelling the new residents of the manor, the manor she has claimed as her own. But she isn’t the only spirit who haunts the manor. All of her victims do too, as does anyone else who died at the manor. In contrast to Hester’s evil, all others who haunt the manor are spirits who wish no harm to the new residents, Sonya and Cleo. In fact the spirits take on many tasks to be of service, like housecleaning and personal wardrobe consultant, and to show their goodwill. As Sonya and Cleo get more comfortable at the manor, Hester’s malevolence grows. The mirror continues to give Sonya views of the past and hopefully clues on how to take back the rings from the lost brides and vanquish Hester Dobbs. It is the classic struggle of good versus evil.

While this book includes the evolving relationships between two couples, they are not the only focus of this book. Connections are a big part of this book. The connections between friends who are more like siblings, between friends who become lovers, and between the new residents of the manor and the community in which they now reside. The connections between the past and the present or ancestors and descendants are also important to this multilayered and complex book that both thrills and enthralls. Sonya and Cleo have both found the manor to be a home where they can flourish, both personally and professionally, and its spirits are both a comfort and a challenge. With Trey and Owen in their lives now and, hopefully, in the future, these two women are not going anywhere. Together, the four of them and their furry companions, make a formidable team against Hester’s evil machinations. This book ends on another thrilling cliffhanger which leaves me eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this trilogy. 

Both The Inheritance and The Mirror are enthralling and well worth reading. Neither book is a standalone and they should be read in order. The story concludes in the next book. 

The Nanny Clause by Billie Jade Kermack

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is a quick and easy read with both sweetness and spice. Lola and Holden have intense chemistry that they both find hard to ignore, though he certainly tries to do so. There is a lot of tension and antagonism at first, but that soon changes. Lola has a feisty, outspoken side as well as the kind, compassionate and caring side she shows Holden’s kids. I love the rapport that Lola develops with the kids, even with Maddison’s trust issues. There are some very funny scenes in this book, along with a few rather steamy ones, that make this book enjoyable.

I will happily recommend this book. 

Love Without Demands by Jade Dollston

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I have already read this book twice. There is just so much to love about this book. First, there are the two main characters Lehra and Cruz who are impossible not to love, empathize with and cheer on to a happily ever after. They both have big, warm hearts, personalities that draw others to them, and value hardwork and loyalty. He feels an instant attraction to Lehra, but refuses to act on it when he learns she has a boyfriend. That doesn’t stop them from becoming good friends. 

Second, there are the wonderful, quirky and hilarious friends who add hilarity, warmth and flavour to this book. Characters like Artie who is flamboyant, outspoken and unfiltered. Lehra’s girl squad who step up to support her when she is being overwhelmed and gaslighted during preparations for her wedding. They, along with Cruz, give Lehra the courage to speak up and leave her ex and his mother in the rear view mirror. Then more is revealed about the members of the Bouvier family from the previous two books and their relationship to Cruz. This makes this book all the more captivating. 

Third, is the care and effort Cruz puts into claiming Lehra for his own. He is in it to win her heart for a lifetime, not as a rebound or a revenge boyfriend. When he discovers that she has similar interests when it comes fantasies and intimacy, Cruz goes all out to fulfill her dreams and desires. His actions show Lehra that she is important to him, and so are her feelings, thoughts and dreams, something she never experienced with her ex. Their slow-burn relationship becomes a deep abiding love match. 

There are many riveting moments in this book. Some emotional, some hilarious and others wonderfully steamy. Both the characters and the storyline make this book a fabulous read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and the two previous books in this series. Enjoy! 

Kept By The Bratva by Ava Gray

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Amy and Nikolai’s story is fast-paced, action-packed and intense. They agreed to a one-night  stand, but both can’t forget that passionate night, the connection they felt or each other.  Though they have been unable to find each other in the month or so since that night for a variety reasons, Fate seems determined to push them together. A second meeting, another passionate encounter and once again, they go their separate ways. Nikolai decides he must put her out of his mind and his heart because she is young and innocent, too pure for his dark and dangerous world. 

Once again, Fate steps in, and it is Nikolai and his men who rescue Amy and her fellow captives after they are kidnapped by the cartel for the purpose of sex trafficking. This time, he can’t let Amy go. Though both feel the connection between them, neither is ready to reveal it or any deeper feelings. His dangerous life, her need for independence and a surprise pregnancy all serve to add to the hurdles they face in their relationship. Add in the lies Amy has told and an obsessed, sadistic Cartel boss who wants her for himself, and their situation seems impossible to navigate. There is passion between them, but will they ever trust each other and reveal their true feelings? 

These two characters are fascinating, stubborn and slow to trust. They have a fiery chemistry, a soul-deep connection and the same need for a family of their own. Amy is independent, feisty, strong-willed and more than capable of holding her own with Nikolai. He is fiercely protective, possessive and family is everything to him and Amy is part of that family. I will happily recommend this riveting book.

Perfect Enough by Kelly Elliott

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Josh and Sophia’s story is a sweet and charming fake-relationship-turns-real romance. Loss and grief play a big role in their story, as does fate and an indefinable connection. A text to her recently deceased father’s phone number to express her grief and confusion leads Sophia to communicate with Josh, a volunteer firefighter and rancher. His compassion, understanding and willingness to keep texting with her gives Sophia an outlet to express her feelings and to release stress. Talking about her father with her mother is currently a no go, especially with her mother becoming even more obsessed than usual with Sophia’s love life. To keep her mother from setting her up on dates or enrolling her in a dating app, Sophia tells her that Josh is her new boyfriend. In need of a date to a cousin’s wedding, she asks Josh who instantly agrees to be her fake boyfriend. The sparks, mutual attraction and connection they feel have them both wanting more than just friendship with each other. 

Despite having very different financial backgrounds and family life, Josh and Sophia have core values in common. That doesn’t mean that they don’t have a few emotion hurdles to overcome and some soul searching to do before they make decisions about what each wants for their future individually or together. Their story is emotional at times, but it also includes plenty of humour and a dash of spice. I won’t hesitate to recommend it .