rebmay's reviews
89 reviews

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 . 

Only With Me by Brooke Montgomery

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

Harlow and Waylon have become my new favourite fictional couple. Their age-gap, taboo romance is one that grabbed my heart and my full attention. I became deeply invested in seeing these two wonderful characters get their very deserved happily ever after. Both had been through so much, dealing not only with their own pain but also the pain and anguish of a loved one. They both made sacrifices and adjustments in their lives in order to take care of the ones they love, to keep them safe. Falling in love was totally unexpected and started with texting each other, first anonymously in a group chat and then in a dating app. The texts were certainly enlightening, revealing the challenges they faced and even providing Harlow with a bit of tutoring in the area of intimate pleasure. They also served to deepen the connection between Harlow and Waylon, and their feelings for each other. Though they both knew they could face disproval, not only because of their age gap but also because he once dated her sister, they decided to take the leap into a relationship, albeit secretly at first. 

Mental health issues were a big part of Harlow and Waylon’s story. They were handled deftly with compassion and insight that was much appreciated. I loved the slow-burn of their romance, the tender moments and the funny ones, as well as the steamy encounters. They truly understood each other, helped each other deal with the pain from the past and had the same values. I will remember this couple and their story. I can’t wait to read Wilder and Delilah’s book. 

This mesmerizing book and the previous books in this series have my highest recommendation. 

Icicle Dreams (Mistletoe Meadows sweet Christmas romance) book 2 by Jessie Gussman, Jessie Gussman

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Jones and Amy’s story is sweet, heartwarming and captivating. They are the best of friends who fear that wanting more than friendship will ruin what they have between them. Then, Jonas is informed that he will receive a substantial inheritance if marries within a short period of time. With heavy debts from his veterinarian education and his clinic, Jones could put the money to good use. He also hopes to help Amy with her dog rescue and sanctuary, though he has no idea how very dire her circumstances have become financially. He asks Amy for help in choosing a wife, but soon both realize that only one woman should be his wife…..her. 

Throughout their story, more insight is given into the lives of Amy’s family members, the situations they are dealing with, (like the eminent death of a loved one), and their relationships with God and their faith. There are some very emotional and tender moments, as well as some funny and entertaining ones.  

I will happily recommend this beautifully written and inspiring book. 

Merry With A Probie by Carolina Jax

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-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

Opposites do attract as Jace and Poppy discover. Jace is a twenty one year old firefighter probie who is serious, rather strait laced and dedicated to his job. He isn’t interested in one night stands, hookups or flings. He likes to bide his time and plan things out. But Jace has another side, a dominant naughty side that he keeps under wrap, a side that craves Poppy. She is nine years older than Jace, a wild child with a sweet disposition and killer curves. Poppy can be loud, impulsive and doesn’t mind being the centre of attention. She has her eye on only one firefighter, Jace, but she has a secret that she believes will send him running in another direction. The sparks between soon ignite, but will the result be a burnout or an eternal flame? 

There is quite a bit of teasing, flirting and heat in this book as well as a touch of angst. It makes for a rather delightful and entertaining read. I am happy to recommend this book. 

Pete and His Precious by June Glass

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

This book made me laugh, smile and ponder a few deep thoughts as Pete and Zoey navigate their way from an embarrassing encounter, being neighbours who converse through walls, to friends and then sweethearts. A year after the embarrassing incident neither can forget, God seems to be guiding them toward each other. The matchmaking grandmas, Trixie the parakeet and Zoey’s cat, Flipper, all do their best to nudge Pete and Zoey together too. It takes a bit of effort, but both finally are able to get beyond that initial meeting and see each other as they truly are. I enjoyed the awkward encounters, the conversations that first occurred through their shared wall then finally became face to face, and the realization that they could build something more than friendship together. 

I wholeheartedly recommend this sweet, funny and inspiring book. 

Just Josie by Aria Harding

emotional hopeful 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

Josie and Connor’s story is a beautiful second chance at love romance that stole a piece of my heart. They were young lovers until tragedy tore them.apart. Both have moved forward in their lives in some ways, but their hearts and souls still remember each other. When they meet again, Josie has pretty much closed off her heart in order to guard it from further loss and pain. She has done well when it comes to her career, but her personal life has been haunted by the pain of the past. Connor is determined to make her see that together they can get past that pain, forge a new and stronger bond and build a happy future together. His steadfast support, optimism and commitment to their relationship help her emotional wounds to finally heal. He is always there to help her through life’s trials, and celebrate the wins. They complement and complete each other. Their well deserved happily ever after left a great big smile on my face. 

I will happily recommend this tender and memorable romance. 

Let's Not and Sleigh We Did by J.P. Sterling

emotional 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

This book is wonderfully funny and utterly captivating. It is a perfect read anytime of year, not just during the holiday season. It was impossible not to laugh or snicker throughout much of this book. I loved Noelle and Luke, and quickly became invested in seeing them get a happily ever after. Luke’s hidden crush, his efforts to win Noelle’s heart and his plan to be the one who gets his grandmother’s home were fascinating and entertaining. The change in Noelle’s perception and feelings for Luke, from abhorrence to  he’s my guy, made for some great reading.

 I will most definitely be recommending this book often. 

Hating the Book Boyfriend by L.A. Ferro

emotional funny hopeful 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

JoJo and Colton’s story is a fabulous and rather endearing frenemies to lovers romance. I say frenemies because these two have a long history where sometimes they have been friends (like all the times he comforted her after some mishap) and other times they have been enemies where they have butted heads and have been at a standoff. When they meet again after nearly a decade, Colton is happy to mess up a would be hook up for JoJo and a stranger she has just met. Seeing her spitting mad is just a bonus. A snow storm and no other rooms available leads to JoJo and Colton sharing a room with only one bed. Neither is happy about it, but for different reasons. He knows that she hates him, and for good reason since he deliberately did everything he could to get her to avoid him or walk away. He has long carried a torch for her, but her brother is his best friend who has made it clear his sister is off limits to all of his friends. Making JoJo hate him is one way to keep himself from giving into temptation and trying to claim her for his own despite the bro code. But everything is about to change. 

Their story has plenty of angst, flirting and steamy encounters. JoJo and Colton both are keeping secrets, and have some fears and trust issues to sort out as well. For so many years, they have avoided each other, but now both are very aware of the sparks between them, the need they suddenly feel for each other that won’t be denied, whether or not her brother approves. I enjoyed the banter, the snark and the flirting. The push-pull nature of their relationship, his jealousy and his pursuit of her all make for a captivating storyline.  The texting between JoJo and her friends only adds to the enjoyment of this book. 

I will happily recommend this fun and entertaining book. 

Healing The Cowboy by Mandi Blake

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

This is a sweet, clean and faith-filled book with main characters that are impossible not to love. Clint and Nora have been best friends since childhood, though he would like to be more than just friends. With Nora returning home after months away, he is ready to finally tell her how he feels. Unfortunately, he realizes the timing isn’t right since so much is going on with her family and their ranch. He steadfastly offers his support and assistance to Nora, though keeping his feelings hidden isn’t easy. When he is injured, Nora goes to his home to take care of him. Close proximity and maybe a dash of Christmas magic help Clint to reveal his heart to Nora.

Clint is such a good guy. He puts others, including Nora, first before himself. He supports, encourages and loves Nora unconditionally. He knows Nora has been hurt before and has trust issues. He is patient and has faith that everything will work out for them. With Clint by her side, Nora has renewed faith, is learning to let go of the pain from the past and is not afraid to open her heart to love. Their story is very engaging and a wonderful read. 

I am happy to recommend this wonderful book.