Mini Reviews: Pine River (Tijan), The Love Plot (Young), The Unmaking of June Farrow (Young)

Pine River
Author: Tijan
Publication Date: October 24, 2023
Publisher: Tijan
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Sports Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

If you enjoy Tijan’s new adult books, this book is for you. It’s classic Tijan with a girl who doesn’t realize how cool and bad@$$ she is. She attracts the guy no one can touch. They hook up and become a couple without ever planning on it. There’s lots of drama along the way. It was fun. I enjoyed Ramsay and Scout’s romance. I loved the side characters and wouldn’t mind getting books for Ramsay’s triplet cousins. Was it my favorite book of Tijan’s? No, but it was everything I’ve come to expect from her.

The Love Plot
Author: Samantha Young
Narrator: Savannah Peachwood
Publication Date:
August 29, 2023
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Sports Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

The Love Plot was a fun book to listen to. Star was complex character who had her boundaries pushed in several different directions after she started fake dating grumpy Rafe.  I adored how they fell for each other, and how Rafe loved carefree Star the way she was. The way Star grew and came to certain understandings was well written. Rafe’s family was frustrating, and I wish he would have spoken his mind earlier at times, but everything that happened made for an interesting story. In the end, I was happy with the outcome. 

The Unmaking of June Farrow
Author: Adrienne Young

Narrator: Brittany Pressley
Publication Date: October 17, 2023
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Mystery, Magical Realism, Fantasy, Fiction

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

What drew me to read The Unmaking of June Farrow was the eye-catching cover and title, and all of the rave reviews this book has been getting. It’s probably one I would have passed over because of the fantasy aspect of it had I not read all those reviews. I’m happy I didn’t. I loved listening to this book. The mystery of the timelines and why June made the decisions she did had me enthralled. I liked how memories came back to her piece by piece and what each revealed. I stressed over some choices June had to make. I loved all of the side characters and what they added to the story. It was an easy book to get wrapped up in. It was so well written. This was my first read by Young, but it won’t be my last. I can’t wait to read her other books now. 

Review: A Night at the Tropicana (Chanel Cleeton)

A Night at the Tropicana
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Publication Date: October 1, 2o23
Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Novella
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis:

Cuba in the 1930s is the backdrop for a vibrant short story about the rhythms of the heart and the twists of fate that echo through time by the New York Times bestselling author of Next Year in Havana.

Havana, 1939: It’s opening night at the famed Tropicana nightclub. Cuban American college student Natalie Trainer, on vacation from Miami, is watching from the sidelines—as usual. Then comes an invitation to dance from a handsome stranger named Antonio. Normally cautious and reserved, Natalie somehow finds herself saying yes. A tiny thrill of rebellion, of taking a chance, and Natalie’s in heaven. Will her first step into this unfamiliar realm set a new course for her life, or only tonight?


I loved this short story! Natalie and Antonio’s one night dancing at the Tropicana was a lot of fun to read about as was Natalie’s life later on. I felt like I was there in both settings. Cleeton somehow managed to make this novella feel like a complete book in so few pages. Although, I wouldn’t mind if it was expanded at some point because I would love to know what is next for the characters.

Review: The Cuban Heiress (Chanel Cleeton)

The Cuban Heiress
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Publication Date: April 11, 2o23
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis:

In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.

New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.

Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.

As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.


There’s something about Chanel Cleeton’s writing and storytelling that captivates me every time I read one of her books. One minute I’m on page 1 and the next time I look up I’m 50% finished with the book. That’s what happened to me with The Cuban Heiress. Normally, a historical fiction book takes me more time to read, but not this one. I was fascinated by it!

What made this book so good? First, that writing and storytelling I was talking about above. Fantastic as always. Then, there were the characters. I loved how Catherine and Helena’s POVs were so different, yet their lives intertwined in a mysterious and crafty way. The way the story played out was fabulous. I was very impressed that Cleeton was able to shock me with revelations I didn’t see coming.

I wasn’t prepared for The Cuban Heiress to end. I didn’t want it to end because I was having such a great time reading it. I was immediately looking up what was coming next from Cleeton (Nothing I could find yet! *sad face*) and more about the Morro Castle. Once again, Cleeton has impressed me. She keeps raising the bar for herself with her new releases and knocking it right back down. I can’t recommend this book enough.

Review: Carrie Soto Is Back (Taylor Jenkins Reid)

Carrie Soto is Back
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Publication Date: August 30, 2022
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Historical Fiction, Sports, Women’s Fiction
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis: 

In this powerful novel about the cost of greatness, a legendary athlete attempts a comeback when the world considers her past her prime—from the New York Times bestselling author of Malibu Rising.

Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular. But by the time she retires from tennis, she is the best player the world has ever seen. She has shattered every record and claimed twenty Grand Slam titles. And if you ask Carrie, she is entitled to every one. She sacrificed nearly everything to become the best, with her father, Javier, as her coach. A former champion himself, Javier has trained her since the age of two.

But six years after her retirement, Carrie finds herself sitting in the stands of the 1994 US Open, watching her record be taken from her by a brutal, stunning player named Nicki Chan.

At thirty-seven years old, Carrie makes the monumental decision to come out of retirement and be coached by her father for one last year in an attempt to reclaim her record. Even if the sports media says that they never liked “the Battle-Axe” anyway. Even if her body doesn’t move as fast as it did. And even if it means swallowing her pride to train with a man she once almost opened her heart to: Bowe Huntley. Like her, he has something to prove before he gives up the game forever.

In spite of it all, Carrie Soto is back, for one epic final season. In this riveting and unforgettable novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid tells her most vulnerable, emotional story yet.


TAYLOR JENKINS REID IS BACK!!! I know, I know. She didn’t really leave, but I couldn’t help myself. 😉 Each new release from this author is something to be excited about. I never know what kind of story is coming next, but I love them all the same. This time, Jenkins Reid has plucked a character from Malibu Rising and built an amazing story around her. Carrie Soto is a retired tennis star who is making a comeback to reclaim her title of the most Grand Slams.

Before I get into the meat of things, I want to talk a little bit about the writing. Jenkins Reid does a fantastic job of switching up how she formats her stories with each book. I was curious as to how this one was going to be set up. It started out in the present, then took me back to see the rise of Carrie Soto’s career, and then met back up with the present. There were also some transcripts from sports media sources woven in throughout. I loved how it was all put together and built Carrie’s story.

Carrie Soto was a complex character. It was very fascinating to read how she was raised by her tennis coach father Javier to be the best tennis player in the world. She had the reputation of being the ice queen of tennis and it was easy to understand why opponents and the press wouldn’t love her. While her attitude could be off-putting at times, it didn’t stop me from loving her character. She was fierce in the best of ways. I loved how she grew as a person from the first to last page.

One of my favorite things about this book was getting to experience Carrie’s relationships with the people around her and with tennis. Carrie and Javier had a special relationship with everything they went through together on and off the court. I loved their bond. I also loved how Bowe Huntley fit into the story. His story mirrored Carrie’s in a way, so it was fun to see them commiserating over age and tennis. Bowe being in Carrie’s life made me love Carrie’s character even more.

So… tennis. There’s a lot of tennis. I have never been a fan of tennis, so it’s probably odd that I found all of the tennis stuff to be interesting. I learned a lot while diving deep into Carrie’s relationship with it. With each match, I found myself on the edge of my seating waiting to see who won. If you’re worried you’re going to be bored by all the sport in this book, don’t be.

I don’t know if I’m saying all I want to be saying about Carrie Soto Is Back. I’m worried I’ll give too much away if I say more than I’ve already said. I loved this book. When I got to the end, I wanted more time with the characters. It was unlike any other book I’ve read. That seems to be the way I feel about most of TJR’s books. I know people are going to ask if it was like any of her other popular titles and I guess I would have to say maybe a mix? Haha. I know, that doesn’t help. Just know you’re going to be taken on a journey with Carrie that you will love.

Review: The Lost Summers of Newport (Williams, Willig, & White)

The Lost Summers of Newport
Authors: Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, Karen White
Narrators: Saskia Maarleveld, Brittany Pressley, Lisa Flanagan

Publication Date: May 7, 2022
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Women’s Fiction

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

From the ‘New York Times’ best-selling team of Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White – a novel of money and secrets set among the famous summer mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, spanning over a century from the Gilded Age to the present day.

2019: Andie Figuero has just landed her dream job as a producer of Mansion Makeover, a popular reality show about restoring America’s most lavish historic houses. Andie has high hopes for her latest project: the once glorious but gently crumbling Sprague Hall in Newport, Rhode Island, summer resort of America’s gilded class—famous for the lavish “summer cottages” of Vanderbilts and Belmonts. But Andie runs into trouble: the reclusive heiress who still lives in the mansion, Lucia “Lucky” Sprague, will only allow the show to go forward on two conditions: One, nobody speaks to her. Two, nobody touches the mansion’s ruined boathouse.

1899: Ellen Daniels has been hired to give singing lessons to Miss Maybelle Sprague, a naive young Colorado mining heiress whose stepbrother John has poured their new money into buying a place among Newport’s elite. John is determined to see Maybelle married off to a fortune-hunting Italian prince, and Ellen is supposed to polish up the girl for her launch into society. But the deceptively demure Ellen has her own checkered past, and she’s hiding in plain sight at Sprague Hall.

1958: Lucia “Lucky” Sprague has always felt like an outsider at Sprague Hall. When she and her grandmother—the American-born Princess di Conti—fled Mussolini’s Italy, it seemed natural to go back to the imposing Newport house Nana owned but hadn’t seen since her marriage in 1899. Over the years, Lucky’s lost her Italian accent and found a place for herself among the yachting set by marrying Stuyvesant Sprague, the alcoholic scion of her Sprague stepfamily. But one fateful night in the mansion’s old boathouse will uncover a devastating truth…and change everything she thought she knew about her past.

As the cameras roll on Mansion Makeover, the house begins to yield up the dark secrets the Spragues thought would stay hidden forever….


I’m a big fan of Karen White’s books, but to be honest, I’ve only read one other of her collaborations with Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig. I really liked that one, so I’m not sure why I haven’t read the rest. When I saw they were releasing The Lost Summers of Newport, I knew I wanted to read it. I loved the vibe of the blurb. It seemed perfect for a summer listen.

The Lost Summers of Newport is told in three timelines and POVs. The first is mansion makeover show producer Andie in 2019 who is starting a new project at Sprague mansion. (If I had to guess, this POV is written by White. I only say that because Andie’s friend mentions calling Melanie for a specific reason. If you’re familiar with White, you probably know who Melanie is and why she might be called.) The second is music teacher Ellen to Maybelle Sprague at the mansion in 1899. The final main character is Maybelle’s granddaughter Lucky who lives at the mansion in 1958 and is married to someone in Maybelle’s Sprague stepfamily. Each timeline and character held its own and drew me in. They each had a bit of mystery, and I was curious to find out what would happen. The writing was what I have come to expect from these three: great and intriguing. I enjoyed how the narrators brought the story to life.

I did have quite a few things I questioned in the end. I felt like Joanie should have gotten a timeline. We saw a lot of her in Andie’s, but I kept thinking skipping a generation might have missed out on an opportunity because she was such an interesting character herself. I also felt that Andie should have been more closely tied to the story than just an “investigator” and whatever was going on with Luke. Luke and Andi dove into some stuff more quickly than I was ready for. It was really just something that was said, but it had me pausing and feeling awkward. I also felt like maybe I missed something during the big reveal toward the end. I don’t know if it was my listening ear or that things felt rushed to resolve after a lengthy build up.

Overall, I enjoyed listening to this book. It was a fun summer read.

Mini Reviews: Authors I’m Just Getting To (Part 2)

I did a Top Ten Tuesday post a while ago titled Authors I Haven’t Read but Want To. That post inspired me to request a bunch of those authors’ audiobooks from my local library and borrow a couple from KU. I posted mini reviews for the first half of them and now I’m back with the rest.

Out of the Blue
Series: A Perfect Fit, #4
Author: Cara Bastone
Narrators: Alison Bliss

Publication Date: February 1, 2022
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction

Rating: DNF @ 25%

My thoughts:

I’m sad to be quitting this book. I actually liked how Adam saw Presley and her curves at the beginning. I also thought it was kind of cute how they met at his gym. I didn’t mind that Presley wanted to lose weight to counteract her prediabetes. I could even look past how she felt about herself because that was easy to relate to.

Where this book lost me was a very specific scene about 25% in where Adam, as Presley’s personal trainer, went through her pantry and fridge to get rid of all the “bad” foods. He threw out food that was opened and then put stuff that wasn’t aside to donate. He told her not to eat sweets and to watch her carbs. This messaging bugs me for a couple of reasons. One, there are no “bad” foods. It’s about moderation. He’s a personal trainer. Did I miss his dietetics or nutrition degree? Maybe he has one and that’s pointed out later. I’m sure he’s looked in the science of losing weight, etc. but I would have rather he taught her about healthy choices and how she could work the foods she loved in while also losing weight. Throwing 2/3 of her cupboards out and then showing her how to make a protein shake felt yucky. It just disappointed me, and I didn’t think I wanted to listen to what the message was going to be about Presley and her weight.

Boyfriend Material
Series: Boyfriend Material, #1
Author: Alexis Hall
Narrators: Joe Jameson

Publication Date: July 7, 2020
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Why did I wait so long to read this??? It was ADORABLE. I loved this fake boyfriend turned real romance. Luc was a mess, but Oliver was delightful with his buttoned-up ways. They were so cute together! There were some great side characters, too. Alex KILLED me. Oh, and the James Royce Royces made me smile every time I heard their names. I had such a great time listening to this book. I’m excited for the sequel.

The Rebel and the Rake
Series: League of Scoundrels, #2
Author: Emily Sullivan
Publication Date: December 28, 2021
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Historical Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I’m not much of a historical romance reader, but in the sea of illustrated covers in the past couple of years this cover stood out. I loved it, read a great review by a few trusted bloggers, and decided to give it a go. I’m glad I did. I found the writing to be excellent. It felt light and whatever the opposite of stuffy is. I was intrigued by the characters and the plot. I loved how I felt Sylvia and Rafe’s attraction and connection. His pursuit of Sylvia was very swoon worthy. This was a really fun historical romance read. I would read another of Sullivan’s books in a heartbeat.

What Are the Odds?
Author: R.M. Virtues
Publication Date: May 14, 2021
Publisher: Strange Hungers Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotica

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I wanted to try Virtues’ writing because a couple of my book friends have been loving on his books. I picked What Are the Odds? because it is part of the KU program. This is a friends to lovers story with the slightly taboo twist of Cai being Elena’s sister’s ex-husband. Her sister was responsible for the demise of the marriage and is easy to dislike, so it worked. I liked both of the characters and they were sweet and passionate together. This book is not for fans of closed-door romances. The doors are wide open with this one.

Review: Our Last Days in Barcelona (Chanel Cleeton)

Our Last Days in Barcelona
Author: Chanel Cleeton

Publication Date: May 24, 2022
Publisher: Berkley Books
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

When Isabel Perez travels to Barcelona to save her sister Beatriz, she discovers a shocking family secret in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s new novel.

Barcelona, 1964. Exiled from Cuba after the revolution, Isabel Perez has learned to guard her heart and protect her family at all costs. After Isabel’s sister Beatriz disappears in Barcelona, Isabel goes to Spain in search of her. Joining forces with an unlikely ally thrusts Isabel into her sister’s dangerous world of espionage, but it’s an unearthed piece of family history that transforms Isabel’s life.

Barcelona, 1936. Alicia Perez arrives in Barcelona after a difficult voyage from Cuba, her marriage in jeopardy and her young daughter Isabel in tow. Violence brews in Spain, the country on the brink of civil war, the rise of fascism threatening the world. When Cubans journey to Spain to join the International Brigades, Alicia’s past comes back to haunt her as she is unexpectedly reunited with the man who once held her heart.

Alicia and Isabel’s lives intertwine, and the past and present collide, as a mother and daughter are forced to choose between their family’s expectations and following their hearts. 


You know that book that is so amazing that you’re not quite speechless over it but can’t quite come up with the words to describe it? That’s how I felt Our Last Days in Barcelona. It was every bit as good as Next Year in Havana or When We Left Cuba. Sometimes historical fiction is a slow read for me and takes me awhile to get into. That was not how it was with this book. I was once again fascinated by the history and landscape of Cuba and Barcelona. I loved being back with the Perez sisters. Isabel’s plight was different than her sisters’ but no less interesting. I could have read a book entirely about her…but then I would have missed out on her mother Alicia’s story and her father’s cousin Rosa’s story. Both were just as interesting and fascinating as Isabel’s. I loved how their stories wove together to create some surprising moments. I didn’t see a few things coming and that rarely happens for me anymore. The ending gave me chills. I’m so thankful that Cleeton decided to give us books for the final two Perez sisters. 

Review: The Book of Cold Cases (Simone St. James)

The Book of Cold Cases
Author: Simone St. James
Narrators: Brittany Pressley, Kirsten Potter, Robert Petkoff
Publication Date: March 15, 2022

Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Paranormal

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis: 

A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times best-selling author of The Sun Down Motel .

In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was shaken by the Lady Killer Murders: Two men, seemingly randomly, were murdered with the same gun, with strange notes left behind. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect – a rich, eccentric 23-year-old woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted, and she retreated to the isolation of her mansion.

Oregon, 2017, Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night, she runs a true crime website, the Book of Cold Cases – a passion fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. To Shea’s surprise, Beth says yes.

They meet regularly at Beth’s mansion, though Shea is never comfortable there. Items move when she’s not looking, and she could swear she’s seen a girl outside the window. The allure of learning the truth about the case from the smart, charming Beth is too much to resist, but even as they grow closer, Shea senses something isn’t right. Is she making friends with a manipulative murderer, or are there other dangers lurking in the darkness of the Greer house?


This was my third book by Simone St. James. I would not say it was my favorite book of hers (The Sun Down Motel), but it’s my second. I enjoyed every minute listening to it. The plot to this one was interesting. I loved how the past and present were weaved together to give insight into the mystery. The characters were great, too. Both Shae and Beth were complicated women with something to hide. Their interactions with each other were entertaining. Michael was a strong side character and I loved his involvement. I loved how the ghosts were brought to life in a way that wasn’t too creepy and left the reader curious.

The only drawback to The Book of Cold Cases was how predictable the plot was to me. The foreshadowing made the revelations fairly obvious. I wasn’t shocked by anything happening. That didn’t take away too much from my enjoyment of the story, though. I was along for the ride and enjoyed the show.

Review: The Shop on Royal Street (Karen White)

The Shop on Royal Street
Series: Royal Street, #1
Author: Karen White
Publication Date: March 29, 2022
Publisher: Berkley Books
Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Women’s Fiction
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

The first in a new spinoff series of Karen White’s New York Times bestselling Tradd Street novels.

After a difficult hiccup on her road to adulthood, Nola Trenholm is looking to begin anew in New Orleans, and what better way to start her future than with her first house? But the historic fixer-upper she buys comes with even more work than she anticipated when the house’s previous occupants don’t seem to be ready to depart. Although she can’t communicate with ghosts like her stepmother, luckily Nola knows someone in New Orleans who can–even if he’s the last person on earth she wants anything to do with, ever again. Because Beau Ryan comes with his own dark past, a past that involves the disappearance of his sister and parents during Hurricane Katrina, and the unsolved murder of a woman who once lived in the old Creole Cottage Nola is determined to make her own whether or not the resident restless spirits agree…


New series, old feel. That’s how I would describe The Shop on Royal Street to Karen White’s Tradd Street readers. It’s got historic homes, ghosts, mystery, devious characters, and a struggling main character. The last Tradd Street series book did a great job setting up this new series by introducing us to Nola Trenholm and Beau Ryan and their volatile relationship.

In this book, Nola has purchased herself a haunted historic house in New Orleans. In order to get it into shape, she has to hire Beau to help out. It’s the last thing she wants to do, but necessary if she ever wants to be able to live in it. The ghosts make the rehab interesting, and Nola feels the need to help them by solving the mystery around them — a mystery that involves Beau’s family.

I had so much fun reading this book. I was really into the mystery and finding out what had happened alongside Nola. I loved getting to know Nola better after seeing her grow up in Tradd Street. Nola’s problems were very different from Melanie’s, but she had taken on some of Melanie’s more interesting quirks to deal with life. That could have been weird, but it felt natural, and I loved how she recognized it herself. It was also great to get Nola’s POV when it came to her family, especially Melanie. It just added some extra fun seeing everything through her adult eyes.

Nola wasn’t alone in this story. She had several friends to help her along the way. There was Beau, of course. His part in this story was perfect. I loved Nola’s reactions to him. I kind of wished I had his POV at times because he was such an interesting guy. There was also Jolene. She was Nola’s friend and roommate. I loved her spunk and Southern hospitality. I am looking forward to seeing how things work out for Jolene throughout this series and her friend Jaxson as well. Oh, and I can’t forget Thibeau and Jorge. Those two made me smile. I hope they bigger parts in the future.

I only had one issue with this book. I almost didn’t give it a full 5 stars because of how quickly one of Nola’s problems was resolved. I thought it would take more to get through it. Maybe it will and that’s part of the second book since it will be something she deals with her entire life? I guess I’ll find out in the next book. There were several of unresolved threads that I’m excited to read about in that next book. I’m hoping it comes sooner than later because the cliffhanger left me needing more information!

I have to give Karen White a round of applause for making the Royal Street series start off in the best way. It could have felt redundant and a copy of the Tradd Street series, but it came off feelings fresh and new.

CW: alcoholism

Review: Two More Days (Bookworm Box Anthology)

Two More Days
Authors:  Aileen Erin, Alessandra Torre, Chanda Hahn, Charleigh Rose, Colleen Hoover, Dominique Laura, Eric R. Asher, Ilsa Madden-Mills, Jennifer Wilson, Jessica Hawkins, Jewel E. Ann, K. Bromberg, Kandi Steiner, Karina Halle, Katie Ashley, Kelsie Stelting, Laurelin Paige, Leia Stone, Lexi Ryan, Lora Richardson, M. Robinson, Marni Mann, Max Monroe, Meagan Brandy, Micalea Smeltzer, Dr. Rebecca Sharp, R.K. Lilley, S.J. West, Tijan, Willow Aster
Publication Date: October 24, 2021
Genre: Anthologies, Contemporary Romance

Rating: Each short story is rated below.

Synopsis:

The Bookworm Box is proud to present Two More Days, our second anthology installment. Much like the first installment, Two More Days is an exciting and unique reading experience with contributions from several of our charity’s featured authors. Each author was given the same first sentence. Where they took that sentence was completely up to them.

Every story is different. No story is related.

The only thing these stories have in common is their starting point. Each author showcased in this anthology was featured in The Bookworm Box in 2020. Each author has graciously donated their story so that 100% of profits from this anthology will be going to the various charities The Bookworm Box is able to support because of you, the readers.


Before I start my review of this anthology, I would like to point out (as the blurb did) that all profits from this book goes to charity. It’s available in paperback from The Bookworm Box or ebook from Amazon. It’s also in Kindle Unlimited. Every story starts out with the same first line. My mini reviews are in order the novellas are in the book. Also, I didn’t read all of the novellas. Some were fantasy/paranormal and I wasn’t interested. They are marked “Did Not Read”. Nothing against the authors, the writing, or anything. They just weren’t my thing.

Tequila Mate by Katie Ashley – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I was not familiar with the Running Mate series before reading this novella, but I didn’t have to be. That’s a big plus for me. I could jump right in and not feel like I was missing anything. It also had a flashback that felt natural in the story rather than taking me away from what was currently going on. That was another big plus. The third big plus was that things between Selah and Stuart may have escalated quickly, but it was done in a way that felt true to the characters and their feelings for each other.

Always Cake by Max Monroe – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
How is that Max Monroe can write a novella that is basically two chapters and still make me laugh and swoon? It was so short, but felt complete. That’s not to say I wouldn’t want more of this story. I totally would!

Confessions by Laura Richardson – ★ ★ ★ ★
This novella was a lot heavier and sadder than I expected. It’s about a girl whose brother is in jail for killing a man. That man is her love interest’s older brother. She’s been avoiding him and he tries to reconnect with her. The writing was good, but I wasn’t a fan of the flashback in it. It was such an indepth story, I felt like it needed a full length book.

Heels Over Head in Love by Willow Aster – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This one was over before I was ready for it to be. This novella is sort of a spin-off of Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov’s G.D. Taylors series. I ADORED that series, so this was fun. There were some good cameos. I also loved how accident prone Hazel was. I really want this to turn into a full length romance in the future for Hazel Taylor and Brady Barnes!

Second Summer by Laurelin Paige – ★ ★ ★ ★
I’m not sure what to think of this one… It was a little odd, but I guess it’s part of a humorous comedy called Dating Season where Chloe tries to get over her crush on her roommate by finding love. I think I would read more about Chloe since this book was funny in an awkward way.

Protected by Dr. Rebecca Sharp – Did Not Read

The Vanished by Jennifer Wilson – Did Not Read

The Shelby by Jewel E. Ann – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I didn’t quite know what to think of this one at first, but I ended up loving it. The story of Shelby was unique, interesting, and entertaining.

Sunshine Rae by Kandi Steiner – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I don’t have much to say about this one, but I ended up really loving it.

From Friends to This by Dominique Laura – ★ ★ ★ ★
I enjoyed this one, but I wanted more from it. It just gave me a little taste and didn’t feel like a full rounded novella.

The Kiss by M. Robinson – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was a hilariously cute novella about a couple attending pregnancy class. I hadn’t read anything by Robinson before and this was an update to an already established couple. That didn’t matter and I would be interested in going back and reading their book now.

Stone Heart by S.J. West – Did Not Read

Without Yesterday by Lexi Ryan – ★ ★ ★ ★
I wasn’t so sure about this one. It got a little too close to making me uncomfortable before turning into something I loved. I need to remember to go back and read Krystal’s book now.

Good Girl Gone Bad by R.K. Lilley – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I read R.K. Lilley for the first time earlier this year, but I had forgotten about it. This novella made me want to read more! I loved the whole set up with Leona and Fitz. Can we please get a book for them?

Of Potions and Poison by Chanda Hahn – Did Not Read

Breaking the Rules by Charleigh Rose – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Coop and Reid were awesome. I loved this novella. I ended it wishing it was a full novel.

Stray by Jessica Hawkins – ★ ★ ★ ★
This one surprised me. The way it was written was pretty genius. I still wasn’t a big fan of Pierce cheating the way he did (cheating not really included in the novella), but it ended up working out for me.

A Home for Hobgoblins by Eric R. Asher – Did Not Read

Falling for My Stepbrother by Kelsey Stetling – ★ ★ ★ ★
A YA book about a girl meeting her stepbrother without knowing who he is and falling for him. It was actually adorable.

When Fire Strikes by Marni Mann – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I don’t think I’ve read this author before. Why have I not read this author before? This was cute. It was about two roommates who go on a date. It made me want to read more.

Armageddon, Again by Aileen Erin – Did Not Read

Strike One by Meagan Brandy – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I loved this one! I read Dirty Curve, so it was nice to be back in this world. I didn’t want it to end for Nova and X, so it was good to learn they’re getting a full book.

Office Hours by Alessandra Torre – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was probably the steamiest in the book. It was an adult college student and her adjunct professor. Not always my favorite trope, but it worked here. As always, Alessandra Torre killed it.

Pineapple by Leia Stone – ★ ★ ★ ★
This was a vampire/human romance. Normally, I wouldn’t have read it, but I got sucked in at the beginning. I ended up enjoying it.

Sincerely, Dane by Ilsa Madden-Mills – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ilsa Madden-Mills made this novella so much fun! I loved the Halloween costumes and the mission the characters were on. The romance was super cute, too. I would read a whole book. It also combines two of her book worlds, so fans will like that.

Dark Eyes by Karina Halle – ★ ★ ★ ★
Another vampire story, but not a romance. This was another that pulled me in when I didn’t expect it to. I could actually see myself reading the related books.

What If… by K. Bromberg – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I wish this was a full length book! I loved the story of how a fortune teller foretold Sky what was going to happen about her wedding. I also loved how everything played out. It was so cute!

When It Happens by Micalea Smeltzer – ★ ★ ★ ★
This was a cute story about a girl in a small town falling for an actor when he comes to town to shoot a movie. It did need a little better editing because a chapter was out of place and confused me.

F*ck by Tijan – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was an intro for a future soccer romance for Tysen and Kase. It has me excited for what’s to come. I’m hoping their book is coming sooner than later! It was typical Tijan and I loved it!

The Dress by Colleen Hoover – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I’m not sure what I was expecting from Colleen Hoover, but it wasn’t this novella! It was such a good story with a great message. I especially loved the dinner scene!