Tag: Single Parents

Series Review: Bachelors of the Ridge (Karla Sorensen)

Karla Sorensen is one of my favorite new-to-me authors of 2020. I’ve been slowly making my way through all of her books/series this year. After this series, I only have one more book to read and I will be caught up on her backlist. Here are mini reviews for each book in the Bachelors of the Ridge series.

Dylan
Series: Bachelors of the Ridge, #1
Author: Karla Sorensen
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Publisher: Dutch Girl Publishing, LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

My thoughts:

I had briefly met Dylan in his sister’s book in the Three Little Words series. Casey was a little high maintenance, so I was interested in getting to know her self-proclaimed closest brother better. I really enjoyed reading Dylan. Dylan was a great, normal guy. He took a chance and moved, where he met Kat. Kat had been a foster child and was about ten years younger than Dylan. I liked the dynamic their different backgrounds and ages brought to the story. It was sweet romance and reminded me why I enjoy Sorensen’s writing so much.

Garrett
Series: Bachelors of the Ridge, #2
Author: Karla Sorensen
Publication Date: October 21, 2016
Publisher: Dutch Girl Publishing, LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

Garrett was Dylan’s friend with the most charisma. I was happy his book was the second in the series because I wanted to know who would win his heart. I can’t decide how I felt about Garrett. On one hand, I really enjoyed this book because Garrett grew up a bit and came into his own. Uptight Aurora balanced out Garrett’s goofy personality. On the other hand, I wanted someone more fun for Garrett. This book was so serious and I loved how everything was handled, but I wish it had been more rom-com based on his personality. I wanted to have more fun with him.

Cole
Series: Bachelors of the Ridge, #3
Author: Karla Sorensen
Publication Date: March 22, 2017
Publisher: Dutch Girl Publishing, LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

Oh, boy. Cole. I’m not quite sure I was ready for the emotional pull Cole had. Cole had been divorced for years and still held a torch for his ex-wife, Julia. Julia comes back to town and a second chance romance begins. It was an emotional one dealing with infertility. Cole was such a good guy. Julia…I both loved and  hated Julia at times. They were a good couple, though. What they went through was not easy, but it was a great second chance romance. I loved how it ended.

Michael
Series: Bachelors of the Ridge, #4
Author: Karla Sorensen
Publication Date: July 26, 2017
Publisher: Dutch Girl Publishing, LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

My thoughts:

Did I love that “playboy” Michael fell for single mom of twins, Brooke? Why, yes. Yes, I did. I had hoped this was going to happen based on a couple things I read in Cole, but the story was even sweeter than I imagined. I loved Michael and Brooke together. Add in Brooke’s adorable twins, and I bet you can imagine how adorable it was. I do wish it had been a little longer so I could find out more about how the ex ended up.

Tristan
Series: Bachelors of the Ridge, #5
Author: Karla Sorensen
Publication Date: July 25, 2018
Publisher: Dutch Girl Publishing, LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

My thoughts:

With Anna being Garrett’s sister and married, I wondered how this one was going to play out. I liked how the demise of her marriage was dealt with. I loved how Anna took time to think about what should come next. I especially loved how Tristan took her situation into account. Getting to finally see under Tristan’s quiet demeaner was a huge plus. I knew I was going to adore his character from the first four books. Tristan was a sweet slow burn romance that I loved every minute of, and it was a great way to end the series.

Overall series thoughts:

Bachelors of the Ridge was a fun series to binge. Each book had Karla Sorensen’s pleasant story telling and writing. There was a little drama, but not too much drama involved in each book. This series is connected to the Three Little Words series. It’s fun to read those books first, but you absolutely don’t have to.

Audiobook Review: The Five Stages of Falling in Love (Rachel Higginson)

The Five Stages of Falling in Love
Author: Rachel Higginson
Narrator: Christine Marshall
Publication Date: October 11, 2016
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

The Five Stages of Falling in Love is a Contemporary Romance.
Elizabeth Carlson is living in the pits of hell- also known as grief.

Her husband of eight years, the father of her four children and the love of her life, died from cancer. Grady’s prognosis was grim, even from the start, but Liz never gave up hope he would survive. How could she, when he was everything to her?

Six months later, she is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and get the kids to school on time. Both seem impossible. Everything seems impossible these days.

When Ben Tyler moves in next door, she is drowning in sorrow and pain, her children are acting out, and the house is falling apart. She has no time for curious new friends or unwanted help, but Ben gives her both. And he doesn’t just want to help her with yard work or cleaning the gutters. Ben wants more from Liz. More than she’s capable of ever giving again.

As Liz mourns her dead husband and works her way through the five stages of grief, she finds there’s more of her heart to give than she thought possible. And as new love takes hold, she peels away the guilt and heartache, and discovers there’s more to life than death.

The Five Stages of Love has been on my TBR since it was released. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to get to it. I’m seriously regretting that now. This book was heartbreakingly good.

Liz is has lost her husband and the father of her four young children. She’s simply trying to make it through the day when Ben moves in next door. As Liz moves through the stages of grief of Grady, she begins to develop a friendship with Ben. As their friendship morphs into more, Liz has to navigate her feelings over losing Grady and what it means to fall for Ben.

Like I said before, this book was heartbreakingly good. Liz’s grief was overwhelming at times, as it should have been. Listening to her navigate her understandable feelings was hard, but it was also rewarding. The way she worked through things and picked up the pieces of her life was inspiring. It might have taken time, but also felt natural. I loved how her feelings grew organically for Ben. I adored how Ben accepted Liz for who she was at any given moment, and also how he bonded with her children. The only thing I could have wanted from this book that wasn’t included was Ben’s point of view. I don’t blame Higginson for not including it, though. It might have distracted from the growth of Liz’s character.

The Five Stages of Falling in Love was a very beautiful story of grief and love. It broke my heart several times, but also put it back together. It touched me in ways I wasn’t expecting. I would highly recommend it. It is now my favorite Higginson book.

Series Review: Havenbrook (Brighton Walsh)

Hi, guys. I have a fun series to share with you today. A while ago, I downloaded Brighton Walsh’s Second Chance Charmer for free and it sat on my Kindle for an embarrassingly long time. I finally picked up it and I was hooked! You can probably tell what happened from there: a series binge. Here are my mini reviews for each book in the series.

Second Chance Charmer
Series: Havenbrook, #1
Author: Brighton Walsh
Publication Date: March 19, 2018
Publisher: Bright Publishing LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I immediately fell in love with Brighton Walsh’s writing and the small town setting of Havenbrook. Finn and Willow were high school sweethearts who were finally getting a second chance at love. Finn’s attempt at winning Willow back and everything that was revealed during this was so much fun and very swoon worthy. I barely even noticed that it was written in third person and I am not a third person fan — that’s how much I enjoyed reading this sweet romance.

Hometown Troublemaker
Series: Havenbrook, #2
Author: Brighton Walsh
Publication Date: March 14, 2019
Publisher: Bright Publishing LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

After meeting uptight Rory Haven in Second Chance Charmer and the little insight I got into what was coming for her next with Nash, I couldn’t wait to start this book. I know Rory was supposed to be the stuck up princess, but I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. She learned a lot with the implosion of her marriage and the road back from that wasn’t easy mentally. I found myself tearing up for her. And Nash… I loved the way he came to grips with his own past. Oh, and the way he went after Rory. It was just a really sweet romance.

Pact with a Heartbreaker
Series: Havenbrook, #2.5
Author: Brighton Walsh
Publication Date: July 11, 2019
Publisher: Bright Publishing LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

This little novella is a preview to the third book in the series that features the middle Haven daughter, Mac. It was set the story for the next book. I appreciated it because this novella because it could have been done in flashbacks in Captain Heartbreaker and I am not a fan of flashbacks. I would much rather have a novella like this.

Captain Heartbreaker
Series: Havenbrook, #3
Author: Brighton Walsh
Publication Date: March 31, 2020
Publisher: Bright Publishing LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

My thoughts:

Captain Heartbreaker was a great second chance romance between childhood best friends. Mac and Hudson had amazing chemistry, but their friendship is what stood out. It was one of those where you go without seeing each other for years and fall right back into things. I loved that. I did get frustrated at times by both of their decisions, but it did make for a sweet romance.

Overall Thoughts:

This was such a fun series! I loved every moment with it. I’m really hoping Brighton Walsh gives us a book for Natalie, the youngest Haven. Oh, and Willow and Mac’s friend Avery, too! I’m really not done with Havenbrook and I hope Walsh isn’t either.

Review: Single Dad Seeks Juliet (Max Monroe)

Single Dad Seeks Juliet
Author: Max Monroe
Publication Date: October 13, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Dear Internet: Am I a horrible person for wanting to sabotage my work assignment—completely wreck a dating contest—because I hate the idea of love?

I know it sounds bad, but just hear me out, okay?

I (33F) work at a local paper, and two months ago, my editor assigned me a huge project—run the upcoming, highly anticipated Bachelor Anonymous contest.

In essence, I’m supposed to help a reader-nominated bachelor find his special someone, and while I should be excited to handle something of this magnitude solo, I can’t help but get queasy over how gross it feels.

Like, how cheesy could this thing get?

Not to mention, I’m the last person who should be involved in this—my dating and relationship history is a cluster. Generally, the person in charge of these things shouldn’t fantasize about lighting the whole three-ring dating circus on fire.

Anyway, men from all over Southern California, vying for the coveted bachelor role, submitted their personal ads to my paper. The readers voted, and Single Dad Seeks Juliet won by a landslide.

Enter Mr. Bachelor Anonymous (40M), the single dad Romeo seeking his Juliet.

Blah, blah, blah, right? Wrong.

You guys—and I cannot stress this enough—this guy is the ultimate man in a six-foot-three, chiseled-muscle, freaking Adonis package with aquamarine eyes that would haunt the dreams of an insomniac.

He’s a former Navy SEAL, successful business owner, motocross-riding, charming, supportive, funny-as-heck single dad, and the more time I spend with him, the more I want to bring this contest thing crumbling to the ground for an entirely different reason.

Real talk: I think I’m falling for him.

Me, the woman who despises love, might be falling for the completely off-limits Bachelor who I’m ironically assigned to help find love, while five other women think they’re the only contestants competing for his heart.

So, Internet. Am I scum? Or is all fair in love and war?

Single Dad Seeks Juliet was everything I’ve come to expect from the duo who is Max Monroe. It was hilarious is the wittiest and most adorable way. From the minute Holley and Jake met, I could feel not only their chemistry but their emotional connection. I love when I meet a book couple whose personalities click. Holley and Jake had this goofy camaraderie from the start that I loved. Their connection got better and better and stronger as the book built. The fact that it wasn’t all sexual tension and chemistry made this book truly standout to me.  Oh, and the whole dating contest thing. It  was funny and perfectly awkward. I loved it — I loved this entire book. I couldn’t get enough of it and was truly sad when the book came to and end. Thank goodness Jake’s buddy is getting a book. I needed something to cheer me up. 😉

Mini Review: Rifts & Refrains (Devney Perry)

Rifts & Refrains
Series: Hush Note, #2
Author: Devney Perry
Publication Date: September 29, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

From the moment Quinn Montgomery sat behind her first snare and cymbal set, she was destined for fame and glory. As Hush Note’s infamous female drummer, she sets the rhythm for the band’s chart-toppings hits. When people tap their feet to their music, it’s to her pulse.

Quinn is content to live in a world away from her family and the cage of her youth. Her only regret is leaving Graham Hayes behind without a goodbye. No matter how many sold-out stadiums she plays, no matter how many crowds sing her songs, his voice haunts her when the music stops.

When a family tragedy forces her to return home to Montana, she plans to leave the second she’s paid her respects. But seeing Graham again turns her life upside down. As a boy, he wasn’t able to make her stay. As a man, he might be her future.

If they can mend their rifts and find solace in the refrains.

This book was so my thing with its Footloose-like vibes. Perry really did Quinn’s badass rock star character justice by showing what she was hiding behind her walls. I loved returning to her hometown in Montana and finding out how her past shaped her. A big part of that was her relationship with her childhood sweetheart, Griffin. I loved figuring out their past piece by piece and what it meant for their future. It was such a sweet and emotional story — exactly what I would expect from Perry. I loved every bit of it.

Review: Lies and Lullabies (Sarina Bowen)

Lies and Lullabies
Series: Hush Notes, #1
Author: Sarina Bowen
Publication Date: September 22, 2020
Publisher: Tuxbury Publishing LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Summer nights and star-crossed lovers! From USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen.

Once upon a time, he gave me a summer of friendship, followed by one perfect night. We shared a lot during our short time together. But he skipped a few crucial details.

I didn’t know he was a rock star.

I didn’t know his real name.

Neither of us knew I’d get pregnant.

And I sure never expected to see him again.

Five years later, his tour bus pulls up in Nest Lake, Maine. My little world is about to be shattered by loud music and the pounding of my own foolish heart.

Lies and Lullabies was a sweet second chance romance. The whole rock star and secret baby tropes melded perfectly. I loved Kira and Jonas’ characters. It was easy to understand why Kira kept Vivi a secret and for why Jonas would want to come back to her five years later. Their chemistry was on point, and it didn’t feel weird for them to reconnect quickly. I’m normally not a fan of flashbacks, but they were few, woven well into the story, and didn’t distract from the present but added to it.

Like in all of Bowen’s books, the side characters helped make the story. Kira and Jonas’ daughter Vivi was adorable. There were so many sweet moments due to her. Kira’s brother Adam also had a big part. I loved his character. I’m wondering if we’re getting a book for him because his part in the story felt like it wasn’t resolved. I hope so! And then there was the rest of Jonas’ band. I liked the introductions to Nixon and Quinn. I’m so interested to see where Rebecca Yarros and Devney Perry take those characters.

There were a few things that felt a little too unresolved to me. One was teh whole Luke storyline. The second was Adam’s story, as I pointed out earlier. The third was that I wanted a little more time with Kira and Jonas at the end. There was a perfect epilogue, but the story felt like it ended a little abruptly. I can’t exactly explain why it felt that way. I guess I needed a little more clarification on how everything worked out for them with Jonas’ tour, etc.

Overall, this was a great second chance romance. It was filled with sweet moments and rock star fun. I’m so excited to read the rest of the series!

PURCHASE LINKS:
SERIES PAGE https://www.subscribepage.com/hushnote
All links in one spot → https://shor.by/hush-note
Audible → https://geni.us/Audible-LandL
Paperback → https://geni.us/Paperback-Land…
Amazon → https://geni.us/Amazon-LandL
Apple → https://geni.us/apple-LandL
Kobo → https://geni.us/kobo-LandL
Nook → https://geni.us/Nook-LandL
Google → https://geni.us/Google-LandL

Lies & Lullabies is book one in the Hush Note series. This can be read as a complete standalone. Book two, Rifts & Refrains is by Devney Perry, and book three, Muses & Melodies is by Rebecca Yarros.

Review: The Wreckage of US (Brittainy C. Cherry)

The Wreckage of Us
Author: Brittainy C. Cherry
Publication Date: September 8, 2020
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

Never in a million years did I think it would be Ian Parker who saved me…

I know I should stay away from Ian Parker.

But when my drug-dealing stepdad kicks me out, I have nowhere to go. Squatting in an abandoned shed on Ian’s grandpa’s farm seems like as good a plan as any.

Ian finds me there, of course, and he insists on me moving into his spare room. I should say no, but the appeal of a roof and a warm bed is too much. Not to mention Ian’s brown eyes and strong arms.

We’re nothing alike, but the spark between us is undeniable. My life is finally looking up.

Until I call the cops on my stepdad and unintentionally get my pregnant mom arrested.

Now I have to sacrifice my dreams to take care of my mom’s baby. She’s the only family I have left. Meanwhile, Ian’s band is taking off; his dreams are coming true.

Ian is my one chance at love. I just hope he doesn’t become the one chance that got away.

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. Brittainy C. Cherry has a way with words. There’s a beauty and magical quality to the words she strings together and the stories she creates. I get excited each time she releases a new book because I know whatever story is coming my way is going to move me. The Wreckage of Us did just that.

Hazel Stone broke me heart. Her childhood was not easy. Her drug lord step-father made her someone everyone avoided, and she made herself invisible behind black, baggy clothes and heavy make up. Despite everything that knocked her down, Hazel was determined to do and be better. She was determined to succeed. Her heart was so big and her character so strong.

I feel bad saying this, but I WAS NOT an Ian Parker fan to start out with. The dude made me mad with how he initially treated Hazel. I got his reasoning, but I didn’t care. He should have been better. I’m glad that he was better after working through some crap because he and Hazel fit so well together. I loved the way music brought them together. Their chemistry was as undeniable as their emotional connection. The things they went through because of music and fame were things I could imagine happening to a band and their loved ones in real life. So, yeah, thank goodness Ian wised up.

One of my favorite things about this book was the setting. Eres, Nebraska was a special place. I loved the descriptions and feel of it, especially Big Paw’s ranch. There were so many great characters in that community: the band, Big Paw and Holly, Leah just to name a few. The warmth of the community made it somewhere I wouldn’t mind living myself.

My least favorite thing was probably one crazy twist that I won’t say much about. It involved the darker side of the small town community, and just felt a little far fetched. That being said, I did appreciate where it took the story and how it shaped Hazel and Ian’s relationship.

Once again, Brittainy C. Cherry wrote a book that I couldn’t put down. It was filled with characters and a romance that I can’t stop thinking about. I’m truly hoping The Wreckage of Us is going to be the first in a series because I would LOVE each of Ian’s friends/band mates to get a book of their own. I don’t want to be done with The Wreckage or Eres, Nebraska.

Mini Reviews: The Trouble with Quarterbacks, Until November, Until Nico, Hard Fall, & Southern Seducer

Today, I have some quick mini reviews for you.

The Trouble with Quarterbacks
Author: R.S. Grey
Publication Date: August 6, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

The Trouble with Quarterbacks was a fun read. I loved the slightly quirky British main character. Candace made me laugh a lot. Her friends were bananas, too. The things those three got into… Well, it was entertaining. I also loved Logan. He was more lovable because of the things that drew him to Candace and his relationship with Briggs. The only thing I wasn’t a huge fan of was the drama toward the end. It just felt a little thrown in for my taste, but it didn’t ruin the story or anything. Overall, I loved reading this one. It was a quick, upbeat read.

Until November
Series: Until, #1
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Publication Date: September 15, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

November and Asher are a couple I’ve read about as side characters several times since I started mid-series. It was nice to finally go back and read their story. I loved their romance. Even though it’s extremely instant love, I liked how that was explained and how things went. Asher was a MAJOR alpha and I loved how November stood her ground with him. It was a very sweet story.

Until Nico
Series: Until, #4
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Publication Date: May 29, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

This series just keeps getting better and better! I adored Nico’s turn for the BOOM. He and Sophie were so cute together. Nico was all tough alpha bad boy. Sophie was a sweet librarian. I loved how their differences in appearance and attitude blended. This was definitely one of my favorites in the series.

Hard Fall
Series: Trophy Boyfriends, #2
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Publication Date: August 18, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Sports

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

After reading Hard Pass, I knew I had to read Hard Fall and get to know the annoying Trace “Buzz” Wallace. He was like that fly that wouldn’t go away with his idiotic humor, but he had a heart of gold. I couldn’t help but love his character even when I wanted to throw something at him for Hollis. I loved Hollis’ character so much! She was a great match for Buzz. I smiled a lot while reading this book. My biggest complaint, much like the last book, was that the instant love was strong and the book was too short. I wanted more of Hollis and Buzz. That being said, I still can’t wait for Trace’s twin brother Tripp’s book next.

Southern Seducer
Series: North Carolina Highlands, #1
Author: Jessica Peterson
Publication Date: August 8, 2020
Publisher: Peterson Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I enjoyed Annabel and Beau’s friends to more story. It had a sweetness other romances don’t because of some of the important aspects of the story. Annabel has been diagnosed with PPD 4 months after having a baby as a single mother. Beau has recently been diagnosed with possible CTE. Those two angles were ones I haven’t read often in romance novels. As a mother, I could relate to some of the tough new baby stuff Annabel was going through. I think I would have appreciated this book even more when if I had read it soon after having my child. One thing I have to say is that I’m not a fan of this title. The “Seducer” gave me a the feel that this book would be on the scandalous side when in truth it was a sweet romance. I think others who might benefit from this book might skip it based on the title, which would be sad.

Review: The Reality of Everything (Rebecca Yarros)

The Reality of Everything
Series: Flight & Glory, #5
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Publication Date: August 24, 2020
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Military
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Two years after the man she loved was killed in Afghanistan, Morgan Bartley is trying to put the pieces of her life back together. The reno on her dilapidated beach house in the Outer Banks might be just the distraction she needs to keep her debilitating anxiety attacks at bay and begin to heal her heart…if she can ignore the ridiculously handsome guy next door.

At twenty-eight, single-dad Jackson Montgomery’s life revolves around his five-year-old daughter and his job as a search-and-rescue pilot for the coast guard. He’s no stranger to saving a damsel in distress, and though his gorgeous new neighbor is clearly in distress, she’s no damsel. She’s stubborn as hell with walls a mile thick, and the dog tags hanging from her rearview mirror give him a pretty good clue as to why.

It doesn’t matter that their attraction is undeniable―she swore she’d never fall for another pilot, let alone a military man. There are some wounds time can’t heal, and some fears too consuming to conquer.

She’s a barely breathing heartbreak on the edge of recovery.
He’s a crash waiting to happen.
Together they could have it all…if they can endure the coming storm.

I started out 2020 by binging the Flight & Glory series. I thought it was a finished series, but I was wrong. I was happy to discover I wasn’t going to have to wait long for the fifth book because I needed that fifth book ASAP. This series is one where each book builds upon the last with different characters and I need to know what was next for this group of friends. It also gets better with each book, so I had high expectations for The Reality of Everything. Rebecca Yarros definitely delivered. This book was the best in the series and one of the best books I have read this year.

Morgan’s story is one of loss, grief, and starting over. It was emotionally charged in the best ways. Her story made me FEEL and I loved that. I was a little worried with times being what they are that I wouldn’t want the feelings Yarros’ storytelling ability was going to give me, but I didn’t need to worry. There was just the right combination of feelings. Yarros walked me through Morgan’s toughest times, made her come out stronger, and made me appreciate everything that Morgan had to go through without leaving me feeling depressed or overwhelmed. It was such an uplifting story.

Not only was this book uplifting, but it had an AMAZING love story. AMAZING. I can’t say that enough. I loved Jackson’s character. His support and willingness to weather the bad times with Morgan was everything. I loved the way he fathered his daughter. There wasn’t one bad thing about the guy, really.

Another thing that makes this series so special is the friendship aspect of it. The look at the friendships in this series was so different in this book than the first four. Even though Morgan moved away from her closest friends, we still got to see them plenty. Sam played a huge part, as did Paisley. Morgan’s perception of them and the evolution of their friendships made me think a lot. How she related to those friendships was important. Plus, who doesn’t want to see all their favorite series characters again?

Honestly, I could go on and on about what made this one of my favorite books I’ve read so far this year. I can’t, though. I would be giving EVERYTHING away. So I’m just going to finish up and say read this series if you haven’t yet because you don’t want to miss out on reading this book.

 Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41556924    

AVAILABLE NOW!!
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About the Author:
Rebecca is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of over fifteen novels, and is always ready to bring on the emotions. She’s also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward from her Flight and Glory series. She loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for eighteen years. She’s the mother of six children, ranging from kindergarten to law school, and is currently surviving the teenage years with two of her four hockey-playing sons. When she’s not writing, you can find her at the hockey rink or sneaking in some guitar time. She lives in Colorado with her family, their stubborn English bulldog, and a feisty chinchilla. Having fostered then adopted their youngest daughter, Rebecca is passionate about helping children in the foster system through her nonprofit, One October. 

Connect w/Rebecca:
Website: http://www.rebeccayarros.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/rebeccaelizabethyarros
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RebeccaYarrosFlygirls Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebeccaYarros
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccayarros
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7539785.Rebecca_Yarros
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rebecca-yarros
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39ZKtZ6  

Mini Review: Worth It All (Claudia Connor)

Worth It All
Series: The McKinney Brothers, #3
Author: Claudia Connor
Publication Date: April 26, 2016
Publisher: Loveswept
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

She’s fighting for control. . . . Paige Roberts learned to fend for herself growing up. Now she’s doing everything possible to give her daughter, Casey, the stability she never had. But when the vivacious five-year-old decides she’s done wearing her prosthesis, Paige faces her toughest challenge yet: trusting a handsome, brooding stranger who simply wants to help.

He’s struggling to connect. . . . JT McKinney lost more than his leg in a car accident that stole his dreams of pro football. Eight years later, he’s made a new life for himself far away from his old one. His business is developing cutting-edge prosthetics and he’s more than happy to turn his attention to machines instead of people. Still, he can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing.

Will they take a chance on love? . . . When JT gets the chance to help Paige’s daughter, he takes it. He never planned on the two of them tearing down his walls or teaching him to believe in himself again. Paige might not believe in happily ever afters, but JT wants more than anything to be her prince. They’ll both have to let go of the past if they want a future.

This was my second favorite book in the series. It was almost as good as that first book. I think what made me love this one and the first one more than the second book was that Claudia Connor writes some of the best children! I adored Casey in this one. She was all fire and cuteness. She really helped make this book that much better for so many reasons. I loved how she bonded with Jake. And Jake… Loved that guy! I was so curious about him after the first couple of books and his story lived up to my expectations. Paige was great, too. I liked how she was determined to give her daughter more than she had. She was a good match for Jake. Overall, this book was a winner.