Tag: contemporary romance book

Review: Hearing My Secrets by Julie L. James

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

At first glance, Marion Andrews would seem to have it all. She’s just been promoted at her job at the top home design magazine where she’s worked for a few years on the creative team, and she’s earned it, even after a few blunders. Her personality and work ethic have taken her far, but not everything is as it seems in her personal life.

Marion’s been hiding her biggest insecurity for years, and now that she’s working closer with her handsome and austere boss, Mr. Shaler, she’s never felt more unsure about whether or not she should reveal it. Mr. Shaler isn’t as intimidating as Marion thought and she never expected things between them to be quite so friendly.

During her transition in her new position, she meets Charlie, a stranger who insinuates he knows things about her past. Charlie keeps popping up in her life, revealing more each time, and getting closer to Marion in every way.

Caught between her tragic past and her dramatic present life, Marion realizes she doesn’t have control over everything and has to find a way to navigate how she can “have it all” without the unforeseen drama that comes with it.

Favorite Lines:

“Gratitude is always the best attitude.”

“‘What do you have against hot drinks?’ I asked. ‘The concept of soaking ground bits of vegetation in boiling hot water feels wrong to me,’ he explained.”

“I moved closer, resting my head on his chest, hearing his heart beneath me, and appreciating the sound of every single beat.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Julie L. James’s Hearing My Secrets is a heartfelt and quietly powerful novel that blends workplace drama, hidden disabilities, and unexpected romance into something utterly engaging. From the opening pages, we’re drawn into Marion’s world—a young editorial assistant at a glossy home design magazine who is trying to keep a tightly held secret: she wears hearing aids.

The strength of this book lies in its honesty. James doesn’t sugarcoat Marion’s insecurities, frustrations, or her deep desire to be seen for her talent, not her limitations. The writing is warm, often funny, and steeped in the little textures of life—fabric swatches, late-night train rides, whispered lobby secrets. There’s something incredibly comforting in how ordinary everything feels, even as major emotional shifts are happening.

The story evolves gently, but not without stakes. Between a blossoming workplace crush, office politics, and glimpses into Marion’s painful childhood accident, Hearing My Secrets keeps you hooked with emotional resonance rather than high drama. And when romance sparks, it’s the kind that feels earned—tender, tentative, and full of chemistry.

It’s rare to find a novel that explores disability, ambition, and love with this much grace. This is a quiet triumph of a story—one that champions sensitivity without sentimentality, and strength without loud declarations. You’ll be rooting for Marion from the first page to the last.

Summary:

Overall,  this book is full of warmth, wit, and an eye for every day beauty. It offers a slow-burning romance wrapped in emotional honesty, making it a refreshingly grounded and relatable read. If you like romance with a splash of comedy, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Hearing My Secrets here!

 

Monthly Features – January 2025

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Dear Pink by Michelle Angelle

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Do bears play polo? Can cats wear berets? Do happily ever afters exist? Often there are more questions than answers, and sometimes you find love on a bicycle.

Ever since Hannah caught her ex-boyfriend with another woman, she’s been stuck in a romance rut. When a hot guy in fancy bike gear corners her in the elevator, she lets him slip through her fingers, although his hard muscles and adorable grin never leave her thoughts.

Gabe is sick of plastic women who only see him as a piece of meat. Surprised by a funny woman in an elevator, he forgets to introduce himself and accidentally insults her instead. Convinced he’ll never see her again, he resigns himself to a life as a crazy cat man.

Will an unexpected bucket list change Hannah and Gabe’s life forever? Dear Pink is a romantic comedy where two lost souls collide with fate and find love in the most unlikely place.

Summary: If you like modern romances that are adorable with touches of humor this book would be for you. 

See the full review here: Dear Pink
Purchase here

 

 

Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Synopsis: Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

Summary: Wicked places us in a world where there is more than meets the eye and introduces us to the ship that is Ivy and Ren. I felt connections throughout the story in different ways, like how much Ivy likes variety in her cereal so much so that she has 12 boxes of cereal on hand at all times or like how despite having a job to support herself and a future seemingly laid out for her already, Ivy still strives to do more with her life; to be more.  The book takes you on an emotional roller coaster through the sad and the happy, through friendship and betrayal, uncertainty, and romance. I know it sounds cheesy and stereotypical, but I promise this book is definitely worth the read. All I can say is that I can’t wait to read the other two books in this series and that I will make no promises to not stay up until 4am to finish them.

See the full review here: Wicked
Purchase here

 

 

Review: Somewhere Along the Line by Mallory Thomas

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

Their marriage of convenience was supposed to exist on paper. Can these strangers act convincingly in love when the pressure’s on?

Piper Paulson’s life is finally on the upswing. She has a new job, a BFF roommate, and a commitment to avoid dating after an ex cost her her peace—and her former career. She may not have two nickels to spare, but that’s another day’s problem.

James Newhouse doesn’t have time or energy to deal with… well, anything. A hotshot banker with a complicated family, he’s determined to keep people at arm’s length. His attraction to Piper isn’t part of the plan, and neither is adding her to a Family Fares commuter pass as his “wife” to save her money on train fare.

Too bad their judgment is speeding away faster than their shared train.

Thrown together by chance (and a handful of Elvis impersonators), James and Piper find themselves witnesses to an incident on their commute—“married” witnesses, who may be asked to testify if the crime goes to trial.

Can they keep up the charade to avoid being outed for their lie? And perhaps more importantly, can they protect their hearts in the process?

Exploring the journey to build a future when the path you planned no longer exists, SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE is a heartfelt strangers to lovers spicy romance with a guaranteed happily ever after.

Favorite Lines:

“Get it together. Can you act like a normal human for once? One with a brain and the ability to stop the words from spilling out of your mouth at sixty miles per hour, word vomiting on this specimen of a man who doesn’t have the time or desire for this interaction? The answer is no, it turns out. I cannot. The spew continues.”

“That’s why they make the people on The Bachelor do those bungee jumping dates, right? Getting through something scary with another person makes you feel bonded. Stupid dopamine response.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Anyone who knows me and/or has been following this blog knows that romance in any form is my favorite genre so of course I couldn’t turn away the opportunity to read and review this contemporary romance; and I am so glad that I did!

Mallory Thomas’ Somewhere Along the Line is a poignant exploration of life’s unpredictability and the strength found in embracing its chaos. The novel seamlessly weaves the personal and the universal through the lens of its vividly drawn protagonist. Set against a richly described backdrop, the story artfully captures themes of resilience, love, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate heartfelt narratives.

The book’s strength lies in its emotionally complex characters and the thoughtful pacing that allows their growth to feel authentic. Thomas paints scenes with carefully crafted detail, creating a setting that is both tangible and metaphorically reflective of the protagonist’s journey. While some moments may feel slightly predictable, the earnestness of the prose and the sincerity of its message ultimately leave a lasting impact.

As mentioned above, I thought a lot of the strength in this novel lies in its characters, particularly in Piper. Thomas does a fantastic job at taking us on Piper’s journey of self-discovery which I felt formed a beautiful, emotional core to the story. Her deep character development and the challenges she faced and how she overcame them felt entirely realistic and relatable, which I really enjoyed.

Thomas also delves into themes of human connection, exploring how relationships shape and redefine us over time. The novel’s supporting characters are as multifaceted as the protagonist, serving as mirrors, mentors, or challenges to their growth. These dynamics add complexity to the story, making it more than just a tale of personal evolution—it becomes a broader commentary on the interconnectedness of human experiences. The novel doesn’t shy away from addressing the messy realities of life, yet it does so with a sense of hope and optimism that leaves readers feeling uplifted.

While some aspects of the plot may feel familiar to fans of contemporary fiction, the sincerity of Thomas’ writing and the authenticity of her characters elevate the story beyond its premise. Thomas’ is also able to infuse this story with a sense of humor similar to my own that had me aggressively exhaling through my nose (you know what I mean) at a minimum of once per chapter which I think goes a long way at highlighting Thomas’ unique storytelling voice that truly lends itself to the story. 

Summary:

Overall, this was a fantastic contemporary romance and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in character-driven stories that balance introspection with hope. This book could be for anyone has ever felt lost and found themselves in unexpected places as this book offers a comforting reminder that growth often comes from the most surprising moments. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt dramas or simply looking for an engaging and meaningful read, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression. Happy reading!

Check out Somewhere Along the Line here!

 

Review: Rescue Me Twice by Melody Carson

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Bound by duty, torn by love—a cowboy’s struggle to choose between obligation and destiny.

I’m Clay, billionaire heir to a vast ranch, bound by an ironclad contract that requires my marriage by the tender age of thirty.

Josie’s gold-digging claws dig deep as the wedding chaos consumes me. Seeking some peace, I retreat into the wilderness, only for a riding accident to knock me out of the saddle and steal my memories.

Badly injured, found by Caitlin, a skilled Search and Rescue beauty, and her canine companion, Arro, I slowly recovered in the tranquility of her cabin. Robbed of my memory, I found a solace and love I didn’t know was possible. A searing love blooms, unknowingly putting Caitlin’s life in jeopardy.

But as my memory returns, so does the horror of the looming forced wedding, tearing at the seams of our newfound passion.

When the wedding bells toll, I’m forced to choose between honor and my heart. But who knew Arro would come to my rescue again? In an instant, he changed the course of our lives, exposing staggering deceit and reminding me that true love is worth risking it all.

Favorite Lines:

“As I sat there, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the unconditional love of my canine companion, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the moment. The world was filled with chaos and challenges, but here it was just me, my dog, and nature.”

“Not my circus. Not my monkeys.”

“I love you more every day.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Clay, the heir to his family’s ranch that may lose it all if he doesn’t marry by the time he turns 30 thanks to a stipulation that his dad had put in his will. Unfortunately for him, his choice in a bride, Josie, isn’t working out too well and as he tries to escapes the pre-wedding madness, he is in a riding accident that causes him to lose his memories. Rescued by Caitlin and her pup Arro, a search and rescue power duo, Clay recovers at Caitlin’s cabin with hopes that his memory will slowly come back. 

At 225 pages on my Kindle, this is a short and sweet contemporary romance that I read in one sitting. Carson’s storytelling tone is one that is easy to follow and how she manages to create an engaging plot in such a limited amount of time is always beyond me.

If I had to pick one thing that I wasn’t a huge fan of, I think Carson went a bit too hard at Clay’s opinion of Josie. I found that my eyes were glazing over a bit with the constant bashing of her character and I found it to be over done and unnecessary. However, despite this, I still found this to be an entertaining read and a nice palate cleanser from some of the denser books that I have been reading.

Summary:

Overall, this is an opposites attract, small town contemporary romance that features billionaire cowboys, mystery, love, and adorable canine companions. If you are a fan of any of those things then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Rescue Me Twice here!

 

Monthly Features – October

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Mr. Bingley: Just As A Gentlemen Ought To Be by Brandon Dragan

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: “Finally, a novel that reveals the true Bingley! Heartily recommend to all Bingley-philes!” — Crispin Bonham-Carter, Mr. Bingley in the BBC Miniseries, Pride & Prejudice

For centuries Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, has been dearly loved he world over. However, few people know the hidden truth about Mr. Darcy’s closest friend, the affable Mr. Bingley—who is much more than he appears on first impression.

Mr. Bingley: Just as a Gentleman Ought to Be is the previously untold story of a young man who unwittingly uncovers an evil cabal among the British Empire’s aristocracy. Bingley finds himself confronting an enterprise so nefarious, he cannot help but act to redress it, even if it costs him his own reputation and the love of his life, the angelic Miss Jane Bennet.

Follow Mr. Bingley down a rabbit hole of intrigue and corruption, as he fights to protect the country’s most vulnerable alongside friends old and new. Can he set things right before he loses Jane forever?

Summary: Overall, I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a creative and unique twist to the familiar Pride and Prejudice world. I would recommend to anyone who is a P&P fan who wants a new take on a familiar character, and even those who are less familiar with P&P but love literature set in the 19th century that feature action, mystery, comradery, and a touch of romance.

See the full review here: Mr. Bingley: Just As A Gentleman Ought To Be
Purchase here

 

Her Dark Promises by E.H. Raven

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Stuck in a dead-end job and unable to afford independence, Jamila’s dreams of success fade daily. Desperate, she agrees to an arranged marriage orchestrated by her father, but it backfires, deepening her depression. 

She finds solace in horror movies about demonic possession, leading her to research real-life cases. Discovering some achieve success through dark means, she decides to summon her demon, hoping to change her fate. Possession grants Jamila immense confidence and success, but the dark alliance exacts a steep price.

The demon consumes her sanity, blurring reality and nightmare.

Can Jamila escape the darkness she unleashed?

Summary: Overall, while this was my first book from Raven, I am confident that it won’t be my last. This was the perfect blend of creepy, thrilling, and addicting and I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of horror and psychological thrillers.

See the full review here: Her Dark Promises
Purchase here

 

The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search by Hazel Woods

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Step back in time for a classic experience with “The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search Large Print.” This nostalgic large-print word search book features amusing historical facts and timeless fashion trends, sure to bring back cherished childhood memories. Your Time Machine is Ready to Go!

Summary: Overall, this is a fun word search puzzle book full of nostalgic and interesting facts from the 1940s-1980s. While this would probably be more appreciated by the baby boomer generation, I think it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys word searches. 

See the full review here: The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search
Purchase here

 

Focused on Love by Melody Carson

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Rodeo nights and a city girl who’s all trouble. I must protect this damsel at all costs.

I’m Shane, a lonely cowboy and billionaire bronc rider with a memory I can’t shake.
Then enters Zoey, a sexy city fashion photographer, stirring up dust in my private world.
Sparks fly as we’re instantly drawn to each other.

But, then Zoey unknowingly captures a kidnapping on film
and our attraction takes a very dangerous turn.
I must protect her from the shadows as we unravel an unspeakable
crime that threatens everything.

I’m not only wrestling with broncs,
but I’m protecting the only woman who’s ever stolen my heart.
Together, we’ll face the evil in this small-town mystery that threatens to tear us apart.

This rodeo holds more than bronc riding –
it may just be the place where two hearts find their way home.

But, first, we must outsmart the danger and find our love amidst the chaos.

Summary: Overall, if you like contemporary romances featuring cowboys, small town love, action, suspense, intrigue, and of course romance, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Focused on Love
Purchase here

 

Lost Grove: Part One by Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: For fans of Twin Peaks and Stranger Things, Lost Grove is the first in a paranormal mystery duology that explores the twisted legends and mysteries in one small town.

In the eerie, enigmatic town of Lost Grove, where secrets whispered among the rustling pines are as thick as the fog rolling in from the sea, the discovery of Sarah Elizabeth Grahams’ lifeless body on the windswept beach is but the first note in a haunting symphony of mysteries.

Sergeant Seth Wolfe, the town’s tenacious lawman, penetrates the cryptic and labyrinthine secrets veiled beneath the town’s cheerful facade. A connection to Sarah Elizabeth, one he could never have fathomed, begins to take shape, blurring the lines between his own existence and the mysteries that enshroud the town. Suspects multiply like whispers in a haunted forest, but each lead unravels, and the mysteries of the case deepen.

Meanwhile, a group of local teenagers embark on their own harrowing mission, driven by a relentless desire to answer the riddle of their friend’s vanished brother and expose the sinister secrets harbored by an affluent institute nestled in the heart of Lost Grove. Further complicating matters, one teen’s father left town the morning Sarah Elizabeth’s body was found. With ties to a similar case seven years prior, he has become a prime suspect in the case.

As Seth dives deeper into the abyss of darkness gripping Lost Grove, an unsettling discovery threatens to derail his investigation and shatter the illusions of safety the town has harbored for far too long. A chilling web of malevolence begins to tighten its grip, ensnaring them all in a nightmarish dance that will test the limits of their resolve.

Readers who love the eerie, unsettling mystery of Stephen King’s The Outsider and the monstrous legends of Brian McGreevy’s Hemlock Grove will enjoy this twisty, taut thriller.

Summary: Full of horror elements, suspense, the paranormal, mystery, and much more, Lost Grove leaves no rock unturned while taking readers on an addicting dark and thrilling journey that will have them turning page after page desperate answers. If you’re a fan of Twin Peaks, and want to read something similar with a bit more of the supernatural and paranormal, then this book could be for you. 

See the full review here: Lost Grove: Part One
Purchase here

 

Cosmic American Rhapsody by Ray Sweatman

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Get ready for a wild ride as country-rock pioneer, Gram Parsons, struggles to survive, both physically and spiritually at the Lost Highway Motel. As his life flashes before him, several colorful characters try to help him find the meaning of life such as the ghosts of his parents, a strange policeman, a transcendentalist, and the animated animals from “Hee Haw.” With rich allusions to both popular and classical culture, it is at turns hilarious, poetic, tragic, and thought-provoking.

Summary: Overall. I can say this was an entirely unique biographical fiction and unlike anything I have read before. If you are interested in Gram Parsons, colorfully artistic writing, and/or biographical fictions, then this book could be for you. You can check out the book trailer here!

See the full review here: Cosmic American Rhapsody
Purchase here

 

We Meet Again: Book One by Brownell Landrum

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Separated by centuries… Reunited to change the world

Have you ever wondered if you met someone… before?
When she meets the Artist, his first words to her are, “We Meet Again.” Yet they hadn’t met before.
Or had they?

Brownell Landrum’s celebrated We Meet Again trilogy is an epic reincarnation mystery + love story about a famous couple from history reunited today to fulfill a prophecy that will change the world.
But is the world ready to change?
Follow the clues tracing back centuries, even millennia through this remarkable story of love, fate, and destiny against a backdrop of lifetimes from present day to 1930s Brazil, 1500s Renaissance Europe, the Middle Ages, and even ancient Greece.

In Book One, meet Marielle and Dante, a modern-day couple navigating a new relationship while re-living a previous lifetime as a nun and a priest in 1930s Brazil protecting a valuable artifact from a nefarious organization still on the hunt today.

Summary: Overall, this was an interesting reincarnation love story full of history, romance, and adventure. Part one of a trilogy, I am excited to see where Landrum takes the rest of this series. If you like romance, especially historical romances, adventure, mystery, suspense, and metaphysical fiction, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: We Meet Again: Book One
Purchase here

 

Watercolors and Tears by José Orlando Castañeda

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Manuel, a young Ecuadorian, sells medicinal herbs in the market and paints watercolors in his spare time. In search of a better life, he emigrates to Port Chester (New York). Elvira, his wife, intends to join him by sea, but she is shipwrecked. Her plans change after her rescue, and she ends up in Madrid, where she is employed as a nanny. Antonio, the father of the children in her care, discovers her secretly reading a novel from his antique books collection. He slyly labels a passage with a strip of paper, intending for her to read it. Intrigued, Elvira responds by indicating her own phrases in the book. That’s the beginning of an innocent exchange of literary quotes through which love quietly slips in. While Manuel takes refuge in his paintings and herbal remedies on the other side of the world, Elvira finds herself falling for Antonio. When her hopes are dashed through a casual blunder, she seeks to regain her marital home and travels to Port Chester to be with her husband. Confronted by an unexpected tragedy, she discovers the watercolors that Manuel has painted in his solitude. His brushstrokes cut deep into her heart.

Summary: Overall, this was a very beautiful and elegant story about the complexities of life that tackled very real topics surrounding the realities of emigration in the pursuit of a better life for you and your family. Full of rich descriptions, love, loss, sacrifice, tenacity, and family, this book could be for anyone who is interested in the deeply honest portrayal of what it means to be human in this world.

See the full review here: Watercolors and Tears
Purchase here

 

The Clock and the Candles by Anthony Dean

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Roland, the Keeper of the Clock, and Gwen, the former crown princess of the Lands, are separated by 46 feet of stone. After seizing the throne from her father, King Adolphus had the Prison Maximus constructed around Gwen. She lives in a cell with no door that measures eight feet on every side, and which is centered in a structure that measures a hundred feet on every side.

One day in the seventh year of Gwen’s imprisonment, Roland returns home from his duties tending the Ebony Clock to find that someone has entered his cabin and left an unsigned letter on his table. The letter reads:

Dear Roland,

Consider five statements. Three of them are true. Two of them are lies.

1. You are the last of your kind.

2. King Adolphus is an immortal being.

3. The creatures who walk the Lands after sunset serve no master.

4. Gwen’s prison was not constructed according to specifications.

5. The Ebony Clock is not connected to anything at all.

Sort the truth from the lies, and you will be free.

With the help of allies that come to include an old friend, an elderly chemist, two disgruntled members of Adolphus’ guard, and an elf, Roland tries to make use of the new information in the beginning of a new epic from Anthony Dean, author of the Voided Man series.

Summary: Overall, this was a refreshing and original plot, as all of Dean’s seem to be. He took some classic fantasy themes and made them uniquely his own for this story which I really enjoyed. Only book one in this new series, this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I am excited to see where Dean takes it next. If you like fantasy, mystery, action, and adventure, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: The Clock and the Candles
Purchase here

 

Review: Watercolors and Tears by José Orlando Castañeda 

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Manuel, a young Ecuadorian, sells medicinal herbs in the market and paints watercolors in his spare time. In search of a better life, he emigrates to Port Chester (New York). Elvira, his wife, intends to join him by sea, but she is shipwrecked. Her plans change after her rescue, and she ends up in Madrid, where she is employed as a nanny. Antonio, the father of the children in her care, discovers her secretly reading a novel from his antique books collection. He slyly labels a passage with a strip of paper, intending for her to read it. Intrigued, Elvira responds by indicating her own phrases in the book. That’s the beginning of an innocent exchange of literary quotes through which love quietly slips in. While Manuel takes refuge in his paintings and herbal remedies on the other side of the world, Elvira finds herself falling for Antonio. When her hopes are dashed through a casual blunder, she seeks to regain her marital home and travels to Port Chester to be with her husband. Confronted by an unexpected tragedy, she discovers the watercolors that Manuel has painted in his solitude. His brushstrokes cut deep into her heart.

Favorite Lines:

“When Manuel and Elvira’s gazes finally met, their silence broke. In simple words, they exchanged life impressions; and in a slip of their souls, they felt a strong attraction.”

“The watercolor paintings were a testimony to his life and dreams. She concluded that while she sought a spiritual connection in the teachings of books, he used his art to perceive life from different angles. In that sense, she found him closer to God.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Ecuadorian couple Manuel and Elvira as they pursue better lives for themselves. Manuel is a medicinal herbs merchant who paints watercolors in his free time. In the face of financial hardships, he finds himself making the impossible decision to emigrate to New York to try and support his wife and children who he must leave behind in the meantime. When Elvira tries to join Manuel in New York, she is in a shipwreck that ends up leading her to Madrid where she finds work as a nanny. Throughout the story, we see life through the eyes of both characters in very different parts of the world as they struggle not only the new worlds that they find themselves in but also with the distance between them.

This is Castañeda’s debut novel and I was blown away with his ability to showcase such deeply personal emotions and handle them with beauty and grace as well as his ability to tackle very complex and challenging themes. This story evolves around topics of emigration that are very real for many in the world including the guilt that is felt when leaving loved ones behind, the language barriers and isolation that many feel when leaving their home countries, and much more. I felt that Castañeda did a beautiful job writing all of this in a thought-provoking and, quite frankly,  captivating manner.

I also really enjoyed his capability to weave such colorful descriptions. I felt like I was in the market with Manuel while he sold his herbs or watching him paint his watercolors on the canvases. Castañeda’s vivid descriptions and rich imagery transported me into the world on the page which only made the emotions in this story that much stronger and the pages turn that much faster.

Summary:

Overall, this was a very beautiful and elegant story about the complexities of life that tackled very real topics surrounding the realities of emigration in the pursuit of a better life for you and your family. Full of rich descriptions, love, loss, sacrifice, tenacity, and family, this book could be for anyone who is interested in the deeply honest portrayal of what it means to be human in this world. Happy reading!

Check out Watercolors and Tears here!

Review: We Meet Again: Book One by Brownell Landrum

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Separated by centuries… Reunited to change the world

Have you ever wondered if you met someone… before?
When she meets the Artist, his first words to her are, “We Meet Again.” Yet they hadn’t met before.
Or had they?

Brownell Landrum’s celebrated We Meet Again trilogy is an epic reincarnation mystery + love story about a famous couple from history reunited today to fulfill a prophecy that will change the world.
But is the world ready to change?
Follow the clues tracing back centuries, even millennia through this remarkable story of love, fate, and destiny against a backdrop of lifetimes from present day to 1930s Brazil, 1500s Renaissance Europe, the Middle Ages, and even ancient Greece.

In Book One, meet Marielle and Dante, a modern-day couple navigating a new relationship while re-living a previous lifetime as a nun and a priest in 1930s Brazil protecting a valuable artifact from a nefarious organization still on the hunt today.

Favorite Lines:

“Don’t fall in love, darling. Rise in love.”

“The love that moves the sun and the other stars”

“Love is born into every human being; it calls back the halves of our original nature together; it tries to make one out of two and heal the wound.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Marielle and Dante, two individuals who meet and feel so familiar to each other that they explore the possibility that they have met before in a previous lifetime. What follows is a story rich with historical references, romance, suspense, and adventure.

If you’ve been following this blog at all, you know I am a sucker for anything romance related and this book scratches the itch. Among its classifications, it is considered a historical romance, and I really enjoyed the love that Landrum has created that spans across lifetimes. I do want to warn readers that this quite a spicy read (like 50 Shades of Grey level spicy) and may not be suitable for younger readers.

Landrum has done her research and seems to be quite knowledgeable of the histories, cultures, religions, languages, and settings that she includes in this story because she has been able to build quite a detail oriented world that makes a reader feel fully immersed while we follow along in both the present day storyline and the flashbacks to the past.

Summary:

Overall, this was an interesting reincarnation love story full of history, romance, and adventure. Part one of a trilogy, I am excited to see where Landrum takes the rest of this series. If you like romance, especially historical romances, adventure, mystery, suspense, and metaphysical fiction, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out We Meet Again: Book One here!

 

Review: Focused on Love by Melody Carson

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Rodeo nights and a city girl who’s all trouble. I must protect this damsel at all costs.

I’m Shane, a lonely cowboy and billionaire bronc rider with a memory I can’t shake.
Then enters Zoey, a sexy city fashion photographer, stirring up dust in my private world.
Sparks fly as we’re instantly drawn to each other.

But, then Zoey unknowingly captures a kidnapping on film
and our attraction takes a very dangerous turn.
I must protect her from the shadows as we unravel an unspeakable
crime that threatens everything.

I’m not only wrestling with broncs,
but I’m protecting the only woman who’s ever stolen my heart.
Together, we’ll face the evil in this small-town mystery that threatens to tear us apart.

This rodeo holds more than bronc riding –
it may just be the place where two hearts find their way home.

But, first, we must outsmart the danger and find our love amidst the chaos.

Favorite Lines:

“Think again, asshat, ’cause that’s not going to happen.”

“You know you’re getting old when sleeping hurts.”

“I didn’t just fall in love with you that day. I fell in love with your spirit, your resilience…your heart. You’re the strongest woman I know, Zoey. And I admire and respect you more than anyone else in this world.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Zoey and Shane. Zoey is a photographer who is sent to Montana to take pictures at a rodeo but finds herself out of a job when her boss gets a bit too flirty for her tastes. When she confronts him about it, he fires her on the spot. Meanwhile, Shane is a rancher and bronco rider at the rodeo who is addicted to the thrill and wants to ride until he is physically no longer able. Shane has no interest in a city girl from LA being at the rodeo but when a girl goes missing, the unlikely pair team up to help solve the case.

This is a contemporary enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy that features cowboys; what is not to love? Like many of Carson’s other books, this is a short and sweet romance that features strong female characters and the men that fall for them. Carson’s writing style flows well and creates an easy to follow story that is easy to get addicted to. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself turning page after page until you’re staring at the end of the book all in one sitting.

Summary:

Overall, if you like contemporary romances featuring cowboys, small town love, action, suspense, intrigue, and of course romance, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Focused on Love here!

 

Review: Too Much to Lose by Melody Carson

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

DON’T MISS YOUR SECOND CHANCE.

It’s not often that we get to try again, cuz life very seldom deals a second chance.
Most people don’t even notice when they get one dropped in their lap like a miracle.
But I noticed.

I’ve lost Cassidy once, and come hell or high water, I won’t make the same mistake twice.
Turning a losing hand into a winner might take the whim of Lady Luck herself, but I’m up for the challenge.

However, fate is not always kind, and sometimes overcoming the evil in this world comes at a terrible price.

Cassidy has a monster to face down, but I’m not going anywhere. When it comes to the love between us, there’s simply too much to lose.

Favorite Lines:

“Must of used up all his brain cells in law school, ’cause he sounds like an idiot.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Wyatt and Cassidy who had a history in Montana before Cassidy went off to college in California. This history seems to have been forgotten because while she is away, she ends up getting engaged. They are reunited when she comes back to her hometown because she caught her fiancé cheating on her. Not knowing what to do next, she is hoping to lay low for awhile and collect her thoughts. Little does she know that Wyatt and his friends had made a bet that required Wyatt to ask out the next eligible woman to walk through the door and you guessed it… that woman was Cassidy. Now they are faced with what could have been and what could still be but they have to balance the fact that Madison’s ex-fiancé comes to town to try and take her back, and the little part where she is Wyatt’s best friend’s sister. Nothing too complicated…

I though this was a cute, second chance at love contemporary romance. I really enjoyed Carson’s writing style as I found it to be an easy to follow story that was especially easy to get addicted to. The conversations amongst the characters really shined through and I though that the plot had a perfect amount of suspense, action, intrigue, and romance. I do want to give a trigger warning that there are some mentions of domestic violence and abuse so this book may not be suitable for everyone.

Summary:

Overall, if you like contemporary romances featuring second chances at love in a small town, action, suspense, intrigue, and of course romance, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Too Much to Lose here!