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Hey loves. It is time for some book reviews. I am a bit behind on reviews. Here is what I read in April and May. My goal for the year was to read 10 books a month, I am a little behind at currently at 46. Maybe I will catch up this now that it is summer.
Total physical/kindle books: 6
Total audiobooks: 9
Total for this month: April - 5 May - 10
Total books for 2025: 46
Goal for 2025: 120 books
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Title: Battle of the Bookstores
Author: Ali Bradu
Genre: Romance
How I Read It: Arc physical book as part of a book train
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Amazon Description: Rivalry and romance spark when two bookstore managers who are opposites in every way find themselves competing for the same promotion.
Despite managing bookstores on the same Boston street, Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson have never interacted much—Josie’s store focuses on serious literature, and Ryan’s sells romance only. But when the new owner of both stores decides to combine them, the two are thrust into direct competition. Only one manager will be left standing, decided by who turns the most profit over the summer.
Efficient and detail-oriented Josie instantly clashes with easygoing and disorganized Ryan. Their competing events and contrasting styles lead to more than just frustration—the sparks between them might just set the whole store on fire. Their only solace during this chaos is the friendship they’ve each struck up with an anonymous friend in an online book forum. Little do they know they’re actually chatting with each other.
As their rivalry heats up in real life, their online relationship grows, and when the walls between their stores come tumbling down, Josie and Ryan realize not all’s fair in love and war. And maybe, if they’re lucky, happily ever afters aren’t just for the books.
My Review: Opposites attract with the only thing in common are books. I have a feeling Battle of the Bookstore is going to be one of my top reads for 2025 already. A cute romance, enemies to lovers style that gives you all the feels.
Title: Take Me Again
Author: Carly Phillips
Genre: romance
How I Read It: Kindle
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Amazon Description: All alpha all the time, Sebastian Knight’s confidence never wavers. At least not until Ashley Easton walks back into his life, wanting nothing to do with the playboy who broke her heart.
Sebastian Knight is a closer. Be it a real estate deal or the woman of his choice, everything he wants is his for the taking. Sexy and irresistible, a wink, a smile, or a handshake always seals the deal. Until Ashley returns at the worst possible time, and everything unravels around him.
The Ashley who returns is sassy and sexy--everything Sebastian craves and he wants a second chance. Despite her reluctance, his sex appeal makes it harder and harder to keep him at arm’s length.
Sebastian might have a talent for sealing the deal, but Ashley is no longer easily charmed. This time he’s going to have to work to win.
My Review: Once step siblings, but were pushed away by boarding school. A history that didn't end well, fast forward are the destined to be together?
Title: Arron's Obsession
Author: Jolie Vines
Genre: Dark Romance
How I Read It: Audible
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Amazon Description: I never planned to fall for my skeleton-masked captor, but now there’s no turning back.
I hated the gangs that ruled my city.After my friend was killed and my father vanished, I had no choice but to infiltrate one to figure out why. Entering their infamous club quickly showed me I was in over my head.
Then the most feared gang leader took an interest in me. Arran was corrupt, deadly, and his searing gaze both terrified and tempted me.
In my search for answers, I stumbled into his dark and dangerous game. The result? I belonged to him, with no chance of escape.
In a heartbeat, I became Arran’s obsession. And in a terrible twist, I think he’s becoming mine.
My Review: Dark and spicy with an interesting plot, likable characters, and lots of action. Be sure to check trigger warnings
Title: Generation M
Author: Dr. Jessica Shephard
Genre: self help
How I Read It: Libby audiobook
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Amazon Description: Evidence-based. Lifestyle approved. The practical guide you need for the life you want.
Finally, here is a fresh plan for a new generation entering perimenopause and menopause. With clinical insights, actionable tips, and holistic guidance, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB/GYN and women’s health advocate, redefines how to sustain the marathon of this life stage so you can make the most of your health and vitality. In Generation M, she throws out the old playbook and provides you with an empowering approach to thriving through this change and beyond. Dr. Shepherd draws upon many conversations with leading experts in nutrition, meditation, and fitness, as well as with those living through perimenopause and menopause, who’ve shared what challenges them and what helps them live vibrantly. In this book you will find:
- Scientifically backed information and advice from a doctor and menopause expert
- Evidence-based recommendations, tips, tools, and personal building blocks for the best health practices
- A guided exploration of new medical research and data
- A deep dive on the safety and efficacy of HRT, including information on what medications to take and when to take them
- Holistic advice on how to ease your transition during this period, including recommendations for exercise, diet, sleep, mindfulness practices, and more
- An accessible yet powerful, and at times humorous, voice from a woman who understands what you are going through
My Review: Has so much good, up to date, evidence based information. I want to reread and get a physical copy to reference when needed.
Title: Canadian Boyfriend
Author: Jenny Holiday
Genre: sports romance
How I Read It: Libby Audiobook
My Rating: 2 out of 5
Amazon Description: Fate brings together a ballet teacher and a hockey player in this big-hearted novel about second chances and taking risks by the bestselling author Entertainment Weekly calls the “master of witty banter.”
Once upon a time teenage Aurora Evans met a hockey player at the Mall of America. He was from Canada. And soon, he was the perfect fake boyfriend, a get-out-of-jail-free card for all kinds of sticky situations. I can't go to prom. I'm going to be visiting my boyfriend in Canada. He was just what she needed to cover her social awkwardness. He never had to know. It wasn't like she was ever going to see him again...
Years later, Aurora is teaching kids’ dance classes and battling panic and eating disorders—souvenirs from her failed ballet career—when pro hockey player Mike Martin walks in with his daughter. Mike’s honesty about his struggles with widowhood helps Aurora confront some of her own demons, and the two forge an unlikely friendship. There’s just one problem: Mike is the boy she spent years pretending was her “Canadian boyfriend.”
The longer she keeps her secret, the more she knows it will shatter the trust between them. But to have the life she wants, she needs to tackle the most important thing of all—believing in herself.
My Review: A sweet storyline, with likable characters, but it is hard to believe they liked each other. There didn't seem to be chemistry pulling the characters together.
Title: Home is Where the Bodies Are
Author: Jeneva Rose
Genre: thriller
How I Read It: Libby Audiobook
My Rating: 2 out of 5
Amazon Description: After their mother passes, three estranged siblings reunite to sort out her estate. Beth, the oldest, never left home. She stayed with her mom, caring for her until the very end. Nicole, the middle child, has been kept at arm's length due to her ongoing battle with a serious drug addiction. Michael, the youngest, lives out of state and hasn't been back to their small Wisconsin town since their father ran out on them seven years before.
While going through their parents' belongings, the siblings stumble upon a collection of home videos and decide to revisit those happier memories. However, the nostalgia is cut short when one of the VHS tapes reveals a night back in 1999 that none of them have any recollection of. On screen, their father appears covered in blood. What follows is a dead body and a pact between their parents to get rid of it, before the video abruptly ends.
Beth, Nicole, and Michael must now decide whether to leave the past in the past or uncover the dark secret their mother took to her grave.
My Review: Very predictable, no suspense just a story, your not pulled in. It wasn't a horrible read but it wasn't good either.
Title: Consider Me
Author: Becka Mack
Genre: romance
How I Read It: Hoopla Audiobook
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Amazon Description: For a shot at love, he’ll do whatever it takes…
Carter Beckett is the NHL’s best player―both on and off the ice. His career is at its peak, his friends are performing better than ever, and there’s no shortage of women to spend the night with. What more could he want?
Olivia Parker isn’t new to professional hockey players, thanks to her best friend’s boyfriend, but she has no interest in dating one herself―no matter how hot he is. And anyway, she loves working as a teacher and hanging out with her best friend, drama-free. Why would she want to spend her time stroking the ego of an arrogant athlete?
But once Carter meets Olivia, he can’t think of anything else. Too bad for him, Olivia is hellbent on keeping him at arm’s length, with no intention of giving into his charms. Perhaps it’s time for Carter to up his game…after all, nobody said he had to play fair.
Sparks will fly as Carter does whatever it takes for Olivia to consider him.
My Review: Booktok recommendation, and it didn't disappoint. Cute love story that keeps you hooked.
Title: Rhett
Author: Liz Isaacson
Genre: contemporary romance
How I Read It: Spotify audiobook
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Amazon Description: Rhett Walker has been in Three Rivers for a year, relying on the Foster sisters next door as he rebuilds his ranch after a devastating tornado. He shares a special bond with Evelyn Foster, the mastermind behind a successful matchmaking service for local women. But there's always a boyfriend in the way of Rhett confessing his hidden feelings for his best friend.
Evelyn's matchmaking business thrives on her ability to help cowboys see the women of small town Three Rivers standing right in front of them. However, her credibility takes a hit as her own relationships keep falling apart.
Desperate to save her business, Evelyn devises a bold plan that requires Rhett's help...
To save her business, she'll have to risk her heart. And her pride. So she knocks on Rhett's door—the only person she thinks will go along with her crazy plan. Could their make-believe marriage be exactly what they both need to get out of their own way and find a happily-ever-after?
My Review: A sweet love story started off as a love hate relationship turned into a fake relationship. Gives you Hallmark feels.
Title: Like It's 1999
Author: Karen Grey
Genre: romance
How I Read It: Chirp Audiobook
My Rating: 3 out of 5
Amazon Description: Love ‘em and Leave ‘em Alice Kim and “Hot” Steve Lowell are perfect for each other. It’ll only take them ten years to figure that out.
Just because they throw the most bodacious wedding party ever…
Just because they’re perfect partners in pranks…
Just because they love all the same boss movies…
Just because they share one totally bangin’ night of sex together…
Does not mean they’ll break the One Time Rule.
Even if they do… they don’t do relationships.
And they’re never getting married.
Like, ever.
My Review: Short friends to lovers listen. Cute storyline but was very predictable
Title: Shutout
Author: Jami Davenport
Genre: Sports Romance
How I Read It: Chirp Audiobook
My Rating: 2 out of 5
Amazon Description: Easton: Hockey isn’t forever. The money, excitement, and glory of being a professional hockey player meant more to me than a family, a home, and a forever. Another man has my forever, and I have hockey. I thought making the big bucks and playing against the best in the world would feel better than this. Instead I’m empty and hollow, like a big piece of my heart was hacked off. There's something missing. Something big. Something I can never get back.
Caroline: I loved him, but he wasn’t the love of my life. My husband died too young, too suddenly, too tragically. I was unprepared with no education, no job skills, and no future plans. When a DNA test reveals my twins' true parentage, I have no choice but to do the right thing. I turn to the one man who’d turned his back on me all those years ago. I'd been shutout from his life, and I'd shut him out from mine.
Can two strangers make a family? Do we have what it takes to forgive and move on?
My Review: I went back and forth if I enjoyed this book. It seemed to drag and lost my interest a few times. The timeline of events was a little confusing. I wasn't drawn into the storyline and it wasn't memorable to me.
Title: Doctor Scandalous
Author: J. Saman
Genre: Romance
How I Read It: Book funnel Audiobook
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Amazon Description: I've been dreading this for a year.
Okay, that's a lie. I've been dreading this reunion since we graduated high school ten years ago.
So why am I here, standing outside the door like the eternal wallflower I am?
I'd say it's because my younger sister browbeat me into it, but the truth is, I'm tired of being a nobody. Of never taking a risk with myself and my life.
And...well...maybe I'm also hoping to see him.
The tall, insanely gorgeous man walking my way now. Oliver Fritz is regarded as one of Boston's sexiest doctors. I know him as the former god of our school. The one every girl wanted, and every guy wanted to be.
The one as unhappy to be here as I am.
That's when he makes the proposal I've always dreamed of. Only, this one is fake. On bended knee, he places a ring on my finger and proposes we brave this reunion together, with me as his fake fiancée. But when our wild and steamy night ends in scandal, we're forced to make deal.
He gives me what I need, and in return I stay his fake fiancée, so he doesn't lose face with the media who love him or his sick mother. Should be easy, right? Just a few months pretending to be engaged to one of Boston's most notorious billionaire bachelors. What could go wrong?
Turns out everything.
My Review: A fake relationship to get you through your dreaded high school reunion, what could go wrong? Lies just keep going, their relationship keeps going and the spark just hits.
Title: Meant For Now
Author: Allison Speka
Genre: Romance
How I Read It: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Amazon Description: For the first time, Frankie has found her carefully crafted life veering way off course. Career-driven, ambitious, motivated—these were the pillars she had built her entire identity around. Now, fresh off a layoff, she’s struggling to figure out what’s next for her.
Then, on a chance encounter one evening, she meets Oliver. He’s charming and attractive, but as soon as he opens his mouth, Frankie realizes the two could not be more different. He’s an impulsive daredevil, a true free spirit—not her type in the slightest.
But as fate would have it, the two have found themselves in the same small town for the time being. With her desperate to find her next plan, and Oliver completely planless, the two strike up a deal. Oliver is determined to show Frankie a good time, while she’s hoping she can fracture this carefree front he puts on.
As the two try to find cracks in each other’s beliefs, unexpected feelings begin to surface. Pretty soon, neither can deny the pull between them.
Even though everything about them isn’t meant to be, maybe they’re meant for now…
My Review: The chemistry and banter had me hooked the whole time. I loved the characters and their relationship that was relatable.
Title: The Bachelor
Author: Carly Phillips
Genre: romance
How I Read It: Kindle
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Amazon Description: He’s got wanderlust and no intention of settling down.
She’s home to stay and has put her bad boy ex in her rearview mirror.After spending his life abroad, embracing his freedom at every turn as a foreign correspondent, Roman Chandler finds himself the brother nominated to deal with his ailing mother’s matchmaking shenanigans. Thanks to a coin toss, he needs to find someone to marry and fast. It shouldn’t be that hard in sleepy Yorkshire Falls where women fall over themselves to hook a Chandler man.
But Roman only wants the one woman who got away.
Charlotte Bronson is back home to put down roots and get her lingerie business off the ground. She’s not interested in her past or a man that chose to chase breaking news stories to the far corners of the earth over her. No matter how good they used to be or how combustible their chemistry still burns.
It’s up to Roman to convince Charlotte he’s a changed man and here to stay.
My Review: A small town romance that is sweet and predictable.
Title: Healing Rest
Author: Becky Thompson
Genre: Christian self help
How I Read It: Physical book
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Amazon Description:
My Review: When a book falls into your lap at the time you really need it you connect so much more. This book was what I needed. God is always right there with you. I love the way Becky talks to you like you are best friends sitting down for a cup of coffee.
Title: Love is the POint
Author: Alexa and Carlos PenaVega
Genre: Devotional
How I Read It: physical book
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Amazon Description: Overflowing with both laughter and honest reflections, What If Love Is the Point? shares Carlos and Alexa PenaVegas' incredible story--from the red carpet, Spy Kids movies, and Big Time Rush to Dancing with the Stars to marriage and their greatest adventure, parenthood.
Join them as they:
- Offer an inspiring window into how God builds young faith and strengthens it into lasting love
- Give insight into how to put God at the center of relationships, family, and career
- Explore why society's expectations never fulfill our true needs
- Share ideas for resisting the hustle of today's culture and finding true rest
Carlos and Alexa believe that following Jesus was what they were made for--and they believe it's what you were made for too. If you find yourself asking, "Isn't there more to life than this?," lean in to their remarkable story of tender faith, God's persistent work, and learning why love is always the point of it all.
My Review: This was my second time reading the book and I enjoyed the book even more. From learning about Carlos and Alexa to the prompts to connect with my own faith.
What are you reading this month?
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I'm glad you loved Battle of the Bookstores!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read Battle of the Bookstores! I think that menopause book sounds really good too. I'll have to see if our library has it.
ReplyDeleteI am behind on my book reading! I'll have to add Battle of the Bookstores to my list. It sounds good!
ReplyDelete