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Not If I See You First
Not If I See You First
Eric Lindstrom | 2015 | Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a young adult book with clout! Told in a contemporary setting, our female lead isn't very likeable, although she does have some redeeming features. With a good set of friends around her, she sets out on a normal school year, trying to cope with her blindness and a new influx of students.

Unfortunately for her, one of those students is her old best friend, who also broke her heart when she was thirteen. Now, Parker can hold a grudge and hold it well. However, she also has to grow up herself, as she deals with situations beyond her current comprehension and also has that painful lesson to learn that she is not the most important person of all, even if she is blind, and the world does not revolve around her.

With a smidge of romance thrown in for good measure, this is a well-told story about a girl maturing into herself, and the strength of friendships.

There is a bit of braille at the end which, according to Virginia on Goodreads, are simply two more rules:

Rule #11:
Don't worry that I won't give you any second chances. I will. I might even need some from you.

Rule #12:
Don't jump to conclusions. You and me both, but mostly me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 22, 2016
  
Heart of Trust (Hooves & Hearts #1)
Heart of Trust (Hooves & Hearts #1)
Hannah E. Carey | 2024 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HEART OF TRUST is the first book in the Hooves & Hearts series that ISN'T just for horse lovers. I love horses but I've only just figured out which part is the mane and which is the tail. All the bits in-between? Yeah, I'm lost. The thing is though, I didn't need to understand everything as the MMC was just as clueless as me - and I mean that in a good way. I learnt alongside him and it made for one heckuva reading experience.

Carter and Meg are made for each other; they just don't realise it at first as they are both carrying past hurts with them. It takes a horse-shaped cupid by the name of D'Artagnan to bring them together as they both want what's best for him.

There is a whole lot going on in this book and it isn't all romance. You have a mother with her own agenda, betrayal, mystery, rehabilitation, a slightly-lost younger brother, and a rocking grandpa that I want to have lunch with!

I've only ever read this author's fantasy works, but I'm happy to say she knocks contemporary out of the park too. A real page-turner that had me enthralled. Highly recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 15, 2024
  
The Modern Woman's Guide to Finding a Knight
The Modern Woman's Guide to Finding a Knight
Anna Klein | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com
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&#x1f31f;&#x1f31f;&#x1f31f;&#x1f31f; STARS
"The Modern Woman's Guide to Finding a Knight" by Anna Klein
Well Well Well!!! What a little gem this was.
And It's not very often I read a completely clean, no hanky-panky romance and actually enjoy it.
But this one just really appealed to me so I thought I would give it a chance.
And I'm so not joking folks, this is clean with a capital "C" there was one little kiss at the end of the book and it wasn't even a passion filled snog, just a sweet couple second smooch and you know what, it made my girly romantic heart go pitter-patter.
So "The Modern Woman's Guide to Finding a Knight" is a clean contemporary romance that features heavily around the Renaissance Faire.
Connie is a dressmaker in the week but come the weekend she is lady Constance,
Dominic is a software programmer in his day to day job, and in his leisure, he is Lord Justin competing in jousts and making his own armour.
After Dom saves Connie from a runaway vehicle he tracks her down to ask her out but lacking self-confidence he manages to get himself in a right muddle pretending to be his own best friend.
What follows is a very amusing tale full of twists, turns and even intrigue and it was such a delight to settle in and read.
Connie and Dominic are both such likeable characters.
Dom is so obviously completely smitten over Connie and Connie herself is so confused by her feelings for what she thinks is two men.
Also just have to mention Lucas the best friend, he was a hoot probably my favourite person in this story, he had all the best lines.
So "The Modern Woman's Guide to Finding a Knight" is a romance of old, it has a lovely old world feel to it, it shows a proper courtship between two imperfect people, both with a bucket load of insecurities to boot.
I was charmed all the way as Connie and dom found there own sweet HEA.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the Author for providing me with an arc of this book, this is my own honest opinion.
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Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
  
LuLu’s Cafe
LuLu’s Cafe
T.I. Lowe | 2019
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contemporary Romance
When a damaged young woman is given a chance to reclaim her life in a small South Carolina town, she must reckon with the dark secrets she left behind in order to accept the love she deserves. On the run from a violent past, Leah Allen arrived in tiny Rivertown, South Carolina, battered and broken, but ready to reinvent herself. By a stroke of fate, Leah is drawn to the Southern hospitality of a small café, looking for a warm meal but finding so much more. Lulu, the owner, offers her a job, a place to stay and a new lease on life. Through Lulu’s tenacious warmth and generosity, Leah quickly finds herself embraced by the quaint community as she tries to put herself back together. Given she’s accustomed to cruelty, the kindness is overwhelming. Soon Leah meets Crowley Mason, the most eligible bachelor in town. A lawyer and friend of Lulu’s, Crowley is wary of Leah’s sudden, mysterious arrival. Despite his reserve, something sparks between them that can’t be denied. But after all she’s been through, can Leah allow herself to truly love and be loved, especially when her first urge is to run? Exploring the resiliency of both the heart and the spirit, Lulu’s Café gorgeously illustrates how old scars can finally heal no matter how deep they seem.



My Thoughts: This is such an enjoyable read; it was hard to put this novel down; the author's writing draws the reader into the story and jkeeps the readers attention. This is a book about overcoming abuse, finding love, kindness, and healing. It's about people learning patience with those who are broken and giving people second chances. Leah is a broken abused woman who finds solace and healing in a small southern town. She slowly learns that she can trust those who have shown her nothing but kindness and love. The readers will love Lulu, a woman who is grounded in Christ's love who pours kindness and love on those around her. She always seems to have the right answer and always has a cheerful attitude.


This is a book that although it deals with the topic of abuse, it is full of humor, romance, and love. The readers will fall in love with this small southern town and its townspeople. A wonderful story of a woman who finally finds the meaning of true love.
  
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Midge (525 KP) rated Whatever It Takes in Books

Jan 22, 2019  
Whatever It Takes
Whatever It Takes
Leigh Fleming | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Beautifully compelling (1 more)
Strong and confident main character
Captivating and Engaging
"Whatever It Takes" is a beautifully compelling story that has a bit of everything. From drama, romance and conflict, to joy and sorrow, there is really something for everyone.

It is a contemporary fiction and romance novel set in Highland Springs, West Virginia, a wonderfully scenic, American small town with a close-knit community.

What’s really likeable about it straight-away are the opening chapters that draw you straight into the main character, Darla Jean Heartwood. She is a strong, confident, very successful businesswoman, however, she is also emotional and impulsive. You feel instantly on her side, particularly in her initial dealings with Jason Byrne the handsome fellow who has been following her. You can immediately sense there is something going on, and one of the highlights of the book is following how that relationship develops. The handsome, charismatic, distinguished, silver fox Jason is, at first, hard to work out but you gradually get to know him as the story unfolds and see that he has many surprising qualities.

Darla has kept a family secret for eighteen years until she receives an unwanted telephone call. Family relationships are put to the test when she decides to correct some of her past decisions, for her daughter, Meghan, the man she loves, and also herself. She will let nothing stand in her way to expose the high-profile Governor, a man who took away her innocence and brought great angst to her life for years.

Both the plot and the character development are excellent, and the story-line is very believable. The story is also both captivating and engaging. It held my interest from start to finish, and I found myself rooting for Darla as she showed extremes of courage in confronting her challenges.

The writing style is very easy to read and it’s an interesting novel particularly for the interplay of the different characters - a wacky and psychic aunty, a loud and pushy cousin and a large group of girlfriends. Plenty of romantic ups and downs along the way and plenty of surprises. I loved it!

I highly recommend this book and suggest wholeheartedly that you add it to your booklist.

Thank you to Hidden Gems for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.