Take a Chance on Me

Take a Chance on Me
Lea Coll

Tanner

I had no idea when Sadie Cole caught my eye, that she would also steal my heart. My daughter’s new dance teacher with her jet black hair and haunting blue eyes intrigued me. Her tight outfits and bare skin taunted me. Most importantly, she was amazing with my daughter.

But Sadie’s reputation proceeded her… and I couldn’t afford any entanglements that would cost me custody of my daughter.

The more I spent time with her the more I realized the rumors were wrong— the town was wrong. I wanted to be the man she could count on. When what’s best for my daughter and what’s right for Sadie are in direct conflict, I hope I make the right choice.

Sadie

I left my hometown right after high school to escape a scandal. Returning home, seeing the way they all still looked at me, I realized coming back was a mistake. Until sexy, single dad, Tanner Green glanced my way.

Those blue eyes saw too much, they looked right through me in search of the truth.

His kind heart and stacked body tempted me to stay and face the rumors. But I’ve never let anyone get that close—especially a cop, with the sweetest daughter in the world, because my secrets ruined everything and everyone.

With him by my side things could be different… his love was worth taking the chance.

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My Review:

5 Stars!

I love everything about Lea Coll’s All I Want series. I had my favorite book of the series picked out – but then I read Take a Chance on Me. I absolutely loved Sadie and Tanner’s story. Sadie is so raw, guarded, and misunderstood. She has built up strong walls because she feels knocked down everywhere she turns. Tanner swoops in and simply wants to show Sadie just how amazing she is – even when she doesn’t want to believe it. Add in sweet Rylan, and this book was a page-turner. It was so tough for me to put it down but I also didn’t want it to end. I could have kept reading about Sadie, Tanner, and Rylan for many, many more chapters. This is definitely a must-read! Put it on your TBR list and pick it up as soon as it releases!

Fight For Me

Fight For Me
by Corinne Michaels

From New York Times Bestselling author Corinne Michaels comes a new emotional and riveting standalone second chance love story.

I fell in love with Sydney Hastings when I was ten years old.
At sixteen, we whispered promises of forever.
When I was twenty-two I broke them all. I left her and promised never to return.

After my father’s death, I’m forced to go home to Sugarloaf for six months. She’ll be everywhere, no longer just in my memories and regrets.

When we’re together, it’s as though time never stopped. She’s still the one I want, but I don’t deserve her. Instead of apologizing, I take that beautiful, broken woman in my arms. But after that, it’s her turn to leave me.

Now I have to fight. For her. For us. For the life we both want …

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My Review:

4 Stars!

I am a sucker for second chance romances and I love the Arrowood Brothers. There is just something about them that keeps me wanting more. I was so happy to be back in their world and I devoured this book. Declan and Sydney have loved each other for years and just can’t seem to move on from each other. They also can’t seem to get on the same page. Their story is full of love, heartache, and history. You just have to read this one and experience how it all unfolds.

Sister Dear

Reviewed for A Book Nerd, a Bookseller and a Bibliophile

Sister Dear
by Hannah Mary McKinnon

Beauty. Wealth. Success.

She’s got it all.

And it all should’ve been mine.

When Eleanor Hardwicke’s beloved father dies, her world is further shattered by a gut-wrenching secret: the man she’s grieving isn’t really her dad. Eleanor was the product of an affair and her biological father is still out there, living blissfully with the family he chose. With her personal life spiraling, a desperate Eleanor seeks him out, leading her to uncover another branch on her family tree—an infuriatingly enviable half sister.

Perfectly perfect Victoria has everything Eleanor could ever dream of. Loving childhood, luxury home, devoted husband. All of it stolen from Eleanor, who plans to take it back. After all, good sisters are supposed to share. And quiet little Eleanor has been waiting far too long for her turn to play.

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My Review:

3 Stars!

Overall, this was a good book. It didn’t really feel like a thriller to me until the very end. And I think I was looking for those aspects throughout most of the book. There were interesting aspects to the plot and I generally enjoyed it. I just wish it felt more like a thriller throughout the whole book. I did enjoy reading Eleanor’s point of view even when it was sometimes hard to connect to her feelings and understand her actions.

The Modern Gentleman

The Modern Gentleman
by Meghan Quinn

Have you ever hit rock bottom?

I embarrassingly have.

It’s why I’m wearing my girl’s decorative scarf over my head, clutching her lady drink to my chest, and singing ever so softly to Joni Mitchell while swaying back and forth.

This is what therapists refer to as LOSING IT.

Oldest story in the book: boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, boy screws up MASSIVELY, girl tells boy to suffocate in the fruits of his very own unborn children.

Heard it before? I’m sure you have.

So what’s so different about this story? Well, it’s about me, The Modern Gentleman, New York City’s top advice columnist, and my rather ungraceful downfall from my pristinely polished pedestal.

It’s about a girl I met who threw all my proven theories to the wind and left me awkward, needy, and absolutely head-over-wingtipped shoes in love.

This is a story about June Lacy and how she single-handedly dismantled The Modern Gentleman.

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My Review:

5 Stars!

I could not put this book down. I love the way this book is written! Wes and June are quite the pair. They definitely keep each other on their toes and they kept me laughing throughout this book! I usually recommend new Meghan Quinn readers to read one of her other books but I think I will be recommending this one from now on! It is definitely unique and hilarious! A must-read for sure!

Little Fires Everywhere

Little Fires Everywhere
by Celeste Ng

In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is planned – from the layout of the winding roads, to the colors of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules.

Enter Mia Warren – an enigmatic artist and single mother – who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenaged daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past and a disregard for the status quo that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community.

When old family friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town–and puts Mia and Elena on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia’s past. But her obsession will come at unexpected and devastating costs.

Little Fires Everywhere explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood – and the danger of believing that following the rules can avert disaster.

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My Review:

4 Stars!

I had to read this book after watching the TV show. Okay – I started the book before finishing the show. I loved comparing the book to the show and picking out the difference. In the end, I really enjoyed the book. Not sure if I would have felt the same if I hadn’t watched the show first, though.

Sunrise on Half Moon Bay

Reviewed for A Book Nerd, a Bookseller and a Bibliophile

Sunrise on Half Moon Bay
by Robyn Carr

Sometimes the happiness we’re looking for has been there all along…

Adele and Justine have never been close. Born twenty years apart, Justine was already an adult when Addie was born. The sisters love each other but they don’t really know each other.

When Addie dropped out of university to care for their ailing parents, Justine, a successful lawyer, covered the expenses. It was the best arrangement at the time but now that their parents are gone, the future has changed dramatically for both women.

Addie had great plans for her life but has been worn down by the pressures of being a caregiver and doesn’t know how to live for herself. And Justine’s success has come at a price. Her marriage is falling apart despite her best efforts.

Neither woman knows how to start life over but both realize they can and must support each other the way only sisters can. Together they find the strength to accept their failures and overcome their challenges. Happiness is within reach, if only they have the courage to fight for it.

Set in the stunning coastal town of Half Moon Bay, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr’s new novel examines the joys of sisterhood and the importance of embracing change.

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My Review:

4 Stars!

This was my first book by Robyn Carr. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect but I ended up really enjoying this story!

This was a very quick read and I really enjoyed the character and plot development. The main characters (Adele and Justine) are sisters who were never very close but I loved reading how their relationship blossomed. I will definitely be reading more of Robyn Carr’s book after this one!

Gotham High

Gotham High
by Melissa de la Cruz

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Alex and Eliza and The Witches of East End comes a reimagining of Gotham for a new generation of readers. Before they became Batman, Catwoman, and The Joker, Bruce, Selina, and Jack were high schoolers who would do whatever it took–even destroy the ones they love–to satisfy their own motives.

After being kicked out of his boarding school, 16-year-old Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham City to find that nothing is as he left it. What once was his family home is now an empty husk, lonely but haunted by the memory of his parents’ murder. Selina Kyle, once the innocent girl next door, now rules over Gotham High School with a dangerous flair, aided by the class clown, Jack Napier.

When a kidnapping rattles the school, Bruce seeks answers as the dark and troubled knight–but is he actually the pawn? Nothing is ever as it seems, especially at Gotham High, where the parties and romances are of the highest stakes … and where everyone is a suspect.

With enchanting art by Thomas Pitilli, this new graphic novel is just as intoxicating as it is chilling, in which dearest friends turn into greatest enemies–all within the hallways of Gotham High!

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My Review:

3 Stars!

Not much to say. It was okay – just okay to me.  I didn’t really care for the take on characters that I have grown up with.

Easy Moves

Easy Moves
by Lea Coll

Gabe
The new Assistant U.S. Attorney was the last person I needed in my business… or my bar. The way she walked in wearing a tight suit and red power heels, flashing that badge should be illegal.

Asking her for help was a mistake. Wanting her was a complication, one that I couldn’t afford. We were from two different worlds.

Taylor was spoiled, privileged and in way over her head. I was just the bad boy that girls like her were attracted to, a passing phase. An itch to scratch.

I was no good for her and never would be.

Taylor
New Orleans was a fresh start, a chance to reinvent myself and do some good. Too bad the first person I met was a grumpy bartender with a chip on his shoulder.

He said I knew nothing about his city, the people or what they needed. But one look at the bad boy bartender and I knew exactly what I needed. Even if I refused to admit it.

Gabe was a connection to the community. Offering to waitress at his bar in exchange for his help had nothing to do with his flexing biceps or tattoos.

He thought he knew me, that I couldn’t handle him or the city… but he was wrong.

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My Review:

5 Stars!

This book is remarkable! I have never read any of the books in the Boudreaux Universe so I really wasn’t sure what to expect.

I fell in love with Gabe and Taylor. The push and pull of their relationship was both heartwrenching and heartwarming at times. As soon as they met, I was rooting for them. Gabe is rough around the edges but is a good guy by nature. He has a hard time seeing his worth but Taylor helps to bring all of his good qualities to the forefront of their interactions. Taylor has spent her whole life doing what she felt was her responsibility instead of living her life. Gabe helps her to see the importance of doing what is right for her and not anyone else. These characters felt so real to me. I could feel their emotions and understand their actions which created a book that I had a hard time putting down.

I cannot wait to recommend this book to my friends! I will be talking about it for a long time.

All I Ask

All I Ask
by Corinne Michaels

From the author of One Last Time comes a story about first love, second chances, and starting over.

Teagan Berkley is trying her best. A single mom raising a precocious teen, she may have given up on her dreams, but she’s accepted her life in her small beachside hometown. Now the one person who abandoned her when she needed him the most has returned, bringing back memories of what might have been.

Derek Hartz arrives in town with a teenage daughter – and he’s full of guilt over his failed marriage and the way he ended his friendship with Teagan. He’s determined to set things right with her, but first he needs to gain her trust. Something he’s not convinced he deserves.
As Teagan and Derek open up to each other-and confess their deepest secrets-it’s impossible for them to deny what’s always been between them. But just when their happily ever after is within reach, their complicated history surfaces again and threatens to keep them apart. Forever.

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My Review:

5 Stars!

I absolutely loved this book. Teagan and Derek are pure perfection. I loved the push and pull of this story and everything it had to offer. Corinne’s writing keeps getting better and better. Her words captivated me and then leave me speechless. Everyone should read this book!

Stay With Me

Stay With Me
by Lea Coll

Wyatt
We were high school sweethearts until she left without a backward glance. Now Lucy Perry is back… more beautiful than ever. I wish I could stay angry with her but its nearly as impossible as resisting her.

She wants a fling but I want forever.

I’ll take her on a trip down memory lane—the drive-in movie theater, picnics on the beach, even a boat ride to our favorite spot. She’s going to fall back in love with this town and with me. There’s no way she can walk away from me twice.

Lucy
I never thought I’d be back in my hometown, but here I am living with my parents. I keep telling myself it’s only temporary but the hardest part is facing everyone I left behind—including Wyatt Carter.

He might not have been the reason I left, but he‘s the reason I never came back.

Wyatt is no longer the easy-going predictable guy I fell for. An officer of the Department of Natural Resources, he’s an intriguing mix of cocky and bossy, which is almost as sexy as the way he fills out his uniform. I couldn’t resist him then, and I don’t want to now. I want to explore our chemistry but he wants a commitment—the one thing I’ve never been able to give him.

He thinks two blue lines change everything… but he’s wrong.

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My Review:

5 Stars!

A small town, second chance romance with all the feels! I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book as I’ve read all the others in this series. I couldn’t wait to read about Wyatt and Lucy. The wait was worth it – I absolutely loved this book!

Lucy is lost and confused. She returns home after losing her job in the big city. She isn’t quite sure what her next steps will be but she knows she can’t follow her dreams in her hometown – her visit is temporary. But the moment she sees Wyatt, memories begin flooding back into her mind. She knows she hurt him all those years ago but she still feels an unmistakable desire to be close to him.

Wyatt is strong, sexy, and sweet. But he is not happy to see Lucy again after all of these years. He is still hurt that she left him all those years ago and isn’t sure that he can handle having her back in town. He knows that he still cares for her but can he get over all of his hurt?

As with any small town, Wyatt and Lucy cannot avoid each other. The heat between them is undeniable. This book was a quick, fun read. Once I started, I could not put it down. I loved all of the interactions between Wyatt and Lucy. Their love is captivating.

Every book in this series gets better and better. I love all of the characters and their stories. Ms. Coll has done it again with this amazing book!