Review: From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one.

After seventeen years—and countless broken bones and broken promises—she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close.

But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she’s spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything.

Including Ivan Lukov. 

I’ve heard from several people that Mariana Zapata’s love story features one or sometimes both of these two things—angst and slow burn. I can’t even be surprised when I experience the slow burn aspect of that in From Lukov with Love.

From Lukov with Love is told in the sole POV of Jasmine Santos. She is a figure skater and after seventeen years, she’s aware that it is almost time to hang up the skates. Until an offer to be the partner of Ivan Lukov, a fellow skater who she has spent almost as long hating, lands in her lap. She’s hesitant at first but eventually she agrees.

I enjoyed the book. It wasn’t terrible. The issue is that I felt this book was overly long for no reason. Both Ivan and Jasmine were likeable enough, despite at times feeling too immature. And I liked their chemistry and their banter. That is what kept me reading. But 500+ pages? I think we could have knocked off at least 200 of those.

And despite that large page count, it felt choppy. There are few moments in this book that stand out. And as for romance? Well, it’s more than a slow burn. When they finally got together, the book was almost over.

Final Analysis

From Lukov with Love had an excessive amount of pages and little romance at times. Still, when it’s good, it’s good. 

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Review: The Lighthouse by Christopher Parker

The Lighthouse by Christopher Parker was one of those unexpected gems that you unexpectedly come across. I wasn’t expecting the story to unravel into what developed but felt mesmerized and engaged with the characters and the storyline. This was an emotionally driven book from the heart of the characters. I’m always on the fence about the audiobook version of books but after reading this paperback version, I’m really curious how this would translate into an audiobook. 

When I started reading the book, I hadn’t realized that I would be diving into the magical realism genre. As I was pleasantly surprised that I actually really enjoyed that aspect of it, once I got a grip on the transition of the plot, it was really engaging. I’ll admit at the beginning, I was having doubts about the book because I felt the pace of the storyline wasn’t hooking me in as quickly as I’d hoped.Then it pivots to a place that makes you escape into the characters and their journey and not want to put it down. 

It’s hard to talk about the book without giving away details that will influence your experience so I will share with you a snippet that hopefully will pique your curiosity. 

Amy Tucker is a young woman who is just heartbroken from the recent loss of her mother. She doesn’t know how her life will ever be the same. When her father gets an unsolved case assignment that takes them out of town, he feels this might be the opportunity they need to get a change of scenery. Seabrook has some magical secrets, especially with that lighthouse. When an unexpected event happens, she finds her path crossed with a young man named Ryan Porter. Their encounter gives a whole new meaning to fate. Beyond anything that can be controlled, it sets in motion a series of events that affect the past, present and future.

Overall, it was a beautiful book that I’m glad that I took a chance on. One of my favorite things about this book is how gorgeous and inviting that cover is. It really sets the tone for what’s to come. The characters were wonderful and their experiences memorable. It brings out so many different emotions especially for those who have experienced caring for someone or experienced a loss. This has such a great takeaway that comes full circle in the end. This is the debut from this author and I will be looking forward to what’s to come. I recommend checking it out.

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Review: Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover.

After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself.

The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them.

The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing. -

It was not my intention to read this book until I saw all the hype surrounding it and how emotionally damaged everyone was because of it. If there was one thing that Colleen Hoover had in the arsenal it was the desire to write an emotionally challenging story for readers. I can’t remember the last book I’ve read by her or when I read it, but I remember that it had a signature desire.

I expected nothing less when I purchased Reminders of Him. And I mentally prepared myself when they said it was one of the best books she had ever written. As I read the first page, I held my breath. And I didn’t let go until I was finished with it.

Reminders of Him might be my favorite book by Colleen Hoover. I get the allure of it. I understand why some left a puddle on the floor. I was the same way. There have been few times in my life where I almost didn't finish a book because of how emotional it was going to make me. Towards the end of this book, there was a moment when I turned off my kindle and almost walked away. I wasn’t strong enough for it. Thankfully, I did finish. And then wondered if it was too soon to read it again.

Reminders of Him is a story about motherhood, guilt, grieving, and friendship. Kenna and Ledger are both amazing characters. And writing so well. And both characters force you to see the gray areas, instead of just seeing black and white. Essentially, the entire book does.

Years ago, Kenna was involved in a terrible accident, and she dealt with the consequences. And still is dealing with them when the book begins. That accident not only impacted Kenna but others as well including Ledger. And every single reaction was human and honest. It made sense. Yes, it might have been emotional and unfair at times, but no one was overreacting, and everyone was valid.

All and all, this book is about Kenna’s journey and her growth. And because of that, I will say that I wished there were more moments with her and her daughter.

Final Analysis

Reminders of Him succeeds at creating an emotional rollercoaster and fails at providing a conclusion worthy of the journey. Still it’s a top CoHo book.

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Review: Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne

Violet Townsend has always been a people pleaser. Raised in the privileged world of Upper East Side Manhattan, she always says the right things, wears the right clothes, and never rocks the boat. Violet would do anything for the people closest to her, especially her beloved grandmother. So when she asks Violet to teach the newly-discovered grandson of her friend how to fit in with New York City’s elite, Violet immediately agrees. Her goal? To get Cain Stone ready to take his place as heir to his family company…but to say he’s not exactly an eager student is an understatement.

Born and raised in rural Louisiana and now making his own way in New Orleans, Cain Stone is only playing along for the paycheck at the end. He has no use for the grandmother he didn’t know existed and no patience for the uppity Violet’s attempts to turn him into a suit-wearing, museum-attending gentleman.

But somewhere amidst antagonistic dinner parties and tortured tux fittings, Cain and Violet come to a begrudging understanding—and the uptight Violet realizes she’s not the only one doing the teaching. As she and Cain begin to find mutual respect for one another (and maybe even something more), Violet learns that blindly following society’s rules doesn’t lead to happiness…and that sometimes the best things in life come from the most unexpected places. -

 Made in Manhattan felt a little different than the past Lauren Layne books that I had read. this one didn’t quite feel like a romantic comedy, and it took me a little bit longer to get into this one than the others. However, towards the end, I grew to love it.

Like most of her books, it’s told in third person. But only in the sole POV of Violet. I think it was described best in the book when it was mentioned that people tended to reference her as Blair Waldorf, Charlotte York, and Holly Golightly. It felt. She was prim, proper, and rich. On the same hand, she is selfless and caring. And all and all, I really loved her character. Cain is the complete opposite of it. He’s a brooding, loner, who has just met his long-lost grandmother, who wants him to take over the family company. And Violet is tasked with making sure he’s ready to.

Cain wasn’t the nicest person to Violet at times. And he veered almost too close to the unlikable side sometimes. I would have loved to have his POV to see what he was thinking. I think that would have helped.

Despite being complete opposites of each, they had an interesting dynamic. And they both were able to learn so much from each other. Violet was content with every being “fine”. And Cain taught her that maybe she could want more than “fine”. Violet taught Cain that maybe he does want to be a part of the family business and be elsewhere.

This was a slow burn romance. And it worked well for them. I liked watching them slowly realize that maybe the other person wasn’t the worst.

Final Thoughts

Made in Manhattan isn’t my favorite book by Layne and despite that and it struggling at the beginning, it does have a solid story and good romance. 

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Review: The Sweetheart Deal by Miranda Liasson

Before I started reading this book, I already knew I was going to like it. There’s nothing from Miranda Liasson that I haven’t enjoyed. I have to say that her latest book, The Sweetheart Deal from her new series Blossom Glen is one that I can’t stop singing its praises. This right now appears to be the contender for my potential new favorite series from her. There was something different about what she did with this series that was fresh, funny, and had beautiful characters that you can relate to and love unconditionally.

The Sweetheart Deal, book one in her Blossom Glen series, introduces us to this beautiful small town called Blossom Glen. This is one of those little towns that you just want to stroll through. The only downside is that everyone knows your business. For Tessa Montgomery, pouring herself in her mother’s bread shop is what kept her going each day. Giving up her dreams and devoting herself to her struggling family business is what she felt she had to do to help her mother. Then one day, she is presented with a sweetheart deal that proposes a solution that if all works out would be a win-win situation but at what cost?

Enter Leo Castorini. He is smart, handsome and owns the restaurant next store. Not only the Montgomery’s but the Castorini’s are facing their own struggles as well. Both Tessa and Leo face the challenges of parents who are comfortable with tradition. As they want to try new things, they are met with resistance until after a conversation with his father, Leo is inspired to present Tessa with the idea of pretending to be married. Well, being fake married.

The only problem is their families have hated each other for some time and not to mention drama between the two of them. The proposal is if they get married, both families will have to work together and in turn they each help each other and both win. All they have to do is agree to this fake marriage and when their goal is accomplished, part ways. Will it be that easy?

Besides the main storyline in the book, what I truly love about this book is the multigenerational relationships in the book.That truly is the foundation of it and having those different perspectives woven in makes it more special.

Dive into this awesome new series that I promise you will not want to put down. The Sweetheart Deal is a sweet, funny contemporary romance that will leave you feeling so good. I’m so excited to see what’s to come in the second book, The Sweetheart Fix. You can look for that one in the fall. Just on a side note that these books can be read as a standalone. If you are a Miranda fan, you will love this new series. If you haven’t checked her out yet, make sure you jump on this series and check out her other books. I’d recommending adding this to your TBR list.

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Review: The Marvelous Monroe Girls by Shirley Jump

The Marvelous Monroe Girls, is the first book in the Harbor Cove series written by Shirley Jump. From what I’ve read so far, I feel like this is going to be a wonderful series. This one will definitely appeal to the heart. There is something special about these women that pull you in and are so memorable. Their journey is full of ups and downs filled with love, second chances and a test of their familial bond.

Gabrielle Monroe, as you will get to know her as Gabby, has such a big heart and is always looking out for the happiness of others before her own. With her business struggling and worrying about her grandmother, she feels the weight of the world. One thing that she absolutely misses is the once impenetrable bond between her sisters Emma and Margaret. Emma is a bit carefree and Margaret is very structured and rigid. At a time where they once were inseparable, life has a way of taking over drifting them farther away.

In an attempt to bring them together, they discover a secret while up in their grandmother’s attic that reignites a spark that inspires Gabby to bring them closer together. They come across some letters that hint that their grandmother had a secret life. Noticing that her grandmother seems a bit down, she comes up with a plan to bring joy back into her life. The problem is her taking a chance might come with some risks but she is willing to do whatever it takes with the people she loves.

Speaking of people that she loves, let me introduce you to Jake Maddox. Jake had a rough childhood with his family and has been a staple in the Monroe household for a long time. The Monroe ladies brought him in as one of their own. From an early age, there was only one gal that made his heart smile, Gabby. There was always something there between them but the love of a good friend is hard to come by. However, the best love is one that begins with a true friendship. As their unspoken attraction seems harder to ignore, Gabby is torned with taking a leap or potentially ruining the best friend that she loves dearly in her life.

Overall, this was a wonderful introduction to the series. This has a beautiful small town vibe that makes you feel like an invited guest. Not only did I love the relationship between the sisters but the role the grandmother played in their lives makes you want to be part of their family. Each character brings something special to the book. These ladies are memorable and draw you into their lives. Also to note, it’s wonderful seeing the opportunity for love for older characters. They bring a refined second chance that makes you want to root for their hea. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. Look out for Book 2 next year! I recommend adding this one to your tbr list.

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