Review: Icebreaker (The UCMH Series) by Hannah Grace

Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA.

A competitive figure skater since she was five years old, a full college scholarship thanks to her place on the Maple Hills skating team, and a schedule that would make even the most driven person weep, Stassie comes to win.

No exceptions.

Nathan Hawkins has never had a problem he couldn’t solve. As captain of the Maple Hills Titans, he knows the responsibility of keeping the hockey team on the ice rests on his shoulders.

When a misunderstanding results in the two teams sharing a rink, and Anastasia’s partner gets hurt in the aftermath, Nate finds himself swapping his stick for tights, and one scary coach for an even scarier one.

The pair find themselves stuck together in more ways than one, but it’s fine, because Anastasia doesn’t even like hockey players…right?

Review

I was thoroughly surprised with Icebreaker. I really enjoyed the romance between Nathan and Anastasia. It by far was my favorite part of the book, and I was giggling and laughing every time they were together. I really enjoyed their dynamic, and I enjoyed how their relationship progressed. It was obvious the author had been an enjoyer of romance books with how many tropes and fluff moments had been included.

As much as I enjoyed the romantic aspect, I can’t ignore some of the things I disliked. There were a lot of characters. And often I would get confused about who is who and what they do. But that’s maybe a me problem.

In light of this book release, the author has temporarily taken the book down so that necessary changes can be made. There has been some well-intended conversation amongst readers surrounding a deception of a supporting character within the book. I think it’s important for authors to do the necessary research and make the move to reach out to members of communities they are a part of to make sure the representation isn’t ill mannered in context, damaging, or harmful. Regardless, if unintentional, I think that’s something that needs to be done. It’s up in the air if the author will continue the series; however, if she does, I do hope that they complete their research. The criticisms provided by readers are valuable. It’s important to have diversity in storytelling; however, it still needs to be presented well.

Final Thoughts

Icebreakers does craft a beautiful romance; however, it fails when trying to depict a diverse group of people. 

Review: Serve by C.W. Farnsworth

Summary

Georgette Adams is trouble incarnate. Spoiled, sassy, smart…and the President’s only daughter.

Getting summoned to a meeting at the White House felt like an honor—until I caught the catch.

I’m the newest member of her security detail. Not only for this summer in DC, but once she leaves for Stanford in the fall as well. Her safety is my responsibility.

Trouble is, the only place Georgie respects any rules is on the tennis court.

Our priorities clash and our personalities conflict, yet somehow—the more time we spend together, the less it feels like work.

But my job description doesn’t include making her laugh or enjoying our conversations. And it definitely doesn’t involve broken rules or blurred lines.

My only job?

Is to serve.

Review

I was so excited for this one. Especially since I have recently discovered C.W. Farnsworth books and I loved Fake Empire by her so much. It’s one of my favorite books of the year, and I expected this one to be too. And like predicted I enjoyed Serve.

It has a slow burn, forbidden romance. Both Georgie and Ethan are strong characters, and butted heads during their initial meeting. I practically liked how Georgie’s hesitation to being in the public eye was explored. Her father is the President of the USA, and that would be hard to adjust to regardless of age.

I also really enjoyed the idea of a member of the secret service dating the President’s daughter. I expected a lot of angst. Which it sort of delivered on.

As much as I enjoyed this book, I didn’t love it. I felt like it was too short, and I would have loved a lot more. I was most excited to see Ethan and Georgie having a hidden relationship and seeing that play out. However, that aspect was very short. And it ends quickly for reasons which I won’t mention because of spoilers.

Final Thoughts

Serve is an entertaining read with a spicy forbidden. 

Buy on Amazon

Review: Garnet Flats (The Edens) by Devney Perry

Summary

From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Devney Perry comes a second chance, small town romance.

Talia Eden loved Foster Madden for one year, two months and eleven days. It was on day 438 that her love died. The day he chose to marry her best friend. The day she vowed never to think of Foster again.

Until years later when he has the audacity to show up in her small hometown of Quincy, begging for her help.

The ink on his divorce papers is barely dry, yet he comes armed with apologies and promises. She knows it’s all a ploy. Foster is the king of games and secrets. But he’s got delusions the size of Montana if he thinks she’ll help him train for a world championship fight.

Except Talia has forgotten exactly what made Foster famous. The man has dedicated his life to victory. He’s steadfast. He’s determined. And he won’t stop fighting until he’s won her heart.

Review 

I was extremely excited to read Garnet Flats and I think I might have set my expectations too high. I’ve always had a love hate relationship with second chance romances. It has to be done right, and I need to feel the emotional connection that the characters have and two, there needs to be some form of graveling. Especially when one of the characters hurts the other one in such a significant way. Garnet Flats somewhat failed in both of those things.

After breaking Talia’s heart seven years ago, I expected Foster to fight hard to win her back. Not show up at her home and her job with vague words and half-truths. I expected angst on top of angst and conflicted feelings and emotional love declarations. However, none of that occurred.

To be frank, I didn’t care for Foster. His love towards Talia was questionable, and I sort of understand why he did what he did if I closed one eye. But I don’t think Talia should have forgiven him so easily. Especially since once he came back in her life he kept withholding information from her and expecting her to adapt to it. And truthfully, his reasoning for coming back was not entirely because of her. There was a lot of telling and not enough showing in terms of Foster.

Final Thoughts

Garnet Flats is a second chance romance that left me thinking did he deserve her and wondering how Talia’s story would play out if she had an entirely different love interest.  

Buy on Amazon | Audible

Review: Still on Fire by Renee Linnell

To my disappointment that I hadn't discovered The Burn Zone before, Still On Fire showed up right on time. This page turning exploration of her unapologetically choosing and listening to herself had me so invested. We live vicariously through her adventures gaining insight from living her best life. Let me tell you, if I ever get the courage to finally not be afraid to live my own life, she is the person that I would want to go on a road trip with.

Still on Fire, is the anticipated sequel to her previous book, The Burn Zone. Due to my conservative prudeness, she did raise a few eyebrows for me but I found myself internally overjoyed with her journey. Her life hasn't been easy and the she's gone through some things and has experienced loss and devastation. I wholeheartedly admire her courage to throw herself out there, exposed and uninhabited to try and get to the life she wanted. At times feeling ashamed, she found a way to shut down that negativity and live life.

Her stories will resonate. Her advice will have you shaking your head in agreement. She brings such a light that just reminds us to love ourselves and to shine brightly. Her tidbits of wisdom were appreciated and the validation of life not be perfect but if you don't succeed to try again hit home. All is good and to ignore that voice that tries to prevent us from being the best versions of ourselves.

Overall, I thought this was a good read. You will laugh, reflect and hopefully takeaway some moments that will inspire you to listen to your own voice and find the life you're meant to have.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: The Wishing Quilt (The Secret Wish) by Jodi Thomas

The Wishing Quilt is a contemporary romance anthology featuring three wonderful novellas. We see the inspiration behind the love of a quilt that takes these three women down a road that leads their hearts to be fulfilled and loved.

With that beautiful cover that invites you in, Jodi Thomas brings us to While A Way, TX. This town might not seem much on the outside but the people give it all that it needs that it draws it's strength from.

In the Secret Wish, we are introduced Avery Cleveland. She finds her way to this town after a career ending injury. Feeling hopeless with no other options, coming to this town was the fresh start that she desperately needed. With a renewed drive to build back up her late great grandmother's quilt shop, it ignited something within her that turned that hopelessness into hope. After a chance encounter with the local sheriff, Daniel Solis, she soon comes to realize that he might be the missing patch that will make her quilt complete.

I really enjoyed this novella. Avery is the type of character that will pull at your heart. She is lost, waiting to be found. She doesn't have family in her corner. You want her to feel love and be loved. You want to see her get her hea. Daniel is awkwardly charming. He is mesmerized by her and she is is everything that he needs but doesn't know how to translate his affection that doesn't transition awkwardly. Their buildup is beautiful. There is a subplot to the story that adds some suspense to the mix that brings everything together strengthening their characters to where they are meant to be.

I truly hope in the future that we get a chance to revisit this town. This would be a great start to a wonderful series. Only time will tell. I really enjoyed this and despite being a quick read, it was definitely a fulfilling one. With the fall coming up, this would be one that you can cozy up and enjoy. If you are a fan of anyone of these lovely ladies, make sure you add this to your TBR list.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: When Sparks Fly by Jo McNally

When Sparks Fly by Jo McNally is the fifth and concluding book in A Rendezvous Falls series. Being this was my introduction to the series, I wish I had stumbled upon it earlier to follow through all the books. Based on what I read, this could be read as a standalone but I recommend reading through it's entirety for continuity of the people in this town. The ones is this book were so much fun that it has piqued my curiosity to what I have missed so far.

Zoey Hartford has so much on her plate right now. She has a business, just got divorced and has a teenager daughter who is trying to find her place in the world. She is a likable character that you really want to see get her hea. She couldn't do it without her best friend Mike McKinnon, who by the way, every gal should have. He is loyal, funny and is always there when she needs him. They've known each other forever and never would let anything happen to each other.

In a moment of impulse and subconscious desire, their friendship goes to the point of no return and it leaves them with a dilemma. This undeniable spark that is shining brightly in their hearts is being dimmed by the fear of a mother's protection. If Zoey can get past these obstacles, she could see that the one thing that was meant to be in her life is right in front of her.

The book overall I found to be a nice read. I love the best friends to lovers trope because you know you are going to get a story that goes deep and makes you feel something as we do for Zoey and Mike. Just as enjoyable were the family and friends that brought many laugh out loud moments. One of my favorite moments is getting to see characters of a mature love. You are never too old to be in love. Vicki and Gordon made me laugh with their exploration of their blooming relationship.

There is an added bonus to the book, a novella Lost In Love. If you have followed the series then you will enjoy this one. If you haven't, you should dive into this cute town and experience Rendezvous Falls.