Theirs To Treasure: Happily Ever After by Caitlyn O'Leary

Caitlyn O'Leary knows how to tell a story and I think she did a terrific job with building the Fate Harbor world and breathing life into her tale. While I personally didn't fully connect or feel as immersed into the story like I have her other books—it was through no fault or lacking on her part—I still enjoyed reading it and was hooked in to find out how their hea came about.

Josie was an intriguing mix of strong against everything thrown at her, yet fragile in her insecurities, many of which I could totally identify with and (in a twisted way) enjoyed walking that path with her to sort out her head. I also appreciated how Josie struggled with the idea of their relationship and wrapping her head around it because I was right there with her. That girl had some attitude too that made me laugh and shake my head at.

Sam and Chance were a bit harder for me to connect to. I liked them both individually, and I loved the way they fell for Josie, protected her, took care of her, and went all out to show her how worthy and beautiful and treasured she was. Whatever it is that makes me fall head-over-heels for the hero just didn't grip me and pull me under. Maybe it was because Chance was a better shopper than me! lol Both men had their strengths and alpha-bossy moments which did melt my heart repeatedly.

I enjoyed the theme of kindness and respect towards others weaved throughout the pages. I also appreciated the way the intimate moments were shared - no crazy Cirque du Soleil acts here! The relationship the foster parents had with their kids stood out as a thing of beauty.

I tried something new and out of my comfort zone for me by reading this story and in some ways it worked, and in other ways, it didn't quite trip my trigger. But that doesn't mean it's any less of a good story.

Unveiled: Lucas & Theresa's story by Christa Wick

Cute story. Some of the conflict had good points, and other times it made my eyes roll.
Steamy times were hot!
Loved how Lucas saw her perceived imperfections as a part of her he adored.

Thick by Alexa Riley

Liked it enough to listen to it all on the Read Me Romance podcast, but wasn't one of my favorite AR stories. I like ott stories, but this just didn't fully trip my ott trigger.

I think I was just hoping for something different, because I do love the idea of this big Bull of a man with a teeny woman. So great idea, but the execution just felt eh to me.

Rescuing Casey by Susan Stoker

Adored this story! Loved how Beatle took care of his Casey, and she in turn gave Beatle exactly what he needed. And loved the sibling connection of Blade and Casey (and how Blade felt about their relationship).

Add in that about half the book was a jungle rescue trip? Heck yeah!!

I was randomly looking for something to read, maybe just a few scenes of a book, and when I landed on Rescuing Casey, I ended up rereading most of it cover to cover. So many of the encouragement and truths Beatle (and Truck) said to Casey touched my heart.

The Carpino Series Collection by Brynne Asher

I'm a rebel. I'll read a book series out of order if a later book calls to me, and in this case, Athica Lane wouldn't let my attention go!

I love finding books that make my heart happy - and Paige and Cam's HEA overflows my heart with all the feel-goods! Give me a alpha male who's got some rough edges but makes up for it in the best of ways, and a charming, girly, sassy, sweet heroine who's his perfect match, who's both soft and strong, and I will melt and swoon through the whole story!

I adored the extra little bonus scene showing life a few years later and just how good Paige and Cam still are together.

Strike Fast by Kaylea Cross

Omgoodness did I love this story!! I went from falling in love to feeling the pain and despair to collapsing in relief along with the characters.

Raw, real, vulnerable.
Respect and honor.
Softness and tenderness mixed with badass and protectiveness.

One of the best and hottest kissing scenes ever.
All the emotions from heat to tears.

Stinking amazing, that's what this is.

The Mail Order Bride's Secret by Linda Broday

While this was a well-written and entertaining story, it was a tough one for me to get hooked into and stay involved in until about half way through. While I liked both main characters, I just never really connected to either of them the way I normally would have expected/hoped. I can't pinpoint exactly what it was because I enjoyed the plot line and there was lots to love about both Tait and Mellie (and the kids), so maybe it was just the timing of reading it. The last half—most especially the last big "event"—is what saved this book for me and made me glad I kept pushing through.

Tait and Mellie both had some pretty horrific pasts and heavy burdens they were carrying, both afraid to fully trust in what they got in each other and grasp hold of something good. I could feel Tait's struggle especially. I appreciated after the big reveal of Mellie's secret that after the dust from the explosion settled, there was a maturity to how they interacted with each other - even though I wished it would have played out a bit differently.

The last part of the book where everything built to it's ultimate climax kept me at the edge of my seat watching how all the threads weaved together. I adored the strength and love shown through actions (in all the relationships, not just between Tait and Mellie), the bonds made, the way everything worked out.

Readers who enjoy some laughter mixed in with drama (almost angsty)-fueled secrets and a good bit of old-fashioned shoot-'em-up action will enjoy this story.

The Bride by Julie Garwood

Just EXACTLY what I needed at the time.
Adorable.
Made me giggle out loud several times.
Hilarious dialogue.
Rereading bits and pieces before it was over.
Swoony alpha hero.
Charming heroine.

Loved my time with Alec and Jamie.

This quickly became one of my favorite JG stories. So glad I finally dove in!