Tag:

found family

Tempting the Player

by Jill September 15, 2023

written by Jill

After Jane’s true identity comes out – as former child star Ivy Greene – her safety is compromised. Worried about her, Jane’s parents hire Hendrick Holland, former pro-football player, to be her bodyguard.

The problem? They haven’t told Jane about it.

Hendrick is happy to be back in his hometown, needing a break from LA and the life he’s not sure he wants anymore. He moves back in with his brothers, and helps take care of them, while also looking out for Jane.

Jane starts to fall hard and fast for this mysterious stranger who seems to always be at the right place at the right time, coming to her rescue.

Hendrick is falling too, but has to hold back due to his job.

Book Review:
Tempting the Player

Rebecca Jenshak

Series: Yes (Book 4 in Campus Wallflowers)

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

Spice: 2/5

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

I really loved this series, and I think this book may be my fav!

I loved the way things built between these two, their push and pull dynamic between what they want and what they should do.

Jane *temporarily* moving in with Hendrick & his brothers for protection made this book even better! I loved forced proximity of living together, and the awesomeness that is the Holland family.

Of course, loved seeing all the gals from the previous books & their beaus.

What you’ll find in Tempting the Player:
🌱 Bodyguard + Famous person
🌱 Hidden identity
🌱 Former pro football player
🌱 College
🌱 Grumpy sunshine
🌱 Roommates/Forced proximity
🌱 Book 4 in Campus Wallflowers
🌱 Dual POV/first person

REBECCA JENSHAK – I NEED you to write a spin-off series with the Holland brothers!! Please & Thank You 🥰🥰

Thank you to Valentine PR for an advanced copy! All opinions are my own.

Pub Date: September 19, 2023

Campus Wallflowers Series Reviews:
Tutoring the Player
Hating the Player (coming soon!)
Scoring the Player (coming soon!)

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
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September 15, 2023 0 comments

Promise to Marry You

by Jill September 14, 2023

written by Jill

Everyone Cam has every loved has left her – except her best friend since university, Beckett. She’s terrified of love and relationships, and stays clear of them.

Beckett knew Cam was the one the second he met her. When she needs to be married to access her inheritance, he immediately proposes.

Cam moves in with Beck, in his small town of Dogwood Cove. She feels at home, with Beckett, in the town, and with the Donnelly’s – but will she stay?

Book Review:
Promise to Marry You

Julia Jarrett

Series: Yes (Book 4)

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

Spice: 3/5

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

I LOVED this book! I’ve read this and book 3 in the series, and I really need to go back to the beginning soon. I love the dynamic between the entire Donnelly family.

Beckett is such a perfect book boyfriend – sexy nerdy accountant – WITH GLASSES – who is a total cinnamon roll. Oh AND he has a dirty mouth in the bedroom 🤭

Cam is a tough one, but also so broken. Beckett is so patient with her, waiting for her to catch up to him in feelings.

What you’ll find in Promise to Marry You:
⭐️ Marriage of convenience
⭐️ Best friends to lovers
⭐️ He falls first
⭐️ Opposites attract
⭐️ Roommates/forced proximity
⭐️ Cinnamon roll hero with a dirty mouth
⭐️ The most wonderful, loving Donnelly family
⭐️ Small town
⭐️ No 3rd Act Breakup
⭐️ Dual POV/first person
⭐️ Canadian author & setting

Thank you so much to author Julia Jarrett for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
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September 14, 2023 0 comments

Book Reviews Hannah Bonam-Young

Out on a Limb

by Jill August 25, 2023

written by Jill

At their friends’ Halloween party, Win & Bo have a one night stand. That night changes everything, in more ways that one. It’s the first time Win has felt appreciated & attractive for all that she is (limb difference and all). For Bo it’s the first time he’s been intimate since his cancer diagnosis & his leg amputation, and he feels somewhat like himself again.

The biggest change of all is that Win gets pregnant from this night together, and surprisingly, Bo is incredibly happy at this news. They decide to stay friends, to not risk anything for the sake of the baby. Win moves in with Bo, so he can help take care of her and get things ready for the baby.

Book Review:
Out on a Limb

Hannah Bonam-Young

Series: No

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

Spice: 2/5

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

While this book starts off with a (literal) bang, it then turns into the sweetest slow burn as Win & Bo get to know each other on more and more levels. It was also hilarious, and I was smiling through so much of it.

I could relate a lot to Win, not in terms of limb difference but in her lifestyle, and opinions of herself. As a mom of a young one, pregnancy is still fresh in my mind too and I relate to many of her thoughts.
Also – 2 other incredible things we have in common I SQUEALED – it was a dream of mine for a long time to start/own a camp (who knows, maybe someday); I also LOVE houseplants 🪴

Definitely adding this to my favs, I LOVED it!

What you’ll find in Out on a Limb:
⭐️ Accidental pregnancy
⭐️ One night stand to slow burn +
⭐️ Forced proximity
⭐️ Disability rep/OWN voice
⭐️ Canadian author/setting
⭐️ Found family
⭐️ Single POV/first person
*check triggers if you have any!

More reviews for books by Hannah Bonam-Young:
Next of Kin (Next #1)
Next to You (Next #2)

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
AMAZON

August 25, 2023 1 comment

Book Reviews Hannah Bonam-Young

Next of Kin

by Jill August 24, 2023

written by Jill

After unexpectedly getting a call saying her birth mother has just had a baby, Chloe is offered next of kin guardianship. She doesn’t hesitate to accept, not wanting her sibling to go through the foster care system.

Unfortunately, her finances aren’t enough to pass her evaluation by CPS. She’s offered to participate in TeamUp, a new initiative pairing next of kin guardians to support one another.

Chloe is matched with Warren, who is fighting for custody of his 15 year old brother Luke. Luke is deaf, and the system is seriously failing him by not having anyone that speaks ASL.

Warren & Luke move in with Chloe (and baby Willow), and try to keep their separate lives; however, they need each other more than they thought. They realize their first impressions weren’t as true as they thought, and they have a lot in common.
They try to deny their feelings, but their chemistry is growing by the day.

Book Review:
Next of Kin

Hannah Bonam-Young

Series: Yes (Next #1)

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

Spice: 1/5

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Wow wow wow. Hannah Bonam-Young is officially added to my auto buy authors list!

This book has such a perfect balance between heart, spice, laughs, and a compelling story that had me not wanting to stop reading.

I loved the romance between Chloe and Warren, but also their individual stories with their struggles to become guardians of their respective siblings.

Luke (Warren’s brother) as well as Emily & Lane (Chloe’s best friends), are perfect side characters to add to their lives.

What you’ll find in Next Of Kin:
⭐️ Forced proximity/roommates
⭐️ Grumpy/sunshine
⭐️ Single guardianship (both)
⭐️ Found family
⭐️ Disability rep (deaf characters)
⭐️ LGBTQ+ rep
⭐️ Slow burn
⭐️ No 3rd act breakup
⭐️ Single POV/first person

More reviews for books by Hannah Bonam-Young:
Next to You (Next #2)
Out on a Limb

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
AMAZON

August 24, 2023 1 comment

Book Reviews Holly June Smith

The Worst Guy Ever

by Jill August 5, 2023

written by Jill

There’s a fine line between love and hate – and Hattie & Rob are walking on it.

Hattie & Rob, Rob & Hattie – what’s the opposite of opposites attract? 😝 That’s what these two are.

“If opposites attract, our similarities explain why I find him so repulsive.”

Neither Hattie nor Rob are looking for a serious relationship – they enjoy their fun, and their lives, without one. They’re brought together by mutual friends (Kara & Luke who we meet in book 1). Rob has his flirt on, and Hattie is determined to resist him.

After making a bet they’re both determined to win, their texting banter & teasing begins. Their chemistry is undeniable, so how long will they fight it?

Book Review:
The Worst Guy Ever

Holly June Smith

Series: Yes (2nd in Sunshine Book Club)

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

Spice: 2/5

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Definitely my fav Holly June Smith so far!

While I couldn’t relate to them, I was super invested in these two characters. I was rooting for them to figure out their sh*t (for lack of a better expression). Both had absent dads and childhood trauma, leading to fears of abandonment or hurting the ones they love.

This book tackles some other tough issues, like gender double standards in dating, and in the workplace.

The Worst Guy Ever is book 2 in the Sunshine Book Club series, but can be read as a standalone.

What you’ll find in the Worst Guy Ever:
⭐️ “I don’t do relationships”
⭐️ Enemies with benefits to lovers
⭐️ Undeniable chemistry
⭐️ Banter
⭐️ Over 30 MCs
⭐️ Found family
⭐️ Dual POV/first person

Thank you to author Holly June Smith for an advanced copy! All opinions are my own.

Pub date: August 10, 2023

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
AMAZON

August 5, 2023 0 comments

Book Reviews Dylan Newton

Change of Plans

by Jill August 5, 2023

written by Jill

After an unfortunate accident, Bryce becomes guardian for her three nieces. She moves to care for them, and is trying to figure out her new life as a “mom.”

A super sweet meet-cute in the grocery store brings her together with Ryker, a Marine vet. He’s also adjusting to his new life, post-war and with a leg amputation.

They are both trying to find their way as they’ve been thrown a curveball into their life plans. Can they figure it out together?

Book Review:
Change of Plans

Dylan Newton

Series: Yes (3rd but can be read as a standlone)

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

Spice: 1/5

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Change of Plans is a story of finding your way when life changes your plan, and finding a person who supports that. While their lifestyles and situations are completely different, they both had a drastic and unexpected alteration to their life course.

Another thing I loved in this book was the normalization of mental health and therapy.

There’s a lot of talking about soup (the fmc is a chef!) so don’t read this too hungry 😝 it really all sounded delicious!

While this is the 3rd book in a series about the Matthews brothers, it can definitely be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the first two and didn’t feel like anything was missing).

What you’ll find in Change of Plans:
⭐️ Single “mom” (guardian)
⭐️ Chef & mechanic
⭐️ Former military hero
⭐️ Disability rep
⭐️ Mental health rep (Grief & PTSD)
⭐️ 3 hilarious kiddos
⭐️ Found family
⭐️ Dual POV/3rd person
*tws: death of parents/sibling (off page), PTSD, war, loss of limb

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
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August 5, 2023 0 comments

Book Reviews Courtney Kae

In the Case of Heartbreak

by Jill July 29, 2023

written by Jill

Ben runs his family café and bakes his famous cinnamon rolls daily. He’s entered a reality tv competition to showcase them.

Plans start to fall apart when Ben’s rejected by his long-time crush, Adam, on live tv. He also gets some trouble coming from his father (who abandoned him as a child).

Ben takes off for 2 weeks to Maywell Bay, to see his Grandma for her 80th birthday bash. Of course, Adam is there (as a musician in the band for the party).

Most of the story takes place at Grandma’s, as Ben and Adam figure out their feelings for one another, and Ben figures out one family issue at a time.

Book Review:
In the Case of Heartbreak

Courtney Kae

Series: Yes (book 2 in Fern Falls)

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 4/5

Spice: 2/5

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

A really sweet read with a beautiful small town community!
I enjoyed this book, but I wouldn’t really call it a romance. While there was a romantic element as part of the story, it was more about Ben’s journey with his family and past trauma. The romance part was really sweet – seeing Adam and Ben come together, and how much they appreciated the little things they dreamed of doing with one another.

I would love to live in a place like Fern Falls! While I am a straight cis white woman, I appreciate the openness and diversity in this town, and how it’s not a “thing.” Everyone is accepted for who they are, no matter their identity.

I could relate a lot to Ben in his anxiety and insecurities. I was laughing a lot and saying – that’s totally me – often.

What you’ll find in In the Case of Heartbreak:
⭐️ LGBTQ+ romance (mm)
⭐️ Childhood friends to lovers
⭐️ Longtime crush
⭐️ Forced proximity
⭐️ Cinnamon rolls & cinnamon roll heros
⭐️ Mental health rep (anxiety)
⭐️ Sex positive Grandma (G-ma)
⭐️ Found family
⭐️ Small town
⭐️ Disability rep
⭐️ Single POV/first person
*make sure to check trigger warnings!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
AMAZON

July 29, 2023 0 comments

Becka Mack Book Reviews

Unravel Me

by Jill July 27, 2023

written by Jill

All Adam wants is to find his person – someone who loves him for who he is, and not his wealthy, star hockey player side.

After the MOST ADORABLE meet-cute, thanks to his pup Bear, he meets Rosie, and her laughter immediately draws him in.

Rosie isn’t looking for anything, but she dreams of someone who loves her, and her son Connor, unconditionally. She’s used to being let down, and trusting doesn’t come easy, but she opens up to Adam. It’s an instant connection for all 3 of them 🥰

Book Review: Unravel Me

Becka Mack

Series: Yes (book 3 in Playing for Keeps)

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

Spice: 3/5

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Becka Mack did NOT disappoint – this lived up to and surpassed all my expectations!

Adam & Rosie + Connor are EVERYTHING 💕

Sorry Gare-bear – you’ve been bumped from #1 fictional hockey player spot 🙃
ADAM LOCKWOOD 🫠🫠
He’s just perfection.
And just what sweet Rosie deserves 🥰

I couldn’t put this book down, I loved it so much. Being the 3rd book in the series, we get a lot of the previous characters as well – which is amazing! We’re also introduced to some new side characters, who are the perfect support for Rosie.

What you’ll find in Unravel Me:
💖 Single Mama
💖 Hidden identity
💖 Hockey player
💖 Vet student
💖 Insta connection
💖 Group chat shenanigans
💖 The sweetest little toddler
💖 Lots of pups & kitties
💖 Found family
💖 Mental health rep (anxiety)
💖 Dual POV/first person
*check trigger warnings if you have any.

Looking forward to Jaxon & Lennon’s story next! I love that we got to see more of his softer side.

Thank you so much to Wordsmith Publicity & Becka Mack for allowing me the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book! All opinions are my own.

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
AMAZON (link to come!)

July 27, 2023 0 comments

Book Reviews Sarah Ready

The Space Between

by Jill July 24, 2023

written by Jill

Andi and Jace have known since the moment they met that they were meant to be together, even though they were only seventeen at the time.

Coming from different worlds, this is nearly impossible. Andrea (Andi) is from a wealthy family, where she feels like a pawn in their games – and never love. Jace’s life is completely opposite, filled with love of family and friends, but without money.

Jace is the first person to see Andi for who she is, and love her for it. Andi is the one to help pull Jace’s music out of him, something that was lost when his parents died.

Book Review:
The Space Between

Sarah Ready

Series: No

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆♾️ 5/5

Spice: 1/5

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

The Space Between is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. This is a book that had me so immersed in the characters and their love story, I never wanted to put it down. It will be on my mind and in my heart for a long time!

We see their lives, their love, and love lost and found over several time periods. This was such an emotional journey for me. It ripped my heart out several times, and thankfully eventually put it back together. My heart is heavy, but full.

I tandem read this – ebook and audiobook – and both were wonderful! The narrators (James Fouhey & Rachel F. Hirsch) did a phenomenal job at capturing the depth and emotions of this love story.

What you’ll find in The Space Between:
🎶 Different Worlds
🎶 Soulmates
🎶 First love
🎶 Musician
🎶 Song lyrics
🎶 Rich girl/poor boy
🎶 Found family
🎶 Emotional read
🎶 Multiple timelines
🎶 Dual POV/first person

Thank you to NetGalley, W.W. Crown publishing (IBPA), and author Sarah Ready for advanced copies. All opinions are my own.

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
AMAZON

July 24, 2023 0 comments

Their Freefall at Last by Julie Olivia - Romance Book Review

Book Reviews Julie Olivia

Book Review: Their Freefall at Last by Julie Olivia

by Jill July 15, 2023

written by Jill

It’s the day of Bennett’s wedding, and it’s NOT Ruby he’s marrying. But she’ll always be there for him, no matter what he needs. They’re best friends, forever and always.

We flash back to 7 year old Bennett & Ruby, and see how they meet, become best friends, grow together, and fall apart. So many beautiful moments over the years for these two.

Book Review:
Their Freefall at Last

Julie Olivia

Series: Yes (4/4)

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆∞ 5/5 (fav!)

Spice: 1/5

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

I have no words to say how much I loved this book!
What a perfect end to a series that will forever hold a place in my heart 💙
I laughed, I sobbed – a lot. I’m sad to say goodbye to Honeywood, but looking forward to your next series Julie!

Ruby + Bennett 💙💙💙

I KNEW Julie promised an HEA, but it was a *rollercoaster* (pun definitely intended) to get there. The middle of this book literally had me sobbing and shaking. I’m so attached to these characters!

I don’t want to say too much, because you just need to go along for the ride (another pun for you). This is the 4th book in the Honeywood series, and you definitely should read the others first, to fall in love with Ruby & Bennett even more 🥰

Read if you enjoy:
💙 Childhood best friends to lovers
💙 Soulmates
💙 IT’S ALWAYS BEEN YOU
💙 Found family
💙 Small town
💙 Only one bed
💙 Short chapters
💙 Laughs & tears
💙 4th & final in series
💙 Dual POV/first person

Thank you SO MUCH to author Julie Olivia for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
AMAZON

July 15, 2023 1 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts

found family

Book Review: Tempting the Player

Book Review: Promise to Marry You

Julia Jarrett

Book Review: Out on a Limb

Hannah Bonam-Young

Book Review: Next of Kin

Hannah Bonam-Young

Book Review: The Worst Guy Ever

Holly June Smith

Book Review: Change of Plans

Dylan Newton

Book Review: In the Case of Heartbreak

Book Review: Unravel Me

Becka Mack

Book Review: The Space Between

Sarah Ready

Book Review: Their Freefall at Last

Julie Olivia

Book Review:
Tempting the Player

Book Review:
Promise to Marry You

Book Review:
Out on a Limb

Book Review:
Next of Kin

Book Review:
The Worst Guy Ever

Book Review:
Change of Plans

Book Review:
In the Case of Heartbreak

Book Review:
The Space Between

Book Review:
Their Freefall at Last