Reaper's WrathRoad to Salvation: A Last Rider's Trilogy #2by Jamie Begley

Title: Reaper's Wrath

Series: Road to Salvation: A Last Rider's Trilogy #2

Author: Jamie Begley

Publisher: Young Ink Press

Release Date: June 30, 2020

Have you ever wondered how soulmates fall in love after they meet? 

One touch was all it took to pierce through the hatred, the revenge, the payback that kept Reaper’s sanity in check. Unable to bear to be touched, Ginny breezed through his safeguards, stirring the flames of desire and trying to make him believe love was possible again, while his tortured soul just wanted to find the peace he had promised himself once all his enemies were there to keep him company in hell.

One look was all it took for Ginny to recognize her soulmate. Now she was determined to show him that love, mercy, and forgiveness would bring the light back into his life. Her warrior was no longer fighting alone to battle his nightmares, and this Kentucky woman wasn’t afraid of stealing his heart and making it hers.

One love that would have to be strong enough to overcome Reaper’s biggest enemy—himself. Having lost faith in love, The Last Riders, and himself, it was only when Ginny committed a desperate selfless act of love that Reaper realized that, to save her, he was going to have to put his life on the line again. This time if he lost, not only would he lose Ginny, but the Last Riders forever.

How was he supposed to know his wrath could cost him everything?

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Reaper's Wrath felt quite a bit different from any other book in this series. It had a much slower pace than the others. It certainly counts as a bridge between the trilogy. There was not much action or drama but in my opinion, it was good regardless. 

Garett is dealing with all his feelings of inadequacy after being kidnapped and abused for so many years. He doesn’t believe himself a Last Rider. Yet, he feels compelled to help his brothers and to take over Ginny’s security detail to help the rest of the MC.

Ginny, for her part, makes it crystal clear to him that he is her soulmate. She wants him to acknowledge their connection but he dismisses it numerous times. He doesn’t feel lovable and he rather avoids his feelings for her. 

I love Ginny. She was a cool character. She was a strong female character and she knew what she wanted. She was determined without becoming a pushover. She was funny and smart. She was caring and she was able to develop good and lasting friendships. 

I love the details Mrs. Begley gives us about the other characters. As a reader who is invested in this world, I love to know how my favorite characters are doing. 

The relationship between Ginny and her “ brothers”, the Colemans, leaves the door wide open for them to get their own storylines. If you ask me, I would love to read more about them. I also loved the dogs in this book especially Suki.

As always, Greer and Shade added something more to the stories but Silas stole serious page time and I can see him becoming vital in the books to come. 

I'm so excited to read the last book in this trilogy. Hopefully, Ginny remains smart and interesting. 

Cliffhanger: Yes

4/5 Fangs

Broken by Evelyn GlassSteel Talons Motorcycle Club #1

Title: Broken

Series: Steel Talons Motorcycle Club #1

Author: Evelyn Glass

Jim Wade is a broken man trying to put the pieces back together.

Struggling to walk the straight and narrow path after his old lady overdosed on painkillers and vodka almost a year ago, the only consistency in Jim’s life is the strong bond he shares with his brothers of the Steel Talons MC.

Susan McGregor is keen to impress her colleagues.

A paramedic trying to secure a full-time position with her ambulance crew, Susan knows it's only a matter of time until someone calls for help from the wild biker parties on the outskirts of town.

At the right place at the right time.

When an accident sends Jim's bike crashing against a streetlight, he finds himself in front of Susan. Though his physical injuries are superficial, his psychological wounds begin opening up under the tender lingering touch of a woman who seems too prim and proper to ever fall for a rough biker.

With only so many hours in a day who will give first, the girl or the biker?

Amazon

Jim Wade is having quite a night. His motorcycle crashes and the paramedic who is helping him has a chip on her shoulder. It's also the anniversary of the death of his wife. He loved her and lost her due to an overdose. Jim knows she wasn't happy with the Steel Talons MC's life and he feels guilty about it.

Susan McGregor is trying to prove to herself and others that she can be successful. She's studying to become a doctor while paying for her studies with her job as a paramedic. She wants to prove she can make it and the last thing she wants it's to deal with a lawless guy. Yet, she can't seem to stop herself from being intrigued by him.

This novel was a quick one. It ends in a cliffhanger. I thought the female character could have been less mean and hypercritical. I like Jim despite his illegal business.

I might read the next one.

Cliffhanger: Yes

3/5 Fangs

Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon SalaBlessings, Georgia #10

Title: Once in a Blue Moon 

Series: Blessings, Georgia #10 

Author: Sharon Sala 

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Release Date: August 25, 2020

"Sharon Sala's Blessings, Georgia series is filled with unforgettable charm and delight!"—ROBYN CARR, #1 New York Times bestselling author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala continues the bestselling Blessings, Georgia series

Rancher Duke Talbot meets Cathy Terry in Blessings by chance. She's new to town, and so grateful to be there—Blessings feels like a safe haven. Cathy is at first hesitant to let anyone get too close, but as their relationship grows and Cathy sees Duke's feelings for her are real, she tells him what really brought her to town—an abusive ex-husband who isn't willing to let her go. When her past starts to catch up with her, she's tempted to keep running, but she's fallen in love with Blessings and with Duke. Having finally found a place to call home, the only place Cathy wants to run is straight into Duke's arms.

Blessings, Georgia Series:

You and Only You (Book 1)

I'll Stand by You (Book 2)

Saving Jake (Book 3)

A Piece of My Heart (Book 4)

The Color of Love (Book 5)

Come Back to Me (Book 6)

Forever My Hero (Book 7)

A Rainbow Above Us (Book 8)

The Way Back to You (Book 9)

Once in a Blue Moon (Book 10)

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Blessings, Georgia is such a comforting place to travel to. This small town is full of nice people who are ready to help each other and lend a helping hand to the people who need it the most.

Cathy Terry left her life in Las Vegas behind after her divorce. Her ex-husband was an abusive and dangerous bastard. He's involved in some shady businesses too. After her ex-husband threatens her life, she knows it's time to leave Las Vegas and she decides to head south. When she gets to Georgia, the town of Blessings looks like the right place to spend winter.

While going for a jog, Cathy injures herself, and thankfully, Duke Talbot witnesses her fall and he's there to help her. This is a new experience for Cathy, who has been doing everything for herself. She couldn't count on anyone else for a long time.

Duke is a farmer. He shares living space with his brother and his brother's wife. He has not had time for love or to find a wife. Nevertheless, the more time he is around Cathy, the more he starts believing in happy endings.

Once in a Blue Moon is surely a great addition to this wholesome series. I like how we get to revisit the past characters' developments.

The Blessings, Georgia series is a sweet one. It might be too sweet for readers but not for this one. I need some sweet in my life from time to time, particularly during 2020.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella

Title: Love Your Life

Author: Sophie Kinsella

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group

Release Date: October 27, 2020

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I Owe You One, an utterly delightful novel about a woman who ditches her dating app for a writer's retreat in Italy--only to find that real love comes with its own filters.

Call Ava romantic, but she thinks love should be found in the real world, not on apps that filter men by height, job, or astrological sign. She believes in feelings, not algorithms. So after a recent breakup and dating app debacle, she decides to put love on hold and escapes to a remote writers' retreat in coastal Italy. She's determined to finish writing the novel she's been fantasizing about, even though it means leaving her close-knit group of friends and her precious dog, Harold, behind.

At the retreat, she's not allowed to use her real name or reveal any personal information. When the neighboring martial arts retreat is canceled and a few of its attendees join their small writing community, Ava, now going by "Aria," meets "Dutch," a man who seems too good to be true. The two embark on a baggage-free, whirlwind love affair, cliff-jumping into gem-colored Mediterranean waters and exploring the splendor of the Italian coast. Things seem to be perfect for Aria and Dutch.

But then their real identities--Ava and Matt--must return to London. As their fantasy starts to fade, they discover just how different their personal worlds are. From food choices to annoying habits to sauna etiquette . . . are they compatible in anything? And then there's the prickly situation with Matt's ex-girlfriend, who isn't too eager to let him go. As one mishap follows another, it seems while they love each other, they just can't love each other's lives. Can they reconcile their differences to find one life together?

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Love Your Life or Ava-Land and Matt-Land was quite an entertaining and sweet novel. The end of the book left me with a big smile on my face.

Yet, the beginning of the book didn’t do it for me. I thought "oh no, this is an insta-love story" which is my least favorite. How wrong was I? Very. I ended up liking it quite a bit more than I thought.

Most surprisingly was that I liked all the main character's friends too. There is Nell who has some serious health issues but she doesn't play the martyr and she can be brutally honest. Sarika who only wants to date someone who lives close to her home (Too far away it's a deal-breaker). She’s using a dating app's algorithm to narrow the perfect guy for her. Then there's Maud who is impossible to say no to. When she asks you for a favor, you don't even realize you're agreeing to do it.  To avoid saying yes, it's best not to engage her.

On Matt's side, his friends and flatmates, Topher and Nihal were both amusing and in their own way, supportive of Ava. They were both good guys, Topher despite his antisocial personality and Nihal with his multiple robots.

Now, getting back to the main characters, the book begins with Ava. She likes to start multiple things at the same time but doesn't really finish any of them. Her new thing is she wants to write a book. She wants to write a historical romance novel and for this reason, she joins a writer's retreat in Italy. There she meets "Dutch" who's real name is Matt. Dutch was joining a martial arts retreat but after it gets canceled, he ends up in the writing one. Ava and Matt have a spark and soon they become an item. By the time a real name is needed, they discover they both live in London.

London changes everything for this couple. Going back to the real world reveals their huge differences. They don't seem to agree on anything including food (Ava is a vegetarian, Matt's a carnivore). There is also Ava's dog, Harold, who can destroy a shirt in ten seconds or disappear any good steak in a millisecond.

For me, the last third of the book is where the story shines. I liked the way Sophie Kinsella's characters in this Chic-Lit/RomCom novel resolved their issues in a full circle kinda away.

4/5 Fangs

Cliffhanger: No

A complimentary copy was provided by Random House via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Wreckage of Us by Brittainy C. Cherry

Title: The Wreckage of Us

Author: Brittainy C. Cherry

Publisher: Montlake

Release Date: September 8, 2020

Never in a million years did I think it would be Ian Parker who saved me...

I know I should stay away from Ian Parker.

But when my drug-dealing stepdad kicks me out, I have nowhere to go. Squatting in an abandoned shed on Ian’s grandpa’s farm seems like as good a plan as any.

Ian finds me there, of course, and he insists on me moving into his spare room. I should say no, but the appeal of a roof and a warm bed is too much. Not to mention Ian’s brown eyes and strong arms.

We’re nothing alike, but the spark between us is undeniable. My life is finally looking up.

Until I call the cops on my stepdad and unintentionally get my pregnant mom arrested.

Now I have to sacrifice my dreams to take care of my mom’s baby. She’s the only family I have left. Meanwhile, Ian’s band is taking off; his dreams are coming true.

Ian is my one chance at love. I just hope he doesn’t become the one chance that got away.

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I would say that the blurb (which I just read) is deceiving. When Ian Parker and Hazel meet, sparks are NOT flying. Or maybe they are but mostly in anger.

Hazel is trying to plan for a future. Her mother is a drug addict and her husband, Charley, is the dealer. A big-time dealer who can be quite abusive too. Hazel's plan is to start working and to earn enough money to move her mom, who is expecting a child, and herself to a new place to live together. She applies for work at Ian's grandparents' farm and Ian is going to be monitoring her work.

Ian is lucky to have great grandparents. His parents, no to so much. Both of them walked away from him years ago. They both were addicts and Ian blames Charley for losing them. Any keen of Charley has to be a bad one. Making Hazel's life miserable at the farm is something he's going to enjoy.

This is my first book by Brittainy C. Cherry. I thought it was well-written. Both Hazel and Ian were interesting to me. I wanted them to accomplish their dreams. Hazel to obtain the stability she was seeking and Ian, a successful musical career.  I also wanted their romance to "make it".

Wreckage of Us was written in a dual POV which made it easier to understand the decisions they were taking. What drove them. What made them tick.

The supportive character like Big Paw, Grams, the band were all likable and realistic. I was rooting for Ian and Hazel to find the way to each other and to their dreams.

I'll Keep Brittainy C. Cherry's work in mind. 

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Montlake via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

Title: My Not So Perfect Life

Author: Sophie Kinsella

Publisher: The Dial Press

Release Date: February 7, 2017 

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Part love story, part workplace drama, this sharply observed novel is a witty critique of the false judgments we make in a social-media-obsessed world. New York Times bestselling author Sophie Kinsella has written her most timely novel yet.

Everywhere Katie Brenner looks, someone else is living the life she longs for, particularly her boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter is brilliant and creative, lives with her perfect family in a posh townhouse, and wears the coolest clothes. Katie's life, meanwhile, is a daily struggle--from her dismal rental to her oddball flatmates to the tense office politics she's trying to negotiate. No wonder Katie takes refuge in not-quite-true Instagram posts, especially as she's desperate to make her dad proud.

Then, just as she's finding her feet--not to mention a possible new romance--the worst happens. Demeter fires Katie. Shattered but determined to stay positive, Katie retreats to her family's farm in Somerset to help them set up a vacation business. London has never seemed so far away--until Demeter unexpectedly turns up as a guest. Secrets are spilled and relationships rejiggered, and as the stakes for Katie's future get higher, she must question her own assumptions about what makes for a truly meaningful life.

Sophie Kinsella is celebrated for her vibrant, relatable characters and her great storytelling gifts. Now she returns with all of the wit, warmth, and wisdom that are the hallmarks of her bestsellers to spin this fresh, modern story about presenting the perfect life when the reality is far from the truth.

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I thoroughly enjoyed My Not So Perfect Life!

I wished I had read this book when it came out for the first time. It has a good message about social media, in this case, Instagram.

We all try to post pictures in a positive light and Katie Brenner is not any different. Her Instagram feed is full of pictures of a beautiful life she is not living. She moved to London with the idea of "making it" in life. But her life is not perfect. She's working for Cooper Clemmow but her boss Demeter Farlowe doesn't even know her name. Her flatmates are weird, her commute is long, she has no social life and she is broke.

Katie "Cat," thinks Demeter has the best life. Her commute is short, she has the perfect job, the perfect husband, the perfect kids, perfect travels and dining and then there is her relationship with Alex Astalis.  Alex, the guy Katie has developed a crush on.

Then, when things couldn't get any worse, she is fired. Without an income and no prospect for a new job, she's forced to return to her family's farm in Somerset.

So many things I liked about My Not So Perfect Life. One of them was seeing Katie's growth. She learns to love herself. She learns to accept who she really is and let go of the fake parts. She develops a stronger bond with her father and her step-mom.

The second thing I liked, was Demeter. I wish she were real. She was an amazing supportive character.

Last, I liked the romance. I'm a romanholic and I shipped Katie and Alex all the way.


One more thing, after reading this novel, I'm down for some glamping in my life.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

Return to Magnolia Harbor by Hope Ramsay

Title: Return to Magnolia Harbor

Series: Moonlight Bay #3

Author: Hope Ramsay 

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: June 3, 2020

She never forgot him...but can she forgive him?

Jessica Blackwood is trying to make her architectural design firm a success, and she's off to a great start, thanks to a recommendation that leads to the job of the century-designing a house for a wealthy but reclusive bachelor. The only problem? Jessica's new client happens to be her old high school nemesis. The bigger problem? He's no longer the cocky boy who once tormented her, and suddenly she finds herself intrigued by her new client.

Christopher Martin isn't proud of his past behavior. He regrets nothing more than hurting Jessica all those years ago, and now that he's back in Magnolia Harbor he finally has a chance to make amends. As the two work side by side, Topher begins to realize he wants more than a house. He wants forgiveness and a future with the woman he's never forgotten. But can he prove to Jessica he's truly changed?

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This is the third book in the Moonlight Bay series. I didn't read the first two books but I believe you can read them as a standalone without issues.

The story centers around Jessica Blackwood and Christopher Martin. It's loosely based in the retelling of Beauty and the Beast. 

Jessica was forced to leave her town when she was a teenager. The town gossiped about her and another boy, Colton. People believe there was more to them being together than friendship. Now, as an adult, Jessica has come back to her hometown. Jessica is an architect and she is starting her own business. Recently, she has finished a project that has made an impact on the business. 

Christopher has learned about the house she recently built. He wants to hire her to build his new home on an island away from all the noisy eyes. Christopher was in an accident and his handsome face is not so handsome anymore. The accident has left him with facial scars and a bad leg. The town people give him the "look" and he's done with it. He is also tired of his meddling family members telling him how to live and he just wants to be left in peace. 

To Jessica and Topher's surprise, they seem to understand each other. 

The question is, can Jessica and Christopher overcome their personal issues and develop a relationship?

There were parts of Return to Magnolia Harbor that I enjoyed. I like the idea of a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I like the ghost and the treasure hunt storylines. I want to know where Colton's life is going and what is going to happen to Ashley and a certain minister. My issues were with Jessica. She appeared to be too scared at times and trying to run away from her troubles. I also didn't feel like the town apologized for all the gossip they threw around her life. It was disappointing. I like Topher and how he started to heal on the outside and the inside too.  

Cliffhanger: No

3/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Forever in exchange for an honest review.