Review of Sweet Surrender (Sugarville Grove #3) by Clara Pines

 

Becca can handle his rambunctious twins in the classroom. But teaching their dad to open his heart would take a Christmas miracle…

Zane Lawrence doesn’t need anything but the family dairy farm and his seven-year-old twin boys for his life to be complete. The single dad works hard all day and chases the boys around the farm all night. His life is a little chaotic – but there’s a delicate balance to it.

So when a pretty young teacher at the boys’ school tries to interfere with some big ideas about their education, Zane isn’t about to let her throw their world off-kilter. After all, she’s new to the school and Sugarville Grove. And it’s bad enough that she’s meddling in his business, but the fact that he’s desperately attracted to her makes him furious with himself.

New teacher Becca Hawthorne sees the Lawrence twins struggling despite their potential and reaches out to their dad right away, excited about her first opportunity to make a real difference. It's crystal clear how much Zane Lawrence loves his boys, so Becca doesn’t expect him to be so offended at her attempts to help. Anyone can see that the man has deep wounds, but his reaction to her feels almost personal. She’s not about to let it stop her from fighting for his kids, though.

When he finally relents, Becca is sure that her dealings with the single dad are over. But for some reason, she suddenly finds herself bumping into Zane Lawrence at every turn. Whether it’s the store, the post office, or the flurry of holiday events in town, she can’t seem to stop seeing the handsome cowboy everywhere she goes.

Did Santa send these lonesome souls a pair of holiday matchmakers for Christmas? And how long can they keep denying what seems so obvious to everyone else before they finally surrender?

Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where clean & wholesome small-town romance awaits you on every corner. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to read the whole series!

Available on Amazon (KU!)

(affiliate links included)

Check out the whole series by Clara Pines and Tess Thompson!

**My thoughts**

I don't care what time of year it is. I'm always a sucker for a good Christmas small town romance. And I have truly fallen in love with Sugarville Grove as I've been reading through this series.

This one particularly caught my heart because Becca is a teacher. She has a unique insight into Zane's twin boys and what makes them tick. But of course, she is practically fighting an uphill battle with some people who think she is stepping out of place. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can catch something that everyone else hasn't yet seen! So her struggles in trying to help these twin boys are very familiar to me, having been in education for the past 30 years.

Only I've never had a hottie single dad like Zane be a part of the picture like this.

Life would have been more interesting had I found a Zane in my younger years!

And I completely understand why Zane is so cranky about people trying to help him out. Outside of his family, he has had to do so much on his own when it comes to his boys. I get that desire to just want to do it yourself so that you know it gets done the way you want. It's going to take someone special to be able to break through all of that. Of course, Becca is going to be that person.

This is another cold weather story that melted my heart and even may have sprung a tear or two. I'm still not a fan of super rushed romances, instead prefering an epilogue to flesh out what happens next. But I forgive it in this series because I like it so much. 

There are more Lawrences in the brood, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to each of them as this series continues. I hope it continues for a while!

I received a requested ARC of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of When Stars Dream at Midnight (The Midnight Stars Saga #3) by Tess Thompson

 

Unveiled truths. Unrequited love. A world torn apart.

Mireille

When war threatened Europe, my parents sent me from our vineyard in France to safety in America, where I found a new life, with friends who become family. But even in a land untouched by the bombs, the shadows of war loomed over my heart. As secrets from my past emerge and the world around me is torn apart, I must confront the grief of loss, the weight of duty, and the delicate balance between love and loyalty.

Peter

I’ve always stood in the background—quiet, loyal, and resigned to love a woman I could never have. While her heart belonged to my best friend, mine was hers, a silent devotion that I buried beneath duty and the horrors of war. When tragedy sends me home, scarred and broken, I don’t expect to find healing in the life I left behind. But as grief turns into something deeper, I must decide if I have the courage to face a future shaped by love, hope, and loss.

The third installment in the Midnight Stars Saga follows Mireille Perrin, the baby Estelle entrusted to her twin sister Mauve in When Stars Fall at Midnight. Now grown and navigating the heartache of war, Mireille’s journey will unearth family truths, test her resilience, and challenge her heart in ways she never expected.

In this American Historical romance, Tess Thompson delivers a heartwarming, sweeping family saga filled with long- buried family secrets, unspoken desires, and characters torn between love and duty. A clean wartime that explores the power of second chances and healing nature of love is perfect for fans of 1940s historical fiction and WWII love stories. This sweet, inspirational tale will tug at heartstrings while reminding readers of the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

Buy on Amazon

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**My thoughts**

Every time I feel like I have read Tess Thompson's best historical book, she brings me another one like this. I have a new favorite. And as I am always saying with her books, I'm surprised because I am typically NOT a fan of historical romances. 

Granted, this one takes place during WWII, which is one of my favorite time periods in history to study. I cannot imagine living during that time, watching families get ripped apart and humanity disappearing into evil. I am intrigued by the strength of those who resisted and persisted. This saga builds upon the first two installments, which were the story of Mireille's birth mother, yet somehow grips me even tighter. It also begs to be turned into a miniseries on a streaming platform.

Mireille was raised by her bio mom's twin sister in the south of France. [You'll want to read the first two books to better understand Stella's story, but it isn't necessary to appreciate this book.] And now she is returning to America, to stay safe as Hitler starts to take over France. Her father is Jewish, thus making her family a particular target.

This poor girl is completely uprooted from the vineyard that she has known and loved her whole life and transplanted onto a foreign land. She is fortunate to land a benevolent roommate at school who adopts her into the family, thus setting Mireille on her crash course of love and resistance during one of the most trying times in our history.

She will love and lose and love some more. Her path doesn't go on a straight line, instead meandering a bit to find its way to the ending you are waiting for. I felt like I was standing by her side as she went through every experience. I faced her fears, embraced her challenges, and loved all of her loves. I rejoiced in her happiness and cried alongside her in her grief.

Dare I hope for more in this world?

Well done, yet again, Ms. Thompson!

Review of Darling Daisy (Memento Mysteries Book One) by Stacey Rourke

 

It’s easy to play the victim, until they find the body.

Daisy Rawlings was a YouTube star on the rise. Her quirky cooking show proved to be an internet sensation that gained her a loyal fan following. Married to her college sweetheart, her life seemed picture perfect.

Until she drove her car off a bridge.

Now, Detective Simon Payne is on the case to piece together what happened that tragic night. As dark secrets come to light, haunting sightings of Daisy make it clear her soul has yet to rest in peace.

A privileged family.
A deadly betrayal.
A torrid affair.

Will power and influence be enough to prevent sins of the past from coming to light? Or will Darling Daisy be the latest casualty of the influential elite?

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate link included)

***My thoughts**

Oh, how I love Stacey Rourke's books. Darling Daisy is part of that paranormal realm that she does so well, though it isn't going to necessarily make you laugh out loud and embarrass yourself in public. (I refer you back to my reviews of her first series ever...) But this is the first book of hers that truly grabbed ahold of me and would not let me go until I was all the way through it. Granted, I had a snow day from work. But I guarantee that had I started it before going into work on a regular day, I would have been sneaking my Kindle app any chance that I had to keep working my way through it.

Darling Daisy is dead. She went over a cliff. They called it a suicide. But something doesn't add up. Even she can't remember what actually happened to her. She's stuck in a sort of purgatory, trying to sort it all out and move on. Along the way, she discovers some deep secrets as she uncovers the pieces to the puzzle of her true story. You as the reader are riding along with her, also trying to sort it all out. You may be able to figure it out. Then again, maybe not. But I guarantee you'll be right there with Daisy for every twist and turn on her ride.

I'm glad Stacey Rourke decided to give this genre a shot. I'm sure it had to be a cathartic experience to write up some vigilante justice. I hope she continues to put out some stories in this series, because she knocked this one out of the park.

Review of Promise of Tomorrow (Castaway Christmas #2) by Tess Thompson

 

He’s the humble son of a chauffeur. She’s a prisoner in her father’s mansion. Can he break her free from her ivory tower or will darkness prevail?

Millicent Cashmere appears to have the life of luxury. But inside the walls of the Cashmere Manor darkness and family secrets permeate every aspect of young Millicent’s life. A prisoner in her own home, she’s forbidden to have friends or go to school. She has only books to keep her company.

For years Teddy Hill admired pretty Millicent from afar with no idea of the difficulties she endured from her abusive father and his evil housekeeper. When a tragic turn of events changes everything, Teddy must find a way to protect naïve Millicent from a world that wants to cast her aside.

Can these unlikely lovers forge a life together in the worst of circumstances? Historical romance fans will love this turn of the century story about forbidden love, family secrets and second chances.

In this second installment of the Castaway Christmas Series, readers will revisit old friends Wesley, Luci and Sadie as Teddy and Millicent find themselves in Castaway. A heartwarming tale of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and community!

Available on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the whole Castaway Christmas series!

**My thoughts**

In this installment of this beloved series, we have another pair who come from opposite sides of the tracks, if you will, yet are completely drawn to each other. I had slight VC Andrews flashbacks with Millicent being forced to basically stay hidden in her room all the time and being abused by her father and his horrible housekeeper. Then we have the dear sweet Teddy, whose father is the gardener. The two meet by chance when they are young and instantly connect. Fast forward several years later and the unspeakable happens to Millicent. Teddy is determined to take care of this poor naive girl and so they make their way east to the town of Castaway and we reconnect with Luci and Wesley and their families.

One would assume that Millicent would be the worldly one, having grown up in a home of riches and that Teddy would have been more sheltered due to his societal status. In fact, it is the opposite. Millicent only knows of the world through books and is so naive otherwise. Teddy is the one who is able to introduce her to the simple things in life and has all the wisdom. He is so protective of her. I lean into his character as that sort of big brother that I always wanted. Millicent is the sweet girl I want to take under my wing. I'm so happy that they have found each other. They both really come a long way, with Millicent finding an inner strength that she never knew existed.

Plenty of other characters in this book will also tug at your heartstrings. And there are a couple of other bad eggs. A couple of twists and family secrets add to the intrigue.

There are so many other characters in this series whose stories I would love to catch up on. I hope one day Tess is inspired to come back it and tell them.

Read my review of Book 1: Come Tomorrow.

Review of Holiday Hideaway: A Short Story by Mary Kay Andrews

 

From New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews comes a charming holiday romance about a newly single thirtysomething whose unauthorized vacation rental turns into a hilarious game of hide-and-seek when the new owner unexpectedly shows up.

Tilly Farriday isn’t feeling very jolly this season. Recently divorced and broke, she’s squatting in one of her rental agency’s properties until her new home is ready. The sprinkles on top of the burnt Christmas cookie that is her life? The new owner shows up early, forcing Tilly to hide in the attic to save her job…and what remains of her dignity.

George Holloway is here to sell his granduncle’s house—and to reconsider whether he and his fiancée are right for each other. Amid home repairs, George notices strange noises and missing food, but as much as he gets his rental agent on the phone, Tilly dodges every invitation to meet. He’s sure that someone’s here with him, and it’s certainly not the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future.

As Tilly and George circle each other, they both wonder where their lives are headed and if, maybe, meeting each other is just the Christmas miracle they need.

Available on Amazon

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

I wanted to love this short Christmas story. It had so much potential. And yes, I did greatly enjoy it. But there was one giant plot point that I just couldn't get past. Tilly is hiding in the attic of this house, okay. BUT SHE HAS HER DOG WITH HER. You cannot tell me that dog would have been silent enough to facilitate their stealth occupancy of the upstairs of this house. I do not know a single dog who would have stayed that quiet when a stranger entered the premises. And how would she really hide all evidence of a dog? *sigh*

Outside of that, I enjoyed the chemistry between Tilly and George. Other than the dog, it's a fun way for these two to almost literally stumble upon each other. There's a fun twist in their families' histories in the area that also brings them together. You could even flesh this story out into a longer novella or full book. It would make for a fun Netflix movie. But again, just not with the dog also hiding out upstairs.

Review of Come Tomorrow (Castaway Christmas #1) by Tess Thompson

 

Come Tomorrow

One chance meeting. A single act of kindness. Can young soulmates find each other in adulthood, or will hidden truths tear them apart?

1904 Twelve-year-old Luci Quick never forgot the boy who saved her life that fateful Christmas Eve. But when he disappeared without a word after bringing her food, she was forced to focus on raising her baby sister when her mother suddenly died. Now six years later and struggling to make ends meet with an alcoholic and gambling-addicted father, the poverty-stricken woman can’t believe her hero has returned… and he’s all grown up.

Wesley Ford’s world changed after helping the girl who still haunts his dreams. When he was whisked away to boarding school at fourteen, he feared he’d never see her again. But now free to come back following his father’s death, the wealthy heir is shocked to discover Luci and her sibling never escaped their rundown shack.

With fate dealing her another opportunity for happiness, Luci seizes the day when an offer of help turns into an unexpected proposal. But before they can settle into their future, Wesley must face painful family secrets that could tear them apart forever.

Can a Yuletide miracle make a wish for love come true?

Come Tomorrow is the first book in the uplifting Castaway Christmas historical romance holiday series. If you like feel-good tear-jerkers, engaging characters, and sweet magical realism, then you’ll adore Tess Thompson’s Edwardian rags-to-riches story.

Buy on Amazon

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Check out the whole Castaway Christmas series.

**My thoughts**

I've said it a hundred times, but Tess Thompson's historical romances are some of the only ones I will ever read. It has never been my favorite genre, but her books suck me in every time. And she has a special talent for bringing the magic to those Christmas ones. The Castaway Christmas series is one that I have reread every single year since this first book came out. Few books carry that distinction.

Wesley is fortunate enough to have grown up in a wealthy home, but his home life leaves a lot to be desired with an abusive father and rather absent mother. Somehow the young man still has maintained a heart of gold. So when he comes upon Luci in the woods, living with her own abusive father and a newborn sister for whom she cares since their mother died at childbirth, it's no surprise that he wants to do whatever he can to help them. Plus there's just something about Luci that draws him in. Soulmates of sorts?

Luci is an amazing young woman who has been dealt a terrible hand of cards. Her mother has just passed away shortly after giving birth to her younger sister. Her father is a raging alcoholic who is addicted to gambling and really couldn't care less about the family he has at home. And yet she strives to overcome the odds and learn how to be the adult in charge of her family. She also feels a connection to the young man who has figured out that they exist in the woods and wants to help. Few others who know of their existence want to help.

So many secrets and so much undue prejudice being foisted upon the teenagers forces them apart for a long time. True angels on earth become unofficial parts of their families and help pave the way for these fated partners to find their way back to each other again. It's a beautiful rags to riches story that somehow is even more beautiful than that phrase implies. And there are so many twists with all of the secrets in their pasts.

Their love story isn't the only one that unfolds in this novel, either. As often happens with Tess's holiday books, I needed a couple of tissues for this one.

And I have to give a special shoutout to the dog, Atlas. He needs his own tissue.

I just love this heartwarming series and also love the second book in it. I have dreams of there maybe being a third installment one day.

Read my review of Book 2: Promise of Tomorrow.

Review of Royally Matched (Royally Kissed #2) by Kate O'Keeffe

 

I’ve got 99 problems, and picking the wrong guy might be all of them.

I've always had my royal checklist: Attend the Husband Hunting Ball? Check. Find the perfect match for a princess like me? Check. Feel zero sparks with Mr. Right (aka Enzo Revera)? Sadly, double check.

But then I meet Marco, Enzo's charming and rugged brother. He's everything I shouldn't want, especially since I've planned my life to avoid the messiness of love.

When a twist of fate puts Marco at my side, I can't deny our chemistry, even if he's all wrong for a princess like me. Thrown together by royal duties and an ancient riddle, Marco and I embark on a crazy adventure that leads us to hidden clues.

As we unravel a secret that changes everything, I’m faced with a choice between duty and desire. Can I defy expectations and claim both the throne I’ve always wanted and my true love?


In this dizzyingly romantic modern royal romcom for grown-ups, find out what happens when a cinnamon roll hero meets a princess who follows ALL the rules... Royally Matched is a closed-door romance with all the sizzle but without the spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s Book 2 in the brand new series, Royally Kissed.

If you enjoyed "The Selection" by Kiera Cass, the "Modern Royals" series by Aven Ellis, or Emma St. Clair's "Sweet Royal Romcom" series you'll love this modern royal romance.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Royally Kissed series!

**My thoughts**

I think I liked this second installment of the Royally Kissed series more than the first one! Amelia is the princess who is completely dedicated to following all of the rules, maintaining decorum, and keeping up appearances. She would rather sacrifice her own happiness in love than break the rules. OK, and then there is also that broken heart in the past that she would really prefer to not revisit.

But honey, a spreadsheet? The perfect man on paper? I remember those days, too, I guess. I had a written list of my perfect man - and the guy who checked off all the boxes definitely wasn't him. And then I got older and wiser. Amelia has some learning to do. But if she didn't have this learning to do, we wouldn't have a story to read.

Marco and Enzo are polar opposites in spite of being brothers. And neither one of them is really who he appears to be at first - at least not in Amelia's eyes. I'm 100% Team Marco from day one and would love to find one of him for myself!

What I loved the most about this one was Amelia learning about herself and coming into her own. Marco even learns a lot about himself and what his life is supposed to be. They perfectly complement each other and are frankly more magical than Maddie and Alex. I truly adored this one.

Now I want the next installment to hurry up and come out!

I received a requested ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of The Backup Princess (Royally Kissed #1) by Kate O'Keeffe

 

When a Texas gal punches a prince instead of curtsying, you know this isn't your grandmother's fairy tale.

Taking the bull by the horns is child's play compared to ruling Malveaux. Yet here I am, a Texas girl turned princess, swapping tacos for a tiara.

Then I meet Europe’s most eligible bachelor, the irritatingly handsome Prince Alexander, and accidentally deck him instead of curtsying.

Oops.

I’d feel bad if he wasn’t such a self-satisfied jerk.

Now, I'm racing against a royal clock that ticks with the urgency of a preening peacock, trying not to let down my newfound country or my own wild heart. Alexander? He's a walking contradiction, with a smirk that heats my blood and eyes that tell tales of a depth I didn't expect.

Decisions aren't exactly my rodeo, but this time, my choice could cost me my new crown—or lead to a love story that rewrites my happily ever after.

Will this Texas girl rise to the royal challenge, or is this one fairytale destined to end with the slipper never found?



MEDAL WINNER AT THE READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS



The Princess Diaries meets The Hating Game in this in this dizzyingly romantic modern royal romcom for grown-ups, where an American girl's unexpected ascent to royalty collides with a fiery romance with a hot neighboring prince. The Backup Princess is a closed-door romance with all the sizzle but without the spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s Book 1 in the brand new series, Royally Kissed.

If you enjoyed "The Selection" by Kiera Cass, the "Modern Royals" series by Aven Ellis, or Emma St. Clair's "Sweet Royal Romcom" series you'll love this modern royal romance.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Royally Kissed series!

**My thoughts**

I can always count on Kate O'Keeffe to pen a unique take on a common trope that keeps me completely engaged and wanting more. I'm madly in love with this series, which hooked me from that opening line in the book description. I loved the nod to The Princess Diaries when Maddie discovers her royal heritage and has to decide whether or not to take the crown when it is her time. (And there are also some other little moments that fellow Princess Diaries book fans will pick up on.) I felt nods to the real royal family saga with abdication and untrue gossip and stereotypes of the hottie princes. And yet, Maddie and Alex are their own characters with their own story. 

It's a classic enemies-to-lovers trope as well, because Maddie can't stand Alex when she meets him. And while their nations are friendly, they are also in competition. They even admit that they are attracted to each other, but aren't sold on getting together at first. And then the attraction takes over.

I also love Alex's sisters, though Amelia can be a bit uptight. You know there are plenty of stories to come. This new chapter in the histories of Ledonia and Malveaux are just getting started, and I'm here for the ride!

Review of Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel

 

Second Chance in Paradise

Doctoral student Holland Reeves may have aced every class she’s ever taken, but when it comes to life outside her lab, she’s beginning to realize she doesn’t have one. In fact, she has more meaningful relationships with test tubes and pipettes than with people. Wishing to change that, she reluctantly agrees to attend an old friend’s wedding. The only problem is, it means she has to return to Paradise. The small coastal town that once upon a time lived up to its name, that was, until he—Porter Clairborne—left her without even saying goodbye. It’s fine, it’s all fine. She has better things to do than be ridiculously happy and in love. Things like finding a cure for heart disease.

But when she returns to Paradise, she gets way more than she bargained for. Porter, the prodigal son, has returned—unbeknownst to her—and he has more on his mind than just helping his family’s business, the Clairborne Resort. He’s determined to win back the woman who captured his heart several summers ago. Lucky for him, Holland has a little mishap that forces her to stay in Paradise a lot longer than she expected.

Now together, Holland and Porter must decide if first love deserves a second chance. Will Paradise once again live up to its name? Or will it remain a town of broken dreams?

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel presents a beautiful second chance romance full of sizzling kisses and heart-tugging moments. It’s the perfect beach read.

Buy on Amazon

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**My thoughts**

I admit that it took me a couple of tries to get through this one. When I first started reading it, I was somehow confused by the characters and their relationships and who was whom. [But I think that was more of a ME thing than a writing thing. No idea what was going on in my mind then.] And then it took me a little bit to get used to Holland and her way of thinking and looking at the world. I saw her as a neurodivergent character, which I love seeing more of in books. She even had me trying to see how much of the periodic table I could remember from my chemistry days.

I recognized bits of myself in her, especially the high anxiety causing her to tunnel in on her scientific work and needing a push from others to engage in the outer world. I felt the awkwardness of having someone take you under their wing as their surrogate child and not feeling like you quite deserve that much unconditional love from outside the family. I was very proud of her for giving in and going to her friend's wedding and then letting Porter and his family take care of her.

And then there is Porter. I would love to have a Porter in my life. He fully embraces Holland for who she is and loves her quirks. He's determined to show her who she really is and to rectify what went wrong in their past. To be honest, I don't think they would have worked out as well had they just stayed together in the first place. They clearly needed some time apart to become the best version of their coupledom. And how can you not when in a place like Paradise?

Holland and Porter aren't the only second chance story happening in this book. And the other one truly had me in tears. Worth the read once I was able to get into it.

Review of All the Christmas Vibes by Melissa Baldwin

 

All the Christmas Vibes

'Tis the season for a spontaneous holiday getaway and an unexpected connection. Will the magic of Christmas offer a new chance at love?

Sophie
It’s Christmas, and I can’t help but believe that magic happens around this time of year—or at least, I really hope it does. I’ve always been obsessed with the holidays, and the best part? I can binge-watch all the Hallmark movies I want. Secretly, I might be hoping for my own love story to play out just like in the movies. It’s possible, right? I mean, it happened for my friend.

A girls' trip to Tennessee seems like the perfect way to unwind. Then, I meet Jake—the coach of the Tennessee Wolves. Our connection is instant, and I find myself wanting to get to know him better. But there’s one small issue… I don’t know if he’s available.

That’s when I get my reality check—life isn’t a Hallmark movie, and love? It’s complicated.

Jake
This Christmas feels different, like everything is a bit out of place. I guess that’s what an unexpected breakup will do to you. At least I have my career to keep me focused—coaching a professional hockey team is no walk in the park, but it definitely keeps my mind occupied.

The last thing I need is to get involved with someone new. Then Sophie walks into my life—fun, spontaneous, and not afraid to take chances. They say opposites attract, but I’m not sure if I’m ready for that.

To complicate things even more, my ex has started coming around again. I don’t know if it’s easier to stay with what’s familiar or take a chance on something new.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the related Love on Thin Ice multiauthor series!

**My thoughts**

This latest offering from Melissa Baldwin is a spinoff from the Love on Thin Ice series that Melissa worked on with many of her author friends (and some of my other favorites to read). I am ashamed to admit that I am behind on that series, though I'm dying to sink my teeth in it. But I didn't feel like was missing anything in this book having not yet read that series. Melissa's book in that series was about Blair, Sophie's best friend, and her relationship with Cooper, Jake's teammate. Having met them in this book, I can't wait to go back and read their story! And I love that there are enough characters for the story of this hockey team to continue with spinoffs.

Sophie gets to do something I have always wanted to do - takes off on an adventure to Tennessee and ends up finding herself a good man. For someone who loves those cheesy holiday Hallmark movies - I'm referring to both myself and to Sophie - it's the perfect trip and setting!

You can tell that Sophie is comfortable in her life in Texas, but she's also kind of stuck. She's at one of those turning points where she could keep on keeping on, but then if the right path diverges, she can easily choose to follow that one. Jake may be coming off of a long-term relationship, but he has clearly moved on.

Jake's sister Julia is a little intense in the beginning. I did soften toward her as the book went on, thoug, because she's just intense to protect her brother.

And then we have the ex, Traci. OY! I had all of the flashbacks to some catty women in my younger years! Good riddance to her and kudos to Sophie for being able to stay strong.

I admit that the chemistry didn't jump off the page for me the way that I expected it to. But it's there and it burns at a respectable pace. We come to a satisfying stopping point in the story of Sophie and Jake, but you know there's a lot more to come. I'm hoping that this world continues so that we can see what happens!