Nicole and the Unending TBR

You can get the full episode  where Carmen and I talk books, writing and the publishing world. Here is a list of books mentioned in this episode  Carmen's books: After she falls Pretty little peices  Other recommendations : Hold onto your kids by Gordon Nufeld The Extrodinanry Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold When the Day comes by Gabrielle Meyer

I had seen this author's books floating around on Instagram and jumped at the chance to grab one on Netgally. Yes, I started with the last book in the series. It in no way lessened my enjoyment of this beautiful story. I love stories of people who get second chances. I love the opposites attract trope. And I love a strong redemption arc. This book had all of that. The author crafters characters that have their own flaws and struggles. I loved the hero. Though wounded and scarred from his past mistakes, he was lovable and I couldn't help but root for him. I loved his protective nature as well. Always here for the protective hero. The heroine is the opposite of him in many ways, and yet she was so relatable to a fellow rule abider like myself. I loved the way each character had to work through their struggles. In some ways I wished to see them work together through some of those things. Yet the story was so satisfying and tugged in my heartstrings a few times, inspiring all the f

Man, I loved this book! If you are like me and love a generous helping of romance with your romantic suspense you simply must try Sara Blackard! This book had it all! Two people,traped in a race for survival in the Alaskan wilderness. Swoony kisses. A tale of redemption and second chances. I am a fan! I loved that she incorporated characters from Stryker, because that was the series that hooked me on her books. She writes action that always keeps you wondering what is around the corner and simply sigh worthy romance that gives all the feels. I truly loved it. I was provided a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are honest and completely my own.

Five stars are not enough. This book was amazing. Everything and more from what I expected after reading book one. This book hit the ground running and do much of all the peices that were set in motion in book one came into play here. The romance was superb. Pure poetry, pure beauty. I loved the weaving of the themes through this book. This is one that I will absolutely be rereading. I may have read several quotes and chapter 25 twice already. I have no regrets. This book is a work of art that I know I can expect from Tamara Leigh's books. I lived how the characters got to know and trust each other. The romance was built off of who they became to each other. Sinjin is one of my new favorite TL hero! I have several of his quotes highlighted. I loved Ondine as a character and the growth that you see in her arc. Ahhhhhh, the worst hangover after this one. Can't wait for the next installment of the series! This book is a perfect example for why I consider Tamara Leigh the queen of

Are you ready for a whole series of sweet contemporary romance featuring...*drumroll* .....FIREFIGHTERS? If you aren't interested move along, but if you are you will definitely want to check out this series by Tara Grace Ericson! This story is filled with small town charm and a story of second chances.  I always enjoy a fake relationship that turns real and this one definitely gives the feels. I loved the hero! He was so sweet and steadfast, just a great guy. I didn't really understand the heroione's drive for Hollywood but it didn't interfere with my enjoyment.  As the greedy person I am I did wish for a little more on page chemistry between the two characters,  especially since this is a second chance romance.   This book has that sweet Hallmark'ish feel with a bonus of a faith element woven into the character's journey.  A fun read and a great set up for book 2 that I am here for! I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the author.  All opinions are

This is a hard review to write.  Not because this isn't a great book, but because it is the last in the series. And I know the author is taking a writing break. This has been a series that has taken me through a roller coaster of feels. This book tells Cameron's story.  I was wondering how this author was going to bring his redemption story and she pulled it off in a masterful, beautiful way. These characters are real, raw, wounded and learn to grow beyond their past.  The heroine was fun to get to know and we got two pics! Yay! The romance built gradually and had some great moments and sweetly romantic.  A perfect summer read with depth and heart. The description of music and faith was beautiful and vivid,  I loved experiencing what music meant to these characters  While I think Bryson in book two will always be my favorite, this story was beautiful, redemptive and pulled on my heartstrings in some major ways. Highly recommended for lovers of contemporary romance and the art o

Do you enjoy fast paced romantic suspense? Impending Strike is a book that always has something happening. I enjoyed the way the amnesia trope was was incorporated. If you enjoy the kind of banter between Zeva and Tony in NCIS you will definitely enjoy the dynamic of Lizzie and Charlie. Glutton for romance that I am, didn't wish for more romance between the two main characters. Yet that is often what I say in romantic suspense…. That said this story has twists, action, mystery and a story about making peace with the past. A good, fast read for romantic suspense lovers. I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own and honest.

The book was the sequel I didn't realize I needed to read! For me, coming back to Maple Springs is a bit like coming back to my beginning of reading Basham books. I got my very first look into her writing through Laurel's Dream and have loved each one of her books since then. To be able to come back was just the break 8n my reading schedule that I needed. This book is a bit on the shorter side (200 or so pages), yet the story is so sweet and the pacing is just right to not only hold my attention, but had me up late to see how everything would work out. It was a delight. Jeb is just the sweetest, most protective mountain man ever. Do I need to go further? Like really? Cora has spunk in the right doses, with her heart for helping others. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. Because I am always about the romance! Great characters! And some beautiful and touching events take place to characters that I now realize that I really am glad we got to see them in this st

Sunburst gave me a massive book hangover.  I preordered the third book because I can't wait to see where the story goes! Sunburst has action,  romance and a great does of humor in it. To me that is a recipe for perfection! And the romance has a twist you hardly ever see in a modern setting! And a big portion of it takes place in Africa! Ranger is definitely bookboyfriend material.  He is devoted, loyal and willing to do whatever it takes to protect his people.  His heart belongs to the one he let get away, but when they are thrown together in a "run for your lives" situation,  well.....read it to find out.  I loved the pace, I loved the inner humor of the hero. I loved seeing a country that I rarely get to travel to in fiction.  And the subplot of what is going on back in Alaska definitely had my attention! The chemistry and tension is just *chef kiss* perfection.  My only qualm with this book was I had hoped for a little more growth in faith from the heroine.  I just hop

Looking for a friends to lovers,  fake relationship, (one trope that is a fave but to avoid spoilers I can't say it), the "one bed", and in the middle of a "amazing race" type competition.  Wild about violet is a delightful globetrotting romp with a friends to lovers trope that hits all the right notes. It was a blast to read. I was immediately sucked in and thoroughly entertained by the inner thoughts of both main characters. These together themselves in some pretty interesting situations, and it was so beautiful to see their care and love as friends change and grow over the story. It has that gradual buildup that felt natural to their relationship and the chemistry was all there in the right place at the right time. It was such a fun, clean romance.   Quite possibly one of my favorite rom coms this year. It made me laugh,  it made me smile,  it made me cheer for them. It has the enjoyment element I needed. It made me want to sneak away so I could find out what

What can I say? Kendig is a master at word crafting! This book had so much. She takes us to Africa, she takes us into an incredibly dark subject, yet balances the amount of detail so that you feel a burden for the individual who is trapped in human trafficking. Yet not too much detail that I was uncomfortable with reading it. It's raw, it's scary, it's real. And in a few pages she has her characters locked into impossible situations where you can't help but flip through pages as fast as you can. I loved how she incorporated characters from her other books to tie the story together. I'm loving the fast paced emotionally and action charged quality of this series. This book is for someone who wants a good suspenseful story with the grit of reality, and the light of hope that can shine in the darkest of times. Highly recommend it. I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own and honest. 

This was so good! I love the way Sarah Sundin writes WW2. She has that ability to pull you into the lives of people who lived this period of history. I loved how the tension in the story kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The romance is one of my favorite from her! It had the action,  and the suspense that kept me flipping through the pages.  And that ending left me so satisfied! A very happy reader! I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally.  All opinions in this review are honest and completely my own. 

I hardly ever read Victorian era novels,  yet when Mimi Mathews has I new book announced I definitely look forward to it! Siren of Sussex introduces to new characters (and brings in some old ones). Her characters always feel unique and in so many ways,  real. You feel the characters needs, wants, desires and fears. They act how you would imagine people of that age, yet in very interesting ways set themselves apart or stand out when their moment comes. I don't know how she does it,  but it works for me! The chemistry and forced proximity of this book definitely carries that distinct Mathews smolder.  Nothing too much, just the right amount.  I loved that this book featured a bay Andalusian stallion, on of my favorite horse breed! As always there was interesting history of the time and we got to see a bit of how it was for people of Indian descent at this time.  My only complaint was the presence of the mysticism and seances that took place during this book.  I understand that this w

Dancing with Dandelion is the final book in a series that has been a delight to read. I started the series while lockdowns were happening and I loved having a new chapter to look forward to every few months.  Andie is the final sibling in the Bloom family to get her story.  There were many things I enjoyed seeing in this book. I loved that we got to know Andie as a forty something woman.  Contemporary romance is rare to see this age bracket so I liked that. I enjoyed the banter in the enemies to lovers trope. Ross was probably my favorite of the two. He was confident,  and had that drive to pursue Andie when  her attitude could frighten away others. He balanced her out. Often characters like Andie sometimes get on my nerves with how they always have to be right. In her case she grows and changes,  not into a different person,  but she grows from experience in the story.  I loved the touch of suspense that came into this story.  I enjoyed the banter that turned to some sassy flirting! I

For me there are two types of reviews that are hard to write.  One is a book you did not like and feel kinda guilty for not enjoying the authors hard work.  And the other is one so well written that you are struggling to find the words to adequately explain why you love it. This review is all about the latter. Stone was an incredible start to a series focused on the incredible Metcalfe family from the mind of Ronie Kendig.  This story features characters that are flawed, wounded and thrust into incredible circumstances that test thier character and force them to face some hard things.  It is something that Ronie Kendig has an incredible knack to bringing to her suspense.   The writing is right, lots of twists in a relatively short novel. But it works. It so works. This was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and she delivered! The issues she addressed are current and scary realistic.  Man, it was good. I could gush about it for a while.  I started reading the moment it hit my

When you pick up a Laura Frantz book you can always expect a story rich in historic detail and full of words that pull you into the setting. This book was no different.  Her writing is slow and melodic,  she takes you through the story at the same time as giving you a feel of the setting and surroundings.  This story features a second chance love story with a man who went to sea and the woman who stayed behind and became a chocolatier. The characters are well drawn and I feel the heroine in this story really as the most active in going after what she wants.  This romance is painted in the typical slow burn vibe that usually accompany this author's work. I personally felt like it was a little too slow for my taste, but it was well written. If you are looking for a slow, relaxing read to curl up with this may be the book for you. I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own and completely honest .

I hardly ever read Victorian era novels,  yet when Mimi Mathews has I new book announced I definitely look forward to it! Siren of Sussex introduces to new characters (and brings in some old ones). Her characters always feel unique and in so many ways,  real. You feel the characters needs, wants, desires and fears. They act how you would imagine people of that age, yet in very interesting ways set themselves apart or stand out when their moment comes. I don't know how she does it,  but it works for me! The chemistry and forced proximity of this book definitely carries that distinct Mathews smolder.  Nothing too much, just the right amount.  I loved that this book featured a bay Andalusian stallion, on of my favorite horse breed! As always there was interesting history of the time and we got to see a bit of how it was for people of Indian descent at this time.  My only complaint was the presence of the mysticism and seances that took place during this book.  I understand that this w