Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez

 

Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez is my tenth read for 2026. I listened to the unabridged audiobook of Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez, which was nicely narrated by Ruby Corazon.

Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez is the Online Rainbow Book Club selection for the month of February 2026, which is perfect as it is a romance novel and fits in nicely for the month of February and Valentine's Day. The Online Rainbow Book Club is an online book club offered through my county's public library system. Lgbtqia+ books are read and discussed on a monthly basis within the Online Rainbow Book Club.

Kiss Me, Maybe is a romance novel featuring an asexual (or ace for short) lesbian, named, Angela Gutierrez, as the protagonist. Angela is a librarian and social media influencer. She has never been kissed. After posting a video on TikTok, which goes viral by the way, Angela's status as a late bloomer becomes widely know with her TikTok followers. 

Based on the interest of Angela's TikTok followers regarding her late bloomer status and admission that she is asexual, Angela decides to host a scavenger hunt through TikTok where one lucky recipient becomes her first kiss. Sounds like a straight forward proposition. What could go wrong? A lot that is!

There's a lot that made Kiss Me, Maybe a great read. It's an easy, breezy romance read. It's fun and quick. As a cis gender, heterosexual female, I learned a lot about ace lesbians that I didn't know prior to listening to Kiss Me, Maybe. 

This novel deals with the struggles of trying to figure out one's own sexual identity, which can be difficult, especially when you don't know who to turn to for advice or answers. Kiss Me, Maybe also discusses the struggles of coming out to family, friends and co-workers. Being bullied by some family members while other are accepting of your sexual identity is another topic addressed in Kiss Me, Maybe. Plus, other topics were discussed as well that are important too.

Additionally, Angela has had a massive crush on Krystal for years. Krystal is a bisexual bartender at the bar Angela and her best friend have visited regularly over the years. Angela holds no hope that they will ever become a couple because Krystal thinks she is incapable of loving anyone after her last serious relationship ended badly.

As much as I like Kiss Me, Maybe, it isn't perfect. The major gripe I have is the typical one I have with most romance novels. Angela and Krystal have major chemistry throughout this entire novel and flirt like crazy. Their flirtation ebbs and flows as they both try to assess how they feel about the other person romantically and whether their feelings will be reciprocated. I dislike this type of trope where you have to wait until the very end of a novel to learn whether the two characters become a couple or not. 

Below is the publisher's summary for Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez from Chirp Book's website:

Librarian Angela Gutierrez has never been kissed. But after posting a video about her late bloomer status and ace identity, she's finally ready to get some firsts out of the way. Using her new influencer status to come up with a scavenger hunt idea in which the winner earns her first kiss, Angela realizes she may need some help to pull off the event. Enter Krystal Ramirez, hot bartender and Angela’s unrequited crush of five years. Despite vowing that romantic love isn’t for her, Krystal seems awfully determined to help Angela pull off the scavenger hunt and find true love.

There’s just one problem: the connection between Angela and Krystal is getting stronger and stronger the more they hang out, until Angela isn’t sure she wants to go through with the scavenger hunt after all. But Krystal is convinced that she isn’t capable of love and before long, Angela realizes she's falling head over heels for a woman who may never love her back.

I am giving Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Top Ten Tuesday - Romance Reads I'd Happily Reread Again!

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Generally, I am not a huge fan of the romance genre. However, there are a few romance novels I'd definitely reread again as they were that good! 

Below are ten romance books I've read and reviewed here on my blog over the years. I would reread them again.

1. Hearts in Darkness (Hearts in Darkness Duet Book 1) by Laura Kaye

2. Love in the Light (Hearts in Darkness #2) by Laura Kaye

3. Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee

4. A Hearing Heart by Bonnie Dee

5. Kentucky on the Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace

6. Quintessentially the One by Aleatha Romig

7. All By My Selfie by Jo Nelle

8. The Ghost and The Graveyard by Genevieve Jack

9. Ivan (Her Russian Protector #1) by Roxie Rivera

10. A Christmas Valentine by Jamie Carie

Are there any romance novels you would reread?

Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul, Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 3 by P.O. Dixon

 

I listened to the unabridged version of Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul, Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 3 by P.O. Dixon, which is well narrated by Pearl Hewitt. This is the final novel in the series as far as I know!

I'm happy to report that Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul, Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 3 is better than the previous novel in the series. This novel had some interesting adventures and detours, but overall too much drama for my tastes to fully enjoy this novel. It read too much like a soap opera.

I am happy to be finally finished with the 'Pride and Prejudice Untold' trilogy!! It's a fun concept for a trilogy, but too much drama that the series read like a soap opera. Also too much erotica or lust in parts for this genre. I wouldn't recommend this trilogy.

Below is the publisher's summary for Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul, Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 3 by P.O. Dixon from the Goodreads website:

Past is Prologue ... After his father threatened to cut him off financially for what the Earl of Matlock deemed his son's debauched, heedless way of life, Richard Fitzwilliam set his cap at young Lady Harriette Middleton. A second son whose habits of taste demanded he marry a woman of substantial means, Richard's sole intention was securing her dowry. Having entered her bedchamber under the cover of darkness, he set upon his course. He promised to court her, to win her heart, to marry her. Lady Harriette, the only daughter of one of the wealthiest peers in England, never accustomed herself to accept 'no' for an answer. Richard meant to change all that. She likened his declaration to win her heart as more of a challenge than a promise. By the end of their whirlwind courtship, it was unclear who was pursuing who. The Continuing Story Unfolds ... Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Harriette's hasty courtship and subsequent marriage notwithstanding, Richard finds himself deeply in love with his beautiful wife. However, having seduced his innocent young bride, a single question haunts him-does he truly deserve his happiness? Her husband's lack of fortune never concerned Lady Harriette- she loves him. Young, spirited, and beautiful, she has always enjoyed a charmed life. When Richard's past lands on their doorstep, suspicion soon rears its head, and Harriette's questions go unanswered. Seeking explanations on her own is her only recourse. But, does she uncover more than she bargained for?

I am giving Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul, Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 3 by P.O. Dixon a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green

Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green is my seventh read of 2025! I listened to the unabridged audio version, which is nicely narrated by Ana Clements.

It's no secret that I love historical fiction and a good mystery too. Aphrodite's Island falls into both genres nicely. Aphrodite's Island is essentially two stories in one. How these two stories meld together makes for fun reading.

The novel starts out set in the country of Cyprus in 1955 with British National Serviceman, Stephen Allenby. During Stephen Allenby's time in Cyprus he falls in love with a 17 year old local girl named, Ariadne. They want to marry each other, but it isn't possible due to the political climate in Cyprus at the time. Ariadne becomes pregnant with Stephen's baby, but they aren't able to connect so that Ariadne may share with Stephen's baby. Due to political climate, they never see each other again. What becomes of Ariadne?

Fast forward to the 1970s, where the point of view switches to Cressida Allenby. Cressida is the young daughter of Stephen Allenby and his wife, Laura, back in England. Laura and Stephen are both working as teachers and their marriage is in shambles. Stephen can't stand working as a teacher, but an opportunity to return to Cyprus for work purposes presents itself and Stephen and his family move there. Stephen hopes the change of scenery will invigorate his married life, but it doesn't. Another major upheaval occurs in Cyprus in the early 1970s due to political instability within Cyprus and expats must evacuate Cyprus asap.

Fast forward to the 1990s. Cressida Allenby is now an adult has lost her mother due to death, is dumped by her longtime boyfriend, and is feeling tired herself. So, Cressida decides to take a holiday in Cyprus to rejuvenate. During her time in Cyprus, Cressida begins to learn that her family's past may not be as it seems and begins investigating the past by reading a newly discovered journal belonging to her late mother and love letters written in Greek by her father to an unknown woman. Cressida begins to question things about her parents and their lives together as a family. Cressida never really knew her father very well and was told by her mother that he'd died when she was really young. Laura refused to discuss anything about Stephen with Cressida, despite Cressida wanting to know more about her father.

Also during this time in Cyprus, Cressida falls for a local man, but Cressida doesn't seem to think he has the same feelings for her... Or so she thinks! Cressida returns to London, England after her holiday in Cyprus and this is where a lot of the plot's twists and turns happen. AND there are a lot of twists and turns!

I won't continue my review any further for those that may want to read this novel. It is a good read.

Listening time for Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green is 7 hours, 8 minutes.

Below is the publisher's summary for Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green, which I found on Amazon's website:

One letter can change your whole life.

Cressida thought she knew her family’s history, but when she finds a box of old love letters, it makes her question everything.

Cyprus, 1955.

Seventeen-year-old Ariadne is in love with young British National Serviceman, Stephen Allenby. But her family are deeply involved with an organization campaigning for a union with Greece, and do not approve.

And they’re not the only ones.

It’s only a matter of time before Stephen is sent back to England, leaving Ariadne pregnant and alone. Stephen does his best to move on with his life. He marries Laura and has a baby girl called Cressida, but it’s not long before the cracks start to show and his marriage falls apart …

Cyprus, 1998.

Forty-three years later, Cressida goes to Cyprus to recover from the double trauma of her mother’s death and the desertion of her boyfriend. She wants to find out why her father disappeared from her life when she was six, and she’s convinced the island holds the answers.

The chance discovery of a box of love letters written in Greek to her father leads Cressida on a quest for the truth. Who wrote those letters? And are they somehow linked to her father’s disappearance?

Her search for answers leads her on a heartbreaking journey of love, loss, and discovery.

I am giving Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars. This is the first 4 star review I've given to a book this year. All of my previous reads this year have been 3 star reads.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle, which was very well narrated by Rebecca Gibel. Listening time for this young adult novel was 8 hours, 9 minutes.

The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle happens to be my FAVORITE FICTION read for the month of October 2024! I was surprised that this novel became my favorite fiction read for October 2024. I purchased this audiobook on a whim because it was on sale through Chirp Audiobooks and the storyline sounded intriguing, so I decided to give it a try. I wasn't disappointed with this novel!

I'm a sucker for a well written young adult novel. I am drawn to young adult novels that focus on good storytelling. highlight real world problems that young adults deal/struggle with during this of their young lives, and/or provides an important message for young people to hold onto.

The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily focuses on two neurodivergent teenagers, Abelard and Lily. They are both dealing with not only what it means to be a teenager, but also dealing with being neurodivergent... Lily is struggling with ADHD and Abelard is on the Autism spectrum. 

The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily explores what it means to be a neurodivergent teenager and what it's like trying to fit into society and finding one's way in the world. Plus, there is the addition of trying to navigate a budding romance.

I enjoyed the writing very much. I liked the characters and the plot twists. I felt this was a solid novel and that Laura Creedle did a great job with the subject matter.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle from Goodreads's website:

When Lily Michaels-Ryan ditches her ADHD meds and lands in detention with Abelard, she's intrigued-he seems thirty seconds behind while she feels thirty seconds ahead. It doesn't hurt that he's brilliant and beautiful. When Abelard posts a quote from The Letters of Abelard and Heloise online, their mutual affinity for ancient love letters connects them. The two fall for each other. Hard. But is it enough to bridge their differences in person?

I am giving The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Happy Romance Awareness Month!!!

 

Do you enjoy reading romance novels? Do you have a favorite romance writer?

I enjoy reading romance novels occasionally.

I do not have a favorite romance writer.

Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham and narrated by Emily Lawrence. 

Listening time for Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham is 9 hours, 56 minutes.

Crow Flight is Susan Cunningham's debut novel and it falls into the young adult romance genre... But also features science and computer science/computer programming as well. For a debut novel, Crow Flight is a really good novel. Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline, the plot details, writing, and main characters for Crow Flight. Crow Flight was the right mix of romance without being cheesy and also it featured a confident, smart, leading female teenager in Gin. I liked all of the main characters; Gin, Hannah, and Felix.

As much as I enjoyed listening to Crow Flight, it wasn't perfect. You knew something bad was coming up ahead in the storyline with regards to Felix's father and his shady dealings from all of the hints being dropped early on in the novel. It was also easy to figure what Felix's dad did that was so shady early on in the novel as well... You just had to sit back and let all play out. So, predictability for Crow Flight was a major issue for me. 

Additionally, I felt like Gin needed to speak up more to Felix about how she felt in their relationship during the second half of Crow Flight. I kind of thought Gin was too passive in letting things unfold the way they did between her and Felix without question. So, this was the other issue I had with the novel.

Otherwise I thought Crow Flight was a good read. I'd still recommend this novel to someone with an interest in crows, computer programming, and young adult romance reads.

Below is the publisher's summary for Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham, which I found on Amazon's website:

The curious flight patterns of crows lead a teen computer programmer down a path of mystery and romance.

Gin trusts logic a little too much. She even designs programs to decide what to eat and how to spend her time. All that changes when she's paired with a new transfer student, Felix, on a computer modeling assignment to explain certain anomalies in the behavior of crows.

Speaking of anomalies, why is Gin so disappointed that Felix isn't a match for her in the dating app she’s designing with local gamers?

As she enters Felix's world and digs further into the data behind crow behavior, Gin uncovers a terrible secret. And the wrong decision could equal disaster squared...

I am giving Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Christmas Ruse by Jennie Goutet

I like to read or listen to one or more holiday themed reads each year if possible based on time and interest. 

It just so happens that my last read for the month of November was a holiday themed novella titled, The Christmas Ruse by Jennie Goutet. This regency romance is a quick listen at just over 2 hours in length and is well narrated. Overall, I felt The Christmas Ruse had a decent storyline, interesting plot twists, a romance, and filled with fairly well developed characters despite the short length. It is a predictable read as to the story's outcome/ending. 

Even though I wasn't wowed by this novella, it is a clean, wholesome read that is worth the read if you enjoy regency romance novels/novellas.

Below is the plot summary for The Christmas Ruse by Jennie Goutet I found in the description section in YouTube video itself.

Nicholas Cranleigh suspects his meddlesome sister is up to something when she invites him to stay at Cothill Manor at the same time as Miss Dresden. He’s on his guard, but it’s hard to resist a woman with luminous eyes, who’s in need of a savior. Lavinia Dresden is ready to sacrifice herself to save her family from financial ruin in the only path open to a woman of gentle breeding. But she hadn’t counted the cost on her sacrifice until Lord Cranleigh came into her life—a man she knew to be her ideal. There remain only five days until the Christmas ball when Miss Dresden’s fate will be decided, and it soon becomes apparent to Nicholas that the question is not whether he wants to save Lavinia, but whether he is able.

I was able to listen to this unabridged novella for FREE on YouTube and so can you by clicking on the video link above.

I am giving The Christmas Ruse by Jennie Goutet a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Funny Bunnies by Ann Omasta

While I was on vacation the week of April 16th, I listened to the unabridged audio version of Funny Bunnies by Ann Omasta for free via Ann Omasta's YouTube Channel. Click on the above link to listen to the above novella for free as well.

Funny Bunnies is the third installment of 'The Pet Set' series and is a contemporary romance novella. Listening time is approximately an hour and 12 minutes.

I've read a couple of other things written by Ann Omasta before with mixed feelings. I think that Funny Bunnies may be my last read by her. Funny Bunnies is narrated well enough, but the storyline was not that exciting, nor engaging enough to captivate me. In fact, the storyline was rather boring and too simplistic. The dialogue and interactions between characters was dull as well.

Below in the plot summary for Funny Bunnies by Ann Omasta that I found on Amazon's website:

Hope Montgomery has no doubt that she is the right person to become the next mayor of her beloved town, Nestlebrook Cove. She and her sweet pet, Honey-Bunny, won’t let anything stand in their way––especially not the current mayor––as they sway voters to their side.

Mayor Michael Snow loves his town, his job, and his country. He has big plans for growth in his thriving community, and he’s not going to let Hope or her cute little cottontail rabbit stop him.

Hope and Michael are vying for the same elected position. Neither is willing to admit to the dazzling spark of attraction simmering just beneath the surface between them. Will they find a solution that makes them both happy? The town’s snuggly bunnies may have to insist on it.

I am giving Funny Bunnies by Ann Omasta a rating of 1 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Meet Cute Romance Bookshop in San Diego, CA

 

If you love reading books from the romance genre, then visiting Meet Cute Romance Bookshop in San Diego, California may be the independent bookshop you need to visit next!! 

Meet Cute Romance Bookshop looks awesome! They have author events and even a book podcast. Visit the Meet Cute Romance Bookshop website for more information regarding their book podcast, author events, store hours, and more.

The Walled Garden by Robin Farrar Maass

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Walled Garden by Robin Farrar Maass and narrated by Elizabeth Klett earlier this month. I must admit I was initially captivated by cover art for The Walled Garden, which I think is a lovely book cover. 

When I looked past the cover art for The Walled Garden and read the summary for this novel, I knew I wanted to read this novel! I enjoy reading novels that fall into the historical fiction and mystery genres that also contain a touch of romance in them. 

The Walled Garden has a lovely premise and storyline. However, I didn't like three of the minor characters and some of the over the top, dramatic behavior of a few of the other characters in this novel. I also suspected what the 'mystery' was well before it was revealed at the end by the author. Otherwise, a decent read for the most part.

Listening time for The Walled Garden by Robin Farrar Maass is 10 hours, 22 minutes and is well read by Elizabeth Klett.

Below is the summary for The Walled Garden by Robin Farrar Maass from Goodreads:

American grad student Lucy Silver arrives in England hoping to solve a longstanding literary mystery, write her dissertation, and finish her graduate studies in a blaze of academic glory. But as Lucy starts to piece together the correspondence between her late grandmother and Elizabeth Blackspear, the famous poet and garden writer who’s the subject of Lucy’s dissertation, she discovers puzzling coded references in the letters—and when an elderly English aristocrat with a secret connection to Elizabeth offers Lucy access to a neglected walled garden on his estate, the mystery deepens.

As spring turns to summer in Bolton Lacey, Lucy finds herself fighting the Blackspear Gardens’ director’s attempt to deny her access to vital documents in the archives . . . and trying not to fall in love with an attractive Scottish contractor.

In the midst of this turmoil, she stumbles upon an illicit plot to turn the historic gardens into a theme park, and becomes determined to stop it. As she races against time to save the gardens, Lucy’s search for the truth about Elizabeth’s life leads her to a French convent where she uncovers explosive evidence that will change her life and the lives of everyone around her, ultimately revealing a home—and an inheritance—more incredible than anything she could ever have imagined.

I am giving The Walled Garden by Robin Farrar Maass a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next, post happy reading!!

Seized by Suzanne Ferrell

 

Seized by Suzanne Ferrell is a novella and the third installment of the 'Edgars Family' series by Suzanne Ferrell. I enjoyed listening to this novella... It's short and sweet. I enjoyed the characters, plot, and romantic suspense aspects of Seized by Suzanne Ferrell. I'm looking forward to listening to the next installment in the 'Edgars Family' series by Suzanne Ferrell.

Below is the publisher's summary for Seized by Suzanne Ferrell from Audible:

They hit a rocky patch Dave and Judy Edgars have always loved each other - they've been married 10 years and have three kids. But ever since Dave, a SWAT team member, was shot on duty Judy can't control the intense fear that grips her every time he heads out to work. It puts a strain on their relationship. Dave knows she's scared, but damn it she knew he was a cop the day they met. His patience is wearing thin. Until the tables are turned....

One icy winter night, Judy, an operating room nurse, is called into work. She's taken hostage by a crazed gunman with an agenda. Now with Judy's life in danger and the SWAT team deployed elsewhere, Dave must face the same fear his wife does on a daily basis. Terrified he will lose her, he and his law enforcement family race to save Judy and stop her captor's plans.

I am giving Seized by Suzanne Ferrell a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Hunted by Suzanne Ferrell

 

Hunted by Suzanne Ferrell is the second novel in the 'Edgars Family' series by Suzanne Ferrell. I read and reviewed Kidnapped by Suzanne Ferrell in May 2018, which is the first novel in the 'Edgars Family' series. I liked Kidnapped by Suzanne Ferrell well enough, so I decided to move along and listen to the second novel in the series, Hunted by Suzanne Ferrell.

I enjoyed listening to the unabridged audio version of Hunted by Suzanne Ferrell. Hunted is well narrated by Paul Boehmer. I liked the plot/storyline for Hunted by Suzanne Ferrell... The romance was good, even it was a bit over the top in terms of 'instalove'.

Below is the publisher's summary for Hunted by Suzanne Ferrell from Audible:

The second book in the Edgars Family Romantic Suspense series.

In one fiery explosion Katie Myers' witness protection cover is blown. Unable to trust the Marshals who've been responsible for her safety, she's on the run from the cult leader she put on death row. In desperation she forces a near stranger at gunpoint to help her hide.

By-the-book patrolman Matt Edgars is shocked when the woman he's come to rescue points a gun at him and demands he help her leave a crime scene. The stark terror in Katie's beautiful eyes has him breaking rules for the first time in his career.

With a hit man on their trail, Matt must break down the walls Katie has built to guard the secrets of her past. If not the cult leader will fulfill his prophecy and take the one woman Matt has ever loved to the grave.

I am giving Hunted by Suzanne Ferrell a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story by Christie Santo & Jeff Santo

 

Lucky me, new authors, Christie Santo and Jeff Santo reached out to me via email and asked me if I'd be interested in reading and reviewing their recently released novel, Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story for my blog. 

After reading more about Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story, I said, yes, to their offer as their novel sounded intriguing to me. I was able to download the audio version of Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story by Christie Santo and Jeff Santo for FREE from Audible and finished listening to it in two days time!!

Listening time for Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story by Christie Santo & Jeff Santo is 5 hours, 41 minutes and is narrated by the authors.

Below is my honest, unbiased review for Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story by Christie Santo & Jeff Santo.

If you are a fan of mysteries, love stories, and noir fiction, then I think you'll like reading Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story by Christie Santo & Jeff Santo. The writing is solid from the beginning through to the very end. I felt the authors developed the main characters really well and made them pop. The plot kept me captivated and wanting to see the story through to the end.

I urge readers to listen to the audio edition of Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story by Christie Santo & Jeff Santo. The audiobook feels like listening to a noir film and is well read by both authors. Jeff Santo reads most of the book with Christie Santo reading the lines for the female main character... And the dialogue between characters is fun!

Below is the YouTube video of the Virtual Book Launch / Book Reading - Ravens In The Rain with the authors:

Below is a summary for Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story by Christie Santo & Jeff Santo from Audible:

Ravens in the Rain is an unconventional noir love story between a woman with a past and a man with no future where love is no fairy tale, fantasy is foreplay, and sex is had on second dates.

Carney and Pru, down on luck and down on love, meet over a game of chance, and the mystery of the other's intentions, compounded by their overwhelming attraction toward each other, compels them into a game of cat and mouse. They ante up and play this game of love or survival that has you wondering who's the villain and who's the hero and how it will all play out. When murder is brought to their doorstep the game gets serious.

A psychological tale between a poet and a filmmaker that has even the cat wondering if it's really the mouse, what is real, and who is telling the truth. Is love on the table? Or is it life?

I am giving Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story by Christie Santo & Jeff Santo a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan

Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan is a contemporary romance that is the first of three books in the Lovers & Fighters series.

I was able to download the ebook edition of Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon. Below is my honest, unbiased review of Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan.

I enjoyed reading Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan. I liked the author's writing. The main characters were fun and well developed and the plot/storyline was good overall too. 

A couple of the scenes in the novel had me a bit surprised as I didn't expect the main characters to react the way in which they did in the novel. It's nice to be surprised and not have a book be so predictable.

I enjoyed the first book in the Lovers & Fighters series so much that I may just go ahead and read the next two books in the series as well.

Below is the plot summary for Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan from Amazon:

After saving Dominic's life, will Gemma choose true love?

Gemma Siever is an ER nurse who has always seemed to make the wrong decisions about love. When she ends up saving Dominic, an MMA fighter, from heart failure, their attraction is mutual and heated. The problem is Gemma doesn't trust herself enough to give into his charms. Dominic, on the other hand, has been haunted by a tragic past and craves intimacy even while he fears commitment. 

Dominic is craving her intimacy but fears commitment. Will Gemma find out about his tragic past before it's too late?

I'm giving Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick

The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick is a steampunk, romance short story approximately 58 pages in length. 

I was able to download the ebook edition of The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick to my Kindle from Amazon for FREE. 

Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick.

I like discovering new authors and exploring genres (like steampunk) that I only occasionally read from time to time. Short stories are often one of the best ways for me to discover new to me authors and expand my reading horizons. 

With that said, I wasn't wowed by The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick after I'd finished reading it. The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick was too predictable. The writing was okay. The storyline, characters, plot details, and dialogue all could have been vastly improved to make this short story a more captivating read for me.

The following is a plot summary for The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick from Amazon:

A gypsy's promise. A clockwork poison. A race to save a love balanced on the edge.

On the night they were to elope, a spurned lover returned. A gift, she claimed. But the clockwork contraption unwound a poisonous bloom, sending Lady Emily and Luca, her gypsy love, on a desperate race to reach the cure.

Note: The Tin Rose is a short story of about 9,000 words. The story takes place a few months before The Golden Spider opens.

I am giving The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Throwing Smoke by Kit Sergeant

I read Throwing Smoke by Kit Sergeant, which is a romance/coming of age short story approximately 60 pages in length. Throwing Smoke is a prequel to the full length novel titled, Thrown for a Curve: Smart Women Find Love Book 1 by Kit Segeant.

I was able to download the ebook edition of Throwing Smoke by Kit Sergeant to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon. Below is my honest, unbiased review of Throwing Smoke by Kit Sergeant.

The writing for Throwing Smoke by Kit Sergeant was okay at best, in my opinion. The characters were not well developed and I disliked the cliffhanger ending! I will skip reading the follow up novel to this short story.

The following is a plot summary for Throwing Smoke by Kit Sergeant from Amazon:

One oblivious science major + one lovestruck fraternity brother = one sweet story!

It is the early 2000s. The baseball players at Western U are listening to Aerosmith, making bets, and just generally being their obnoxious selves. Addy Enders is a devoted marine biology student too preoccupied with breeding fruit flies and avoiding said baseball players to have time for a boyfriend. Until she meets Jed, a handsome economics major. But there is something that Jed doesn’t want Addy to know…

Ryan spends his time studying with his indifferent girlfriend and cleaning up after his fraternity brothers. The moment he sees The Girl, he knows she is unlike every other person in his life. Waiting outside the lecture hall for her to arrive adds a bright spot to his day, but is it worth risking his anonymity to introduce himself?

Throwing Smoke is an insightful and honest coming-of-age short story that explores the differences between male and female college angst and experiences. This short story prequel to the novel Thrown for a Curve: Smart Women Find Love Book 1 will appeal to anyone who has ever admired someone from afar or had their heart broken.

I am giving Throwing Smoke by Kit Sergeant a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

A Little Big Rock by Lauren Blakely

A Little Big Rock by Lauren Blakely is a romance short story approximately 32 pages in length. I was able to download this short story for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. Below is my honest, unbiased review for A Little Big Rock by Lauren Blakely.

This isn't my first experience reading anything written by Lauren Blakely. I read and reviewed another one of her short stories in June 2015 titled, First Night, which I loved at the time! So with that in mind, I decided to give another one of her short stories, A Little Big Rock, a go last month.

Well, let's just say that I wasn't wowed with A Little Big Rock!! The writing is decent and engaging enough for a short story, but I felt like the story was rushed, the characters weren't as developed as I would have liked, and the ending was not the best... I am already forgetting the plot details and it has been a week since I've read A Little Big Rock. I say pass on this short story!

The following is a plot summary for A Little Big Rock by Lauren Blakely from Amazon:

My best friend is freaking awesome.But don't just take my word for it. Consider all his attributes.First, let's start with the obvious one.Size.He has this one fantastic bone in his body. It's bigger than other guys'. It's thicker, longer, more powerful.C'mon. I'm talking about his funny bone.Spencer Holiday makes me laugh like no one ever has. Sarcastic, self-deprecating, and always at attention with a joke--that's him.Except, it's no joke when he asks me to be his fake fianceé for a week.The trouble is I'm already falling for him before we even start.Oops.
**A Big Rock short story told from Charlotte's POV...this is an optional prequel to Big Rock!**

I am giving A Little Big Rock by Lauren Blakely a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars. 

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss and narrated by Hollis McCarthy.

Listening time for The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss is 8 hours, 47 minutes.

The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss is the third novel in The Seal Island trilogy. I enjoyed listening to The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss better than I did The Selkie Enchantress by Sophie Moss (the second novel in the trilogy). BUT I still didn't love The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss as much as I did the first novel in The Seal Island trilogy.

The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss definitely had some perks to it. For instance, it contains a lot of folklore and mythology in it about mermaids, selkies, and St. Brigid of Ireland, which I found interesting to listen to throughout the novel. I also enjoyed how The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss wrapped up the entire trilogy nicely at the end. Plus, it was also enjoyable to have all of the main characters still appear in the last and final novel of The Seal Island trilogy.

I wasn't thrilled with some of the dramatics in this novel that I felt were over the top and had me rolling my eyes in a few scenes. I also thought Glenna and Sam's relationship could have been done differently in this third installment of The Seal Island trilogy... They'd meet in the first novel of the trilogy and both had a very strong romantic attraction to each other in the first two novels of The Seal Island trilogy, so I expected to see them begin a romantic relationship at the start of The Selkie Sorceress. But alas, no, that didn't happen because Glenna was too stubborn in not wanting to start a romance with Sam for reasons expressed in the novel, even though she is really attracted to Sam. Glenna also does some things to Sam that had me surprised that he'd still desire her in his life romantically. Glenna also hides secrets from others as well in The Selkie Sorceress, that I thought would anger other characters, but didn't after all.

Overall, I am very glad that I finally listened to the entire Seal Island trilogy by Sophie Moss. I do enjoy novels set in foreign countries. I also enjoy novels that touch on folklore and mythology and also have romance and a bit of suspense to them to keep them interesting... The Seal Island trilogy has all of these elements to them. I simply wish the last two novels were as much of a delight to listen to as the first novel was for me.

The following is a plot summary for The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss from Amazon:

She would do anything to protect the people she loved...

American detective Sam Holt has a knack for finding people who shouldn't be found. When his last case almost killed an innocent woman, he swore off detective work forever. But when this same woman asks him for one last investigation--to find her husband's long lost mother--Sam cannot refuse. Clairvoyant Irish artist Glenna McClure will do anything to stop Sam, even if it means teaming up with a powerful sorceress who she knows she cannot trust. But when the petals of a mysterious night-blooming rose begin to turn black, Glenna realizes that an even darker force is at work. To protect the people she loves, Glenna will have to face a terrible curse that has haunted her all her life before the final petal fades to ash.

I am giving The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Kidnapped by Suzanne Ferrell

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Kidnapped by Suzanne Ferrell and narrated by Paul Boehmer. Kidnapped by Suzanne Ferrell falls into the thriller/romance genre.

Listening time for Kidnapped by Suzanne Ferrell is 9 hours, 10 minutes.

I enjoying listening to Kidnapped by Suzanne Ferrell and thought it was well narrated by Paul Boehmer. It's a good thriller/romance novel to pass the time with if you're looking for something fun.

The characters and storyline were really good, but not great. I loved the main characters of Samantha Edgars and Jack Carlisle and their sizzling romance... Even if the way they fell in love happened in unusual circumstances and happened way to fast... Instalove! As much as I enjoyed Kidnapped by Suzanne Ferrell, I'm sure it will be forgettable for me over the long haul.

Below is the plot summary for Kidnapped by Suzanne Ferrell from Audible:

Book One in the Edgars Family Romantic Suspense Novels

A Man in Desperate Need

FBI Agent Jake Carlisle is in deep trouble. While undercover he's been shot, but he's not sure if it's the crooks or local cops behind it. Worse, if he can't get help fast, two lives will be lost - his and that of the young witness, a boy whom he's sworn to protect. On the run from both the police and the Russian Mafia, Jake will do anything to save the child at his side, even something illegal. In desperation he kidnaps a nurse from a hospital parking lot.

A Woman at the Edge of Despair

ER nurse Samantha Edgars has been living in an emotional vacuum since the death of her daughter. Abandoned by her husband not long afterward, she struggles just to get through each day, but now all she wants is for the pain to stop and to finally be at peace with her child. Mentally and physically exhausted following a difficult shift, she walks through the hospital's dark parking lot lost in her own thoughts. Suddenly she's jolted from her stupor when she's bound, gagged, and tossed into the back of her car.

Danger on Their Heels

When they arrive at her home, she's terrified and forced to tend to a bleeding FBI agent and his injured witness. But Samantha quickly learns the rogue agent and orphaned boy need more than just her professional skills. With a menace bearing down on them, she must learn to trust Jake - and her heart - if they're all going to survive.

I am giving Kidnapped by Suzanne Ferrell a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars. 

Until my next post, happy reading!