Book Review: Balk by Lacy Hart

Synopsis

Wes Martin gave up a career in the major leagues to be with Kristin, the small-town librarian, and the two have been living a happy life in Chandler ever since. That is until spring rolls around, and the familiar itch of spring training makes Wes wonder if he gave up on baseball too soon.

Should Wes stay in Chandler?
Could he make it in the big leagues again?
Would their newly forged relationship survive?

The complications quickly build for both Wes and Kristin – careers, family, friends, relationships, secrets – Is their desire for each other strong enough to overcome it all?

My Review

The story of Wes & Kristin continues in Balk.

Life after retirement seems to get the better of Wes & not openly communicating with Kristin, things start taking a strain on their relationship. They seem to be living life passed each other, with Wes withdrawing somehow.

Then opportunity strikes again and Wes jumps at it, leaving Kristin unsure of how things stand between them.

In book two, we see the ups and downs of relationships. The consequences of decisions made when not thought through properly. The emotions of people living in the same house, barely speaking to each other like they used too. Book two gives you real life experiences of what it takes to maintain a relationship and how important it is to keep communication open and honest in life.

My Rating: 31/2 out of 5

Book Review: Change Up by Lacy Hart

SYNOPSIS

Wes
Life on the road as a pro-ballplayer isn’t without it’s drawbacks.
And now, without a team to play for, I find myself heading home.
Maybe it’s a good thing. I can focus on my daughter, Izzy, and my life.
I need to get things straightened out, including that hole that I never filled after Izzy’s mom left.
But, is there anything that could keep me in town if another team came calling?

Kristin
I came to Chandler to build a new life. But just a few months in, things abruptly changed.
Wes Martin: professional baseball player, apparent local hero and total hottie is back in town.
Our chance meeting in my library is quickly leading to something more.
I’m falling hard for this man.
But am I just another notch on his belt? Will I come between he and his daughter?
There are too many questions, so many complications.
Yet… I can’t get Was Martin out of my head.

My Review:

Single-dad and respectable pro-ball player Wes Martin finds himself at home after being released from his team. Kristin Arthur is the newest librarian in the town of Chandler.

A whirlwind adorable romance that tackles family, love and everything in between. Lacy Hart made this beautiful story come to life that had me turning the pages until the end. I loved the dialogue of this story – the way the characters addressed each other with respect and kindness. I felt apart of the story, like I was there in Chandler with Wes and Kristin. I felt like I was at the ball game when Wes played and watching with his family at home. I can’t wait to start book two – Balk.

My Rating 4/5

If you love single-dad & sports romances, this is a good one to get stuck into.

#BookReview: Truly Mine/Truly Yours (Mason and Sophie duet) by Kennedy Fox

Synopsis:

Book 1

“How does a stranger walk into my life
And change what I thought it meant to be alive
It’s crazy how you went from being just some girl
To being my whole world”
– SOME GIRL by ANDY GRAMMER

The night we met in the dimly lit bar, she looked like a brunette bombshell, and I wanted to learn her deepest secrets. With sun-kissed skin and soulful bedroom eyes, she was pure temptation, and I was mesmerized.

As one drink led to two, I craved more of her playful banter and taunting lips. Resisting her wasn’t an option, and we quickly became a desperate mess of tangled limbs and hot kisses. She tasted like the sweetest sin, but I was no saint.

Once we caught our breaths, and it became obvious that meeting her wasn’t a coincidence, everything changed. Now I must deny her at all costs.

Friends. It’s all we can ever be.

After years of lying to myself and keeping her at a distance, I want to pull her close. Sophie’s on my mind more than ever as my instincts to protect her take over. Regardless of my attempts to help, she pushes me away and makes it clear she doesn’t need me.

I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, to show her I’m the good guy, but one night takes a tragic turn for the worse when her boyfriend and I start throwing punches.

And ends when I’m arrested for his murder.

Book 2

“I’m sorry that I let us down again
I never meant
To break you heart, tear us apart like this
Oh, I just wish that I could go
Back to
Back then
Back when we were more than friends.”
– MORE THAN FRIENDS by MOKITA

I knew within moments of meeting Mason Holt that he would change my life forever.
I just didn’t realize how much.

As my world spirals out of control, he continues to stay by my side, protecting and taking care of me. Being just friends is all he’s been able to offer, that is until both of our lives are threatened. Now that our relationship is blossoming into something more, I can’t be what he needs even if I wished I could.
Bad timing strikes again.

When I think we can finally be together, someone threatens to tear us apart. I’m not the same girl Mason met three years ago, but I’m determined to fight for what I’ve always wanted—him.

my review:

Mason and Sophie hook up in a bar bathroom, while waiting for friends to arrive. Little did they know that they were waiting for the same people…AWKWARD!!!! They try to keep their little hook up a secret from everyone and become friends.

After years of waiting for Mason to make a move, Sophie finally decides to start dating again and meets someone who makes her happy, until, she moves in with him. Little did she know that the man she was dating had a bit of a temper and things start getting out of hand. Mason notices her withdrawal from social activity and the bruises she tries hard to cover. Naturally, he decides to do something and comes to her rescue and tries to help her out of her situation, only to end up getting arrested for murder. While working through his charges and Sophie finally away from her tormentor, they help each other get through the trials facing them drawing them to one another finally trying to give love a chance. But Sophie’s domestic issues aren’t over and once again she’s in trouble, only to be rescued once again by Mason. Going through all these emotions, Sophie pushes the “pause button” on her new found relationship with Mason. Mason going through his own emotional battle, respects her decision and keeps his distance, while keeping an eye on her.

Life, however, has a funny way of pushing people together and through everything they’ve been through, they find themselves together and this time nothing will tear them apart.

Mason and Sophie’s story is so real to many a reader. This book touches on issues that are dealt with on a daily basis and we don’t often see this because it’s not easy to discuss.

I enjoyed this story so much because it touched on the emotions of the reader. It gives the reader hope that even through your darkest hour, light still shines. It brings hope to the reader that no matter what, you can find love and love will always prevail.

Kennedy Fox outdid herself with this book and I recommend anyone who loves a good friends to lovers trope to read this. It also keeps you turning the page.

MY RATING: 5 STARS FOR BOTH BOOKS – you have to read both books together to complete the story!

#BookReview 3: My Life As A Pop Album – by LJ Evans

Synopsis:

What if you are my dream?

Guilt and failure hold me down until a sexy musician brings adventure…brings joy. But what will become of me when our adventure is done?

Good Girl Mia feels guilty for her brother’s death. It was her kidney that killed him, after all.

Four years later, Mia is back home, trying to pretend that she’s got it all together. She’s set to take over the family car dealership and is determined to never make her mama cry again. But she’s also running from the guilt and a boy who never really loved her.

Derek Waters has just signed with a record label and is determined to spend his summer touring with his band, far away from his alcoholic dad and the whole L.A. scene. Dealing with anyone of the female persuasion is the last thing on his mind.

When the soulful musician enters Mia’s world, she finds herself setting aside everything she thought she wanted for an adventure she never saw coming. For some reason, she wants this gorgeous man to know her story. The story of a girl who gave a body part to save a brother that everyone wanted to survive more than the girl herself…and how that hadn’t worked out.

But what will become of Good Girl Mia when their short-lived adventure is all over?

Inspired by Ed Sheeran love songs, comes a novel by award-winning author, LJ Evans, about forgiveness, love, and healing.

My Review:

So this is book 2 of the series “My Life As An Album” by LJ Evans.

This is also the book that I connected too the most. Maybe because Mia reminded me of myself at her age; young, naive & too busy keeping others happy than to worry about herself.

Mia’s life was always about pleasing others. Keeping others happy. Putting herself last. Until Derek Waters comes along and turns her world a little topsy turvy. With a little encouragement to go out on a adventure and a lot of courage, she sets out on a three week tour with this gorgeous musician and falls head over heels in love. He lures her out of her comfort zone. He makes her believe in herself. He takes an interest in HER.

Their love story is definitely, a story worth reading. LJ has really outdone herself with this series, but this story of Mia is by far my favourite.

Definitely, without a doubt a 5/5 rating.

My Life As A Country Album – by LJ Evans

About two months ago, I was introduced to an author to review her latest book Guarded Dreams and I loved that book. This author is LJ Evans. I recently picked up her debut novel – My Life as a Country Album and I can honestly say that I am officially a fan!

Synopsis:

“All I know is that I love you. I’ve loved you my whole life. This is where I belong. This is home.”

Tomboy Cam belongs to football hero, Jake. After all, he announced she was on the way long before Cam’s mama even knew she was going to make an appearance. Whether they’re out at the lake listening to crickets, or in the tree house counting stars, they’re always together. All Cam needs is him at her side. Even when he drives her crazy flirting with the girls that chase after him like he’s some boy band star, she never wants to be without him. It’s like she isn’t quite herself until somehow their day brings them next to each other again.

But what happens when they grow up, and it isn’t just the three years that separates them that’s slowly tearing at the fabric of them?

What happens when it’s the illness he hides that’s threatening it all?

What happens when he kisses her and leaves?

How will Cam came ever find where she truly belongs?

Inspired by Taylor Swift songs, comes the AWARD-WINNING novel about aching love and loss and learning to live again

My Review:

WOW! At first when I read the first chapter I was like what? What’s happening, why is the end at the beginning? Then I read further and I COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN.

I loved how the book was written, how Cam told Jake their story. The story was beautifully written and tug at all my heartstrings. LJ is a master at telling stories.

It’s a story of two kids that grow up together and basically live in their own little world. She falls first of course, because let’s face it, boys are idiots LOL. And then he notices her and they struggle to act on their feelings, because life gets in the way and after all there is a 3 year gap between the two of them.

Then tragedy strikes and they work through it together until the end! How does Cam manage to move on? She can’t! She’s forced too! And after a while, she finds happiness in life again.

This book had me laughing, frustrated and balling my eyes out! Definitely a story worth recommending.

Rating: 5/5

#BookReview: The Road Leads Back by Marci Bolden

Synopsis

Kara Martinson and Harry Canton weren’t exactly high school sweethearts, but they did share one night neither will ever forget. Twenty-seven years later, Harry surprises Kara at an art gallery opening and discovers he left her with more than just memories when he went away to college. Desperate to connect with the family he never knew existed, Harry convinces his son to move to Stonehill—and pleads with Kara to come, too.

Kara hasn’t stepped foot in their hometown since the day she was sent away to a home for unwed mothers. Now Harry’s back in her life and as they put together the pieces of his parents’ betrayal, old heartaches start to feel anew. She wants to be near her family, but returning to Iowa means facing some things…and some people…she isn’t quite ready to.

Can Harry convince her to forgive those who betrayed her so they can embrace the future they were robbed of so long ago? Or will the pain of the past be too much for Kara to overcome?

My Review:

Wow! This book spoke to the very core of me. I empathized with Kara on a very personal level, I cried, I laughed. I think it’s because I too am a single mom. Kara sacrificed her life to give her son the best she could and also to make sure that they always had fun. Not knowing the real reason behind Harry (baby daddy) not being in their lives, Kara is not very welcoming when finally after 27 years Harry makes an appearance in their lives. Harry wants a life with his family which includes Kara, but this means that they will all have to move to Iowa where Kara and Harry both grew up. Kara isn’t very happy about this decision, but will do anything for Philip her son and his happiness and agrees to go back to the place that caused her so much pain.

Back in Iowa, Harry and Kara start working on their relationship and give into their feelings for one another and work on being a family.

And as stories usually goes… they lived happily ever after. This is definitely a recommendation from my side.

Rating: 5/5

#BookReview: The Woman I was Before by Kerry Fisher

So JUNE started off with a page-turner!

**The perfect picture hides the darkest lies.**

Synopsis:

A new home can be a happy ending. Or a fresh start. Or a hiding place…

Kate Jones is running away. She has left her old life behind, changing both her own name and her daughter’s. No-one must ever connect Kate with the mistake that destroyed her life.

Starting afresh on Parkview Road – a brand new street full of newly built houses – Kate looks at the other women on the street with envy. They seem to have it all: Gisela with her busy life, full house and successful children, Sally with her exciting spontaneous marriage, her glamorous holidays, her high-flying career. The pictures that Kate’s new friends post online confirm their seemingly perfect existence, whilst Kate hides from the world at all costs.

Until one day, everything changes. Kate is called to the scene of a devastating accident, which is about to test everything the women thought they knew about each other, and themselves.

My Review:

This is a story about Kate, Gisela & Sally. Three strangers who move into the same road on the same day. As they get comfortable with their new lives, twists unravel and we are left wondering what is going on. They post their lives on Facebook, portraying how perfect life is, but behind closed doors, life gets the better of them.

This book was a page turner for me. I loved the characters of Gisela and Kate. Sally I wasn’t really into, she seemed way too pretentious and judgemental for me. All three woman has secrets, until, one day, it all comes spilling out and they learn to face whatever lies ahead with the help of each other.

A story of friendship, struggles and second chances.

If you’re a fan of Big Little Lies, you’ll enjoy this book.

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

Synopsis:

When Emily falls in love, she finds out the hard way that there’s one other woman in her boyfriend’s life who isn’t ready to let go of him… his mother!

Review:

Emily has finally met the one, but as her relationship with Adam strengthens, she is stuck fighting a battle with the other woman in his life who will not go down without a fight.

It started like all other “romance novels”. Girl meets boy and they fall in love. Then suddenly, you know that something is amiss when she meets his mother, Pammie. Pammie goes out of her way to break them up, but plot after plot, she fails. Throughout the book you wonder when and how Emily will expose Pammie for everything she has done, but Pammie is always one step ahead.

When Emily tells Adam that his mother is trying to destroy them, does he believe her? Where does his loyalties lie? Sure with the love of his life? Emily struggles to keep her relationship alive.

Sandie Jones outdid herself with this book. The plot twists were unexpected especially in the end. This book did not disappoint!

Rating: 5/5

Review: The Accident by Gail Schimmel

Introducing The Accident:

When Julia was a child, her parents were involved in an accident that would cast a long shadow over Julia’s life. Now that Julia is an adult, facing her own challenges, it might be time for her and her mother to unravel the demons that they have lived with since the accident. The Accident is told from four points of view: Julia; her mother, Catherine; her lover, Daniel, and Daniel’s wife, Claire.

Review:

This book! It’s the first time I read a novel by Gail Schimmel and I enjoyed it. The characters I wanted slap most times, but I had my favourite one who made me laugh and feel the way she was feeling. The ending was a little predictable – just a little – but all in all it a lovely book and I would recommend it to a book club because you need to have someone to talk to about these characters

Rating:

5/5