Meet Me at Midnight : An Enchanted Hollow Romance By Monique Brasher-Rom Com Book Review

  Book Synopsis

With a past she can’t escape and a love she can’t deny, this Cinderella’s story is far from over…

I was supposed to return to Enchanted Hollow under very different free of my stepmother's clutches. But thanks to a twist of, well, cruelty–I’m in charge of a high-profile celebrity wedding there. The catch? I have to execute it to my stepmother’s extremely high standards to get my life back.

Fairytale weddings and happily ever afters are my thing, so this should be an easy slam dunk. Except that my point-of-contact at Ever After Farms is my best friend’s older brother, Luke Jackson.

The problem? He doesn’t really approve of the town’s matchmaking antics. My celebrity bride, Holly, likely fell in love thanks to a little magic. To top it all off? It’s the busiest time of year for his family’s farm.

I’ve got a solid plan in place until our meet cute causes my emotions to be more tangled than the pumpkins in his patch. Then Holly assumes we’re a couple–hello fake relationship–and things spiral out of control. The deeper I get into wedding planning, the less according to plan everything goes.

Luke is determined to prove all the things I’ve believed wrong, but in the best ways. Maybe it’s time I borrow a little courage and write my own happy ending…


Meet Me At Midnight is a closed door, romcom retelling of Cinderella with magical elements and sizzling kisses!

Book Details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DLH787ZY
• Genre: Closed Door Rom Com
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (October 30, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 460 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8344932194

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

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My Review

Meet Me at Midnight is the first book in the Enchanted Hollow Romance Series. This delightful Cinderella retelling is filled with everything that makes a fairytale special: a charming knight, a lovely but troubled girl, a quaint town full of interesting characters, and a touch of magic that brings the story alive.

Monique Brasher skillfully creates a modern version of the "Cinderella" tale that is sure to make you smile. It features classic elements like a wicked stepmother, two stepsisters, and the Midnight dance, along with many nods to the story you know. The chemistry between Luke and Ella is enchanting, and their journey unfolds over two time periods, ten years apart.

To preserve the magic of the story, I won't share too many details. Some highlights include magical letters, the charm of a small town, the warmth of family support, and funny text exchanges between the characters. Ella learns to be brave, and Luke fiercely protects his family and Ella. This retelling offers a fresh twist on the familiar tale. I’m excited that more books are on the way in the Enchanted Hollow Romance Series.

****Meet Author Monique Brasher****

Monique writes sweet, no-spice, small-town romances. While they might have a smidge of angst, you'll always find a happily ever after with swoony couples and character growth. When she's not writing, she can be found watching The Big Bang Theory or Friends (or a Marvel movie), on the water with her family, or reading a book. She lives in Texas with her husband of 18 years, four kids, two dogs (Thor and Loki), and a cat.

~*~*~*~*Purchase ~*~*~*~*

HERE

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Kindle-https://a.co/d/iLPGQkU

Lethal Wilderness Trap by Susan Furlong-Inspirational Romantic Suspense Book Review & Giveaway

LETHAL WILDERNESS TRAP

by Susan Furlong

December 30, 2024 - January 31, 2025 

Virtual Book Tour

Book Synopsis:

Trust means everything...
when danger hits too close to home.

Hunting a never-caught killer, Special Agent Nolan Shea learns of a new victim. But the body on Ava Burke's land puts her and her young daughter, Rose, in someone's lethal sights. With a trail of shocking clues pointing to her family's involvement, Ava starts to question everything she holds dear and is soon desperate to uncover the truth with Nolan. Step after step, they confront their fears. But will finally cornering a murderer out in the wilderness become a trap they can't escape?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Book Details:

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Published by: Harlequin
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Number of Pages: 208
ISBN: 9781335980427 (ISBN10: 1335980423)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Harlequin                                                                                                        ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

 

My Review

Lethal Wilderness Trap is a gripping romantic suspense novel by Susan Furlong. The locations in Northern Michigan and Isle Royale National Park enhance the story's mystery. Right from the start, the action is fast-paced and intense. The story kicks off with the discovery of a teenager's body in Mac Burke's barn, putting his daughter-in-law Ava and granddaughter Rose in danger. Special Agent Nolan and his K9 partner, Creed, are assigned to the case, and they dive deep into both the investigation and the personal lives of Ava and Rose.

As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Rose witnessed something in the barn that puts her in danger. The readers must sift through various twists and turns that reveal family secrets and possible ties to criminals, keeping the suspense high. Numerous false leads keep readers guessing until the shocking truth is uncovered. This compelling novel will engage readers from the first page to the last, making Lethal Wilderness Trap a must-read.

Author Bio:

Susan Furlong grew up in North Dakota where she spent long winters at her local library scouring the shelves for mysteries to read. Now, she lives in Illinois with her husband and children and writes mysteries of all types. She has over a dozen published novels and her work has earned a spot in the New York Times list of top crime fiction books of the year. When not writing, she volunteers at her church and spends time hiking and fishing.

Catch Up With Susan Furlong:
www.SusanFurlong.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @SusanFurlongAuthor
Instagram - @susanfurlong
Threads - @susanfurlong
Facebook - @SusanFurlongAuthor
Susan Furlong's Amazon Author Page

 

 

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Salute: May You Live All the Days of Your Life by Mark Marine-Non-Fiction Humorous Short Stories Book Review

 Book Synopsis

Quick. Cheerful. With fire and spirit. This is Salute! Mark is a storyteller. A storyteller extraordinaire. His wit, wisdom and experiences transport each of us to different times, places, passages and moments in life with an amazing, rich imagination. We’ve been with him at Dee’s Hamburger Stand in a far less politically correct era. We’ve been with him in his living room as he scaled sofas, end table and recliners in a single bound. We’ve spent many a Sunday dinner with him in the Marine family’s dining room. And, he gave us a front-row seat for the moment that changed his the day he first cast eyes on Paula. His storytelling is seamless. It’s art. But most importantly, it’s Mark. Unbridled. Unvarnished. And, all served to us with a wink, a smile, a laugh, a lesson and a tinge of the devil-may-care.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ AuthorHouse (April 17, 2020)
• Genre: Non-fiction/Short Stories/Humor
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1728343895

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

As an Italian, I was excited to read this book by an Italian author. He is a fantastic storyteller. The short stories made me laugh out loud, while some were sweet and touching. If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll see bits of your own childhood, teenage years, and life in general reflected in these tales. Here are some chapter titles that I especially enjoyed:

• -No! That's Mine!
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• -School Daze
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• -Deja Vu All Over Again
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• -Yes, I Have No Bananas
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• -Me and My Bright Ideas

Each chapter brought a chuckle, but they also carried valuable lessons. What I appreciated most was the author’s invitation for readers to share their own stories and memories. He ends with the powerful reminder to "Always tell your story."

Salute: May You Live All the Days of Your Life is a fun read for adults, Italian or not. It’s a quick, enjoyable book that will brighten a quiet afternoon.

****Meet Author Mark Marine****

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mark C. Marine is an author, a family man, and an unapologetic individualist. He has led an extraordinary life, taking on roles such as milking cows, being a radio talk show host, owning a dealership and much more. Through his storytelling capabilities, he has managed to encapsulate his life's experiences into a single book. His debut, Salute: May You Live All the Days of Your Life.

~*~*~Purchase Salute:May you live all the days of your life ~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/ddDREjR

Kindle-https://a.co/d/fdFlx6Z

Casters and Crowns By Elizabeth Lowham-Young Adult Romantic Fantasy Review

 Book Synopsis

Cursed by magic, bound by mistakes, Princess Aria finds her destiny hinges on the mysterious Baron Reeves. Will love be enough to break the curse, or will war bring her kingdom to ruin? A new cozy romantasy by Elizabeth Lowham.

When Crown Princess Aria sees her kingdom on the brink of war with the magic-wielding Casters, she takes it upon herself to speak with the Widow Morton, the most dangerous Caster in the realm. If successful, Aria will not only ensure peace but also prove to her father that she is a worthy heir. But when her negotiations fail, Aria is dealt a terrible curse: Over the course of one hundred days, she will be unable to sleep, her body and mind doomed to waste away. And then the curse will pass to her sister, until every member of the king’s line is dead.

Aria’s best hope for breaking her curse is to seek help from another Caster—the handsome and charming Baron Reeves. He may be entitled to a place at the court, but as a magic user, can he truly be trusted? She vows not be fooled by his dimpled smiles or his devotion to his brothers, but as she spends more time with him, she discovers that her heart has other ideas.

Baron has no desire to see the princess suffer—especially since she might be the key to changing the king’s opinion on Casters—but he has secrets to protect and ghosts of his own. The last person he tried to save using his magic died, and he’s not willing to risk harming someone he loves again.

As the curse continues its deadly countdown, both Aria and Baron must risk their lives and their hearts to save each other and unite a kingdom.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (October 1, 2024)
• Genre: Young Adult Romantasy/YA Fantasy
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639933204
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639933204
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 9

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

Casters and Crowns is a young adult romantic fantasy that captivated me. Its unique magic system and storyline felt fresh and had a strong fairytale vibe. The story grabs your attention from the start, as Princess Aria fights to save her kingdom from a war with magic casters. When her plan fails, she faces a curse, setting her on a challenging journey to save herself and her kingdom.

I found so much to love in this book. The characters made me laugh, cry, and cheer for them. The Reeves brothers were a standout—charming and loyal, their magic is impressive, but their strong values truly shine. There were thrilling moments as Aria and Baron teamed up to break the curse. Aria often faced challenges alone, counting down to her doom, showcasing a fierce bravery that teaches the value of perseverance. The slow-developing romance showed how love can overcome deep-rooted fears. Aria and Baron were a perfect match. Baron’s twin brothers, Corvin and Leon, added humor to the mix while staying deeply loyal to one another.

This book is clean with little violence, making it an ideal choice for both teens and adults. Elizabeth Lowham has crafted a classic tale about forbidden love, standing up for what is right, and the importance of not giving up. I hope this standalone book gets a sequel because I loved the world of Casters and Crowns.

****Meet Author Elizabeth Lowham****

Elizabeth (Liz) Lowham dreams of a future house that is seventy-percent library with at least three lavish window seats. Her reality is five bookshelves and a rocking chair, which isn’t so bad. A fan of all things fantasy, she has a BA in English from BYUI.

Learn more on her personal website

HERE:https://www.elizabethlowham.com/

~*~*~*~*Purchase Casters and Crowns ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hardcover-https://a.co/d/2qPc3Dv

Kindle-https://a.co/d/cy8oIET

Lost Daydreaming: A Sweet Friends to Lovers Romance (Lost Roommates Book 3) By Hillary Slaughter-Contemporary Romance Review

 Book Synopsis

Finding a job out of state and building a new life away from loss and family expectations was supposed to be the easy part.

Unfortunately for Chloe, the universe didn't get that memo. Now she's a jobless college graduate, trying to figure out what's next.

When her best friend Derek drags her to a friend's Halloween party, she's ready to call it an early night so she can return to wallowing on her couch. What she doesn't expect is to meet her perfect guy. He's attractive, gainfully employed, and can carry a conversation. The only he's obsessed with Halloween, Chloe's least favorite holiday.

Now, thanks to a bet with Derek (the world's worst wingman), Chloe's forced to attend every Halloween activity she's invited to. On the up side, this means she gets to see a lot of her dream guy. But it also means she and Derek are spending a lot of quality time together and it has Chloe reevaluating her choice to stick Derek in the friendzone.

However, letting Derek in means being vulnerable and opening herself up to pain she's fought for years to bury. Can Chloe find the courage to face her past and allow love in, even when it means letting go of her daydreams and embracing reality and all its complications?

Lost Daydreaming is a friends-to-lovers contemporary romance packed with autumn vibes, swoony moments, and a cinnamon role hero who will capture your heart. This interconnected standalone is perfect for readers who love their humor mixed with a large helping of heart!

Book Details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DK3VZJ8Y
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ HMS Press, LLC (October 15, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 279 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8987859322

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

• 
  
  
  

• 
  

My Review

Lost Daydreaming is the third book in the Lost Roommates series. This story is a friends-to-lovers contemporary romance that unfolds slowly. Chloe and Derek, who have been best friends for years, struggle with their feelings. They fear that expressing these emotions might damage their friendship.

This novel beautifully explores themes of grief and the importance of accepting help from others. Chloe and Derek’s transition from friends to something deeper is filled with tender moments, genuine emotions, and fun exchanges. The book addresses challenging topics with sensitivity, adding layers to the characters and their bond.

I loved that this clean romance had so many layers. It balances light-hearted scenes with moments of sadness. Both characters face tough times, making it clear why they belong together. Their chemistry is evident from the start, and Derek’s charm and support make him irresistible. It is also admirable how he took care of his ailing father.

Lost Daydreaming offers a heartfelt romance beyond just witty dialogue. Although it captures the essence of autumn, it is a story that any romance enthusiast can enjoy in any season.

****Meet Author Hillary Slaughter****

Hillary Slaughter is a crafting addict, avid reader, and hiking enthusiast. Born and raised in Utah, she loves exploring the mountains, especially if she can bring her dog with her. She has a Bachelor's degree in English from Brigham Young University and a Master's of Business Administration from Utah Valley University. She loves writing sweet contemporary romance with a dash of humor and is the author of the Lost Roommates Series.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Lost Daydreaming ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/eoAivRd

Kindle-https://a.co/d/1yC72PC

The Art of Us By Julie Wright-YA Romance Book Review

Book Synopsis

Falling in love is complicated when you’re both keeping secrets.

On the surface, everything seems perfect for high school senior Ireland Raine. She’s intelligent and artistically talented, and her natural beauty and quiet charm are enviable. However, Ireland harbors a secret she’ll guard at any cost—she’s homeless.

When her crush, Kal Ellis, invites her on a date, she seizes the opportunity. Ireland has never had a boyfriend before, and Kal is not just a guitarist for the local band, he’s also an artist. Their connection is instantaneous, and he suggests they collaborate on the school mural. Working and laughing alongside Kal, Ireland can momentarily forget her problems.

However, when someone exposes her secret, Ireland ends up in a foster home alongside her most despised adversary, Mara Washington. To make matters worse, Ireland discovers it was Kal who revealed her secret.

Furious, Ireland must decide if she has the strength to forgive the boy who stole her heart or if she is better off alone.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (November 5, 2024)
• Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639933255
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639933259
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 12

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

• 
  

• 
  
  
  

• 
  

My Review

Julie Wright's The Art of Us tells a powerful story about teenagers hiding secrets and the impact those secrets have on their lives.

The main character, Ireland Raine, is homeless and has been abandoned by her parents. She lives in a dirty public restroom at the edge of a forest, trying her hardest to appear normal while feeling uncertain about what the future holds.

Kal Ellis seems to have everything going for him. He’s good-looking, smart, and liked by his peers, but he struggles with deep sadness after his close friend tragically passes away. He doesn't know how to move forward with his life.

Mara Washington is a popular and beautiful girl from a wealthy background, but she also hides secrets from those around her. These three teens go to the same high school and soon find their lives connected in unexpected ways.

The Art of Us beautifully captures both the joy and heartbreak of youth. It tackles difficult topics that many young adults face. Julie Wright has a talent for writing inspiring stories that resonate with the deep feelings of teenagers dealing with challenges beyond their control. The characters feel real, making it easy for readers to relate to their struggles.

I was moved by The Art of Us, as it teaches important lessons about trust, hope, forgiveness, courage, and standing up for others. This book is a wonderful choice for teens and their parents alike.

****Meet Author Julie Wright****

Julie Wright (1972-still breathing) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She's lived in LA, Boston, and the literal middle of nowhere (don't ask). She wrote her first book when she was fifteen. Since then, she's written twenty-three novels and coauthored three. Julie is a two-time winner of the Whitney award for best romance with her books "Cross My Heart" and "Lies Jane Austen Told Me." The America Library Association listed “Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me” in their 2020 top ten best romances and "A Captain for Caroline Gray" in their 2021 top ten best romances. Her book "Death Thieves" was a Whitney finalist.

She has one husband, five kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition).

She loves writing, reading, traveling, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.

She used to speak fluent Swedish, but now speaks only well enough to cuss out her children in public.

She hates mayonnaise.

http://www.juliewright.com

~*~*~*~*Purchase The Art of Us ~*~*~*~*

HERE

Hardcover-https://a.co/d/83hEEKP

Kindle-https://a.co/d/jc1lnqk