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.****

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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:

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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.****

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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

 

An Honorable Deception {The Imposters Book 3} By Roseanna M. White-Historical Christian Romance & Giveaway

 Book Synopsis

In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.

As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life--her friendship with Yates--lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.

Tormented by a past she doesn't dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their own honor.

"With characters believable and unique, and a pace that builds suspense as the story unfolds, each thread is so compelling I couldn't stop turning pages."--LORI BENTON, bestselling author on A Noble Scheme

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers (November 19, 2024)
• Series : 
• Genre : Christian Historical Romance
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764240943

• ****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

An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M. White is the third and final book in The Imposters series. The characters in this story have many secrets from each other, making it intriguing. There are so many great characters in both this book and the series as a whole.

Set in England in 1910, the story revolves around private investigators known as The Imposters. It’s exciting to finally get the full story of Lord Yates Fairfax. He finds himself in a love triangle with two women, Lady Lavinia Hemming and Lady Alethia Barremore. I enjoyed reading from the perspectives of all three of them. Although I figured out who Yates would choose, it was still a captivating journey to see how it all unfolded.

The plot is original, intricate, and keeps you guessing from the first page to the last. What starts as a missing person investigation grows into a much larger and darker problem. This book addresses serious issues like human trafficking and different forms of abuse, but White approaches these topics with care and sensitivity.

Overall, this Christian Historical Romance is excellent, featuring a compelling friends-to-lovers storyline filled with suspense and a mystery that tackles tough subjects. An Honorable Deception serves as a captivating ending to a distinctive series rich in faith, trust, charm, and love.

****Meet Author Roseanna M. White****

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

~*~*~*~*Purchase An Honorable Deception ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Papaerback-https://a.co/d/021gmbF

Kindle-https://a.co/d/guxeD46

Giveaway: Enter on my Instagram Page @sheilasbookreviewer

GIveaway: How to Enter...

-LIKE, SAVE, and SHARE this post

- FOLLOW @sheilasbookreviewer @bethanyhousefiction @roseannamwhite @justreadtours

-VISIT each hosted post of this tour for more entries. Schedule at @justreadtours. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2024.)

Most Requested Copycat Dishes: 100+ Homemade Versions of Your Favorite Restaurant Recipes By Favorite Family Recipes

 Book Synopsis

Unravel the culinary secrets behind your most-loved restaurant meals.

From fast-food classics to gourmet restaurant delights, Most Requested Copycat Dishes brings the restaurant experience directly to your home kitchen. From crave-worthy appetizers like Disneyland’s Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed Pretzels and PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps to mouthwatering main courses like Mizithra Pasta from The Old Spaghetti Factory and Gino’s East Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Then finish off your meal with decadent desserts like Marie Callender’s Chocolate Satin Pie or Nothing Bundt Cake’s White Chocolate Raspberry Cake.

This cookbook presents 101 tested and perfected recipes that mirror their famous cousins. With insider tips along with step-by-step photo instructions for some of the trickier recipes, Most Requested Copycat Dishes can elevate your home dining experience whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen enthusiast.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (October 1, 2024)
• Genre: Comfort Cooking
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639933190

• ****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

I really enjoy cookbooks. Trying out new recipes that my family will love is always fun for me. Among my favorites are copycat recipes. This cookbook has many features you will appreciate:

• -Gorgeous color photos that catch the eye.
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• -Simple, clear instructions with ingredients that are usually in my kitchen.
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• -Tips for creating your own copycat recipes.
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• -An easy-to-use index listing recipe names, ingredients, and the restaurants they come from.
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• -Delicious recipes I know my family will like such as Homemade Butterbeer, Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, Oriental Chicken Salad from Applebee's, and my favorite, Zuppa's Toscana soup. There are so many more I can’t wait to explore.

If you enjoy cookbooks, want to explore new dishes, or love the flavors of your favorite restaurants, this cookbook is a must-have for any cook or baker in the kitchen.

****Meet Authors- Favorite Family Recipes ****

Erica Walker, Emily Walker, Elise Donovon, and Echo Blickenstaff 

We grew up in a loving home, filled with chaos, laughter and of course, good food. It’s the food, and the rituals surrounding that food, that inspired us nearly twenty years ago to create a space for all our family’s favorite recipes. And thus, Favorite Family Recipes was born. It’s been an incredible joy to share our family’s recipes with our readers.

We know that cooking for others is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. The time you invest in shopping, prep, cooking and cleanup is a lot, but it’s worth it. Delicious, homemade food is what brings everyone to the table for Sunday dinner, a weekend brunch, or a slice of pie on the front porch. These are the meaningful memories we strive to create with our own families and friends. We hope our recipes will inspire others to create the same experiences with their loved ones.

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

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/9fPqeI4

Kindle-https://a.co/d/cu9DWkG