Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano

 

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano is the third book in the Finlay series, but I feel like you could follow along without having read the first two books. Finlay Donovan and nanny Vero are back again, sleuthing, spying, and searching for bad guys before they find them. Attending a police academy for citizens run by officer Nick gives them the opportunity to look for a contract killer, a mole in the police department, and still find time to get to know officer Nick better. The adventure continues.

The opening scene of the story was hysterical and from there I was hooked! Finlay is a very relatable character as a mom who is trying to do her best. The only problem is she keeps running into dangerous though sometimes humorous situations. Vero is the friend who challenges her to be more adventurous while always having her back. I laughed out loud at the antics of Vero and Finlay while rooting for Finlay to get together with Nick. I found this a quick read that made me happy. I am forever #teamfinlaydonovan.

I greatly enjoyed Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun. The author has the gift of writing a mystery that is laugh out loud funny that still kept me guessing till the end. This was the perfect book to brighten up my winter and I recommend. .

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Elle Cosimano is a USA Today bestselling author, an International Thriller Award winner, and an Edgar® Award nominee. Her acclaimed young adult novels include Nearly Gone, Holding Smoke, The Suffering Tree, and Seasons of the Storm. Elle’s debut novel for adults, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, kicked off a witty, fast-paced contemporary mystery series, which was a PEOPLE Magazine Pick and was named one of New York Public Library's Best Books of 2021. In addition to writing novels for teens and adults, her essays have appeared in The Huffington Post and Time. Cosimano lives with her husband and two sons in Virginia.

Here for the Drama by Kate Bromley

Here for the Drama by Kate Bromley is a very fun romantic-comedy. Winnie is an aspiring playwright who has currently put her dreams aside to work with Juliette Brassard as her assistant. Juliette talks her into coming to London with her to work on the staging of Juliette’s play Juliette’s only stipulation is that she stay away from her nephew Liam, and date others she meets in a dating app for material for Juliette. What could go wrong here?

This is my first Kate Bromley book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Winnie is such a fun loving character and I enjoyed watching her transform and grow throughout the story. This story, though a fun romance, is also about all kinds of relationships. How do we treat others, how do we make amends, and how do we become a better friend? I loved how the author gave me a satisfying ending and a glimpse into the character’s future. I love a realistic happily ever after.

The story includes a sweet rescue dog, the wonderful sights of London, and family history. The author weaves them together into a charming story that I happily recommend. A great adventure!

I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.
Some skippable steam

I'm a writer of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. I live in New York City with my husband, son, and my somewhat excessive collection of romance novels. (It's not hoarding if it's books, right?) I was a preschool teacher for almost seven years and am now focusing full-time on combining my two great passions — writing swoon-worthy love stories and making people laugh.

I'm a writer of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. I live in New York City with my husband, son, and my somewhat excessive collection of romance novels. (It's not hoarding if it's books, right?) I was a preschool teacher for almost seven years and am now focusing full-time on combining my two great passions — writing swoon-worthy love stories and making people laugh.

Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh

Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh is the first in the Head over Heels series. I have read the author’s medieval books, but this was my first time reading one of her contemporary romance novels and I was not disappointed. Her story is one you do not want to miss.

Adda Sinclair is having a bad year. She has writer’s block, has lost her dog, and her ex-husband ran off with another writer. Her life is complicated, but she still has her sense of humor.

“And isn't one of life's greatest tragedies waking up one morning and asking one's self what if?”

I adored Stealing Adda! The story was funny, fresh, and had all the feels. It was fabulous to go through life with Adda, a successful writer. The author had the ability to truly help you walk in her shoes, making her endearing to you. I loved seeing how Adda navigated her writing career, romance, and faith journey. I was very invested in the story and so glad this was my first book of 2023. It was the perfect start to the new year.

This incredible redemptive story reminded me to look to the One who holds the future in His hands. The romance, banter, and humor kept me very engaged. I highly recommend Stealing Adda!

Tamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books in 1993, her debut medieval romance was nominated for a RITA award, and successive books with Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester earned awards and places on national bestseller lists.

In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.

In 2012, Tamara returned to the historical romance genre with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless in 2019, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Watch for Reckless in Autumn 2020. Psst!—It all began with a woman.

Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints.

Hunting for Love by Kaci Lane

QOTD: Is there a store that you enjoy visiting and simply looking around? I had so much fun the other day when I went to the Bass Pro Shop to take these pictures. There is so much to see there! My favorite part is seeing the fish. 

Review: Hunting for Love by Kaci Lane is a sweet romantic comedy that had me laughing out loud. Bianca Manderson works for her father in Atlanta and is pretty much a city slicker. Jack Jackson owns a deluxe hunting lodge in Alabama and loves his small town life. 

This book was exactly what I needed. It was laugh out loud funny, the characters were endearing, and the setting at the hunting lodge made this suburban girl want to visit by the end of the story. I had trouble putting the book down and it was a wonderful quick read. I loved the theme of appreciating the different lives that people lead and learning to get along with all types of people. The engaging characters were charming and I looked forward to meeting them again in the next books in the series.

This is an opposites attract romance that is such a delight. It is laugh out loud funny and you will be so glad you read it. I recommend Hunting for Love by Kaci Lane.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

 

I write what I want to read. I’m a Christian, and although my character archs don’t focus on spiritual matters, I write from a Christian worldview. That means my main characters often pray, go to church, and live by Biblical standards. That offends some people and isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and I understand that. However, that means although my books aren’t strong enough in emphasis to call Christian romance, they are written about mostly Christian characters and can be called inspirational. All my books are also labeled SWEET and have a mild intimacy level. Even if harder topics such as infidelity are addressed, nothing is shown on the page.

I’m also a life-long southerner, having lived in Alabama my entire life, mostly rural. The stories and antics in my novels all stem from real-life events. As my husband often says, “real life is better than fiction.” At least, it is around our house. But it’s my mission to share a little SOUTHERN culture with the world. Some people love this and others think we’re strange. We are, and I understand if you don’t care to read about hunting, mudding, and nosy old people.

And I’m very SARCASTIC. The two books I’ve written that are not comedies have reviews saying how funny they are or how the readers enjoyed witty banter. Honestly, it’s easier for me to write comedy, as I had to hold back on those to make them more serious.

Pretty much, I enjoy stories that have all the feelings without the smut, don’t compromise my beliefs, and make me laugh out loud. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’m your girl!

Exes and O's by Amy Lea

 

A romance novel-obsessed social media influencer revisits her exes on her hunt for true love in this romantic comedy from the author of Set On You.

Romance book connoisseur Tara Chen has had her heart broken ten times by ten different men—all of whom dumped her because of her “stage-five clinger” tendencies. Nevertheless, Tara is determined to find The One. The only problem? Classic meet-cutes are dead, thanks to modern dating apps. So Tara decides to revisit her exes in hopes of securing her very own trope-worthy second-chance romance.

Boston firefighter Trevor Metcalfe will be the first to rush into a burning building but the last to rush into a relationship. Love just isn’t his thing. When his new roommate Tara enlists him to help her reconnect with her exes, he reluctantly agrees. But Tara’s journey is leading him to discover his own new chapter.

The more time they spend together, the more Tara realizes Trevor seems to be the only one who appreciates her authentic, dramatic self. To claim their happily ever after, can Tara and Trevor read between the lines of their growing connection?

Review:  Exes and O’s by Amy Lea is number two in her Influencer series, but can be read as a stand alone. Tara is a pediatric nurse who is also a bookstagram influencer. She wants to see if the second chance romances are for her and searches out her exes. Trevor is a Boston firefighter with baggage and a kind heart. He is a great friend, but not big on long term commitment. 

I loved this slow burn romance with its witty banter and laugh out loud funny scenes. The author writes engaging characters that have depth, have wonderful personalities, and mature throughout the story. I enjoyed Tara searching out and meeting her exes, and how Trevor helped her. Their banter was amazing and had me laughing out loud! Truly a great read!!  

This fun story with great chemistry, a bookstagram influencer and relatable characters was a pleasure to read. I recommend Exes and O’s by Amy Lea.

Skippable Steam 

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.  

Photo by Amy Lea

Amy Lea is an Asian Canadian government analyst who runs the Bookstagram account @amyleabooks, where she promotes and reviews contemporary romance novels. Set on You is her debut novel. Learn more online at www.amyleabooks.com.  

The Key to My Heart by Lia Louise

 

The Key to My Heart by Lia Louise is one of the most thoughtful books I have read this year. Natalie Fincher lost her husband Russ over 2.5 years ago. She is struggling in so many ways with her new life. Her friends are not sure what to do with her, her family worries about her, and she finds solace playing the piano at a London Train station.

Natalie’s friends are trying so hard to help and do not really know what to do. But, as the story progresses you see all the characters grow and change and your heart believes in the promise of life. The characters are so well crafted. This is a wonderful mix of women’s fiction with a beautiful touch of romance. I enjoyed meeting Joe and Tom all the while wondering who would win Natalie’s heart. We also have a little mystery, we meet others who are struggling with grief, and the arts play a role in helping our characters to heal.

As someone who has grieved deeply I loved this story. The author has written a well crafted story that shares the deepest sadness of grief while still giving the reader hope. The ending is so well done and I was glad I invested in reading this superbly written story. I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.

Lia Louis lives in the United Kingdom with her partner and three young children. Before raising a family, she worked as a freelance copywriter and proofreader. She was the 2015 winner of Elle magazine’s annual writing competition and has been a contributor for Bloomsbury’s Writers and Artists blog for aspiring writers. She is the author of Somewhere Close to Happy, Dear Emmie Blue, Eight Perfect Hours, and The Key to My Heart.