Review: Too Much Lip

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll likely know that I've been to Australia twice and I absolutely love the country (and I don't shut up about it). I don't, however, read many Australian authors. I have a feeling that some of that has to do with rights and what is available to Canadian publishers for Canadian bloggers to read. All that to say, when I came across Too Much Lip by Melissa Lucashenko, I was intrigued and immediately interested. It's a super dark comedy that was different than anything else I've read this year and I enjoyed it.

Here's the synopsis:

Wise-cracking Kerry Salter has spent a lifetime avoiding two things - her hometown and prison. But now her Pop is dying and she's an inch away from the lockup, so she heads south on a stolen Harley. Kerry plans to spend twenty-four hours, tops, over the border. She quickly discovers, though, that Bundjalung country has a funny way of grabbing on to people. Old family wounds open as the Salters fight to stop the development of their beloved river. And the unexpected arrival on the scene of a good-looking dugai fella intent on loving her up only adds more trouble - but then trouble is Kerry's middle name. Gritty and darkly hilarious, Too Much Lip offers redemption and forgiveness where none seems possible.

I do have to say I don't think I was quite in the mood for this book when I read it. I'm definitely a big mood reader and I hadn't realized quite how dark it was going to be. It's definitely more drama than comedy, I felt, but that's not a bad thing. Just took awhile for my brain and expectations to catch up.

Not only was this book set in Australia, but it takes place close-ish to where I've traveled. The town Kerry grew up in is fictional but a few real towns were mentioned so I could get a better idea of the location. It also caused massive wanderlust for me! I can't wait to go back. 

You may have noticed the synopsis mention "Bundjalung country." Bundjalung people are an Aboriginal nation in Australia, which, we should all know is a country with some problems with how they've treated the original custodians of the country (and I say this as a Canadian who knows her own country has many problems as well). Like a lot of readers, I've been trying to seek out more BIPOC authors for the last couple of years and show my support to those authors (and show publishers that we want and need stories by authors who aren't white and straight). I'm really happy to have stumbled across this book (seriously, I had to find it myself in the publisher's catalogue...no one was talking about it).

This novel is about more than a granddaughter returning home as her grandfather is dying. Lucashenko does not shy away from really tough subjects that need to be explored in literature and in life. There were disputes over land rights as well as a lot of trauma in the family. Some characters, like Kerry, have questions about their sexuality. Yes, there was a lot going on but it wasn't confusing in the least. It made my heart hurt and yet also made me laugh out loud a few times. And it taught me a few new words, too.

I think I would have liked Too Much Lip a little bit more if it were less literary (not my favourite) and more comedic. This is, completely, a personal reading preference and doesn't make the book any less good. Because it is that: a really good book. Melissa Lucashenko's novel was an engaging read though and I definitely recommend it, especially to those like me who are trying to expand their reading horizons. I'd also love to talk this book through with someone else who's read it!

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, HarperCollins Canada, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

New Release: Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye

Happy release day to Jacquelyn Middleton! Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye (her fourth novel) is out in the world today! I have, sadly, not been able to get to it yet despite being so, so, so excited to dive into this fun, sweet, sexy, wonderful romance. Middleton's novels always delight me and I can't wait to read it (why must life be so complicated and time consuming?). 

Here's what the new novel is all about:

Will her fling become his forever?
Leia Scott has sworn off love. Fresh from a messy, public divorce from her hockey player ex, the twenty-six-year-old fashion designer temporarily trades New York for London to heal and embrace her freedom. Her vow? To protect her heart, steer clear of relationships, and say yes to flings without strings. She throws herself into designing upcycled dresses and exploring London with her sister. But Leia's carefully curated plan encounters a flirty complication with an irresistible British accent.
Wealthy, charming, and devastatingly attractive, Tarquin Balfour is tired of meaningless hookups and dates that go nowhere. For years, he has played the bon viveur with reckless abandon, throwing decadent parties, sleeping with a parade of women, and diving into extreme sports around the globe. But now the young property developer wants more. He craves love and commitment, to prove his kind heart matters more than the abundance of zeroes attached to his bank balance. Struggling with undiagnosed depression, Tarquin worries he'll never find The One...until he meets his princess, a fashion designer named Leia.
Afraid of falling in love and fearful of being alone, Leia and Tarquin enter into an entanglement that threatens to hurt them both.

I've really enjoyed the rest of Middleton's novels and I wish I had had time to re-read them all before this one published. I don't know about you but I'm having the most up and down reading life this year...I'm rolling with it because that's all you can do in this weird time but it's hard when I find myself struggling to fit in reading books I'm SO excited for. Anyway. Some of the characters from her previous novels will pop up in this story and I'd love to have had the time to remind myself of who's where and dating who. (Whom? This is why I don't write books. Or copy edit them.)

Here's what I thought about two of her previous books:
London Can You Wait? - Review
Until the Last Star Fades - Review

Early Buzz
"Leia and Tarquin's chemistry sizzles…this sultry, yet sweetly heartfelt romance is a winner. Fans of contemporary romance will rejoice in this story of falling in love through and despite mental illness."
-- Publishers Weekly's BookLife 'Editor's Pick'

"Sex scenes are steamy, well written, and anti-shaming. Humor enlivens the drama nicely...SAY HELLO, KISS GOODBYE offers well-drawn, multilayered characters and standout, sex-positive romance."
-- Kirkus Reviews

"As steamy as it is heartwarming...the two main characters are undeniably endearing...mental health issues are explored with the appropriate gravitas and the theme of gratitude is strong throughout. Romance fans will be grateful they picked up this novel. With SAY HELLO, KISS GOODBYE, Middleton has written a winner."
-- BlueInk Review (STARRED REVIEW)

Where to Buy
Amazon * Apple Books * Nook * Kobo 

Not ready to buy? Add Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye to your Goodreads!

About Jacquelyn
Jacquelyn Middleton is an award-winning author of love stories for hopeful romantics--'hopeful' because her novels are always full of optimism and a 'happy ever after' is important now more than ever before. But life is messy, relationships are messy, and her books aren't afraid to go there, too. If you enjoy character and relationship-driven stories about people dealing with the triumphs and disasters we all face, Jacquelyn's books are for you.
In 2019, she was named BEST CANADIAN AUTHOR at the RWA's Toronto Romance Writers 'Northern Hearts' Awards for UNTIL THE LAST STAR FADES. She is also the author of LONDON BELONGS TO ME, LONDON, CAN YOU WAIT? and SAY HELLO, KISS GOODBYE.
An own voices author, Jacquelyn has dealt with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression all her life, and is dedicated to depicting mental health challenges realistically and empathetically in her novels.
Jacquelyn's books have been featured by The Hollywood Reporter, NBC News, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Daily News, USA Today, Cosmo, Redbook, and the Huffington Post.
She lives in Toronto with her British husband and Japanese Spitz dog.

Connect with Jacquelyn
Website * Goodreads * Amazon * Facebook * Facebook Group * 
Instagram * Twitter * Bookbub * Newsletter  

Review: Forever with You

Barb Curtis' debut novel Forever with You delighted me beyond belief. It's the first in a new romance series set in a fictional small town and I had such a lovely time reading it. Romance lovers, take note!

Here's the synopsis:

Jay Wynter wants to be successful on his own merit. That's why he left Sapphire Springs and his family's winery to build a career from scratch. But now that he's successor to Wynter Estate, Jay must return to his small hometown to face everything, and everyone, he left behind-especially his high school sweetheart, who happens to be his stunning new business partner . . .

Leyna Milan knows family legacies come with strings attached, but she's determined to prove that she can run her family's restaurant. Of course, Leyna never expected that honoring her grandfather's wishes meant opening a second location on her ex's property-or having to ignore Jay's sexy grin and guard the heart he shattered years before. But as they work closely together, she begins to discover that maybe first loves deserve a second chance . . . 

Sapphire Springs isn't a real town and Curtis, a fellow Canadian, chose to set her novel in upstate New York. However, in her acknowledgements she mentioned she talked to winemaker Brian Schmidt at Vineland Estates Winery, which is in the Niagara region (in Canada) and where I live. It wasn't obvious at the start that it was in New York state so I went about my merry way and pictured the town as one of the few small villages surrounding Vineland Estates. Even after I learned where it was supposed to be set, my little brain refused to acknowledge it and I will just pretend this is a book set in Canada :)

This is very much a romance novel, which I'll get to more in a bit, but Curtis added a mystery into the mix. Jay was convinced something went wrong with Leyna's inheritance and there was something amiss. I won't go into many details because it should stay a surprise but...Curtis kind of lost me with that plot. It was overdramatic and kind of far fetched and just didn't quite seem to work with the rest of the story. It wasn't bad and it did add a little bit more tension but after I finished the book I was just kind of like...what the heck just happened?

One of the reasons I chose to read and review this book was the second chance element. That's my jam and I liked how Curtis wrote the relationship between Jay and Leyna. It was almost hard to believe that they could fall back into a relationship after 18 years apart, especially since they were teens when they dated the first time around, but I could see it. What got frustrating was Leyna's insistence that they not talk about why they split the first time around. Don't these people realize they should communicate? (No, they don't, because then where would the story be??) But I rolled with it and read on to see if (or, more accurately, how) the pair could sort things out.

I also wanted to read this one because it was set in a small town around a winery. Small town set stories are another of my favourites, given I grew up in a small town and really like the community aspect so many towns have. Plus, as I mentioned, I live in wine country in Ontario and, well, let's just say I take part in the local offerings quite often. It was really cool to have Jay explain about the winemaking process. It may read as too technical for some people but I really enjoyed learning about how certain grapes grow and what a winemaker needs to consider when growing and taking care of grapes. Some of it I already knew, you pick up a lot living around here and dating a journalist who often talks to folks at wineries, but some was new to me and I liked learning about it.

I really liked reading Forever with You and definitely recommend Barb Curtis' novel to other romance readers. It was fun and sweet and I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the series.

*An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher, Forever, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Review: All Stirred Up

I've been getting more into audiobooks this year so NetGalley's advanced listening copies have been great. I happened to stumble upon Brianne Moore's debut novel All Stirred Up and was immediately intrigued because it's an updated version of Persuasion, my favourite of Jane Austen's novels, and it was set in Edinburgh - a place I had visited just in time at the beginning of March this year. I was sold. And when I was done? Thoroughly delighted.

Here's the synopsis:

Susan Napier's family once lived on the success of the high-end restaurants founded by her late grandfather. But bad luck and worse management has brought the business to the edge of financial ruin. Now it's up to Susan to save the last remaining restaurant: Elliot's, the flagship in Edinburgh. But what awaits Susan in the charming city of Auld Reekie is more than she bargained for. Chris Baker, her grandfather's former protégé - and her ex-boyfriend - is also heading to the Scottish capital.

After finding fame in New York as a chef and judge of a popular TV cooking competition, Chris is returning to his native Scotland to open his own restaurant. Although the storms have cleared after their intense and rocky breakup, Susan and Chris are redrawn into each other's orbit - and their simmering attraction inevitably boils over. As Chris's restaurant opens to great acclaim and Susan tries to haul Elliot's back from the brink, the future brims with new promise.

But darkness looms as they find themselves in the crosshairs of a gossip blogger eager for a juicy story - and willing to do anything to get it. Can Susan and Chris reclaim their lost love, or will the tangled past ruin their last hope for happiness?

It's been a few years since I've read Persuasion (I just checked Goodreads...I read it last in 2013) so the particulars of the novel are a bit fuzzy. I do recall some of the main plot points so I could see where Moore was honouring the story in certain parts. I don't think you have to know Austen's work to appreciate this story and I also think diehard Austen fans can enjoy the way Moore updated the story for her novel. Though I will say I would have much rather had a letter from Chris instead of a text message. If you know, you know.

The reason I love Persuasion so much is because it's a second chance romance, just like All Stirred Up, and that's one of my favourite tropes. It's been years since Chris and Susan have seen each other and you know right from the get-go that there's unfinished business between them. There were so many contributing factors to their break up that neither of them had the full story. They both felt hurt (Chris was justified to feel as such and Susan knew that her hurt was self-inflicted) and that kept them from communicating with each other. I got ever so slightly annoyed when they just refused to talk things through but that's the nature of rom coms, my friends. They're going to do frustrating things! I was rooting for them the whole time because I couldn't wait for them to get over the bullshit in their past and finally get back together. I needed that Happily Ever After!

As I alluded to at the top, I listened to this one as an audiobook. The narrator, Mary Jane Wells, did a pretty good job switching characters and her male Scottish accent didn't annoy me (which is what happened with another audiobook I listened to earlier this year). Since I pretty much only listen to audiobooks on my commute, I found myself looking for ways to get more reading time in. A walk after work when my partner had to work late? Done. (That was before the time change of course. Now it's dark before I even get home. *sobs*) Doing the dishes? Perfect time to listen. Playing mindless games on my phone? More listening time! I didn't want to stop!

This novel was a love letter to Edinburgh. Moore wasn't born there but you can tell in her descriptions that she absolutely, totally, completely loves the city. I had goosebumps as I listened to the description of Susan flying into the city then again as she walked around her new neighbourhood and mentioned streets and monuments I had seen myself back in March. There's a scene where she climbs to the top of Calton Hill that had me swooning because I could completely picture where she was (so much so that I shared my pictures from my trip on Instagram after finishing the novel). 

There were many reasons that may have made me love All Stirred Up more than the average reader but I was so completely thrilled with Brianne Moore's novel that I don't even care. I loved it and it made me feel so happy. That is what I look for in almost every read, even more so this year, and I'm so pleased I had a chance to read this novel.

*An advanced listening copy was provided by the publisher, Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Review: A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem

Romance mixed with historical fiction and mystery is how I'd describe A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem, the latest book (and first in a new series) by Manda Collins. Sounds pretty intriguing, right? And with a really fun cover to boot! I liked this one but definitely didn't love it. It was fun but there was something...lacking.

Here's the synopsis:

England, 1865 : As one of England's most notorious newspaper columnists, Lady Katherine Bascomb believes knowledge is power. And she's determined to inform and educate the ladies of London on the nefarious-and deadly-criminals who are praying on the fairer sex. When her reporting leads to the arrest of a notorious killer, however, Katherine flees to a country house party to escape her newfound notoriety-only to witness a murder on her very first night. And when the lead detective accuses Katherine of inflaming-rather than informing-the public with her column, she vows to prove him wrong.
Detective Inspector Andrew Eversham's refusal to compromise his investigations nearly cost him his own career, and he blames Katherine. To avoid bad publicity, his superiors are pressuring him to solve cases quickly rather than correctly. When he discovers she's the key witness in a new crime, he's determined to prevent the beautiful widow from once again wreaking havoc on his case. Yet as Katherine proves surprisingly insightful and Andrew impresses Katherine with his lethal competency, both are forced to admit the fire between them is more flirtatious than furious. But to explore the passion between them, they'll need to catch a killer.

I loved the idea of this novel. The actual practice of it? It let me down a little. I was reading an egalley so I acknowledge there could be changes but I can't check them against a finished copy since wandering around a bookstore is not encouraged right now. I felt like there were a number of scenes where Collins repeated herself and others where they seemed to be out of order. For instance, right near the beginning of the novel we meet Eversham's boss Darrow. There's a scene where the two men talk and Eversham goes about his day. But then, a chapter or so later, they're back together and that's when the reader gets some backstory on Darrow. I didn't find it necessary to begin with and it was a weird spot to have it.

Lady Katherine, or Kate as she's better known by her friends, is very much a feminist which I appreciated. What was awkward was that it seemed like Collins was going out of her way to make sure the reader knew without any doubt that Kate was feminist. Like, I get it. She wants to make sure women have a voice. She runs her own newspaper. She's not afraid to discuss topics that were not "ladylike". I love all of that and maybe it's my modern sensibilities that made it stand out so much. It was also irksome that she was of noble birth and all these rich people were commenting on society when they have no clue what it's like for the average person, like those people who were getting murdered right under their noses. There were comments on classism and racism as well that drew parallels to what we're dealing with right now. And, while I appreciated them, it just didn't quite fit into the story. It felt like they were shoehorned into the plot and dialogue and it was jarring for me.

I liked the characters but I don't really feel like we got to know them very well. I was convinced for awhile that Caro couldn't be trusted because she was a new friend even though she and Kate were acting like they've been best friends since they were young. I was also irked that 1. It took forever to learn about how bad Kate's marriage had been and 2. It was her friend Val who told Eversham, and the reader, about it, not Kate.

The mystery was really intriguing and probably the best part of the plot. It kept me guessing and I really wasn't sure who the murder (or was it murderers, plural?) was going to be. I did have an idea early on, and was right, but that didn't keep me from being interested in, and anxiously waiting for, the reveal and (hopeful) capture of the killer. There were also way more layers to the murders than I could have guessed and that helped make it even more interesting. 

All in all, A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem was fine. Manda Collins' novel didn't thrill me and I probably won't pick up the next in the series but it entertained me enough while reading it. I'm sure there are many a reader out there who would love it more than I did.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, Forever, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

New Release: A Very Perry Christmas

I'm so very thrilled that Marie Landry's latest novella is out in the world! Yesterday was the publication day for A Very Perry Christmas, which I've been shouting about since Thanksgiving (that's Canadian Thanksgiving in October, don't forget). I beta read this for Marie and I was completely obsessed. I had a wicked bad headache that weekend but the story made me forget about it for awhile. The holiday magic is strong in this one.

Since I did beta read the manuscript, I won't be doing a true review but I wanted to post about it one more time to remind you all that it is now available for your ereaders (it's also out in paperback - the first time Marie has ever had a paperback!).

Here's what the novella is about:

Hot chocolate by the fire. Christmas carols. Stolen kisses in the snow. When Gwen's boyfriend Evan invites her to spend Christmas with his family, she pictures a perfect Hallmark holiday scene, complete with all the happy sighs and swoons.
But between Evan's brother who schedules the family’s every move, his sister who’s never met a mirror she didn’t like, and the amorous newlyweds who flaunt their sexcapades, Gwen finds herself dodging the Perrys like it's her job. The more Evan's family bring their own brand of chaos to Christmas, the more Gwen wonders if she's in over her head, and if the Christmas of her dreams is going to turn into a nightmare.

Here's where you can buy it:
Amazon Canada * Amazon US * Amazon UK * Kobo  * Nook * iBooks

And if you're not quite ready to buy it yet, make sure you add it to Goodreads so you remember to get it later.

Here's where you can connect with Marie online:
Instagram * Facebook *  Twitter * Website

Cover Reveal: Eventually Evie

I've "known" Cat Lavoie for years now and got to meet her in person at an event back in 2013 (I can't believe it's been seven years since I helped plan BookBuzz Toronto). She has four novels under her belt now and Eventually Evie, which will be published on January 4, 2021, will be her fifth. I've loved all of her previous books and this next one sounds just as delightful!

Here's what it's all about:

How are you supposed to get your life back on track when the Universe won’t stop messing with you?
After a series of personal and professional setbacks, interior designer Evie Glass has lost faith in herself and the world. The last thing she needs is her loud, boisterous family poking their noses in her business, so that’s why she avoids opening up about anything—especially her love life—during their weekly dinners. Thankfully, her bestie and next-door neighbor, Matilda, always has her back.
When Evie is asked to cat-sit Matilda’s beloved rescue, she’s not thrilled at the prospect. One well-meaning mistake later and a distraught Evie is rushing her furry charge to the ER where she meets and is instantly smitten with Fletcher West, a charming veterinarian who seems to return her interest. That is until they both realize they’ve met before—ten years ago when he was dating her temperamental cousin. Fletch’s break-up with Bee put him at the top of her family’s hit list and makes him the last person Evie should be dating.
In addition to navigating a secret romance with Fletch, Evie must also deal with a demanding new job, an eccentric client from her former life, and an ex who’s suddenly blowing up her phone. She convinces herself she’s got it all under control, but what happens when things start falling apart and Evie learns she’s not the only one keeping secrets?
One thing’s for sure…
Eventually Evie’s got to take a chance—on love, on life, and on herself.

Doesn't that sound like so much fun? I'm so excited to read it.

Time for the cover reveal! *drum roll*

How cute is that?? I really like the illustrated look of this one and how textured it is.

Now that you've read about the book and seen the super sweet cover, you should add Eventually Evie to your Goodreads shelf.

Better yet! Preorder it!
Amazon * B&N * iBooks * Kobo

Here are my reviews on her last few books:
Breaking the Rules
Zoey and the Moment of Zen
Peri in Progress
There's also Messing with Matilda but I didn't review that one for some reason!

About the Author
Cat Lavoie is a chick lit writer from Montreal, Canada.
She loves writing fun and quirky romantic comedies and is the author of BREAKING THE RULES, ZOEY & THE MOMENT OF ZEN, PERI IN PROGRESS and MESSING WITH MATILDA.
A fan of all things feline, Cat loves cats and hopes to someday have a house full of them in order to officially become a crazy cat lady. (But one or two cats will do for now.)
If she isn't reading or writing, Cat enjoys listening to podcasts (mostly comedy and true crime) and watching way too much TV. She fell in love with London many years ago and hopes to go back one day. Cat is currently at work on her next novel.
To connect with Cat and find out more about her books, visit CatLavoie.com and follow @CatLavoieBooks on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Connect with the Author
Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Website

Cover Reveal: Letters Across the Sea

Earlier this week Genevieve Graham (aka one of my favourite authors) teased she had some big news. I had an idea of what it could be and it turns out I was right! It's a cover for her upcoming novel, Letters Across the Sea. Yay! I've heard her speak about the story, which will be published on April 27, 2021, and I was looking forward to seeing what the designers did with the cover.

Here's the synopsis:

Inspired by a little-known chapter of World War II history, a young Protestant girl and her Jewish neighbour are caught up in the terrible wave of hate sweeping the globe on the eve of war in this powerful love story from the #1 bestselling author of The Forgotten Home Child.

I’m writing to say goodbye…
With all my love,
M

Summer 1933
At eighteen, Molly Ryan feels as though she is always looking for work to help her family through the Great Depression crippling her city. The one bright spot in her life is playing baseball with her best friend, Hannah Dreyfus, and sneaking glances at Hannah’s handsome older brother, Max. Molly knows that her Irish Protestant parents disapprove of her spending so much time with their Jewish neighbours, and she also sees the signs that say “No Jews Allowed” outside Toronto’s stores and parks. But unlike many of the city’s residents, Molly doesn’t blame Hannah and Max for the mass unemployment and unrest—they’re her beloved childhood friends.

As more of Hitler’s hateful ideas cross the sea, tensions between the two families and their communities rise, spilling over one smouldering day in August when a local “Swastika Club” unfurls a huge white banner bearing the Nazi symbol at a baseball game. A riot erupts, throwing Molly and Max together and sparking a secret they must keep from everyone they love.

When Max enlists to fight overseas, their love is put to the ultimate test, the letters between them a tenuous bond. By war’s end, both of their families will be scarred by painful betrayal as devastating truths come to light.

Doesn't that sound so interesting? I know Graham will do this story justice and bring this piece of  Canadian history to life. It's something she does incredibly well.

Ready for the cover?

I don't know about you but this definitely intrigues me and I wonder what the letter she's holding could say.

On Tuesday CBC Books helped her unveil the cover and shared an exclusive excerpt. You can check it out here.

I've always been looking forward to Genevieve Graham's next novel but seeing the cover makes it more real and I'm so much more excited now. Are you as excited for Letters Across the Sea as I am?

Review: All Roads Lead to You

Jennifer Probst's Stay series has been an absolute delight to read. Such a delight, in fact, that they're some of the hardest reviews to write because I just want to tell you they're lovely and you should read them. But I will do my best to tell you all exactly why you should read All Roads Lead to You.

Here's the synopsis:

Happily single, Harper Bishop trusts in only one passion—her rescue farm and healing her thoroughbred, Phoenix. Her dream is to lead him to the Triple Crown. But how unreachable is it without experience or help? A handsome new guest at her family’s B&B has what it takes to make it come true. And with his irresistible brogue, warm smile, and soothing touch, he’s a major distraction.
After a bitter betrayal, horse trainer Aidan O’Connor has fled Ireland for a vacation in New York’s Hudson Valley. When he sees the horse with the fighting spirit, he’s inspired with a new goal: to train Phoenix to win. He’s also facing an unexpected new challenge: his feelings for Harper
How can she dare to open her heart to a man who’ll be there only long enough to break it?
So Harper and Aidan agree: try to keep it professional, and focus only on Phoenix and the finish line. But along the way, they could also learn a few lessons in love, trust, and taking chances. And, as painful as it promises to be, saying goodbye.

As I said, this is a series (read my reviews of book one and two) but it's one of those ones where you could read them out of order if that's how they come across your reading plate. They're romances so you know from the get go that the main characters are going to get together so you shouldn't be spoiled too much when you read about a previous couple in subsequent books.

What I really liked about this series was just how freaking lovely they are. They're not annoyingly sweet and find just the right the balance of drama and romance. There's a focus on career and family, not just the romantic relationship. There's a cast of secondary characters who liven things up (including a hilarious Polish chicken named Hei Hei) and complement the main characters and their story.

A big part of the loveliness of this series is due to the books' location. They're set in Hudson Valley, somewhere I've never actually been but have read a good number of romances set there. I love the small town feel that also has some hustle and bustle because of tourists that visit every summer. Small town romances are some of my favourites so it really shouldn't be a surprise that I liked these ones so much because of that.

Harper was the sibling that was the hardest to get a read on through the other two books. She's not stand-offish, exactly, but she doesn't see the point of romance and a Happily Ever After like her siblings seem to. She's super focused on her work and her horses which, I think, is why Aidan got to her. He was a lot like her in that he was hyper-focused on his work and horses too. It was enjoyable to watch them learn to work together, instead of butting heads, which, as you may imagine, ratcheted up the sexual tension. 

I'm not a horse person (I only had the briefest of pony phases when I was a kid) but I really liked reading about the race circuit in this story. It wasn't something I had ever really thought about so in-depth before and it was an interesting backdrop for a romance novel. 

I think a lot of us can use some really sweet and fun romances these days and I highly recommend Jennifer Probst's Stay series. They're quick reads that will uplift and delight you. I'm sad All Roads Lead to You seems to the be the last because I've thoroughly enjoyed all the time I've spent with those characters and I'm sad that I won't have the occasion to visit them again.

*A copy of this novel was provided by the Canadian distributor, Thomas Allen & Son, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Review: All the Love in the World

Karina Halle has given a gift to her most avid readers. All the Love in the World is a collection of short stories that visit some of her past characters and check in on how they're doing. Readers will be reminded of so many good memories as they read through the collection.

Here's the description of the collection:

This collection of five sexy, funny, thrilling, & emotional short stories and novellas bring together some of the most beloved characters from such books and series as The Forbidden Man, The Nordic Royals, Experiment in Terror, Dirty Angels, and The McGregors into one amazing anthology.

Each holiday story is all original, never-before published, revolving around a specific holiday. So whether you're in the Christmas spirit, all loved up with Valentine's Day, want to be spooked by Halloween, or ring in the New Year, there's something for everyone.

First things first...there has been a bit of confusion that even the description hasn't cleared up for some people. This is not a Christmas collection. Halle writes about all sorts of holidays throughout the year, including summer vacation. So, if you're looking for a book full of holly jolly festive spirit, this is not the one for you!

I felt like these stories were a love letter to Halle's biggest fans and by biggest I mean those who have read every single thing she's written. I've read a lot but not nearly close to everything. There are a few of her darker and paranormal series that I know I'll never read and I've missed a few of her others here and there (she writes SO fast that it's hard to keep up with all of the new releases). I'm mentioning this because even I, someone who feels like I'm an avid fan of Halle, felt like I could only enjoy a portion of the book. I knew that going in and only read one story that featured characters I had never read before (mostly to confirm that my feelings were accurate and that series wasn't for me). All told, I feel like I only read about half the book - even though I did read 4 of the 5 main stories (there are longer stories and shorter ones at the end and only a couple of those were of interest to me). Not the end of the world but a major consideration to make before purchasing it for yourself (which you should consider if you've read a lot of Halle's work).

All that being said, I did really like being able to revisit some of the characters I've read in the past. I loved both the McGregor and Nordic Royals series so those were the two stories I was most looking forward to reading. My favourite of all the ones I read was "Arrow Through the Heart" where I got to check in with Lachlan and Kayla, and all the other McGregors. Plus, that story was set in Edinburgh and I have a major love affair with that city at the moment. Coming in at a close second was "A Nordic New Year." I really liked what Halle did with that story - had a character from each couple narrate a chapter. It allowed for a really well-rounded catch up of each character.

While Karina Halle's collection All the Love in the World allowed for readers to catch up with some of their favourite characters, I was left wanting just a little bit more from the book. The stories, as is the very nature of short stories, were short and I guess I'm just greedy in wanting more! I appreciate what she did with the collection and I had fun reading it.

*An egalley of this collection was provided by the author via Valentine PR in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Review: In a Holidaze

Yes, I am aware the calendar just turned to November but the world of publishing cares not and SO MANY Christmassy titles have already been released. Including Christina Lauren's latest, In a Holidaze. I read it over Thanksgiving weekend (reminder: I'm in Canada and I celebrated Thanksgiving in mid-October...I'm not time traveling like the main character in this book) and was completely sucked into the story. It's festive, it's fun, and it's so heartwarming.

Here's the synopsis:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

I have to admit I was a bit wary of Lauren's newest novel. The last few of theirs (another reminder: Christina Lauren is a pseudonym for author duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings) have been just...fine. Enjoyable but nothing groundbreaking. But In a Holidaze? Exactly what I wanted and needed. It was the type of Christina Lauren I expect and I'm so glad it held up to my (high) expectations.

I know I'm not alone with my tendency to not reread a synopsis before diving into a book. And, to be honest, I don't even think I read what this book was about before requesting it. Christina Lauren AND Christmas? Sign. Me. Up. Therefore, I had forgotten/not known that there was a really fun time loop element to the story. For those who don't like any whiff of fantasy or magic in their stories: fear not. Lauren works the time loop into the plot in such a way that it just...makes sense. You forget, sort of, that Mae has somehow been living the same week over and over and over again and you just roll with the story as she tries to figure out what exactly it is she wants out of life.

While this novel is billed as a rom com, there's also a hefty dose of real life drama that Mae is dealing with. It's less about the romantic Happily Ever After (though that is a part of the story) and more about her feeling settled in her life and doing what makes her happy. She's in her mid-twenties and I remember kind of feeling the same at that age. Hell, I still feel like that sometimes at 33. There was a really powerful scene right at the start of the book, before the first loop, where Mae wants to asks the universe for what she wants but she realizes she actually has no idea what she wants. So, she asks to be shown what will make her happy. Haven't we all wished for that a time or two?

There's a strong Christmas element to the novel. That's not always the case these days with Christmas books but In a Holidaze gets right to what many of us feel is the most important part of the holiday: family and traditions. And that family isn't just your blood relatives. It's your found family, those who are the most important people in your life. The group in this novel get together every Christmas and trim the tree and have snow sculpture competitions, and eat and drink far too much. You can feel the love, and the cheer, and that's what I loved about this story.

In a Holidaze was one of my favourite reads in October. Not only that, but I think all the holiday books I have yet to read will have a tough go ahead of them if they want to beat out Christina Lauren's for the top spot on my holiday reading list this year. 

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, Simon & Schuster Canada, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*