Here are four quickie reviews of books I’ve read lately.
Saved by the Belle by Shana Galen
Belle nurses Hew back to life after he got stabbed, and become embroiled in his dangerous mission.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was a fast-moving, fun caper. I thought the motivations for Hew’s stabbing were a bit thin, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ensuing events. Belle’s vast tea knowledge added an interesting dimension. Hew was afraid to trust in love again, but Belle and her bold demeanour soon had him upside down. I enjoyed the two of them together. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Genre: Historical Romance
Published: March 7, 2023
Series: The Royal Saboteurs
Sensuality Rating: Warm
The Happiness Plan by Susan Mallery
An emotional, heart-breaking story that follows three women trying to figure out themselves and their relationships.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was difficult at times and so emotional. The characters were certainly put through the ringer and I was there with them for every agonizing second until the end. Everyone worked very hard and definitely earned their happy-ever-afters.
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction
Published: June 20, 2023
Sensuality Rating: Subtle
The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy
Cassie picked Tate to be the perfect summer fling, if only he would agree.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I just loved Cassie and Tate with their intense attraction and entertaining interactions. They took the time to be friends first, even if their reasons were a bit dumb, and they got to know each other really well. Cassie experienced so much pain, but also growth and development, in her relationship with her parents and her stepmother. It was great seeing the characters from the previous books there as well and the ultra-competitive beach contest provided plenty of light-hearted amusement. This book came with more than enough emotional moments and sweet, romantic moments, and I savored every single one.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 18, 2023
Series: Avalon Bay
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Kate and Curran can’t resist a request from a local businessman to rid the neighborhood of a mysterious evil.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I didn’t want this to end. It was spectacular to see Kate and Curran do what they do best and loving it. The action was intense, delivered in the usual matter-of-fact style of the authors. I’m excited about the direction this might be going into and I can’t wait to read more of their adventures.
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Published: June 13, 2023
Series: Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years Series
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Hope you enjoyed these quickie reviews. Have you read any of these books yet?
**Image by Freepik
I enjoyed Mallery, Kennedy and Andrews in the past. I definitely need to add these to my reading list. Glad to see you enjoyed them.
Ilona Andrews is my favorite! I read their work as soon as I can get it.
Me too!
I can’t believe I have yet to read anything by Susan Mallery. I mean, her books are *everywhere.* So glad you enjoyed all four of these!
I really like her books, but they tend to be quite emotional, so you have to be in the right mood to read them. Well, I have to be.
Saved by the Belle sounds like a story I’d enjoy. I also loved Magic Claims! Can’t wait for more Kate Daniels!
I read and enjoyed The Summer Girl. I’m glad you enjoyed it as well!
Great reviews! I especially like the sound of The Summer Girl.
Thanks!
Love this format! I’ve been thinking about doing something similar because I read so many books and don’t review them all but mini reviews are fun too.
That is exactly why I did it. Sometimes I just write something short on Goodreads and I thought I should put that up on my blog too.
I have not read any of these books yet. They look worth looking into. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve got the first two books in that Elle Kennedy series and need to get them read! Glad to see you loved that one. Great reviews!
I liked all of the books in that series. They were really sweet.