Here are four quickie reviews of books I’ve read lately.

Saved by the Belle by Shana Galen on Hooked By That Book

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 on Hooked By That Book

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 on Hooked By That Book

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


Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews on Hooked By That Book

Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews

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