Review: The Way You Hold Me

The Way You Hold Me by Elle Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Skye Palmer is a master at handling disasters for top clients. When Hollywood actress, Paige Mills, finds herself at the forefront of a major scandal involving her husband, Skye is selected to help navigate this publicity nightmare. Garrett Steele is an attorney whose firm handles disasters. He is hired by Paige's husband. Skye and Garrett team up to handle the case and these former lovers' passion reignite. Both Skye and Garrett have to overcome issues from their past before they can ever have a chance at a future.

I loved that the author portrayed a main character who was seeing a therapist. Many times there is a stigma with that and so seeing a successful woman do this, I think will be empowering to many readers. I especially loved the bond between Garrett and Max and how he stepped up to be there for his sister. Those scenes were heartwarming and I can relate as there is a fifteen year gap between myself and my sister.

Memorable quotes:
"I want to kiss you again. I want to kiss you so long and so hard and so deep that you forget about the past and the future." Whew. What a line.
"The problem with overthinking is people tend to live their lives based on what could happen as opposed to enjoying what is happening."

This is the second read in the series. I loved seeing glimpses of Zara and X - her pregnancy eating was hilarious. I look forward to reading the third book.
Thank you #Netgalley

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Review: Do No Harm

Do No Harm by Christina McDonald
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Emma is a doctor who has huge student loan bills, so while she and her detective husband, Nate, are comfortable, they cannot afford any calamity. Then her five year old son, Josh, becomes ill and is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
As any mother can relate and understand, Emma is desperate to save her son's life. Josh needs a costly procedure that her insurance will not cover and Emma decides to get the money herself. She will do anything necessary to save him, even sell opiods.
Whew! What a read.
I admit I have mixed feelings about this one. I am a huge fan of the author. And when it comes to descriptions and laying out the scenes, she did not disappoint. Christina McDonald made me visualize everything Emma and Nate were facing. I felt their panic, their pressure and their love for their son. What I didn't get about Emma's character was how she beelined toward the decision to sell opiods so quickly.
She was twisty and at times, cold. I found some of her actions really horrible all the while saying, the ends justifies the means. So, while I had to read what would happen, I didn't like how she was comfortable lying and using the men in her life to get her way.
So many things happened that made this read emotional and intense but again, there was no redemption for this character. I read it quickly, tore through it but even now, I am not sure how I feel. I look forward to more from this author as her skills are off-the-charts.
Thank you #Netgalley.

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Review: A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell

A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell by Joanna Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Honora Blake has been fending for herself since her husband, Frank left her on her own. Then Lord Isaac Lovell comes into her life to tell her that Frank has died. While she is grappling with that, Honora learns she is broke and without a place to live. Isaac opens his home to her and soon, Honora, finds herself a new family with his pregnant ward, Charlotte.
I loved the interracial romance factor and the fact that the hero and heroine were a little older and more mature. My heart melted at the tenderness between Honora and Charlotte. I loved how Honora was feisty and independent. And, I was glad to see how the author showed Isaac's soft side and how he became a man of honor - overcoming a rakish past.
Here's a quote of Honora's discovery:
"His face was handsome and his title might impress some, but it was the light in his soul that called to Honora and made hers cry out in return."
Honora and Isaac's romance also had passion but their conflict at the end felt...contrived. Honora had a premonition, it appeared, but then was shocked when she learned the truth. But this is a romance and there has to be a black moment, I guess...
Other than that, I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin

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Review: Scandal and the Runaway Bride

Scandal and the Runaway Bride by Donna Alward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Will Pemberton is furious when he learns his brother's bride, Gabi, has run off on the day of their wedding. He is all about protecting his family's name and comes up with a quick plan of action. What he didn't see coming was his attraction to Gabi and the potential to create an even bigger scandal because of their love.
This was a cute story and it was interesting to see a hero with a rough past like Will's. He overcame so much and worked on rebuilding his reputation. But being with Gabi could mean seeing his reputation in shreds and put him at odds with his family.
What I absolutely loved were Gabi's interactions with her family. They were so loving and supportive. I enjoyed seeing how they were with each other.
Here is a line that warmed my heart: "He liked her as a person, desired her as a woman." Overall, this read made me smile. Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin for the ARC.

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Review: After Hours Redemption

After Hours Redemption by Kianna Alexander
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Blaine Woodson broke Eden Voss' heart to save his record label. Years later, Blaine is back to ask Eden to help write songs for his new artist, Naima B. Eden agrees because of financial obligations and though she is attracted to Blaine, vows to keep things between them on a professional level.
I found this a quick, enjoyable read. At times, I didn't understand Blaine and his actions. He was...frustrating and yes, selfish. I was glad to see how the author developed both characters and it was good to see their growth. It isn't easy to redeem characters and I felt she did that with Blaine. They had an intense and hot attraction that will keep readers turning the pages.
The cover is hot. Thank you, #Netgalley #Harlequin.

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Review: Pretty Baby

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From beginning to end, Mary Kubica had me spellbound. Lots of visceral reactions to this read. I loved how she broke this character down. It is unbelievable what grief can do if isn't handled or acknowledged. Great read. Finished in hours!

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Review: The Gift of Family

The Gift of Family by Mary Monroe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rosemary and Eugene Johnson meets all our couple goals. She owns a nail salon and he is an entertainment lawyer. They live in a beautiful home and are in love. The only thing missing is a child. When Rosemary needs emergency surgery and needs to stay home to recuperate, Eugene brings in Ethel Perkins, the woman who his caretaker.
Once Ethel begins working for them, she becomes more than an employee and the bond they form with her will have a lifetime impact on both families.
The Gift of Family was a sweet, heartwarming read. The characters were relatable and the overall message, uplifting. I loved the faith element. This wasn't drama-filled but it tugged at my heart strings. I think many will enjoy this story.
Memorable quote:
"Without boundaries and structure, anything could happen. Unfortunately, when there are no boundaries or when they are ignored, bad things are more likely to happen."
Thank you, Netgalley!

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