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Recommend this book:
Love is Worth Fighting For
The Meraki Series Book 3
Effie Kammenou
2023 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Love is Worth Fighting For is the third novel in The Meraki Series by Effie Kammenou. All Krystina wanted was to become famous on social media and travel to the most beautiful locations. She wanted to achieve those big dreams and do all that away from Loukas. He used to be a great friend, but a mistake in the past made them drift apart. However, that didn’t stop Loukas from trying to win her heart. He got the perfect opportunity to do that when Krystina and her sister traveled to Athens to find out what happened to their grandfather. It all started with a mystery, and before they knew it, Loukas and Krystina slowly realized they weren’t the frenemies they thought they were. As they fell for each other, they discovered there was more to life than just chasing dreams.
Set in the time of the COVID era, author Effie Kammenou worked her magic and made her characters shine. The plot was great, and the execution of it was perfect. I loved Loukas. He was charming, determined, and ready to do whatever it took to win Krystina’s heart. Loukas never overwhelmed her, but he was always there for her and waiting for her to reach out at her own pace. I didn’t like Krystina in the beginning, but she really grew on me. She was headstrong and had the drive to chase after ideas and dreams. Their character development was off-the-charts good. You may feel a little stunned by the chapter count, but it all makes sense. The descriptions in Love is Worth Fighting For were amazing! I felt like I was traveling along with Krystina and Loukas. The descriptions of Greece were magical, and I loved it! Now, I want to read the previous novels in the series and revisit this one. I highly recommend this novel!
Love is Worth Fighting For is the third novel in The Meraki Series by Effie Kammenou. All Krystina wanted was to become famous on social media and travel to the most beautiful locations. She wanted to achieve those big dreams and do all that away from Loukas. He used to be a great friend, but a mistake in the past made them drift apart. However, that didn’t stop Loukas from trying to win her heart. He got the perfect opportunity to do that when Krystina and her sister traveled to Athens to find out what happened to their grandfather. It all started with a mystery, and before they knew it, Loukas and Krystina slowly realized they weren’t the frenemies they thought they were. As they fell for each other, they discovered there was more to life than just chasing dreams.
Set in the time of the COVID era, author Effie Kammenou worked her magic and made her characters shine. The plot was great, and the execution of it was perfect. I loved Loukas. He was charming, determined, and ready to do whatever it took to win Krystina’s heart. Loukas never overwhelmed her, but he was always there for her and waiting for her to reach out at her own pace. I didn’t like Krystina in the beginning, but she really grew on me. She was headstrong and had the drive to chase after ideas and dreams. Their character development was off-the-charts good. You may feel a little stunned by the chapter count, but it all makes sense. The descriptions in Love is Worth Fighting For were amazing! I felt like I was traveling along with Krystina and Loukas. The descriptions of Greece were magical, and I loved it! Now, I want to read the previous novels in the series and revisit this one. I highly recommend this novel!
Recommend this book:
Fallen Raven
Raven Duet Book 1
Diana A. Hicks
2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
In the first book of the Raven Duet by Diana A. Hicks, Fallen Raven features Aurora’s indoctrination into the five families located in New York City. Somehow her father saved Head Mafia Leader Michael Alfera and was elevated to being his right-hand man. She is made to sign a non-disclosure agreement based on Signoria Vittoria’s threat of death if she fails to follow the rules. Penny de Luca is assigned to help Aurora become accustomed to their rules. Penny tells her to avoid the “Royals," who are the direct heirs to the families. However, it seems Aurora cannot resist the allure of Enzo Alfera. Enzo has the same feelings for the “outsider,” and does his best to avoid interacting with her. Unable to resist his warring thoughts, he succumbs to his inner desire and intends to make Aurora his.
Diana A. Hicks painted a slow-burn romance balanced on the dark edge of danger. The narrative is told between Aurora and Enzo. The transition scenes that unfold are easy to follow. I felt that Aurora was naive to ignore how her father was constantly parading affluent members of the Mafia around her. He even told her that he wanted her to marry someone powerful to secure their family's future. Enzo’s avoidance of Aurora confused me as much as it did her. One moment he appears welcoming and overly friendly toward her, then he acts like he doesn’t know she exists. His best friend, Rex, seems to be the only level-headed member. The descriptions of the school, the hierarchy of each family, and the lavish homes are vivid. The story is unpredictable and it is difficult to trust who is a good or bad guy. The cliffhanger ending offers several different possible outcomes. Fallen Raven will capture the minds of readers who enjoy Mafia political romances with plenty of action to entertain them.
In the first book of the Raven Duet by Diana A. Hicks, Fallen Raven features Aurora’s indoctrination into the five families located in New York City. Somehow her father saved Head Mafia Leader Michael Alfera and was elevated to being his right-hand man. She is made to sign a non-disclosure agreement based on Signoria Vittoria’s threat of death if she fails to follow the rules. Penny de Luca is assigned to help Aurora become accustomed to their rules. Penny tells her to avoid the “Royals," who are the direct heirs to the families. However, it seems Aurora cannot resist the allure of Enzo Alfera. Enzo has the same feelings for the “outsider,” and does his best to avoid interacting with her. Unable to resist his warring thoughts, he succumbs to his inner desire and intends to make Aurora his.
Diana A. Hicks painted a slow-burn romance balanced on the dark edge of danger. The narrative is told between Aurora and Enzo. The transition scenes that unfold are easy to follow. I felt that Aurora was naive to ignore how her father was constantly parading affluent members of the Mafia around her. He even told her that he wanted her to marry someone powerful to secure their family's future. Enzo’s avoidance of Aurora confused me as much as it did her. One moment he appears welcoming and overly friendly toward her, then he acts like he doesn’t know she exists. His best friend, Rex, seems to be the only level-headed member. The descriptions of the school, the hierarchy of each family, and the lavish homes are vivid. The story is unpredictable and it is difficult to trust who is a good or bad guy. The cliffhanger ending offers several different possible outcomes. Fallen Raven will capture the minds of readers who enjoy Mafia political romances with plenty of action to entertain them.
Recommend this book:
The Missed Kiss
Nicola Lowe
2022 Finalist
286 Pages
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
The Missed Kiss by Nicola Lowe is a fresh and flirty contemporary romance novel about a young woman torn between two lovers. Lily is twenty-seven and works as a legal secretary at Draper & Hughes. Lily is perfectly content with her life, but she has been single for four years because of her last relationship that ended horribly. She knows it's time to start dating again. Therefore, her best friend, Cassie, arranged a date with a lawyer named Zack for her. Lily agrees to meet Zack, and fortunately, he will prove to be her chance to fall in love again. However, her other best friend, Luke, who helped her recover from the breakup, just returned home, ready to finally tell her what he feels for her. Thus, Lily will have to decide between Zack and Luke.
I didn't expect a romance novel to be this delightful and intriguing. The Missed Kiss by Nicola Lowe is a fantastic emotionally-charged novel about finding the courage to love and to let someone love you after being hurt. It's a gorgeous and engrossing novel I won't soon forget as it's told with both heartbreaking care and vivid detail. Nicola Lowe is clearly a talented writer who excels at creating love triangles. I fell in love with the characters, and to my surprise, I could not choose which one I would prefer: Zack or Luke. Nicola Lowe's writing is so intelligent and gripping. I know that my next read will be the sequel, To Kiss You Again, as I'm anxious to discover which life Lily has chosen.
The Missed Kiss by Nicola Lowe is a fresh and flirty contemporary romance novel about a young woman torn between two lovers. Lily is twenty-seven and works as a legal secretary at Draper & Hughes. Lily is perfectly content with her life, but she has been single for four years because of her last relationship that ended horribly. She knows it's time to start dating again. Therefore, her best friend, Cassie, arranged a date with a lawyer named Zack for her. Lily agrees to meet Zack, and fortunately, he will prove to be her chance to fall in love again. However, her other best friend, Luke, who helped her recover from the breakup, just returned home, ready to finally tell her what he feels for her. Thus, Lily will have to decide between Zack and Luke.
I didn't expect a romance novel to be this delightful and intriguing. The Missed Kiss by Nicola Lowe is a fantastic emotionally-charged novel about finding the courage to love and to let someone love you after being hurt. It's a gorgeous and engrossing novel I won't soon forget as it's told with both heartbreaking care and vivid detail. Nicola Lowe is clearly a talented writer who excels at creating love triangles. I fell in love with the characters, and to my surprise, I could not choose which one I would prefer: Zack or Luke. Nicola Lowe's writing is so intelligent and gripping. I know that my next read will be the sequel, To Kiss You Again, as I'm anxious to discover which life Lily has chosen.
Recommend this book:
Jagged Feathers
Jan Sikes
2022 Honorable Mention
380 Pages
Check current price
Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Jagged Feathers by Jan Sikes is a suspenseful romance with an intense plot that will keep you invested until the end. Vann Noble served his country with pride, but when he lost a limb, he came back. With nothing more to do than reflect on his life and lick his wounds, Vann settles in a cabin outside a small town. He was looking forward to the isolation with the company of his misery and his angelic stray dog. He was not expecting to find Nakina Bird, an enigmatic woman who wanted nothing from him but shelter. With people out to kill her, Nakina had no choice but to seek shelter in a place where no one would even think of finding her. But as days go by, Vann realized Nakina had secrets that she was not ready to share, even if those secrets could get them killed. Would she tell Vann what she was hiding, or were they doing to die?
It has been a long time since I read a really good suspenseful romance and I am glad I came across Jagged Feathers. Aptly named, author Jan Sikes has done a fantastic job of creating an outstanding storyline that rocks the reader's world. It is intense, filled with emotions, and almost makes the reader numb with Vann’s pain. He struggled a lot; he had no purpose outside the military and was almost drifting away when Nakina came knocking on his door. They both needed each other, not only to survive but to live. Jan Sikes created an atmosphere that was sweltering at first, a little claustrophobic because Vann was feeling all these emotions. However, as he started to feel better, the pace changed, and so did the overall feel of the story. I loved the dialogues, the descriptions, and the weight of the story. Emotional and entertaining. I loved it!
Jagged Feathers by Jan Sikes is a suspenseful romance with an intense plot that will keep you invested until the end. Vann Noble served his country with pride, but when he lost a limb, he came back. With nothing more to do than reflect on his life and lick his wounds, Vann settles in a cabin outside a small town. He was looking forward to the isolation with the company of his misery and his angelic stray dog. He was not expecting to find Nakina Bird, an enigmatic woman who wanted nothing from him but shelter. With people out to kill her, Nakina had no choice but to seek shelter in a place where no one would even think of finding her. But as days go by, Vann realized Nakina had secrets that she was not ready to share, even if those secrets could get them killed. Would she tell Vann what she was hiding, or were they doing to die?
It has been a long time since I read a really good suspenseful romance and I am glad I came across Jagged Feathers. Aptly named, author Jan Sikes has done a fantastic job of creating an outstanding storyline that rocks the reader's world. It is intense, filled with emotions, and almost makes the reader numb with Vann’s pain. He struggled a lot; he had no purpose outside the military and was almost drifting away when Nakina came knocking on his door. They both needed each other, not only to survive but to live. Jan Sikes created an atmosphere that was sweltering at first, a little claustrophobic because Vann was feeling all these emotions. However, as he started to feel better, the pace changed, and so did the overall feel of the story. I loved the dialogues, the descriptions, and the weight of the story. Emotional and entertaining. I loved it!
Recommend this book:
Chasing Hope
Dana Wayne
2022 Bronze Medal
295 Pages
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Chasing Hope by Dana Wayne is the story of two lost souls who are trying to find a hold in this world, but they end up finding each other and themselves in the process. Max Logan joined the Marines and for 18 years he gave his best to his country. Things were going well, but one incident led to a chain of events that made him fall hard and get hurt more than just physically. He always wanted a family, but it seems as if it is not in the cards for him. Enter his next-door neighbors Skylar and Maddie, a mother-daughter duo that barges into his life and they don’t seem to be leaving any time soon. They need him and he needs a family, but who will get Skylar and Max to see that they are perfect for each other?
Chasing Hope by Dana Wayne is my kind of romance, one with heavy chemistry between the two protagonists and a surprise element that brings the story together. I absolutely loved how the story developed, how it took flight and ended. The characters were all amazing, but Maddie was my favorite. She was a breath of fresh air that kept the momentum going and ensured that everything came together in the end. While Skylar had my sympathies, my heart belonged to Max who just tried so hard to move forward, survive but keep his heart intact. I enjoyed the fact that the author kept the themes of familial love along with romantic love. The pace was fast, the love was simple yet energetic, and the dialogues were lively enough to make me want to know more about the characters. To say that I loved this novel is not enough! Absolutely beautiful. It deserves these 5 stars.
Chasing Hope by Dana Wayne is the story of two lost souls who are trying to find a hold in this world, but they end up finding each other and themselves in the process. Max Logan joined the Marines and for 18 years he gave his best to his country. Things were going well, but one incident led to a chain of events that made him fall hard and get hurt more than just physically. He always wanted a family, but it seems as if it is not in the cards for him. Enter his next-door neighbors Skylar and Maddie, a mother-daughter duo that barges into his life and they don’t seem to be leaving any time soon. They need him and he needs a family, but who will get Skylar and Max to see that they are perfect for each other?
Chasing Hope by Dana Wayne is my kind of romance, one with heavy chemistry between the two protagonists and a surprise element that brings the story together. I absolutely loved how the story developed, how it took flight and ended. The characters were all amazing, but Maddie was my favorite. She was a breath of fresh air that kept the momentum going and ensured that everything came together in the end. While Skylar had my sympathies, my heart belonged to Max who just tried so hard to move forward, survive but keep his heart intact. I enjoyed the fact that the author kept the themes of familial love along with romantic love. The pace was fast, the love was simple yet energetic, and the dialogues were lively enough to make me want to know more about the characters. To say that I loved this novel is not enough! Absolutely beautiful. It deserves these 5 stars.
Recommend this book:
The Refusal
The Techboys Series
Eve M. Riley
2022 Silver Medal
312 Pages
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
Janus Industries, a billion-dollar firm owned by Janus Phillips, experienced a security breach that could take down their entire network. The company brought a struggling Williams Security on board, owned by Jo Williams. It was fiery sparks at first sight for Jo and Janus, who have been through dark times in their lives. Jo focused on keeping her firm afloat while Janus had it all; money, women, and a luxury lifestyle. When Janus Industries experienced another breach in their Hong Kong branch, Jo and Janus traveled there, which led to a blowout. Between their insecurities, press vultures, security breaches, and the potential downfall of a billion-dollar corporation, will the lovebirds find their way to each other? The Refusal by Eve M. Riley has the complete story.
Hurray! The tech world gets its romance series! The Refusal by Eve M. Riley is a slow-burn romance novel that captivated me. It will appeal to both laid-back and hot-blooded, starry-eyed lovers who like to get swept off their feet. The Refusal gave Harlequin and Silhouette collections a run for their money. I love women like Jo, who earn their seats at the table by being excellent at their jobs. Janus was my cup of tea. He was a balanced and well-grounded hunk of a man, seeing where he used to be and his rise to the top. I also fell in love with Fabian. Such loyalty to friendship, even at his expense. I hope to see a Jo and Darcy face-off in subsequent installments. Keep writing, Eve!
Janus Industries, a billion-dollar firm owned by Janus Phillips, experienced a security breach that could take down their entire network. The company brought a struggling Williams Security on board, owned by Jo Williams. It was fiery sparks at first sight for Jo and Janus, who have been through dark times in their lives. Jo focused on keeping her firm afloat while Janus had it all; money, women, and a luxury lifestyle. When Janus Industries experienced another breach in their Hong Kong branch, Jo and Janus traveled there, which led to a blowout. Between their insecurities, press vultures, security breaches, and the potential downfall of a billion-dollar corporation, will the lovebirds find their way to each other? The Refusal by Eve M. Riley has the complete story.
Hurray! The tech world gets its romance series! The Refusal by Eve M. Riley is a slow-burn romance novel that captivated me. It will appeal to both laid-back and hot-blooded, starry-eyed lovers who like to get swept off their feet. The Refusal gave Harlequin and Silhouette collections a run for their money. I love women like Jo, who earn their seats at the table by being excellent at their jobs. Janus was my cup of tea. He was a balanced and well-grounded hunk of a man, seeing where he used to be and his rise to the top. I also fell in love with Fabian. Such loyalty to friendship, even at his expense. I hope to see a Jo and Darcy face-off in subsequent installments. Keep writing, Eve!
Recommend this book:
Family of Blue
Kaylee Rose
2022 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Ledo for Readers' Favorite
In an unfortunate life-altering tragedy, Kellie finds comfort and strength in responding officer Deputy Lance Malloy. Following in his father’s footsteps, Lance is the paragon of what an officer should be; professional, passionate, and committed. He and his fellow officers are more than family, and they have each other’s backs, come hell or high water. When Lance suffers an unthinkable tragedy of his own, he finds himself yearning for the comfort of an unlikely source. Family of Blue by Kaylee Rose delves into the otherwise unknown depths of the immense sacrifices made by our officers and, by extension, their loved ones.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m on edge waiting for the next installment. Ending on a cliff-hanger, I need to know what happens next. Kaylee Rose has done a superb job with this gem. So real and believable, her writing is natural and effortless with the ability to create vivid imagery and characters that you feel a deep connection with. The emotion in this book is raw and palpable. I found myself fully invested in the characters and really drawn into their lives and experiences. I cried and I laughed out loud, I felt hope and I felt despair. Tragedy, grief, romance, love, humor, and wit are all skillfully portrayed with undeniable authenticity. I’ve gained a different perspective and a renewed respect for our officers who put it all on the line to keep our communities safe. I would highly recommend adding Family of Blue to your list of must-reads.
In an unfortunate life-altering tragedy, Kellie finds comfort and strength in responding officer Deputy Lance Malloy. Following in his father’s footsteps, Lance is the paragon of what an officer should be; professional, passionate, and committed. He and his fellow officers are more than family, and they have each other’s backs, come hell or high water. When Lance suffers an unthinkable tragedy of his own, he finds himself yearning for the comfort of an unlikely source. Family of Blue by Kaylee Rose delves into the otherwise unknown depths of the immense sacrifices made by our officers and, by extension, their loved ones.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m on edge waiting for the next installment. Ending on a cliff-hanger, I need to know what happens next. Kaylee Rose has done a superb job with this gem. So real and believable, her writing is natural and effortless with the ability to create vivid imagery and characters that you feel a deep connection with. The emotion in this book is raw and palpable. I found myself fully invested in the characters and really drawn into their lives and experiences. I cried and I laughed out loud, I felt hope and I felt despair. Tragedy, grief, romance, love, humor, and wit are all skillfully portrayed with undeniable authenticity. I’ve gained a different perspective and a renewed respect for our officers who put it all on the line to keep our communities safe. I would highly recommend adding Family of Blue to your list of must-reads.
Recommend this book:
No More Secrets
Book Three In The Carter Island Trilogy
Cate Beauman
2022 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Cayla-Paige Nortje for Readers' Favorite
No More Secrets by Cate Beauman is a story about Gwen Carter, a fiercely independent and proud woman who is adamant to prove to herself and those around her that she can do it all on her own. She moved to Carter Island for a fresh start for her and her baby girl, Kaitlyn. However, meeting Cade Paxton might just be the beginning of the derailing of her carefully thought-out plan. Although emotionally cut off at the beginning due to his own experience of heartache, meeting Gwen and her daughter is the healing balm he didn't know he needed. And when an unwelcome visitor arrives to turn Gwen's world on its head, Cade will have none of it. Was it fate that their paths crossed, or was it chance? Will Gwen be able to put aside her pride and allow herself the happiness that she deserves?
Cate Beauman has delivered yet another beautiful rendition of the type of happiness that awaits when you give in to the unexpected and let go of the notion of a plan. Amazing descriptive writing had me hooked from the beginning. I loved being able to imagine the scenes so clearly! I was fully invested from the very beginning of No More Secrets because of the emotion that Cate was able to bring out in her writing. This book portrays how only through facing their fears of opening themselves up to one another and letting the other in can a relationship flourish. The chemistry and passion between the two characters were felt through the pages and were perfectly delivered in such an effortlessly descriptive manner of writing by Cate Beauman. This is a wonderful love story about second chances being the best kind of chances.
No More Secrets by Cate Beauman is a story about Gwen Carter, a fiercely independent and proud woman who is adamant to prove to herself and those around her that she can do it all on her own. She moved to Carter Island for a fresh start for her and her baby girl, Kaitlyn. However, meeting Cade Paxton might just be the beginning of the derailing of her carefully thought-out plan. Although emotionally cut off at the beginning due to his own experience of heartache, meeting Gwen and her daughter is the healing balm he didn't know he needed. And when an unwelcome visitor arrives to turn Gwen's world on its head, Cade will have none of it. Was it fate that their paths crossed, or was it chance? Will Gwen be able to put aside her pride and allow herself the happiness that she deserves?
Cate Beauman has delivered yet another beautiful rendition of the type of happiness that awaits when you give in to the unexpected and let go of the notion of a plan. Amazing descriptive writing had me hooked from the beginning. I loved being able to imagine the scenes so clearly! I was fully invested from the very beginning of No More Secrets because of the emotion that Cate was able to bring out in her writing. This book portrays how only through facing their fears of opening themselves up to one another and letting the other in can a relationship flourish. The chemistry and passion between the two characters were felt through the pages and were perfectly delivered in such an effortlessly descriptive manner of writing by Cate Beauman. This is a wonderful love story about second chances being the best kind of chances.
Recommend this book:
Aftermath Of Secrets
Cate Beauman
2021 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Shannon Winings for Readers' Favorite
Molly Carter is just aching to start her life, move away from the island, and go to culinary school. Just a decade later, she is back home on Carter Island, has her own bakery, and is making quite the name for herself. While her career is on the up-and-up, her love life is a bit muddled. She and Bradley Sanderson, her long time friend, made the mistake of falling in the sheets together and nothing has been the same since. On top of the tension, Brad's father and uncles, men both have looked up to, have been arrested for a slew of felonies, murder included. Will they be able to navigate their budding feelings for one another as well as the circus following the arrests?
I'm a big sucker for a good love story, especially one that has drama. Aftermath Of Secrets by Cate Beauman provided both in a beautiful way. I was swept in by the characters, their wants, and desires. I got to see them as teenagers and how they evolved into amazing people with such drive, even though some moments were difficult and left them indecisive. It resonated deeply with me as I am in a similar place and trying to find my own way like the characters. That said, I was also immensely thrilled by the storyline, murder, and treacherous family ties. I wish the author had elaborated a bit here, but that is me being greedy and wanting more suspense. That said, as a romance book, Aftermath Of Secrets by Cate Beauman certainly holds its own and was a great read.
Molly Carter is just aching to start her life, move away from the island, and go to culinary school. Just a decade later, she is back home on Carter Island, has her own bakery, and is making quite the name for herself. While her career is on the up-and-up, her love life is a bit muddled. She and Bradley Sanderson, her long time friend, made the mistake of falling in the sheets together and nothing has been the same since. On top of the tension, Brad's father and uncles, men both have looked up to, have been arrested for a slew of felonies, murder included. Will they be able to navigate their budding feelings for one another as well as the circus following the arrests?
I'm a big sucker for a good love story, especially one that has drama. Aftermath Of Secrets by Cate Beauman provided both in a beautiful way. I was swept in by the characters, their wants, and desires. I got to see them as teenagers and how they evolved into amazing people with such drive, even though some moments were difficult and left them indecisive. It resonated deeply with me as I am in a similar place and trying to find my own way like the characters. That said, I was also immensely thrilled by the storyline, murder, and treacherous family ties. I wish the author had elaborated a bit here, but that is me being greedy and wanting more suspense. That said, as a romance book, Aftermath Of Secrets by Cate Beauman certainly holds its own and was a great read.
Recommend this book:
 by Venessa Kimball is a suspenseful romance with echoes of Romeo and Juliet. Star-crossed Ella and Raj experience a chance meeting at a D.C. party and think their paths will never cross again. He is Jordanian royalty and she is an American nearing college graduation, out to prove her parents wrong and s...){kind=link}
Cross the Stars
Crossing Stars Duet, Book 1
Venessa Kimball
2021 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Cross the Stars (Crossing Stars Duet, Book 1) by Venessa Kimball is a suspenseful romance with echoes of Romeo and Juliet. Star-crossed Ella and Raj experience a chance meeting at a D.C. party and think their paths will never cross again. He is Jordanian royalty and she is an American nearing college graduation, out to prove her parents wrong and stay true to her own values and conscience. But when the two do meet again, due to a Syrian relief effort they are both involved in, an earth-moving romance begins between them, and they defy everything and everyone just to be together--family, tradition, position, criticism, danger, etc.
The first book in a series, this original romance brings something fresh to the table. It has everything you would expect in a great romance novel--complete, believable characters, an interesting plot, and of course a heartbreaking, irresistible romance--but there is more. Kimball's writing and phrasing add depth to the conflict, the descriptions and dialogue put you into the scenes as if you are part of the story. As you read, you will feel the draw of both cultures and lives as they collide, and you will be pulled in different directions. But most of all, you'll want this love story to work out for the best. A book can begin with an impossible scenario, but it takes a talented writer like this author to pull it off convincingly and with heart.
From the beginning, you feel like you are caught up in a real-world relationship with real people, not just reading a story in a book. The minor characters add a lot to the story as well. I was moved by Ella and Raj's romance, their dreams, and how their lives intersected. This isn't an assembly-line romance. The characters are living out the social issues of today. Venessa Kimball could be the brand new star of suspense romance. Her writing is magnetic and unpredictable. If you're looking for a romance with substance, lose yourself in Cross the Stars by Venessa Kimball. You'll be looking for the sequel.
Cross the Stars (Crossing Stars Duet, Book 1) by Venessa Kimball is a suspenseful romance with echoes of Romeo and Juliet. Star-crossed Ella and Raj experience a chance meeting at a D.C. party and think their paths will never cross again. He is Jordanian royalty and she is an American nearing college graduation, out to prove her parents wrong and stay true to her own values and conscience. But when the two do meet again, due to a Syrian relief effort they are both involved in, an earth-moving romance begins between them, and they defy everything and everyone just to be together--family, tradition, position, criticism, danger, etc.
The first book in a series, this original romance brings something fresh to the table. It has everything you would expect in a great romance novel--complete, believable characters, an interesting plot, and of course a heartbreaking, irresistible romance--but there is more. Kimball's writing and phrasing add depth to the conflict, the descriptions and dialogue put you into the scenes as if you are part of the story. As you read, you will feel the draw of both cultures and lives as they collide, and you will be pulled in different directions. But most of all, you'll want this love story to work out for the best. A book can begin with an impossible scenario, but it takes a talented writer like this author to pull it off convincingly and with heart.
From the beginning, you feel like you are caught up in a real-world relationship with real people, not just reading a story in a book. The minor characters add a lot to the story as well. I was moved by Ella and Raj's romance, their dreams, and how their lives intersected. This isn't an assembly-line romance. The characters are living out the social issues of today. Venessa Kimball could be the brand new star of suspense romance. Her writing is magnetic and unpredictable. If you're looking for a romance with substance, lose yourself in Cross the Stars by Venessa Kimball. You'll be looking for the sequel.
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