Friends With Benedicts by Staci Hart

 

☕☕☕☕

A delightful second chance romance! Friends With Benedicts brings us Presley's story, which if you're like me, you fell for this single mom with an adorable little girl in Bet The Farm, and have been curious ever since.

I love a good small-town romance, and this definitely delivered with plenty of humor, a catty ex, and a town full of lovable characters. You'll be so drawn in to the story that it'll be over before you know it, leaving you craving breakfast foods.

Two people who've always wanted more, but were thankful for the summers they had with each other. They both have the chance to pursue their dreams, but at the cost of a future together. This was a light-hearted and feel-good romcom that'll make you smile!

SUMMARY:

Timing is everything.

Presley Hale and Sebastian Vargas are no strangers to goodbye. Their high school summers were spent wrapped up in each other until she would inevitably go home to California. One season after college, Sebastian finally escaped the little Texas town to travel the world, and they said goodbye for what they thought might be the last time.
Sebastian went one way. Presley went the other.

For the first time in five years, they're both in town, but the timing is no better than ever. So the only thing to do is what they do best. Keep it casual.

Friends with benefits.

They've done it before -- doing it again will be easy.

But their hearts don't get the memo.

When the lines of their arrangement blur, Presley and Sebastian are faced with decisions they've avoided for years. And that's not even their biggest problem.
A small town in danger of failing.

A secret that could tear them apart.

And two hearts that can't hide anymore.

They've shared so many summers, but none compare to what they'll face.

Timing is everything.
And their time is almost up.

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The Summer Cottage by Annie Rains (Somerset Lake #1)

 

💙💙💙💙💙

The perfect summer read! The Summer Cottage is a beautifully tangled web of secrets and regrets. My heart physically ached while this story unfolded, and yet I couldn't put it down.

Jake never wanted to return to Somerset Lake, since it only held memories of loss and heartache for him, but he'd do anything for his grandma, even if it means going against the rest of his family to honor her wishes.

Trisha is trying to start over somewhere that nobody knows what her ex-husband has done. Leaving the past behind is easier said than done. This story had my heart from the second Jake gave Petey the nickname "Copilot."

With meddling neighbors, nudist elderly mornings, greedy family and a lovable grandma - Jake & Trisha are in for an adventure that you'll want to go on again and again. I can't wait for more of the characters in this series to have their stories told!

💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

This summer, they'll learn that home is where the heart is.

Somerset Lake is the perfect place for Trisha Langly and her son to start over. As the new manager for the Somerset Cottages, Trisha is instantly charmed by the property's elderly residents and her firecracker of a new boss, Vi Fletcher. But Trisha is less enchanted by Vi's protective grandson Jake. No matter how tempting she finds the handsome lawyer, Trisha knows that if Jake discovers the truth about her past, she'll lose the new life she's worked so hard to build.

Jake Fletcher left Somerset Lake after a tragic loss, but he's returning for the summer to care for his beloved grandmother, hoping Vi will sell the run-down cottages and finally slow down. There's just one problem: Trisha, Vi's new employee. She's smart, beautiful, and kind, but Jake's job is to protect his grandmother's interests, and his gut is telling him Trisha's hiding something that could jeopardize Vi's future. However, as they spend summer days renovating the property and bonding over their love for the town, Jake realizes that Trisha is a risk worth taking -- if only she can trust him with her secrets...and her heart.

Includes the bonus novella Kiss Me in Sweetwater Springs!

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A Co-Worker's Crush by Piper Rayne (The Rooftop Crew #6)

 

💙💙💙💙💙

This story was worth the wait! A Co-Worker's Crush shows us that we can create a different future for ourselves, despite our circumstances and the past we come from.

Jolie steals the show in pretty much every scene she's in, with her innocence and pure adoration, plus she has Jax wrapped around her finger.

All readers have been waiting to see how Frankie's story would pan out, and it was SO worth the wait. With several appearances from her scum ex, she has to decide what's best for her daughter, even if it breaks the heart of more than one person.

Jax grew up in the foster system and finds it hard to open himself to others, let alone believe he's worthy of someone's love, or a family. If he doesn't win you over with his humor, he'll get you with the things he does for others.

I'm so sad to see The Rooftop Crew series come to an end, but knowing we'll see some of the characters in the spin-off makes my heart happy. Such an amazing addition and definitely one I'll read again soon!

SUMMARY:

Three tattoo guns.

Five motorcycle tires.

Countless T-shirts.

That's what I lost before I realized nothing good comes from dating my co-workers.

Usually, I don't have much self-control. So, the fact that Frankie Grant is a hot, talented tattoo artist means it's a damn miracle she hasn't already been in my bed. But nothing can happen between us because Frankie comes with Jolie, her young daughter, and a crap load of baggage from her ex. And those are two things I never entertain.

Anyone who knows me -- the screwed up foster kid from the wrong side of the tracks -- knows I'm not the guy you take home to meet your parents, let alone your kid. But I also know what it's like not to have parents, so things get complicated when Jolie asks me to be her daddy.

I might as well just slash my own tires now.

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The Friendship List by Susan Mallery

💙💙💙💙💙

This story will inspire you! The Friendship List is a captivating story of two people that choose to start living their lives again after love and loss.

This book put all of my emotions through the ringer, between tears of sorrow and laughter, my heart is inspired by these stories.

Ellen has basically put her entire life on hold to raise her son since she was a teenager, and she's determined to show him that she can have a life of her own if he goes away to college.

Unity on the other hand...her story is so heart-breaking -- being a widow at such a young age, never believing she can achieve any of her life goals now that she's alone...I was torn between wanting to hug her or shake some life back into her.

This is a book that will inspire you to take chances, pursue your dreams, and live your life to the fullest. For that, I will be forever grateful to Susan Mallery.

 💧 Drama
💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

Two best friends jump-start their lives in a summer that will change them forever...

Single mom Ellen Fox couldn't be more content -- until she overhears her son saying he can't go to his dream college because she needs him too much. If she wants him to live his best life, she has to convince him she's living hers.

So Unity Leandre, her best friend since forever, creates a list of challenges to push Ellen out of her comfort zone. Unity will complete the list, too, but not because she needs to change. What's wrong with a thirtysomething widow still sleeping in her late husband's childhood bed?

The Friendship List begins as a way to make others believe their just fine. But somewhere between "wear three-inch heels" and "have sex with a gorgeous guy," Ellen and Unity discover that life is meant to be lived with joy and abandon, in a story filled with humor, heartache and regrettable tattoos.

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This Is Forever by Natasha Madison (This Is #4)

🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒

This Is Forever was a goal in my book! I've enjoyed each book in this series, but this one by far is my favorite.

Justin Stone is my new book boyfriend, and I'm not giving him up for a long time. You'd expect him to be a cocky player, but he's so down to earth and only wants to take care of Caroline and Dylan. His heart is definitely in the right place and if he was real, I'd marry him in a heartbeat!

I love strong female leads like Caroline! She's been through the ringer and still fights every day to provide the best she can for her son, no matter the emotion or physical cost for herself. Her ex can take a long walk off a short plank and I wouldn't lose any sleep at night.

Dylan will steal your heart immediately, even with his seemingly bottomless stomach, lol. He's so lovable and sees more than people give him credit for. The bond he develops with Justin, made my ovaries burst!

I loved the instant connection between Justin and Caroline, but he had to work for every moment and those are the journeys I enjoy watching most of all.

A wonderful story of overcoming the obstacles life can throw at you, while making the best of any situation, all with a smile on your face. I will definitely be reading this one again soon!

 💧 Drama
🏒 Sports Romance

Summary:

Caroline
Becoming a teen mom at sixteen was not what I expected, but then again, neither was being a single parent. Still, I wouldn't change my past because that boy is my world.

Hockey is the only thing my son seems to care about, so I work two jobs to make sure he can play. I'd do anything to make sure he doesn't suffer because of the bad decisions his father made. 

When he won a whole summer of hockey training, I knew in my heart he was going to have an amazing time. 

What I wasn't prepared for was meeting his new summer coach.

He was magnetic, powerful and a player -- in all forms of the word.

If my life had taught me anything up to this point, it was how to avoid making bad decisions, and Justin Stone was the definition of a bad decision.

I could never be the woman his family approved of. Even if I wished I could be.

Justin
Growing up as the son of a hockey God is one thing. Growing up as the brother of a second hockey God is another. I had big skates to fill, so it was a good thing I loved every second of it.

Summer was my off time, my time to let loose, but when they ask me to coach a hockey camp for underprivileged kids, I couldn't say no.

But when she walked in holding a little boy's hand, my heart stopped beating. Or maybe it started for the first time.

They were a package deal, and I knew this -- wanted it more than I've ever wanted anything. It didn't take long to realize that no matter what happened, I would do anything to protect them.

She is the only one I want to be with.

When push comes to shove, I have to prove to everyone that this is my choice, and This Is Forever.

Now available at:

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The Broken One by Ruth Cardello (Corisi Billionaires #1)

💙💙💙💙💙

The Broken One lives up to the title! This story will shatter your heart, then beautifully mend it. It's been a while since I've read a good, heart-warming story that punched me right in the chest and made me cry - but this one succeeded.

Heather Ellis didn't plan on becoming a mom, but tragic events lead to her adopting Ava and never looking back. The love and affection she feels for her is moving, especially the force of protectiveness whenever someone questions her parenting skills or priorities.

Sebastian Romano has suffered a tremendous loss, losing both his wife and their unborn child. The last thing he wants is to become involved in that world again, let alone put his heart on the line only to have it broken.

The author did such a fantastic job of making you feel Sebastian's pain, to the point where you wish you could reach through the book to just comfort him.

Ava is adorable in this story, and quite possibly the scene stealer every time she appears. Her love for the stuffed animals will melt your heart just as if they were real pets.

The only confusing part of the story to me, was the beginning and end...while I'm intrigued by Judy's story and where it might lead, I didn't understand how it tied into the main storyline.

Have the tissues ready and dive in to this wonderful tale of love and loss. It's one of my favorite reads this fall and I can't wait to see what else happens in this series. Such amazing characters, you'll want to read this one again and again.

 💧 Drama
💋 Romance

Summary:
Single mom Heather Ellis would do anything for her adopted daughter, Ava. Even post an online reward for anyone who found the girl's lost stuffed animal. Who'd have guessed it'd be returned by a drop-dead-sexy man with such sadness in his eyes that she had to reach out to him? To Ava, he's a hero. To Heather, he's a fantasy that puts at risk the happy life she's made for herself.

It's been five years since billionaire developer Sebastian Romano lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. Now he's all business. No room for emotion. Until he stumbles across that damn stuffed wolf and the beautiful single mother looking for it. Is he ready to give love a second chance?

But there's more to Sebastian, his family, and his past than Heather knows. More than even Sebastian knows. Will the life they're building together be challenged when the truth is finally revealed?

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Tangled Up in You by Samantha Chase (The Shaughnessy Brothers #7)

💜💜💜💜💜

Bobby and Teagan will have you believing in love after heartache. I loved the flashback in the beginning, with a young Bobby claiming a favor.

The story starts with Bobby's struggle after suffering a gunshot wound and not sure he'd be able to recover enough to be given active duty again. When he finds the perfect distraction in Teagan Shaughnessy, you just want to erase all the miles between them so they can be together.

Teagan has a crushing story of her own...when her fiance dies serving their country, she's left a single mom since pregnancy and her first priority has always been her son Lucas.

She never thought she could have those feelings for someone again, but doesn't want to put her heart out there, especially for someone lives far away.

Their journey to each other is inspiring. The kids and family encouragement (meddling) will keep you in stitches, and you'll find a permanent smile on your face while reading!

💧   Drama
😄 Humor
💋 Romance

Summary:
One fateful night Bobby Hannigan sustains a gunshot wound that could end his career as a police officer. If that's taken from him, he doesn't know what he'll do. The only ray of hope is Teagan Shaughnessy - a kindhearted single mom who understands his struggles...

Teagan and her young son have just moved back to the Carolina coast to be near family. When she meets Bobby, the timing feels wrong, but everything else feels oh-so-right. Bobby and Teagan each had plans for their own futures. But they're finding that those plans are meaningless if they can't find a way to be together...

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