Review: A Night at the Tropicana (Chanel Cleeton)

A Night at the Tropicana
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Publication Date: October 1, 2o23
Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Novella
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis:

Cuba in the 1930s is the backdrop for a vibrant short story about the rhythms of the heart and the twists of fate that echo through time by the New York Times bestselling author of Next Year in Havana.

Havana, 1939: It’s opening night at the famed Tropicana nightclub. Cuban American college student Natalie Trainer, on vacation from Miami, is watching from the sidelines—as usual. Then comes an invitation to dance from a handsome stranger named Antonio. Normally cautious and reserved, Natalie somehow finds herself saying yes. A tiny thrill of rebellion, of taking a chance, and Natalie’s in heaven. Will her first step into this unfamiliar realm set a new course for her life, or only tonight?


I loved this short story! Natalie and Antonio’s one night dancing at the Tropicana was a lot of fun to read about as was Natalie’s life later on. I felt like I was there in both settings. Cleeton somehow managed to make this novella feel like a complete book in so few pages. Although, I wouldn’t mind if it was expanded at some point because I would love to know what is next for the characters.

Review: The Cuban Heiress (Chanel Cleeton)

The Cuban Heiress
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Publication Date: April 11, 2o23
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis:

In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.

New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.

Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.

As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.


There’s something about Chanel Cleeton’s writing and storytelling that captivates me every time I read one of her books. One minute I’m on page 1 and the next time I look up I’m 50% finished with the book. That’s what happened to me with The Cuban Heiress. Normally, a historical fiction book takes me more time to read, but not this one. I was fascinated by it!

What made this book so good? First, that writing and storytelling I was talking about above. Fantastic as always. Then, there were the characters. I loved how Catherine and Helena’s POVs were so different, yet their lives intertwined in a mysterious and crafty way. The way the story played out was fabulous. I was very impressed that Cleeton was able to shock me with revelations I didn’t see coming.

I wasn’t prepared for The Cuban Heiress to end. I didn’t want it to end because I was having such a great time reading it. I was immediately looking up what was coming next from Cleeton (Nothing I could find yet! *sad face*) and more about the Morro Castle. Once again, Cleeton has impressed me. She keeps raising the bar for herself with her new releases and knocking it right back down. I can’t recommend this book enough.

Review: Carrie Soto Is Back (Taylor Jenkins Reid)

Carrie Soto is Back
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Publication Date: August 30, 2022
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Historical Fiction, Sports, Women’s Fiction
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis: 

In this powerful novel about the cost of greatness, a legendary athlete attempts a comeback when the world considers her past her prime—from the New York Times bestselling author of Malibu Rising.

Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular. But by the time she retires from tennis, she is the best player the world has ever seen. She has shattered every record and claimed twenty Grand Slam titles. And if you ask Carrie, she is entitled to every one. She sacrificed nearly everything to become the best, with her father, Javier, as her coach. A former champion himself, Javier has trained her since the age of two.

But six years after her retirement, Carrie finds herself sitting in the stands of the 1994 US Open, watching her record be taken from her by a brutal, stunning player named Nicki Chan.

At thirty-seven years old, Carrie makes the monumental decision to come out of retirement and be coached by her father for one last year in an attempt to reclaim her record. Even if the sports media says that they never liked “the Battle-Axe” anyway. Even if her body doesn’t move as fast as it did. And even if it means swallowing her pride to train with a man she once almost opened her heart to: Bowe Huntley. Like her, he has something to prove before he gives up the game forever.

In spite of it all, Carrie Soto is back, for one epic final season. In this riveting and unforgettable novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid tells her most vulnerable, emotional story yet.


TAYLOR JENKINS REID IS BACK!!! I know, I know. She didn’t really leave, but I couldn’t help myself. 😉 Each new release from this author is something to be excited about. I never know what kind of story is coming next, but I love them all the same. This time, Jenkins Reid has plucked a character from Malibu Rising and built an amazing story around her. Carrie Soto is a retired tennis star who is making a comeback to reclaim her title of the most Grand Slams.

Before I get into the meat of things, I want to talk a little bit about the writing. Jenkins Reid does a fantastic job of switching up how she formats her stories with each book. I was curious as to how this one was going to be set up. It started out in the present, then took me back to see the rise of Carrie Soto’s career, and then met back up with the present. There were also some transcripts from sports media sources woven in throughout. I loved how it was all put together and built Carrie’s story.

Carrie Soto was a complex character. It was very fascinating to read how she was raised by her tennis coach father Javier to be the best tennis player in the world. She had the reputation of being the ice queen of tennis and it was easy to understand why opponents and the press wouldn’t love her. While her attitude could be off-putting at times, it didn’t stop me from loving her character. She was fierce in the best of ways. I loved how she grew as a person from the first to last page.

One of my favorite things about this book was getting to experience Carrie’s relationships with the people around her and with tennis. Carrie and Javier had a special relationship with everything they went through together on and off the court. I loved their bond. I also loved how Bowe Huntley fit into the story. His story mirrored Carrie’s in a way, so it was fun to see them commiserating over age and tennis. Bowe being in Carrie’s life made me love Carrie’s character even more.

So… tennis. There’s a lot of tennis. I have never been a fan of tennis, so it’s probably odd that I found all of the tennis stuff to be interesting. I learned a lot while diving deep into Carrie’s relationship with it. With each match, I found myself on the edge of my seating waiting to see who won. If you’re worried you’re going to be bored by all the sport in this book, don’t be.

I don’t know if I’m saying all I want to be saying about Carrie Soto Is Back. I’m worried I’ll give too much away if I say more than I’ve already said. I loved this book. When I got to the end, I wanted more time with the characters. It was unlike any other book I’ve read. That seems to be the way I feel about most of TJR’s books. I know people are going to ask if it was like any of her other popular titles and I guess I would have to say maybe a mix? Haha. I know, that doesn’t help. Just know you’re going to be taken on a journey with Carrie that you will love.

Review: The Lost Summers of Newport (Williams, Willig, & White)

The Lost Summers of Newport
Authors: Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, Karen White
Narrators: Saskia Maarleveld, Brittany Pressley, Lisa Flanagan

Publication Date: May 7, 2022
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Women’s Fiction

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

From the ‘New York Times’ best-selling team of Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White – a novel of money and secrets set among the famous summer mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, spanning over a century from the Gilded Age to the present day.

2019: Andie Figuero has just landed her dream job as a producer of Mansion Makeover, a popular reality show about restoring America’s most lavish historic houses. Andie has high hopes for her latest project: the once glorious but gently crumbling Sprague Hall in Newport, Rhode Island, summer resort of America’s gilded class—famous for the lavish “summer cottages” of Vanderbilts and Belmonts. But Andie runs into trouble: the reclusive heiress who still lives in the mansion, Lucia “Lucky” Sprague, will only allow the show to go forward on two conditions: One, nobody speaks to her. Two, nobody touches the mansion’s ruined boathouse.

1899: Ellen Daniels has been hired to give singing lessons to Miss Maybelle Sprague, a naive young Colorado mining heiress whose stepbrother John has poured their new money into buying a place among Newport’s elite. John is determined to see Maybelle married off to a fortune-hunting Italian prince, and Ellen is supposed to polish up the girl for her launch into society. But the deceptively demure Ellen has her own checkered past, and she’s hiding in plain sight at Sprague Hall.

1958: Lucia “Lucky” Sprague has always felt like an outsider at Sprague Hall. When she and her grandmother—the American-born Princess di Conti—fled Mussolini’s Italy, it seemed natural to go back to the imposing Newport house Nana owned but hadn’t seen since her marriage in 1899. Over the years, Lucky’s lost her Italian accent and found a place for herself among the yachting set by marrying Stuyvesant Sprague, the alcoholic scion of her Sprague stepfamily. But one fateful night in the mansion’s old boathouse will uncover a devastating truth…and change everything she thought she knew about her past.

As the cameras roll on Mansion Makeover, the house begins to yield up the dark secrets the Spragues thought would stay hidden forever….


I’m a big fan of Karen White’s books, but to be honest, I’ve only read one other of her collaborations with Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig. I really liked that one, so I’m not sure why I haven’t read the rest. When I saw they were releasing The Lost Summers of Newport, I knew I wanted to read it. I loved the vibe of the blurb. It seemed perfect for a summer listen.

The Lost Summers of Newport is told in three timelines and POVs. The first is mansion makeover show producer Andie in 2019 who is starting a new project at Sprague mansion. (If I had to guess, this POV is written by White. I only say that because Andie’s friend mentions calling Melanie for a specific reason. If you’re familiar with White, you probably know who Melanie is and why she might be called.) The second is music teacher Ellen to Maybelle Sprague at the mansion in 1899. The final main character is Maybelle’s granddaughter Lucky who lives at the mansion in 1958 and is married to someone in Maybelle’s Sprague stepfamily. Each timeline and character held its own and drew me in. They each had a bit of mystery, and I was curious to find out what would happen. The writing was what I have come to expect from these three: great and intriguing. I enjoyed how the narrators brought the story to life.

I did have quite a few things I questioned in the end. I felt like Joanie should have gotten a timeline. We saw a lot of her in Andie’s, but I kept thinking skipping a generation might have missed out on an opportunity because she was such an interesting character herself. I also felt that Andie should have been more closely tied to the story than just an “investigator” and whatever was going on with Luke. Luke and Andi dove into some stuff more quickly than I was ready for. It was really just something that was said, but it had me pausing and feeling awkward. I also felt like maybe I missed something during the big reveal toward the end. I don’t know if it was my listening ear or that things felt rushed to resolve after a lengthy build up.

Overall, I enjoyed listening to this book. It was a fun summer read.

Mini Reviews: Authors I’m Just Getting To (Part 2)

I did a Top Ten Tuesday post a while ago titled Authors I Haven’t Read but Want To. That post inspired me to request a bunch of those authors’ audiobooks from my local library and borrow a couple from KU. I posted mini reviews for the first half of them and now I’m back with the rest.

Out of the Blue
Series: A Perfect Fit, #4
Author: Cara Bastone
Narrators: Alison Bliss

Publication Date: February 1, 2022
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction

Rating: DNF @ 25%

My thoughts:

I’m sad to be quitting this book. I actually liked how Adam saw Presley and her curves at the beginning. I also thought it was kind of cute how they met at his gym. I didn’t mind that Presley wanted to lose weight to counteract her prediabetes. I could even look past how she felt about herself because that was easy to relate to.

Where this book lost me was a very specific scene about 25% in where Adam, as Presley’s personal trainer, went through her pantry and fridge to get rid of all the “bad” foods. He threw out food that was opened and then put stuff that wasn’t aside to donate. He told her not to eat sweets and to watch her carbs. This messaging bugs me for a couple of reasons. One, there are no “bad” foods. It’s about moderation. He’s a personal trainer. Did I miss his dietetics or nutrition degree? Maybe he has one and that’s pointed out later. I’m sure he’s looked in the science of losing weight, etc. but I would have rather he taught her about healthy choices and how she could work the foods she loved in while also losing weight. Throwing 2/3 of her cupboards out and then showing her how to make a protein shake felt yucky. It just disappointed me, and I didn’t think I wanted to listen to what the message was going to be about Presley and her weight.

Boyfriend Material
Series: Boyfriend Material, #1
Author: Alexis Hall
Narrators: Joe Jameson

Publication Date: July 7, 2020
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Why did I wait so long to read this??? It was ADORABLE. I loved this fake boyfriend turned real romance. Luc was a mess, but Oliver was delightful with his buttoned-up ways. They were so cute together! There were some great side characters, too. Alex KILLED me. Oh, and the James Royce Royces made me smile every time I heard their names. I had such a great time listening to this book. I’m excited for the sequel.

The Rebel and the Rake
Series: League of Scoundrels, #2
Author: Emily Sullivan
Publication Date: December 28, 2021
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Historical Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I’m not much of a historical romance reader, but in the sea of illustrated covers in the past couple of years this cover stood out. I loved it, read a great review by a few trusted bloggers, and decided to give it a go. I’m glad I did. I found the writing to be excellent. It felt light and whatever the opposite of stuffy is. I was intrigued by the characters and the plot. I loved how I felt Sylvia and Rafe’s attraction and connection. His pursuit of Sylvia was very swoon worthy. This was a really fun historical romance read. I would read another of Sullivan’s books in a heartbeat.

What Are the Odds?
Author: R.M. Virtues
Publication Date: May 14, 2021
Publisher: Strange Hungers Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotica

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I wanted to try Virtues’ writing because a couple of my book friends have been loving on his books. I picked What Are the Odds? because it is part of the KU program. This is a friends to lovers story with the slightly taboo twist of Cai being Elena’s sister’s ex-husband. Her sister was responsible for the demise of the marriage and is easy to dislike, so it worked. I liked both of the characters and they were sweet and passionate together. This book is not for fans of closed-door romances. The doors are wide open with this one.

Review: Our Last Days in Barcelona (Chanel Cleeton)

Our Last Days in Barcelona
Author: Chanel Cleeton

Publication Date: May 24, 2022
Publisher: Berkley Books
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

When Isabel Perez travels to Barcelona to save her sister Beatriz, she discovers a shocking family secret in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s new novel.

Barcelona, 1964. Exiled from Cuba after the revolution, Isabel Perez has learned to guard her heart and protect her family at all costs. After Isabel’s sister Beatriz disappears in Barcelona, Isabel goes to Spain in search of her. Joining forces with an unlikely ally thrusts Isabel into her sister’s dangerous world of espionage, but it’s an unearthed piece of family history that transforms Isabel’s life.

Barcelona, 1936. Alicia Perez arrives in Barcelona after a difficult voyage from Cuba, her marriage in jeopardy and her young daughter Isabel in tow. Violence brews in Spain, the country on the brink of civil war, the rise of fascism threatening the world. When Cubans journey to Spain to join the International Brigades, Alicia’s past comes back to haunt her as she is unexpectedly reunited with the man who once held her heart.

Alicia and Isabel’s lives intertwine, and the past and present collide, as a mother and daughter are forced to choose between their family’s expectations and following their hearts. 


You know that book that is so amazing that you’re not quite speechless over it but can’t quite come up with the words to describe it? That’s how I felt Our Last Days in Barcelona. It was every bit as good as Next Year in Havana or When We Left Cuba. Sometimes historical fiction is a slow read for me and takes me awhile to get into. That was not how it was with this book. I was once again fascinated by the history and landscape of Cuba and Barcelona. I loved being back with the Perez sisters. Isabel’s plight was different than her sisters’ but no less interesting. I could have read a book entirely about her…but then I would have missed out on her mother Alicia’s story and her father’s cousin Rosa’s story. Both were just as interesting and fascinating as Isabel’s. I loved how their stories wove together to create some surprising moments. I didn’t see a few things coming and that rarely happens for me anymore. The ending gave me chills. I’m so thankful that Cleeton decided to give us books for the final two Perez sisters. 

Mini Reviews: Authors I’m Just Getting To (Part 1)

I did a Top Ten Tuesday post a few weeks ago titled Authors I Haven’t Read but Want To. That post inspired me to request a bunch of those authors’ audiobooks from my local library and borrow a couple from KU. Here are reviews for the books I’ve listened to and read so far. (Click on the TTT post title above to see my original list of authors I want to read.)

Just a Heartbeat Away
Series: Forever Yours, #1
Author: Cara Bastone
Narrators: Patrick Zeller

Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts: 

I can’t decide if I should give this 2.5 or 3 stars. I feel like everyone I know who has read this book loved it, but I didn’t. Honestly, I was bored for most of it. I don’t know if that was due to the fact I listened to it rather than read it or it just wasn’t for me. There was one narrator for both male and female POVs and that didn’t work well for some reason. This book was also more slow burn than I could handle. Like the heroine still has a boyfriend different from the hero at 45% slow. I don’t think she was single into well after 50% and he had been “dating” online. They were both attracted to each other all that time and building a friendship. It wasn’t until close to the end where they stop fighting their attraction to each other at a bar and then a wedding that I was interested at all. The only reason I didn’t DNF this book at 45% was because a friend shared with my her notes on the book and it gave me hope. That last 25% was really good. I wish there would have been more time with them as a couple. It might have changed how I felt about the book.

Fall Away
Series: SEALs Undone, #3
Author: Zoe York

Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military Romance, Novella

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

My thoughts: 

Fall Away was a sweet story about a Navy SEAL who falls for the roommate of his one-night stand. He chooses to seek her out after they run into each other a second time. The result is him trying to woo her because she has her reservations. It was cute but wasn’t didn’t blow me away.

One Day Soon
Series: One Day Soon, #1
Author: A. Meredith Walters

Publication Date: February 16, 2016
Publisher: A. Meredith Walters
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts: 

I’m going to be completely honest. One Day Soon was not an easy or necessarily fun read. It was brutal and heartbreaking, but also so well written that I couldn’t help falling in love with it. I hurt for these characters. Their story was painful but beautiful. If you read this book, have the tissues ready.

Hang the Moon
Series: Written in the Stars, #2
Author: Alexandria Bellefleur
Narrators: Lauren Sweet

Publication Date: April 25, 2021
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

My thoughts: 

Hang the Moon was such a fun listen! Lauren Sweet did a great job bringing Alexandria Bellefleur’s words to life. The humor was fantastic – even if Bellefleur did bring one of my biggest fears to life (the Wheel thing, if you’ve read the book). I loved the budding relationship between Annie and Brendon. The way Annie’s best friend/Brenden’s sister was involved was perfect. The only thing that bugged me a bit with Annie and her hang ups. It wouldn’t have been the story it was without them, so they’re getting a pass. Plus, the ending made up for it. ADORABLE!!.

The Happy Ever After Playlist
Series: The Friend Zone, #2
Author: Abby Jimenez
Narrators: Zachary Webber, Erin Mallon

Publication Date: April 14, 2020
Publisher:  Hachette Audio
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I fell in love with this book from the very first scene with Tucker the dog. I fell even hard with the texting between Sloan and Jason. The way they got to know each other over the phone before meeting in person was so much fun. I liked the way they fell in love, even when it wasn’t an easy path. There were a couple of times when I wanted to throttle the characters, but they more than made up for it. The whole thing was so dreamy and lovely to listen to. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Secrets of a Summer Night
Series: Wallflowers, #1
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Narrators: Rosalyn Landor

Publication Date: October 26, 2004
Publisher:  HarperAudio
Genre: Historical Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

My thoughts:

Full disclosure: I read Lisa Kleypas’ Friday Harbor series, but I hadn’t read any of her historical romance, so I put her on my list of new authors to try since it was a different genre of romance.

This was a weird book to listen to. It wasn’t the easiest to follow at first (maybe I just needed to pay better attention) and then there were a lot of ups and downs with pace. If I was listening for a longer length of time, I could really get into the story and enjoy it. If I had to stop listening for longer periods of time, I wasn’t waiting for the next moment I could listen to it. The characters weren’t making me love them enough to think about them other than in the moments I was listening. It took a while for me to get into the story and it wasn’t until almost halfway that I was invested in Annabelle and Simon. Does that make sense?

I hate that it sounds like I didn’t enjoy this book. I did. When all was said and done, Annabelle and Simon shined brightly. I liked the group of women called the Wallflowers and how they supported each other. This was a good start to a series. I understand why people love it, and I’m curious to see where the series goes.

Review: The Book of Cold Cases (Simone St. James)

The Book of Cold Cases
Author: Simone St. James
Narrators: Brittany Pressley, Kirsten Potter, Robert Petkoff
Publication Date: March 15, 2022

Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Paranormal

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis: 

A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times best-selling author of The Sun Down Motel .

In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was shaken by the Lady Killer Murders: Two men, seemingly randomly, were murdered with the same gun, with strange notes left behind. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect – a rich, eccentric 23-year-old woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted, and she retreated to the isolation of her mansion.

Oregon, 2017, Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night, she runs a true crime website, the Book of Cold Cases – a passion fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. To Shea’s surprise, Beth says yes.

They meet regularly at Beth’s mansion, though Shea is never comfortable there. Items move when she’s not looking, and she could swear she’s seen a girl outside the window. The allure of learning the truth about the case from the smart, charming Beth is too much to resist, but even as they grow closer, Shea senses something isn’t right. Is she making friends with a manipulative murderer, or are there other dangers lurking in the darkness of the Greer house?


This was my third book by Simone St. James. I would not say it was my favorite book of hers (The Sun Down Motel), but it’s my second. I enjoyed every minute listening to it. The plot to this one was interesting. I loved how the past and present were weaved together to give insight into the mystery. The characters were great, too. Both Shae and Beth were complicated women with something to hide. Their interactions with each other were entertaining. Michael was a strong side character and I loved his involvement. I loved how the ghosts were brought to life in a way that wasn’t too creepy and left the reader curious.

The only drawback to The Book of Cold Cases was how predictable the plot was to me. The foreshadowing made the revelations fairly obvious. I wasn’t shocked by anything happening. That didn’t take away too much from my enjoyment of the story, though. I was along for the ride and enjoyed the show.

Review: The Attic on Queen Street (Karen White)

The Attic on Queen Street
Series: Tradd Street, #7
Author: Karen White
Publication Date: November 2, 2021
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Mystery, Fiction, Paranormal, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Return to the house on Tradd Street one last time in this hauntingly spectacular finale to the bestselling series featuring psychic medium Melanie Trenholm.

After the devastating events of the past few months, the last thing Melanie Trenholm wants is to think about the future.  Why, when her husband, Jack, has asked for a separation—a separation that might have been her fault?  Nevertheless, with twin toddlers, a stepdaughter leaving for college soon, a real estate career to resume and a historic home that is still being restored, Melanie doesn’t have much time to wonder where it all went wrong—but that doesn’t stop her from trying to win her husband back.
 
Their relationship issues are pushed aside, however, when longtime nemesis, Marc Longo, comes to them with a proposition:  allow their Tradd Street house to be used as the filming location for the movie adaptation of Marc’s bestselling book, and he will help Jack re-establish his stalled writing career. Despite Melanie’s hesitation, Jack jumps at the chance.  But Melanie’s doubts soon prove to be well founded when she uncovers ulterior reasons for Marc wanting to be back in their house—reasons that include a hidden gem so brilliant that legend links it to the most infamous jewel of all, the Hope Diamond.
 
But Melanie has an unexpected ally in protecting the house and its inhabitants—the ghost of a Civil War era girl warns her of increasing threats to her family. But she’s not the only spirit who is haunting Melanie.  A malevolent ghost seems determined to stop Melanie from investigating the decades-old murder of a friend’s sister, and this spirit will stop at nothing to protect its secrets—even from beyond the grave.
 
Melanie and Jack must work together to find the answers before evil spirits of past and present destroy everything they love.


Not going to lie… I was a little worried before I started reading this book. The last book, The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street, left me with some mixed feelings. The manipulation of Melanie by her family and her actions really bugged me. So much so that it was my least favorite book in the series by far. I started to feel like maybe this series was headed somewhere I didn’t want to go. Luckily, I was wrong. Karen White’s writing immediately pulled me in and never let me go. I was once again charmed by the Charleston, South Carolina setting and the characters and ghosts inhabiting it.

Melanie is going through a tough time in The Attic on Queen Street. Her marriage is in crisis. Jack has moved out and Melanie is trying to figure out how to make the changes she needs to repair things with him. She’s got twin toddlers and a high schooler to worry about. To add to the mess, Marc Longo is filming his stupid movie at her house and there is a ghost who needs her help in her friend Veronica’s attic on Queen Street. Melanie has a lot to take care of, and I loved all the ups and downs in this book.

If Melanie drove me nuts in the last book, she had my sympathy in this one. She was truly trying to work on herself despite dealing with a ton of grief and confusion. I loved that she was willing to work on her “flaws” and make herself a better person. Melanie learned so much about herself, and in turn how to navigate her crazy life better.

Jack… I normally love Jack because of how he loved Melanie and all her extra-ness. I could feel his love for her in this book as well, but he was the one who drove me batty this time around. I was just as confused over some of his actions as Melanie. I want to say more, but won’t give anything away, so I will say I thought the Melanie-Jack issue and romance stuff wrapped up well.

All of the side characters did better this time around. They still tried to influence Melanie, but it felt more positive and less preachy. They also all stepped up and supported her in helpful ways. I loved seeing her bond with her mother and half-sister strengthen. Jack and Melanie’s twins were just as adorable as ever. And Nola was growing up and learning some important lessons. I even loved how horrible Marc and Rebecca were.

As for the mystery, there were two going on at the same time. Both were interesting and entertaining. I especially enjoyed trying to figure out what was going on in the attic of Veronica’s house. I guessed the answer before it was revealed, but still loved how it all played out.

I absolutely loved this final book in the Tradd Street series. It completed things in the best way. It’s a little bittersweet that the series is ending because I had forgotten how much I love the setting and all of the characters. I’m super excited that White is writing a spin-off with Nola and Beau in New Orleans. I just know it’s going to be fun!

Review: Hitched to the Gunslinger (Michelle McLean)

Hitched to the Gunslinger
Author: Michelle McLean
Publication Date: August 24, 2021
Publisher: Entangled: Amara

Genre: Historical, Western Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis:

Gray “Quick Shot” Woodson is the fastest gun west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, he’s ready to hang up his hat. Sure, being notorious has its perks. But the nomadic lifestyle—and people always tryin’ to kill you—gets old real fast.

Now he just wants to find a place to retire so he can spend his days the way the good Lord intended. Staring at the sunset. And napping.

When his stubborn horse drags him into a hole-in-the-wall town called Desolation, something about the place calls to Gray, and he figures he might actually have a shot at a sleepy retirement.

His optimism lasts about a minute and a half.

Soon he finds himself embroiled in a town vendetta and married to a woman named Mercy. Who, judging by her aggravating personality, doesn’t know the meaning of her own name. In fact, she’s downright impossible.

But dang it if his wife isn’t irresistible. If only she’d stop trying to steal his guns to go after the bad guys herself.

There goes his peace and quiet…


It’s not very often I stray from contemporary romance, but lately I have been in a reading funk so I decided to branch out. Historical romance sounded like a fun change, and I was excited to try a new author.

Hitched to the Gunslinger was a fun read. Gray was a stubborn, grumpy gunslinger who was looking forward to retirement when he stumbled into a fake fiancé situation with Mercy. Mercy was a determined, strong woman who was trying to hold onto the land she and her father loved so much. Gray was her fake fiancé before Mercy even knew what she was saying. There was a bunch of enemy-like banter for the first part of the book that was highly entertaining. Things didn’t start getting romantic between the two until about the middle and then their relationship was full of a different kind of fire. Mercy and Gray were actually kind of sweet together.

The drama in this book revolved around Mercy’s land and a man who wanted it. It was a predictable kind of drama that added entertainment and not stress. It made the Western part of this historical romance shine. I loved how the entire town was involved and all of the characters in the town. It was a special mix of people, setting, and even bad guys.

My only real complaint about this book was that it was written in third person. I’m not a big fan of the third person, and it took me a while to get into. I wasn’t sure if it was the third person or just a slower start. Other than that, Hitched the Gunslinger was nothing but a good time.