Publisher: Forever
Genre: Romance
Source: Forever ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: In this perfect beach read, a recent divorcee and a woman independent to a fault form a spectacular bond as they move forward and help each other through love, loss, and big life changes—perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery.

Dr. Becca Weiland had the perfect life—or so she thought, until she learned her husband cheated on her after a decade of marriage. With divorce papers signed, Becca throws her trademark caution to the wind and agrees to an impromptu monthlong vacation at a beach house with Sadie, a woman she’s known all her life but really doesn’t know at all.

Free-spirit Sadie Bloom is Becca’s opposite in every way, living in the moment and wasting zero energy on what comes next. But the pastry chef’s nothing-bothers-me exterior hides a fear she’s not ready to face—one that may jeopardize a future she never realized she wanted.

At first, Sadie’s go-big-or-go-home style bumps up against Becca’s perfectionism, but soon they’re bonding over too much Schnapps, a leaky roof, a bikini wax gone awry, and awkward meet-cutes with two of the hottest men in town. Best of all, in getting to know each other, they’ve gotten to know themselves, and together they find the courage to discover what it really means to live.

Ope’s Opinion: I really do enjoy female friendships, especially among strong women. These were unlikely friends, so that was interesting to watch them realize they had more in common, then they thought.

If you took out the foul language ( way too much of it ) and the sexual content ( thoughts about sex, lust, etc. ) you would have had an interesting book on friendship. I got so tired of both the language and the sex scenes.

There was a lot of repetition of information.

The ending was exactly what you would expect. No surprises here.

Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Genre: Thriller
Source: Hyperion Avenue ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: In a quiet Chicago suburb, a star wrestler goes missing weeks before his high school graduation, shattering his mother’s carefully curated image of domestic bliss.

Meg Hart has taken great pains to create her perfect All-American family. It looks effortless, but that’s because she’s been smart about it.

However, on a brisk spring morning weeks before his graduation, her son McClane goes missing. And as the investigation deepens, the police zero in on her as their perfect suspect. Tragedy has struck this family before, and all signs suggest that she is the source. Add in her elusive husband’s strange behavior and inconsistencies in her story, it becomes clear that she has plenty to hide.

Before he disappears, it turns out McClane has secrets of his own: a pregnant girlfriend, a shocking truth about his wrestling career, and a chilling discovery—the person he trusts most has betrayed him in the worst way.

Alternating between Meg’s perspective in the initial days of the investigation and McClane’s in the hours leading up to his disappearance, Upstanding Young Man is packed with relentless tension and short, fast-paced chapters that will keep readers up all night.

Ope’s Opinion: This story is told in two points of view, which actually was confusing for me. The language was awful, consistent, and doesn’t add to the story. I had a hard reading this book. I almost did not finish it.

The ending was too quick and everything ending seemed to perfect.

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Romance
Source: Thomas Nelson ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: In this enemies-to-lovers romance, school nurse Josie and her brother’s best friend–hockey player Wyatt Jacobs–are tricked into spending a summer together that’s anything but smooth sailing.

When Josie’s brother sends her to a random address for their (sometimes) annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she finds neither siblings nor extravaganzas. Instead, ends up at a run-down cottage on the Northern Neck of Virginia occupied by a hockey player she knows and loathes.

A hockey player who isn’t just one of her sports agent brother’s clients. He’s also his best friend. And Josie’s sworn enemy.

Oh–and her brother wants Josie to help Wyatt recover from his injury.

Dragging grumpy hockey players to physical therapy is a far cry from bandaging skinned knees, but for the price her brother offers to pay, Josie is willing to try.

Even if it means sharing what she dubs the quaint little murder cottage with Wyatt.

Begrudgingly, Josie starts to see a little more of the man behind the grumpy exterior. And when she finds out he was supposed to sail the Intracoastal Waterway south to Savannah scattering his uncle’s ashes, Josie surprises even herself by offering to be Wyatt’s first mate.

Smooth sailing is nowhere to be found, and Josie begins to wonder if they’ll be able to make it home without killing–or kissing?–each other.

And yet, the longer they share cramped quarters and canned food, the more of Wyatt’s layers she peels back until Josie realizes she misunderstood him, their shared history, and perhaps herself as well.

Ope’s Opinion: This story started out a 3 chair and ended up a 4 four chair. In the beginning Wyatt was whiney and just overall not likable. Maybe that is the way the author meant him to be, but I almost quit reading because I couldn’t stand him.

The sailing trip ( although not realistic ) was a fun way for Wyatt and Josie to really get to know each other. They could not leave each other – they had to work out their differences. I thought each of their truths came out naturally.

I really liked the slow pace of the two of them getting to know each other. I enjoy a clean romance, it brings out the personalities, not just the physical attributes. I will go back and see what books I have not read of Emma St. Clair.

Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: Romance
Source: Harlequin Audio ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: From New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne comes a brand-new story about two women, a family secret and a lost manuscript that changes everything…

Raised by her literary icon father Carson Wells, Allison Wells always felt loved, even though her mother died when she was a teen. But when she takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers she has a sister that she’s never heard about before, it’s clear there are things her father never told her before he died. Determined to meet Juniper—her half sister—and unravel the truth of what happened all those years ago, Ali finds herself taking a job as Juniper’s intern. She’ll eventually figure out a way to tell Juniper the truth of their relationship. But she never could have imagined what would happen next…

Juniper Connolly has always been incredibly healthy…until she wakes up in the hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest, with her new—and recently fired—intern to thank for saving her life. It’s clear June needs to de-stress her life a little, so when Ali offers her the use of her family’s cabin in a small Wyoming town, June has no reason not to go. But when she arrives in the small town, her life will never be the same.

Under the wide-open spaces of the Wyoming summer sun, Ali and June will untangle the secrets and lies their lives were built on to discover who they really are and what family really means. But even more than that, they’ll build a real relationship with one another and finally become sisters.

Ope’s Opinion: I had a hard time deciding between 3 and 4 chairs. I really do like a good sister relationship story – so this made it a 4 for me. The pacing seemed a little slow and the repeating of information made it a 3 for me. So with those details you can decide if this would be a good book for you.

There were a couple of romances going on. They were clean and predictable.

Overall this a good RaeAnne Thayne book, but not one that took my breath away. I am ready to read her next one.

Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Fiction
Source: Bookouture ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: My husband and I share a secret. How far will I go to keep it?

In the middle of our school’s bustling summer picnic, I watch Harriet walk purposefully toward my husband, Michael. She places her hand on his arm, introducing herself and laughing at something he says. A knot forms in my stomach as I watch them. We’ve been here before. But I can’t just walk away…

Over the next few weeks, I try to keep Harriet from my family. But no matter what I do, she finds a way in. Her daughter and my twin boys become friends, and one night I find Harriet in my kitchen, smiling at my husband as she sips a cocktail. I feel like a stranger in my own home.

That night, when I see her name light up my husband’s phone, I can barely breathe. Because I know this is more than just an affair. She’s in our lives for a different reason. For years, I’ve kept a secret buried deep because I thought I could hold my family together. But now, I’m terrified Harriet is going to reveal it and I will lose everything…

Whatever happens, I can’t let her expose the secrets between me and my husband. But what will I have to do to stop her?

A totally gripping and unputdownable novel that asks how well we know the people we love the most. Perfect for readers who enjoy emotional fiction, and for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Susan Lewis.

Ope’s Opinion: This story had a very slow pace. There was an underlying tension throughout the book until the last chapter. It made you want to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. There were some original twists, but the secrets were not as gasp worthy as I would have liked.

I enjoyed the read and I will definitely read her next one.

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
Genre: Romance
Source: Atria/Emily Bestler Books ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: The return of a prodigal daughter to her sleepy Cape Cod town brings the community together in this heartwarming all-new beach read from the acclaimed author of the “absolute treasure of a novel” (Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author) The Darlings.

After her publishing career and engagement fell apart in Boston, Leah Powell has no choice but to return to her sleepy coastal hometown on Cape Cod. Feeling lost and discouraged, she stumbles upon a once prominent historic sea captain’s home that now looks as dilapidated as she feels. Suddenly inspired, Leah decides to transform it into a bookstore and café she will call The Sandy Page.

Luke Nicholson, a life-long local and contractor, remembers Leah even if she doesn’t remember him. Intrigued by her return and her project, he agrees to help her bring the old captain’s house back to life. As they work together, The Sandy Page slowly becomes the town’s go-to gathering spot for locals, tourists, and anyone who is feeling adrift during this long, sweet summer. It’s a home for second chances. But will it be enough for Leah and Luke?

Ope’s Opinion: This is in the romance genre and there are a few romances in the story, but it is so much more than that. It has wonderful characters who care about each other and grow together. The setting is a bookshop at the beach – there is nothing better than that!

The romances are clean ( which is good ), they move at a great pace, and they finish the way you would like them to end.

Hannah McKinnon has written a few good books and you can add this one to the list. I still have some of her books to read and look forward to what she writes next.

Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Genre: Romance
Source: Love Inspired Trade ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: “An absolute must read by a standout voice. Fans of Susan Mallery and Debbie Macomber will devour this captivating novel.” —Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times Bestselling author of Under the Southern Sky 

It’s her second chance summer…if she’s ready for it—in this warm and utterly irresistible Southern small-town novel.

When Avery Lansing Crawford left her hometown of Camellia, Alabama, she was the darling of the town. A beauty queen. Now she’s come back a disgraced and divorced mom who’s lost almost everything—her home, her husband, even her design TV show—all while the public watched. And if the humiliation wasn’t bad enough, Avery and her two small children are moving in with her mama…just in time to give everyone in Camellia something to talk about.  

And oh, they’re talkin’. Especially when Avery reignites her old friendship with Cole Whitaker, who’s offered Avery the opportunity to do something real: a redesign project that would help survivors of human trafficking. It could kick-start both her career and her confidence—not to mention give her a chance to spend more time with Cole.

With three generations of strong Southern women around the family dinner table, coming home to Camellia could be the perfect fresh start. Even if Avery is the topic of salacious gossip over sweet tea and her grandmother won’t stop interfering in her love life. But the bonds of family and the promise of second chances just might lead to a future that looks nothing like she expected.

Ope’s Opinion: This was an easy read, one I could put down and pick up easily. The characters were a bit too dramatic for me. At times I felt like I was reading a pamphlet about human trafficking, not a fiction romance story.

A lot of information was repeated ( kind of like a soap opera on tv ) incase you weren’t paying attention. This made me skim some parts.

The cover was amazing. It was a clean romance. Maybe with a different topic, I would read this author again.

Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks
Genre: Southern Romance
Source: Spotify Audiobooks ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: A small town girl turned big city businesswoman returns home to help her parents, only to find her heart being tugged between her old flame and the town’s mysterious new guy.

This witty and effervescent novel is perfect for readers of Viola Shipman and fans of Sweet Magnolias and Hart of Dixie.

Event planner Hattie Norwood only came back home to Mountain View, South Carolina to support her parents as they receive word that the family peanut farm is infertile. This news doesn’t come as a surprise to Hattie, and she plans to return to Charlotte at the weekend’s end. 

But then the town councilwoman begs Hattie to use her event planning prowess to help Mountain View put on a musical benefit to stop the construction of the new Carolina Panthers stadium—a project Hattie is actually in favor of, much to the dismay of the locals—and she finds herself agreeing to stay until the town’s Founder’s Day celebration a week later, just as her old flame, former MLB standout Lee Lockhardt, materializes in town after a career-ending injury.

When the hunky and mysterious new owner of Fox’s Hardware, Fox Ryan, suggests the Founder’s Day celebration be moved to the Norwoods’ barn in an attempt to reinvent the failing farm as a music and event venue, Hattie agrees, unaware this move will thrust the town, her love life, and the brewing tension over the stadium into a very public spotlight. 

Fans of small-town romance and quirky casts of characters will be rooting for Team Lee or Team Fox as Hattie decides if love, like most music, is meant to fade or last forever.

Ope’s Opinion: If you enjoy a story set in a small town with people who are down to earth, care about each other and will fight for what is right – this is your book to read. It is a sweet read with a closed door romance ( which I really like ).

Hattie is a strong woman who knows her mind and is willing to go after what she wants. She is also a loving daughter and loves her home town.

This was an enjoyable read. I will now be looking for other things Joy Callaway wrote and for what she writes next.

Publisher: Griffin
Genre: Romance
Source: Griffin ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: During the coziness of sweater weather in the mountains of Virginia two people find love against all odds in USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle’s And Then There Was You.

Reeling after falling prey to a Romeo con-artist who just waltzed away with the better part of her belongings, Natalie Maynard works closely with the detective assigned to her case, only the few leads have led nowhere.

Detective Randy Fellowes can’t promise Natalie restitution, but he’s determined to find the culprit and serve up justice. Married to his work, he’s caught off guard when Natalie has his thoughts wandering to more than the case.

Natalie soon seeks refuge in the one thing she still owns ― an old fishing cabin in the mountains of Chestnut Ridge. She quickly falls in love with the town and the eccentric people who are teaching her so much about the area and its heritage.

Through these people, and the determination of Detective Fellowes, she rediscovers her courage, self, and a reason to risk love again.

Ope’s Opinion: The main character ( Natalie ) was so naive. I felt sorry for her. This story moved so slow. I found myself skimming because nothing was happening. It was hard to believe Natalie knew so little about her husband.

The ending was what you would expect. After the rest of the story moved so slow, the ending was rushed and tied it all up real quick.

Publisher: Brillance Audio
Genre: Romance/ Suspense
Source: Brilliance Audio ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee lights the fuse, and the Stone siblings must rely on their wits and hearts to uncover a dangerous enemy…and an explosive secret.

Taking over her late father’s company was never part of Alex Stone’s life plan.

But now, sitting in the CEO chair at Stone Enterprises, she’s resigned to living her life alone. Being a high-powered, billionaire woman tends to narrow one’s romantic prospects. As Alex works relentlessly to reshape her inherited hotel empire, she’s acquired a target on her back complete with death threats.

Alex turns to Hawk Bronson, a man who is equal parts bodyguard, sexy, and completely infuriating. Especially when it comes to protecting her.

As the danger escalates, Hawk comes to terms with the fact that their connection goes way beyond bodyguard and assignment. He knows he should keep his distance—his own dark past and nightmares put her at greater risk—but he can’t walk away. Protecting Alex means everything. Putting her life in someone else’s care isn’t an option once he’s tasted their passion and depth of his feelings.

As they navigate a minefield of family secrets, past pain, and unexpected hope, Alex and Hawk must face their deepest fears and fight for a future together. But first, they’ll need to unmask whoever is behind the threats—before Alex becomes their next victim.

Ope’s Opinion: I do like Catherine Bybee’s books. This one was not one of my favorites. It is the third in a series. It can be read alone, but it is so much better with all the background knowledge from the other two books.

There was some mystery/suspense to start the story off. Then it went to the romance, then back to the suspense. I wish there had been more of the mystery, I felt like it got lost for a while.

I will be interested in what Catherine Bybee writes next.