We’re one month into our Summer Reading Challenge!
A couple weeks ago, you shared what you’ve been reading with me so now it’s my turn.
From sweet romance & hanging out in the world of the Appies to a visit to PEI with a Canadian author and hanging out with Abby Jiminez. Get the details below:
Audio Books
Just Don’t Fall - This was my second visit to Harvest Hollow with Logan, Parker & the Apples and this time by audio. This book sets the stage for the entire Appies series and is a sweet romance that has Parker and Logan reunited after years apart. It’s a brother’s best friend, fake dating romance where pro hockey player Logan returns to Harvest Hollow after an extended absence to be reunited with Parker, the social media maverick of the Appies.
*ALC provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and reviews are my own.
The Summer of Yes - Will the disruptors of your life lead you to say YES to living one?
Kelsey was living a perfectly adequate (observer) life when a literal run-in lands her in the hospital. While coming to the realization of where she is, she also recognizes she's not alone, and her new roommate is anything but happy with it. Enter: Georgina Tate. Makeup mogul & all around boss of a female business owner.
With Georgina by her side, Kelsey embarks on a 'Summer of Yes' and discovers that it's not always the big yeses that make a difference in your life. Sometimes the beauty of the moment is found in the little yeses of everyday life.
I already knew Courtney Walsh was an auto-buy author. ‘The Summer of Yes’ is a disruptor to the life of the reader in only the best sense. Listening to this book brings clarity to how we spend the yeses in our life and acts as a reminder of the value of how we spend our time.
*ALC provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and reviews are my own.
A Groom of One’s Own - It’s always hockey season with the Harvest Hollow Appies & I’ve returned back to A Groom of One’s Own to check back in with Eli and Bailey.
I read this on my kindle when it first released but when Emma offered up the opportunity to listen to this Advanced Listener Copy I wasted zero time signing up.
This isn’t your average hockey team. Their rise to TikTok fame means the team is getting more and more recognizable by the minute. However, for Bailey, the hot puppy guy that comes into the animal shelter regularly is just another (Viking of a man) looking for some quiet time with a puppy in need. That is until he needs help with something a little more complicated.
The second time through this book and it remains a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ listen.
While this book is a standalone, I highly recommend going back to book 1 with Just Don’t Fall so you can meet all the Appies and get the full picture.
Thank you Emma St.Clair for the opportunity to give this book a listen. All thoughts and reviews are my own.
Physical Books
Romancing the Grump - Part of the Appies hockey series (but technically a stand alone), this 4th instalment focuses on Nathan and Summer.
Nathan is part of the starting line up for Appies AHL team in Harvest Hollow, North Carolina and the resident team grump. They may be recognized by the public for their TikTok fame (read Just Don’t Fall by Emma St.Clair) but their skills as players and a team go beyond what fans see on their phones.
Summer is the newest addition to the Appies team, but she’s not taking the ice anytime soon, she is the newest member of their legal team, brought on to support sponsorship and contract negotiations.
The contract she didn’t anticipate negotiating? One that finds her fake dating Nathan when his TikTok fame goes a little too far beyond family friendly viewpoint.
Will these friends become more than friends?
What you’ll love:
- establishing of “the rules”
- Summer stepping up and protecting Nathan from fans (and slimy reporters)
- road trip with hotel antics
- fishing for smiles
- Nathan standing guard when someone from Summer’s past gets too close for comfort.
- Crossover with the Hawthorne family (if you haven’t read their series go get them now!)
It is heartwarming and funny and leaves you wondering if these two people can get past their own past to see what is in front of them
This Summer Will Be Different - Canadian author Carley Fortune is back at it again. This time taking readers on a trip to PEI. This one's a little spicy but it’s in small sections throughout the book that you can breeze on by. But if you’re a Canadian gal, you’ll love the Ontario and PEI references spread throughout the books. From navigating Toronto, to hopping on a plane from Pearson, I love how Carley weaves in these details.
I’m fully convinced that Abby Jiminez only writes must-read books.
The only way I can think to describe it is that Abby writes about the whole person. Their emotional struggles, their friendships, their insecurities and their incredible strengths. Characters are both flawed and super heroes. In short, she writes real life into each and every one of her stories.
Note: Abby writes with spicy scenes throughout her work. Easy to skim by if that’s not your thing.
Here’s to a new month and new reads! I’ll be sharing them online as I go and you won’t want to miss out. There are some exciting books being released in August.
Disclaimer: the links used in these reviews are affiliate amazon links. I may received a small compensation on eligible purchases, but the use of the link doesn’t impact the price you pay.