Review: If Only You by Chloe Liese

 

If Only You (The Bergman Brothers #6) by Chloe Liese

Publication Date: February 20th 2024 by Berkley Reprint & Tantor Audio

Pages: 384

Narrators: CJ Bloom and Nelson Hobbs

Audio Book Length: 11hrs

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Sebastian Gautier, a professional hockey player, needs to shed his bad boy reputation since he’s on thin ice with his team, and rapidly losing sponsors. Ziggy Bergman is the youngest on the National Soccer team, and is tired of being seen as the naïve, squeaky-clean girl. She wants to be recognized as the smart, capable woman she is. A recent run in with Seb, Ziggy’s brother’s best friend, has her thinking that they could help each other out by faking a friendship. By association Ziggy could polish Zeb’s reputation make it seem like he’s cleaning up his act a bit, and Ziggy might be taken more seriously and treated less like a little girl when seen with an edgy male.

Ziggy and Seb were very opposite: where one was weak, the other helped with a fresh, different perspective, assisting each other to grow in positive ways.  Of course, being so close the fake friendship soon turns into a real one. Each feels the pull of attraction sparking between them as they get closer.  

If Only You was a fun fake-friends-to-more romance! I enjoyed the clever banter and bits of humor that made me giggle more than a few times. I really appreciated that there was no third act drama and I enjoyed the neurodivergent and chronic illness representation that Ms. Liese included here, as she does with many of her romances, portraying characters with real-life problems, making them more relatable. I absolutely love the new covers Berkley has released for the whole series, but I especially love the one for If Only You with its vibrant, spring vibes!

I alternately read an e-copy and listened to an audio of If Only You and I recommend either version. CJ Bloom and Nelson Hobbs bring Ziggy and Sebastian to life with their wonderful performances. They definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story. I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

4 Stars

Book Description:

The TikTok sensation, now with new exclusive content!

A longtime good girl and unapologetic bad boy score the love of their life when they least expect to in this swoony, slow-burn sports romance.

Ziggy Bergman is tired of being underestimated. Sure, she’s the youngest player on the National Soccer team and the baby of the family, but that doesn’t mean she still deserves to be treated like a kid. It’s time for her angelic image to get a makeover. What better way to do that than hanging out with trouble incarnate and her brother’s best friend, Sebastian Gauthier?

Sebastian has hit rock bottom. His hockey career and sponsorships are in jeopardy of ending if something doesn’t give. Seb’s not willing to actually change his destructive ways, but he’s happy to pretend he’s a reformed reprobate by faking a friendship for publicity with sweet, shy Ziggy Bergman.

When faking starts to feel real, Ziggy and Seb discover an unexpected friendship they’re happy to hold on to. At least, until their once-fake friendship becomes the most loving, empowering relationship they’ve ever known, and the end goal—for both of them—changes.

Final Check-in 2023 Challenges & 2024 Sign-ups

 Hope everyone is doing well! I'm out in the Sequoia National Forrest with family but just saw I need to do my wrap-up/final check in for my challenges this year. I made all of my goals. Here's my totals:

The challenge is hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer  again & That's What I'm Taking About. Thank you ladies! 

I signed up for The 100 Club Audiobook Addict. I surpassed my goal of 100 book with a total of 133. Some of my favorites:

(Click on cover for Goodreads link)

This year I'll sign up for 125-150 books: I Can't Hear You (earbuds are always in):

The challenge is again hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer  again & That's What I'm Taking About. Click HERE if you want to see about signing up, too.

Library Love Challenge is hosted by Anne @Books of My Heart and Angel's Book Nook. You can sign up for the 2024 Challenge HERE.  

I signed up for Overdrive Junkie 36 Books: I also surpassed this goal with 68 books read. 

This year I'll sign up for:

Library Card on Fire 60+ Books

Some of my favorites:

Bookish Books Reading Challenge is hosted by Susan @Blogginboutbooks. 

I went conservative with Picking and Perusing: 10-20 Books. I made my goal with 12 books. 

Here's some of my favorites:

And my final one was Goodreads. I surpassed my goad of 125 books reading 186, so I'll increase that goal too. Maybe I'll do 175?

So that's all my goals. 

How did you do on all your challenges? 

Mini-Review: The Takedown by Carlie Walker

 

The Takedown by Carlie Walker

Publication Date: October 3rd 2023 by Berkley Romance

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher & Library audiobook

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed The Takedown! I had put it aside after starting a while back, realizing I wasn’t in the mood for the story, but it hit me just right this time around!

CIA Agent, Sydney is back home to catch a crime lord with the perfect cover since her sister is about to marry him! Johnny, the sister’s fiancé seems like a good guy on the surface, but quickly reveals his smarmy side. Nick, Johnny’s best man and bodyguard is nothing more than a way to get closer to her target. Or is he?

I loved seeing Sydney reconnect with her sister and grandmother after holding herself back from any relationships. Past grief and abandonment had made home a painful place.  Nick was a sweetheart, and their romance was a wonderful slow-burn, built by sharing pieces of each other, and getting close. Just the right amount of tasteful sexy times without overwhelming the plot. A cute rescue dog named Sweetie Pie, holiday fun, a bit of action/danger round out the story to make it a winning read! Loved the winter wonderland setting of Maine, too!

4.5 Stars

One thing I wasn't a big fan of was the cover. I like this one more:

Which is your favorite?

Book Description:

An undercover CIA agent is sent home to investigate her sister's criminal fiancé but the last thing she expects is to fall in love with his bodyguard along the way in this sexy romantic comedy.

It’s been a long time since Sydney Swift has gone home. An unrelentingly successful CIA field officer, she has spent the last three years pretending to be someone — anyone — other than herself.

But this year, the festive season is coming with some added surprises. Sydney’s beloved little sister has just announced that she’s engaged to Johnny Jones, the heir of an organized crime dynasty. With her built-in cover and her best-in-class reputation, Sydney is approached by the FBI as their way to infiltrate the Jones family at last.

Sydney has until Christmas to gather enough evidence on Johnny to take him down before he pulls off his most dangerous heist yet, all without losing her sister forever. But she hasn’t counted on the challenge of pulling this off right under her family’s nose or the complications of a romantic entanglement with Johnny’s handsome friend and bodyguard, Nick. Sydney always gets her man — but this time love is a target she can’t afford to miss.

Review: Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan

 

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan

Publication Date: November 14th 2023 by Berkley 

Pages: 317

Source: Publisher & library audio copy

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Riley, like her grandmother before, has a knack for breaking curses. She enjoys the work and wants to carry on the family tradition. She’s finally found a way to make a living at it, slowly building a reputation, which leads to a job in Scotland breaking a curse plaguing Arden Castle for the last 300 years. A development company bought the property to turn it into a vacation destination, revitalizing the small town of Torridon with the tourists it would bring, but the curse has been hampering their progress.

When she arrives in Scotland, Riley meets Clark, an English archaeologist, hitting it off with him immediately, their attraction quick and intense. Until Riley discovers that Clark is also working at Arden Castle and he accuses her of being a charlatan, recommending she be fired immediately. Not surprisingly, this does not go over well, and the fight is on between Clark and Riley.

The enemies-to-lovers trope can be a tricky one to balance. If the “enemy” portion is taken too far then it can be hard to make it believable that the couple would forgive and then fall in love. I didn’t feel Clark and Riley crossed the line here. I felt like they wanted to be able to keep up the hate, but just couldn’t as they recognized all the good qualities in each other. Plus, they were smoking hot together! This romance was spicy! I was also pleased that there wasn’t any third act breakup!

I really enjoyed Do Your Worst! I liked the unique story line of curse breaking and I liked how Riley went about it, investigating the origin and then narrowing down the remedy. It was a little mystery within the romance. The history of how her grandmother got into curse breaking was interesting, too.

4 Stars

Book Description:

Sparks fly when an occult expert and a disgraced archeologist become enemies-with-benefits in this steamy romance.

Riley Rhodes finally has the chance to turn her family’s knack for the supernatural into a legitimate business when she’s hired to break the curse on an infamous Scottish castle. Used to working alone in her alienating occupation, she's pleasantly surprised to meet a handsome stranger upon arrival—until he tries to get her fired.

Fresh off a professional scandal, Clark Edgeware can’t allow a self-proclaimed “curse breaker” to threaten his last chance for redemption. After he fails to get Riley kicked off his survey site, he vows to avoid her. Unfortunately for him, she vows to get even.

Riley expects the curse to do her dirty work by driving Clark away, but instead, they keep finding themselves in close proximity. Too close. Turns out, the only thing they do better than fight is fool around. If they’re not careful, by the end of all this, more than the castle will end up in ruins.

Audiobook Review: Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger

 

Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger

Publication Date: October 24th 2023 by HighBridge/Recorded Books 

Pages: 260

Audio Book Length: 5hrs 39min

Narrator: Jennifer Pickens

Source: Library

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Librofm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Independent bookstore owner Madeline survived a brutal attack, but her friends weren’t so lucky. They caught her attacker, but Harley Granger, a famous true crime writer/podcaster is in town asking questions. Is Madeline sure Evan acted alone? When a new girl goes missing, Madeline isn’t so sure.

I really enjoyed this mystery and even though I narrowed down the list of suspects, I wasn’t absolutely sure until the end! This is my first time reading Lisa Unger, but won’t be my last!

Three POVs: Madeline, Harley and the new missing girl. I enjoyed all three. Would love more books featuring Harley in more cases!

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed Jennifer Pickens’ performance of both male and female voices. Would definitely listen to her again. I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed. The audio is on the shorter side: 5hrs 39min so it’s a fast, exciting listen!

4 Stars

Book Description:

Instead of presents this Christmas, a true crime podcaster is opening up a cold case…

Madeline Martin has built a life for herself as the young owner of a thriving business, The Next Chapter Bookshop, despite her tragic childhood and now needing to care for her infirm father. When Harley Granger, a failed novelist turned true crime podcaster, drifts into her shop in the days before Christmas, he seems intent on digging up events that Madeline would much rather forget. She’s the only surviving victim of Evan Handy, the man who was convicted of murdering her best friend Steph, and is suspected in the disappearance of two sisters, also good friends of Madeline’s, who have been missing for nearly a decade. It’s an investigation that has obsessed her father Sheriff James Martin right up until his stroke took his faculties.

Harley Granger has a gift for seeing things that others miss. He wasn’t much of a novelist, but his work as a true crime author and podcaster has earned him fame and wealth—and some serious criticism for his various unethical practices. Still, visiting Little Valley to be closer to his dying father has caused him to look into a case that many people think is closed—and some want reopened. And he has a lot of questions about the night Stephanie Cramer was killed, Ainsley and Sam Wallace disappeared, and Madeline Martin was left for dead, bleeding out on a riverbank.

Since Evan Handy went to jail, three other young women have gone missing, most recently a young college dropout named Lolly. Five young women missing in the same area in a decade. Are they connected? Was Evan Handy innocent after all? Or was there some else there that night? Someone who is still satisfying his dark appetites?

As Christmas approaches and a blizzard bears down, Madeline and her childhood friend Badger return to a past they both hoped was dead—to find the missing Lolly and to answer questions that have haunted them both, discovering that the truth is more terrible and much closer to home than they think.

Coupling a picturesque, cozy setting with a deeply unsettling suspenseful plot, Christmas Presents is a chilling seasonal novella that can be enjoyed all year long.

Mini Reviews: The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley and Good Girls Don't Die

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

Publication Date: June 13th 2023 by Thomas Nelson

Pages: 358

Audio Book Length: 10hrs 2min

Narrator: Jorjeana Marie

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

At thirty, Isadora’s life is bland and far from happy. So when she spies a magazine article proclaiming “31 Ways to Be Happy (Today!)”, as an academic researcher she feels she can debunk this ridiculousness. However, as she starts trying out the suggestions in the name of science, it forces her to open up to others and she finds her life changing. Isadora was hurt badly in the past which ultimately led to her being guarded, her life stagnant, so I was thrilled seeing her start to embrace life and happiness, making friends, and finding love along the way! Isadora’s journey was of self-discovery and healing. This was such an uplifting story with a sweet romance as icing on the cake! 

The audio was excellent! Jorjeana Marie's performance breathed life into the characters and definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed. 

4.5 Stars

Good Girls Don't Die by Christina Henry

Publication Date: November 14th 2023 by Berkley & Penguin Audio

Pages: 320

Audio Book Length: 9hrs 31min

Narrator: Lisa Flanagan

Source: Publisher & Library lend audio

Rating: ★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

There are three stories, with three different women: Celia wakes up as a wife, mother, and restaurant owner, but doesn’t remember any of it.  

Allie is supposed to get away with her two besties to celebrate her birthday, but plans change when one of the boyfriends (total jerk!) hijacks the trip and takes them to a secluded cabin out in the woods.

Maggie wakes up with several other women forced to participate in deadly competitions.

All three stories connect by the end.

Good Girls Don’t Die had a kind of Twilight Zone vibe. Wished there was a little more to the ending other than that abrupt one, but I was happy with how it turned out for the most part. 

Lisa Flannagan's audio performance was excellent. Sort of reminded me of Lorelei King, one of my favs! I listened at 1.5x normal speed.

3.5 Stars

Review: The Ex-Max Holidays by Zoe Allison

 

The Ex-Mas Holidays by Zoe Allison

Publication Date: September 26th 2023 by Berkley & Penguin Audio

Pages: 400

Audio Book Length: 10hrs 58min

Narrator: Nikki Massoud

Source: Publisher & library audiobook

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

The Ex-Mas Holidays was a sweet second chance romance!  Despite having miscommunication as the original source of conflict and the fact that Sam has a girlfriend for two-thirds of the book, I whole-heartedly enjoyed it! The author weaved a compelling story, and it was easy to like and relate to Sam and Maya.  Their interactions were as reluctant friends, both wary because of what they thought happened in the past. As they get to know each other again, the events from the past don’t seem to fit, and so they start to question what really happened. I was invested in seeing Sam and Maya sort out the past and work their way back to each other.  

I loved the support they provided for each other, and the awesome friends that also helped guide them! Both needed it as they faced their own separate issues. Sam with a toxic girlfriend, gaslighting him and undermining his confidence. Maya’s parents loved her, but her father had very set ideas about the career path Maya should take. He considered the job that brought her joy beneath her, and Maya had a hard time disappointing him.

I alternately read and listened to an audio copy, and I recommend either version. Nikki Massoud’s wonderful performance enhanced my enjoyment.  I loved her Scottish accent! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.  

4 Stars

Book Description:

It’s hard to escape your ex when you’re working together over Christmas in the Scottish Highlands, but being stuck together might be the best possible present in this sparkling new contemporary romance.
 
Maya Bashir is dreading her drive home for Christmas and having to explain that she's just left her high-paying job and a long-term relationship, so a brief detour to her friend’s festive party doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. Until Maya walks in to find the last person she wants to see. Sam, the boy who broke her heart eight years ago. And he’s serving drinks. Naked.
 
Sam Holland is working an extra job on the sly to help his friend get by. But little did he expect Maya Bashir to come barrelling back into his life, learning about his secret side-hustle and taking back her old job alongside him at his daytime role as a ski instructor on the slopes of the Scottish Highlands.
 
As both Sam and Maya realize that their reason for heartbreak so many years ago wasn’t entirely as it seemed, they must learn to stand up for what they want the most…or else miss their second chance at love.

Audiobook Review: The Inheritance by Nora Roberts

 

Inheritance (The Lost Bride Trilogy #1) by Nora Roberts

Publication Date: November 21st 2023 by Macmillan Audio

Pages: 419

Audio Book Length: 13hrs 51min

Narrator: Brittany Pressley & Nora Roberts (intro)

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Loved Inheritance! Sonya’s story grabbed me from the start, with her ruined engagement, to how she came to inherit the historic mansion on the coast of Maine. It sounded so gorgeous, with its grand library, breathtaking views of the ocean and a widow’s walk! It’d be hard to refuse even with the ghosts that seem to inhabit the place. Sonya finds out there’s a tragic history, the brides in her family have died soon after marrying. A dark presence laid a curse down long ago that needs to be broken.

 Nora Roberts weaved a captivating tale complete with characters to love and hate. Parts were spooky with unexplained happenings in the mansion, but Sonya had backup and support with her best friend, Cleo, her mother, and the hunky lawyer, Trey. They all are on board with investigating the past and eliminating any threat to the future.

The story stopped at an interesting part, and I was surprised. At first thought that maybe my copy was cut short, but then figured out it was a to-be-continued/cliffhanger sort of ending. I eagerly await the next installment!

Brittany Pressley, one of my favorite narrators, performed each character with a distinct voice, some with accents, and delivered with emotion that brought the characters to life! I completely recommend the audio version! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

4.5 Stars

Book Description:

Inheritance is the first in The Lost Bride Trilogy by #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts―a tale of tragedies, loves found and lost, and a family haunted for generations.

1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…

Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about―and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulates she must live in it for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth―and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.

Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya’s unease―and acknowledges that yes, the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds objects moved and music playing out of nowhere. She sees a painting by her father inexplicably hanging in her deceased uncle’s office, and a portrait of a woman named Astrid, whom the lawyer refers to as “the first lost bride.” It’s becoming clear that Sonya has inherited far more than a house. She has inherited a centuries-old curse, and a puzzle to be solved if there is any hope of breaking it…

Connect with Nora Roberts:

Website | Instagram | Facebook 

Review: There Should've Been Eight by Nalini Singh

 

There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh

Publication Date: November 21st 2023 by Berkley 

Pages: 384

Source: Publisher & purchased audiobook

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Luna and her friends are reuniting at a remote estate, getting together after years apart, but one of them isn’t part of the group. Bea Shepherd, Darcie’s younger sister, died eight years earlier and it still doesn’t make any sense to Luna. Bea was a bright star in the group, with her magnetic personality, everyone loved her. Luna can’t forgive the way Darcie handled her death, brushing it and the details under the rug.

Luna has struggled with the loss, but now has an added reason to finally get answers about Bea’s death. She’s going blind and wants to be able to look her friends in the face, see their reactions to her questions. She wants the truth, even if her questions stir up anger and bitterness.

Their meet-up turns dangerous as a winter storm cuts them off from civilization, trapping them at the estate while things start going wrong. Tensions grow while they struggle to survive long enough to escape.

Oh, this was a twisty, atmospheric mystery! It took a little to get into it, getting to know the characters and history, but as soon as strange things started happening, I was hooked! The characters stuck together at a gothic-like, creepy estate upped the tension! There were a couple of surprises as all is revealed! I’m still thinking about the story!

4 Stars

Book Description:

In this chilling thriller from New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh, a remote estate in New Zealand’s Southern Alps hosts a reunion no one will ever forget.

Seven friends.

One last weekend.

A mansion half in ruins.

No room for lies.

Someone is going to confess.

Because there should have been eight. . . .

They met when they were teenagers. Now they’re adults, and time has been kind to some and unkind to others—none more so than to Bea, the one they lost nine long years ago.

They’ve gathered to reminisce at Bea’s family’s estate, a once-glorious mansion straight out of a gothic novel. Best friends, old flames, secret enemies, and new lovers are all under one roof. But when the weather turns and they’re snowed in at the edge of eternity, there’s nowhere left to hide from their shared history.

As the walls close in, the pretense of normality gives way to long-buried grief, bitterness, and rage. Underneath it all, there’s the nagging feeling that Bea’s shocking death wasn’t what it was claimed to be. And before the weekend is through, the truth will be unleashed—no matter the cost. . . .

Connect with Nalini Singh:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Review: Better Hate than Never by Chloe Liese

 

Better Hate than Never (Wilmot Sisters #2) by Chloe Liese

Publication Date: October 10th 2023 by Berkley

Pages: 360

Source: Publisher 

Rating: ★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Enemies-to-lovers can be a tricky romance trope. It’s hard to wipe out the negative if the characters are super hateful to each other, but I didn’t think Christopher or Kate crossed over the line. They were more in the habit of being contrary to each other, each for different reasons. Kate lashed out, because she felt hurt and rejected by Christopher over and over, and Christopher wanted to keep her at arm’s length, to counteract his attraction to her. He had no idea that his words and actions truly hurt Kate’s feelings.

I can’t write this without mentioning the absolutely yummy sounding doughnuts in the story! Sentences like this: “tart apples and cinnamon, pumpkin and pungent nutmeg, warm vanilla and rich maple syrup” made me crave a doughnut or five, and that wasn’t the only batch mentioned!

Better Hate than Never was a fun reimagining of Taming the Shrew. Ten Things I Hate About You is one of my all-time favorite movies and there’s a few nods to the film in the story. I liked that there was no over-the-top, last-minute drama once Kate and Christopher sorted out their adversarial relationship and acknowledged their sizzling chemistry. Chloe Liese built the tension between these two which resulted in some hot stuff! I loved the family connections and support as well.

 4 Stars

Book Description:

Childhood enemies discover the fine line between love and loathing in this heartfelt reimagining of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.

Katerina Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio shared backyards as kids, but as adults they won't even share the same hemisphere. That is, until Kate makes a rare visit home, and their fiery animosity rekindles into a raging inferno.

Despite their friends' and families' pleas for peace, Christopher is unconvinced Kate would willingly douse the flames of their enmity. But when a drunken Kate confesses she's only been hostile because she thought he hated her, Christopher vows to make peace with Kate once and for all. Tempting as it is to be swept away by her nemesis-turned-gentleman, Kate isn't sure she can trust his charming good-guy act.

When Christopher's persistence and Kate’s curiosity lead to an impassioned kiss, they realize "peace" is the last thing that will ever be possible between them. As desire gives way to deeper feelings, Kate and Christopher must decide if it’s truly better to hate than to never risk their hearts—or if they already gave them away long ago.

Review: Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

 

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Publication Date: November 7th 2023 by G.P. Putnam & Sons for Young Readers & 

Penguin Audio

Pages: 368

Audio Book Length: 9hrs 31min

Narrator: Karissa Vacker

Source: Publisher

Rating: 3-3.5 Stars

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Librofm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I have loved most of Ali Hazelwood’s stories, so even though I don’t read much YA anymore I was excited to pick this one up. It ended up being a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed parts, but some not so much, mostly because of Mallory. She was such a frustrating character. The way she treated her friends and Nolan rubbed me the wrong way. Also, I think Mallory’s approach to sex (in the beginning) was supposed to come off as sex positive, but I don’t count <Highlight for spoiler>frequent random hookups on apps like Tinder a positive for anyone<End of spoiler> much less the YA crowd this is being marketed to. Lots of pop culture references, and things in the story that felt they were there to check a box.

Things that worked for me: Nolan! He was so amazing to Mallory and her family. He didn’t get riled up even we he had just cause. Loved Mallory’s friends: Easton, Defne and Oz. Loved how Oz served up some much-needed brutal honesty to Mallory! I enjoyed all the bits about chess. I don’t know much about the game or competitions, but it was fun and it stirred my curiosity for sure.

I alternated between an audio and e-copy of Check & Mate. Karissa Vacker is one of my favorite narrators and I think she made the story more enjoyable. She does such a wonderful job with both male and female voices. She breathed life into these characters for me! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

I’m one of the few who didn’t love Check & Mate, so I’d check out other reviews, like Kiersten’s on We Live and Breathe Books or Carole's Random Life.

3-3.5 Stars

Book Description:

In this clever and swoonworthy YA debut from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis, life's moving pieces bring rival chess players together in a match for the heart.

Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory's focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious "Kingkiller" Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess.

Nolan's loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What's even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory's victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can't help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist....

As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren't only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent...and infuriating...)

Review: The Whole Time by Catherine Bybee

 

The Whole Time (The D'Angelos #4)  by Catherine Bybee

Publication Date: November 14th 2023 by Montlake

Pages: 363

Source: Publisher 

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Selena Barone has lived with her parents and worked for the D’Angelo’s family restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego, which was fine since she just wanted to have fun, but at 26 she needs independence. Her parents feel she shouldn’t move out unless she’s marrying. Unfortunately, as Selena discovers, being an adult on her own is expensive, and while she loves at the D’Angelo’s since they’re like family, it doesn’t quite cover the bills. Selena gets an unexpected break doing something she loves, yet she’s apprehensive about telling others, worried about how her parents and friends will react. She knows her parents would completely disapprove and judge.

Falling for Ryan Rutledge isn’t part of her plan, but their instant attraction takes hold. Their romance is a slow dance, since Selena isn’t keen on jumping in after she’s been hounded by her parents over and over to find a man and become a wife. Like that should be the only appropriate goal for a woman.

The D’Angelo’s were a large, loving Italian family, a bit nosy, but it all came from a place of love. The mother made me laugh. Selena’s parents, not so much. They were overbearing and too much. Thankfully Selena handled them well.

The Whole Time was an easy-going romance, with Selena finding her path as an adult, managing family expectations, and finding happiness. I enjoyed Selena’s journey growing up and falling in love. The romance was a slow burn, full of chemistry!

4 Stars

Book Description:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes a tale of a strong-willed dancer exercising her independence and the rich biker she can’t let go.

Salena Barone has broken free of her family and moved into an apartment above the D’Angelos' restaurant, where she works as a manager—without a husband, thank you very much. But even on a restaurant salary, she soon finds herself strapped for cash. Salena’s never been afraid of living on the wild side, though, so she takes on a side hustle that’ll raise big bucks…and eyebrows, if anyone finds out.

Tattooed biker Ryan is the youngest of the wealthy Rutledge wine family and has never dreamed of rings, forever, or continuing the family business. He’s perfectly happy living his own life and helping out hardworking folks in his own way.

When these two independent singles spot each other at a Rutledge-D’Angelo wedding, the attraction is instant. But as their friendship with benefits evolves into something more, the secrets Salena’s keeping—from family, friends, and Ryan—threaten the happily ever after she never knew she wanted.

 

About the author:

Catherine is a #1 Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Indie Reader bestselling author. In addition, her books have also graced The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists. In total, she has written thirty-nine beloved books that have collectively sold more than 10 million copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages.

Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full time and has penned The Not Quite series, The Weekday Brides series, The Most Likely To series, and The First Wives series.