My Review of Pacific Persuasion

Title: Pacific Persuasion

Author: Sofia Aves

Published On: August 8, 2022

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Source: Digital (NetGalley)

Pages: 93

Synopsis:

Head of security on the South Sea Mermaid, Kai Walker, hates having drugs on his ship. But when travelers begin to overdose and he can’t find the source, Kai suspects everyone, including his absentee dinner partner, Pearl. He can’t work out if she’s a tempting distraction or an intentional diversion. He’s keen to keep his threats close, even if it means a planned seduction to catch her in the act.

US DEA Agent Pearl Hamilton is determined to focus on the assignment she's been set. No sexy-as-sin security officer on a bewitching south sea cruise is going to turn her head, regardless of how good he looks in a uniform. That is until she discovers how much fun she can have with a pair of handcuffs and a stolen room key...

So let's continue on this spicy review trail for another story.  This one sparked my interest because of the whole man in uniform romance.  I was really interested to give this one a read.  It was a short and to-the-point story, which I really liked.  I also see that Sofia has a whole group of stories in the Passport to Pleasure series all released one after another starting with Hot Highland Fling which was released on Monday.  Pacific Persuasion comes out Next Monday. So there will be a new release each Monday for the month of August.

My Thoughts
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Steamy! I really enjoyed this fast-paced read. Covered all the bases and wasn't long and drawn out. Really enjoyed the character progression and the twist that the plot took. Thank you for the opportunity to read this early edition! Look forward to the rest of the series. (Short and Sweet, just like this book!)

This title is currently not on GoodReads!!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

So are you going to check out this Passport to Pleasure series?  I know I will be checking out the other books, so look out for those reviews in the future.

Tomorrow, I will be switching gears and reviewing Leo and Red's Amazing Adventures by Abhiram Rode.  Have an awesome Wednesday and I will see you all tomorrow!

Leah❤

 

My review of A Guide to Being Just Friends

Title: A Guide to Being Just Friends 
Author: Sophie Sullivan
Published On: January 17, 2023
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source: Digital (NetGalley)
Pages: 336

Synopsis:

Hailey Sharp has a one-track mind. Get By the Cup salad shop off the ground. Do literally everything possible to make it a success. Repeat. With a head full of entrepreneurial ideas and a bad ex in her rearview, her one and only focus are living life the way she wants to. No distractions.

Wes Jansen never did understand the fuss about relationships. With a string of lackluster first dates and the pain from his parents’ angry divorce following him around, he’d much rather find someone who he likes but won’t love. Companionship, not passion, is the name of the game.

When Hailey and Wes find each other in a disastrous meet cute that wasn’t even intended for them, they embarrassingly go their separate ways. But when Wes finds Hailey to apologize for his behavior, they strike a friendship. Because that’s all this can be. Hailey doesn’t want any distractions. Wes doesn’t want to fall in love.

What could possibly go wrong?

Welcome to day 5 of my review spree.  Today I am excited to share this upcoming release with you all.  I was granted early access to A Guide to Being Just Friends which will be released in January of 2023.  I started this book on July 20th and for some reason, it was taking me a long time to get through some of the beginning chapters.  It wasn't that I wasn't enjoying it but it seemed like the progression was taking some time.  I finished on the 27th and oh my goodness, I can not even begin how shattered my heart became in the last few chapters.  I realized that the slow progression of the story was actually allowing me time to become connected with these characters without knowing it.  Needless to say, the tears were flowing, but I really am a hopeless romantic, corny sap!  I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to checking out the 2 previous stories in this series.  Each book focuses solely on each of the 3 Jansen brothers (Noah, Chris, and Wes)

My Thoughts
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wow! This was a great read. I didn't realize that this was a part of a series, but I would say that it did not affect this story at all. This could definitely be a stand-alone. I love the character progression throughout. The story started, with what I thought to be very predictable, but I was pleasantly surprised with the twists that the plot took. There were times I thought I knew what was going to happen and I was wrong. I really liked that because it made me want to continue to read to see what was going to happen next. I'm kind of sad to know that this was the last in the Jansen brother series but I am so excited to go back and read the other two. I really felt true emotions for these characters as they were exploring new friendships or maybe more. I have to admit, the last few chapters really tugged on the heartstrings and I was not sure how this story was going to end. Tears were shed because I felt my heart shattering for this character because I felt like I knew them personally. I really love when a book can draw the reader in like that. I didn't realize how connected I felt until the tears were rolling. I think Sophie Sullivan is super talented with her words and I am pleased to say that she has a new fan. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the opportunity to read an ARC of this upcoming story! 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound 

So are you interested in checking out Sophie's other books before this one comes out, check them out below! (click each cover to take you to the Goodreads page for each one)  Let me know if you check them out!  I will be reading both, so definitely look out for those reviews to come!

Have an amazing Sunday!  Keep an eye out for my next review coming soon!  Currently working on 2 more books.  I am so happy to be back in the book world and I am so thankful for NetGalley and Publishers for allowing me access to these amazing books to help keep this fire going!

Leah❤

My review of Long Story Short

 

Title: Long Story Short
Author: Serena Kaylor
Published On: July 26, 2022
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: Digital (NetGalley)
Pages: 320

Synopsis:
Growing up homeschooled in Berkeley, California, Beatrice Quinn is a statistical genius who has dreamed her whole life of discovering new mathematical challenges at a school like Oxford University. She always thought the hardest part would be getting in, not convincing her parents to let her go. But while math has always made sense to Beatrice, making friends is a problem she hasn’t been able to solve, so her parents are worried about sending her halfway across the world. The compromise: the Connecticut Shakespearean Summer Academy and a detailed list of teenage milestones to check off. She has six weeks to show her parents she can pull off the role of a "normal" teenager and won't spend the rest of her life hiding in a library.

Unfortunately, hearts and hormones don't follow any rules, and there is no equation for teenage interactions. When she's adopted by a group of eclectic theater kids, and immediately makes an enemy of the popular—and, annoyingly gorgeous—British son of the camp founders, she realizes that relationships are trickier than calculus. With her future on the line, this girl genius stumbles through illicit parties, double dog dares, and more than your fair share of Shakespeare. But before the final curtain falls, will Beatrice realize that there’s more to life than she can find in the pages of a book?

In this sparkling debut from Serena Kaylor, Long Story Short is a YA rom-com about a homeschooled math genius who finds herself out of her element at a theater summer camp and learns that life—and love—can’t be lived by the (text)book.

Welcome to Day 3 of my Review Spree!  Another NetGalley book here.  This book's description and cover really caught my attention.  I know, never judge a book by its cover, but there is something about a good cover that draws me in.  This just filled me with that butterfly in your stomach feeling.  This looked like something that would make me feel good.  I definitely wasn't wrong.  I guess I am a good judge.  Ok, ok...Leah, calm down.  However, I was very excited to read this one and I was also happy to know that it had not been released yet to the public.  Reading an advanced copy of a book is just so exciting to me.  It's like a secret club that only the coolest kids get invited to.  I mean it isn't wrong!!  Only the cool kids are reading all the best books these days!!  I started reading this one on July 16th and finished on the 20th.  Long Story Short was published this past Tuesday the 26th. I am definitely going to be keeping an eye out for more from Serena in the future!! 

  

My Thoughts
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Omg!! I absolutely loved this story. Beatrice has to be the best character ever.  A genuine self-evolution story with an enemies-to-lovers twist. I could not stop smiling throughout each page and also feel everything she felt.  I was the awkward, "smart" girl growing up, so I was definitely there in her social interactions.  However, I feel like she was much more outgoing than I could ever be, lol.  I loved the way the story progressed and the rest of the characters were just spot on.  I loved the inclusiveness and diversity of personalities used.  Kudos to you!   The way that they all come together and interact is so genuine and very sweet.  The perfect sprinkle of outgoing characters to find as friends, enemies, and love interests. Fantastic read!!  Not to mention, the story takes place at a theater camp.  Umm, yes, please!  I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a feel-good read. To me, this story contained relatable situations and real emotions that arise throughout.  Very much enjoyed this read!!  I am looking forward to seeing if Serena will continue on this story.  Do not want to have any spoilers, but I really need to know what happens next!!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble |  Indiebound 

So where are my theater geeks at?  Tell me if you could attend a theater camp, what play would you want to be a part of and who would you want to play?  I'm pretty sure if you know me, you would know I would 100% be a part of Hamilton. I would want to play Angelica!  Let me know in the comments below and then add Long Story Short to your TBR ASAP!!

Have a fantastic day and I will see you tomorrow with my review for 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir by Poppy Mortimer.  You definitely do not want to miss this one!! 

Leah❤

My Review of What If Love Is The Point?: Living for Jesus in a Self-Consumed World

Title: What If Love Is The Point?: Living for Jesus in a Self-Consumed World

Author: Carlos & Alexa PenaVega

Published On: June 28, 2022

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Source: Digital (Netgalley)

Pages: 240

Synopsis: Overflowing with both laughter and honest reflections, What If Love Is The Point? shared Carlos and Alexa PenaVegas' incredible story - from the red carpet, Spy Kids movies, and Big Time Rush to Dancing with the Stars to marriage and now parenthood.

Let's start my week of reviews with the book that ignited that fire inside me to find what makes me happy.  I was chosen as a member of the launch team for this amazing book. *Cue Excited Happy Dance Here* I was granted access to the title through NetGalley.  I began reading this book on my Kindle on July 7th and I just could not put it down.  Since I did have to sleep, BORING, I finished the book the next morning.  I was pleasantly surprised with how this book made me feel and how it encouraged me to seek changes in my own life.

My Thoughts

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wow! This book was incredible. The real, raw truths that both Lex and Los shared really spoke to me and encouraged me to listen to their words. I'm in a season of my life where I feel like things are good and spiraling out of control all at the same time. I love that they share the "simple" things that they do daily to listen to and follow your creator. I couldn't put this book down and it really made me think and ask myself questions. I felt real emotion while reading. Some parts made me laugh, while others tugged on my heartstrings. I also liked reading from both prospective and getting to see a situation from every angle. I appreciate them sharing this story with the world. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for more out of life and love and want to see that living and following your spiritual word is really the true guidance you need!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound 

Have you read What If Love Is The Point?  Will you be adding it to your TBR?  Let me know in the comments!

Have an amazing day and I will see you tomorrow with my review for The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand!

Leah❤