Book review: LEAD ME HOME, by Catherine Bybee

Queen Anne Hill #1

Luna & Nate

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was everything I love in romance: warm, funny, suspenseful, and full of heart. The author has a gift. Her writing just flows — clean, confident, and so beautifully balanced between dialogue and action that I never once felt pulled out of the story. She lets her characters reveal themselves through what they do and they say, not endless inner monologues - no dragging, no overthinking, just characters who breathe on the page.

Luna, a brilliant forensic accountant with a sharp mind and a soft heart, completely won me over. And Nate, the ex‑FBI fraud guy turned private investigator, is the kind of steady, protective presence that makes you breathe easier just by being in the room. Their meet‑cute at Starbucks had me laughing out loud — the spilled coffee, the mutual blaming, the elevator moment, the “Mr. Venti” nickname. It was perfect.

The fraud case they work on together is engaging, but what truly grabbed me was Luna’s life: the old mansion she inherited, the roof problems, the sweet roommate, the siblings who love her, and the mother who drains her. I recognized that mother. The passive‑aggressive sweetness, the manipulation, the way she always centers herself. Reading Luna’s journey — especially the moment she finally says enough — felt deeply cathartic. I cheered for her. I understood her. I felt her. 

And Nate… of the gray sweatpants. The way he shows up for her, cooks for her, protects her without smothering her, respects her boundaries, and still lets her see his own wounds — it’s tender and grown‑up and so refreshing. Their chemistry builds slowly, naturally, with humor, fear, attraction, and trust all tangled together.

The author writes secondary characters with the same care: Harper, Ash, Miley — all vivid, all lovable. Even the haunted‑house moment had me grinning (hello, Ethel!).  Midnight the cat was also cute and entertaining, she almost speaks!

This book is riveting, heartfelt, funny, and healing. It gave me a heroine I rooted for, a hero I adored, and a story that felt like a warm hand on my back saying, “You’re allowed to choose peace.”

Five shining stars!

Purchase links

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/queenannehill1us

Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/leadmehome-bn

Books-a-Million: https://tinyurl.com/leadmehome-bam

Audible: https://tinyurl.com/leadmehome-aud

Add to your Goodreads TBR →
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242029141-lead-me-home/

About the author

Catherine Bybee is a #1 Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today bestselling author whose compelling stories have captivated readers worldwide.  With more than 11 million books sold, and her work translated into multiple languages, she has firmly established herself as a powerhouse in contemporary romance and women’s fiction.

Catherine’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.  Notably, her career took a remarkable turn with her self-published novel “Wife by Wednesday”.  This initial indie success not only propelled her onto bestseller lists but also showcased her ability to connect directly with readers, a skill that continues to define her career.

Beyond her literary achievements, Catherine is deeply committed to empowering women through her stories.  Her novels feature strong, independent female characters who navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.  She crafts narratives that explore themes of self-discovery, personal strength, and the importance of supportive relationships.

Prior to her writing career, Catherine spent many years as a registered nurse in busy urban emergency rooms. This experience provided her with a unique perspective on the challenges and complexities of life, which she skillfully weaves into her storytelling.

Whether discussing her inspiring journey as an independent author, the importance of female narratives, or the art of crafting stories, Catherine Bybee’s engaging presence and heartfelt message resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.  For more information, visit www.catherinebybee.com.

Book review: MY FOREVER GIRL, by Laura Pavlov

Blue Sky Bay #1

Cutler & Gracie

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was so excited to finally read Cutler’s book. I’ve loved this kid since the Magnolia Falls days, when he was the adorable nephew with all the charm and swagger. I still remember him as that sweet, confident little boy with the black leather jacket, and hair slicked back like he owned the world.  Watching him grow through Magnolia Falls and Rosewood River series, shaped by two families who claimed him as their own, made him feel like family.  And now seeing him as a grown man, a successful architect, honestly made my heart proud.

And then there’s Gracie. His best friend. His person. The girl he once swore he’d marry someday when he was just a kid. Their connection in this book is so warm and natural, full of years of shared memories and constant devotion. They move around each other with this ease that only comes from a lifetime of choosing each other, even when they didn’t realize that’s what they were doing.

There was a moment in the story that made me hesitate — a choice Gracie makes that I wasn’t sure I would like. But the author handled it with so much tenderness, humor, and genuine affection that it ended up deepening their bond instead of hurting it. Every scene between them feels rooted in love, even when they’re trying so hard to pretend it’s just friendship. Their kisses, their laughter, their soft moments… all of it carries the weight of two people who have been in love far longer than they’ve been willing to admit.

What touched me the most was how selfless Cutler was. He wanted Gracie to find her mojo again after Paris, even if it breaks him. Gracie quietly loving him, and being conflicted about her life choices, because he is home to her. That kind of love — patient, loyal, willing to hurt if it means the other person grows — is what makes these books so wonderful to read.

The side characters bring so much heart and humor, especially the godfathers who show up exactly when Cutler needs them. The chat among friends is a standard with this author, and I love the comic relief they bring to the story. That plus the support from these friends, and allows the reader to know them before it’s their turn to have their story. This book is tender, funny, sexy, a beautiful, heartfelt romance about realizing that the person who has always been by your side is the one your heart has been waiting for.  Easily five stars!

Purchase links

FREE with #kindleunlimited 

https://bit.ly/4tAcvEF

Paperback: https://geni.us/Ybk1p

Audible: https://bit.ly/3R5dzl6

Amazon Audiobook: https://bit.ly/4uiop64

Narrated by: @connorcrais & @savannahpeachwood

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4crPkGg

About the author

Laura Pavlov writes sweet and sexy contemporary romance that will make you both laugh and cry. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome almost-grown kids, and dog-whisperer to one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. Laura resides in Las Vegas where she is living her own happily ever after. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves to hear from readers!

 

Connect with Laura

Website: https://www.laurapavlov.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6569734.Laura_Pavlov

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3c1xKZX

Facebook: http://bit.ly/3eSvEdp

Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/2OKU6T5

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Bookbub: http://bit.ly/3ii8Vdp

Book review: JUST MY LUCK, by Lena Hendrix

The Kings #2

Abel & Sloane

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story felt tender and steady, with two people who’ve been through too much finally finding someone who sees them. Sloane is a tired but loving mom doing everything she can for her “chickens,” living in a tiny cabin and holding her world together with grit and heart. Abel is the town grump with a past that weighs on him, but underneath he’s gentle, loyal, and so much kinder than people give him credit for.

Their connection grows in this quiet, everyday way — small moments, real struggles, and the kind of support that feels earned. I didn’t love one early prank (it felt silly and out of place), but the book gets much better after that. What really won me over was how they show up for each other, how the kids soften Abel, and how Sloane’s warmth slowly pulls him out of his shell.

It’s a sweet, emotional romance about second chances, healing, and choosing the people who choose you. A solid, heartfelt four‑star read.

Purchase links

https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9781496761309/just-my-luck-deluxe-limited-edition/

About the author

Lena Hendrix is a USA Today and Amazon Top 5 Bestselling contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. Her love for romance started with sneaking racy Harlequin paperbacks as a teenager and now she writes her own hot-as-sin small town romance novels. Lena has a soft spot for strong alphas with marshmallow insides, heroines who clap back, and sizzling tension. Her novels pack in small town heart with a whole lotta heat.

When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!

Want to hang out? Find Lena on Tiktok or IG!

Connect with Lena Hendrix: 

https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix/ 

Book review: WHEN SPARKS FLY, by Monica Murphy

This was a sweet, easy romance read with lovely character growth! For me, Monica Murphy is the queen of YA romances, but this one didn’t have quite the same spark as previous ones. Maybe it’s because the characters are older — 22 and 29 — or because the plot is more linear, with most of the angst coming from side characters who will clearly get their own book next. Still, I enjoyed it a lot, especially Wyatt and Rachel.

Rachel starts off as a pampered New York girl who’s been humiliated by a charming British jerk, and she escapes to her family’s house in California to hide and breathe. A small accident (okay… a fire) brings Wyatt, the local fire captain, into her life. He thinks she’s clueless, and honestly, she kind of is — but she owns her mistakes, and that’s what made me like her from the start.

What really won me over was Rachel’s growth. Cut off financially and stranded in a small town, she takes a job at a local restaurant, works hard, makes friends, and slowly proves to herself that she’s capable. Watching her flourish was my favorite part of the book.

Wyatt is a single dad with a sweet daughter and emotional scars. Their romance builds slowly, with both of them fighting their feelings because they know summer won’t last forever. There’s some small‑town jealousy, some family tension, and one big life‑changing event that shakes everything up.

Even though the story didn’t have the usual Murphy magic for me, it was still warm, charming, and full of heart. Rachel and Wyatt are easy to root for, and Rachel’s journey from sheltered to strong made the whole book worth it.

Purchase links

FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://bit.ly/3Mt4Uqb

Audible: https://bit.ly/48LYKd6

Narrated by: Tor Thom & Kelsey Navarro Foster

Paperback: https://geni.us/IuaekK8

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4oCZJRR

About the author

Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere, along with their four cats and one crazy dog. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to sometimes putting her characters through tough, angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Never miss a release! Sign up for Monica's newsletter to get new book alerts (copy/paste) ➜ https://bit.ly/Monicanewsletter

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Website ➜ https://bit.ly/32RZdaZ

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Book review: EVERY SHATTERED NOTE, by Claudia Burgoa

Heartbreak Mixtapes #3

Dexter & Alyssa

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Aly is an event planner who feels held together with duct tape and hope. She and her friend June run their business while sharing an apartment, and you can feel how Aly lives in a constant state of stress — juggling contracts, invoices, backup plans, and disasters waiting to happen.

One of those disasters hits when the wedding band falls apart and she’s still missing a guitarist. She storms into the venue lobby, sees a drenched guy with a guitar case, and immediately scolds him into getting presentable in five minutes. From his smirk, I knew he wasn’t the guitarist. Later we learn he’s Dexter Vaughn, rockstar, of the imploded band Dead Moth Parade, and honestly, he handles the whole thing like a champ. He steps in, plays beautifully, and completely floors her. He loves the quiet, intimate setting — no chaos, no crowds, just music. He even tells her to call him again, and she pretends she’s not impressed.

Aly has deep abandonment issues, so she refuses to get attached. Dex comes from a famous musical family, but his life has been loud, messy, and numbed with booze and drugs. He’s convinced he doesn’t deserve anything good, especially not someone like her. Still, they keep emailing and texting, and he keeps showing up as her substitute wedding singer. His friends roast him nonstop, especially Eddie, who warns him that hiding the truth will blow up eventually.

Dex falls first; Aly falls slower and with a lot more hesitation.

When he finally tells her who he really is, she’s shocked and hurt because he made her feel safe. He convinces her to get away for a couple of days, flying her to his grandparents’ place in Baja California. It’s luxurious, and the truth comes out — she’s shaken, but she adjusts. They have a lovely weekend… until a phone call drags Dex back into the nightmare he’s been running from.

We finally learn the whole story: a family scandal, courtesy of his father, and a stepbrother who resurfaces whenever he wants money or attention. This time, Dex decides he’s done hiding and he goes to fix things, asking Ally to wait for him. 

The romance is lovely, and I really liked how honest they were once they let themselves open up. Dex hides his identity, but his feelings for Ally are always real. Ally is scared, but she never pretends otherwise.

My biggest issue is the excessive emotional description. Because Dex is a musician, everything is described in musical metaphors — his guitar vibrating with feelings, sensations layered on sensations. It gets overwhelming, and sometimes the actual story gets buried under all the poetic babble. I also felt like we never got the full backstory for either of them. We see the symptoms — Ally overworking, Dex haunted by his past — but not the deeper roots. I skimmed parts because the emotional overload slowed things down.

Still, their connection is sweet, steady, and worth rooting for. Once they choose each other, they don’t let go.

Purchase links

https://a.co/d/01SdqI8w

About the author

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. 

She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breaths away. Her books are the perfect blend of steamy and heartfelt, filled with emotional characters and explosive chemistry. Her writing takes readers to new heights, providing a variety of tears, laughs, and shocking moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats.

She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, her youngest two children, and three fluffy dogs.

When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family. At nights, she likes to binge watches shows or movies with her equally geeky husband.

Connect with Claudia Burgoa:

https://claudiayburgoa.com/wp/links/