Top p 10 Books of 2020
Beyond The Roses, by Monica James
Rating: 5 Stars
Monica James’ latest read Beyond The Roses is a beautifully tragic work of art radiating with emotion. A heroine struggling to hold onto everything she holds dear, and a hero who will stop at nothing to save the one he loves. The sorrow, love, joy and sacrifice that laced each page brought us to tears. It also served as a reminder that life and love are not always perfect, but they are worth every moment. If you enjoy heartbreaking love stories, then this is the book for you!
Publisher's Description:
To the outside world, my life is perfect.
I’m young and rich, and some may even say I’m beautiful. But I would give anything to be somebody else because after being extraordinary all my life, all I wish for is…silence.
My name is Lola Van Allen, and there’s no easy way to say it, but…I’m dying.
When my doctors reveal all hope is lost, I decide to spend the time I have left sharing my experience at Strawberry Fields, a summer camp for terminally ill children. No matter my fate, I yearn to make a difference.
Things are quiet and slow-moving until I meet him.
Dr. Roman Archibald.
From the moment our lives entwine, he pushes me until breaking point. But for someone who has nothing left to lose, I push back twice as hard. Roman challenges me in ways I never imagined, revealing things aren’t always what they seem.
This is my story…and how I got a second chance at life.
Live: November 11, 2020
Before I Called You Mine, by Nicole Deese
Rating: 4.5 Stars
A love so pure and selfless, Nicole Deese scripts a beautifully moving love story, in her latest novel, Before I Called You Mine. A heartening journey of adoption that both challenges faith and personal strength. During her journey, Lauren unexpectedly finds love with Joshua, a hero with the essence of patience, support, and sacrifice. However, when her relationship potentially jeopardizes finally becoming a mother, Lauren must face the difficult choice: motherhood or Joshua. Or, can she possibly have them both?
Because I Called You Mine is an earnest portrayal of a spiritual woman’s struggle with doubt, along an emotional journey of adoption. Through her challenges, being blessed with encouraging friends and a new love, who places her needs before that of his own. For fans of Christian romances, Before I Called You Mine is a refreshingly endearing slow burn read. Simply inspiring!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher's Description:
Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.
Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.
With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.
Live: March 31, 2020
Back To Shore, by Taylor Danae Colbert
Rating: 5 Stars
A profoundly stirring read, Taylor Danae Colbert unequivocally stole our hearts in this heartbreakingly beautiful second chance love story, Back To Shore. Danae Colbert reflects reality, and seamlessly transported us into the emotionally provoking world of Meade Lake. Awe-struck as we travelled along this stunning journey, with such breathtaking characters. As time passes, we are still reeling over this book. If you are seeking an emotionally charged story, look no further, this book is a must read!
Years after tragically losing her brother, Mila still struggles with the loss. Recently divorced, she sets off on a journey in search of peace and forgiveness for the one man who ripped it all away, Ryder. However, reconnecting with her past love reignites old memories and emotions. As they spend more time together, unexpected secrets are unearthed, truths are bared, tragedy erupts, and hate subsides as love prevails.
When these two characters reconnected their emotions were palpable. Capturing our hearts in an instant. Sensing the love they still shared, amongst the tragedy that broke them. In this moment as a reader, we were captivated. Invested to discover their history, but moreso, desperate to know their future.Back To Shore magnificently illustrates the beauty of forgiveness and embracing every moment. Simply stunning.
Publisher's Description:
When I was sixteen, I was madly in love with Ryder Casey.
He was kind, he was loving, he was everything.
Then he killed my twin brother, the night before our seventeenth birthday.
Accident or not, he crushed me in more ways than one. So I turned him away and never looked back. I haven’t forgotten. And I certainly haven’t forgiven.
Now, I’m sort of a hot mess. I’m in between jobs, essentially homeless, and newly divorced.
But as I try to put the pieces of my life back together, I know that Ryder’s the one that’s missing. I have to find him, and I have to forgive him.
And when I do, I learn that he’s not exactly living the easiest life. He needs someone. He needs me.
Despite everything, I know I should be there for him. But doing that means I’ll have to put our past behind us.
And I’ll have to try my hardest not to fall back in love with the man who broke my heart beyond repair.
Live: August 11, 2020
Drowning In Stars, by Debra Anastasia
Rating: 5 Stars
Simply put, wow! Impacted by the depth of emotions that poured through each page. Debra Anastasia beautifully crafted stunning main characters, depicted a perfect story of sacrifice, and most notably true love. Without a doubt, Drowning In Stars is one of our top 10 reads of 2020.
Neighbours Pixie Rae and Gaze share secrets,which leads them to forge an unmovable bound. Trapped living a nightmare, they find comfort, peace, and joy with each other. However, when a life threatening attack, places one of their lives in peril, the other must make a selfless decision. A choice that ultimately leads them on seperate paths, one of salvation, the other of heartbreak and solitude. Though separated for a time, these two find their way back to one another. One strong, the other shattered, will the power of their love be enough to repair what is broken?
On so many occasions, our hearts ached and we felt compelled to save these kids, enduring such unimaginable cruelty. Drowning In Stars is a must read!
Publisher's Description:
… he walked a tightrope five stories up just to hold my hand.
Gaze: I moved into the building next to Pixie when I was eleven. She blew bubbles through my window. I shot my Nerf gun through hers. We both had secrets, but one of us was fated to get hurt. I wanted it to be me.
Pixie: When I was afraid of the dark, he would shine a light in my window. We shared our popsicles and I taught him how to get a good swing on the playground. I never imagined I’d have to decide who got to live and who didn’t. I chose him --and he could never know.
She walked a tightrope five stories up just to save my life…
★☆★ Drowning in Stars is a full 100k standalone. ★☆★
Live: August 9, 2020
The Takeover, by TL Swan
Rating: 5 Stars
T L Swan’s most recent work The TAKEOVER, is hands down one of our most favorite reads of the year.We absolutely loved the storyline, characters, and writing.
After the sudden loss of her husband, Claire, a single mom struggling to keep her family and business afloat, is approached with a business proposition by the handsome, and powerful businessman Tristan Miles. What begins as a hostel business meeting soon becomes an unexpected takeover of the heart . However, is Claire willing to make room in her life, and her heart for her new love? Or will she lose everything because she is unable to relinquish the past?
A must read! T L Swan we await your next adventure of the heart.
Publisher's Description:
In bestselling author T L Swan’s second hot installment to the Miles High Club series, he’s sexy, rich, and her mortal enemy. Hate never felt so good.
I first met Tristan Miles at a meeting where he was trying to take over my late husband’s company.
He was powerful, arrogant, and infuriatingly gorgeous, and I hated him with every cell in my body. In the shock of the century, he called me three days later and asked me on a date.
I would rather die than date a man like him—though I do have to admit it was good for the ego. Turning him down was the highlight of my year.
Six months later, he was the guest speaker at a conference I attended in France.
Still arrogant and infuriating—but this time, surprisingly charming and witty.
When he looked at me, I got butterflies.
But I can’t go there.
He’s just a player in a hot suit, and I’m just a widow with three unruly sons.
I just need this conference to be over.
Because everybody knows that Tristan Miles always gets what he wants…and what he wants is me.
Live: August 27, 2020
The Girl In The Love Song, by Emma Scott
Rating: 4.7 Stars
Have you ever started a book and connected so deeply with the characters, that you jump to the end in dire hope that they get their HEA? Well...we may or may not have been compelled to do such a thing.
Lately, we are desperate to engulf ourselves in uplifting stories that warm our hearts. Emma Scott’s The Girl In The Love Song indisputably did just that. Brave characters and real world issues. The Girl In The Love Song is a beautifully written, touching story about two people from vastly dissimilar worlds. Their lives are tethered together by a single act of kindness, forging an unbreakable bond and unconditional love.
As Scott profoundly portrays Violet and Miller’s journey we can’t help, but find ourselves touched by these strong characters battling immense struggles. As circumstances and fears cause them to stray from a common path, a single kiss forever changes the direction of their friendship. Mistakes are made, complications arise, however, love endures and hope remains.
Through Scott’s exceptionally vivid storytelling, we empathize with her characters, their experiences, and emotions. So if you are seeking a slow burn heartfelt read, The Girl In The Love Song is a must!
Publisher's Description:
At Santa Cruz Central High School, they called them the misfits, the outcasts, the weirdos. But most of us knew them as the Lost Boys...
Miller Stratton is a survivor. After a harrowing childhood of poverty, he will do anything it takes to find security for himself and his mom. He’s putting all his hopes and dreams in the fragile frame of his guitar and the beauty he creates with its strings and his soulful voice.
Until Violet.
No one expects to meet the love of their life at age thirteen. But the spunky rich girl steals Miller’s heart and refuses to give it back.
Violet McNamara’s life hasn’t been as simple as it looks. Her picture-perfect family is not so perfect after all. Her best friend Miller is her one constant and she is determined not to ruin their friendship with romantic complications.
But the heart wants what it wants. As Miller’s star begins to rise to stratospheric heights, what will it take for Violet to realize that she’s the girl in all of his love songs?
Lost Boys is a new series of interconnected, coming-of-age standalones from USA Today bestselling author Emma Scott, coming in 2020.
Live: June 7, 2020
Chasing The Moon, by S.M. Soto
Rating: 4.7 Stars
We were rendered absolutely breathless, and brought to tears by the emotions that radiated the pages of S.M.Soto’s latest read Chasing The Moon. Drawn in by the heartache, secrets, love, anger sorrow, and dash of danger we found ourselves eager to see how these characters' journey would end. A heroine, consumed by the pain and guilt of the past, and holds a secret with the power to change everything. A hero, who was blind to her beauty but now can see. Will it be their time to shine? S.M. Soto what a beautiful piece, a must read!
Publisher's Description:
A modern-day retelling of the Greek Myth of Selene and Endymion.
He was the sun, and she was the moon. A love like theirs was never destined to last.
Selene Drake has always been the girl that blends into the background.
The wallflower.
Quiet.
Unnoticed.
Sweet as can be.
It never bothered her, she preferred slinking into the shadows.
When she first laid eyes on Endymion Black, she fell irrevocably in love with him.
The bad boy.
Cold.
Distant.
Handsome as ever.
For years, she pined after the unattainable boy who had somehow burrowed his way into her heart.
Until everything changed.
One unforgettable night bridled with passion and forbidden lust destroyed her naïve heart and reshaped her innocent soul. It sent her fleeing from the only town she’d ever truly known.
Six years later, Selene is back in Dunsmuir and the boy she spent years loving in silence, has now turned into a man. A man with his sights set on her. Somehow, the tables have turned, and this time around, he’s the one doing the chasing, determined to claim her heart as his. Only, he doesn’t realize, she has a secret of her own.
One with the potential to change their lives forever.
Chasing the Moon is a full-length standalone romance with a guaranteed HEA.
Live: October 26, 2020
Reckless Memories, by Catherine Cowles
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Catherine Cowles’ Reckless Memories is an incredible story filled with memorable characters and packed with emotion, which rocked us to our core.
An unimaginable tragedy separated them, leaving a hero ravaged by guilt and a heroine scarred and angry. As they are reunited through fate we witness Bell and Ford begin to heal as they face painful memories, embrace their feelings and learn to forgive. Life soon begins to draw them closer, and they surrender to their undeniable attraction. However, not everyone is happy for them...and one person is determined to destroy their lives!
Catherine Cowles delivers the perfect mixture of warmth, suspense, and danger, leaving us rooting for Bell and Ford, adoring the secondary characters, and forever invested in this series!
Our first announced Top 10 Best Reads of 2020!
Publisher's Description:
I loved him before I knew what the word meant.
From skinned knees to first dates and everything in between.
But he was never mine to love.
I settled for friendship, even though I always wanted more.
That was before.
Before he ripped my world apart and didn’t bother sticking around to help me pick up the pieces.
I knit every last shred back together all on my own.
And I’ve all but forgotten his name.
Now, he’s back, and everything is torn apart once more.
But he’s not the only one doing the tearing this time.
And there might be no stopping the person who has it out for us both.
Live: May 12, 2020
Five Steps Ahead, by Samantha Baca
Rating: 5 Stars
Captivating! Nail-Biting! Jaw-Dropping!
Samantha Baca’s Five Steps Ahead is a page-turning read, guaranteed to keep you at the edge of your seat!
Hannah, a homesick college student still mourning the death of her father, decides to circumvent her sense of loneliness by utilizing a dating app. Unfortunately, to her dismay what was intended to be a search for happiness, ends up being a nightmare leaving her fending for her life. Someone is watching her...and will stop at nothing to make her his!
Hannah’s case is assigned to none other than the handsome detective Max. She has a stalker and his job is to protect her, but he soon finds himself falling for her. Lines are crossed, perceptions blurred, but can he save her before it's too late?
Each page laced with mystery, betrayal, secrets, murder and romance. Samantha Baca you have wowed us yet again!
Thank you to Samantha Baca for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher's Description:
Roses are red. Violets are blue. You don’t see me. But I’m watching you.
Hannah Anderson gave up her adolescence to care for her ailing father, so when she gets to attend NYU, she’s eager to experience everything the city has to offer. But when an online date ends with her drugged and unconscious, and mysterious notes start appearing in her apartment, freedom no longer seems like all it’s cracked up to be.
Detective Max Romano has had more than his share of heartache. Serving and protecting is his life and leaves no time for romance. When his sister goes missing after meeting a guy from the same dating app, he’s hellbent on keeping Hannah from becoming the next victim.
Now in cramped quarters, Max is up close and personal with all the reasons he can't get involved with Hannah. But their chemistry is combustible. Giving in to their attraction is inevitable, but letting their guard down could prove fatal as the stalker is always five steps ahead.
Live: July 9, 2020
Playing With Fire, by LJ Shen
Rating: 4.3 Stars
A wounded heroine seeking to live in the shadows, and a hero who will stop at nothing to numb his pain. L.J. Shen has gifted us with a beautifully written novel in her most recent work Playing With Fire. The pages were filled with mesmerizing characters, pain, forgiveness, danger, and love.This unlikely pair are brought together by fate, and help one another. But with pain that runs so deep, will their love have the power to heal the scars of their past? A consuming read!
Publisher's Description:
A broken boy on the path to destruction.
A scarred girl without direction.
A love story carved in secrets, inked with pain and sealed with a lie.
Grace Shaw and West St. Claire are arctic opposites.
She is the strange girl from the food truck.
He is the mysterious underground fighter who stormed into her sleepy Texan college town on his motorcycle one day, and has been wreaking havoc since.
She is invisible to the world.
He is the town’s beloved bad boy.
She is a reject.
He is trouble.
When West thrusts himself into Grace’s quiet life, she scrambles to figure out if he is her happily-ever-after or tragic ending.
But the harder she pushes him away, the more he pulls her out of her shell.
Grace doesn’t know much about anything beyond her town’s limits, but she does know this:
She is falling in love with the hottest guy in Sheridan U.
And when you play with fire—you ought to get burned.
Live: September 15, 2020
Regretting You, by Colleen Hoover
Rating: 4.5 Stars
A touching story, which masterfully illustrates a mother's selfless love for her daughter, Colleen Hoover stuns us again in her latest novel Regretting You. Morgan, wrecked by tragedy, heartache, and betrayal, shoulder's the fallout of other's mistakes in an attempt to protect her daughter, Clara. However, once secrets are exposed, so to is the depth of a mother's love.We are in awe of Morgan's resilience, her ability to forgive, and her endless compassion. Simply stirring!
Just Ten Seconds, by Jeannine Colette
Rating: 5 Stars
It took only seconds to be captivated, minutes to fall in love with these life-like charming characters, and hours to be awe-struck. Jeannine Colette's, Just Ten Seconds, is an incredible story about a heroine devastated by her past, haunted by her memories, and mourning a loss. A single act of kindness evolves into a second chance at love and family, however, an unintentional lie and a shocking discovery, has the power to unravel her new life. A consuming read!
Just Love, by Prescott Lane
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Blown away! Prescott Lane's latest book is a compelling quintessential epitome of love. A striking turn of events, which quaked us to the core, rendering us completely fixated and drowning in tears. Just Love shook with emotion. A grippingly realistic reflection of the earth shattering aftermath of a life altering tragedy.
Letters To Molly, by Devney Perry
Rating: 4.2 Stars
A moving story about a neglected love, Letters To Molly seeped into our hearts. Six years after their divorce, Molly and Finn still harbour the wounds from their broken marriage. However, when the surprising delivery of secret letters reveals raw unspoken feelings,there begins an emotional journey of healing and forgiveness. A touching read that shares a couple's painful mistakes, and a miracle that encourages them to learn from their errors, to reclaim their love! Memorable!
The King Maker, by Kennedy Ryan
Rating: 5 Stars
An exceptional novel which commanded attention and moved us to the core, The Kingmaker went beyond our expectations! Kennedy Ryan pens an insatiable second chance love story, which battles with deception and forgiveness, as well as brings attention to major real life issues. A poignant, page-turning masterpiece, with a conclusion that left us in suspense!
Rustic Hearts, by Amber Kelly
Rating: 4.2 Stars
We were drawn in by every word, as it quickly took hold of us, leaving us utterly connected. Connected with the memorable characters, and touching moments. Rustic Hearts just felt like home! Without a doubt, Amber Kelly took our breath away and stole our hearts in this enemies to lover, small town love story, about secrets, forgiveness, and finding peace.
The Banker, by Penelope Sky
Rating: 4.6 Stars
By far, our most favorite read from Penelope Sky! She masterfully writes a story about a loyal and determined heroine who will manipulate and seduce, to save the one she loves, and a powerful and ruthless hero who kills those unloyal to him. A luring, captivating, and mesmerizing read!
Kill Switch, by Penelope Douglas
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Penelope Douglas undoubtedly managed to reel us in yet again, with Kill Switch the third instalment of the Devil's Night series. This book effortlessly pushed us forward on our journey down the dark path with the Four Horsemen. We were enthralled with the introduction of two characters whom both faced great adversity, but must find a way to overcome before they drown in the darkness of their past.
All Grown Up, by Vi Keeland
Rating: 5 Stars
Vi Keeland transported us into an intoxicating world of intensity, desire, and romance. All Grown Up is a passionate, sexy, and romantic read which shows us that love can be found at the least unlikely time, with the most unexpected person. So if the cover of this book hasn't captivated you enough to pick it up, we sure hope this review does!
N9ne, by T.M. Frazier
Rating: 4.3 Stars
T.M. Frazier lured us into another enthralling dark, and suspenseful romance. Driven by revenge and determined to get answers, Nine will stop at nothing to retrieve what was stolen. But when the past and present collide, chaos ensues, and Nine must battle with his burning desire to protect his indescribable feelings for his target, Lenny. A highly entertaining read, seared with moments of passion, disbelief, and danger!