Review: Loyally, Luke by Pepper Basham

About the Book
Sometimes love means embracing the good, the bad . . . and even the impossible.

Dear Reader,

My name is Luke Edgewood, and there are few things in life that I require. Mainly black coffee. And flannel. And lots of solitude. And my dogs, Chewy and Indie. What I don’t need is romance, so I have no plans to change my thirty-year-old bachelor status anytime soon.

But my youngest sister thinks that by accepting a short-term construction job in the small European country of Skymar, I’m going to follow along in her footsteps and discover my own romantic adventure. Nope. Bah humbug. The End. This time, her rom-com-movie senses are totally wrong.

Or maybe not. Because I’ve met a Grace Kelly look-alike who is annoying . . . until she isn’t. But she is impossible. As in, nothing can happen between us because she is a literal princess. Even though that’s easy to forget when we’re working together to restore a castle-like orphanage in a secluded mountain town and “forced proximity” includes a small closet, a secret one-hundred-year-old journal, and the tactile memory of an off-limits royal in my arms.

Basically, the whole situation has turned into an ooey gooey magical snow globe of romantic tropes complete with cute kids and an actual ball. Now, even my sentences are starting to sound like mush. Ugh. Send high levels of testosterone my way—I’m going to need it.

Loyally,

Luke

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This has been one of my most anticipated books of the year. Ever since his very first appearance in Authentically, Izzy, I’ve been so eager for Luke’s story. And, oh my goodness! It exceeded all expectations!

I was completely hooked from the very first page when Luke asks us not to read the book because it’s embarrassing. Oh my! I couldn’t read fast enough.

This book made me smile and laugh so much, but it also had a lot of depth and emotion too, which I loved.

Luke and Ellie didn’t make the best first impression on each other, which made for a hilarious meet-cute. From then on, it was fun watching them get to know each other. Their banter was great!

I loved that some of the story was told in the form of texts, emails, and news articles. That’s one of the things I’ve loved the most about this series. Well, that and the characters, the setting, and the romances. This has been a top-notch series that I’m sad to see end. I’ve loved it so much. If you’re new to the series, be sure to start with book one. You'll be hooked!

I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Chaos Grid by Lyndsey Lewellen

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring The Chaos Grid by Lyndsey Lewellen. 

About the Book

Cross the grid. Survive the storms. Let your destiny burn.

When mankind’s attempts to control nature backfire, Texas descends into a wasteland. Storms rage and ravenous beasts roam the Outer Grid. The only safe havens rest inside the tech-obsessed domed cities. But when her parents are murdered inside the Plex City dome, seventeen-year-old Juniper Conway wants revenge.

Ties to her extended family threaten to pull her back as she runs from city to city. The Plex is endangering its citizens by legalizing a deadly nano drug, and Juniper’s family needs her help to deliver the counteragent. Saving the city who orphaned her goes against everything she stands for. The only way out is to brave the wasteland.

Juniper joins a shipping crew fearless enough to transport food across the Outer Grid. But when a string of bad luck turns lethal, she fears something, or someone, is dragging her back to the Plex. As her world sinks into chaos, Juniper must decide if revenge is worth the lives of the crew she has come to love.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

The day Plex City burns to ash will be the best day of my life.

Friday 56

A dull ache throbs at the base of my skull when I wake. It takes forever to open my eyes. When I do, I'm met with a blur of gray and blinding white.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Writer on the Wall : A Suddenly Sadie Adventure by Joanne Bischof

About the Book

An uplifting series for women who come for the friendships and stay for the views.

Ever since training for her first indoor rock climbing competition, writer and editor, Sadie McGillis has embraced a new love of the sport and the confidence of trying something new. And now that this Colorado book-lover is writing her first novel about these adventures on the wall, and in the single life—the pressure is on!

So begins the second book in the Suddenly Sadie series, where a single woman continues her quest for joy. Along the way, she’ll discover new-found friends, unexpected challenges, a rugged and kind rock climbing instructor, and the faith to make sense of it all. A light-hearted inspirational read about overcoming our fears, and embracing the challenges God has placed before us. Both in life . . . and in the pages. A celebration of adventures for Christian single women, the Suddenly Sadie series is great for women of all ages and walks of life!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a sweet, wholesome, and feel-good read. I loved it so much! It was exactly what I needed. It was so inspiring and uplifting.

Sadie is relatable and easy to root for. I love that she’s forging her own path, trying new things, and conquering old fears. I was so excited for her. It felt like I was listening to an old friend tell me her story.

It was so nice to read about women supporting other women instead of tearing each other down, especially considering everything going on in the world right now.

This series is not to be missed. Be sure to start with book one. You’ll be hooked and cheering for Sadie as well.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Cole and Laila Are Just Friends: A Love Story by Bethany Turner

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Cole and Laila Are Just Friends: A Love Story by Bethany Turner releasing June 4.

About the Book

Cole and Laila have been inseparable since they could crawl. And they've never thought about each other that way. Except for when they have. Rarely. Once in a while, sure. But seriously . . . hardly ever.

Cole Kimball and Laila Olivet have been best friends their entire lives. Cole is the only person (apart from blood relatives) who's seen Laila in her oversized, pink, plastic, Sophia Loren glasses. Laila is always the first person to taste test any new dish Cole creates in his family's restaurant . . . even though she has the refined palate of a kindergartener. Most importantly, Cole and Laila are always talking. About everything.

When Cole discovers a betrayal from his recently deceased grandfather that shatters his world, staying in Adelaide Springs, Colorado, is suddenly unfathomable. But Laila loves her life in their small mountain town and can't imagine ever living anywhere else. She loves serving customers who tip her with a dozen fresh eggs. She loves living within walking distance of all her favorite people. And she's very much not okay with the idea of not being able to walk to her very favorite person.

Still, when Cole toys with moving across the country to New York City, she decides to support her best friend--even as she secretly hopes she can convince him to stay home. And not just for his killer chocolate chip pancakes. Because she loves him. As a friend. Just as a friend. Right?

They make a deal: Laila won't beg him to stay, and Cole won't try to convince her to come with him. They have one week in New York before their lives change forever, and all they have to do is enjoy their time together and pretend none of this is happening. But it's tough to ignore the very inconvenient feelings blooming out of nowhere. In both of them. And these potentially friendship-destroying feelings, once out in the open, have absolutely no take-backs.

If When Harry Met Sally had a quippy literary love child with Gilmore Girls' Luke and Lorelai, you'd get Cole and Laila. Just . . . don't tell them that.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Bungalow on Shadow Road (The Beach House Mystery Series #4) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Even the best opportunities come at a price . . .

When Melinda Marx receives a mysterious invitation to visit the quaint, historic oceanfront inn in Carova, NC, where she spent her childhood summers, it seems like the perfect opportunity to regroup after her painful divorce. But when she arrives, she learns this is no ordinary beach getaway.

The inn’s owner has died, and four strangers with their own invitations are already there waiting for answers.

Deputy Micah Warner never got over the woman who broke his heart years ago. Now, Melinda—one of five seemingly random visitors handpicked for a high-stakes competition to win the profitable inn—is back in town. But before Micah can come to terms with her sudden appearance, the surprise reunion takes an ominous turn.

Someone wants the contestants gone, and when people start disappearing, the question is no longer who will win but, rather, who will survive?

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

This was another exciting mystery from Christy Barritt. The compelling prologue had me invested and eager to figure out who the mysterious villain was. There were many possibilities, but I was completely shocked by the reveal.

I never really connected with the characters, but the mystery kept me fully engaged. I thought the competition for the inn was really interesting and wish it had been fleshed out a little more. But, all in all, I enjoyed this story. The books in this series are complete standalones, so they can be read in any order.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Writer on the Wall : A Suddenly Sadie Adventure by Joanne Bischof

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring Writer on the Wall : A Suddenly Sadie Adventure by Joanne Bischof. I loved the first book, Sadie on the Rocks, so I was excited to catch up with Sadie and see what she was up to in this sequel. I'm loving it. It's just as good as the first one. 

About the Book

An uplifting series for women who come for the friendships and stay for the views.

Ever since training for her first indoor rock climbing competition, writer and editor, Sadie McGillis has embraced a new love of the sport and the confidence of trying something new. And now that this Colorado book-lover is writing her first novel about these adventures on the wall, and in the single life—the pressure is on!

So begins the second book in the Suddenly Sadie series, where a single woman continues her quest for joy. Along the way, she’ll discover new-found friends, unexpected challenges, a rugged and kind rock climbing instructor, and the faith to make sense of it all. A light-hearted inspirational read about overcoming our fears, and embracing the challenges God has placed before us. Both in life . . . and in the pages. A celebration of adventures for Christian single women, the Suddenly Sadie series is great for women of all ages and walks of life!

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

They say the main character in every story believes something untrue about themselves. If I were the heroine in a novel, would I believe a lie of my own making? It's hard to say when what we think feels true.

Friday 56

Now it's time to start for home. Today, the autumn sun feels brighter. The air all around more fragrant and crisp. Or maybe there's just a difference in me. There's a shadow that I've slowly been saying goodbye to here. The one that I invited to follow me around as a constant reminder that I'm weak and disappointing in so many areas of my life. That taking risks only brings failure and that I shouldn't dream too big. Instead, how refreshing could it be to leave this place free again? Free to dream. Free to try.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Run at Love (Love in the Spotlight #2) by Toni Shiloh

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring A Run at Love (Love in the Spotlight #2) by Toni Shiloh releasing May 7.

About the Book

A CONTENDER RUNNING FOR THE ROSES

As a Black woman in a field with little diversity, Piper McKinney is determined to make her mark on the horse-racing world. Raised on a Thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, Piper's dream is for her horse to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With the help of her best friend and trainer, Tucker Hale, she gains national attention but must grapple with the complications that arise when a journalist delves into her past as a transracial adoptee.

A BEST FRIEND RACING FOR LOVE

In an effort to win Piper's heart, Tucker formulates a plan to train Piper's horse to victory, hoping to prove himself to her, her parents, and his own self-doubts. Then a shocking scandal hits the media, implicating both Piper and her parents, and she and Tucker will have to survive the onslaught to find their way to the winner's circle--and each other.

A ROMANCE WORTH THE CHALLENGE

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?