Review: Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty

Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty by Hillary Rodham Clinton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that I've never been a big fan of the Clintons, but I do admire HRC for all that she has accomplished. This was a series of stories/events that have happened and told from her point of view. Think Jan 6th, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan (I hadn't realized that she was involved in getting multiple women out), when she taught in college, Russian propaganda. There is a lot in this book.

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Review: The Devil in Blue Jeans

The Devil in Blue Jeans by Stacey Kennedy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5* rounded up
Charly and her friends (Aubrey and Willow) make a pact after college to move to Timber Falls and go all in on a bar/restaurant if they don't like where their lives are at at the ripe out age of 28. To Charly Timber Falls has a magical appearance to it. (TF is in Montana and is in close proximity to Yellowstone). Well, Charly walked in on her fiance cheating on her, Willow had an abusive boyfriend, and Aubrey was sexually harassed by co-workers, so time for a fresh start!
They buy the Naked Moose and renovate it, turning it into a high end cocktail bar; serving only cocktails. The locals are disappointed and don't feel welcome since the new format seems to cater more to tourists. Enter Jaxon, the former owner who is pissed. He father unexpectedly died and he sold the bar to take over his family's ranch; raising, training, and selling world class Quarter Horses.
This starts out as an enemies, "how can I use you to help with the bar's success/make the locals welcome", before turning into lovers. There is a subplot with Charly's ex that she has to deal with (that was probably not necessary), but it did give her closure. I liked Jaxon's friends, Gunner (a country singer) and Eli (his sister was murdered by her boyfriend). Both work with Jaxon on his ranch.
I did think it strange that in a small town a bar would only serve cocktails and not beer. And those cowboys are smart- they only like craft beer. (yes, "craft" beer was mentioned a lot).

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Review: Purple Hearts

Purple Hearts by Tess Wakefield
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1.5* Rounded up b/c I did finish this (although in hindsight, I should have DNF'd it)
This had so much potential. A fake relationship for health insurance? Cassie has diabetes and has to regularly choose between rent and insulin. When she realizes that military spouses get good health insurance, she proposes to a childhood friend. He turns her down, but Luke, who has reasons of his own for wanting the extra pay, volunteers.
So many problems with this. Not knocking the military, but this had racist, misogynistic parts that I just couldn't get past. I also didn't care for either main character and thought the ending could have been different.

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Review: South Beach Love: Now a Hallmark Channel original movie!

South Beach Love: Now a Hallmark Channel original movie! by Caridad Piñeiro
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tony is an executive chef at a New York restaurant. He comes for a long overdue trip to Miami to see family and to help with his niece's quinceanera. Sara is also a chef in Miami with her own restaurant to promote. She also has a niece whom she will be helping with her quinceanera. Add to the pressure of creating the perfect menu, there is also a competition to be featured in the local paper.
This was a nice slow burn (clean) romance. I would have liked more in the end. Don't read if you are hungry (lots of descriptions of food).

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Review: Booked for the Holidays

Booked for the Holidays by Liz Maverick
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Abi works in publishing and her favorite author (of a cozy mystery series) is missing her deadline for the last book in her popular series. So, she jumps at the chance to go and coach her to make the deadline. Abi shows up at her house. No appointment. Dov, the grandson is the one to answer the door.
The author is over 90 and Abi never stops to think she died (Dov looks sad and a bit stressed), she was a bit (dare I say it?) stupid. So, to say things aren't quite what they seem is very accurate.
Anyway, Dov is planning on finishing the book. Abi offers her help. They both have different ways to approach and it takes time for them to learn how to work together.
This was okay. Not great, it didn't suck. The romance was eh.

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Review: To Do List

To Do List by Lauren Dane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Belle is a lawyer who has worked 80 hour weeks for the previous year to get ahead in her law firm. She wants the corner office with a view. One of the partners gives her a hard time when she goes on vacation for 5 days (for Christmas). She's slacking! She has a large supportive family who love and worry about her. She has also had a crush on her brother's best friend, Rafe for years. Rafe has also liked Belle and plans to do something about it.
I did like that this was not one of those "I can't, he is my brother's best friend!" or "I can't, she's my best friend's sister!" This was short, sweet, and spicy. The romance worked because of their prior friendship. Each chapter alternates between points of view.

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Review: The [Fake] Dating Game

The [Fake] Dating Game by Timothy Janovsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Holden's long term boyfriend recently broke-up with him. He decides, since the trip he planned for both of them are nonrefundable, to go ahead and go to LA. It starts off horribly; his luggage is lost, the hotel smells, and someone he thought would remain a friend is most definitely not. His ultimate goal was to be on the show, Madcap Market. MM was his mother's (and his) favorite show and something they would watch together. She died when he was 18 (6 years ago). Being single, he won't be able to audition, but he could be an audience member.
However he makes a connection when his hotel's concierge brings him pizza and they play Monopoly to take his mind off things. What follows are 2 strangers who have a connection and share things that they haven't been about to share with other people. After Leo loses his job, they decide to fake a relationship to audition for Madcap Market. Both really could use the grand prize of 100,000.
Both characters compliment each other. Through his relationship with Leo, he finally realizes he needs to deal with his grief over his mother's death; he never really dealt with it. Lust happens quickly and you could say they fall in love with each other quickly too. The game show component is about the last 1/3 of the book. Holden also learns this: "Happiness is something we make for ourselves."

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