Category: Book Review

Hate You, Maybe

When the stakes are win, lose, or fall … and love is not in their lesson plan.

Sayla Kroft has only two goals this year:

Score the big district grant to rebuild her high school’s dilapidated theater.
Avoid Dexter Michaels, the flirty-flirt athletic director who wants those same funds for the gym. Losing to her workplace enemy—again—is not on Sayla’s never-ending to-do list. Neither is being trapped with her maddening coworker at a professional retreat.

Or noticing his relentlessly crooked smile is actually kind of … hot.

But just as she’s beginning to believe Dex might not be the devil himself, the two are forced to switch job titles to prove their collaborative spirit. That’s when Sayla realizes her competition is fiercer than she imagined, which leaves her with an impossible choice:

Fall for Dex and risk losing the grant … or stop at nothing to win, and risk losing everything.

My Review:

A great enemies to more romance that lightens the angst with lots of fun snarky banter. Sayla is so anti-Dex in the beginning that I was worried I wouldn’t be able to relate to her at first, but snippets of her backstory reveal hidden depths and I soon became her enthusiastic cheerleader. Especially once they head out on that professional retreat and our enemies to more trope stretches into close proximity where sparks start sizzling and hearts begin to soften.

Sayla and Dex remind me of Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe (my first experience with literary romance!) They have that same kind of competitive vibe where Sayla/Anne takes it way more seriously than Dex/Gilbert. Loved finding that personal childhood to adult connection in this story. I was just as emotionally invested in Sayla and Dex’s romance as I was in Anne and Gilbert’s decades ago!

And the way the author draws on the complex stumbling blocks that threaten to keep them apart kept me compulsively reading. Because how could everything get sorted when obviously only one of them can win that coveted grant money?! Love the way hope threads through it all. And this hero and heroine finding the courage to take risks and believe in second chances adds even more emotional depth and balances the brilliant rom/com moments perfectly.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Hate You, Maybe’ and thoroughly enjoyed the dual narration provided by Amanda Friday and Andy Harrington. Their performance helped me connect to the characters even more. Love the energy and comic pacing they brought to the narration, as well as all the emotion they managed to convey with only their voices. Made for an attention-grabbing listening experience.

My thanks to Dreamscape Select and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

12 Days of Mistletoe Kisses

Random Retro Read

How to end up in Christmas kissing lessons with your downstairs enemy… 

Break apartment rules? Guilty.
Send holiday cards to the downstairs neighbor’s grandma? Done. 
Accidentally become said neighbor’s fake girlfriend for a family Christmas photo? Wait, what?

I, Bonnie Miller, am no troublemaker. I’m just an anxious girl trying to keep my emotional support pup in a no-pets apartment building. But my downstairs neighbor is determined to be my personal Grinch and get us both evicted.

Just when I think things can’t get any worse, Elliot Eaton offers me a deal I can’t refuse. Suddenly I’m playing girlfriend and giving mistletoe kisses to my sworn enemy, all to keep my home. 

Who knew that breaking one little rule would lead to a fan-mistletoe-tastic holiday?

12 Days of Mistletoe is a closed door, laugh out loud, warm your wintery heart romcom. If you need a book with all the feels, some mistletoe kisses, and lots of holiday spirit, look no further!

My Review:

published in 2024

A lovely combination of enemies to more morphing into fake dating. Add in a wily granny matchmaker and things really start to get interesting in this light-hearted rom/com with plenty of emotional depth. I particularly appreciate the mental health representation as Bonnie deals with severe anxiety. The author approaches the topic with grace and empathy and, of course, by providing Bonnie with an adorable service dog who changes her life for the better. Only her apartment doesn’t allow pets.

That’s the cue for Mr. Stringent Rule Follower, Elliot, to take action. He has taken over management of the complex for his grandmother and he isn’t about to let anyone take advantage of her. But his intention to evict the erstwhile rule-breaking tenant goes completely awry and he finds himself fake dating her instead!

Chaos ensues amidst a flurry of festive activities that often include Elliot’s highly entertaining family including that matchmaking granny! Oh and mistletoe. Copious amounts of mistletoe. So much fun, but infused with emotional depth as well. A heartwarming rom/com wrapped up in just the right amount of holiday cheer.

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition narrated by Stephanie Rose and Andy Harrington. Their dual narration added extra zest to the story and I definitely recommend the audio book to discerning audiobook fans.

Speaking of which:

12 Days of Mistletoe is currently on sale on Chirpbooks for .99! It’s also available on KU.

Angels Walking + Giveaway

random retro re-read

Somewhere in heaven, a decision has been made. An Angels Walking team has been assigned to a desperate mission: a broken baseball player, the love he left behind, and the miracle that might save a whole city. When angels walk, most people never know, never see. But they are there. And sometimes the stakes are so high, all of heaven stands ready.

One-time national baseball hero Tyler Ames lost everyone he loves on a quest to make it to the big leagues. Then, just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom. Across the country, Tyler’s only love, Sami Dawson, has moved on. 

A series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s, who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks.

A team of Angels Walking takes on the mission to see hope restored for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia. Can the small and seemingly insignificant actions of the unseen bring healing and redemption? Can the words of a stranger restore lost love? Every journey begins with a step.

It is time for the mission to begin.

My Review:

published in 2016

An amazing and awe-inspiring read. Seriously good. It was so easy to lose myself in this new community of angels and humans that Kingsbury has created. The story generated goosebumps on top of goosebumps all the way through. I loved the way the reader gets a bird’s eye view of God’s miracles. How one action builds upon another, even though they are seemingly unrelated. A domino effect of blessings that testify of His love. Told from multiple viewpoints, some scenes are short, others longer but the impeccable pacing builds to a crescendo of a climax. A panoramic view of how heaven and earth combine to bring the healing power of redemption into our lives. A definite must read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read print copy available to anyone, anywhere in the world so…woohoo…International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Angels Walking, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 6 2025.

Whispers at Painswick Court + Giveaway

Anne Loveday, a surgeon’s daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sick-room nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne’s sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia’s spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady’s maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her determination to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real killer–and protect her heart–before it’s too late?

Acclaimed Regency author Julie Klassen marries the best of historical romance and mystery in a novel full of English village charm, intrigue, and love.

My Review:

Happy sigh. You know how there are some books that just seep into your soul the second you start reading? Where the characters come alive and you can picture every scene and all the settings. Only it’s more than just picturing it all…it’s feeling it too. Where you become so immersed in the fictional world it’s a shock to surface in the regular world? Well, that was this book for me. Absolute sweet perfection. Five stars into infinity perfection!

Julie Klassen has such a gift for storytelling. From word choice to plot development and pacing. And there are so many intricate elements that need weaving together in this story. From the beguiling title that sparks so many questions to the rich characterization and the intriguing mystery – it all makes for such a compelling read.

A Classic Regency Romance with shivery Gothic undertones.

I listened to the audio edition of Whispers at Painswick Court expertly narrated by Elizabeth Jasicki. She’s been the voice of many of Julie Klassen’s novels and I always enjoy the way she breathes life into a host of unique characters. Her performance was a pleasure to listen to and enhanced my ‘reading’ enjoyment.

My thanks to RB Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Whispers at Painswick Court, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 6 2025

Prowl

Prowl, the second book in USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble’s Sanctuary series (following Ambush), delivers exactly what her fans the ideal blend of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat with just the right amount of romance. Perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Allison Brennan, and Dani Pettrey.

When a worker at the Sanctuary is discovered dead in the tiger enclosure, authorities assume the big cat killed her. But when the autopsy shows she was killed by a lethal dose of anesthetic delivered by a tranquilizer gun, suspicion falls on Blake Lawson, co-owner of the Sanctuary. Blake has his hands full trying to clear his name as well as get the Sanctuary finances back in the black. When a soil test turns up traces of rare earth, he’s even more puzzled. Is someone trying to run them out of business to get to whatever is under the ground?

Meanwhile, wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden is determined to find the brother she only recently learned even existed. When the results of the DNA test she ran mysteriously disappear from her portal before she can read them, she realizes someone must not want her to know the truth. A break-in at her new apartment is alarming, but she tries to pass it off as someone trying to scare her away. She refuses to turn tail and run when she is desperate for answers.

For Blake, the only solid ground is his relationship with Paradise, and he longs to propose–but how can they even think about starting a life together with so many forces working against them?

Colleen Coble’s Prowl combines gripping suspense with closed-door romance and includes intriguing mysteries from both the past and present, sabotage and danger, second-chance romance, found family, and themes of overcoming pain and how the past doesn’t have to define you.

My Review:

What a gripping continuation of the Sanctuary series! A delicious mix of mystery and suspense along with eerie stalker vibes. Love the maturing relationship between Paradise and Blake. They’ve come a long way since the first book but still struggle to let go of control on opposing issues. He’s determinedly protective while she’s fiercely independent. I enjoyed watching them lovingly battle it out to find a middle ground.

The wildlife sanctuary setting and the challenges it is facing provides such a compelling backdrop to the drama of the suspense. So many plot twists and side threads kept me on edge and gasping out loud in places. And that stalker vibe? Seriously creepy!

Definitely a series that needs to be read in order due to the continuation of some of the suspense, Paradise’s family history and, of course, the romance. Plus it was such a joy to meet up again with some of the favourite secondary characters we met in the first book.

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Karen Peake. I enjoyed her performance, especially they way she infuses each character with their unique personalities and she is particularly talented at creating believable children’s voices which is a huge plus. This one is a great option for audio book connoisseurs looking for a compelling ‘read’.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zonervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

A Horseman’s Heart + Giveaway

“A book with heart that will steal yours” North Carolina’s a long, long way from Texas, but horse trainer Kip Lorimer needs to get out of town fast, because the woman who long ago destroyed his last remnants of trust has just caught up with him—again.

Special-ed teacher Sheridan Cross has trust issues of her own, so when Kip shows up with a horse to donate to the family’s equine therapy program, she can’t help but be suspicious. A cowboy a thousand miles from home and living out of a horse trailer? What’s wrong with this picture?

When Sheridan’s mother offers Kip a job as barn manager, Sheridan decides she’d better stick close enough to keep an eye on things, never expecting she’ll soon have eyes only for the handsome cowboy. Can they trust their hearts and find true love, or will their troubled pasts come crashing down on their dreams?

My Review:

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book by Myra Johnson so when I discovered this one being released as a brand new audiobook, narrated by the author, I was auto buy all the way! And this story reminded me of exactly why I love Johnson’s storytelling. But now, she’s beguiled me with her narrating skills as well.

What a captivating listening experience, and I don’t mind saying I was a little wary of an author-narrated audio book. I’ve tried a few in the past and found the delivery to be quite monotone and unexciting. Hallelujah, that is not the case with Myra Johnson’s narration! She has a pleasant tone and injects emotion into the characters’ voices which really helped bring the story to life. Loved her pacing and the feeling I got that I was reading with someone who was enjoying the story as much as I was! 🙂

And, oh my, this story!!! Sheridan and Kip get off to a rocky start and I loved the way their relationship slowly developed between the two. They both have issues from the past and are wary for different reasons and it was very much a case of two steps forward, one step back all the way through. Just the right amount of angst, lightened by some humorous moments. Loved the depth in characterization and the way their imperfect faith saw them through. So relatable!

The equine therapy program and the overall ranch setting is so well developed. This city girl could totally visualize everything and my childhood horse fangirling self enjoyed all the equine details.

A deliciously captivating inspirational romance with the kind of heartwarming touches that add extra depth to a reader’s enjoyment.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Horseman’s Heart, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 29 2025

Like a Christmas Dream + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

“Follow your dreams” is not her family’s motto.

But this Christmas, Sarah’s doing the unthinkable—defying her wealthy parents.

Instead of fulfilling expected holiday obligations, she visits a quaint English village to help her estranged sister open her dream bakery. And yes, Sarah fully expects things to be awkward between them.

What she doesn’t expect?

Michael Hammett.

The charming British photographer challenges her perspective in more ways than one. Maybe, just maybe, she can choose a life outside of her parents’ control.

But when her father threatens the thing Sarah cares about most, will her newfound perspective be enough—or will living life on her own terms always be a distant dream?

You’ll adore this faith-filled romance, because everyone likes a heartwarming tale of sisterhood and love that can be enjoyed all year long.

My Review:

published in 2020

Sniffle. Who knew that spending Christmas in a picture perfect English village would take me on such an emotional journey? Sarah’s position in her family is so precarious and her yearning to be recognized and appreciated is heartbreaking. I kept willing her to…well, I can’t say without posting a spoiler…but I became so invested in her emotional angst! And Harrel knows how to mix edgy with humour and heartwarming so a reader never feels completely overwhelmed.

And, of course, our British hero, Michael adds an interesting twist to the possibility of romance because, hello, there’s an entire ocean between them most of the time! Love his gentle, steadfast spirit, even though my heart ached for him as well.

I appreciate the significant spiritual content woven throughout the story as Sarah struggles to find a place where she can be accepted in all her glorious imperfection. So touching and uplifting!

While part of Lindsay Harrel’s Port Willis world, ‘Like a Christmas Dream’ reads well as a standalone novella, though the author’s fans will recognize some familiar faces within the secondary character line up which adds to the overall appeal that much more.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy available to anyone, anywhere in the world so…woohoo…International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Like a Christmas Dream, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 29 2025.

Hooked + Giveaway

Lexi Martin thought the Outer Banks would be a refuge—an escape from her anxiety and the ache of long-distance love. A place of peace carried in on the familiar Hatteras tides.

But then the messages begin. An anonymous admirer. Photographs taken too close for comfort. Someone is watching. Someone who always seems one step ahead.

At the same time, an old friend steps back into her life. His steady presence stirs up the past, forcing Lexi to face memories she thought she’d buried.

Danger escalates and now Lexi is caught between a secret relationship, a stalker in the shadows, and her brother’s best friend. As the secrets multiply and fear threatens to consume her, she questions who she can really trust and whether she can rediscover the faith she’s long abandoned.

Because the stalker isn’t just watching anymore—he’s setting the hook.

A Note From Kav:

Eeeeppp!!! Debut Author Alert!!! Mark contacted me with the info that his niece is releasing her first romantic suspense novel and I am thrilled to be a part of the reader welcoming committee! Stephanie Sanders’ novel debuts on December 2 and has a prestigious endorsement:

“Hooked by Stephanie Sanders lives up to its title. The compelling suspense and relatable characters reeled me in and left me gasping with surprise. Highly recommended! Don’t miss this debut by an outstanding new suspense author.”
– COLLEEN COBLE, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author.

I haven’t read Hooked yet but you bet I will once the paperback becomes available in Canada. In the meantime, Mark has graciously agreed to review the book and host a US giveaway and I’ll host a Canada/International giveaway so stay tuned!

Mark’s Review:

This is a book I am excited to review. It is the debut Christian suspense novel by my oldest niece. I admit to being a bit nervous when I read it. What if it wasn’t that great…..how would I handle that?

But my worries were needless. Stephanie has written a great suspense novel that will leave the reader anticipating the next book in this proposed trilogy.

Hooked is a stalker story, and I love a good stalker story. In addition to the great suspense aspect of the book, the author addresses anxiety, which is something the heroine of the story deals with.

A secret possessive boyfriend, an overprotective older brother, a former crush, and a creepy stalker all combined make this a must read. I am already anticipating the next book in the series.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – Mark is offering two giveaways – winner’s choice of paperback or ebook

Canada – (from Kav) ebook copy

International –(from Kav) ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hooked,  leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 29 2025

Two help tally entries, please include your country in your comment or email.

The Christmas Letters + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Can an old letter spark a new flame?

When Tess Ravenel gets herself stuck inside a bathroom stall in one of Charleston’s most historic buildings, she isn’t exactly thinking about her dating life. But then the paramedic who comes to her rescue has a voice that sounds like butter and enough charm to make her forget she’s seconds from having a panic attack.

If only he were interested.

Andrew McKay has a mysterious Christmas pen pal, a woman who replied to a newly found letter he sent to Santa back when he was a kid. After weeks of correspondence, it’s clear she’s funny, smart, interesting…and an awful lot like Tess Ravanel—the woman he’s already blown off twice for good reason.

Tess and Andrew couldn’t be more different, but when their worlds collide, fate (and a little Christmas magic) set them on a crash course for love.

The Christmas Letters is a closed door sweet holiday romance with lots of chemistry but no spice. This book was first published in 2019 but has been heavily revised and updated.

My Review:

published in 2023

Festive, fun and flirty! This was a surprise best read for me this season. I loved the idea of a letter writing romance since I’m a huge fan of epistolary novels and this one is brilliantly crafted. No worries if you’re not a fan of this particular literary form, the story isn’t all letter writing! But those letters play a huge part in bringing the hero and heroine together.

So we have Tess desperately trying to reinvent herself which means standing up to her parents and rebelling against their societal expectations. And Andrew is just a hardworking paramedic trying to get past an unexpected heartbreak. Their meet-cute is adorably awkward but Tess is hopeful that the connection she felt wasn’t one-sided. She isn’t wrong but that doesn’t mean Drew is going to anything about it!

Lots of great comedic pacing in this novella – especially when the Christmas pen pal letters start up. A perfect case of hidden…or would that be mistaken…identity? And then things get even more complicated when Tess and Drew keep meeting up, neither of them realizing they are also writing to each other incognito. A kind of wonderful mash up of ‘Daddy Long Legs’, ‘You’ve Got Mail’ with a bit of ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ thrown in…and a whole lot of fun!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Christmas Letters,  leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 29 2025

Christmas K-9 Patrol

The holidays take a threatening turn…
in these riveting Dakota K-9 Unit novellas.

With a bounty on tech analyst Cheyenne Chen’s life, officer Jack Donadio and his K-9 partner safeguard her from hired assassins in Lynette Eason’s Deadly Christmas Trap. Only, when their hideout is discovered, they must uncover the mastermind—and a lethal holiday plot. And in Lenora Worth’s Dangerous Holiday Manhunt, a snowstorm traps US Marshal Lorelai Danvers on Drake Corbin’s ranch—where a dangerous fugitive is hiding. But can she trust Drake to help her catch a murderer…when his secrets make them a target?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Review:

‘Deadly Christmas Trap‘ is Classic Eason. She manages to pack so much into this novella that it has the same kind of impact as one of her full-length novels. There’s depth in characterization and an intense plot that kept me engaged right through to the end and I consumed it all in one compulsive listen!

Cindy Kay is a veteran audio narrator and it shows in the way she delivers Cheyenne and Jack’s story with intensity and emotion. A thoroughly enjoyable and attention grabbing performance.

Lenora Worth’s ‘Dangerous Holiday Manhunt’ is an intense, gripping, edge-of-your-seater. I don’t think I breathed until the final takedown! Love how capable and dedicated and no-nonsense Lorelai is and her Australian Sheepdog K-9 partner certainly earned his stripes! Drake is just as dedicated since he has a personal vendetta with the villain and though he’s also capable, emotions tend to cloud his judgement. Love the way this hero and heroine wrangle their way through problems and set backs with grudging respect and a definite spark of romance.

I enjoyed listening to Callie Beaulieu’s narration. She’s become a familiar voice in my audio book ‘reading’ and always delivers a captivating listen.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.