Review: The Best of Beswick by Amalie Howard

 First of all I'd like to admit that I normally am not interested in historical romance, but after reading the first look I was hooked. Beauty and the Beast is my all time favorite fairytale and this twist on the tale was such a delight for me to read. Thane and Astrid have amazing chemistry and I loved all of their witty banter. Astrid is such a strong and smart female lead, I truly wish there were more characters like her. Thane is attracted to her mind just as much as her physical appearance and she definitely needs a strong man to be her match while he needs a strong woman to be able to handle him as well. It felt like they were made for each other. The secondary characters were interesting as well, especially the spunky aunt, she was a hoot!  There is just so much about this book to love. I think Beast of Beswick is my favorite read of the year so far!

**I received this book through bookishfirst. This is my honest and voluntary review. **
       

My thoughts on: Shark's Edge

Shark's Edge


I am usually a very good judge of what books I will like. I thought that I would really like this one. I mean enemies to lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes. Unfortunately I was wrong this time. I tried and tried, but there was just something about it that kept me from enjoying what I was reading. I've got a pretty good guess that it has to do with Sebastian's character. I seemed to like Abbi alright. Other than her bad taste in men that is. I also think something about the writing style just felt off to me. Could it possibly be because there are two writers? I'm not sure. I am definitely disappointed because like I said I seriously thought I was going to love Shark's Edge. Who knows, maybe I will give it another try at a different time and see if I feel differently then.

** I received a copy of this book from bookishfirst. This is my honest and voluntary review. **

Review: Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry

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Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved Echoes Between Us. First of all what a beautiful title for the book! The story is instantly captivating with two teenagers who run in different circles living under the same roof. Well technically it's on different floors and Veronica's dad is renting to Sawyer's mom, but still... They are bound to run into each other. Veronica has a brain tumor, can see ghosts, and is very strange. Sawyer is popular, but secretly doesn't have the best home life among other secrets he's keeping. As if all of that wasn't interesting enough, this book also tackles several heavy subjects. I mean the whole book is just so amazing and I just cannot believe I have not read all of this author's books yet. The writing flows so well and just pulls you instantly without letting you go until the very end. Heck even after the ending I cannot stop thinking about this book! There were some pretty cool side characters as well that I would love to get to have their own books. If you like contemporary teen romance with supernatural aspects that hits hard on the emotions then this book just might be for you.

** I received this book through bookishfirst and this is my honest and voluntary review. **

Review: Cupid's Match by Lauren Palphreyman

Cupid's Match by Lauren Palphreyman

Book description via Bookishfirst: 

For teen Lila Black, Cupid isn’t a myth—he’s her perfect match.

When teen Lila Black arrives at Cupid's Matchmaking Service intent on stopping them from spamming her, her world is turned inside out when she learns not only that cupids exist, but that she’s been matched with the infamous god of love, Cupid. The only catch? Lila's cupid guide, Cal, informs her she can't actually fall for Cupid; if she does, it will summon the goddess Venus, and it won't be pretty. As Cupid and Lila try to resist each other's magnetic pull, they discover an ancient group of cupids, the Arrows, are after them and determined to stop their match. Only by working together and surrendering to the power of myths can Lila and her cupids defeat the Arrows and put an end of Venus, once and for all.

My Review:

Cupid's Match is such a fun and captivating read. From the very beginning I was hooked and needed to find out what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed all of the characters and really liked how they all were unique and brought something special to the story. Cupid being a bit of a bad boy was a fun twist. There was lots of witty banter, which I love. I seriously couldn't make up my mind if I wanted him or his brother Cal to get the girl though; even at the end.

Cupid's Match has a lot of great humor and plenty of action with a forbidden romance, a spunky heroine, and a hint of a possible love triangle. I definitely need to read more about these characters! Although the story felt complete enough on it's own, I'd still love for there to be a sequel.

** I received a copy of this book through bookishfirst. This is my voluntary and honest review.**

Review: The Trouble with Christmas by Amy Andrews

Book Description via the author's website:

All Suzanne St. Michelle wants is an over-the-top, eggnog-induced holiday with her best friend in Credence, Colorado. But when her hoity-toity parents insist she come home for Christmas in New York, she blurts out that her sexy landlord is actually her boyfriend and she can’t leave him—Joshy loves Christmas. The more twinkle lights the better.

Rancher Joshua Grady does not love Christmas. Or company, or chatty women. Unfortunately for him, the chattiest woman ever has rented the cottage on his ranch, invited her rich, art-scene parents, and now insists he play “fake rancher boyfriend” in a production of the Hokiest Christmas Ever. And somehow…she gets him to agree.

My review: 

I loved The Trouble with Christmas. It has been quite a while since I have read a book so fast, but I just could not get enough! I had a pretty strong feeling I was going to really enjoy this one since it includes some of my favorite things. Grumpy handsome rancher... check, Christmas time... check, hero and heroine who drive each other nuts... check, fake relationship... big fat check. Lucky for me it was even better than I had anticipated. Not to mention I absolutely loved Suzanne. From the very moment she started babbling and saying things even she had no clue why, I knew she was my kind of girl. It definitely made for some really funny moments and had me smiling and laughing out loud through most of the book. Joshua Grady never stood a chance! Ah, but the broody rancher also found a special place in my heart. I like that his backstory adds some depth to the story and makes his decisions to try to keep his distance more sympathetic than upsetting. He still managed to be a fun character despite his past tragedies and I have to admit picturing him all macho and serious in a tacky Christmas sweater still makes me giggle. It's almost like the perfect Hallmark movie except with steamy parts and cursing. Although I did not enjoy the overuse of cursing God's name, I decided not to deduct any stars because of how much I absolutely loved everything else. Just be forewarned if that type of thing bothers you. I also have to say before my review is over that the ending was just perfect! It gave me all the feels. I definitely highly recommend The Trouble with Christmas for the Christmas romance and fake relationship fans out there.

** I received an advanced digital copy thanks to Entangled Publishing via Netgalley. This is my voluntary and honest review.**

Review: Fireborne by Rosaria Munda

Blurb via bookishfirst.com:

Annie and Lee were just children when a brutal revolution changed their world, giving everyone―even the lowborn―a chance to test into the governing class of dragonriders.

Now they are both rising stars in the new regime, despite backgrounds that couldn't be more different. Annie's lowborn family was executed by dragonfire, while Lee's aristocratic family was murdered by revolutionaries. Growing up in the same orphanage forged their friendship, and seven years of training have made them rivals for the top position in the dragonriding fleet.

But everything changes when survivors from the old regime surface, bent on reclaiming the city.

With war on the horizon and his relationship with Annie changing fast, Lee must choose to kill the only family he has left or to betray everything he's come to believe in. And Annie must decide whether to protect the boy she loves . . . or step up to be the champion her city needs.

From debut author Rosaria Munda comes a gripping adventure that calls into question which matters most: the family you were born into, or the one you've chosen.

My review:  What an amazing story! I absolutely loved Fireborne. I loved the characters and the plot. The intertwining of the past and the present was done so brilliantly. I felt so torn with the choices the characters faced. It was so unfair the things that they had experienced at such young ages and their limited choices now under the new regime as well. Yet despite the obstacles and hypocrisy of their world I still felt like it was a story of triumph and enjoyed rooting for both Lee and Annie. The relationship that these two shared, both in the past and future, was very touching. Fireborne also touches on several subjects including class, loyalty, power, politics, and more. There were just so many amazing things about this story that I could go on and on; yet I don't want to give away too much and spoil it. If you love YA fantasy with a dash of romance and dragons then I highly recommend you give Fireborne a try! ** I received an advanced copy of this book through Bookishfirst. This is my voluntary review and all thoughts expressed here are my own.**

Review: Twixt by Diane J. Reed

From the author's website:

About the Book

Everyone in Ophir Creek, Idaho knows the wild legend of Corvine O’Dannan, a mysterious Irish woman with “fairy powers” who came to town during the gold rush to find her fortune, only to be betrayed by her lover and meet a tragic end.

Fast forward to the twenty-first century, and her descendent Rose doesn’t have time for such nonsense! After a crash-and-burn marriage, she’s returned to her hometown to renovate her father’s gold-panning business and to start over. But everything changes on her 30th birthday when her friend talks her into doing a love spell. Unbeknownst to them, they conjure the spirit of the very same man who once tormented Rose’s ancestor. Why? Because Rose was Corvine O’Dannan in a past life—and her really bad habit of attracting Mr. Wrong still haunts her, and now jeopardizes her very life.

What Rose doesn’t realize is that along with this dark curse comes an extraordinary blessing–in the form of a soul guardian named Chance Murphy who’s been protecting her for centuries. But this time around, the evil spirit that plagues Rose has stolen Chance’s body. So the only way that Chance can reach her is late at night in her dreams, when he appears as a magical raven who escorts her to an enchanted island off the coast of Ireland. There, Chance becomes a man again, and he shows Rose how to heal her past through the fairies’ special brand of magic. But will Rose finally be able to forge a new future and make the man of her dreams become real? Only if she can once again believe…

My Review: 

Twixt is one of the most magical and spellbinding stories I've ever read! The writing is brilliant and flows so beautifully through the pages as you're carried along this mystical adventure. I love how the story mostly takes place in the present while also being heavily rooted in the past. I feel it would be very fitting to describe it as a tale of both hardship and romance that transcends time. I am in awe of how it's all intertwined so seamlessly. The story starts with a prelude that takes place in Ireland and focuses on Ailis O'Dannan and her young daughter Corvine. After a tragic event Corvine travels to Boston. She meets Rory there who sweet talks her into heading to Idaho Territory with him, convinced she would lead them to gold. Fast forward to the present and we have Rose, a descendant of Corvine, who has to battle not only with her own heart, but also with foes from the past that have come back for more. I don't want to give too much away, but Rose is seriously stronger than she knows. How much she loves her daughter is so touching and I really felt for her as she battled with what was best for Crystal. I'd also like to say that the imagery in this book was amazing. I felt like I could truly see the shop and the island and Rook Ridge. I of course can't say how much I liked this book without including something about the gripping romance. A time transcending bond full of encouragement and faith... Just beautiful! I'd recommend this book for fans of Sarah Addison Allen, Alice Hoffman, and just a beautiful romance in general.

Author's website: https://dianejreed.com/

Review: My Forever Cowboy by Diane J. Reed

Book description via the author's website: 

Just when you least expect it, love finds you forever…Avery Smart doesn’t believe in “forever cowboys.” Especially after her father died young in a tragic rodeo accident, and she watched all her girlfriends get their hearts broken by love ’em and leave ’em types in Stetsons and spurs. But when she returns to her hometown of Bandits Hollow, Colorado to take pictures of cowboys for her lucrative photography business, a new light is shed on the darkroom of her heart by Grant Hollow. He’s one professional bull rider who not only intends to stick around for the right woman–he’s determined to lasso her heart for good.

My Forever Cowboy is a prequel novella in the My Cowboy Series of contemporary western romances set in the Rocky Mountains.

My review: 

My Forever Cowboy is such a fun read. It may be short, but it's powerful. The characters were amazing and I even got to see a few familiar faces from previous slightly interconnecting stories from this author. The two main characters, Avery and Grant, have great chemistry and it was very entertaining watching Avery try to fight their connection. I do love the way they met... talk about a meet cute lol! I am definitely a sucker for a good cowboy romance and was totally blown away by the way the story could read as a contemporary cowboy romance, yet still have that ethereal beautiful mystical feeling weaved throughout, that I have come to love and expect from Reed's books. It's also got lots of fun, flirty, and silly bits to leave you smiling a mile wide. Literally everything I look for in a book and somehow packed within just around a hundred pages. I highly recommend My Forever Cowboy!  

** I received this book from the author. I voluntarily chose to write this honest review.**

Check out the author's website for more information on her books: https://dianejreed.com/ 

Review: Wilder Girls by Rory Power

First of all the cover is amazing! As soon as I saw it I needed to know more about this book. Wilder Girls instantly had me wrapped up in this new strange world, in which these girls are quarantined on an island and all have wild and crazy things happening to their bodies, also known as the Tox. The main three characters are very interesting especially since I still felt as if I still wasn't quite sure about who some of them truly were by the end of the story. I really like the writing style and the dual points of view. The atmosphere is perfectly creepy and a little tense leaving you with a sense of urgency to find out what will happen to these girls. I've heard it described as a female version of Lord of the Flies and find this to be a pretty accurate description. The ending was a bit disappointing only because it was rather open ended and there's no mention of a second book so far. The tone was fitting, but with so many things left in the balance still and so many questions left unanswered I am definitely hoping there will be a sequel. Overall Wilder Girls is a serious page-turner! * I won an advanced copy of this book through bookishfirst. This is my honest and voluntary review. **

Review: Lander Ridge by Diane J. Reed

Book description from the author's website: 

For the cutthroat cowboy who wins at everything, losing his heart to the only woman who can reach his soul is the greatest risk of all…

Lander Iron Feather’s fierce business strategies have made him one of the richest ranchers in the West, dominating all that he touches. But when the beautiful former model Nicky Box returns to Bandits Hollow to reform the Wilson Ranch School for Wayward Boys and Girls, suddenly Lander is forced to face the terrible abuse he suffered there as a teen. Lander’s seething hatred for the school’s wealthy owner is largely responsible for fueling his business success, yet now he has the chance to combine forces with Nicky to turn the place around for the sake of the school’s orphans. But doing so means opening his heart—to the kids, to the wounds inside himself, and most of all, to Nicky. When the school is confronted with a shocking closure, Lander must dig deep inside to redefine what “winning”, and the magic of falling in love, really means. 

My review:

Lander Ridge is stunning, magical, and compelling. I absolutely love Diane J. Reed's writing style. As with her previous books, Lander Ridge instantly transported me into the story with the almost tangible scenes. There is one word in particular that seems to come to mind... mystical. It's just this overwhelming sense of magic and wonder that flows throughout the entire story. It's like I'm there and can feel the chills when I hear the owl's call, or the amazement when something beautiful and haunting happens. The characters are some of my all-time reading favorites. I was super excited to get to know Lander better in this book after getting glimpses of him in the previous two. It was also fun to catch up with Dillion, Barrett, and their ladies a bit as well. Getting back to Lander though, he is such a tortured soul who is more than just a bit rough around the edges, but with a secretly kind and longing heart. *SWOON!* I love how easily the author seems to be able to weave together the past and make the characters destiny seem so amazingly intertwined. I can definitely tell she believes in soulmates and it shines through in her writing. The witty banter is probably my favorite part and actually had me smiling while I read. My husband wanted to know what I was smiling so big about lol. Although there are definitely some heart wrenching moments as well that had me very emotional. I was entranced from the first page to the last. I highly recommend Lander Ridge!

P.S. I loved reading the author's note at the end of the book about the sacred trees. So cool! Make sure if you read Lander Ridge to check that part out too.

** I received this book from the author. I voluntarily chose to write this honest review.**

Review: Barefoot Beach by Debbie Mason

Description from the author's website: 

From the USA Today bestselling author of the Harmony Harbor series comes a beautiful summer romance that will keep you reading until the sun goes down!

Can a summer of love make up for a lifetime of secrets?

Wedding fever has taken over Harmony Harbor this summer, and the local matchmakers have set their sights on Theia Lawson, a former navy pilot who’s in town for a stay at Greystone Manor. And while Theia’s got her reasons to put this small town behind her as fast as she can, there’s a certain tall, dark, and irresistible man that she can’t seem to get off her mind.

Firefighter Marco DiRossi wants to beat the matchmakers at their own game so he conspires with Theia to pretend they’ve already fallen in love. It’s only for the summer. What could go wrong? Yet as the beach season draws to a close, Marco and Theia find their pretend relationship has led to a very real attraction. But when a secret from the past is revealed, jeopardizing everything they hold dear, can this unlikely couple find their way to a happily-ever-after?

My review: 

I absolutely loved Barefoot Beach! There were plenty of funny moments as well as a lots of mystery and suspense. My favorite element of course is the romance. I loved how much fun Theia and Marco had together! The fact that it starts out as him getting on her nerves, then turns into a fake relationship, then they start to want more is just so enjoyable. Not to mention Marco is definitely swoon worthy! It adds even more to his appeal that he likes Theia for her strengths, determination, and exactly who she is, not just her looks. They have great chemistry together and I really like their witty banter. I have read all of the books in this series and enjoyed every last one, so it's no surprise that I loved this one just as much, and was happy to get to catch up with old friends from the previous books as well. I cannot wait to see what's going to happen in the next book, although I believe it is going to be the last of the series and I will be sad to see it end. I've really come to look forward to reading about and rooting for both the Gallaghers and the DiRossi's. I hope that they all get their happily ever after. Highly recommended!

** I received an advanced copy of this book. I willingly chose to write this honest review. **

Review: To Best the Boys by Mary Weber

Book Description

Perfect for fans of The Scorpio Races and Caraval, To Best the Boys is a new fantasy novel from the beloved and bestselling author of the Storm Siren trilogy, Mary Weber.

“To Best the Boys is an addicting read.” —JODI MEADOWS, New York Times bestselling author of The Incarnate Trilogy and coauthor of My Lady Jane

The task is simple:

Don a disguise.

Survive the labyrinth.

Best the boys.

In a thrilling new fantasy from the bestselling author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, one girl makes a stand against society and enters a world made exclusively for boys.

Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port have received a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. The poorer residents look to see if their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.

In the province of Caldon, where women train in wifely duties and men pursue collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.

With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone is ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the deadly maze.

Welcome to the labyrinth.

“Atmospheric, romantic, inspiring.” —KRISTEN CICCARELLI, internationally bestselling author of The Last Namsara

My Review: 

Captivating and maybe, just maybe, the best Mary Weber book yet! I have read four other books by Mary Weber. I've read her Storm Siren Trilogy and The Evaporation of Sofi Snow. I have noticed that I sometimes have a hard time at the beginning of her books, but usually that doesn't take too long to change and then I am hooked. To Best the Boys definitely followed this trend. I was a bit concerned I wouldn't be able to get lost in the story the way I love to do, but man by the time the characters made it to the labyrinth I could barely read fast enough. I just had to know what was going to happen! It's seriously hard to even find the words to describe my thoughts on this one. It's absolutely unique but with small reminiscences of some of my other favorite stories such as Hunger Games and Maze Runner. Maybe even a bit of Mulan! I mean Rhen did disguise herself as a boy and showed that she was capable and smart. I loved that it promoted Girl Power without being hateful, preachy, or one-sided. Rhen and Seleni are super close yet are two very different girls who see their ideal roles very differently, but neither look down on the other or think the other should change. That's what I'm talking about! Romance does come into play as a well. Which makes me one happy girl. I have to admit I love how Lute respects Rhen, knows exactly who she is, and likes that about her. He's major boyfriend goals. I seriously loved To Best the Boys! If you like YA fantasy with romance then I think that you will too! 

**  I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.  **

Review: Seasons of an Amish Garden Four Stories By Amy Clipston

Book Description

Enjoy a year of beautiful seasons in this new story collection, as young Amish couples manage a community garden and harvest friendships and love along the way.

Spring Is in the Air

As the young people of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, plant a garden in memory of their friend, Katie Ann begins to worry that her older brother, Ephraim, is dating her best friend. What if she somehow loses them both? But Christian, a new boy in the community, also works in the garden—and falling for him may be exactly the distraction, and lesson, that Katie Ann needs.

Home by Summer

Clara Hertzler is surprised when Jerry Petersheim, her old friend, comes to the garden to drop off his younger sister—especially because Jerry has been gone for years, and now seems to be living as an Englisher. As the friends get to know each other again, Clara pushes Jerry to examine why he abandoned his Amish beliefs. Will Clara help Jerry renew his faith in God, and will they find love beneath the summer sun?

The Fruits of Fall

Tena Speicher has come to live in Bird-in-Hand after her fiancé left her for an English woman. When a homeless veteran comes to the fruit stand one day and asks for food, Tena is not sure how to respond—but Wayne intervenes and offers to let him stay in the barn. Afraid to trust Englishers, Tena must learn, with Wayne’s help, that everyone is a child of God and deserving of kindness.

Winter Blessings

Ephraim and Mandy have dated for some time and now have plans to marry. But after a series of unexpected events and misunderstandings, they wonder if they should go their separate ways. What will happen when their friends at the Amish garden conspire to bring them back together?

My Review: 

Seasons of an Amish Garden is a lovely collection of four short stories all involving the same set of characters that are helping out a lady from their community with a garden they started in honor of her husband who passed away. Each story focuses on a different couple while mentioning the others here and there as well. I liked that although each story is short we still get more glimpses of each couple in the others stories. I did feel like some things were a bit repetitive in the stories and I did not always like the characters. Mandy was indeed not a good friend in Spring is in the Air and when Katie Ann brings it up she refuses to even look at her own actions and lashes out at Katie Ann saying she is merely jealous. Although they make up later on, I was not sure if I would want such a thoughtless friend were it me in Katie Ann's place. Mandy did seem much more mature and reasonable in her own story Winter Blessings. Ephraim was the one being immature and stubborn in this one and I felt like he would not make a good husband with such a bad temper and unwillingness to listen. Ultimately there were things I both liked and disliked about each of the stories. Overall it was a fairly enjoyable collection and I would consider trying out more of this author's writing to see if I liked them a bit more than this one. 

** I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. **

Katie McGarry’s ONLY A BREATH APART - Review & Excerpt Tour

 

Would you dare to defy destiny? Are our destinies written in stone? Do we become nothing more than the self-fulfilling prophecies of other people's opinions? Or can we dare to become who we believe we were born to be?

“A gorgeous, heartfelt journey of redemption and love” (Wendy Higgins), ONLY A BREATH APART is a young adult contemporary novel from critically acclaimed Katie McGarry. “Haunting, authentic, and ultimately hopeful” (Tammara Webber), order your copy of ONLY A BREATH APART now!

 

About ONLY A BREATH APART:

They say your destiny is carved in stone. But some destinies are meant to be broken.

The only curse Jesse Lachlin believes in is his grandmother’s will: in order to inherit his family farm he must win the approval of his childhood best friend, the girl he froze out his freshman year.

A fortuneteller tells Scarlett she's psychic, but what is real is Scarlett’s father’s controlling attitude and the dark secrets at home. She may be able to escape, but only if she can rely on the one boy who broke her heart.

Each midnight meeting pushes Jesse and Scarlett to confront their secrets and their feelings, but as love blooms, the curse rears its ugly head…

 

Amazon | Kobo | Google Play

B-A-M | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books

     

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“Gritty and real, Only a Breath Apart is a story of hope conjured from pain, strength drawn from innocence, and love earned from self-respect. Beautiful, poignant, and fierce.” ―Kristen Simmons, critically acclaimed author of the Article 5 series

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Add it to your Goodreads today!

 

   

EXCERPT: 

~JESSE~ “So you’re the decision maker now?” He waits too many beats before speaking or maybe not enough. “I took on this role because, believe it or not, I care. I won’t pretend to understand the pain you’ve gone through, and I won’t pretend to understand your connection to this land. I’ve watched you grow up. I know, for you, this farm is like a Band-Aid on cuts that won’t stop bleeding.” If that was meant to make me feel better, it didn’t. “You’ll never vote for me. You’re biased.” “I’m not biased.” For days I’ve been a stick under pressure, being bent too far. Finally, I snap. “I know you told Gran not to take me in after Mom died and to put me in foster care. You told her I was too broken and couldn’t be fixed. I know because I heard you. Tell me now you’re not biased.” Guilt flashes over his face, and he tries to hide it as he flips through the folder in his hands. “If it helps, that’s why your grandmother set up the tribunal and chose two other people to help make the decision. Majority vote will win, and she believed you’ll rise to the challenge.” I’m not sure if I respect him or hate him for not denying what we both know is true regarding the foster care. I’m also not sure how I feel that he doesn’t apologize either. “She chose people who will give you a fair shake,” he continues. “This isn’t a death sentence. It’s a wakeup call. It’s August, and you have until May to prove you’re responsible. You have time. Take it. Prove me wrong.” A growing sense of purpose takes root within me, and I do my best to funnel my anger and grief into it. “Who, besides you, is on the tribunal?” If I tell you then I run the risk of you putting on a show for those people. This is your chance to change for the better. Take advantage of it.” Marshall leaves the paperwork on the antique table, shoves his folder back in his leather bag, and stands. “If it’s any consolation, I want you to succeed, but I want you to truly succeed. I won’t vote for you to keep the land unless you show me you understand what it means to run a farm of this magnitude.” It’s no consolation. That’s him attempting to ease his guilt for when he votes against me. “I’m sorry for your loss, Jesse. If you need to talk or if you’d like to stop by for a meal, you’re welcome at my house. And if you get tired of being here alone, you can live with us. We have plenty of room.” I don’t believe any of that, but I nod because doing so will get him out of my home faster. Marshall stares at me for a few more seconds, as if contemplating saying more, but he doesn’t. Instead he walks out, shutting the door behind him. His engine purrs to life and rocks crack under his moving tires. Then there’s silence. Maddening silence. I drop into Gran’s recliner, lower my head into my hands and close my eyes. I’ve lost Gran, and now I could lose my land. The only thing left that I love. The only thing in my life that brings me peace. “Why, Gran?” I strain to listen in the silence, and my gut twists that there’s no response. “I miss you.” Still no response and my head begins to throb. My cell in my back pocket vibrates. I dig it out, expecting to see a text from one of my friends, but I pop my neck to the right at the sight of Glory’s name. You need to stop by tomorrow night. Me: No Glory: I know of your grandmother’s plan Me: So do I Glory: But I know who the people are who will be deciding your future. Me—stone cold frozen. Glory: Stop by tomorrow at nine. I should be wrapping up my last session then. Me: I won’t be there. Glory: Yes, you will.

 My Review:

 Only A Breath Apart is beautiful, emotional, and so captivating. While it is a contemporary romance there are also these mystical aspects to it that make it feel so special and magical. Although it seems as if  the author leaves it open for you to decide if the magic is real or not. Jesse seems to believe in some aspects of it, but not others. He thinks his cousin is a con and that there are no such things as psychics, but on the other hand he also believes he has a special connection with his land. That it heals him and that bad things will happen if he ever leaves it. It's kind of funny seeing how that works (or doesn't work) for him. He has experienced so much for someone so young and when his grandmother dies it hurt my heart to know he felt so alone in this world. I wanted him and Scarlett to help each other mend so badly. I definitely fell in love with their story and the way they feel about each other. They have always had this connection and I completely understand how Scarlett felt so betrayed when he severed that connection with no explanation. I am not happy for the pain they endured or the secrets they both felt compelled to keep, but I am so thankful that out of all of that they were brought back together. The ending was perfect. There are still things to work out and still obstacles to face (such is life), but the happily ever after feeling is still definitely there. Making it feel happy yet realistic, which I appreciate. It really is a beautiful story and I highly recommend it! 

** I received an advanced digital copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed here are my own. ** 

 
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Katie McGarry’s ONLY A BREATH APART – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:

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Actin' Up with Books – Review

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Adventures in Writing – Review

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Katie McGarry Bio:

    Katie is the author of the PUSHING THE LIMITS series, THUNDER ROAD series, SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME, and the upcoming YA novel, ONLY A BREATH APART. Her novels have received starred reviews, critical acclaim and have won multiple awards including being a multiple Goodreads Choice Award Finalist for YA Fiction, multiple RT Magazine's Reviewer's Choice Award Finalist for Best YA Fiction, including a win in the category, and she was a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick.      

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