Review: Totally Folked by Penny Reid

 

One unforgettable night leads to an unlikely shared connection, and unlikely connections never go unnoticed by the good folks in Green Valley, Tennessee...

Jackson James follows the rules. He has to. He’s a sheriff’s deputy in a super small town with a super big personality. However, strict adherence to the law during the day has been enjoyably balanced by rakish rules at night. Jackson, typically happy to protect and serve (and serve, and serve), starts questioning the value of wayward evenings when getting laid starts to feel more like being waylaid. Could it be that Green Valley’s most eligible—and notorious—bachelor longs for something (and someone) real?

Mega movie star Raquel Ezra follows only one rule: always leave them wanting more. Studio execs, reporters, audiences, fans, lovers—no one can get enough of the smart, savvy, and sexy bombshell. But when “generous offers” begin to feel more like excessive demands, years of always leaving has the elusive starlet longing for something (and perhaps someone) lasting.

When Raquel abruptly returns to the quirky Tennessee hamlet, her path crosses with the delectable deputy with whom she spent one unforgettable night. Unfortunately, scandal and intrigue soon follow. Raquel and Jackson must decide which is more important: following their rules? Or, at long last, finding something real.

CHRISTY'S REVIEW

I, like many others, wasn't the biggest Jackson James fan at the start of the Winston Brother's series. Over time, he grew on me. I was excited to get to his book and see how he'd changed. Jackson James was the very best part of this book, so it's safe to say all those changes he made were positive!

Jackson and Raquel meet at a wedding and sparks fly. These two have insane chemistry, but Raquel lives in a different world than the small town deputy. Raquel is friends with Sienna and is also a famous actress and she happens to live in LA. She goes back home after that one night and Jackson continues living his life in Green Creek. Until five years later when she comes back.

Raquel needs a break from everything that is Hollywood. She's tired of living a life that doesn't feel authentic to who she is, so she comes to stay with Sienna for a few days to recoup and decide what she really wants. Of course, she runs into Jackson on day one and those sparks that they experienced early on are still there and still strong.

I adored Jackson so much. I loved the kind of man he was. I loved his relationship with his parents and how strong his moral compass was. Overall I really liked Rae as well. There were things about her that niggled at me just a bit, but she was human and lived a totally different life than Jackson and all of Green Creek.

Totally Folked was a great start to Penny's new Good Folk series. I can't wait to see what comes next. If you're looking for romance that's funny, steamy, sweet, and has that banter that only Penny Reid can write, pick up Totally Folked!

LIVE: Waylaid by Sarina Bowen

 

It’s a tale as old as time: the bad boy meets the good girl. He makes a daring proposition. Then the boy gets a mysterious head injury and loses a year of his life…

The first time I meet Rickie, I don’t know what to make of him. The second time we meet, he doesn’t remember the six hours we spent together. Or standing me up afterward.

I’m not the same, either. I’ve got secrets. I’ve told lies. Bad boys aren’t my type, anyway. Even the ones with troubled gray eyes.

But now we’re roommates. Cue the awkward moments in the hallway when he’s wearing only a towel and a smile. He’s determined to win me over, and his talented hands weaken my resolve.

It’s all fun and games until my past rears its ugly head and his secrets come to light, shaking our fragile connection, maybe even breaking it…

Note: this is Daphne Shipley's story. Contents include Vermonty ice cream flavors, nerdy awkwardness, tattoos, and a playboy grandpa.

Amazon: https://geni.us/AmazonWaylaid

Apple: https://geni.us/AppleWaylaid

Kobo: https://geni.us/KoboWaylaid

Nook: https://geni.us/NookWaylaid

Google: https://geni.us/GoogleWaylaid

Audio: https://geni.us/AudibleWaylaid

Christy's Review:

4.5 stars

I love Sarina Bowen’s ‘True North’ series and when I heard Rickie was getting his own book, I couldn’t wait. Then I realized his love interest was Daphne Shipley and I was even more excited!

Waylaid starts in the summer time while Daphane is home for the summer. Rickie is also there. Rickie is Dylan’s college roommate and decided to come and work at the Shipley farm for the summer. Daphane has met Rickie before, only he doesn’t remember. 

Daphane is switching to Dylan’s school and she’s keeping secrets from her family. Rickie has secrets as well. Secrets can’t stay secrets forever. And when they come out there is even more of a connection than these two thought. 

Rickie was such a fantastic character and definitely my favorite of the book. He’s been through so much and has his struggles, but he still managed to be lighthearted, sweet, and fun. I liked seeing Daphane’s story from her perspective. She’s the Shipley I liked least in some of the other books, but I like her much more now. Mostly, I really just loved these two together. 

I always love reading about the Shipley family and it was amazing to get to see more from some of my favorite characters. The romance between Rickie and Daphane was great and I even liked the bit of suspense and build up we got. Overall this one was very enjoyable and the audio was incredible- Callie Dalton and Zachary Webber killed it! Highly recommend 

Blog Tour: The Mixtape by Brittainy Cherry

 

Emery has never felt more alone. Raising her daughter is both her pleasure and her pain as she struggles to hold on to her job as a bartender and keep a roof over their heads. With no one to help them—no support system—any unexpected expense or late bill could turn their whole world upside down.

Reeling from the death of his twin brother and bandmate, rock star Oliver Smith is trying to drink his problems away. Apparently he isn’t very good at it; they follow him wherever he goes. Also in hot pursuit are the paparazzi, who catch Oliver at his lowest low.

He could have walked into any bar in California, but he walked into hers. Emery helps Oliver lose the crowd, and they find themselves alone: two people whose paths are marked with loss and pain. However, they hold an unshakable hope for healing. They find solace together, but can their love withstand the world?

Purchase on AMAZON

Listen to the AUDIOBOOK

The Mixtape Excerpt

 

Sometimes the world didn’t make sense. No parent should’ve ever had to bury their own child. I couldn’t even imagine that kind of pain that raced through her heartbeats on a daily basis. If I could offer up only one set of prayers for the remainder of my life, it would be for the parents who had to say goodbye too early on to their own. 

Those hearts would always beat a little slower in my mind. 

“I’m so sorry, Michelle.” 

“Thank you, sweetheart.” She reached out and patted my hand, and I knew it was because she needed a hand to hold. So, I wrapped both of mine around hers. “The mourning doesn’t get easier. It just get quieter. Some days, I still cannot get out of bed, but I’m blessed. Because Richard stays in bed with me and my quietness. Then, when it’s time for me to get up, he pulls me to my feet, and we dance. A piece of advice—find yourself a man who would dance with you even when your heart is broken.” Her eyes flashed with tears and she held my hands tighter. “You want to know a secret?” 

“Yes.” 

“I thought I was going to lose Oliver, too. He kept everyone so far away. So, when I flew out here, I prepared myself for the worst. I thought he’d be in a drunken slumber or, worse…so much worse. Last time I came a few weeks ago, he wasn’t doing too well. But this time? This time I came back and he’s smiling.” 

“That’s so good.” 

She smiled brightly up at me as tears freely danced down her cheekbones. “So thank you.” 

“I didn’t do anything,” I swore. 

“You’re the only difference in his life since I came back. Plus, there’s the way he looks at you when you’re not looking. Now, sweetheart, I don’t know what you did, but I’m almost positive that you helped bring my son back to life after he was holding death’s hand. Call it my mother’s intuition. So, thank you for helping him. Even if it’s just by being his friend.” 

Now I was tearing up, and I pulled her into a tight hug. “You’re an amazing mother,” I whispered, and she began to cry harder. 

“You have no clue how hard it is to believe that each day.” 

I think all mothers thought that. The ones who doubted her mothering skills, were sometimes the ones who were trying their best day in and day out. I didn’t expect the conversation with Michelle to go the direction that it had, but I was glad it had taken that path, because it was clear we both had some healing corners of our heart that had to be touched that evening. 

“Oh, don’t tell me you two are wine drunk and emotion,” Richard cut in, walking in our direction. “We were just picking out a song for two seconds and we turn around to find you both moping.” 

“Oh hush, Richard. Can’t us girls have a moment every now and again?” Michelle remarked, standing to her feet. 

“Yes, but for now, we dance to The Spinners, my lady.” Richard reached out for his wife and took her into his arms as they began swaying to the song, Could It Be I’m Falling In Love. Richard serenaded Michelle as she smiled and melted into him like a perfectly fit puzzle piece. 

Oliver came to stand beside me as we both watched his parents fall more and more in love with one another. 

“This was their wedding song,” Oliver mentioned. “Dad recorded it, and they danced to it for their first dance.” 

“Oh my gosh, how sweet is that,” I swooned. True romance. 

“They dance to it every single night. On the good days and bad days. Especially on the bad days.” 

“They’re what I want my love to look like,” I confessed. Oliver gave me a tight smile but didn’t say anything. I shifted around for a minute before looking toward him once more. “Do you want to dance with me?”

Christy's 5 star review

Every person in this world has a mixtape of sorts, a collection of tracks that defines their lives. Each memory is a song, and they all come together to create a masterpiece. So, tell me about your story.

Once again, Brittainy Cherry brought the feels with her newest release, The Mixtape. This story is about two people, Oliver and Emery who are both struggling in different ways.


Oliver hasn’t been the same since he lost his twin brother. Not only did he lose half of his musical duo, it feels like he’s lost half of himself. Emery is struggling in a different way. She’s a single mother who is trying to keep it all together, but it’s been hard. Harder than normal lately. When these two find each other, they’re not in the best place.

Even though Emery is having a hard time, Oliver is much more of a mess in a way. Emery is just the person he needs in his life. Someone who doesn’t want anything from him and is just there for him. Oliver and Emery connect on a way he hasn’t connected with anyone in a long time.

The oddest thing about life was how something could show up out of nowhere and change everything in a split second of time.

I loved this couple together and I adored Emery’s daughter being thrown in the mix. I’m always here for a great single parent romance. There were so many fantastic moments in this story. I thought the friends to lovers aspect was so well done and even though Oliver was a famous musician, it didn’t have that feel as a rockstar romance normally does, and I mean that in the best way.

If you’re looking for a beautiful romance that will give you all the feels and keep a smile on your face look no further than The Mixtape.

About the Author

Brittainy Cherry has been in love with words since she took her first breath. She graduated from Carroll University with a bachelor’s degree in theater arts and a minor in creative writing. She loves to take part in writing screenplays, acting, and dancing—poorly, of course. Coffee, chai tea, and wine are three things that she thinks every person should partake in. Cherry lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her family. When she’s not running a million errands and crafting stories, she’s probably playing with her adorable pets.

 

Social Media Outlets

 

Website - http://www.bcherrybooks.com/ 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BrittainyCherryAuthor 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/brittainycherry 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bcherryauthor 

 

5+ stars to Pieces of You by Jay McLean

 

💙🧩 𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 🧩💙

𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀𝘁𝘆, 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗰𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘!

#𝗢𝗻𝗲𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!

BLURB They could’ve been perfect. In another time. Another world. Where his wasn’t falling apart. And hers wasn’t already in pieces. - High school senior Holden Eastwood only has one fear in life: growing up. He spends his days unmotivated, moving from one game to the next, searching for his next challenge. He never expected that challenge to come in the form of a girl… A girl with zero fashion sense, a filthy mouth, and a bullsh*t attitude. Unlike Holden, Jameson Taylor had no choice but to grow up. Neglected, isolated, and forced to raise herself, Jameson only has one goal in life: graduate and move on. The last thing she needs is some guy she can’t stand suddenly declaring her as his new hobby. Their lives couldn’t be more opposite. Their pasts a complete paradox. But in each other, they find the unexpected… They find solace. Fragments of forever… A forever that might tear them to pieces. 

  Add the Pieces Duet to Goodreads ➜ https://bit.ly/PiecesDuet-GR⠀⠀

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PURCHASE LINKS 

          Amazon US ➜ https://amzn.to/2TzPoxu

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Amazon Global ➜ Mybook.to/POY⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 

  

CHRISTY'S 5 STAR REVIEW

Jameson Taylor is a masterpiece, and I’m in way, way over my head.

This book absolutely positively slayed me. It was everything I wanted and more, and I was completely blown away. Jay McLean always hits me right in my feels but also gives me the perfect amount of humor, angst, and romance. This gave me the best kind of old school mature YA/NA vibes and I was so here for it!

Holden is a character I've loved since I first met him in Leo. Holden has a lot going on right now. He's a senior in high school, but school isn't the only thing on his mind. He's carrying a lot on his shoulders. Jameson Taylor is new to school and Holden is taken with her. If you think Holden is carrying a lot of weight, meet Jamie.

Jamie's life has been so incredibly hard. It's incomparable to most teenage struggles and I felt for her. I had so much respect for her and I wanted more than anything for her to be okay. I adored Holden so much. I mean, Jay McLean writes these special kind of heroes that have the biggest hearts, but are also alluring and you really can't help to love them. That is Holden.

Maybe Holden Eastwood isn’t the flame to my moth. Maybe he’s the moon. The light. Guiding me out of my darkness.

Honestly, I could say so much about this book but the main take away is that you need to read it and experience it for yourself. It was completely compelling from start to finish. And that ending.... that ending left me in a state of shock. I need to know what happens from here and I would do just about anything to get my hands on part two of this duet. Thankfully, I'm fairly certain these two won't be releasing too far apart and I'm sure it will be worth the wait. But seriously.. that ending!

Pieces of You was one of my most anticipated books of 2021 and it's turned into one of my favorite books of 2021. Jay McLean never disappoints. This one put me through the ringer and gave me all the feels and I couldn't have loved it more! Highly recommended for anyone looking for that old school NA angst feel!

“You’re not here to be average, Jamie,” he scoffs. “You’re here to be extraordinary.”

View all my reviews ABOUT THE AUTHOR Writer. Reader. Mom. Wife. Master of awkward Sarcasm. Jay McLean is a full-time reader, writer of New Adult and Young Adult romance, and skilled procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her three boys, investing way too much time on True Crime Documentaries and binge-watching reality TV. She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel. Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder. 

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