This post may contain affiliated links, which means if you purchase an item I will earn commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
If you are like me then you enjoy spending your free time devouring book after book. I love getting lost in a good romance novel, learning about history, or trying to figure out a thrilling mystery. It helps me escape the chaos of life. Now that the season is over, it is time to share part 1 of what books I read this past winter. For today’s first 3 books the reoccurring theme is to let go of the past, and what is holding you back, to take a leap of faith. And of course, how opposites attract.
*Reminder the reviews have spoilers
Catalina Martín has found herself in a little bit of a pickle. She needs to find a date to her sister’s wedding in Spain, since she lied her family that she has an American boyfriend. Everyone is eager to meet this mystery man that does not exist. Overhearing her predicament, Aaron – her tall, handsome yet irritating co-worker – has offered to be her fake boyfriend. Catalina refuses to take him, but he might be her only option. The Spanish Love Deception is about love, being honest with those around you and yourself, taking a leap of faith, and how somethings are not always what they seem.
Rating 4.5/5
Review
I loved this book through and through, however I was so eager to get to the wedding portion of the story. In the beginning the back and forth trying to figure out if she was going to take him or not, dragged a little for me. However, once I got to the fundraiser event it really picked up. I loved the dynamics and contrast of their sunshine/grumpy personalities. How protective Aaron was over Catalina. The slow blossoming romance. The entire wedding weekend was so fun to read as well! I especially enjoyed Catalina’s character arc of getting more confident with herself and who she is. I can’t wait to read the stand-alone sequel.
Naomi Witt isn’t just running away from her problems, she is going to rescue her estranged, evil twin Tina. After Tina texted Naomi for help, she finds herself in a small time called Knockemout instead of what would have been her honeymoon. Unfortunately for Naomi, Tina tricked her once again; skipping town with her car, cash, and leaving behind her 11 year old daughter Waylay. Now Naomi is left to take care of a niece she never knew about, all while trying to put her life back together. Luckily she has a little help from Knox Morgan, who really had no choice but to help. Knox promises himself he will just help her with a little situation then leave her alone… but for some reason he can’t. Things We Never Got Over is much more than a love story- it has action, suspense, family dynamics. It’s about letting go of your past, your pride, and opening yourself up to love and possibilities. Letting go of what you think your life is suppose to look like.
Ratings 5/5
Review
I couldn’t put this book down! I had to know what was going to happen next; not only with Knox and Naomi, but with Naomi’s past, the trouble Tina gets into, and the town itself. I love the close-knit dynamics of the small town. How everyone is there for each other, even in unconventional ways. Knox is the bad boy that has a heart of gold. Which made you swoon over for the entire book. The type of guy you want there to protect you. I loved how he couldn’t stay away from Naomi no matter how hard he tried. How sweet and caring he was to Waylay as well. There are so many layers to this book, which is what makes it great!
Sequel to Things We Never Got Over— Skip this synopsis if you haven’t read the first….
Nash Morgan was always known as the “good” brother. Studly-Do-Right as the town calls their Chief of police. But after Nash’s accident, he finds himself in a dark place. Unable to remember the night that almost took his life. He can’t seem to get himself out of the dark and back to the man he was before. Until Lina becomes his next-door neighbor. The closer Nash gets to Lina, the better he feels. Only Lina has secrets of her own that she keeps hidden from everyone else. After Lina gets what she is looking for, she will be skipping town for good. Nash, however, will not be so eager to let her go. Even if it means facing even more danger. Things We Hide From the Light is about letting people in and being vulnerable.
Rating 5/5
Review
After reading Things We Never Got Over, I just had to dig into Things We Hide From The Light. I needed to continue the story as soon as possible… and am now disappointed I have to wait until the fall for the 3rd installment of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed Nash and Lina’s story. They kept saying how they are opposites, but really I found them to be so similar. Unlike Knox and Naomi, Lina and Nash both have things from their past that drive them to be who they are today. I thought the continuation of the Duncan Hugo storyline was thrilling and how involved Lina was. She really is a badass. I also found it interesting that they were both breaking things off, trying to deal with their own issues. It’s another book I couldn’t put down– I devoured it while on vacation.
*check out more of my book recommendations here