In a Nutshell Reviews

In a Nutshell Reviews are my version of mini-reviews, because sometimes, you just want the highlights.

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Marrying Off Morgan McBride by Amy Barry
Published by Berkley Books on May 30, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance

Goodreads

The McBride brothers are in for a matrimonial surprise when an enterprising woman answers their little sister's mail order bride advertisement in this laugh-out-loud historical romance.

As the oldest of the McBride siblings, Morgan had to be protector and shepherd since Ma died and Pa ran off. It hasn't always been easy, especially when his heart longs to roam on the trail. But now that his brother Kit is married and settled, the time is right for Morgan to leave Buck's Creek. Little does he know that his hellcat of a little sister Junebug is dead set on keeping him at home and getting more help around the house - all with one honest advertisement in The Matrimonial News.

Epiphany Hopgood has always had a gift for doing the exact wrong thing. She's too tall, too loud, too opinionated, and too contrary for her family and community. Staring down the barrel of spinsterhood, she and her grandmother answer a seemingly straightforward ad for a bride.

But when Pip shows up to Buck's Creek, she finds that Morgan McBride is not the husband she expected. In fact, he doesn't even want to be a husband. But maybe there's a way to make everyone happy out on the Montana frontier...

It's always a good time being with the McBrides! Junebug was looking to find a wife for Morgan, and this time her objective was finding a woman who could assume all her housekeeping duties.

That woman was Pip, and I have to say, she was a fantastic heroine. Pip was under appreciated by almost all the people in her life. They made her feel that she was not attractive enough, womanly enough, small enough, and she should just accept her life as a spinster. Talk like that just made me root harder for her. Once she left home, Pip was able to be more herself, and that self was someone worth knowing and loving.

Morgan was a tough nut to crack. He seemed like the grump of the family, but he really was quite tender hearted. He carried a lot of guilt related to his mother's death and the ways he thought he failed her when she was alive. My heart ached for Morgan, and I hoped that after six years, he would be able to heal. Maybe all he really needed was someone to walk along side him.

For all the Junebug lovers out there, she was back in full-force, and she was joined by a few new colorful characters. The ending set up the next book which holds the promise of another full-filled adventure with this charming family, and I cannot wait to return to Buck's Creek. 

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Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman
Published by Dell on May 30, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

Then. Katee Rose is living the dream as America's number one pop star, caught in a whirlwind of sold-out concerts, screaming fans, and constant tabloid coverage. Everyone wants to know everything about her and her boyfriend, Ryan LaNeve, the hottest member of adored boy band CrushZone. Katee loves to perform but hates the impossible demands of stardom. Maybe that's why she finds herself in the arms of another CrushZone member, Cal Kirby. Quiet, serious Cal, who's always been a good friend to Katee, is suddenly Cal with the smoldering eyes and very good hands. One unforgettable night is all it takes to blow up Katee's relationship with Ryan, her career, her whole life...

Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence, and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal Kirby shows up with the opportunity of her dreams--a starring role in the Broadway show he's directing and a chance to perform the way she's always wanted. The two haven't spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other, making their reunion a tense battle of wits and egos. Katee reluctantly agrees to the musical, as long as she keeps her guard up around Cal. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smolder, and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Katee can't deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you've been burned in the past?

A former pop star finds herself back in the spotlight--along with an old flame from her past--in this "friends to lovers" meets "enemies to lovers" romance from the bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask, the sensational Tik Tok romance!

Katie Rose's star was on the rise until a public scandal destroyed her career. Kathleen kept a low profile for many years, but was hoping to make her comeback on Broadway. 

I was all in from page one. This story had a Britney Spears vibe, but honestly, the author could have been eluding to many young female stars. I was so invested in this comeback tale and the touch of second chance romance just sweetened the deal. It was packed with humor, and I found myself rooting for this woman to live her dream, for the show to be a success, and for her to give the finger to all the naysayers. I also wanted her to get some closure with respect to her previous scandal, and she DID!

 Sussman sure knows how to do these reunion type romances. It was wonderful learning about Kathleen and Cal's past while getting to see them fall for the grown-up versions of each other. The flashbacks were well utilized to help me understand what was transpiring in the present and also, to push the story forward. 

Overall: I had stupendous time reading this book!

*ARCS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER

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