January 2022 Book Chat + Book Review

I love reading, I really do. I’m always so excited to write this post every month. Writing these book reviews brings me so much joy because it means I get to share good books with you.

As usual, I read most of my books for free on the Apple Books app; however, I also read on the Libby app. These books are so accessible, you don’t need to go to the library or order a physical copy unless you want to.

God Bless this Mess by Hannah Brown | 3.5/5 stars. I will say this was a very quick read. It’s Hannah Brown’s own memoir about her life, including some parts about The Bachelor.

I liked this book because it definitely went into different storylines that haven’t been addressed; however, I will say what made me dislike the book was that some of the major moments, seemed almost skimmed over. Like, here let me give you some information that this event happened, but never finish talking about it. I know part of that is probably because she still has an NDA with ABC/The Bachelor, however, it made it feel like stuff was missing.

Loving Jackson by Melanie Shawn | 5/5 stars. I love the Wishing Well series by Melanie Shawn. Honestly, if I could pack up and move to Wishing Well, I probably would! In this book, Jackson Briggs is trying to find happiness, except he didn’t realize that he wasn’t happy. Until he met Josie. Josie turns his whole world on edge and leads him to start questioning his future. Especially after he finds out what a jerk did to Josie about 10 years before. This leads to a bunch of questions that neither Josie nor Jackson can answer immediately.

I loved how this story was all about finding love and what it meant to different people. It put such a perspective on not only this book but the entire series. Jackson and Josie are such believable characters, I feel like Josie is my friend!

A Cowboy’s Kiss by Vicki Lewis Thompson | 3.5/5 Luke Bennett is back. He is now readjusting to life around his friends and family. Then, he saves a dog from a near-death situation. Turns out, Luke likes saving the day. Soon, he’s trying to be the baker’s knight in shining armor when he finds out she’s about to lose her business.

I really liked the plotline of the book; however, it did end up being predictable.

Going Down Fast by Carly Phillips | 5/5 stars. Lucas Monroe is a college dropout. But, don’t worry he’s a tech genius, so he’s now worth billions. However, his money is all girls seem to want from him. Then, his best friend Maxine is in trouble. Lucas will need to help her, but can he?

I loved this story. The different storylines that kept coming kept such a unique angle on the plot and kept the drama and conflict coming. The characters were completely developed and included backstories that helped wrap the story together.

Girl, Alone by Blake Pierce | 4/5 stars. Ella Dark is an analyst for the FBI. She is finally getting the chance to work in the famed Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). Ella has a photographic memory, and she has memorized all major serial killers. However, her memory might be a hindrance. The case needs to be solved quickly before another murder happens.

My one complaint about this is the book is clearly advertised as being the first in the series, I was expecting the ending. However, I did not suspect who the killer was, which was nice. If you enjoy a good mystery, you will love this book.

Shutout by Jami Davenport | 4/5 stars. Easton has finally worked his way to the NHL, which is his main distraction from losing the love of his life. She’s married to someone else with kids. Caroline’s husband dies, and she finds out a life-changing fact about her twins’. Caroline has to make decisions that will alter all their lives…forever.

I really like this book because it is so different than other fiction sports books. Typically, other books have the baby is left for daddy to raise. Not this one. I loved how this is more of a second chance romance. This book had a lot of twists and turns and wasn’t predictable because you never knew what the other character was thinking.

Heart of a Bachelor by Tessa Layne | 3/5 stars. Gunnar and Suzannah have a past, a very intimate past. Gunnar has a job to do though: he needs the medical clinic staffed with a doctor ASAP. The lives of his friends and family depend on it. However, the town always has to accept the doctor. The town might not accept Suzannah, especially after they find out the secret she is hiding.

I liked this book but didn’t love it. The storyline is definitely intriguing; however, it is predictable as the book goes on. This story is easy to follow, and you will pick up on things much quicker than the characters.

Lucky Cowboy by Heatherly Bell | 4.5/5 stars. Sadie is one of the few eligible bachelorettes in town. However, Sadie doesn’t want help, even when things start going array. Lincoln will do the honorable thing and help take care of Sadie, but Sadie has to figure out what she really wants. Not only does this have to get figured out, but the family also has to forgive her for a part in the family feud.

This book was fantastic. I loved the plotline and the characters. By the time you finish reading the book, it’s like they’re all your best friends and you live in the town with them. I was always trying to guess what Sadie and Lincoln were going to do, because it wasn’t predictable. Honestly, if you don’t read any other book on this list, this is a must-read if you like romances set in southern towns.

In the Grasp by Cadence Keys | 4/5 stars. Jack and Paige were high school sweethearts. However, Paige’s family moves away. Jack can’t handle the pressure of missing Paige, so he does what every other boy would do: break up with her. This is a move he will forever regret. Paige is trying to forget Mr. Football Hotshot; however, her new boss hires her specifically to interview Jack. She’s got to figure out a way to get the interview without messing up their current ‘ship.

I truly enjoyed this book. I loved how Paige and Jack worked at trying to figure out what to do. However, there were definite trust issues that should have been taken care of earlier in the plotline. Additionally, Paige struggles with different things throughout the book. It’s interesting to see how she handles them and how those issues affect the rest of the book.

Have you read any good books recently? What books would you do a book review for? Drop it in the comments to share!

xx,
Lindsey