D. E. Malone

This had a nice brisk pace to it, and although there weren’t as many details of the tour/tour bus as I maybe would have preferred, I still appreciated that this featured a somewhat unique occupation.

Maybe there could have been a little more to Darcy’s backstory and her personality, I found her likeable enough though, more so than Sean.

I liked that we see Sean and Darcy spend time together outdoors with their dogs, seeing a romance novel couple have things in common makes it easier to believe in their happy ever after possibilities, plus I just tend to enjoy the outdoors and dogs in books so those were plusses for me.

There’s some miscommunication in the final third and I wasn’t a fan of how Sean handled that miscommunication, how he treated Darcy during that period, and for me, a gesture from him in the end was not apology enough for how cold and silent he became. Icing people out was in character with the guy we meet at the start, but after behaving that way towards her, it seemed like he should have had to work harder and speak from a more vulnerable place, than was ultimately required of him.… (más)

The Port Chance series kicks off with That Woman on Thistledown Lane which is a slow burn, second chance romance that has wonderful characters and a picturesque setting. Sadly, it didn’t give me that spark I usually get with a D.E. Malone novel, but I think I know why.

I first read the prequel that I received from the author’s newsletter, French Toast with a Side of Love and, let me tell you, it’s warm as a plate of French toast and just as sweet! I fell head over heels in love with Mark and Janie, so my expectations were sky high when I immediately started reading this novel. After reading That Woman on Thistledown Lane I really wished there could’ve been a way to incorporate this short story into the novel as it really helps the reader to truly understand the gravity of Mark and Janie not being together. I think it would’ve given that spark that is needed.

Mark and Janie’s relationship is a slow burn but it was a little too slow for my taste. I know that they broke up between the prequel and the first novel, this story being their second chance, but after knowing how amazing they are together I was ready to see them back together!

One thing this novel really has going for it is its realism, as true relationships do take work and are not always so easy to mend. There were several scenes that I really enjoyed and helped propel the narrative, and the ending was exactly what I had been waiting for: a happy ending.

Despite my disappointment, I am still excited to see where this series takes us. I love the overall vibe and the side characters are just as charming as the town. I don’t regret reading this novel, or the prequel, at all and love that we’re getting a new series from one of my favorite authors.… (más)

Love, Lies and Literature is a fond and fitting farewell to the Blueberry Point Romance series and Hendricks, Minnesota that every book lover will appreciate. Heartwarming and charming in its perfect Blueberry Point way, Love, Lies and Literature focuses on book lover and assistant librarian Cora, and the not-so-book-loving Evan, who is filling in for his sister at the family’s local bookstore.

After a disastrous first date full of misunderstandings and closed-mindedness, Evan and Cora get a second chance at friendship when they join forces to welcome best-selling romance writer Renn Stone to Hendricks in all the small town charm they can muster.

Renn is a real piece of work, and when Cora sees egotistical Renn next to laidback and charming Evan, her eyes are opened to the amazing man he really is, but is it too late for a second chance at love?

This story feels very authentic, which fits right into this Blueberry Point series aesthetic, and is something I always enjoy seeing. The characters are always so well fleshed out and the flow is as natural as breathing. Coming back to this series is like visiting an old friend, and I am truly sad to see this series concluding, but I know that new adventures await, and I can’t wait to be apart of the journey.

It’s so hard to say goodbye, but there are a few books I haven’t had a chance to read yet in the Blueberry Point series, so now is my chance to go back and enjoy them as I wait for Dawn’s next series to make its appearance! I could gush all day about how much this series has spoken to my heart, but we’d seriously be here all day. It’s always such a sweet escape to Hendricks and all its small town charm, and I revel in every moment I get to spend in this sweet little world.… (más)