Books by Katydid

The COVID Diaries The Collaborative Press This collection of stories took the hardships and craziness going on and added the feel good hope that everyone is looking for. While very short and sweet, each story took a different perspective on the quarantine environment and how different people adapted to the difficulties.  The stories in this collection were at different levels of completeness. Fear No More by Sarah Beth William was my favorite as it showed the characters real feelings of anxiety, fear for loved ones, and sacrifice. The other stories could use a little more fleshing out but were still good takes on the COVID-19. 

Fishing for a Billionaire Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Written by: Shanna Delaney This was a fun story. The billionaire trope has always been a favorite of mine but Shanna Delaney created a well-written story. The characters are very different but they compliment each other in fun ways. With a stuffy, workaholic billionaire and a fisherwoman by trade these two have quite the barrier to finding love and balancing their different worlds. This story seemed like a continuation of a series but had its own identity that made it a great stand-alone read.  The addition of other billionaires who are down to earth made this feel like a world I could hop into and enjoy the scenery and company.

The Royal's Enemy The Gentlemen of Magnolia Bay Written by: Brenna Jacobs The second book in The Gentlemen of Magnolia Bay was as good as the original. With characters that are introduced in the first but really shine in this one, this story can stand alone on its own feet. Henry and Addison have several terrible first impressions but find as they work on opposites of the hotel that they have more in common than they think. I love the unique elements of environmentalism and architecture woven in. Brenna Jacobs tells the story and adds the snippets of green living as well as fun British asides. This light-hearted story makes me look forward to the next installment in the world of Magnolia Bay.

Save the Date A Short Romance Written by: Susan Hatler This story was fun short read. Kristen, who questions everything she is after she found out her ex-boyfriend had been married the whole time, is having a midlife crisis. She doesn't know if she can trust any of her judgment after being blindsided by her ex. Enter Ethan, the sweet and sexy friend who joins her on history walks. Susan Hatler managed to write a beautiful romance that feels complete within the confines a short story. It was short and sweet and everything nice.

The Royal's Best Friend The Gentlemen of Magnolia Bay Written by: Brenna Jacobs This story was a fun read with the transition from being best friends to romantic interests through a pretend relationship. I love that everyone else could see the passion and sparks before the characters themselves. With characters that sacrifice for each other and have their own personal development throughout the story, it checked a lot of boxes for a good story. The inside jokes and history that comes of the best of friends really make this story come to life.

Flyboy A Fighter Pilot Romance Written by: Sophia Summers Flyboy is a sweet romance within the realm of the fighter pilot world. Colton Bushman is known for his advanced flying skills in the pilot world while Ivy Hatfield is a by the books girl- at least as a pilot. These characters play off each other well with tension as they work together and then the sparks fly when they are off duty. While I enjoyed reading this book, the final conflict of the story seemed to lack a full resolution. It did not quite seem finished and needed a little more time to see the characters find their happily ever after. I look forward to the next book in the series to see a little more of what happens with these characters. Sophia Summers creates beautiful worlds and great characters which always makes her stories a good read.

How to Not Fall for the Wrong Guy Written by: Meg Easton Bex Sterling is YouTube infuencer who is not afraid of anything- except ending up along or with a class A jerk. Roman Powell on the other hand is afraid of being seen as anything less than professional... especially by his father. These two strong personalities come together for a promotional interview to boost both of their companies and sparks fly. The problem lies in their differences.  Meg Easton writes a great sequel to How to Not Fall for the Guy Next Door with sneak peeks at old characters and great introductions to new characters. She plays Bex and Roman off of each other in fun and unique ways that match their professions well. Set in the beautiful area near Portland, OR, Meg Easton has written a fun, light-hearted romance where two people work past their fears and insecurities to find a love meant just for them. 

Facial Recognition Written by: Jennifer Peel Jennifer Peel does it again in this love at first sight story. Gracie Cartwright loves her southern town with her whole soul. As she plans her 20 year high school reunion, she hopes to make up for the prom night that she hoped for but didn't get. Brooks Hamilton on the other hand is trying to forget the past and everyone involved when he happens up on Gracie again.  These two were best friends for life when challenges were thrown in their path. They both have a vision for the future- one with love and the other with everything but love. As these two find the balance between the past and the future, the story flows. With comedic interplay and sparks flying, I enjoyed this story from start to finish. 

The Enemy Between Us A Historical Romance Written by: Melinda Sue Sanchez The Enemy Between Us strikes the fine balance between a romance novel and staying true to the difficulties associated with life in Italy during World War 2. Peter, a nazi deserter, and Franco, a devout Italian, have huge barriers between having a future together and Melinda Sanchez illustrates the heartbreak and hopelessness associated with living on difference sides of the war. The emotions are intense and feel real. Each has their own flaws based on their desires for a good future and self-sacrifice. While this story dives deep into Italy's World Ward 2 post-Mussolini, the culture is represented with the Italian language, authentic meals, and descriptions of different parts of the Italian landscape. Melinda Sue Sanchez created a deep story here.

Love at First Note Written by: Jenny Proctor This story is a beautiful romance. Jenny Proctor incorporates all the idiosyncrasies of typical musicians into this sweet romance. With a classical violinist and a Youtube piano star, this love story has awkward and tender moments. The characters are realistic with hard choices, great talent and beautiful futures ahead. The atmosphere has a small town feeling while visiting the wonders of Europe. I couldn't help but smile the whole time I read it. This is a perfect story for a feel good, late night romantic read.