Bebe Rachel's Whimsy and Reviews

Enemies of the State by Tal Bauer My rating: 5 of 5 stars The first of a series, this is the unlikely and rule breaking romance between the US President and the head of his secret service detail. This is an incredible book. First of all, the descriptions of the DC area are spot on, I know well from living here. Tal Bauer is able to intertwine a complex political thriller with a steamy romance like no one else I have ever read. The challenges and journey facing Jack and Ethan had me biting my nails. Listened to the entire story in two days because I could not stop. The reader, John Solo, was incredible at the voices and the international cast of accents. Cannot wait for the next in the series. 5/5 stars! Highly recommend!

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid My rating: 5 of 5 stars Introverted goaltender Landon gets called up to the NHL for a temporary assignment and is set upon by the team's party boy, Casey, who is trying to help Landon feel at home. Underneath it all, Landon seems to be hiding something that's keeping him isolated while Casey gives a vibe of someone that can't stand their own company. Put them together and they become unlikely friends and maybe something more. I loved this book. I read a few other reviews and I wish I hadn't. Neither Landon or Casey are perfect. But maybe they are perfect for each other. There were some moments that were hilarious. Other moments were cringe inducing fumbles that were so human and relatable. I adored this story and the characters and I cannot wait to read it again and again, like I do with all of Rachel Reid's books. 5/5 stars.

The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin My rating: 4 of 5 stars Coco is having to flee London for her parents' home in Paris with almost no money, her career in tatters and a sulky teenaged daughter with whom she now has to share a bedroom. Broken hearted and fleeing scandal, she is having to cope with her daughter's grief and being removed from her home and friends as well as her own. Thank you to Net Galley, Boldwood Books and the author for the ARC. The opinions here are my own. This was a well crafted story with vivid descriptions that brought Paris to life. Most of the story centers takes place in this quirky and incredible sounding bookshop. The characters were well rounded and their intersecting storylines made me not want to put it down, once I got going. The interactions with Coco and her teenaged daughter will likely be relatable for anyone that is trying to navigate that. Found it a bit slow at first, but...