Forrest For The Trees (Green Valley Heroes #1) by Kilby Blade (2021)Fire Marshal Forrest and Park Ranger Sierra team up to investigate a series of fires in the national park and in the process start to see a different side to each other. This book was kind of a mixed bag for me. I felt like we kind of came in during the middle of the story, since some of the fires had already happened and the characters were trying to start the investigation. The writing didn't always work for me; there was too much telling and not enough showing. But, there were things I enjoyed. I like learning about the ins and outs of working at a national park. I also liked the growing relationship between Forrest and Sierra; there was this fun dichotomy of being attracted to each other while also being supremely annoyed by the other one. It made for lots of sparks! 3 stars
Before and After You (Leffersbee #2) by Hope Ellis (2021)
Leigh has always had a crush on Walker, but he's been off-limits since he's Leigh's best friend's brother. However, now that they're adults and running into each other all the time, the two might finally take a chance on love. I really enjoyed this book! Leigh and Walker are both really smart characters, and I loved their sassy, snappy banter. Leigh especially felt like such a strong woman - she's been through a lot and she's not afraid to speak her mind anymore. The story had a lot more than romance, though. Both Leigh and Walker are facing obstacles in their careers, and I appreciated seeing that aspect of their lives on the page. They also each have some major family issues to work through. It made for a well-rounded story. One of my few issues with this book is that while it's the second in a series, it's noted that it can be read as a stand-alone. However, I really felt like I was missing a lot of backstory and development of the secondary characters, especially, by not having read the first book. 4 stars
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I often find that books in a series that can be read as stand-alone are like that. It's still enjoyable, but there's something missing. Before and After You does sound like a great story, though.
ReplyDeleteIt was! I just felt like I needed a little more information!
DeleteThese both sound like lovely reads! 🥰
ReplyDeleteThey were!
DeleteI agree with you about Forrest for the Trees - the book started at what felt like chapter 3 or 4 and i just couldn't get over it. It was an ok read. Honestly the blurb for Before and After You was so confusing to me so I didn't seek it out. Also, I wasn't crazy about the first book in the series. I have really enjoyed many of the other Smartypants romance books though!
ReplyDeleteYes, there are some really great ones! I'm looking forward to reading more.
DeleteI just went and looked up the Leffersbee. I didn't realize this was set in Green Valley. Hmmm, interesting.
ReplyDeleteYep!
DeleteI do like the sound of a mystery in a national park!
ReplyDeleteRight?? It's a really cool setting.
DeleteI like the sound of a mystery in a national park — I’m sorry it wasn’t as good as you hoped. But you had Before and After You to balance it out!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Verushka!
DeleteUgh, I hate it when an author tells instead of shows. Before and After You sounds really cute though!
ReplyDeleteIt was a really good read!
DeleteI like it when there's more going on than just the romance. Sounds like Ellis did a good job of balancing both in Before and After You.
ReplyDeleteShe really did!
DeleteBefore and After You sounds really good, although I get what you're saying about feeling like you're missing a little by not having read the books before it in the series.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think that's the problem with marketing books in a series as stand-alones!
DeleteBefore and After You was on my TBR, but I was indeed wondering if I needed to read the first book first, so thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
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