One & Only by Maurene Goo

 Book Excerpt:

"In Five Years meets a millennial The Joy Luck Club in the adult debut from the author of YA Reese Pick Throwback— a funny and fresh love story of a woman thrown a curveball by fate, and the family secret that will make her question everything.

She knows what her happily ever after looks like. And it's not him.

Cassia Park believes in soul mates. Fated love stories. It's her family business, after all—for centuries, from Korea to Los Angeles, Park women have peered into clients' past lives to find their one true love, their fated. This magical secret is why One & Only Matchmaking has a 100% guarantee…for everyone but Cassia.

For ten years, Cass has been searching for her fated, a man named Daniel Nam. But he's still nowhere to be found.

And so, on the eve of her 40th birthday, Cass decides to do something for herself. She impulsively has a fling with Ellis. He's twenty-eight, indecently handsome, and not destined to be the love of her life. But she's surprised by their connection and their fling feels like something more—up to the moment he introduces her to his boss…Daniel Nam.

As she battles between fate and chance, head and heart, a family secret is revealed that will make her question everything she's ever known. Cassia will have to decide if she'll follow her fate…or make her own."

Title:  One & Only

Author:  Maurene Goo

Publisher:  Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"One & Only" by Maurene Goo

My Insight:

"One & Only" is a delightful read that masterfully weaves together an enchanting tapestry of elements: magic, the allure of fate, intricate family drama, poignant choices, heartbreak, a fabulous best friend, a quirky, cursed cockatoo, and moments of sizzling chemistry that will keep you eagerly turning the pages. Prepare yourself for an emotional odyssey that invites you to ponder the nature of destiny and whether you are truly fated for a particular path or can carve your own. The coming-of-age narrative is both thought-provoking and compelling, elevated by a sprinkle of magical realism that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Taming a Heartbreaker: Spicy Black Romance Kindle Edition by Brenda Jackson (Author), Synithia Williams (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"Taming a Heartbreaker by New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson—Part of the bestselling Westmoreland Legacy series!

A steamy opposites-attract story about a playboy CEO determined never to settle down and a hopeless romantic who knows it just takes the right person to reform a rake.

He's closed off to love. She's set on taming his wild ways. Let the sparks fly!

Redford St. James is having too much fun to settle down with just one woman. Until a Westmoreland family wedding reunites him with Carmen Golan. He can't get Carmen—gorgeous, sweet, and a hopeless romantic—out of his mind. Even though she's outright said he's husband material! Him! And she believes any heartbreaker can be tamed—by the right person. Well, it's his duty to set her straight!

But an intimate conversation becomes an intimate evening and a night that makes them wonder who's taming whom. And that night could have consequences in nine short months…"

Title:  Taming A Heartbreaker

Author:  Brenda Jackson & Synithia Williams

Publisher:  Harlequin

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Taming a Heartbreaker" by Brenda Jackson & Synithia Williams

My Insight:  

"Taming a Heartbreaker" is an engaging romantic novel that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages to discover what happens next for the characters Redford and Carmen. As their lives are transformed by love, the story highlights the challenges of commitment and responsibility. Throughout the narrative, you'll witness the evolution of their relationship and the struggles they face as opposites trying to unite. This compelling read invites you to explore how the author skillfully unfolds their journey. Don't miss the chance to see if Redford and Carmen can come together as one!