The Big Five O by Jane Wenham Jones

The Big Five O by Jane Wenham-Jones

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Ok so I found this book on Netgalley as a free read and thought I would try to expand my reading horizons a little. This is the first book I’ve read by Jane Wenham-Jones and it was an interesting experience for sure. This is a book about 4 friends: Charlotte, Sherie, Roz and Fay. It is told in each woman’s experience, overlapping and sometimes with cliffhangers in a section. It took me about ¾ of the book to actually enjoy what I was reading and flow through the words, instead of being confused.

Charlotte comes up with the idea of having a joint birthday party to celebrate them each turning 50. Charlotte of course has her own issues she is dealing with, she thinks her husband is cheating on her, she drinks too much and misses her daughter who has moved away from home recently.

Sherie is a single woman, with a cat she adores, a job she loves and a horrible dating history. She loves hanging out with her friends and wants to find some way to finally please her ultra critical mother.

Roz is a single mother with a teenage daughter that can’t be bothered with her any more than to ask for money. With money at a minimum she looks into what she can do to supplement her income to give her daughter things other girls are getting. With time and jobs at a premium she has little choice.

Fay is a divorced tough talking business owner. She can’t be bothered with relationship and is more than happy with a boy-toy on the side. Older than her fling, she knows when its time for him to move on she’ll be just fine. She has her business and plenty of friends to keep her occupied.

These 4 women battle the ups and down associated with life after 40. It isn’t always a bed of roses, each of us has our own struggles but with solid friendships those struggles are worth the battle. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy without expectation. 3 ¾ stars because of the bumpy beginning for me.




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The Assist by Rebecca Jenshak

The Assist by Rebecca Jenshak

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It has been over a year since I’ve read a novel by Rebecca Jenshak and I immediately regretted that fact. I have no excuse other than a TBR that is too huge and life getting in the way. I won’t make that mistake again any time soon. The Assist reminds me why I loved reading her novels.

Blair has a best friend Gabby that is ready to take on the world. Blair on the other hand is 100% ready to stand quietly by her side and watch her accomplish it all. She just wants to study hard, head to college and get a good job, earth shattering moments not included. That is until one fateful night changes all of Gabby’s plans and in turn changes Blair as well. She heads off to college alone and is making the most of it until dating a scum bag leads her to stretch her resources and she isn’t sure how long she can survive on the path she now walks on. She is struggling keeping up with it all, especially statistics class, watching the jocks get good grades has her wondering who tutors them.

Wes is all about basketball, lives, breathe, dreams, and exists only for basketball. In statistics class one day he finds himself at the receiving end of a beautiful woman’s rant about tutoring and sleeping in class. Shrugging her off, she doesn’t need to know he has basically a photographic memory and could never show up to class and still get an A. She is relentless though and he finds himself drawn to her positive attitude, he decides to help her out with the class.

Blair and Wes find themselves falling for each other, though neither was looking for or expecting to find a relationship. They both vow to not label it though, just enjoying the moments as they come. Too bad every one else in their circle has labeled it, “Bless”.

Great story line about finding our dreams, sometimes after a few detours, being strong in our own skin and not living life solely with one dream. If we just plow through with our heads down, not seeing those things around us, we’ll miss out on the bigger picture that is life. 4 ½ stars for Blair and Wes, I’m looking forward to reading about the other basketball players in their circle. I’m secretly hoping Z and Gabby get together (girlish squeal). I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy, all opinions expressed are my own.




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The Fadeaway by Rebecca Jenshak

The Fadeaway by Rebecca Jenshak

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Katrina wants nothing to do with Joel, he is a ladies man and she has to stay focused on her son. No time for any extra curricular activities, no matter how sexy they are. He starts coming into the café daily to talk to her and she is more confused than ever. Why now, he couldn’t possibly want her.

Joel has never longed for any woman but can’t stop himself from seeking out Katrina anywhere and everywhere. What is wrong with him, he’s going soft. A woman has also never rejected him so that must be it, he has to prove himself again. No one dare resist him except she does and it is driving him insane.

Katrina finds herself being wooed by the sexy basketball player and can’t help herself. She knows her son is being cared for when he isn’t with her so that isn’t an issue. Her son’s deadbeat dad is an issue sometimes but that can’t be helped. She is trying to get her life together for her son and is Joel the distraction she needs right now?

Joel has to stay focused on his A game if he wants to turn pro. He has a chance to leave college early and sign straightway but will missing his senior year be worth it? Bringing Katrina and her son into the mix now seems like a bad idea. But an idea he can’t seem to push aside.

I voluntarily read and reviewed book #2 in the Smart Jocks series without expectations. I am forever a fan of this author and can’t wait for book #3. I’m still praying it is about Z and Gabby!!! 4 ½ stars is my rating for The Fadeaway.





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