Title: Perfect Fit Author: Clare Gilmore Length: 344 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: October 29, 2024 Genre: Romance Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ SpicTitle: Perfect Fit Author: Clare Gilmore Length: 344 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: October 29, 2024 Genre: Romance Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Spice Level: open door Summary: Perfect Fit is a romantic comedy novel that follows Josephine Davis, a fashion brand CEO in Austin, who unexpectedly reunites with Will Grant, the twin brother of her former best friend. Their professional collaboration rekindles past tensions and sparks a new romance.
Thoughts: I loved this book! It had such well developed characters including our side characters as well. This book did such a great job of exploring love, friendship, personal growth, and the challenges of balancing a career and personal life. Rest assured there is no third act breakup, and the spice is very hot and tasteful! I highly recommend this book especially if you love a second chance romance, a girl boss, and a guy who falls first.
Side note: this is the 4th book I’ve read this year with a MMC chef. Is this a thing now??
Special thanks to the @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the arc in exchange for my honest review!...more
Title: Miranda in Retrograde Author: Lauren Layne Length: 288 Format: ebook arc Pub Date: Aug 13 2024 Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's FTitle: Miranda in Retrograde Author: Lauren Layne Length: 288 Format: ebook arc Pub Date: Aug 13 2024 Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Spice Level: closed door Summary: Miranda Reed, the youngest physics professor at her university, has her life upended when she's denied tenure. Disillusioned, she turns to astrology—something she's always dismissed—to make sense of it all. Over the course of a year, guided by horoscopes, she embarks on new adventures and navigates potential romance. As she explores both science and the stars, Miranda learns that neither offers all the answers, and sometimes, you just have to trust your heart.
Thoughts: This book was an absolute delight, a charming blend of romance and self discovery! It's like if a Katherine Center book and an Ali Hazelwood book had a baby, and voilà—you’ve got this little gem. The women in STEM representation had me hooked, and the grumpy/sunshine trope? Classic. But it’s the *friends to lovers* that really hit the sweet spot. Even the little love triangle—which usually makes me roll my eyes—was surprisingly palatable. Apart from the romance aspect of this book, it was also enjoyable delving into the horoscope project with Miranda, and it made me want to learn more about astrology just for funsies.
Special thanks to the @netgalley and @gallerybooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review!...more
Title: Mysterious Ways Author: Wendy Wunder Length: 320 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: August 27, 2024 Genre: Young Adult Fiction Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐Title: Mysterious Ways Author: Wendy Wunder Length: 320 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: August 27, 2024 Genre: Young Adult Fiction Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Spice Level: open door-ish? Summary: Seventeen-year-old Maya can instantly uncover people's deepest secrets and failures, which often leaves her feeling overwhelmed. Sent to Whispering Pines Psychiatric Facility and starting at a new school, she struggles with her gift. But when she meets Tyler, a guy she genuinely likes, Maya wonders if her ability could be used for good—and if it might help her win his heart.
Thoughts: I’m not entirely sure what i just read, but I’m so glad i did! It uniquely dove into teens minds through Maya’s POV since she can read minds. It was thought provoking and heartwarming and hopeful. It addressed issues many young adults/teens face. It was interesting enough to keep me reading, but also not that much happened? It was at times amusing and humorous, and at other times, emotional and slightly depressing. Really random- but there was a mention of Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube, and that’s the yoga videos I watch so that was a fun little tidbit.
Special thanks to the @netgalley and @wednesdaybooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review!...more
Title: Hot Hex Boyfriend Author: Carly Bloom Length: 364 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: September 3, 2024 Genre: RomCom | ParFreaking five stars, baby!
Title: Hot Hex Boyfriend Author: Carly Bloom Length: 364 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: September 3, 2024 Genre: RomCom | Paranormal Romance Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Spice Level: open door Summary: Delia Merriweather once believed all Merriweather women were witches, despite lacking magic. Now, as an adult, she’s skeptical—until she accidentally restores her family's powers. Suddenly, Delia must navigate her newfound magic and the attentions of Max, her mysterious neighbor. Max, tasked with helping Delia control her powers, finds himself torn between duty and his growing feelings for her. But as their connection deepens, Max wonders if he’s falling under a spell or genuinely falling for the most powerful—and clueless—witch he’s ever met.
Thoughts: Y’all. This book is goofy as heck. I love it so much. It’s giving Practical Magic. It’s giving Gilmore Girls but with magic. It gave me all the warm fuzzies and all the giggling, kicking my feet, squealing moments. There’s romance, humor, drama, and even a little suspense. It’s honestly the perfect cozy, witchy book for the spooky season!
Special thanks to the @netgalley and @foreverpub for the arc in exchange for my honest review!...more
Title: Flirty Little Secret Author: Jessica Lepe Length: 320 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: March 19, 2024 Genre: Contemporary Romance Rating Out of 5: Title: Flirty Little Secret Author: Jessica Lepe Length: 320 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: March 19, 2024 Genre: Contemporary Romance Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Spice Level: open door Summary: Lucy Galindo, a shy school counselor, is secretly the confident and popular @TheMissGuidedCounselor online, hiding her identity due to anxiety. Aldrich Fletcher, a history teacher, seeks advice from the same online persona while dealing with his complicated personal life. When Fletcher discovers Lucy's secret, both must face their feelings and decide if they can trust each other enough to reveal their true selves.
Thoughts: I really wanted to love this book, but it was just meh. My favorite part about this book was how similar Lucy’s anxiety and depression manifests to how mine manifests. It was almost exactly spot on. It’s always nice to know you’re not the only one, and I do very much appreciate that. Other than that, I didn’t connect with the characters or their love story. I think it would be a nice audiobook to have on in the background, but there was just nothing that kept me wanting to keep reading it. In fact, I wanted to skip the whole third act breakup because it was so predictable and immature. The blurb for this book says it’s for fans of Lynn Painter, but Lynn has much more witty banter. I wouldn’t NOT recommend this book, but I also would recommend so many other books before I would recommend this one.
Special thanks to the @netgalley and @readforeverpub for the arc in exchange for my honest review!...more
Title: Savor It Author: Tarah Dewitt Length: 331 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: May 21, 2024 Genre: Contemporary Romance Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Title: Savor It Author: Tarah Dewitt Length: 331 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: May 21, 2024 Genre: Contemporary Romance Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Spice Level: open door Summary: Sage Byrd has always loved her life in Spunes, Oregon, but after a breakup with her ex, Ian, and his sudden engagement, she’s desperate for a win. The Festival of Spunes offers the perfect chance to show everyone she’s moved on, but she needs a partner.
Fisher Lange, a former NYC chef reeling from personal loss and career setbacks, is sent to Spunes for a sabbatical with his niece. When he clashes with locals and a kiss with Sage sparks dating rumors, he agrees to a deal: he’ll help Sage with the festival if she helps him with his restaurant.
As their arrangement turns into a steamy romance, both Sage and Fisher start to heal and savor their time together, realizing their summer together is slipping away too quickly.
Thoughts: This was the first book by Tarah that I’ve read, but now I feel the need to explore all of her books because this one was just such a delight! First of all, Sage is such an adorably quirky, pun-loving, free spirited, genuinely kind character that you can’t help but love her. And then you’ve got grumpy Fisher who can’t even stay grumpy for one second after meeting Sage. AND THEN you’ve got all the wonderful side characters that just build up the story even more. AND THEN you’ve got all the cute animals that play an important role in this story as well. This was just the perfect amount of tender romance + small town vibes + summery spice + mild third act breakup + trauma that needed working through. Highly recommend!
Special thanks to the @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the arc in exchange for my honest review!...more
Title: Fear the Flames Author: Olivia Rose Darling Length: 384 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: Sep 17 2024 Genre: Romance | Sci Fi & Fantasy Rating Out oTitle: Fear the Flames Author: Olivia Rose Darling Length: 384 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: Sep 17 2024 Genre: Romance | Sci Fi & Fantasy Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (3.5 rounded up) Summary: Fear the Flames follows Elowen Atarah, an escaped princess turned queen, who seeks to rescue and reclaim her dragons and kingdom. She allies with Cayden Veles, a feared commander, to infiltrate an impenetrable castle.
Thoughts: I mean this is giving major ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Fourth Wing vibes so if you like any of those, this one should definitely be on your radar! I will say that I wasn’t a fan of how detailed a torture scene gets in here, and there was a little too much emphasis of the spice versus the plot. With those two negatives out of the way, I can say that I liked how fast paced and action-packed this was. There wasn’t really ever any downtime. This also means the world building was lacking, which could be a good or bad thing depending on if you enjoy the world building aspect of fantasy books. I also loved Cayden and his devotion to Elowen. I’m a sucker for touch her and die, and this was wonderfully done. It wrapped up pretty nicely too with no cliffhanger!
Special thanks to the @netgalley and @randomhouse for the arc in exchange for my honest review!...more
Title: The Slowest Burn Author: Sarah Chamberlain Length: 336 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: Sep 24 2024 Genre: Romance Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Title: The Slowest Burn Author: Sarah Chamberlain Length: 336 pages Format: ebook arc Pub Date: Sep 24 2024 Genre: Romance Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Spice Level: open door Summary: Ellie Wasserman, a meticulous ghostwriter for celebrity cookbooks, avoids risks after being widowed—especially in writing her own book or dating. Kieran O’Neill, a laid-back chef known for his messiness and humor, finds himself paired with Ellie to write his debut cookbook. As they clash in the kitchen, their mutual attraction simmers, but both must confront their pasts to see if their new love can last.
Thoughts: Despite its title, this book was anything but a slow burn! In fact, once I pushed past my initial distaste for Ellie (I mean, was it really necessary for her to be *that* mean to Kieran?), I found myself falling for these characters almost as fast as they fell for each other. We’re talking classic enemies-to-lovers energy, with a dash of forced proximity that really ramps up the tension—because who doesn't love two people stuck in close quarters while pretending they’re *not* wildly attracted to each other?
What really got me was that Kieran, the self-declared commitment-phobe, fell head over heels first. And beneath all the banter and heat, there’s a surprising layer of emotional depth as both characters work through their personal baggage, helping each other heal along the way. It’s the kind of character growth that makes you root for them all the more.
In short: great plot, perfect spice, and a love story that’s both tender and steamy. Highly recommend!
Special thanks to the @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the arc in exchange for my honest review! ...more
Title: Lady Iris’s Lover Author: Kelsey Painter Format: ebook arc Pub Date: July 26, 2024 Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Title: Lady Iris’s Lover Author: Kelsey Painter Format: ebook arc Pub Date: July 26, 2024 Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Spice Level: open door Summary: Lady Iris Pembleton, a Titanic survivor, faces new fears in 1920s Liverpool amid gang rivalries. Determined to remain single after an abusive marriage, she dedicates herself to helping women gain independence. Rowland Sinclair, a powerful gangster, becomes captivated by Iris after meeting her while collecting a gambling debt from her brother. Despite her resolve, Iris finds herself drawn to Rowland, contemplating a passionate affair while striving to maintain her autonomy.
Thoughts: I love this one even more than the first one! It was just the right of romance, drama, and action. I love the morally greyness of Rowland who gives me MAJOR high lord of the night court vibes. Cherry on top? I love that the happily ever after for Iris and Rowland isn’t the stereotypical “get married and have babies”. It’s nice to have a different outcome every once in a while.
Special thanks to the author for the arc in exchange for my honest review!...more
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