This can be read as a stand alone but I have read and enjoyed the previous book in the series, My Darling Bride (Dec 2023). Jane Darling is the sisterThis can be read as a stand alone but I have read and enjoyed the previous book in the series, My Darling Bride (Dec 2023). Jane Darling is the sister to the FMC in the previous book. Jane is a single mom and is trying to grow her matchmaking business. Jasper Jannich is a NYC quarterback who comes to Jane’s aid and then agrees to be her client. Of course there are going to be some funny date set ups. But the more time they spend together the more they like each other.
This is kind of a mix of tropes. It isn’t a sports romance even though he’s a professional athlete. And the single mom angle is weak as Londyn is hardly in the story at all. And I almost wanted to kick my reading device across the room at the unexpected surprise. But that is the negatives. Jasper is great, he is confident and maybe a little misunderstood. Jane has understandably locked herself off from her feelings while raising a child alone. I enjoyed when they were together having conversations. I didn’t think the storyline with Jane’s ex was necessary as it didn’t impact the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
Davis Hart returns to her hometown after a scandal gets her fired from a popular tv series. In the beginning she is a heroine you aren’t rooting for aDavis Hart returns to her hometown after a scandal gets her fired from a popular tv series. In the beginning she is a heroine you aren’t rooting for as she takes no accountability for her actions and blames others. But while at home caring for her mother who is recovering from surgery she finds enjoyment in helping out at the local community theater. Asia du Muir is the director and playwright for the current production having gotten a grant. This is an opportunity that can really help launch her career. Davis helps in coaching the student actors.
I like that Davis has growth during the storyline. But I didn’t really understand Asia’s attraction to Davis. It goes from, you only want to get into my pants, to sure why not, in the blink of an eye. I didn’t get the reasons. I enjoyed some of the funny bits including the appearance on the cooking show. I’ve read a lot of holiday romances this year. And while this story is fine I didn’t find anything that made it stand out or memorable for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
(3.5 Stars) This has all the parts for a cute Christmas romance. Junebug Farms, the local animal shelter, is looking to increase donations and adoptio(3.5 Stars) This has all the parts for a cute Christmas romance. Junebug Farms, the local animal shelter, is looking to increase donations and adoptions with a social media campaign. When they announce a contest for a pair to take part in activities promoting the shelter and getting to ride on the float in the Christmas parade. When the two winners are both women it becomes a Queen and Queen royalty. Sam and Keegan are happy to take the spots. They are friends and enjoy the planned activities. Lots of cute doggos get spotlighted as well.
I love that Beer’s works in Junebug Farms, which was the setting for her previous Puppy Love series. A couple of those MC's make brief appearances. And a careful reader will catch a mention of a character from her Swizzle Stick series. I love when author’s include little easter eggs like that for their fans. And it shows a consistency in their world building. What is missing in this book is the connection between Sam and Keegan. From the first scene we know that they know each other. But it is never filled in on whether they have known each other for years or a few dates. Without the beginning of them it is hard to connect to them as a couple. Especially as one is involved with someone else during the part of the story.
I love Beer’s books and hers are one’s I often pull from my shelf (or iPad) and read again for a quick comfort or to pick me up. This is a cute story with sweet main and side characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
Josie Davis has almost built Revenant, her clothing brand, in Austin. While trying to take it to the next level she hires Will Grant as a consultant. Josie Davis has almost built Revenant, her clothing brand, in Austin. While trying to take it to the next level she hires Will Grant as a consultant. Will happens to be the twin brother of her high school best friend. The friend and she had a falling out and haven’t spoken since heading off to college. Josie is single minded, a little insecure, and a bit of a workaholic. She hasn’t even tried dating in four years. Will steps in as a consultant who goes above and beyond. It isn’t enough to suggest work improvements. But he helps her get the perfect reservations for her best friend's bachelorette party.
He is perfect, almost too perfect. But together they are playful and fun. There is spice but often with it fading to black. I love his list of five worst things about himself. I thought the whole best friend issue was much ado about not much. It could have been resolved anytime over the years. The characters are likable and the story flows well. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review. ...more
(3.5 Stars) I know Martha Water’s from her historical romances and I was happy to see how easily she switches gears to a contemporary holiday romance.(3.5 Stars) I know Martha Water’s from her historical romances and I was happy to see how easily she switches gears to a contemporary holiday romance. Charlotte is a former child actress who made a holiday classic movie. Fans still want her to be that character. Charlotte now is an illustrator and accepts a commission illustrating iconic holiday movie scenes around London. In London she meets Graham and he offers to escort her to locations.
In an unusual twist Charlotte is the grumpy one about Christmas compared to Graham. They have fun banter as their romance grows. I was pulled into the London setting and enjoyed the couple. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the digital copy and I am leaving a voluntary review....more
The focus of the story is on the Belvedere siblings. Their mother is a famous actress and singer and each of the children has different fathers. Now aThe focus of the story is on the Belvedere siblings. Their mother is a famous actress and singer and each of the children has different fathers. Now adults they are all at crossroads in their lives as they head to spend Christmas together at their mother’s house in the Catskills. Now is the time to make changes in their lives to figure career direction and to find love. The story is light with a nice holiday flair, but some serious topics are covered as well. With three different storylines it covers a lot but not always in depth. I connected with one couple more than the other two but that is just storyline preference. This is a sweet, queer, Christmas novel. I thought the siblings' interactions felt real. And Babs was great as the mother with advice and support.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review....more
(3.5 Stars) Kelsey Whitaker listens to a fortune teller and decides this is the time to find her own romance. She wants the whole meet cute and whatev(3.5 Stars) Kelsey Whitaker listens to a fortune teller and decides this is the time to find her own romance. She wants the whole meet cute and whatever trope works. She is an assistant to a Hollywood casting agent who is going to be out of the country for a few weeks. She invites Zachery Carter along on her road trip. He also works for the agent and has been a working actor.
This has cute moments of her trying different ways to force a potential romance start and trying to learn from each attempt. I did like getting both POVs and I always enjoy when HE falls first. But for much of the story she has him in the friend zone. Even after their first time together. And it’s a small thing but I found it very shallow that she priced out peoples clothing. Overall the story is fun and very readable but it didn’t knock it out of the ball park for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review....more
(3.5 Stars) I’ve enjoyed several of the author’s previous books, my favorite being, ‘Can’t Leave Love' (Oct 2021). I love the cover for ‘Accidentally (3.5 Stars) I’ve enjoyed several of the author’s previous books, my favorite being, ‘Can’t Leave Love' (Oct 2021). I love the cover for ‘Accidentally in Love’. It is eye-catching and looks like the descriptions of the characters. Since it is revealed in the blurb this starts as a workplace romance. Nic Gallagher and Lee Stone start working at the same time for the same large company. Lee has moved more effortlessly up the corporate ladder. Nic is very good at her job as a project manager but hasn’t been given the recognition she feels she has earned. Her team loves her of course. It isn’t until Nic loses her job in a corporate shuffle that her path crosses much with Lee. Now she can’t go to the coffee shop or the beach without running into her.
Lee is the ice queen in the corporate world, but outside of it she is caring and fun. She has talent as an artist and friends in that world. I love the pair getting to know one another. I struggled with the book’s resolution of their workplace dynamic. The book highlights how seemingly progressive companies can still be toxic old boys networks. But I’m not sure Lee’s explanation of her actions actually redeems her or acknowledges her part in how Nic felt in her job. And while she wasn’t the one that blocked Nic’s advancement, she was part of the problem being her new manager when Nic is let go.
I love happy endings and like where this ends up. I also like side characters like Rachel and Flannery. But some of the middle plot, the various volunteering, seems like filler. It is something to do while creating another way for the pair to run into each other. The story is enjoyable even if it wasn’t a slam dunk for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review....more
Lila Matthews returns to her home town of Ditto, Texas after inheriting her aunt Gracie’s estate. It includes a large home and a strawberries farm. WhLila Matthews returns to her home town of Ditto, Texas after inheriting her aunt Gracie’s estate. It includes a large home and a strawberries farm. While cleaning out the house she finds clues from Grace’s past that no one seems to know about. Carolyn Brown is the queen of writing warm, folksy stories set in small Texas towns. I appreciate the title and remember my family having a party line till I was 8 or 9.
There is a romance for Lila with Connor who recently left the military. They want to go slowly with picnics and sweet talks. There is no drama but a slow building connection. Much of the story is focused on Gracie. I love how Lila cares for and befriends Gracie’s neighbor and best friend Jasper. He has answers to many of her questions. And I appreciate Lila’s easy and honest relationship with her mother.
This is seemingly a stand alone novel from Brown and I enjoyed reading it. Yes, it can be predictable but I found the pacing good and flew through it quickly. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review....more
Isabella (Izzy) Collins, an outspoken suffragette, is shipped out west by her family as a mail order bride. She is used to the finer things of Boston.Isabella (Izzy) Collins, an outspoken suffragette, is shipped out west by her family as a mail order bride. She is used to the finer things of Boston. Her stagecoach is robbed and she ends up being rescued by the Outlaw Elle Barstow and her small gang. Izzy sees this as a chance to get away from an arranged marriage to an older widow. Elle sees Izzy as a way to get a ransom from her family or the intended.
Izzy is determined to learn to shoot and ride and Elle is willing to teach her, keeping her close. There are of course gunfights and western mayhem but there is a lot of humor too. Matthew writes very funny dialogues. (Her comedic banter is something that stands out to me from reading her previous books.) The camaraderie in the gang is tight, like a found family. And each character adds some extra to the story.
The story is told from both MC’s POVs. I like that Izzy, while inexperienced, is not unaware that she is drawn to women. There are sparks, and yearning. I wished the intimate scenes were more descriptive and maybe add more. But I caught the feelings between the pair. And I love the beautiful cover for the book. If you enjoy romances set in the wild west this is a very fun one to read. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review. (4.5 Stars)...more
This is the third in Sarah Eden’s 'The Gents’ series, which focuses on a group of male friends who met at school during the Georgian Era. Niles is calThis is the third in Sarah Eden’s 'The Gents’ series, which focuses on a group of male friends who met at school during the Georgian Era. Niles is called puppy by the Gent friend group. His family has arranged a marriage for him to miss Penelope Seymour of Ireland. But Niles does not want an arranged marriage and the marriage contract insists that her estate remain in her name. He needs to own property to achieve his goal of becoming a member of the House of Commons. So instead of meeting his intended to sign the contracts he flees to a friend's home claiming illness.
Penelope isn’t one to be sidetracked. Other than her property she has no dowry and no other prospects. Her family is known for horse breeding and training and she has a horse she wants to purchase but needs to be married to secure the loan. She is under a time crunch or the deal can fall apart. So she seeks Niles out where he is hiding. They are surprised to find they are well suited and enjoy getting to know each other. But can they find a solution where both can have their dreams and each other too?
I enjoyed the writing and the characters. Moments together could be as simple as a picnic or learning to hit something. I was not as confused as in the previous books, in trying to keep all the characters straight. They all have surnames, and nicknames. And I appreciated the appearances of the wives from other books in the series. The Gent’s like to gather together often for house parties and pushing romances. They all get moments for a comment to add humor or wisdom for the current situations.
Eden keeps her romances clean with kissing only. But she has the ability to build up tension and longing. And I like that the obstacles feel realistic for the time period. This is easy to recommend as a stand alone but will be more enjoyable if you read the entire series. Sarah Eden is one of my favorite local (to my area) authors. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communication for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review. ...more
I know the author more from her clean historical romances. But last year she wrote a compelling YA novel, Swimming in a Sea of Stars (Aug 2023). The AI know the author more from her clean historical romances. But last year she wrote a compelling YA novel, Swimming in a Sea of Stars (Aug 2023). The Art of Us is another complex YA story. Ireland has been left by her father and is trying to finish her last year of high school. She is living in a public restroom slightly hidden near a hiking path. She is almost 18 and is fearful of being put in the system. She knows Kal from school but never talks to him. He spots her sneaking taking leftover pizza from the pizza parlor his band plays at on weekends. He wants to help her and isn’t sure how. Kal has his own back story that includes losing a past friend.
Housing insecurity is a real issue in today’s world. My neighbor's job at a high school is to have daily check-ins with 40 at-risk students making sure they are safe and have food and other things needed to be in school. The storyline is handled well, including when is it all right to seek help from an adult. There is a secondary storyline that includes bullying and an attempted assault. This isn’t an easy high school romance book. But it is engaging and there is realism. The romance between Ireland and Kal is sweet and includes some kisses. I love that there are adults and friends who are trying to do the right thing. And there is even a lesson in forgiveness so you can move on but that doesn’t include having to take toxic people back into your life. I think this is well written and can be appreciated by middle schoolers and up.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for the digital copy via NetGalley and I am leaving an honest review....more
I happily returned for the third installment in the Lake in the Clouds series. Each book has been better than the last. The series began with GenevievI happily returned for the third installment in the Lake in the Clouds series. Each book has been better than the last. The series began with Genevieve taking a break from parenting. She was widowed at 39 and gave everything to raising her kids. When none of her kids returned for Thanksgiving she sold the family home and purchased a rustic waterfront lodge with her sister with the idea to renovate and flip. The first two books included romances for two of her children and a potential romance for her.
I was pleasantly surprised the focus in this book was more on her sister, Helen McDaniel. She is the town mayor and has had a long and successful career as a lawyer. She had three marriages and after many miscarriages accepted being the doting aunt to her sister's children. Enter Dr. Zoey Hillcrest, who comes to Lake in the Clouds with her fiance, seeing it as a potential wedding venue. All of them are startled at the resemblance of Zoey to Genevieve’s daughter Willow who is the wedding planner. The story follows Zoey as she makes discoveries no one is expecting.
I love the clear love and understanding between Genevieve and Helen. Their sisterhood is rocked by past secrets but they are each other's staunchest supporters. Genevieve’s storyline and romance progresses in this book as well. I was especially moved by some of the ending scenes. All of the characters are likable and the story easily readable. It can be read on its own but it enhances my enjoyment by already knowing the sisters from the previous book. This was a wonderful way to finish up the series, but there is still a single son so there may be one more book to come. Either way I will gladly read whatever the author writes next.
Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review....more
This is a book that draws you in slowly. Diana Smith is a plus sized person who dreams of making award winning movies. She was on the cusp at one poinThis is a book that draws you in slowly. Diana Smith is a plus sized person who dreams of making award winning movies. She was on the cusp at one point but plans were derailed. Now she works as a store stylist which includes clothing for celebrities. She gets an off hand invite to a celebrity A-listers party and there she meets Drew, a famous action star.
There is realistic depiction of fat phobia, bi erasure and other queer discriminations. There is the darker side of Hollywood too. But this is a woman’s journey to get her life back on track. Drew is a cinnamon roll character. He wants to help her make her movie. And he is so willing to let her lead and not take over. Diana doesn’t always make the choices I want. She keeps Drew in the friend zone and can be blunt with her sister and friends. She is a quivering mass of insecurities. But that just makes it all the better when she comes into herself. I confess I wasn’t expecting as complicated a novel from Entangled Publishing, especially as it is marketed as a romance.
I’d suggest it leans towards women’s fiction with the focus on Diana finding her confidence and voice. She doesn’t do it alone and has good core support and the luck of new influential backers. The title is bold and in your face. And so is Diana. The epilogue gives the HEA you want and leaves you feeling wonderfully satisfied. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the digital copy. I also enjoyed following the read along with the Entangled Insiders Facebook group led by Brittany Zimmerman....more
(4.5 Stars) Erin Hahn hooked me quickly with this delightful novel. In a series of quick decisions Maren Laughlin turns down her boyfriend’s proposal,(4.5 Stars) Erin Hahn hooked me quickly with this delightful novel. In a series of quick decisions Maren Laughlin turns down her boyfriend’s proposal, takes a leave of absence from her career as a park ranger and returns to Northern Wisconsin where she spent her childhood. She has inherited a rundown waterfront bait shop from an older man who helped her learn to love fishing. While cleaning out the property she runs into Josiah Cole. He is her older brother’s best friend and is now a single dad and manages his family's vacation lodge and cabins.
Of course she had a bit of a crush on him growing up, although he was too old to notice her then. But he notices her now. She and her wonderful dog Rogers are welcomed back by his parents and his two children warm up to her as well. There are some of the, I can’t go there with my best friend's sister, but they are going there. Since she is spending months of time it all feels organic. They know each other's backgrounds generally but they still need to discuss current lives and failures of relationships. He has extra guilt as he was away in the marines as his marriage floundered. I thought the pair were fun together. I loved her interaction with the kids and the realistic depiction of a child on the autism spectrum.
This is a stand alone novel and I am not sure why it is not called a series. I’ve read previously, Friends Don’t Fall in Love (Oct 2023) and Built to Last (Oct 2022). All three of the female MC’s are friends after meeting in a therapist's waiting room. And the two couples from the previous book make appearances in this book. Regardless of how it is marketed, this is my favorite of the three and I enjoyed the others. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review....more
This is the second book I’ve read from the author and both times I’ve found the stories riveting. She is able to bring drama and complex relationshipsThis is the second book I’ve read from the author and both times I’ve found the stories riveting. She is able to bring drama and complex relationships into romances. Alex Anders is the managing director for her family's prestigious, off-broadway theater in NYC. Her father runs the theater as his kingdom and Alex jumps through continual hoops wanting to be the one to take it over, including giving up her own acting aspirations.
Quinn Collins is bringing her one woman show to Horizons. Her career was in modeling and her life got complicated when her relationship with an actress became public. She wants this show to be a success. She is intrigued by Alex. There are so many delicious bits to the story. Their flirting is fun. Alex’s personal insecurities and daddy issues bring about her need for control. But together their attraction is combustible. I love the quieter moments, like a kiss in a rehearsal room or the Coney Island date. And I appreciate Quinn's ability to say what she wants. Alex’s best friend and Quinn’s manager get nods too for adding humor and support in the story. I don’t want to give any spoilers but this is more than a theater romance. I love the epilogue that brings in the perfect amount of satisfying closure to the story.
I highly recommend this book and the author and can’t wait to see what she writes next. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the copy and I am leaving an honest review....more
(4.5 Stars) A low angst, small town, romance. After leaving her cheating fiancé Maia seeks a break by staying with her aunts in a small town of Ashlak(4.5 Stars) A low angst, small town, romance. After leaving her cheating fiancé Maia seeks a break by staying with her aunts in a small town of Ashlake, New York. She is a radiologist and can work online. She connects with Rowan, a local handy-woman. They remember each other from a year they attended high school together but weren’t friends. There is a nice butch/femme dynamic between the pair. Rowan unexpectedly inherits a house that could pay off some medical bills for her mother. And with Maia renting a room as an office she has funds to start refurbishing the house.
Maia is very caring as a physician and I like that she enjoys her work. When Rowan opens about her struggles with reading (dyslexia) Maia is understanding and helpful. I married a person who I went to middle school and high school with. We weren’t in the same friend groups and re-met later after college. So to me it is delightful and believable when I find similar stories in books.
Reading two books back to back by the author makes me appreciate her well developed characters. I like the lack of game playing and honesty between the pair. I always find it a bonus when the author writes the books in the same universe. A situation from Irregular Heartbeat (Oct 2018) and a character from Heart Failure (Jan 2020) are briefly mentioned. It is a treat to careful readers.
The romance is easy to recommend. I enjoyed the characters including the aunts and Rowan’s friends. I think my only negative was how often the term city girl was thrown in to describe Maia. Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the copy and I am leaving an honest review. ...more
I find stories about writers interesting. I always think writers must draw on their real life to create stories. In this case Aspen Lourde did just thI find stories about writers interesting. I always think writers must draw on their real life to create stories. In this case Aspen Lourde did just that. She wrote an angsty, heartbreaking bestseller that came from her own love experience. But now she is struggling to write a sophomore novel. Brick Babel is trying to save his grandfather’s tour business. He is a local hotty and Aspen thinks he’d make a great leading man for her book. A fake dating arrangement for the summer with plans for him to drop her will surely help her write the next heartbreaking novel.
Of course lines become blurred. I liked the characters but didn’t love them together. Brick says one too many times that she isn’t his type and I took him at his word. It doesn’t help a big deal is made of the fact that the FMC is considered not pretty. He is very sweet and thoughtful and I loved the descriptions of the beautiful Outer Banks. Also by the end I was not loving Aspen’s choices. So my feelings were mixed even though there is a HEA. I am new to the author although she has written many books. ...more
(3.5 Stars) This story is heartwarming and will bring on the Christmas cheer. Callie Meyer just wants to skip Christmas this year. She moved to a new (3.5 Stars) This story is heartwarming and will bring on the Christmas cheer. Callie Meyer just wants to skip Christmas this year. She moved to a new town with her now ex boyfriend and now he is engaged to someone else. Her sister Anita insists on helping her get the Christmas spirit and Callie agrees to do an Advent calendar for December. Anita cleverly creates activities for Callie to do in addition to getting treats. Along the way she makes friends with Marco who helps her on her advent adventures. He is a baker and enjoys a good pun.
I really like the idea of a an activity oriented Advent calendar. The tasks are fun and include baking, sledding, singing and more. It helps Callie, who is an under appreciated accountant, become more outgoing and find some zest in her life. It is really her journey almost more than the friendship and romance (closed door) with Marco. I found the story sweet and the characters likable. I will say my Christmas books are starting to blur a little as I’ve read several recently that are being released soon. I did read the author’s previous book, ‘The Christmas Wager’ (Sept 2023). Maybe she will become an annual tradition.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review. ...more
(3.5 Stars) I enjoyed the author’s previous book ‘The Second Chance Year’ (Dec 2023). This book has a few similarities. It leans more towards general (3.5 Stars) I enjoyed the author’s previous book ‘The Second Chance Year’ (Dec 2023). This book has a few similarities. It leans more towards general (women’s) fiction, includes a closed door romance and there is a theme of the importance of found family. Catherine Lipton grew up with a chaotic father which means now she lives her life by rules and order. Everything is great in her world when she accepts her new job as a college mathematics professor. But when she starts her paperwork for HR her world becomes undone. Her social security number no longer exists. She finds herself cut off from her bank account and credit cards. It is as if she no longer exists.
Luca Morelli is the doorman at her building. I found him kind of one dimensional, but he is very kind, charming and has tattoos. He is also the only one who seems to be set on helping her navigate her dilemma. I don’t want to spoil where the story goes but it gives Catherine a chance to grow and see that every rule doesn’t have to be followed. This is a story of finding life balance. Honestly, I’m a bit of a type A personality and a natural rule follower, so I was stressed for Catherine.
The story is enjoyable. I liked and rated the previous book a smidge higher only because of storyline preference. If the blurb intrigues you then you’ll probably like the book. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review....more
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