Raising children is hard, and nobody is more deserving of happiness than people who are raising children alone. Broken Dreams hit my romantic soft spoRaising children is hard, and nobody is more deserving of happiness than people who are raising children alone. Broken Dreams hit my romantic soft spot since it features not one but two single parents finding love the second time around.
Addison and Grady have both had their lives shattered, but whereas Addison is ready to find a partner and fall in love again, Grady is unwilling to take the risk. However, he needs to present himself as a family man in a committed relationship in order to win over an investor for his business. Addison just wants to reassure her friends that she is moving forward with her life by bringing a boyfriend to her friend’s wedding. Pretending to be a couple is a win-win situation for both of them.
The thing about this fake dating scenario is that it never feels pretend. Grady and Addison have chemistry, and they enjoy spending time together. It’s not hard to fool people when the friendship and attraction are real—even in a small town full of busybodies.
It isn’t long before Addison wants to be more than just friends or even friends with benefits. I only wish Grady didn’t repeat himself so often, listing all the reasons why he doesn’t want a relationship. I got it the first half dozen times. Still, I liked them together. Grady gets an A+ in dirty talk. The little kids, Elodie and Jett, are absolutely adorable, and I loved the bond they form as BFFs. The sweet epilogue is satisfying, but I wouldn’t mind staying with Addison and Grady a little longer.
Recommended for fans of: Single parent romances Fake relationships Cute kids Dirty talk Small towns
Well, wasn’t this absolutely adorable? 13 Going on 30 is one of those rom coms I never get tired of watching, and Woke Up Like This is remini4.5 stars
Well, wasn’t this absolutely adorable? 13 Going on 30 is one of those rom coms I never get tired of watching, and Woke Up Like This is reminiscent of that film, only instead of middle school friends, the protagonists are two high school seniors who are enemies.
The story follows overreacher Charlotte Wu and popular jock J. T. Renner. Every interaction between them is a competition, including coming up with the best Prom theme. An accident occurs while they are decorating for the big event, and suddenly they are transported in time. To their shock, they wake up in the future where they are 30 years-old—and engaged.
Success for Charlotte means hard work, and she’s resentful that everything seemingly comes effortlessly to J. T. I enjoyed how they are forced to put their differences aside and work together to navigate the strange alternate reality. Their bickering is entertaining, as is the development of their friendship.
Woke Up Like This is the first book I’ve read by Amy Lea. I am curious to see what other gems she has written.
Recommended for fans of: Time travel Frienemies Young Adult 13 Going On 30
NOTE: This title is free to read and listen in Kindle Unlimited.
With I’m Your Guy, Sarina Bowen once again combines MM romance with hockey and comes out winning.
I got my HGTV fix with Carter and his passion for intWith I’m Your Guy, Sarina Bowen once again combines MM romance with hockey and comes out winning.
I got my HGTV fix with Carter and his passion for interior design. I would hire him in a heartbeat to re-decorate my home. He’s a bit of a mess, but I love his self-deprecating sense of humor. He’s my favorite character.
Tommaso DiCosta is ultra private, and I liked how the story handles his sexuality. It’s something he’s always been afraid to face, but it’s hard to ignore his feelings for Carter. Carter does a great job of chipping away at the hockey pro’s gruff exterior. Their texts, notes, and late night phone calls are sweet and funny.
The conflict between Tommaso and his family helps drive the story. They are truly despicable. I couldn’t wait for Karma to catch up with them.
I’m Your Guy is a very enjoyable read, featuring charming characters and the perfect balance between sports and romance.
Recommended for fans of: Hockey HGTV MM romance
I received a complimentary copy of this book to voluntarily read. Opinions expressed are my own.
Liz Tomforde has officially become an auto-buy author for me. I’m loving her Windy City series, which enriches the sports rom4.5 stars
Audiobook Review
Liz Tomforde has officially become an auto-buy author for me. I’m loving her Windy City series, which enriches the sports romance genre to a surprising degree. She has tackled issues of mental health, negative body image, and toxic family relationships—all against the backdrop of professional sports. Caught Up now places the spotlight on the challenges of single parenting.
Go ahead and take my heart, Kai, with your selfless love for your freaking adorable toddler. The story does a good job of exploring Kai’s difficulties in finding a guilt-free work-life balance as a single father. Miller is a breath of fresh air, and she fits seamlessly into their lives. She is a famous chef, and I was excited for her to overcome her creative block. I loved all the time she spends in the kitchen while waiting for inspiration to strike.
The main conflict is that Kai and Miller are reluctant to get involved with each other. Miller’s instant connection with baby Max is so cute, but she’s only there for the summer, and Kai is worried his son will get too attached. Miller only wants to make her father proud. She is determined to achieve a level of success that she believes can’t be attained if she settles down. There isn’t a lot of unnecessary drama, just two adults willing to sacrifice their own happiness for others.
Both narrators are new to me. I was wowed by Meghan Wicks and her smoky voice. Alex Kydd was thisclose to being great, but he has this grating, cheesy chuckle that is overused. Every. Single. Chapter. It’s the kind of thing that once you notice it, you can’t unhear it. If you can get past that you’ll enjoy a very expressive narration.
Recommended for fans of: Cooking Baseball Single dads Adorable toddlers
I typically like Ilsa Madden-Mills’s writing, but My Darling Bride is not her best work. It feels like the author rushed to put out this book2.5 stars
I typically like Ilsa Madden-Mills’s writing, but My Darling Bride is not her best work. It feels like the author rushed to put out this book, and it’s missing her usual charm and humor.
Graham is a professional football player who needs a bride so that his brother can inherit the money that he would otherwise be denied (a long story that is still fuzzy to me). Emmy is on the run from her abusive boyfriend, and she steals Graham’s car to get away. When he tracks her down, he forces her to become his fake bride or press charges. Of all the reasons for a fake marriage trope, this book has one of the flimsiest.
The beginning of the book drags and the rest feels hurried. Days and weeks are glossed over so you don’t get a sense of a bond forming between the couple. When Emmy throws out an, “I love you,” I couldn’t help but wonder why. What does she see in him exactly? Honestly, I was more interested in Graham's bromance with his quarterback teammate than I was with his relationship with Emmy.
The sources of conflict—Emmy’s ex, Graham’s dad, and his evil step-brother—are brushed aside with little difficulty. There’s also very little tension or chemistry between Graham and Emmy, so I was not invested in whether or not they stayed together. I even skipped the bedroom scenes.
Things We Left Behind is the third and final book in the Knockemout series, and I’ve been looking forward to the story behind Sloane and Lucian’s acriThings We Left Behind is the third and final book in the Knockemout series, and I’ve been looking forward to the story behind Sloane and Lucian’s acrimonious relationship.
A small town librarian, Sloane is a spitfire who just wants to have a family, and she feels time is running out to find the man of her dreams. Lucian is more like the man of her nightmares. He is a powerful, wealthy businessman with questionable morals. Lucian and Sloane have a complicated history, but nobody knows why these former childhood friends are now diehard enemies.
Now, I love me some Lucy Score, but I did have some issues with the writing. Sloane’s obsession with Lucian’s large *ahem* took me aback. Why is an intelligent, beautiful, independent woman so d*ckmatized?? It’s demeaning. Good banter is my catnip, and there certainly is a lot of back and forth between Sloane and Lucian. However, their banter isn't of the clever variety. It’s mean and redundant. Still, their fiery chemistry is undeniable. I couldn’t wait for them to admit their feelings for each other.
Lucian gives off an air of danger and mystery that is both intimidating and attractive. It’s great fun watching his tough guy persona get worn down. This story is a special treat for anyone who appreciates alpha males who are reduced to groveling for the women they love.
The camaraderie with their best friends Knox, Naomi, Nash, and Lina is highly enjoyable. I was happy to see those characters make a return and be so prominently featured.
Fun and sexy times aside, the story addresses the serious issue of domestic violence. I appreciated the thoughtful and realistic way it is portrayed. There is also an ominous death threat, which provides engaging suspense.
Goodbye, Knockemout. It’s been a wonderful trip.
Recommended for fans of: Librarians Alpha males Small towns Romantic suspense
The Jack and Jill series is undoubtedly author Jewel E. Ann’s best work. Because of Her is the final book in the series. It’s billed as a standalone, The Jack and Jill series is undoubtedly author Jewel E. Ann’s best work. Because of Her is the final book in the series. It’s billed as a standalone, but it would be tragic to miss out on the beautiful journey her unforgettable characters take.
I have such a soft spot in my heart for Jackson. He is a nuanced character, and to fully appreciate him you need to understand his past. If you don’t have time to read the entire series, you should at least read Out of Love. It’s the book that lays the groundwork for his dark path in Because of Her.
Frankie is almost numb with grief following the death of her twin brother, sister-in-law, and nephew—all by suicide. She travels to their small town to pack up their house and meets Jack, the intriguing man who lives in the garage next door. Just as she prepares to leave, she finds a letter that sets her on a mission of revenge.
Frankie is smart, strong, and ruthlessly tenacious—a good match for Jack, who is also on a dangerous pursuit and chasing his own demons. I enjoyed the tension between them and their magnetism.
This is a satisfying conclusion to the series, giving Jackson the ending he deserves.
Some angst mixed with humor is my cup of tea, and The Right Move is a grumpy-sunshine romance that hit the right spot.
I was pleasantly surpri4.5 stars
Some angst mixed with humor is my cup of tea, and The Right Move is a grumpy-sunshine romance that hit the right spot.
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. The diversity, the male vulnerability, and the self-awareness were a breath of fresh air. Ryan Shay is a world-renowned basketball player, but he’s reclusive and distrusting of most people. There was something so sad about him–a man who has everything but nobody to share it with and no joy outside of playing basketball–that really tugged on my heartstrings. Indy’s extroverted, charming personality is instantly endearing, even though she’s clearly an emotional hot mess at the beginning of the book.
When Indy moves in with Ryan, the two are like oil and water. Their journey from adversaries to lovers is funny and touching. Ryan and Indy have insane chemistry, and there are some truly SPICY scenes.
This is the first book I’ve read by Liz Tomforde, but it won’t be the last. I’m planning to read the first book in this series, Mile High, next.
Recommended for fans of: Basketball Sports romance Flying Grumpy-sunshine romance
Lisa Jewell delivers another taut thriller with None of This is True. I loved the concept of a well-known podcaster unexpectedly becoming a s4.5 stars
Lisa Jewell delivers another taut thriller with None of This is True. I loved the concept of a well-known podcaster unexpectedly becoming a subject of her own true crime podcast.
Josie is celebrating her 45th birthday at a popular restaurant on a rare night out with her husband. She encounters Alix, who is also there celebrating her 45th birthday with a group of friends. Josie is immediately intrigued by the pretty, effervescent woman and her seemingly idyllic life. It turns out that Josie and Alix are birthday twins, born on the same date at the same hospital. Josie can’t help but compare how different their lives have turned out. Suddenly inspired to make major lifestyle changes, she convinces Alix, the host of a popular podcast, to document her journey.
The reason Alix agrees to tell Josie’s story is the most difficult concept for me to grasp.The new podcast is called “Hi! I’m Your Birthday Twin!” but it has nothing to do with the fact that they share the same birthdate. They don’t compare their childhoods and the choices that led them to become the women they are. I’m not sure why Alix decided on the title. At any rate, in the process of recording the podcast, Josie becomes increasingly fixated on Alex’s life, while growing more dissatisfied with her own.
The story moves along quickly and is told in short, tense chapters. Josie’s peculiar nature easily hooked me, and the eerie feeling that something sinister was lurking kept me turning the pages. Her life is complicated, and each revelation uncovers a new disturbing layer. Josie’s thoughts are chilling, and I was simultaneously intrigued and repelled by her family. I anxiously rooted for Alix to pick up the pieces of her rapidly unraveling life.
I enjoyed the “everything isn’t as it seems” nature of the story. It makes for a deliciously suspenseful read.
Iron Flame is the heart pounding follow-up to the breakout hit Fourth Wing. Here are my overall thoughts.
1. Holy hell, why is this book so long? It toIron Flame is the heart pounding follow-up to the breakout hit Fourth Wing. Here are my overall thoughts.
1. Holy hell, why is this book so long? It took me forever to finish.
2. The beginning drags due to the fighting between Violet and Xaden. It’s repetitive, and she comes across as whiny. There’s also too much military maneuvering that went over my head.
3. I still love the relationships between Violet and her fellow students at the war college.
4. The second half is stronger than the first, with nail-biting fight scenes, plot twists, a mystery, and villains. The building anticipation is divine.
5. Violet has two of the coolest dragons ever. Her bond with Tairn and Andarna is a joy, and they contribute to some lighter and touching moments.
6. There are two more books planned for the series, and I can’t imagine why it’s necessary to drag the story out that much. Iron Flame ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger, but the next book is said to be released more than a year after this book’s release. With such a long period between publications, I’m not sure how anxious I’ll be to pick up the story again, especially if it’s as long.
Recommended for fans of: Dragons Magic War Underdogs
Divergent meets Harry Potter in Fourth Wing—a heartstopping, epic fantasy romance set in a war college for students willing to die for the chance to bDivergent meets Harry Potter in Fourth Wing—a heartstopping, epic fantasy romance set in a war college for students willing to die for the chance to be dragon riders. It’s entirely consuming, and even at over 600 pages in length, I did not want to put it down.
Fourth Wing is perfect for readers like me who enjoy escape but aren’t huge fans of fantasy. I tend to get lost in too much world building and sorting out the various species, fae, gods, etc. to fully enjoy most of the fantasy novels I’ve read. This book has just the right amount of world building for me, probably because the story takes place primarily at Basgiath War College.
Violet captured my heart from the very first chapter. Her body is frail and people doubt her, but she has an audacious, rebellious spirit, a brilliant mind, and a virtual spine of steel. You’d be a fool to underestimate her abilities. I loved the complexities of her relationships with childhood friend Dain and sworn archenemy Xaden. Violet’s navigation of relentless tests of endurance, strength, and bravery was intoxicating. The danger surrounding her ruthless classmates kept me on the edge of my seat.
I’m a diehard romance lover, but the couple of explicit sex scenes felt out of place and not in keeping with the tone of the rest of the novel. There’s a bit of humor mixed in though, which I appreciated.
The dragons! What a surprise to have a whole different set of characters. The bonds with their riders are remarkable. I enjoyed learning about each of them and their relationships, and the delicious anticipation of discovering each student’s magical gifts.
The book ends on the mother of all cliffhangers. I can’t believe I have to wait three more months before Iron Flame is released. I’m already counting down the days.
Recommended for fans of: Fantasy Romance Dragons Magical Colleges Underdogs
Wow. Unlucky Like Us is like a delicious four-course meal that I wanted to savor but ended up devouring.Talk about engrossing.
Ok, so parts of4.5 stars
Wow. Unlucky Like Us is like a delicious four-course meal that I wanted to savor but ended up devouring.Talk about engrossing.
Ok, so parts of the story read like a soap opera cliché, but I simply did not care because the character development is so complex. The relationships between Luna and Donnelly, Donnelly and Farrow, and Lo and Donnelly are also satisfying.
I know the next book will be the conclusion to Lunnelly’s love story, but I didn’t expect this book to end with so many unresolved things and a cliffhanger. I need Nobody Like Us in my grabby little hands STAT!
The fact that Right Guy, Wrong Word involves a man who wants to join a book club meant I had to read it. I mean, what’s sexier than a man who3.5 stars
The fact that Right Guy, Wrong Word involves a man who wants to join a book club meant I had to read it. I mean, what’s sexier than a man who loves to read? Am I right, ladies, or amiright?
The truth is, Eric is almost perfect—for Anna and for me. You can offer your honest opinion about something without being brutally harsh. Eric yucks all over something that is clearly yummy and important to Anna, and it makes him seem like either an insensitive jerk or utterly clueless. He manages to always say the wrong thing. However, he’s passionate and persistent in his pursuit of her, which was a big win with me.
Anna is really hung up on the book club book, and although I understood why—to a certain extent—it doesn’t make her constant mentioning of the book any less frustrating. I’m all for flawed characters, but Anna is just plain annoying. The good news is that it gives her character somewhere to grow, and she does show maturity and wisdom in the second half of the book.
As for Eric and Anna as a couple, the chemistry is great, but their make-up/break-up cycle is dizzying and confusing. Anna is rather toxic, and I can’t say I was rooting for them—something you don’t expect in a romance. I will say their banter is top notch.
I guess you could say Right Guy, Wrong Word was a mixed bag for me.
Recommended for fans of: Book clubs Hot men who read Next door neighbors Rose petals
*I received an early copy. This does not affect my opinions.*
Good as Gold features a single woman with a planned pregnancy premise—my personal catnip. As an added bonus, it’s part of the True NorAudiobook Review
Good as Gold features a single woman with a planned pregnancy premise—my personal catnip. As an added bonus, it’s part of the True North universe. This series has long held a soft spot in my heart, and I’m always excited to reunite with the Shipley and Rossi families in their small Vermont town.
Matteo Rossi and Leila Giltmaker were best friends growing up. Neither was aware their attraction was mutual, and Matteo let Leila slip away when he left for college. She fell in love with someone else and married, and Matteo never returned to his hometown because of it. Now, Matteo has come home for his brother’s wedding only to discover Leila is newly divorced. He decides to stay a little longer to make amends with his family and spend time with Leila. Leila is desperate to become a mother, so she asks Matteo to father her child. How could he refuse?
I loved the friends-to-lovers aspect. Leila and Matteo desperately try to compartmentalize the easy rapport of their friendship versus having hot sex solely for the purpose of making a baby. Their chemistry is too strong for that to last. I also enjoyed the roasting Matteo’s siblings give him in their text threads and how he takes it in stride.
Their small town is getting more trendy with each book. I would be a happy regular at the coffee shop and bar. And now there’s a line of craft beers created by Leila’s father that’s all the rage. The Giltmaker Brewery is quite lucrative, so I’m hopeful that the family sticks around for awhile. Maybe Leila’s brother will get his own book, and the True North universe will continue to grow.
Sarina Bowen doesn’t discard old characters and details from previous books, but instead finds ways to lovingly incorporate them into the current story. Reading this series is like comfort food for my soul.
About the audiobook: I hate to say it, but I’m not a fan of the narration. Jason Clarke is as flawless as always. However, Lessa Lamb leaves something to be desired. She can be over the top in her delivery, but the most distracting thing is that she speaks so slowly with loooong pauses. I tried speeding up the audio so it sounded more normal, but then I had to lower the speed again when Jason narrates. It’s problematic.
Recommended for fans of: Friends to lovers Planned pregnancies Snowboarding Beer
*I received an advanced listener copy. This does not affect the content of my review.*
Accidental Attachment is my first Max Monroe book, and boy did it leave a smile on my face.
I was thoroughly entertained by Brooke, an author, and ChasAccidental Attachment is my first Max Monroe book, and boy did it leave a smile on my face.
I was thoroughly entertained by Brooke, an author, and Chase, her editor, working together to publish Brooke’s spicy romance that Chase has no idea is based on him. Brooke is hilarious and quirky, which makes the banter between her and Chase even more delightful. Their chemistry is everything.
I also liked Chase’s sister, Mo, and the way she’s such an extreme fan of Brooke’s. It reminded me of the way I fangirl over authors when I attend book signings. Benji, Brooke’s superhero service dog sidekick, almost steals the show.
There’s a link at the end of the book to a wonderful extended epilogue.
Recommended for fans of: Authors Book Geeks Motor Homes Showers
Jewel E. Ann wrote If This is Love. That’s all I needed to know to make me want to read it. I didn’t even know the plot. I just dove right inNOW LIVE!
Jewel E. Ann wrote If This is Love. That’s all I needed to know to make me want to read it. I didn’t even know the plot. I just dove right in. Let me tell you, this book is simply spectacular. It’s been a long while since a book kept me up all night, so even though I’m sporting bags under my eyes today, it was totally worth it.
Let me start by saying that Jewel E. Ann always has the best opening lines. Period.
“Fletcher Ellington purchased me for the bargain price of one million dollars. A gift for his wife, Ruthie.
I was four years old.”
Well, if that doesn’t suck you in like a Dyson then I don’t know what will. You might as well grab some popcorn and settle in because this is one juicy soap opera that will keep those pages turning.
The story takes place on a shady billionaire’s ranch. Fletcher is one evil bastard. I hated him and his entitled family with a deep passion. The only exception is Fletcher’s wife, Ruthie, who dotes on Indie like a loving mother should, but when she dies, Indie’s life becomes a living hell.
Indie, Fletcher’s “daughter”, is a bright light in the midst of a dysfunctional storm. It is easy to admire her keen perception—even at a young age—and stubborn soul that refuses to be crushed. As she approaches adulthood, you can add reckless and fierce to her list of attributes. I found her completely enchanting.
Horses, dirt, manure—what could possibly be sexy about that? Well, yippee ki yay! Let me introduce you to Milo. He is a cowboy and Fletcher’s right hand man. Milo has dark secrets, a sexy swagger, and a kind heart. Eight years older than Indie, he makes sure she’s cared for, and always treats her with patience and understanding. An eight year age difference sounds icky when she’s ten, but he’s more like her confidante and friend. It’s not until she’s an adult that the nature of their relationship changes, and by then I completely forgot about their ages. I was enraptured by their love story.
Breathtaking, stunning, heartbreaking, romantic—this story has all the feels. So yeah, yet another 5-star book by Jewel E. Ann. Quelle surprise.
Recommended for fans of: Cowboy romances Forbidden love Age gap romances
*I received an early copy. This does not affect my opinions.*
Angela (Reading Frenzy Book Blog)
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