Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat by Lauren Applebaum Contemporary chick lit, romance. Own voice. It’s the year of turning thirty for Rachel and her group of bRachel Weiss’s Group Chat by Lauren Applebaum Contemporary chick lit, romance. Own voice. It’s the year of turning thirty for Rachel and her group of besties. So they celebrate 29 win varying degrees of success. Rachel finds lots of attractive and intriguing men through parties, and dating apps, but none of them are worth long term efforts. She has a job that pays the bills but admits to often going in late and just calling it in some days. After mandated therapy at work and some self realization, Rachel feels like her friends are being successful but that she’s stuck. Maybe the one man she categorically said no to, and then befriends, has it right in helping to make the world a better place. Maybe Rachel needs to start giving back too.
Temptress by Jade Lee Forbidden Pleasures series #2. Historical romance. Emperor Xian Feng must choose a wife. All nobel virgins must come to the ForbiTemptress by Jade Lee Forbidden Pleasures series #2. Historical romance. Emperor Xian Feng must choose a wife. All nobel virgins must come to the Forbidden City to compete to become Empress. Dozens will become part of the harems. But only if they are able endure three trials of purity, the dowager empress and the greedy eunuchs that can make a bribe disappear in the blink of an eye. Families chance everything for their daughter to be Empress and only that one family be rewarded with riches. Most will never see their daughters again. Even if they don’t make the final selection, most will never go home. Sun Bo Tao is the emperor’s best friend and is trusted to oversee the tests and trials of the virgins. He doesn’t expect to fall in love with one of them himself. He faces possible death for touching one yet he can resist Ji Yue. Chen Ji Yue has trained her whole life to become Empress. Her mother has given her advice to think smart and be aware. She’s trained to be a political wife and look beyond the obvious. But her ivory beads are barely enough for average and many of the other virgins will undermine at every opportunity. When Sun Bo Tao pushes and tempts, Ji Yue feels more than she even has in the past. How is that he makes her feel so much when her future is for another?
A sensuous story. A historical story of a dynasty. Sad, tempting, hopeful and a bit erotic.
Karaoke Queen by Dominic Lim Contemporary M-M romance. Diverse, own voices, closed door. Rex Araneta was a performer from a young age. Singing, dancingKaraoke Queen by Dominic Lim Contemporary M-M romance. Diverse, own voices, closed door. Rex Araneta was a performer from a young age. Singing, dancing, make-up and dressing up. Finding all the colors and variations of women’s clothing was a revelation but male family members convinced Rex it was a passion to be hidden at the back of the closet. Now, as an adult, Rex finds his college sweetheart working at a karaoke bar close to work. The bars is a bit run down and needs a boost and before he even realizes what he saying, Rex is volunteering to bring in friends, and make a drag Queen event a regular thing at the bar. Or rather, his alter ego, Regina Moon Dee will perform. Rex is a little rusty but he’s got good friends and plenty of support from his mother, sister, and friends. Including Paola who will help Rex in any way possible. Rex starts off trying to impress the old boyfriend, but it soon turns more introspective as Rex realizes the dressing and performing is for himself and something he needs.
Self analysis and self awareness can be painful and difficult. It’s included in this story and caused a few tears for me but the angst was actually relatively low. The budding romance was low key and the ultimately happy was included for the full cast which made it quite touching. An entertaining and uplifting coming out (drag queen performing) romance.
Hoodoo Heaven by Reggi Dupree Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo series #0.5. Paranormal women’s fiction. 1st person. Gwendolyn Carter may be cursed, in her Hoodoo Heaven by Reggi Dupree Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo series #0.5. Paranormal women’s fiction. 1st person. Gwendolyn Carter may be cursed, in her forties, bisexual and with an extra 20 pounds she’d love to get rid of, but she’s not sitting still to accept the inevitable. She running out of the gate punching, kicking and shooting. Her last four lovers are dead. It’s a curse. So she’s going to be single for now and see what happens on her 45th birthday. She’s got all kinds of crazy monsters following her. She takes a chance on the mysterious Alex who says he wants a tattoo. Who knows if that’s all he wants. He certainly is hot enough to start some fantasies. If she can live long enough.
A novella length story that introduces Gwen and who or what, she is. There is some back story but lots more unanswered questions. The attitude and confidence of this woman is absolutely incredible. Sassy, sarcastic, and “this is me”. I can’t wait to read more. ...more
Surrender to the Cyborgs by Grace Goodwin Interstellar Brides: The Colony series #1. Science fiction romance with erotica elements. M-F-M. Spin off froSurrender to the Cyborgs by Grace Goodwin Interstellar Brides: The Colony series #1. Science fiction romance with erotica elements. M-F-M. Spin off from, and included with other series by the author. Can be read as a stand-alone. Rachel Pierce has been wrongly imprisoned after being a whistleblower for a drug company. She believes her court appeal will clear her name, but the others know her life is forfeit if she spends any time behind bars. Rachel agreed to be tested for the Interstellar Brides program for the science of it but expects to be able to clear her name before going anywhere. Maxim of Prillon Prime fought ten years in the Hive wars. Captured and tortured with his second, Ryston, they escaped only to be rejected by their own people and are condemned to a life on the Colony with other contaminated cyborg warriors. They learn of their mate at the same time they find out her life is in extreme danger. They transport to Earth to rescue Rachel and take her back to the Colony where she will be protected and loved by both her new mates if she’ll accept them. Not everyone is happy with these Warrior heroes and evil is snaking through their planet. Rachel, as a drug researcher may be just the person to help. If she agrees to stay.
The opening scene drops you right into the action so be warned. Rachel doesn’t know these men, but testing shows they are uniquely compatible. She will have to accept them both together for their mating to work. She can save their world literally and give hope to all the other warriors. Super sexy, hot and romantic. Two mates for Rachel whose goal is to always make her happy, loved and satisfied. Yowza! Keep this away from the youngsters. ...more
Hers for the Weekend by Helena Greer Cardigan’s Christmasland series #3. Contemporary sapphic romance. Fake relationship troupe. Can be read as a standHers for the Weekend by Helena Greer Cardigan’s Christmasland series #3. Contemporary sapphic romance. Fake relationship troupe. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series since couples from the previous books are secondary characters in this book. No-nonsense lawyer Tara Sloane Chadwick has been invited to her ex’s wedding. At Carrigan’s Christmasland. It’s not just a polite invite. They want her to attend. In a moment of panic, she commits to attending but tells them she’s bringing her new girlfriend. Now she just needs to find one. Holly Delaney is a waitress and baker and is being pressure to go home to Iowa for Christmas where her family is as well as her ex-wife. When Tara asks Holly to be her fake plus one at holiday wedding at Carrigan’s Christmasland, she jumps on the excuse to not go home. Plus, she’s got a major crush on Tara so it’s the perfect opportunity to have a fun fling and then walk away. A perfect setup in her mind. Tara and Holly agree to a temporary arrangement but feelings soon get in the way as well of their jobs and lifestyles. They will have to decide if they stick to the breakup plan or take a chance on more.
Both women have a past that’s getting in their way of a future. It will take their friends and a lot of self analysis to move forward. Neither wants to change their life. Plenty of angst, more sizzling steam between all the couples, and lots of cutesy Jewish Christmasland and wedding traditions. Reconnect took too long on the calendar IMO but I know the in depth heart searching couldn’t have been easy. It was fun to have the previous characters integrated into this story which I assume is the last in the series. Holiday romance. Holiday magic.
I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram Contemporary diverse M-M romance. Alternating POV. At thirty-seven, Farzan Alavi thinks his love life is a I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram Contemporary diverse M-M romance. Alternating POV. At thirty-seven, Farzan Alavi thinks his love life is a disaster after his most recent heartbreak. There are times he thinks his whole life is messed up and going nowhere. He’s not particularly happy being a substitute teacher but what are his options? When his two besties aren’t available for a night out, Farzan goes alone to the new restaurant and gets a table for one. He’s surprised by the flirting by the hot sommelier but he’s free and single and goes with it. David Curtis is told that a famous and influential food critic is at the restaurant and he offers up a supreme bottle of wine. The two flirt through dinner and more. It’s only the next morning, both David and Farzan realize the error but they’ve had a great night and laugh it off. When Farzan inherits his family’s bistro, he knows just the person to call to help improve the wine list and make the restaurant a destination. But their fun can only be short term. David is moving to Los Angeles. And even though they both start falling in love, their future doesn’t appear to be together.
Road Trip Rivalry by Mona Shroff Harlequin Special Edition romance. Own voices. Bonus holiday romance novella included (ebook, audiobook). Researcher PoRoad Trip Rivalry by Mona Shroff Harlequin Special Edition romance. Own voices. Bonus holiday romance novella included (ebook, audiobook). Researcher Poorvi Gupta is desperate to reach her medical conference in Dublin in time to secure grant funding with her presentation. She has proof and research statistics showing that the clinical trials need to be delayed rather than rushed through. The exact opposite of what the Shashane family wants to do. When weather reroutes the plane to land across the country, and cars go alarmingly fast, she’s forced to team up with a fellow passenger to drive to Dublin. She’s already has a conflict with him when she tries to help a nice elderly woman on the plane speaking Gujarati. Fortunately Poorvi is able to drive a manual car and the elderly woman will be with them, so it should be an easy drive to Dublin. Until it’s not. Ophthalmologist Kavan Shashane is traveling to Dublin to head off a researcher whose study puts his family’s practice at risk. Sure, it wasn’t convenient for the plane to be rerouted, but now he gets to spend time with the fascinating woman he traded sparks with on the plane. He definitely wants to get to know her better and getting waylaid by the elderly woman to see various sights along the way to Dublin isn’t a problem. Neither know that when they get to Dublin, their close relationship could change when they find out they are on opposing sides at the medical conference.
Sparkling romance and family Indian traditions blend to make this romance sweet and spicy at the same time. Indian dishes, flyers Holi colors and a slight manipulation by a well meaning grandmother being Poorvi and Kavan together to find their forever.
Detour to the Gingerbread Inn Naina Goel and Jais Patel, thought separated, travel together to a family event at Christmas time. Severe weather strands them at a run-down inn that seems to have been decorated and forgotten decades in the past. Yet the inn is full and couples seem to be loving the inn and its holiday traditions. Spending the forced time together, Naina and Jais have little choice but to talk and air grievances they couldn’t in the past. A Mehndi party and Masala chai help being them back together and gradually the decorations seem to be getting updated and brighter as well. It’s seems to be a magical place as they renew their love.
Dark Restraint by Katee Robert Dark Olympus series #7. Dark mythology Fantasy romance retelling with erotica elements. Can be read as a stand-alone. ADark Restraint by Katee Robert Dark Olympus series #7. Dark mythology Fantasy romance retelling with erotica elements. Can be read as a stand-alone. Ariadne Vitalis grew up with a strict and cruel father. She defies her virginity required destiny, aka political manipulation and has a steamy encounter with the Minotaur she’s always wanted. Complications and betrayal plus political maneuvers had Ariadne engaged to Dionysus. The Minotaur was promised Ariadne and he will do whatever is necessary to have her. She’s meant for him. And while she knows her father has ordered the Minotaur to kill her, she cannot resist the passion they share.
Very Dark and super steamy. Political games intensify setting up the next story. The Minotaur is violent except with Ariadne, but he is very possessive of her. Nothing, in capital letters, in this book is on my preferred troupes list, yet I continue to be compelled to indulge.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley as Wish Granted on release day. ...more
The Engineer by C S Poe Magic & Steam series #1. Historical Steampunk M-M romance novella. 1881. Special Agent Gillian Hamilton is sent to Shallow GraveThe Engineer by C S Poe Magic & Steam series #1. Historical Steampunk M-M romance novella. 1881. Special Agent Gillian Hamilton is sent to Shallow Grave, Arizona to find and arrest the man responsible for blowing up half of Baltimore. As an agent for the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam, Gillian has gone after some of the worst criminals. He didn’t expect to run into one of the county’s most infamous outlaw’s while there and that Gunner, the Deadly, is also after the Tinkerer. They decide to work together in this job only, to stop the Tinkerer from taking control of the town’s silver mines. Even though they are on opposite sides of the law, the more time they spend together, the more they come to respect and understand each other. And maybe actual like and lust too, but they can’t expect more, can they?
A steamy opposite attracts dilemma when magic and machinations are par for the world. The steampunk world setup is intriguing and I look forward to more of this series. ...more
Super Sock Man by Amy Lane Johnnies series #0.5 and Granby Knitting series #1.5 novella. M-M romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Donnie agrees to houSuper Sock Man by Amy Lane Johnnies series #0.5 and Granby Knitting series #1.5 novella. M-M romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Donnie agrees to house sit for his sister, mostly because he has a crush on her roommate Alejandro. Donnie fantasizes about Alejandro and ends up falling asleep in his bed. When Alejandro comes home early and finds Donnie in his bed, he’s charmed by the young man.
First romance troupe, high, repeated heat and steam. A sexy little acceptance story. ...more
Love - Limited Edition by Elle Keaton Home in Hollyridge series #1. M-M romance. Dual POV. It’s the holiday season but Rory Hoyle isn’t feeling cheery.Love - Limited Edition by Elle Keaton Home in Hollyridge series #1. M-M romance. Dual POV. It’s the holiday season but Rory Hoyle isn’t feeling cheery. Then he walks into a bookstore and is smitten by the owner. When Brett says he needs to walk Lulu the Labrador before closing, Rory invites himself along and Brett is charmed by the awkward young man.
Heroes Across Time by Jackie North Love Across Time series 1.5. Sequel to Heroes for Ghosts and should be read in order. M-M romance. Closed door novelHeroes Across Time by Jackie North Love Across Time series 1.5. Sequel to Heroes for Ghosts and should be read in order. M-M romance. Closed door novella. Stanley and Devon have traveled to current time in Harlin, Colorado and Stanley is learning about the world in modern day while Devon finishes his college degree. It’s Christmas and Devon wants to celebrate with a small tree and presents. Stanley knows hunger. He knows what it’s like to go without. He’d rather be frugal and skip presents and save the extra money. Stanley has a darkness in himself and often thinks of the friends he left behind. Stanley was glad to make the sacrifice he did for his friends but he wonders about what happened to them. Holidays can be difficult but Devon will do what he can to make sure that Stanley is happy.
Spoilers for the first book so that should be read first. Stanley made a sacrifice of himself to save his friends. It brought him to Devon in current day. But what of all his friends? Devon takes the time to research all of the troop and show Stanley that what he did, allowed all the others to live long, happy, and productive lives. It’s tear inducing and touching. It’s was a selfless act and there were great rewards for everyone remaining. A miracle. A lot to believe here. Regardless, it’s a beautiful thought or wish for the holidays.
This could easily have been a long epilogue in the first book rather than a separate recap. My rating is more for the feel good feelings. I don’t think this can stand alone without reading the prior story. ...more
The Friend Zone Experiment by Zen Cho Contemporary women’s fiction, chick lit, drama. Minor romance. Renee Goh is ready to wallow when her boyfriend duThe Friend Zone Experiment by Zen Cho Contemporary women’s fiction, chick lit, drama. Minor romance. Renee Goh is ready to wallow when her boyfriend dumps her, but gets a surprise phone call from her father. He is retiring and he is considering her for the job as well as her brothers. One of them will win the CEO job of the family run conglomerate after a trial interview period. Renee never thought it possible before but she knows her success at her current job speaks for itself. Renee is all in and ready to compete and win that job even as her brother tries blackmailing and undermining her in the process. At the same time, Renee runs into her first love, Yap Ket Siong. They spend a hot night together and she knows she needs to focus on her job now and can’t commit to a relationship. They agree to be friends for now and will see if they can sustain it.
Reads like a K-drama. Multiple layers, different but connected storylines, international setting, and sibling rivalries. It starts out dark with secrets and coverups, and does lighten up a bit by the second half but the tone was set for me. This is a clear example of cover and title not being indicative of the storyline. At all. Too much family dislike and lack of trust, for good reason. The writing is solid and can hold your interest as long as you appreciate it is not a romantic comedy but more a novel of family drama with a touch of romance at the end. ...more
That Prince is Mine by Jayci Lee Contemporary romance. Diverse, own voices, Asian. Royals away from home, or Royal on vacation troupe. Emma Yoon is a cThat Prince is Mine by Jayci Lee Contemporary romance. Diverse, own voices, Asian. Royals away from home, or Royal on vacation troupe. Emma Yoon is a culinary instructor in Los Angeles teaching Korean royal court cuisine. She hopes to eventually open a culinary school of her own. Emma agrees to go on a series of dates to protect her godmother’s reputation in the matchmaking business but by date five is feeling inpatient. These men aren’t what she wants in life. But there is man that catches her interest at the cafe and he seems just as interested in Emma. Prince Michel Aubert is an adjunct visiting professor at the University of California. He’s been watching with amusement, Emma’s seeming disastrous and one-time only dates at the cafe with different men each time. He’s like his own chance at chatting with her but he knows he is bound by duty and responsibility to return to his own country. Gathering his courage, he asks Emma for a date and realizes that perhaps he can choose his own bride instead of settling for an arranged marriage back home.
A Perfect Story by Elisabet Benavent Contemporary drama and romance. Margot Ortiz de Zarate has a successful career, a huge salary, a gorgeous owned apA Perfect Story by Elisabet Benavent Contemporary drama and romance. Margot Ortiz de Zarate has a successful career, a huge salary, a gorgeous owned apartment, and a perfect fiancé. But on her wedding day, she suffers a panic attack and runs away. Margot and her sister spend the night drinking away her confusion. The next day, back at the bar to pick up a lost phone, she chats with their bartender from the night before and they become friends. David Sánchez Rodrigo convinces Margot they should fake date to make their exes jealous. A trip to Greece turns their friendship to lovers and defining what they ultimately want will require life-altering decisions.
Privileged meets working class as they both recover, fall in love and fight through their differences and feeling of uncertainty, jealousy, lust and obligation. So much drama. So much steamy sex. 600 pages of a love story unironically unfiltered. I’m not sure I would have survived the fighting or the depth of honesty.
First and Ten by Michel Prince Love by the Yard series #1. Contemporary sports related romance. Diverse. Running back Jerome Speed has helped lead theFirst and Ten by Michel Prince Love by the Yard series #1. Contemporary sports related romance. Diverse. Running back Jerome Speed has helped lead the Chicago Grizzlies to divisional and conference championships the last seven years. Per team rules, when traveling or attending promotional events, he needs to dress to impress. When shopping for a new suit, two stylists clash and Rome is impressed how Danika Albright is able to find the exact jacket, shirt and tie to make him look his best. When they meet again coincidentally, he doesn’t let the opportunity pass him by and he asks her on a date. She’s busy but he has the money to make the short time together special. They visit a few of Chicago’s best sites and then take it further meeting additional family. Two people, two different backgrounds with one goal: learning to love one yard at a time.
Additional family made for complications. She’s working and going to school and still living at home with expectations there. He’s trying to get custody of his three year old son but the mother apparently has some issues that need to be resolved. Dating isn’t alway just between two people. High powered romance with steam as their relationship progresses. Family dynamics all around when they can’t be alone or have other responsibilities. Sentimentality piled on for good romance. Loved it. Since I’m also from Chicago, I had fun comparing my experiences with the Chicago sites they visited. Mine were of the cheap variety though I was envious of being able to buy out the whole tour boat for just the two of them. ...more
My Orc (Fake) Boyfriend by Veronika Kane Eastshore Isle series #2. Paranormal erotic romance. 1st person, alternating between Melinda and Cairo. Can beMy Orc (Fake) Boyfriend by Veronika Kane Eastshore Isle series #2. Paranormal erotic romance. 1st person, alternating between Melinda and Cairo. Can be read as a stand-alone romance but characters from the first are in this book, and this one takes place after the first. Melinda O’Donnell owns the bakery on Eastshore Isle. She’s happy with her success but her wealthy family coming to visit in July expects to set her up with a doctor or lawyer and have her moving back home. Impulsively, Meli tells her family she has a boyfriend and she’ll stay with him while they are in town. Cairo is an Orc. He’s lived and worked as a mechanic on Eastshore for years and enjoys picking up cupcakes from the bakery a couple times a week. Usually the place is closing when he shows up, but this time there are several people in the store and he’s shocked when Meli announces they are a couple and he finds himself in a lip lock with her! Meli needs to convince her family that Cairo is her choice, while he needs to convince her to be his mate.
Feel good, low angst, high heat romance with fated mates, one bed, grumpy sunshine, all in a small town setting.
Entertaining and a steamy quick read. A humorous version of monster porn without anything extra. ...more
The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez Librarians in Love series #1. Contemporary romance. Cinnamon roll hero. 1st person, present tense from Marcela’s The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez Librarians in Love series #1. Contemporary romance. Cinnamon roll hero. 1st person, present tense from Marcela’s POV. Own voice, Mexican-American heritage. Ex NFL football player Theo Young has retired and is back home in San Antonio, Texas expecting to coach football at a local high school. After a few drinks at the engagement party for his brother and fiancé, Theo decides it is the perfect time to tell his brother’s fiancée that he has loved her all since they were kids and won’t she reconsider marrying him instead of his brother? Librarian Marcela Ortiz has been secretly in love with her best friend since college. Now that he’s engaged, Marcela knows she needs to move on. When Marcela hears Theo muttering to himself about confronting the bride-to-be, she takes action and gets him out of there to sleep off his drinking. They both seem to be in the same position - in love and needing to walk away. They take advantage of rumors to first, appear to be together, and then second, to find they have a lot in common and maybe actually act on their sizzling chemistry.
Neither Marcela nor Theo have been in a long term romantic relationship. Both have self confidence and self-image problems to work on, more so for Marcela as a curvy woman.
Marcela and I have a lot in common with the second bedroom library, donating books, excited to talk about books, Goodreads usage, and of course, body image. I liked how she overcame the uncomfortable and learned to be okay with herself although it was a little inconsistent in the story. I was happy when she started to realize that her friendship with Ben had problems. Theo is adorable. He’s an athlete, looking forward to slowing down, and wants to please and make Marcela happy more than anything else. “He breaks out in a smile that rivals the sun.” He’s not afraid or hesitant to show his emotions.
It’s romantic, encouraging, and has a few very sexy bedroom scenes to ramp up the flames.
The Trial of Mrs Rhinelander by Denny S Bryce Historical fiction inspired by a real-life scandal of the time. Dual time line. In 1924 New York, Alice JThe Trial of Mrs Rhinelander by Denny S Bryce Historical fiction inspired by a real-life scandal of the time. Dual time line. In 1924 New York, Alice Jones is from an English immigrant family. She meets and falls in love with Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander, a shy heir to his prominent family real estate fortune. When they secretly marry, Kip’s parents threaten his inheritance, because they believe she is not white. Kip freely admits, he cannot live without the money and his father’s approval even though he loves Alice. He knew it would come to this while Alice was completely unaware. It’s the start of what will become a famous trial and news story about race, Justice, and social class. Reporter Marvel Cunningham is a pioneering Black journalist is following the trial and has formed her opinions of Alice but after they meet one night and trade stories, Marvel is realizing how much they have in common and how the world has already put them into a specific lane. In 1941 Roberta is told by her boss that she is to interview her Aunt Alice. Roberta hasn’t talked to her aunt in years, and isn’t really given a choice but to reconnect and try to get more details from the reclusive woman.
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