Finding You is another solid romance from Daphne Elliot and while it can be read as a standalone, I suggest starting with Trusting You so you get a biFinding You is another solid romance from Daphne Elliot and while it can be read as a standalone, I suggest starting with Trusting You so you get a bit more of a feel for the hero in this book. I always appreciate when characters grow throughout a story and both Declan and Astrid grew a lot during this story. We met Declan in book one; the middle Quinn brother is a brooding, loner type that is currently running the family’s fishery business and trying to convince his father it is time he is named CEO. While Declan would prefer to be out on the boats, he has taken over operating the business especially after his father’s heart attack months back. Declan feels a bit like an outsider in his family, choosing to serve in the Navy instead of getting a college degree and he doesn’t feel like he has the respect of his father and while he knows his mother loves him her incessant need to set him up with women so he’ll settle down keeps him from spending much time with his parents. Astrid is new in town and staying in her aunt’s cottage across the street from Declan’s home. As a corporate mergers and acquisitions lawyer she has worked hard to make a name for herself in her firm, but after refusing the advances of a senior partner she is accused of screwing up a merger and put on leave although they’ve let her know she will probably be fired pending an investigation as she refused to sign an agreement to now sue the firm in exchange for a severance package and a reference. She returns to Havensport where she spent summers with her aunt and her cousin as her attorney now judge mother was too busy to pay her any attention. Her whole identity is tied up in her profession and she feels lost and alone until she meets Declan who immediately takes a liking to her. These two seem like complete opposites but as their friendship progresses, they agree to be fake boyfriend/girlfriend to each attend an event with the other. The more time they spend together, they share their hopes, dreams, and insecurities and they begin to see that under Declan’s broody exterior and Astrid’s ice queen exterior are some driven but sweet individuals just trying to make it through life. I absolutely love the Astrid found a friend group thanks to her cousin and they supported her throughout this book and I also appreciated that Declan started the conversation with his father about assuming the CEO title at the fishery. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change and despite the missteps along the way, I was rooting for them both throughout. Finding You was a well developed, wonderful, small town romance and I enjoyed it thoroughly. ...more
Smooth Hoperator is the second book in Sylvie Stewart’s Love on Tap series and I found it to be hilarious, yet it was mixed with a lot of emo4.5 stars
Smooth Hoperator is the second book in Sylvie Stewart’s Love on Tap series and I found it to be hilarious, yet it was mixed with a lot of emotion and a bit of suspense. The Brooks’ family captured me in the first book and even more so in this one. I can’t wait to jump into the next book of this series.
Sunny is a sweet, somewhat sheltered librarian than will go out of her way to do just about anything for the people she cares about. While she came across as quite naïve, that saying still waters run deep applies to her. She lives with her grandfather Duke, who is a big time conspiracy theorist and is forever making her crazy. When she sees a man who looks very disheveled and possibly homeless spending a lot of time in her library she begins to wonder how she can help him.
After being run out of Washington D.C. when he discovered the people he worked for were doing some underhanded things, Carter returned home to reassess. He’s working at the bar/brewery he co-owns with his brother and is finding he has a knack for beer making, but his past life still troubles him. He’s in a pretty dark place and comes across as standoffish, but he is determined to bring down the people he worked for, but quietly. When the librarian offers her assistance and then he finds out her grandfather can possibly help him; he offers to help her make the man of her dreams jealous. Problem is every day he spends with Sunny he falls a little more under her spell.
This book was busy with a lot going on but I never felt like Carter and Sunny and the relationship they were building got lost in the shuffle. I absolutely loved seeing Carter’s entire family rally around them and the way they brought both Sunny and Duke into their fold as they unraveled the problems surrounding the bar and the mystery of what happened to Carter in D.C.
Smooth Hoperator was a well balanced book; there were plenty of crazy shenanigans to call it a rom-com, yet it was tempered with serious subjects that added conflict and depth to the plot. Overall, this was a fantastic read and I highly recommend this series based on the first two books alone.
Short and sexy, this fake relationship/forced proximity romance was a fun read for the holidays. Clover has mixed emotions about returning to her smalShort and sexy, this fake relationship/forced proximity romance was a fun read for the holidays. Clover has mixed emotions about returning to her small hometown to watch her sister marry the man she dated for two years prior to finding them in bed together, she doesn't want to go but then Nick, her co-worker she is convinced hates her offers to be her fake date for the wedding. Hijinks ensue including a pot belly pig, a goat, and her crazy aunt, but it all works out for everyone. This was a light, fluffy read so if you are expecting a deep plot and lots of emotion, this isn't the book for you if you want a fun, sexy read then pick this one up.
Merged review:
Short and sexy, this fake relationship/forced proximity romance was a fun read for the holidays. Clover has mixed emotions about returning to her small hometown to watch her sister marry the man she dated for two years prior to finding them in bed together, she doesn't want to go but then Nick, her co-worker she is convinced hates her offers to be her fake date for the wedding. Hijinks ensue including a pot belly pig, a goat, and her crazy aunt, but it all works out for everyone. This was a light, fluffy read so if you are expecting a deep plot and lots of emotion, this isn't the book for you if you want a fun, sexy read then pick this one up....more
The synopsis of this book drew me to it and I try to read a number of new to me authors every year, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. I belThe synopsis of this book drew me to it and I try to read a number of new to me authors every year, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. I believe this is Gabriella Gamez’s debut novel and it is a decent first effort, but not without some problems. I see promise in her writing and am willing to read more from her in the future. The best way for me to describe The Next Best Fling is messy and angst filled and neither one of those really worked for me.
Marcela is a librarian in charge of teen services and she loves her job and loves books. She spent a great deal of time as a child in the library, it was her safe space and she’s turned it into a career and that is never a bad thing. Her best friend who she has secretly been crushing on after they briefly dated (no intimacy, he broke up with her, and she hasn’t dated seriously since) just told her he’s asking his girlfriend to marry him. Marcela has curves for days and believes her weight was an issue for Ben, but as she wants the best for him she’ll swallow her hurt and be there for him. At the engagement party, she stops Ben’s brother, Theo, from telling the bride that he is in love with her and has been since they were teens yet they never dated. When they arrive the next day together after she allows Theo to sleep it off on her couch everyone believes they had s*x and they begin fake dating. Theo has no idea that Marcela is still pining over his brother and this was an issue for me because Theo held nothing back about his issues with his family especially his brother or his “love” for Alice. Honestly I wasn’t overly thrilled with them both having feelings for other people and then deciding to get over them by having a fling and Theo fell hard and Marcela had guilt because she didn’t tell him she wanted his brother and it was so much unnecessary angst, these adults were written more like teenagers.
The thing is I loved Marcela and Theo together, but I felt we got cheated out of seeing them develop real and deep feelings because they kept rehashing the past and their feelings for other people. I adored their dates and their conversations and I wanted more of them getting to know each other and falling in love, sure the s*x was hot and all, but I craved those moments outside of the bedroom where their feelings for one another developed.
I debated about saying this, but as a native of San Antonio had I known this book was set there I might not have read it. There were some things in this book that just didn’t ring true for anyone who has resided in the city for any length of time. I’m not going to name specifics but three things really stuck out as just not right and that truly lessened by enjoyment of the book.
The Next Best Fling was an okay book, I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either however, the author has a good voice and in time I think she will grow to be an outstanding author....more
Evading the Enforcer was a pretty cute enemies to lovers, fake date romance. Next door neighbors get off on the wrong foot but soon find fake dating wEvading the Enforcer was a pretty cute enemies to lovers, fake date romance. Next door neighbors get off on the wrong foot but soon find fake dating will solve both of their problems. Sweet, fun, and sexy; it was a good read.
Niall O’Rourke is new to the Charleston Coyotes NHL team after asking for a trade when his girlfriend cheats on him with his teammate and best friend. All Niall wants to do it settle in to his new home and play hockey, he doesn’t expect the perky next door neighbor and although he knows he was a bit of an a$$ to her when they met he doesn’t want or need any woman in his life.
Lucy is a podcaster with a Bigfoot show that is quite popular. She’s hoping to syndicate soon and getting a big name on her show might just propel her ratings enough for that to happen. When her best friend and ex-neighbor tells her she should welcome her new neighbor to the street she tries but despite having the reputation as a “nice guy” she finds him to be an insufferable a-hole.
Niall’s ex brings some media attention and drama to his life he doesn’t need so when his visiting sister suggests he help Lucy with her podcast he decides that maybe they can pretend to date and do each other a favor. I enjoyed watching them work together, the way Niall slowly reveals why he doesn’t open up to people and before long they go from fake to real.
Evading the Enforcer was a quick read, it wasn’t overly deep but I did find it enjoyable....more
Confession time, I may have a bit of a girl crush on Jess K Hardy. When I read Come As You Are last year, I was swept away by the story and the same gConfession time, I may have a bit of a girl crush on Jess K Hardy. When I read Come As You Are last year, I was swept away by the story and the same goes for Lips Like Sugar. I love the way this author writes 50+ year old characters that are still learning, growing, and figuring out life and love while trying to parent their children and care for their parents. Lips Like Sugar is a love letter to the Gex-X generation and those of us in the Gen Jones group who doesn’t quite fit the Boomer era and don’t quite fit the Gex-X era. While you can read Lips Like Sugar as a standalone, due to some of the things that occur in this book I do highly recommend reading Come As You Are as it will make this book all the more memorable.
The last few years have knocked Mira Harlow sideways and she’s really not sure how she’ll recover. She has a 14 year old son who has gone from her loving little boy to a quiet, non talkative teenager. Her mother has been diagnosed with a mild cognitive impairment, most likely a precursor to dementia, and requires therapy and round the clock monitoring and care. The bakery that has been in her family for generations is barely keeping them afloat as the town she’s grown up in and loves is dying around her. The very last thing she needed was her ex-boyfriend and his new wife to walk into her bakery and announce they will be attending her friend’s wedding. Refusing to look like a loser, Mira announces she’ll be attending the wedding with her boyfriend and when a stranger walks into her bakery she welcomes him as her boyfriend and kisses him something that is so out of character for her she doesn’t even recognize herself. Thankfully the man plays along and Mira realizes he is none other than the ex-punk rock drummer Cole Sanderson.
From their quirky meet-cute to the under the world ending, I was completely enthralled with Mira, Cole, and their unconventional love story. One phone call, one get to know you before we fake date meeting, and hours at the wedding getting to know one another even better; they are both feeling something, but Cole’s life is in Seattle where he owns a recording studio and is helping his daughter with his granddaughter who is the light in his life and Mira is tied to Red Falls. They know it’s impossible and say good-bye but weeks later, Cole reaches out through a text which leads to more texting, then eventually phone calls, then video calls both wanting to be near one another and yet both still firmly entrenched in their lives. Cole gets the opportunity to return to Montana to help his friend Madigan and he jumps on it.
I loved that this book wasn’t all hearts and flowers; these were two people, both who had some baggage from their past weighing them down, and both firmly entrenched in their lives yet the connection between them was so strong. I ached for them, it was torture watching them fall in love while both knowing their lives were complicated and messy. I also applaud the author for showing that even in your 50s you can be kind of a mess, but you can still grow. You are still sensual, sexy, and can have fun with a partner and life because you are still LIVING! And you can still have your world fall apart and not know how to handle it.
Lips Like Sugar was a captivating, heartwarming yet heart-wrenching story and Ms. Hardy is a masterful storyteller. I loved watching this couple’s journey as they navigated life and love. ...more
I flat out loved both these characters and though I’m not a huge fan of flashbacks, the peeks into tFull review coming 2/22/24 www.simplylovebooks.com
I flat out loved both these characters and though I’m not a huge fan of flashbacks, the peeks into their past interactions were key to how the past shaped them and how together they move forward.
A delight to read from beginning to end, I loved Dirty Bad Boy. ...more
I almost didn't read this one because the last two books were not very good, but I was curious after reading the synopsis and decided to try and I'm gI almost didn't read this one because the last two books were not very good, but I was curious after reading the synopsis and decided to try and I'm glad I did. Stella discovering her fiance has been cheating on her the night before her wedding and his twin agreeing to go through with the ceremony so her dying mother will know she is settled made for an interesting story. Even more so because Ben has been has wanted Stella since before his brother swooped in and asked her out. I loved watching them grow closer and Stella realizing how different the two were and while I'm sure some people will have issues with her going from one brother to the other, whatever, Ben and Stella were perfect for each other and obviously Ben didn't care because she was worth it. Really enjoyed this one from start to finish....more
Everything about this book felt forced, the conversation was stilted and I felt zero chemistry between Mila and Max. And I get that being in town at CEverything about this book felt forced, the conversation was stilted and I felt zero chemistry between Mila and Max. And I get that being in town at Christmas was hard for Mila, but she gave me whiplash with her hot and cold moments and taking out her insecurities on Max. I should have DNF'd it but I slogged through hoping it would get better, hint...it didn't. ...more
I highly recommend An Irish Rockstar for Christmas, this was a sexy, feel-good, romantic, wonderful Full review coming 12/6/23 www.simplylovebooks.com
I highly recommend An Irish Rockstar for Christmas, this was a sexy, feel-good, romantic, wonderful story and one of my favorite holiday romances ever....more
I loved everything about Dr. Fake Fiancé by Louis Bay, there was something that was so charming aboFull review coming 11/20/23 www.simplylovebooks.com
I loved everything about Dr. Fake Fiancé by Louis Bay, there was something that was so charming about this book and the fact that the hero didn’t know the heroine was famous, that they didn’t become intimate right away, and how genuine they both were with each other. This was a feel good, fun, and heart-warming story that I could not put down....more
I enjoyed this book quite a bit; at times I felt like things were a bit contrived but overall it wasn't a bad book and I liked that it took place in fI enjoyed this book quite a bit; at times I felt like things were a bit contrived but overall it wasn't a bad book and I liked that it took place in fall. Characters were interesting and different enough that they had to learn to appreciate what each other did. Family was fun and while the ex-girlfriend drama was a bit OTT it was what forced them together although I felt they'd get there anyway. ...more
I have been a fan of Kristen Ashley's River Rain series since the beginning and I have really enjoyed many of the books and despite Ms. Ashley making I have been a fan of Kristen Ashley's River Rain series since the beginning and I have really enjoyed many of the books and despite Ms. Ashley making me like a character I was convinced I would hate until the end of the earth, I feel this is the best book in the series. Well done bringing these two very different people together and making them each see things from each other's perspective and realizing how much the enriched each other's lives....more
I enjoyed Ramon & Julieta, but Kiss Me, Mi Amor was not the book for me. The highly religious overtones not to mention the way male/female roles were I enjoyed Ramon & Julieta, but Kiss Me, Mi Amor was not the book for me. The highly religious overtones not to mention the way male/female roles were portrayed in this "traditional" Mexican American household were not something I enjoyed. I also had issues with the herone's age and her accomplishments, a paragraph about how she "raised" the money to buy the farm her family had worked on would have been appreciated because I think most people know that buying property anywhere but especially in California isn't easy to do. I never felt the spark between Enrique and Carolina, it all seemed so forced and not enjoyable. I was truly looking forward to this book, but it was a miss for me. ...more
This book was kind of all over the place and I felt like we were TOLD throughout what the characters did but never really saw it. For being a relationThis book was kind of all over the place and I felt like we were TOLD throughout what the characters did but never really saw it. For being a relationship counselor Sabrina was a hot mess especially once she got fake involved with Logan. Logan actually surprised me he was really even keel and kept calling Sabrina out on her issues. I feel like this author loves to make up elaborate back stories for the characters but they are almost too over the top and there is never any closure in them. Again the secondary characters really helped make this story what it was, but it was lacking in the romance developoment department once again (the 3 books I've read in this series have all lacked in this area) so I don't think I'll read any others. ...more
Noah needs a bride after he breaks off his engagement to his cheating fiancee and Imogene who is working on some contracts for him offers to marry himNoah needs a bride after he breaks off his engagement to his cheating fiancee and Imogene who is working on some contracts for him offers to marry him. Having known each other since boarding school, Noah agrees yet with each passing day it becomes clear despite having a legal agreement that their marriage isn't real, it becomes real. I liked this book but didn't love it, I just didn't feel the heat between these two even though they had sex a lot at times it felt a bit over the top. There wasn't a whole lot of emotion in this one and so it was just okay. ...more
Sophie has been a fixture in the Callaghan Green series as a friend to Vanessa (married to Jackson Callaghan) and is an astute business woman who ownsSophie has been a fixture in the Callaghan Green series as a friend to Vanessa (married to Jackson Callaghan) and is an astute business woman who owns high end spas for both women and men. Married three times (twice to one man) and divorced all three times, Sophie has been on a "man ban" for most of this series. On a hen party trip to Iceland, Sophie sees Liam, a rock star who left the limelight behind. She had tried to comfort after he announced he was no longer going to put out albums and tour and he insulted her and she has no use for him, until she does. They both are looking at buying a property; him for a recording studio and housing for the staff and musicians and her for a super private spa for the elite and the owner of the property insists that it be sold to a married couple. These two go from hating one another, to being forced into a fake relationship, to working together, to sleeping together and catching feelings and I WAS THERE FOR IT! I loved these two people who seemed very different from one another, yet both so driven and determined. This was an absoutely delightful love story and one I enjoyed thoroughly. ...more
This was a book with a full and rich plot, characters that took up residence in my heart, and a hard Full review coming 3/1/23 www.simplylovebooks.com
This was a book with a full and rich plot, characters that took up residence in my heart, and a hard won happily ever after. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up The Neighbor Favor, but what I got was a wonderfully written, unique romance that I found impossible to put down. ...more
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