This week, I read books by four authors whose work has made my Best of the Year list in the past, so it’s no surprise that I had a very solid reading week!
Tarah DeWitt’s first traditionally published novel finally came out this week, and I’m excited for her work to reach a larger audience. Savor It showcases exactly why one of her indie books, Funny Feelings, was such a breakout hit, and it kicks off a small town series I can’t wait to explore further. I read my ARC of Savor It months ago, but I listened to bits of the audio edition this week, and it brought back the warm and fuzzy feelings I got while reading it the first time.
I read my ARC of Elena Armas’ summer release, The Fiancé Dilemma, this week, and it’s one of my new favorites from her. I loved the fresh take on the fake relationship trope, and the slow burn to sizzle vibes had me tearing through the pages.
I dove into Julia Wolf’s newest, and it was another very solid installment to this series of office romances. This one features a chaotic hero who is just getting his life together, and I really enjoyed it.
Finally, a bit of a disappointment from one of my newest favorites, S.J. Tilly. Two of her mafia/romantic suspense novels made my Top 20 of 2023, but I’m having a harder time connecting to her rom coms. This one didn’t do it for me, but it’s certainly not a bad book.
We’ve got a quieter release week coming up because of the long holiday weekend, but I’ve got plenty to read in the meantime. Not only am I catching up on new releases, but I have some summer ARCs that I’m impatient to read. We’ll see what happens!
If you missed any of this week’s reviews, I’ve got the blurb and rating for each below. There’s also a link to my new release list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tender and delicious 🎧
Summer won’t last forever.
Sage Byrd has lived in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon (not to be confused with Forks, Washington) her entire life. She’s learned to love her small world, with the misfit animals on her hobby farm, and her friendships with the town’s inhabitants. But when her 5-year relationship ends and her ex, town-golden-boy Ian, suddenly gets engaged, Sage needs a win—something that will convince everyone to stop pitying her all the time, and to put Ian in his place. The Festival of Spunes, the town’s annual summer competition, would be the perfect opportunity. She just needs a partner.
Fisher Lange was a hotshot chef in New York City until the loss of his sister left him numb, grieving, and responsible for his teenage niece Indy. When Fisher loses his Michelin star along with his love of cooking, his boss sends him and Indy to Spunes on a much-needed summer sabbatical to consult on a restaurant opening. But when clashes with the townspeople threaten his last chance to redeem himself and a kiss with his new neighbor Sage leads to dating rumors, a strategic alliance might just be the best way to turn things around.
A deal is struck. Sage will improve Fisher’s image in the eyes of the town and remove the roadblocks he is facing with the restaurant, and Fisher will be Sage’s partner for the competition. But as their pact quickly turns into steamy rendezvous, emotional wounds begin to heal, and the pair tries to savor every moment, they start to realize that summer is racing by much faster than they would like…
Filled with spicy summer fun, small-town charm, and Big Feelings, this highly anticipated romcom is Tarah DeWitt’s best yet.
Read the audiobook review here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4apM9M1
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sneak peek review
A fake engagement, second chances, and newfound family members come together in this new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the “swoon-worthy” (Business Insider) The Spanish Love Deception.
Josie Moore has given the opposite sex—and love—plenty of chances. Four exactly, if you count all her failed engagements, and five if you include her no-longer-absentee father. Nonetheless, when the influential man decides to announce his retirement with a splashy magazine piece and Josie learns that her romantic history isn’t great PR for the family, she jumps at the chance to offer a solution.
Matthew Flanagan is in the mud. Literally. Not only has he been fired from his job, but after taking a wrong turn on his way to Green Oak, North Carolina, his car is stuck. So, he grabs a duffel bag with his essentials and goes in search of a place to crash until he gets his life (and vehicle) back on track. But instead, he stumbles upon his best friend’s sister, Josie, greeting him as her fiancé.
What starts as a big misunderstanding quickly turns into a fake engagement, with Matthew playing the role of the doting fiancé as he and Josie are swept into a PR whirlwind. The ring on Josie’s finger makes her stomach turn, but she knows this is only temporary. They have rules in place, and one of them is that no matter what, there will be no exchange of “I dos.” But that’s easier said than done, as lines soon start to blur, and the rest of the small town comes to believe the fifth fiancé is truly The One.
Releases in July – preorder today!
Read the sneak peek review here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dSWUYU
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great hero
The first time I met Miles Aldrich, he stole my cupcakes.
The second time, I handed him a bill for what he owed me. He’s a billionaire after all. He can afford it.
The third time we met… well, that was the biggest surprise of all. I walked into his office looking for help with a business plan. But I somehow walked out… with a fake boyfriend.
Miles claims the plan is simple: he’ll lend me his powerful family’s reputation by posing as my boyfriend. I’ll gain important contacts, and he’ll have someone by his side so he doesn’t have to make excuses for why he’s not dating anyone.
For one whole summer, Miles Aldrich is not so truly mine. The real man behind the smooth lines and flirty smiles is nothing like I assumed.
He’s sunshine in a tall, gorgeous package.
He kisses me like his life depends on it.
Logically, I know this relationship of ours isn’t real.
But the problem is… the feelings he’s bringing out in me are true as can be.
Read the review here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/44RXD8n
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Not my favorite
My trip to Mexico for my cousin’s wedding was only supposed to be a few days of obligation and oceanside.
I wasn’t expecting Luke.
Wasn’t expecting the hot hockey player, with the smirks and the tattoos, who kept bumping into me.
And I certainly wasn’t expecting to spend a night on the beach, under the stars, underneath him.
It was magical, but I thought it would end there.
Instead, we exchanged numbers and stayed in touch.
So when Luke invited me to watch him play in Vegas, I went.
And it was great.
Until we woke up the next morning and found the wedding certificate in my pocket.
Turns out that dance party we snuck into was actually a group wedding ceremony.
And now we’re married.
Which is bad.
Because I think our wedding was actually our first date. And if my dad finds out, he’ll cut me out of the family business.
So when footage leaks of Luke and me hot and heavy in an elevator, I have to make up a new plan to save my reputation and career.
Now, all I need is for Luke Anders to act like he’s madly in love with me.
Should be easy.
Right?
Read the review here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KmPWOp
Check out this week’s new releases here.
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