It’s been awhile since I’ve posted one of these, so I thought I’d talk about some of the books that DIDN’T work for me, for one reason or another. That’s almost as good as reviewing them, lol, and I think it’s important to talk about. There’s no shame in setting aside books that aren’t working for you personally.
Do you ever DNF (do not finish) books? I do! Though I love a bad book almost as much as a good one (sometimes you’ve just gotta roll your eyes and see how it all turns out), there are times when I will abandon a book along the way. Sometimes it’s really just a “it’s not you, it’s me” thing, sometimes it’s clear right away that a book is just BAD, and other times a tired trope will get on my nerves. There are so many different reasons to DNF a book, and not all of them indicate that it’s subpar.
And, yes, sometimes I do go back to books I tossed aside and realize that I must’ve been PMSing that day because they work much better the second time around!
These days, I post mini reviews for books I got pretty far into before abandoning them, so these are all books that lost my interest early on or that I read other reviews for and decided to skip. I do a LOT of sampling before choosing which books to dive into, with varying degrees of completion.
DNF (with anger): This started off really strong! I loved the meet cute, and I was feeling the chemistry. It made me smile and laugh, and I thought I was in for a great strangers to lovers romance… until they parted ways for like three years! After the time jump, it turned into a second chance romance where the hero had been dating another woman during the whole separation, basically. The heroine is now in a worse place mentally/financially, hasn’t really dated, and he’s her rich new boss. What!! Totally not what I wanted from this, and my mood plummeted IMMEDIATELY. Sent me directly into a reading slump.
The One With the Kiss Cam by Cindy Steel
It was just one date.
My friend told me I needed more fun in my life, so I reluctantly said yes. Fun wasn’t exactly in my wheelhouse. After watching my own mother’s love life implode time and time again it’s only natural that I have a few rules to protect myself.
Actually, it’s just one rule…
Avoid relationships with men so I don’t get attached.
I wasn’t worried. Getting attached has never been a problem for me. This guy was just a warm body in a chair. I was here for the basketball game. I was absolutely NOT here for my date.
Or the kiss cam.
Or the kiss.
Or the impromptu evening with the one man who seems bent on throwing my tidy world off of its axis.
But when my life takes a nose dive, he’s also the man who seems bent on proving to me that good men do exist, dreams can come true, and sometimes throwing out the rule book is when the magic really starts to happen.
The One with the Kiss Cam is the first in a series of standalone romantic comedies by Cindy Steel. It is a sweet, closed door romance full of sizzle, witty banter, and chemistry, but without explicit content.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NdBV7t
DNF (for now?): After loving the first book in this cozy, romantic murder mystery series, Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder, I was so excited for this. I preordered the audiobook and jumped into it on release day… then proceeded to zone out every few minutes, so much so that I had to replay portions of it. Not sure if it was my mood or the book, but something was not holding my interest. I think I was less interested in the relationship dynamic in this one (the heroine is clueless), so the focus on the mystery just made me feel disinterested in the whole thing. I think I’ll give it another go in a different mood, but it certainly wasn’t the same instant love I felt for Juniper Bean.
Heidi Lucy Loses Her Mind by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
Heidi Lucy has a secret—a big one. A scary, dangerous, ugly one.
There’s just one problem: thanks to a mysterious head wound, she can’t seem to remember what that secret is.
In order to regain her lost memories, Heidi sets out to retrace her steps—followed grudgingly by Soren, a faithful patron of her little bookshop and the less-than-thrilled recipient of the cryptic voicemail she can’t remember leaving.
But her journey gets derailed when one of Heidi’s customers drops dead in the middle of her shop, and it isn’t long before both Heidi and Soren come under suspicion. Something fishy is going on in Sunshine Springs, and if they want to find the truth, they’re going to have to hunt for it themselves.
Who killed the woman in Heidi’s bookshop? What secret has Heidi forgotten? And, maybe the most crucial question of all: Who gave Soren permission to look so good in a man bun?
Heidi Lucy Loses Her Mind is the second in a series of interconnected standalones involving swoony romance, wacky comedy, and dead bodies turning up in the most unlikely of places.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NcWh0x
DNF: Oof. Really did not like the relationship dynamic in this one, particularly the hero. He’s a manwhore, she’s a virgin, and there’s lots of focus on that. (SPOILER) He even admits that he sleeps with endless numbers of women because he can’t have the heroine. I wasn’t expecting that kinda vibe from Liese, though I’ve definitely enjoyed her traditionally published work significantly less than her earlier indies. I did some skimming and it was pretty clear that this was a no-go for me, so I had no problem setting it aside.
Better Hate Than Never by Chloe Liese
Childhood enemies discover the fine line between love and loathing in this heartfelt reimagining of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
Katerina Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio shared backyards as kids, but as adults they won’t even share the same hemisphere. That is, until Kate makes a rare visit home, and their fiery animosity rekindles into a raging inferno.
Despite their friends’ and families’ pleas for peace, Christopher is unconvinced Kate would willingly douse the flames of their enmity. But when a drunken Kate confesses she’s only been hostile because she thought he hated her, Christopher vows to make peace with Kate once and for all. Tempting as it is to be swept away by her nemesis-turned-gentleman, Kate isn’t sure she can trust his charming good-guy act.
When Christopher’s persistence and Kate’s curiosity lead to an impassioned kiss, they realize “peace” is the last thing that will ever be possible between them. As desire gives way to deeper feelings, Kate and Christopher must decide if it’s truly better to hate than to never risk their hearts—or if they already gave them away long ago.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4a99MYK
Lost interest: I love the cover, the blurb sounds so fun, but the negative reviews have started rolling in, and they have made me lose interest completely. Apparently, the hero is a total jerk who has messed with the heroine’s career and stolen her accomplishments. Some of the specifics I read about in reviews have been really rough, and I am no longer excited for this one. I’ll probably borrow it from the library and check for myself, but it’s not looking good.
Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
Rival archaeologists must team up on a secret Aztec expedition, or it could leave their careers—and hearts—in ruins.
Archaeologist Dr. Socorro “Corrie” Mejía has a bone to pick. Literally.
It’s been Corrie’s life goal to lead an expedition deep into the Mexican jungle in search of the long-lost remains of her ancestor, Chimalli, an ancient warrior of the Aztec empire. But when she is invited to join an all-expenses-paid dig to do just that, Corrie is sure it’s too good to be true…and she’s right.
As the world-renowned expert on Chimalli, by rights Corrie should be leading the expedition, not sharing the glory with her disgustingly handsome nemesis. But Dr. Ford Matthews has been finding new ways to best her since they were in grad school. Ford certainly isn’t thrilled either—with his life in shambles, the last thing he needs is a reminder of their rocky past.
But as the dig begins, it becomes clear they’ll need to work together when they realize a thief is lurking around their campsite, forcing the pair to keep their discoveries—and lingering attraction—under wraps. With money-hungry artifact smugglers, the Mexican authorities, and the lies between them closing in, there’s only one way this all ends—explosively.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3un10pO
DNF (for now?): As much as I like this author’s concepts and writing style (and covers!), this is the third book of hers that I’ve left unfinished. It definitely wasn’t bad, but it had a young feel and the storyline simply didn’t hold my interest. As with the other books, it wasn’t a quality issue – maybe I’d have a better reading experience on another day, I don’t know. I’m waiting for her to wow me, because I think she might be capable of that.
Where We Belong by N.S. Perkins
Lexie Tuffin has one goal in life: making it to the Olympics as a gymnast for Team USA. Her dream was almost crushed when she injured herself last year and lost everything: her coach, her gym, and her future. Now, she’s starting from scratch. The only gym that will have her is in Nowhere, Vermont, but she’s determined to make a comeback. Nothing and no one is going to shake her focus.
Except, apparently, Finn Olsen.
Finn has spent his adult life traveling the world, never wanting to settle in one place until last year, when he came back to his dull hometown to manage his friend’s Christmas tree farm. And while he’s slowly fallen in love with the job, he can’t shake the wild reputation he earned for himself so many years ago. The town still sees him as a liability, and maybe that’s how he sees himself. It’s definitely how Lexie sees him.
After a catastrophic introduction, Lexie wants nothing to do with Finn. The fact that she rents a cabin on his farm makes their interactions unavoidable, to Lexie’s great despair. However, the more they bump into each other, the clearer it becomes that the snarky flannel-wearing man might not be so bad after all. In fact, he might be the first person to ever really see her.
Her mind should only be on her training. He doesn’t want to fall for anyone. But neither of them seems able to stop feelings from developing, and the further they go from their own expectations, the more they risk finding what they’ve been looking for all along: somewhere to belong.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tJcJyC
DNF: I’ve heard lots of good things about this book and the storyline is right up my alley, but I wasn’t in love with the heroine or the writing. She’s got a big personality and it overwhelms the story. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I didn’t click with her. The hero seemed like a sweetheart though. I did some skimming and the spicy scenes felt more like hookups than anything, so I just wasn’t feeling this one. Great representation and a fresh, funny feel though.
The Build Up by Tati Richardson
A truly unfortunate first day of work leads to unexpected love in this sparkling debut from Romance in Colour podcast cohost Tati Richardson.
Rumpled and ragged was not how architect Ari James envisioned kicking off her first day at a new firm. And few things can top the horror of her new—and extremely hot—colleague walking in on her at the worst moment ever. Learning that she’ll be working with him on the project that’s supposed to get her career back on top makes it harder than ever to focus on her big comeback.
With a partnership at his firm on the line, nothing is going to stand in the way of Porter Harrison absolutely killing it on his new project: not his obnoxious rival, not his unpredictable brother and definitely not his new coworker whose gorgeous curves he accidentally saw and now can’t get out of his head.
Though neither of them is looking for love, once their creative juices get flowing, Ari and Porter’s connection is obvious. But when their shared goal has always been winning at work, building a solid foundation for a relationship might end up costing them everything…
Amazon: https://amzn.to/46QvAFH
DNF/Lost interest: I’ve enjoyed several of Rowe’s books, but the last one I tried from her (Hacker in Love) was incredibly cringeworthy, honestly. Like, a quick, decisive, “WTF was that” DNF. So I was a little nervous to jump into this one, and I did some skimming to get a feel for the characters before committing. And, let me tell you, I really wasn’t expecting the neighbor’s secret, lol! (SPOILER) This one digs into sex work and a friends with benefits-style relationship (on camera) without the friendship, which is so not what I was looking for. Nothing against it and there’s definitely an audience for it, but it’s not me.
My Neighbor’s Secret by Lauren Rowe
Charlotte McDougal
I hate him and I don’t even know his name.
The good news is my nemesis has made it abundantly clear the feeling is mutual. He did call me pretty, though, in the midst of a heated screaming match. Which would have been flattering, if I didn’t loathe him so much. But whatever. I don’t care how handsome he might be, or how charming the rest of the world probably finds him, guys who look like aged-out boy banders aren’t my type. Add to that, he’s got a knack for being in precisely the wrong place at the wrong time, and I was thrilled to march away from our angry skirmish and never see the b*stard with the piercing blue eyes, ever again.
It wasn’t meant to be, though. As it turns out, my sworn enemy is my new next-door neighbor. F*ck my life. Luckily, he’s got a big secret to keep, just like I do. He’s in a jam, and so am I. So, we’ve decided to put our differences aside long enough to resolve our respective predicaments. Of course, we’ve made it clear this is going to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A necessary means to an end. But when you’re forced to work closely with your sworn enemy, a guy who happens to be ridiculously attractive and surprisingly funny—when he actually starts to grow on you, much to your shock—keeping things strictly professional becomes easier said than done.
My Neighbor’s Secret is a funny, silly, zany, swoony, spicy, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, standalonerom com that will keep you laughing, swooning, guessing, and fanning yourself, all the way to Charlotte and Auggie’s happily ever after.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/46hbyE5
DNF for now: This one’s definitely a temporary DNF, the page count just got to me. I liked the premise and the audiobook is great, but it took me a little bit to get into the story. These two have a messy history, and it’s clear that there are some deeper feelings lurking beneath the surface. It was heavier and slower-moving from the start than I was anticipating, so I think I was just in the wrong mood for it. I’m planning to go back in when the slower pace and page count don’t intimidate me – it’s certainly got the potential to be very good.
Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher
Julian
If I ever caught on fire, Dahlia Muñoz would fan the flames with a smile.
So, when she returns to Lake Wisteria, I fully intend to avoid the interior designer.
At least until my meddling mother exploits my savior complex.
The faster I help Dahlia find her creative spark, the sooner she will leave town.
But while I was busy getting rid of Dahlia, I overlooked one potential issue.
What happens if I want her to stay?
Dahlia
People say the devil has many faces, but I know only one.
Julian Lopez—my childhood rival and family frenemy.
I vow to steer clear of him while recovering from my broken engagement, but then the billionaire makes an irresistible offer.
Renovate a historic house together and triple our profits.
Our temporary truce becomes compromised as we face years’ worth of denied attraction and mixed emotions.
Giving into our desire is inevitable…but falling in love?
That isn’t part of the plan.
Love Redesigned is a steamy, small town romance about two family friends-turned-childhood rivals. It is the first book in the standalone Lakefront Billionaires series and has a happy ending.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Qt3vzp
Put on pause: In the previous books, we got the impression that this hero hasn’t slept with anyone since his brother died, but apparently he’s been having one night stands while secretly lusting over this heroine. Not what I was anticipating, that’s all, and I need to recalibrate my expectations. The heroine was in a serious relationship at the time and he wasn’t even on her radar, so I can’t really be mad about it (I guess), but I AM disappointed. I thought she was the first person he’d been attracted to since his brother’s death, but… apparently not. That changes things. There were also a LOT of conversations with the other guys – too many. I set it down pretty quick so that I could recalibrate and then go in fresh. I still think it could be great, it’s just not going the way I expected.
He’s Not My Type by Meghan Quinn
From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn, comes a new roommates to lovers, standalone sports romance featuring the hockey men you can’t get enough of. This steamy, one bed romantic comedy will bring all the laughs while making your cheeks blush at the same time. Sometimes the quietest are the most . . . vocal . . .
Word to the wise, never become roommates with a girl you’ve been pining over for the better part of a year.
You’re probably wondering why I would do such a thing? Well, I didn’t.
It was my teammates.
The moment they found out Blakely White was single, they took it upon themselves to play cupid and instruct me on how I should win her over.
Don’t wear a shirt around her.
Make her dinner.
Lightly touch her shoulder when you say goodbye.
I’m so flustered, so overwhelmed, so madly in love with this woman who barely notices me, that I lose control of the situation and make one huge mistake: I offer to be her fake date for a wedding so she can make her ex jealous.
That means, for one whole night I get a free pass with her. I get to hold her, dance with her, kiss her…stare at her from across the room like she’s my entire world because she has been for months now.
But when the night comes to an end, I’m faced with two options: bring her back to my bedroom and show her how I really feel, or let her walk away, succumbing to the fact that I very well might not be her type.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3R6s4mg
DNF (for now?): I actually enjoyed the writing style quite a bit, I’m just not sold on this particular love story. The hero is a silent partner in a high end strip club, and the heroine is a virgin exotic dancer. He’s used to getting whatever he wants, and she has no intention of giving it to him. So it felt very instalusty on his end at least, and he was a little more cocky and forward than I was hoping. But I did find it easy to get drawn in, so I’d definitely try this new-to-me author again. I’d simply rather start with a different story.
The Risk of Falling by Nikki Ash
From USA Today bestselling author Nikki Ash comes a standalone romantic suspense about finding love where you least expect it …
Sienna’s about to fall head first into danger … Will Micah be able to save her and capture her heart in the process?
Micah
From the first time I saw Sienna Bardot dancing on my stage, I was mesmerized. But after booking a private room and buying her time, I want more than just one night.
She thinks by telling me that she’s waiting for love and marriage it’ll scare me away, but what she doesn’t understand is that I plan to make her mine in every way.
When her life is threatened, I would do anything to keep her safe—even if that means forcing her to take my last name.
Sienna
Micah Alexander is a man used to getting what he wants, and I’m a woman used to having my choices taken away.
The sexy club owner thinks he can charm me, but it’s never going to happen. I’m dancing my way to a better life—one that doesn’t include making the same mistakes my mom did.
But when her sins come back to haunt me yet again, I have no choice but to turn to the only man who can save me—and hope letting him in doesn’t put my heart in further danger.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3REfjzH
DNF: I’ve heard nothing but good things about this one, so I decided to take a chance on it despite the blurb not sounding like a great fit for me. I hated the third person POV and overall writing style, I struggled to get into it. And then the love story was a lot messier than expected, (SPOILER) since one of the guys is engaged to a woman and the other is a manhoe. So it was very clearly not the right book for me, though I’m sure there’s a solid love story buried within the pages.
We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian
Nick Russo has worked his way from a rough Brooklyn neighborhood to a reporting job at one of the city’s biggest newspapers. But the late 1950s are a hostile time for gay men, and Nick knows that he can’t let anyone into his life. He just never counted on meeting someone as impossible to say no to as Andy.
Andy Fleming’s newspaper-tycoon father wants him to take over the family business. Andy, though, has no intention of running the paper. He’s barely able to run his life—he’s never paid a bill on time, routinely gets lost on the way to work, and would rather gouge out his own eyes than deal with office politics. Andy agrees to work for a year in the newsroom, knowing he’ll make an ass of himself and hate every second of it.
Except, Nick Russo keeps rescuing Andy: showing him the ropes, tracking down his keys, freeing his tie when it gets stuck in the ancient filing cabinets. Their unlikely friendship soon sharpens into feelings they can’t deny. But what feels possible in secret—this fragile, tender thing between them—seems doomed in the light of day. Now Nick and Andy have to decide if, for the first time, they’re willing to fight.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/470Gx85
Lost interest: I’m more of a casual Ana Huang reader – I wait to see what other readers think before diving in, since she can be hit or miss. I adore a good marriage in trouble romance, so I was really looking forward to this one. After doing some skimming and reading some reviews, this clearly didn’t go in the direction I was hoping. Less groveling, more OM drama. So I’m skipping it.
King of Greed by Ana Huang
He had her, he lost her…and he’ll do anything to win her back.
Powerful, brilliant, and ambitious, Dominic Davenport clawed his way up from nothing to become the King of Wall Street.
He has everything—a beautiful home, a beautiful wife, and more money than he could spend in a lifetime. But no matter how much he accumulates, he’s never satisfied.
In his endless quest for more, he drives away the only person who saw him as enough.
It isn’t until she’s gone that he realizes there may be more to life than riches and glory…but by then, it may be too late.
***
Kind, intelligent, and thoughtful, Alessandra Davenport has played the role of trophy wife for years.
She stood by her husband while he built an empire, but now that they’ve reached the top, she realizes he’s no longer the man she fell for.
When it becomes clear that she’ll always come second to his work, she finally takes charge of her life and puts herself first—even if it means leaving the only man she’s ever loved.
But what she didn’t count on was his refusal to let her go…or for him to fight for their marriage, no matter what it takes.
King of Greed is a steamy marriage in trouble/second chance romance. It’s book three in the Kings of Sin series but can be read as a standalone.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rrZAJD
DNF for now: This writing duo’s sophomore effort, Our Scorching Summer, hooked me in right away with its electric sexual tension, and it’s a contender for my Top 20 list this year, so I was excited to dig into this one. It just didn’t hold my interest in the same way, and I can tell this is going to be a softer, slower story. Not a bad thing, but I’m currently seeking Best of the Year contenders, and this is not that. So I’ll dive back in on a day when I want something quieter, and we’ll see how it goes.
On Cloud Nine by Kels & Denise Stone
Prim and proper socialite? Check.
Handsome, wealthy groom? Check.
Storybook wedding shower? Check…?
Except that I found my fiancé in a closet canoodling with the caterer. And now all of Manhattan’s glitterati—my guests—are witness to my humiliation.
I’ve always strived to be the perfect, well-behaved daughter my parents raised. I never draw too much attention, I’m agreeable, and above all, I’m going to fulfill the Greene family tradition of getting married before the age of twenty-seven.
The problem: I don’t want to spend my life on country club autopilot, playing the role of a cookie-cutter wife with the man my parents arranged for me to marry.
But it’s fine! I’m fine. My wedding day will bring me a fifty-million dollar trust. The silver lining on my unhappily-ever-after.
That was my plan.
Until Matthew Hudson, a dreamy philanthropic entrepreneur and my long-time office crush, declares in front of everyone that he loves me and offers to marry me instead.
Our agreement is simple. Convince my parents that we’re in love, that Matthew is fit for high society, and tie the knot. I’ll get access to my trust, he’ll get half the money, and then we’ll get a quick divorce. Easy Peasy.
However, my parents have a major business deal riding on the marriage they arranged for me. And all of this pretending that Matthew and I are in love might not be so pretend after all…
Amazon: https://amzn.to/45Ktneq
DNF for now: It’s cute and the audiobook has excellent duet-style narration, so I’ll go back to it at some point. This was a runaway hit for the author, and I can see why, but it’s just okay for me so far. Not bad, not amazing. Maybe it’ll get more engrossing once I dig in further.
Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer
He’s the hot, grumpy goalie I had a crush on in high school… and now I’m his live-in assistant.
After my ex crushed my dreams in the music industry, I’m done with getting my heart broken. Working as an assistant for an NHL player was supposed to be a breeze, but nothing about Jamie Streicher is easy. He’s an intimidatingly hot, grouchy jerk who can’t stand me. The guy has a massive ego. Keeping things professional will be no problem, even when he demands I move in with him.
Beneath his surliness, though, Jamie’s surprisingly sweet and protective.
When Jamie learns how bad my ex was in bed, his competitive nature flares, and he encourages and spoils me in every way. The creative spark I used to feel about songwriting? It’s back, and I’m writing music again. Between wearing his jersey at games, rowdy parties with the team, and being brave on stage again, I’m falling for him.
He could break my heart, and I’m not sure if I’m willing to take that chance.
Behind the Net is a grumpy-sunshine pro hockey romance with lots of spice and an HEA. It’s the first book in the Vancouver Storm series, and can be read as a standalone.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43Mwrqg
DNF/Lost interest: I think maybe this author’s writing style is simply too drama-focused for me? I’m not into a ton of OW drama or super-douchey heroes, so this story wasn’t a great fit. I read a bit, skimmed a bit, peeked at some spoilers. I think I’ll choose a different book as my official introduction to this new-to-me author, and hopefully I’ll find it works better for me. She’s popular for a reason!
Between Commitment and Betrayal by Shain Rose
My father’s business partner will do anything for the empire they built together…Even marry me.
Declan Hardy, All-American heartthrob and retired NFL billionaire, is my complete opposite.
He’s commanding where I’m cooperative.
Spontaneous while I am deliberate.
Loud when I stay quiet.
The only thing we have in common is that both our names are on my father’s will.
He’ll inherit the fitness and hospitality empire and I’ll keep the one thing I hold dear.
As long as I marry him—with conditions.
One year of a fake marriage.
One year of living together.
One year of pretending I belong in his luxury lifestyle.
But stipulations are never that simple.
Especially when I can’t tell if his kisses are fake or if I’m pretending when I kiss him back.
And as more conditions arise, it’s clear there’s a fine line between commitment and betrayal… and neither of us knows where that line falls.
Between Commitment and Betrayal is a billionaire, forced proximity, fake marriage of convenience and a father’s business partner novel. It is a complete standalone by Shain Rose.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sWz9fZ
DNF (for now?): This debut novel would appeal to readers who have recently gotten hooked on emotional western romances like Elsie Silver’s, and I can see her growing into a very solid author. I liked the concept and some of the components, but certain things rubbed me the wrong way. The hero repeatedly thinks, “this might make me a misogynist, but…” and then proceeds to think something very misogynistic (the pretty girl will distract my workers, she’s not cut out to work here, etc, etc). Nothing completely out of left field, but I didn’t love it. There were also some things referenced that I made an “uhh…” face at, but maybe I was already in a judgy mood from the other stuff and I absolutely was PMSing, lol. What I’m getting at is that it definitely has potential, and maybe I was just in a cranky mood. Who knows!
Alive and Wells by Bailey Hannah
The last place city girl Cecily Kennedy expected to end up was a cattle ranch.
But she needs a job—and refuge from her abusive soon-to-be-ex-husband.
If only her new boss, Austin Wells, would make it clear whether he hates her or wants her. His gaze makes her feel things she hasn’t in years. Though getting over her ex by getting under her grumpy boss isn’t worth the potential fallout.
Austin’s a gruff, no-nonsense rancher who’s seriously regretting letting his head cook hire her own help. As far as he’s concerned, Cecily won’t be sticking around for long. Nobody ever stays. And the wedding ring indent still on her finger makes her more trouble than she’s worth.
When Cecily’s past catches up with her, Austin discovers that she’s already placed a branding iron on his heart. He wants her to stay. First, he needs to keep her safe.
CW/TW: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (ON PAGE), PHYSICAL VIOLENCE (ON PAGE), DEATH OF PARENT AND GRANDPARENT (DISCUSSED), TROUBLED PARENT-ADULT CHILD RELATIONSHIP (DISCUSSED), ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION (ON PAGE), RANCHING ACTIVITIES (BRANDING, CASTRATION, VACCINATION, ROPING – ON PAGE), EXPLICIT SEX SCENES
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3t3tSDa
DNF for now: I think I’m going to go back and start the series from book one, which seems to be the fan favorite anyways. This blurb appealed to me, so I decided to start with this one, but there’s some interconnectivity and it just didn’t grab me. I was actually an ARC reader for the author’s debut several years back and I saw the potential in her writing then, so I’m excited to give her another try now that her writing has continued to grow. There was nothing bad about this, and it should fill my craving for those unhinged, suspenseful vibes once I’m engrossed.
Corrupted Union by Jill Ramsower
Keir
The governor’s daughter has gotten herself into a mess.
If I protect her, her father will owe me, bigtime.
But the best way to keep her safe is to marry her.
Claim her as one of our own.
The catch? She’s got a boyfriend she’s not ready to part with.
Good thing an unwilling bride isn’t an issue for a guy like me.
Rowan
How is it that years of toeing the line could unravel so damn quickly?
I’ve done my best to make my parents happy in every way.
But when a six-foot tatted Irish gangster showed up at our house, my entire life began to crumble.
Now, I’ve woken with a ring tattooed on my finger, and I’m starting to worry there’s no going back.
*Corrupted Union is the second book in The Byrne Brothers series. Each book in the series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone with a happily ever after, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order. A dark romance with adult themes, Corrupted Union may not be suitable for sensitive audiences. For a more detailed content warning, you can visit the books tab on my website.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RbqEW9
DNF (for now?): Very interesting concept, for sure! It’s sort of like a marriage in trouble romance, except the hero has amnesia and he was keeping secrets before that happened. I was pulled in by the concept and the introduction, though it headed in a direction I wasn’t in love with. It took too long to get to the heart of the story, if you will. I ended up skimming ahead a bit and spoiled certain elements for myself, so I think I’ll try another one of this new-to-me author’s books first and come back to this (possibly) once I’ve forgotten what I spoiled for myself. Could be an interesting read if you’re looking for an unpredictable journey.
Shattered Secrets by Lilian Harris
I was loved by two men–one was my husband and the other his best friend. But I was only in love with one. Then he forgot I existed.
Hudson Mackay was the only man I ever wanted.
The man I married. The man who promised to love me “’til death do us part.”
Then he disappeared and never came home.
Everyone thinks he’s dead. Everyone but me.
Friends tell me to move on. That he’s never coming back.
But with every single month that passes, I can’t seem to let go.
His best friend Brooks swears I’ll never be alone. That he’ll always be there.
But the stronger his feelings for me get, the more I realize how wrong they are.
I can’t move on. Especially not with him.
Hudson wouldn’t want that. But Hudson isn’t here.
And soon I learn, Hudson was a liar.
He kept secrets that could ruin us.
Secrets I’ll take to my grave.
I never thought I’d get the chance to see him again, to ask how he could betray me.
Until one day, I discover he’s alive.
Except, he has no idea who I am.
I never truly knew my husband.
And now, he doesn’t know me.
Author Note: This is a standalone. No other books need to be read to enjoy this one. There is no cheating and no OW drama. It has a HEA.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/486gdKj
Want to know more about the books that actually worked for me?
Best Romance Books I’ve Read in Kindle Unlimited (2023 So Far #3)
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