Voracious Romance Reader • Honest Reviewer
I found it really difficult to focus on reading this week (insurrection + inauguration = inability to read), but there were two books that easily held my attention - Not My Match and How to Get Lucky. The newest from Madden-Mills took a little time to grow on me, but turned into a very engrossing... Continue Reading →
If you're a sports romance fan, this deal is the perfect one to snatch up! I've enjoyed each of the hockey romances in this series, and this book kicks everything off. While each book will kinda, sorta read as a standalone, Play to Win introduces this crazy hockey family, and it's a great introduction to... Continue Reading →
It's probably been at least a year since my last 1-star review, but... WOW, this was awful. As in, the male lead has a "body count" and the heroine neither knows nor cares why. As in, I think he might literally kill someone if they look at his girl the wrong way. And this is... Continue Reading →
Well, someone’s been watching a little too much Tiger King (says the person who binged it months ago, lol). This has an unexpected storyline featuring a sexy widower, a woman on the run, and... a tiger. While the freshness of the storyline was working for me in the beginning, it wasn't long before I was... Continue Reading →
Enemies is on sale for just 99 cents at the moment (and once you own it, the audio is SUPER cheap), so if you haven't grabbed your copy yet - now is the time! I reviewed this when it released in late 2019, and it was my first experience with the author's work. It's an... Continue Reading →
This took a little while to grow on me, but once it did, I was LOVING it. I love an adorably unsure alpha who is in over his head, and that’s exactly what happens with Devon. It’s sweet and swoony with a slow burn that turns scorching later on, making this a read that will... Continue Reading →
This has got to be my favorite book from Blakely in almost a year (which, considering how many books she publishes, is saying something), and I can only attribute that to the addition of the adorably sexy male perspective. It's a quick, playful read with a whole lot of sweetness, and it absolutely flew by.... Continue Reading →
New week, new deals!!! There continue to be a ton of great freebies and deals out there on Kindle books, so get clicking and load up your eReader! These low/no price books are the perfect way to try out new-to-you authors without breaking the bank. They’re sorted into four lists – freebies, 99 cents, $1.99... Continue Reading →
It's possible that I may have had different feelings about this book had the opening not turned me off so much. Within the first 5% of the story, Sullivan has Shelby in his handcuffs (in a sexual way) - while she's drunk enough that he assumes she won't remember in the morning. That's gonna get... Continue Reading →
Whether you choose to call this destiny or instalove, there’s no denying that this couple falls for each other in no time at all. Though it takes a few tries to get things right, they’re meant to be together. It’s the kind of light, chemistry-filled romance that feels like a bit of a whirlwind -... Continue Reading →
Here's a little raw honesty: that blurb is terrible, seriously terrible. And I say that as someone who loves this author's books. I went into this one thinking that I was reading a marriage of convenience/second chance kind of story, featuring adult characters. It's actually a high school romance, with a pretty typical good girl/rich... Continue Reading →
So heart-squeezingly adorable! Seriously, like the sweetest, cutest romance I've read in a long time. I don't read a lot of YA romance, but I loved Tweet Cute, so I didn't hesitate to give this a try. And while I wanted more Leo and Abby - like, as much Leo and Abby as I could... Continue Reading →
Want to know what I did the SECOND I finished this book? Grabbed the first two books in the series, because this was OUTSTANDING. It’s a love letter to marriage, best understood by those who’ve been in one, but no less powerful if you haven’t. It’s difficult and heart-wrenching, raw and real, and the progress... Continue Reading →
Don’t let that adorable cover fool you - this is the steamiest book I’ve read in months, and there’s very minimal comedy. It does have light, rom com-style vibes and a storyline that feels pretty fluffy, but it’s definitely not your typical rom com. For one, this features a group of proudly single, 40ish women... Continue Reading →
Is it possible to be exhausted by a book while also having all of the warm and fuzzy feelings for it? Because I think that's where I'm at with this one. I always, always look forward to Grant's books, and I loved this hero. But I'll be honest and say that I found the intensity... Continue Reading →
Who doesn't love a bad boy with a gooey, marshmallow heart? While I often struggle with manwhore heroes, there really is nothing quite like a bad boy who falls for the right girl. I love seeing a hero grapple with feelings he's unaccustomed to, trying to figure out how his life seemed to change in... Continue Reading →
It's exceedingly rare that I rate a book as 2 stars, but I had to go there with this one because it didn't work for me on any level. And that's really disappointing, because I usually love this author's work. Granted, second chance romances are often difficult for me, so I'm betting this will work... Continue Reading →
Loved the hero, hated the heroine. That kind of sums up my feelings about this childhood friends to lovers romance, which is a great read in a lot of ways, but also a frustrating one in others. The author does a lot of things oh so right - showcasing the obvious, deep love between these... Continue Reading →
So, confession time. When I started reading this, I thought I was in for a steamy, easy, palate cleanser of a read. I’ve only read one other book by this author, and it was a sexy good time - but didn't leave me wanting more. Well, then I started reading this one... and found myself... Continue Reading →
This was the low angst, adorable ending that I wanted for this series, delivering in a big way. I've been eagerly anticipating Jax and Frankie's book since they were first on the page together, and while I wasn't sure I was loving this at the beginning - I just pictured it going a different way... Continue Reading →
There's a little tongue in cheek reference to extended separations in this that made me laugh and think, "okay, this series might just be back on track." Because... yeah, I'm still mad about the last one. Thankfully, there's nothing rage-inducing about this love story - it's banter-filled, playful, and STEAMY. Don't get me started on... Continue Reading →
I was tempted... to stop reading this a few times. I've read some great books by this author, but unfortunately this is not among them. It quite literally skips over all of the parts where there's actual growth to this relationship, instead focusing on drama that's meant to be mysterious but is really kinda predictable.... Continue Reading →
For me, this is the kind of debut that starts out strong then loses steam along the way. It's a true romance, complete with an enemies to lovers style relationship and some lighthearted friction. It's got closed door intimate scenes and just a touch of sexiness, yet still feels like a modern love story. I... Continue Reading →
If you’ve been waiting for a deal on the newest from Christina Lauren, today’s the day! It’s a daily deal today only (Wednesday) on Amazon. I reviewed this fun holiday romance when it released, but I’ve included my review below in case you missed it. Amazon: https://amzn.to/2L7jaVM ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Feel good fun Such a light, swoony,... Continue Reading →
I wasn't sure that I was loving this until I turned the last page and realized that I had devoured it in one sitting and was SUPER upset that I'd be left with that CLIFFHANGER for two months. The only thing cliffhangers are good for is telling you just how invested you are in a... Continue Reading →
This was really cute, so I wish it hadn't been so... boring. It's way too long, all of their feelings are way too internalized, and the dating gimmick was way too drawn out. I liked both characters and I liked their connection, I just wish there had been a stronger emphasis on that. It's sort... Continue Reading →
Short and sexy with just the right amount of holiday sweetness, this felt very much like one of Bladon’s romances. It also felt a little rough around the edges, with some inconsistencies and a few issues that left me scratching my head. It’s still an enjoyable, entertaining read, but certainly not on the same level... Continue Reading →
I loved the unexpected depth of this heartfelt, emotional, enemies to lovers romance. I'll openly admit that I was close to abandoning it SEVERAL times in the beginning, but I'm so glad that I didn't. The back half turns into a great read, and I loved the connection between these two. But, fair warning, I... Continue Reading →
Such a fresh and distinct read! There are a lot of things I loved about it, but this book’s biggest downfall is its pacing. I went from “WOW, this is awesome” to “this is so cute” to “....how are there STILL 4 hours left in this audiobook?” It’s wholeheartedly different than anything I've read this... Continue Reading →
It was a 4-star kind of week, both in quantity and quality of new releases. I read some solid romances, but nothing that was a total homerun. The very steamy Blame It on the Champagne was probably the best of the bunch, followed by the sexy, suspenseful This Much is True and the charming You... Continue Reading →
Full disclosure? Seeing the words "friends with benefits" in a book about two people who are clearly in love with each other makes my skin crawl. And the premeditated, “this is totally going to work” kind takes that up a notch. So that kept me from fully connecting to this otherwise sweet and steamy, heartfelt... Continue Reading →
It was good, but it wasn't great. The first two books in this multi-author series set the bar VERY high, and unfortunately this just wasn't at the same level. I liked it, and the chemistry was sizzling, but it was lacking the same depth of emotion that the other two had. This couple goes from... Continue Reading →
Playful, funny, and easy to devour in one sitting, this holiday novella is kinda exactly what I expected it to be. It's got the banter and dialogue that Ney is known for, and the same kind of feel as this writing duo's other holiday novella, Kissmas Eve. This isn't a complete love story, but it... Continue Reading →
This gets five stars for entertainment value, because while there were definitely things about it that turned me off, I was hooked. It's sexy and kinda dirty, a little over the top, and a lot of fun. I loved the tension and the dynamic between these two - their relationship begins in a wholly unique... Continue Reading →
I don't know if you saw this beauty hiding amongst the 300 other deals this weekend, but it's too awesome to pass up. Winter Renshaw is one of those authors whose work I always look forward to. There's an unpredictability to every book, mixing angst and with thought-provoking storylines. And she's decided to give her... Continue Reading →
So, I'm pretty sure that driving across the country with two strange men, one of whom JUST got out of prison, during a pandemic - because, yes, this is set in present day - and then throwing yourself at the ex-con is a HORRIBLE idea. You won't convince me otherwise. BUT, that doesn't mean this... Continue Reading →
This is what I call an ALMOST 5-star read. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish - Jamieson always writes great sports romances, and this features interesting, compelling characters. The overall tone is sweet, mellow, and laidback, but still very steamy, and it's light enough to devour in one sitting with a smile on... Continue Reading →
It was a VERY good release week, with both quantity and quality. I read THREE sexy yet laidback romances about athletes (Floored, The Romantic Pact, and Steele) - each with vastly different storylines but similar feels. I also read a brain-breaking paranormal story (Layla), a couple of solid holiday romances (Not Your Average Vixen and... Continue Reading →
Well, this went very differently than I expected! Yes, it's definitely got the feel of your typical single dad/nanny romance, but this is much more a second chance at love after loss kind of story, with a heavier, more serious storyline than anticipated. It got a little slow for me in the middle, but there's... Continue Reading →
After a stellar first book in this series, I just... expected more from this. At its core, it's a steamy, fun, friends to lovers rom com with all of the banter and chemistry I've come to love from Hunter's work. I loved the history and the depth of the relationship between these two, and it's... Continue Reading →
Sentimental and sweet (but still oh so sexy), this friends to lovers romance is more understated than a lot of Quinn's work. It leans towards being angsty, with a focus on healing - of friendships, of hearts, of fears. I love a good road trip romance and this is exactly that, following these two childhood... Continue Reading →
There's no doubt about it: this is sexy Christmas fun! This lighthearted romance is not your average holiday read; it brings the steam early on before settling into a sweet and sassy Scrooge story. Do I wish they hadn't hit the sheets so quickly? Absolutely. This womanizing tool of a hero got his girl way... Continue Reading →
This opens with the kind of magnetic chemistry that makes you want to clear your schedule and dive in for a full day of reading. I loved that immediate connection, and it kicked off a great first half to this unexpected pregnancy romance. The storyline is a mix of light, sexy, and emotional, leading with... Continue Reading →
My brain hurts. A lot. And I THINK in a good way. It would be easy to assign this a rating based on the success of the romance in this (hint: it would NOT be favorable), but that's really, really not what this is. It's psychological, paranormal, and boundary-pushing. The quality of the writing is... Continue Reading →
A little nice and a lot naughty, this festive romance is a mix of spicy and sweet. It's Christmas-themed throughout (yes, even the steamy scenes), and will bring you some holiday cheer. I was surprised by just how quickly this story flew by, and it was a nice, festive treat. While I never fully connected... Continue Reading →
Forgettable, that's how I'd describe this one. It's not bad, but not all that compelling either, and I'm probably going to forget the plot in a few days. Essentially, this moves at such a rapid pace that there's no time to settle into the story and actually connect with the couple. It's only a little... Continue Reading →
Loved this hero! This was actually pretty sweet and adorable, with a completely different kind of love story than I'm used to. This married couple already loves each other, and it's that deep love that only comes from years upon years together. Our hero has taken his relationship for granted, and it's only once he's... Continue Reading →
What a release week! The new month brought so many new romances, and a lot of them were great. My favorites (Hard to Hold and The Revenge Pact) were filled with the kind of sexual tension that keeps you reading late into the night. There were also a couple of solid rom coms (Best Friends... Continue Reading →
The sexual TENSION between these two is delicious, crackling with chemistry and waiting for the perfect moment to combust. I loved every bit of it. This forbidden romance will have you rooting for the bad guy, the man who wants nothing more than to end the relationship that he helped create - though there's a... Continue Reading →
A VERY solid start to a new series! I always seek out Stoker's books when I'm in the mood for some suspense, but this one brings the romance to the forefront and made me love the couple - before any action kicked in. The focus is definitely on our couple and the guilt our hero... Continue Reading →
Thoughts. I've got SO MANY thoughts about this book. There's a lot that I loved about it, from the focus on mental health and self-worth to the compassionate, steadfast hero. I loved the unique feel and the unpredictable storyline. But the romance suffered along the way. Two-thirds of the way into the book, I realized... Continue Reading →
WOW, talk about a build in intimacy. These two are hot for each other from the moment they meet, but love takes a little longer to happen. While I often struggle with that kind of storyline, Bromberg is such a master at writing those quiet, impactful moments of intimacy that this was compelling from start... Continue Reading →
Ever read a book that you know isn't bad, but you just don't love it? That's where I'm at with this one. After reading the first book in this series of interconnected standalones, I was intrigued enough to check out this story. But it sort of just felt like an endless loop of one or... Continue Reading →
I love Hart's snarky banter and the playful vibe of her books! This series might be my favorite from her; a return to the fun, devourable stories that I look forward to from this author. While I personally preferred the first book in this series of interconnected standalones (only because teenagers are dumb), this was... Continue Reading →
Such an adorable read! This is sweet with a touch of sexiness, pairing an injured rugby player with a single mom and her outgoing son. It's a feel good romance with low angst and plenty of sexual tension, and I loved this hero. He's a man who has been in the spotlight but craves the... Continue Reading →
Unwrap a little holiday goodness every day until Christmas! If you're anything like me, you love to get ready for the holiday season with some cozy Christmas reads. There's nothing I like more than to settle into the season by reading quick and cute holiday novellas, steamy seasonal books, and anything that gives me that... Continue Reading →
A very solid start to this couple's journey! It's sexy and swoony with just a touch of sweetness. And, yes, this does end on a major CLIFFHANGER. I've been meaning to check out this author's work for awhile now, and this rock star romance will definitely have me coming back for more. I wasn't so... Continue Reading →
Heavy on the friends and light on the lovers, this was SUPER cute, low angst, and fun. As with all of this writing duo's books, the story has plenty of humor and will put a smile on your face throughout. I did think that this was more slow than slow burn at times, with more... Continue Reading →
It feels weird to say that only three new reviews went up this week, because I did a LOT of reading, lol. This was a quiet release week because of the holiday (Happy Thanksgiving, all!), but that is definitely NOT the case next week. I think I've read around 10 December releases already, and I've... Continue Reading →
This was cute, with a few angsty moments and some sugary sweet ones to even things out. Easily read in an hour or less, this short story will get you in the holiday spirit and even warm up a cold evening. I remember reading Dean and Holly's short (VERY short) story when it originally released,... Continue Reading →
I can honestly say that I've never read a love story quite like this one. It's quirky, funny, ridiculous, and an eye-rolling, head-shaking, good time. I won't say that I necessarily fell for these characters, but it was really nice to get a deeper look at their relationship. Bodhi and Tess have been a couple... Continue Reading →
So emotional - but worth it! This one definitely had me ready to shake both leads a few times, but only because I was invested in their love story and frustrated that they just couldn't figure things out. It's a small town romance with plenty of heat, featuring two characters who are genuinely good people.... Continue Reading →
It's almost the end of the year, but there are still some VERY exciting new releases on the way. There's a great mix of books from some of my favorite authors as well as some by authors whose work I've been meaning to try. Many are highly anticipated reads for me, and I'm betting a... Continue Reading →
