Voracious Romance Reader • Honest Reviewer
Pretty Woman meets Succession in this deliciously playful and sexy fake relationship romance. It would make a great movie, but it was an equally entertaining read - filled with moments that made me laugh and a few that made me fan myself. I loved our slightly outrageous, pink-haired heroine, who does a fantastic job of... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
Swoony and spicy, this was softer and sweeter than I expected in the best of ways. While our hero may seem like the typical demanding billionaire, he ended up being anything but. He falls hard and fast for his girl, and I loved how this spun the marriage of convenience trope in a whole other... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
Such a fantastic release month! April is always a big month for new romances, but this year had a particularly notable selection. I also started reading ARCs of April releases back in December, so I’ve basically been prepping for this month all year - and the results speak for themselves! Eight books made the list... Continue Reading →
Playful one minute and heart-wrenching the next, this strikes the perfect balance for an entertaining yet powerful read. It reminded me a little bit of The Dead Romantics with the humor and heat cranked up several notches, though this love story is truly one of a kind. I loved the chemistry between the characters, the... Continue Reading →
Truly something special, indeed. I can’t even tell you how quickly I devoured this, flying through the pages before I even realized I was doing it. These two have BANTER for days, bickering with the kind of chemistry that reveals something sizzling brewing beneath the surface. I loved the black cat heroine, who gave as... Continue Reading →
I’m torn between 3 and 4 stars, but it was pretty cute, so I’m rounding up. That striking cover caught my eye and the blurb sounded fun, so I dug right into this light and adorable, super slow burn/closed door romance. The hero steals the show here, a commitment-phobic guy who finds himself falling before... Continue Reading →
My love for this one grew with every page, as these roommates shed their depressive fogs and started to truly see the potential of what was right in front of them. They go from acquaintances to companions in heartache to roommates to friends to lovers, slowly shifting the dynamics of their relationship with every interaction.... Continue Reading →
Spicy fun, this didn’t take itself too seriously, and that made it an easy, bingeable read. This couple had chemistry from the moment they met, so it wasn't long before the heat was dialed up a notch with tons of tension-filled moments. Perhaps too many, honestly, but I'm really not complaining. It’s got a bad... Continue Reading →
I liked it! I can’t call it 5 stars because it’s been three days and I’ve already forgotten the plot (lol), but I definitely had a solid reading experience and enjoyed it the whole way through. It’s full of Grant’s signature humor and charm, complete with a light, easy relationship that progresses from irritated acquaintances... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
I was looking for a palate cleanser, and this was exactly that... though I think I've already forgotten the plot. I love a good fake engagement romance and the blurb sounded right up my alley, so I decided to jump in. It started off promising, with an opposites attract dynamic and a buttoned-up suit who... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love an unconventional meet cute, so I adored how this one went - our heroine drunkenly heckles a local baseball player, accidentally makes him cry, and then apologizes in his DMs. They connect without ever meeting face-to-face, and I loved how they were able to open up in a way that they wouldn't... Continue Reading →
This one HURT, in all of the most tenderly brutal ways. Several times, I caught myself unconsciously rubbing my chest while reading, trying to make the ACHE dissipate. That's how invested I was in this couple finding their way together, even when the path there was treacherous. Their every interaction was charged and full of... Continue Reading →
Did I devour this in a single day? You bet I did! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this series starter, and I was delighted to discover that the couple at the heart of it was perfection. I adored their snipes and banter, with feuding that felt a whole lot like flirting. They... Continue Reading →
Pretty sure I’m still on the verge of tears while writing this, and that’s because of how emotionally invested I was in the relationship. Jimenez is so skilled at writing these playful, chemistry-filled romances that make me smile one minute and have a churning in my gut the next. This one really put me through... Continue Reading →
It feels a little odd to say that the hero - a sexy, bisexual grandpa - was my favorite part of this romance, but it's the truth. He's a cinnamon roll sweetheart who has lived a wild life and now wants nothing more than to have someone special to spend quiet evenings with. I loved... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
I wanted to love it, I really did. But it felt like our couple was barely on the page together - there were these short scenes of them interacting, followed by one or two longer scenes of them apart. Rinse and repeat. Because of that, the book felt slow (I wanted more romance) and fast... Continue Reading →
I like to call myself a "certified second chance romance hater," but every once in a while one comes around that proves I can love the trope when the story is right. This is absolutely one of those times. This couple's backstory may be messy, but it's definitely a case of "right person, wrong time."... Continue Reading →
This felt like a hug - warm, soft, tender, and everything I could want from the conclusion to this beloved series. I loved the roommates to lovers situation, which allowed our couple to slowly deepen their emotional connection and let down the walls around their hearts. They could not be more different in their views... Continue Reading →
Since I read a lot of ARCs in March, there weren't many contenders for this month's list. I don't include books that haven't released yet in my Best of the Month lists, so you'll be seeing some of my favorites in future months' lists. I've included them at the bottom of this post simply because... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Did I devour this in a single day? You bet I did! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this series starter, and I was delighted to discover that the couple at the heart of it was perfection. I adored their snipes and banter, with feuding that felt a whole lot like flirting.... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
Seamlessly blending a soft, tender romance with a family-focused mystery, this felt like something new from Clayborn while still maintaining the immersive, bingeable quality of her writing. It took me a few chapters to get my bearings - there are four main characters and a lot to unravel about the true crime podcast - but... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Smart, funny, and a little bit heartbreaking, this truly is a love letter to all of the rom com fans out there. I know there are readers who don't enjoy mixing angst or family drama with humor, but that is exactly what makes this such a nuanced, memorable read. It's a rom com first... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
Fast-paced and banter-filled, this started off strong before fizzling along the way. I loved the unique premise and the playful feel, which kept things moving fast. It’s not a long book, so it flew by for me. But the romance didn’t keep pace with the rest of it, and the heroine’s insistence that they had... Continue Reading →
I'm rounding up my rating, because I liked it, and I binged it, and I'm definitely coming back for more. The things that bugged me were pretty minor, and this is the closest I've found to something that gives me Elsie Silver vibes and backs it up with a solid story. The best part for... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This one HURT, in all of the most tenderly brutal ways. Several times, I caught myself unconsciously rubbing my chest while reading, trying to make the ACHE dissipate. That's how invested I was in this couple finding their way together, even when the path there was treacherous. Their every interaction was charged and full... Continue Reading →
I’m genuinely happy that this story is resonating with so many readers, but I can’t deny that the romance reader in me is disappointed by the love story. It took a backseat to almost every other component of the story, so I’d define this as women’s fiction more than anything - and that doesn't really... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Playful one minute and heart-wrenching the next, this strikes the perfect balance for an entertaining yet powerful read. It reminded me a little bit of The Dead Romantics with the humor and heat cranked up several notches, though this love story is truly one of a kind. I loved the chemistry between the characters,... Continue Reading →
Ruthless Creatures, Carnal Urges, Savage Hearts and Brutal Vows This series was recently re-released from a traditional publisher, so it's the perfect time to check it out if you haven't yet. ALL four books were contenders for my Best of the Year list when they originally came out, and multiple earned that honor. If you... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
Surprisingly short and refreshingly easy to binge, I can absolutely see why this small town series has been such a hit. The friend group and community feel tie the series together in a meaningful way, and the softness of the romance made it a light and sexy read. Actually, all of my (minor) complaints about... Continue Reading →
Easily my favorite of the series, and what a way to end it! I've enjoyed digging into Asher's first series now that it's been released on audio, and each one has had a gut punch of emotion tied up in the love story. This one is perhaps the lightest of the bunch, though there are... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pretty Woman meets Succession in this deliciously playful and sexy fake relationship romance. It would make a great movie, but it was an equally entertaining read - filled with moments that made me laugh and a few that made me fan myself. I loved our slightly outrageous, pink-haired heroine, who does a fantastic job... Continue Reading →
Maybe this month felt particularly disappointing to me because the only two February releases that I rated 5 stars were Fangirl Down and Bride, both of which I read ARCs of over the holidays. They were both fantastic, don't get me wrong, but that means I did not read a single new release during this... Continue Reading →
Some of the most memorable romance novels I've read have been the ones that were the most emotional experiences for me. The stories that make you FEEL are often the ones that make the strongest impact, and that can be true no matter what kind of emotions they evoked. An angsty second chance romance can... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ With a soft, tender romance and a small town that is bursting with eccentric charm, this quiet love story slowly got under my skin in the best of ways. I've loved all three of DeWitt's previous books, so I was nervous that this wouldn't meet my very high expectations, but I shouldn't have worried.... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
I'm sad to see the series go, but excited for what's next! After bingeing the first three books in this sexy and suspenseful series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. Sands does such a fantastic job of weaving each book in the series together in a way that makes you feel... Continue Reading →
Ehhh... it was not great. Not terrible, but certainly not good. The kind of book that I am happy to finish, but not because I'm particularly invested in the story. I've seen this book on the bestseller list for months and months, so it felt like it was finally time to jump in. I'm a... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ After the VERY high bar that Fangirl Down set, I was skeptical that the followup could hold my attention in the same way - but I devoured this at a ridiculously fast pace. The two books are very different in tone, though they're tied together by a common theme. Both heroes are endlessly smitten... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
Let's be real - this hero carries the love story on his back, and I'm not mad about it. I was fully prepared for this one to go awry because their backstory is so MESSY, but he counteracted that by being so freakin' SMITTEN. He says things like, "I have a wife, I'm just not... Continue Reading →
I woefully underestimated how much I was going to love this, which became exceedingly obvious when I started flying through the pages. I ADORED the gruff and grumbly hero, who is so used to people giving up on him that he assumes his last remaining fan will do so as well. My heart hurt for... Continue Reading →
Did I binge nearly 1,500 pages of this series in a single week? Yeah, I did! Do I regret it? Not one bit. I'm late to the party on this sexy, suspenseful mafia romance series, but I've been making up for lost time by devouring the audiobooks. I was looking forward to this particular book... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
Bingeable and spicy, with a storyline that's one-of-a-kind, I had no trouble flying through the pages. I've enjoyed every installment of this series, each of which has been lighthearted, spicy fun, and this was no exception. I loved that the premise was so unique, which added a devourable quality to the story. The romance is... Continue Reading →
My love for this one snuck up on me - I'm not usually a big fan of paranormal romance, but I love all things Hazelwood, so I was willing to step outside my comfort zone. And I'm so glad that I did! This jumps right in, immersing the reader into this fantastical world as our... Continue Reading →
And to think, I almost skipped this one! After seriously enjoying the first installment in this sexy mafia romance series, I was itching to get my hands on the books that followed. Though the romance in each stand on their own, the overarching storyline spans the series, so they’re best read in order. So I... Continue Reading →
My December and January reading has all blended together since I ran my Best of the Year list over the holidays, but I've had a very successful time! I did some exploring and tried out several new-to-me authors with great results, and I've also read a bunch of ARCs that release later this year. To... Continue Reading →
5-star sexual tension gets derailed by 2-star drama in this spicy opposites attract romance. This started out SO strong, and I am incredibly disappointed to have to rate it so low, but… it is what it is. I was immediately hooked in by the unique premise and the smokin’ hot chemistry. I loved the concept... Continue Reading →
I can't quite call this 5 stars, but it was as close as it gets! After being in a major book hangover for the last several days, I've been DNFing things like crazy - until this one. It took no time at all to hook me in, and I loved that it didn't follow the... Continue Reading →
Not gonna lie, I eat this trope up every time. Whether he's grumpy or sweet, jumps in right away or takes his time, a hero who knows a good thing when he sees it is always going to be appealing. This has only been an official "trope" for the last couple of years, but I've... Continue Reading →
Will I remember the plot in a month? Probably not. Did I have a great time reading it? Definitely. I binged this in a single day, easily getting wrapped up in the light and sweet story. Our hero is all bark, quickly losing his grumpy attitude once he realizes that there’s a special girl in... Continue Reading →
It’s a mini review! I’m clearing out my review queue of all the books I can’t seem to convince myself to finish, for one reason or another. That doesn’t mean these are negative reviews, it simply means that something isn’t compelling me to keep reading at the moment. Maybe I’ll go back to them another... Continue Reading →
Caught up in the SWOONS, I had the biggest smile on my face when I turned the final page of this tender romance. I've been meaning to try this new-to-me author for a while now, and this was the perfect place to begin. It kicks off the start of something new, developing a great small... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Truly something special, indeed. I can’t even tell you how quickly I devoured this, flying through the pages before I even realized I was doing it. These two have BANTER for days, bickering with the kind of chemistry that reveals something sizzling brewing beneath the surface. I loved the black cat heroine, who gave... Continue Reading →
Such a tough one to rate, because there were things I loved, things I hated, and things that made this an incredibly unique read. I’m rounding up my rating because of all the good, but just know that there were definitely things that bugged me, lol. Let’s start with the good - the meet cute!... Continue Reading →
Jeeves Reads Romance 