This was an unexpected delight! I really wasn't sure what I was getting into with this debut, but I was willing to give it a try - and I'm so glad that I did. Quiet and heartfelt, this strangers to friends to lovers age gap romance is a stellar slow burn. I loved how Cal... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Final Offer by Lauren Asher
From the moment we met this couple on the page together, I knew this love story was going to be something special. The TENSION snaps and crackles immediately, and it's obvious that there is both a lot of love and HURT between them. This (anti)hero is perhaps the most "broken" man I've ever rooted for... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Exes and O’s by Amy Lea 🎧
I'm torn between 4 and 5 stars, but the ending had me absolutely SWOONING, so I'm choosing to round up. There's a lot to love about this room-ance - a strangers to roommates to friends to lovers slow burn with fun, slightly off-kilter vibes and a hero whose feelings I wanted to figure out. The... Continue Reading →
SNEAK PEEK REVIEW: Final Offer by Lauren Asher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ From the moment we met this couple on the page together, I knew this love story was going to be something special. The TENSION snaps and crackles immediately, and it's obvious that there is both a lot of love and HURT between them. This (anti)hero is perhaps the most "broken" man I've ever rooted... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2022: Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend by Penny Reid
As 2022 comes to a close, I’m celebrating my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that list wouldn't be complete without Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend. It's one of the more unique and memorable books I've read this year, with a hero that I absolutely adored. It's also beefy and a little... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2022: Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison
As 2022 comes to a close, I’m celebrating my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and the swoony Mixed Signals easily makes the list. I ended up bingeing the whole Lovelight series in less than a week, and that's because they are effortlessly charming. Better together, these books seem to improve with each installment,... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2022: Meet Me Halfway by Lilian T. James
As 2022 comes to a close, I’m celebrating my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that list includes Meet Me Halfway, the slow-burning, single mom romance that put Lilian T. James' writing on my radar. I'd heard some good things about this book prior to reading, but it blew me away once I... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2022: Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
As 2022 comes to a close, I’m celebrating my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and one of my top picks is the playboy tamed romance, Hook, Line, and Sinker. I'll admit to being very hesitant to dive into this romance initially. Friends to lovers romances where the hero is a manhoe are not... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2022: Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt
As 2022 comes to a close, I’m celebrating my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that list includes Funny Feelings, a humorous and heartfelt friends to lovers romance by new-to-me author Tarah DeWitt. I knew very little about the plot when I decided to sample Funny Feelings, but it took only a few... Continue Reading →
MINI AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Hidden Waters by Catherine Cowles 🎧
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 →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh
Such a great, feel good, holiday romance - I can see why everyone is raving about it this year! The vibe is lighthearted, Christmasy enough to give those holiday feelings, and adorably romantic. I loved the concept, and I could totally see this as a movie. One that I would watch without hesitation. The hero... Continue Reading →
MINI REVIEW: In a Jam by Kate Canterbary
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 →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Next to You by Hannah Bonam-Young
Featuring the SWOONIEST hero I've read in a long time (complete with sweet alpha vibes, a man bun, and a dad bod), this friends to lovers romance is filled with great moments. I absolutely adored the hero. I loved trying to puzzle out his feelings without his perspective, I loved the road trip aspect, and... Continue Reading →
SNEAK PEEK REVIEW: Next to You by Hannah Bonam-Young
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Featuring the SWOONIEST hero I've read in a long time (complete with sweet alpha vibes, a man bun, and a dad bod), this friends to lovers romance is filled with great moments. I absolutely adored the hero. I loved trying to puzzle out his feelings without his perspective, I loved the road trip aspect,... Continue Reading →
RETRO REVIEW: From the Embers by Aly Martinez
From the Embers is enjoying a sudden surge in popularity, and I'm very happy about that... because it was one of my Top 20 of 2021 picks! In case you missed my review at the time, I'm sharing it again now. I still think back on the book very fondly, and hope many new readers... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas 🎧
It's always a little terrifying to read the sophomore effort from an author whose debut you loved, hoping that it will live up to the weight of expectation. And, honestly, this didn't at first. The beginning is MUCH weaker than the second half, and it takes awhile to find its footing - but it definitely... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: When Gracie Met the Grump by Mariana Zapata
You know what? I liked it, but I also think it should've (and could've) been about 200 pages shorter. Zapata is known as the queen of slow burn romance, and I love the way she writes the subtle shifts in relationship dynamics, these tiny moments that build up the intimacy. That's all still here in... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter
Did I read this because of that adorable cover? 100%, but I don’t regret it. Absolutely FILLED with playful banter, this low angst rom com gets the chemistry right. I loved how much texting and conversation there was between the characters, which made it easy to see all of the reasons they’re perfect together. There's... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Would You Rather by Allison Ashley
This didn't quite live up to the hype for me, but I can see why fans of friends to lovers romances would eat it up. One of my favorite tropes is marriage of convenience, so I was cautiously optimistic that this would be the rare friends to lovers scenario that would resonate with me. And... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison 🎧
It's easy to see why this friends to lovers romance is so popular - it is completely swoony and CHARMING, with a great found family feel and an intriguing cast of characters. I also adored the hero, who is so obviously head over heels for his girl from the moment he meets her. There are... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Rebel North by JB Salsbury
Just like the first book in the series, this has a completely unexpected storyline that keeps you on your toes while reading - making the reading experience that much more immersive and unique. I was a little skeptical of a plot that revolves around a fashion-obsessed, Harry Styles-like hero who pretends that he's gay in... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: For You & No One Else by Roni Loren 🎧
While I connected to What If You & Me from the start (it was one of my favorite books of 2021), there was something missing for me with For You & No One Else, and the back half just made me feel completely disconnected from the characters. I liked both characters individually; they had great... Continue Reading →
BEST OF 2022 SO FAR: Lease on Love by Falon Ballard
We're already halfway through 2022, so I'm taking the time to reflect back on my 15 favorite books of the year so far. A debut that surprised me in the best of ways, I loved Lease on Love from start to finish. It's a great romance with a side of women's fiction, and the storyline... Continue Reading →
BEST OF 2022 SO FAR: Meet Me Halfway by Lilian T. James
We're already halfway through 2022, so I'm taking the time to reflect back on my 15 favorite books of the year so far. That list includes Meet Me Halfway, the slow-burning, single mom romance that put Lilian T. James' writing on my radar. I'd heard some good things about this book prior to reading, but... Continue Reading →
BEST OF 2022 SO FAR: Hook, Line and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
We're already halfway through 2022, so I'm taking the time to reflect back on my 15 favorite books of the year so far. One of my top picks is the playboy tamed romance, Hook, Line, and Sinker. I'll admit to being very hesitant to dive into this romance initially. Friends to lovers romances where the... Continue Reading →
BEST OF 2022 SO FAR: Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt
We're already halfway through 2022, so I'm taking the time to reflect back on my 15 favorite books of the year so far. That list includes Funny Feelings, a humorous and heartfelt friends to lovers romance by new-to-me author Tarah DeWitt. I knew very little about the plot when I decided to sample Funny Feelings,... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Meet Me Halfway by Lilian T. James
I'd heard good things about this, but it far exceeded my expectations - I absolutely loved it! It felt so original, focusing on the strength and determination of the single mom heroine and the issues with making assumptions. There's a great neighbors to lovers romance, and seeing the subtle shifts in the dynamic was immensely... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: You’re My I.T. by C.N. Holmberg 🎧
Super cute but also immensely frustrating, this slow-burning office romance is a quick and easy read. I LOVE that it features a HERO who starts the book plus-sized and unsure of himself. It was really refreshing to read about a hero who just assumes that the pretty girl at work wouldn't be into him, and... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt
I love it when I try a new-to-me author and I know immediately that I'm in for an excellent read. My love for this heartfelt, swoony read began right away, and it just got stronger and stronger as the book progressed. I loved the pining, the completely unique feel, and I loved the cinnamon roll... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Kiss Hard by Nalini Singh
The third person perspective doesn't do the story any favors here, because I actually really loved the foundation of the book, but I always felt like I was watching it happen from a distance. There are some GREAT elements to the story, including tons of history between these childhood rivals turned present day frenemies, a... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Flirt by Adriana Locke
You know what? I almost forgot that this was a fake relationship romance, because this couple is basically already in love when the book begins. It's a light and sexy small town romance with chemistry that's apparent from the first scene, great family dynamics, and plenty of banter to keep things interesting. I loved the... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: A Brush with Love by Mazey Eddings 🎧
There's a lot to love about this unique, swoony debut, and if it wasn't plagued by some major pacing issues, then it probably would've been an easy 5-star rating for me. First and foremost, I LOVED the hero. He's a cinnamon roll sweetheart who is too adorable and patient for his own good - literally.... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Hook, Line and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
Yeah, I might've swooned over this book - and this beautifully broken hero - in a big way. I devoured it in one sitting, and I was hooked the whole way through. I really, really LOVED it. We met this couple in It Happened One Summer, the first stellar book in this interconnected series, and... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: A Chance For Us by Corinne Michaels 🎧
I've been waiting for Michaels to change up her formula of endless second chance romances (with gorgeous brown-haired clones on the covers), so this was a breath of fresh air. This fake relationship/marriage of convenience romance was just what I was looking for from the author - still an angst fest, but with an element... Continue Reading →
SNEAK PEEK REVIEW: Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
"I tried to keep you out of here.” He knocked his free fist against his chest. “But you won’t go. You’re never going to go. You just won’t.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Releases March 1st Yeah, I might've swooned over this book - and this beautifully broken hero - in a big way. I devoured it in one... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Stone Cold Notes by Julia Wolf
Fantastic writing from Wolf, as always, but the hero wasn't a great fit for me and I had some definite issues with this. After an EXCELLENT first book in the series, I was so excited to dive into Callum's story. He's a silent, broody, rock star whose mysterious nature had me so intrigued. And he... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: All the Feels by Olivia Dade
Just like Spoiler Alert, this slow burn romance has such a unique feel. It tackles subjects that aren’t commonly found in romance, with a vibe that is distinct and original. Personally, it took me a little while to get into the writing style; there’s just something about it that’s difficult for me to engage with,... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams
Such a feel good read! After the heavy storyline of How to Fail at Flirting, I really wasn't sure what to expect going into The Fastest Way to Fall - but it was sweet, swoony, slow burn goodness. The hero is ADORABLE, and I absolutely loved the strong, resilient heroine. They have a relationship that... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Puck Shy by Teagan Hunter
What a promising start to this brand new series of light, sexy hockey romances! I loved the texting, the unique meet cute, and the likable characters. These two have chemistry from the moment they meet, and the mistaken identities, online (second) meet cute, and sexy times only enhanced that. It's a low angst treat that's... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: On the Ropes by Kathryn Nolan
Have you seen In the Heights? This gave me the same kind of vibes, minus the singing and dancing, but add in some steam - lol! We've got our sweet hometown guy, the girl with big dreams who finds herself back home, a strong sense of community/found family, and a focus on inclusivity. Our heroine... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: The Lie by Karla Sorensen
A smitten bad boy? Yes, please! I absolutely LOVED this hero, a guy who listens to the devil on his shoulder too often. He's moody, broody, tattooed, and talented - and he's a total softie on the inside. This one's a little bit enemies to lovers, a little bit friends to lovers, and a whole... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Love, Comment, Subscribe by Cathy Yardley
This should've been right up my alley, but it was just SOOO social media-focused that I got bored after awhile with all of the technical details. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this First Reads selection actually is a true contemporary romance - it's a slow burn, opposites attract love story that features some... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Just Not That Into Billionaires by Annika Martin
There's something about Martin's writing style that just WORKS for me, and this was another great example. I loved the light, quirky feel and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic. I've also never read a book quite like this one - it's an interesting mix of tropes, with a dash of enemies to lovers, second chance, fake relationship,... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Nothing But Wild by P. Dangelico
I started this before bed (big mistake, HUGE), stayed up WAY too late, and devoured it in a matter of hours. Prepare to fall for Dallas because he is slightly broken but so, so easy to love! Nothing But Trouble was really great so I was looking forward to this big time, even as I... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Once again, this team of authors has created a deeply romantic story that pulls on your heartstrings from start to finish. This fantastic, emotional book had me rooting for a love that’s anything but easy, yet so worth the struggle.I’m going to be intentionally vague here in describing the plot, because the discovery is all... Continue Reading →