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 →
4-STAR REVIEW: Wild Card by Staci Hart
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 →
5-STAR REVIEW: Wild Love by Elsie Silver
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 →
5-STAR AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
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 →
4-STAR REVIEW: Lips Like Sugar by Jess K Hardy
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 →
3-STAR REVIEW: Out With the Tide by Julie Olivia
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 →
SNEAK PEEK REVIEW: Wild Love by Elsie Silver
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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 →
5-STAR REVIEW: Dust Storm by Maggie Gates
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 →
4-STAR REVIEW: Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage
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 →
SNEAK PEEK REVIEW: Savor It by Tarah DeWitt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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 →
4-STAR AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Possessive Heart by Brighton Walsh
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 →
MINI REVIEW: The Lying Game by Sara Jane Woodley
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 →
5-STAR AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Loving Romeo by Laura Pavlov
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 →
5-STAR REVIEW: Off the Beaten Path by Madison Wright
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 →
4-STAR REVIEW: Tame the Heart by Ava Hunter
An angsty cowboy romance, this will tug on your heartstrings for sure. I've been meaning to check out this new-to-me author, and this series starter felt like the perfect place to begin. It's definitely got Elsie Silver vibes, complete with an emotionally-tortured hero, a spicy romance, a group of guys who could all use some... Continue Reading →
3-STAR REVIEW: Play Me Once by Carina Taylor
I just couldn’t get into it, try as I might. The tropes failed me on this one. Enemies to lovers? Not at all, simply two people who have different thoughts on dating. Office romance? Barely. He falls first? Doesn’t really count if he continues to push her away. There are some fun moments and a... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2023: Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
As 2023 comes to a close, I’m celebrating my 20 favorite romance novels of the year. I revisited this quiet, tender love story while narrowing down my Top 20 contenders, and all those warm and fuzzy feelings came rushing back to me. It's the kind of book that draws you in while slowly stealing your... Continue Reading →
SNEAK PEEK REVIEW: Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2023: Your Last First Kiss by Avery Maxwell
As 2023 comes to a close, I’m celebrating my 20 favorite romance novels of the year. This book caught me by surprise - I was between reads one day when it popped up on my feed, and I thought I'd give this new-to-me author a try. It took no time at all to realize that... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Off the Hook by Julie Olivia
This was such a SWOONY little treat! After loving Olivia's previous series, I was excited to dive into the start of something brand new. It's clear that the series is going to have some stellar small town/found family vibes, paired with a variety of off-limits relationships - starting with this first one. Falling for your... Continue Reading →
SERIES REVIEW: Chestnut Springs by Elsie Silver
Flawless, Heartless, Powerless, Reckless and Hopeless The series is officially complete and it's yielded (at least) two Best of the Year Selections for me, so it's time for a series review! If you still haven't checked out the series that officially put Elsie Silver on the map, then now is the perfect time to do... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Fake Out by Sharon M. Peterson 🎧
This adorable rom com started out 5-star-worthy before slowly shifting to a 4 and ultimately falling to a 3 with its lackluster ending. That means there was a whole lot that I liked about it, as well as several things that bugged me. Let's start with the good - it's total romantic comedy, with plenty... Continue Reading →
MINI AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Crimson River by Devney Perry 🎧
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 →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Reckless by Elsie Silver 🎧
I love a smitten man, especially one who doesn't hesitate to step up to a challenge. This sunshine hero fell for his sharp-tongued, complicated woman the moment he laid eyes on her, and I kinda loved that. It didn't have instalove vibes for me because of the way their love story progressed, but I adored... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Hopeless by Elsie Silver 🎧
I'm sad to see this series come to a close, but this was a fitting conclusion! It wrapped everything up in a nice little bow, and the love story at the heart of it was both sexy and sentimental. Like everyone else, I've been waiting for Beau's story for a long time, and this was... Continue Reading →
MINI REVIEW: King of Country by C.W. Farnsworth
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 →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Gossip and the Grump by Pippa Grant 🎧
Another very solid read from Grant, this small town romance was easy to binge in one sitting. I loved the initial encounter between these strangers, which showed the softer side to both. They let down their guards for one night and revealed pieces of themselves that they probably wouldn't have with anyone else. That makes... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Sterling Heat by L.B. Dunbar 🎧
The best part about this was the look on my husband’s face when I told him that he’s older than the hero in this silver fox romance, lol. Kidding. But he was aghast, and it was hysterical. I’ve been meaning to check out this new-to-me author, and the blurb drew me right in. There’s just... Continue Reading →
MINI REVIEW: Tempt Our Fate by Kat Singleton
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: Hott Shot by Serena Bell
I can't quite call this 4 stars because it just didn't hold my interest, but it's an easygoing, lighthearted read and a solid series starter. This is charming small town romance with a little bit of spice, with a playful opposites attract dynamic. Our hero is a gruff, sweetheart of a man who is out... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Long Game by Elena Armas 🎧
Slow burn lovers, this one's for you! It's a long game indeed for these two instant enemies, with a quiet, soft story that takes its time before slowly cranking up the heat. The first half teases with smaller moments and potential-filled glances, leaving a trail of breadcrumbs towards the tension-filled romance that sparks in the... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Reckless Heart by Brighton Walsh 🎧
Yeah, I definitely underestimated how spicy this was going to be, lol! I've been meaning to check out this new-to-me author, so a duet narration audiobook felt like the perfect way to try. And it was! The sparks started flying between this couple within a few pages, and it wasn't long after that before I... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score
What a way to end the series! I gobbled up the first 400 pages without even feeling like time was passing; the sexual tension and intensity of the story had me completely gripped, and I was caught up in the romance. Going in, I wasn't confident that I was going to love Sloane and Lucian's... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: How to Kiss a Movie Star by Jenny Proctor
This was super cute - a light and easy fake relationship romance with a celebrity twist. I loved that it had “he falls first” vibes, and that it was the famous actor who was unsure if he would be enough for the accomplished scientist who steals his heart. I liked that she kept him grounded,... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Not My Kind of Hero by Pippa Grant 🎧
This slow-burning, small town romance is more serious than Grant's indie books, but it still has plenty of charm. I liked the deeper elements and the focus on mending your broken pieces - these two instant enemies clash until they realize how much they have in common, and watching that come full circle was very... Continue Reading →
MINI REVIEW: The Fastball by Megan Cousins
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 →
MINI REVIEW: Between the Lines by Brandy Pelletier
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 →
BEST OF 2023 SO FAR: Your Last First Kiss by Avery Maxwell
We’re already halfway through 2023, so I’m taking the time to reflect back on my 15 favorite books of the year so far. You’ll find my original review and some quotes from the book below! This caught me on the right day, in the right mood, and I was woefully unprepared for how FANTASTIC it... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Powerless by Elsie Silver 🎧
Update: After reading Hopeless, it's clear to me how much this particular installment messed with my enjoyment of the whole series, so I'm dropping my rating a bit. Every time Jasper or Sloane were mentioned in Hopeless, my blood would fire up. And I still haven't gone back to read Reckless yet. So I clearly... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Whisky Business by Elliot Fletcher
It's always the quiet ones! A little shy and a lot grumbly, this hero steals the show in a big way. He's this reserved, gentle giant who rarely speaks to anyone (other than our heroine), and he's convinced that he doesn't have what it takes to keep a woman happy in the long run. Watching... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams 🎧
So adorable, seriously! Bad boy/good girl is a classic combination for a reason, and I loved watching these two opposites fall hard for each other. It's a little bit fake relationship, a little bit love lessons, and a whole lot of swoony fun. Neither of these characters have been able to shed their reputation, and... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Your Last First Kiss by Avery Maxwell
This caught me on the right day, in the right mood, and I was woefully unprepared for how FANTASTIC it was going to be. I've been meaning to check out this new-to-me author, and this seemed like the perfect place to jump in. It's a spinoff from a series, the start of something new, and... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Doctorshipped by Savannah Scott 🎧
Low angst and super cute, this is easygoing and lighthearted. It's got tons of small town charm, a great cast of characters, and a grumpy/sunshine dynamic that is always a win. Add in a single dad who also happens to be a doctor, and you can't go wrong with any of the components. I found... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Runaway Love by Melanie Harlow 🎧
Like a bowl of vanilla ice cream, this hit the spot - even if it didn’t bring anything new to the table. With small town vibes and a grumpy single dad, this felt lighter and cozier than some of Harlow's other work. It still featured a hearty dose of spice, with sexual tension that probably... Continue Reading →
MINI REVIEW: The Ones We Fight For by Katie Golightly
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: Meet Hate by Abi Sabina
What kind of blurb gives away things that happen 90% of the way into a book? This author literally spoils her own book by detailing every major plot point in the blurb, and I am genuinely confused by that. So it’s not that I didn’t like this strangers to instant enemies rom com, but the... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: The Matchmaker by Catherine Walsh
Banter-filled and playful, this was super cute. After seriously enjoying Holiday Romance over the winter, I was excited to check out Walsh's next book. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I figured it'd be similar in vibes to the rom com that stole everyone's hearts during the holiday season. And while the two... Continue Reading →
MINI AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Until You by K. Bromberg 🎧
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 →
⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Flirting with Forever by Claire Kingsley 🎧
It's tough to develop an emotional connection to a couple when their entire relationship is physical, and that's where I struggled with this one. While I've been a fan of the series, this particular installment didn't strike the same chord with me. Nora is known as being a man-eater and an overtly sexual woman, which... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Golden Hour of You and Me by K Jamila
So soft and sweet, with a hero who is all kinds of swoony, there was a lot to love about this slow-burning romance. Our heroine is angry and confrontational, actively trying to keep people out, and this patient, steady hero sees right through her. I loved that the premise felt unique, and I loved that... Continue Reading →
MINI REVIEW: My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh
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: Things We Hide From the Light by Lucy Score
It was great to be back in Knockemout - this sequel did NOT disappoint! I think I liked it better than the first one, and that was very tough competition. There was just something immensely compelling about this wounded and vulnerable hero; he's a genuinely good guy who is in a dark place, and it's... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Strictly Pleasure by Carrie Elks
Easy, light, and sexy - I devoured this with no trouble! While I enjoyed the first book in this series of interconnected standalones, I liked this one a whole lot more. I was intrigued by the relationship dynamics from the first few pages, and it continued to keep me on my toes the whole way... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Jasper Vale by Devney Perry 🎧
When the hero's ex influences the plot from start to finish, it certainly puts a damper on things. Beyond the complete and utter lack of communication between this newly married couple, it felt like every time I started to get into the story, the hero's ex would be mentioned again in some way that would... 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: Chick Magnet by Emma Barry 🎧
I liked the heart of this one, so I'm choosing to round up - even if it wasn't the perfect fit for me. With a brightly colored cover and a playful, punny name, I kinda expected this to be more of a rom com, and it's really not. There are definite small town vibes, with... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
What a gorgeous love story! This is EASILY my favorite of Clayborn's romances (so far), and the bar was already pretty high. I loved the instant zap of connection I felt towards these characters, from those awkward first encounters to the subtle shifts in their relationship. I loved this grumpy hero - a man who... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry 🎧
I guess I'm glad that I read the second book in this series first, lol, because I probably wouldn't have continued on if I had started with this one. The two books are very, very different - this one is much more suspense-focused, so much so that it overtakes the romance. And the romance itself... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke 🎧
Such a cute, feel good read! This will be a win for small town, single parent lovers who appreciate a laidback and easygoing love story with a touch of heartache. I could feel the instant ZAP of attraction between these two, and it immediately had my attention. It reminded me of my favorite of Locke's... 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: Talk Flirty to Me by Livy Hart
As 2022 comes to a close, I’m celebrating my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and this debut easily makes the list! I'm such a second chance romance hater that it took about a dozen other readers recommending this to me before I finally dove in. And I'm so glad that I did! It's... Continue Reading →
SNEAK PEEK REVIEW: Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What a gorgeous love story! This is EASILY my favorite of Clayborn's romances (so far), and the bar was already pretty high. I loved the instant zap of connection I felt towards these characters, from those awkward first encounters to the subtle shifts in their relationship. I loved this grumpy hero - a man... 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 →