BETA READ: I simultaneously wanted to read this as fast as humanly possible while also slowing it down to a snails pace. At the end of the day, I did BETA READ: I simultaneously wanted to read this as fast as humanly possible while also slowing it down to a snails pace. At the end of the day, I did not want this book, or series to end. It’s hard reading the last installment, knowing a goodbye is drawing near. And yet, I could not have imagined a better story to bookend this series than Harrison and Daisy’s.
At this point, I have become a pseudo expert on the age gap trope and even more so on the highly antsy combo of age gap/forbidden love. Usually, this involves a lot of pining and a lottttt of emotional angst and upheaval. What the author does so well here, is to balance the angst with the positives of an age gap romance - fun, flirty, reinvigorating, character growth, etc.
Were their moments of angst? Absolutely! Were their moments I wanted to scream at a character or two? You know it. But what I loved most, is the ability to laugh at these two goofballs and see all the positives of their complex relationship, in addition to their obvious challenges.
This book does deal quite a bit with mental health, both for our MMC Harrison and the dissolution of his marriage, as well as our FMC Daisy who has quite the emotional baggage she’s been collecting along the way. One of my favorite aspects of this book is how these two were able to push and pull each other when it came to dealing with their own emotional struggles - always forcing the other to tackle things head on. This isn’t always the case in romance, and its uniqueness sets it apart.
And the steam, oh boy the steam. While I’m not always a door off the hinges girlie, if anyone can turn me into one, it’s Elizabeth O’Roark. She has this magical touch of knowing exactly how much to add and when, never overpowering the plot or sacrificing character development. And she packs a punch with these two dynamic characters ...more
4.5-5⭐️ Diana Dixon is rehearsing for a ballroom competition, working multiple jobs and trying to navigate an ex-boyfriend who won’t take no for an an4.5-5⭐️ Diana Dixon is rehearsing for a ballroom competition, working multiple jobs and trying to navigate an ex-boyfriend who won’t take no for an answer when it comes to getting back together. Shane Lindley is a superstar hockey player who misses his ex-girlfriend, but is slowly sleeping his way through Diana’s cheer squad to get over it.
When a mutual beneficial arrangement has them pretending to be a couple, both on and off the dance floor, things start to sizzle. Soon, the line between fake and real begins to blur, as these two realize there is much more to the other than meets the eye.
It is not often that I find myself enjoying book two in a series, even more than the first. But it is impossible not to love Dixon and Shane. Whether they are bickering over HOA rules, fighting over who likes who, or flirting with the other for sport, these two are completely captivating and maybe slightly unhinged ...more
A chance encounter between Reed and Halley leads to an instant, soul crushing connection. But as the truth about their age difference comes to light, A chance encounter between Reed and Halley leads to an instant, soul crushing connection. But as the truth about their age difference comes to light, along with the fact that Reed is Halley’s best friend’s dad, the only friend she has, it becomes clear any relationship between them is next to impossible.
“My own scar pulses like it was drawn to hers, like we were in some sort of secret club together. A partner in pain. A companion in violence. Two warriors braving the storm, hand in hand.”
This is my first Jennifer Hartmann book, and unfortunately for her and for other writers in this genre, she has now set the bar incredibly high with this one. While I do tend to love a good age gap/forbidden love story already, primarily for the angsty nature it brings with it, this book is on another level. As in, the moment I finished reading, I had to force myself not to turn around and reread it immediately (does this happen to anyone else? No? Just me?)
From page one, I was completely immersed, not just in our MC’s potential relationship, but in each of their own stories and past traumas. Their connection is profound - in fact it pretty much jumps off the page at you. While each of our characters admit to a strong pull to one another, it was hard, as a reader, not to have a strong emotional connection to them too. This slower burn to the romance gives us time to get to know Reed, Halley and all of the supporting characters (including Ladybug, one of my faves) in depth, which in turn helps to ratchet up the emotional pull. The steam was perfection, never overdone, and never overpowering the story.
This is, in every way, my perfect read - flawed characters you can’t help but root for, a love story that is as broken as it is beautiful, and a book that will stay with you long after you’ve read the final page.
I want to leave you with this - this book will not be for everyone. It tows the line around age of consent and incorporates a pretty significant age gap between the MCs. However, if you are someone who enjoys these elements, or are a reader who loves amazing angst and deep pining and has an open mind to situations beyond the typical, I think you will really enjoy this one.
4.5⭐️ Leo Balanoff is a pathological liar and a justice-seeking attorney caught in the middle of a crime syndicate. As the FBI's only real shot at bri4.5⭐️ Leo Balanoff is a pathological liar and a justice-seeking attorney caught in the middle of a crime syndicate. As the FBI's only real shot at bringing down this treacherous group, Leo must decide if he would rather risk his life to help them or go to prison for murder. Soon Leo's new role brings him back into the orbit of his ex, former cop Andi Piotrowski, who might just know more than she is letting on.
David Ellis’s ability to write morally grey characters you cannot help but *vehemently* root for, and twists like no one else, means I will forever and always devour anything he writes. This book starts off with a bang, but soon, we are lead through a story, set in both the past and present, that will have us questioning everyone.
While this was perhaps a bit more of a slow burn than his previous book, Look Closer, I enjoyed it nonetheless. Leo is one of the most interesting characters I have read of late. His complex family dynamics and background, as well as the dichotomy of his desire to do good in the world and but as a pathological liar, kept me turning the pages. And the subplot of his relationship with Andi was chef's kiss.
When former resident Emerson Hughes returns to Elliott Springs, she is hell bent on destroying the town she grew up in. Liam Doherty, determined to quWhen former resident Emerson Hughes returns to Elliott Springs, she is hell bent on destroying the town she grew up in. Liam Doherty, determined to quit playing the field and finally settle down, decides to focus solely on his construction business. When Emmy hires Liam to renovate one of her companies properties, things go from flirty to flammable.
Oh yard boy…be still my heart. I had the pleasure of beta reading this one a few months back and of rereading via audio more recently, and in both cases, I came away absolutely adoring Liam.
TSIDY is yet another fantastic installment in the Summer series. While it still includes heavier themes such as abuse and abandonment, this book feels lighter and more playful in tone than the previous three books. We all know I love O’Roark’s writing, the feistier the better, and she absolutely delivered with the fiery text banter between Liam and Emmy. While slow burn enough to help us understand these characters both on their own and in their interactions with each other, once the spice got spicing, it was full steam ahead.
Emmy is one of the more interesting characters of the series. I cannot decide if I love her or love to hate her. She is a powerhouse figure - tough as nails and take no prisoners. But underneath her icy exterior, Emmy is about as relatable as they come, simply seeking to be wanted and loved like most of us do. The dichotomy between her rough outer layer and her vulnerable inner one, is really the heart of the story.
Spoiler alert - I have already read and reviewed the book that follows this one, and you are not going to want to miss it. We are treated to a bit of a sneak peek in this story so make sure you pay attention to a couple of side characters that will end up being the focus of book five.
Read if you like: • small town • workplace romance • forced proximity • enemies to lovers vibes • witty banter • insane chemistry • the best spice
‼️ CW: Please DM me for more info if you are sensitive to triggers.
Thank you Elizabeth O'Roark for the opportunity to beta read this fabulous book and for the finished copy. Thank you also to Valentine PR for the gifted ebook. ...more
4.5⭐️ When Wren Waters is dealt not one, but two major blows back to back, she embarks on a geo-caching journey as a way to process her grief. There s4.5⭐️ When Wren Waters is dealt not one, but two major blows back to back, she embarks on a geo-caching journey as a way to process her grief. There she meets Marshall Hendricks, a psychologist dealing with own grief and turmoil. A friendship forms when the two agree to partner in order to help another achieve their goals, while staying safe from those looking to cause harm.
This book caught me completely by surprise. It pulled me in immediately as I learned about what Wren had endured, and kept my attention with the introduction of Marshall (soon to be everyone’s newest book boyfriend). I loved the way Graves tackles the long term ramifications of grief especially when it intertwines with guilt.
The characters feel so real and each handle their emotions in a very real way. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the emotional growth these characters show from where they started - both quite broken by life. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and felt all the other feelings a great book can bring about.
Read if you like: •emotional love stories •first person, single POV •PCT setting (hiking) •stories about overcoming grief •women’s fiction •happiness for beginners •eat pray love
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copy. ...more
I am a big fan of Freida McFadden, particularly her Housemaid duet. However, this book just did not work for me. First and foremost, the mental healthI am a big fan of Freida McFadden, particularly her Housemaid duet. However, this book just did not work for me. First and foremost, the mental health rep was done in such a negative way, I worry that those who suffer from the illnesses represented will be further stigmatized. Derogatory terms were used by the “medical professionals” further adding to this negative portrayal.
Another big issue I had with the book is how far fetched it was. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good thriller and can suspend disbelief - to a point. The small inaccuracies riddled throughout this story were very hard to look past. In addition, the pacing felt off with an intense and gripping beginning and end, but a middle section that felt long and repetitive.
It pains me to write negative reviews, and as I stated above, I’m a big fan of McFadden’s so this saddens me all the more. There are quite a few rave reviews for this book so as always, if you are on the fence, give it a try. You might feel differently.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review. ...more
I thought How to Kiss Your Best Friend held my heart, but How to Kiss Your Enemy has definitely stolen it away. As always, the family dynamic was the I thought How to Kiss Your Best Friend held my heart, but How to Kiss Your Enemy has definitely stolen it away. As always, the family dynamic was the star of the show, and I could not get enough of the Hawthorne brood. If I could be a part of any fictional family, it would be this one.
The enemies to lovers is executed to perfection; with just the right amount of witty banter to sparkling chemistry. The growth and shift in the relationship between Lennox and Tatum was mature and realistic, and the communication chef’s kiss (pardon the pun). And the food. Oh emmmm geee. The food. Do not read this one when hungry.
Features: •enemies to lovers •forced proximity •workplace romance •farm setting •foodie romance •big boisterous family •an Insta famous goat •closed door
Thank you Jenny Proctor for the gifted copy....more
Summary: Forced to grow up alone, Indie knows no love but her love for Milo, the ranch hand who took care of her after her “adoptive mother” dies. NowSummary: Forced to grow up alone, Indie knows no love but her love for Milo, the ranch hand who took care of her after her “adoptive mother” dies. Now an adult, Indie dreams of a life with him - until she finds out he’s been promised to another.
Thoughts: I just adore Jewel E. Ann’s writing. Her stories are incredibly immersive, with each book entirely different and unlike anything else I have read before. Her characters are always very relatable and life-like, and even when very different from myself, I can always feel some type of connection with them.
Age gap and forbidden romance are two of my all-time favorite tropes and Ann does them to perfection in If This is Love. The angst, the heartbreak, and the the intensity of this dynamic was here in droves. And the chemistry between Milo and Indie is off the charts hot!! This one is very open door, so prepare yourselves for some very spicy scenes.
Read if you like: •forbidden love •friends to lovers •age gap •cowboys •star crossed lovers •the naked fisherman series
Thank you {partner} Valentine PR for my gifted copies in exchange for my honest review....more
Katie Collins is perfectly content in her small town Irish village of Ennisbawn. That’s is until hot shot developer Callum Dempsey strolls into town, Katie Collins is perfectly content in her small town Irish village of Ennisbawn. That’s is until hot shot developer Callum Dempsey strolls into town, intent on knocking down the last remaining pub. Determined to save the pub and rejuvenate the town’s spirit, Katie decides to revive the local matchmaking festival.
This book is chock full of small town charm and quirky characters. I loved the deep familial roots in the town and how connected Katie was to her village and it’s traditions. I also loved her tight knit group of friends and getting to see their relationships blossom throughout the course of the novel, as well as Katie’s.
While I did enjoy the story overall, it began to drag for me towards the half way point and I struggled to connect to the romance. That said, I still think this was a cute read and would recommend it to those who love small town romance. Catherine Walsh is an auto-buy author for me, so I am very much looking forward to her next one.
Read if you like: •small town romance •Ireland setting •feel good stories •matchmaking •great friendships
Thank you Bookouture for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. ...more
Summary: Juliet Cantrell thought her days of interacting with Luke Taylor - her boyfriend’s best friend and the bane of her existence - were over. TenSummary: Juliet Cantrell thought her days of interacting with Luke Taylor - her boyfriend’s best friend and the bane of her existence - were over. Ten years later, tragedy brings them back to where it all began, and together they must confront the ghosts of the past.
Thoughts: There is something incredibly comforting about seeing Elizabeth O’Roark’s name emblazoning the cover of a book. I immediately know three things - I will become emotional invested in the characters, it will make me think about preconceived ideas I had going in, and I will ultimately love it. The Summer We Fell, although quite a different tone from her previous work, was no different.
First and foremost this book features some of my all time favorite tropes. No one, and I mean no one, does enemies to lovers like Elizabeth O’Roark does enemies to lovers. Add in second chance romance and forbidden love, and I was hooked. I finished this book in under a day, and continue to think about some of the issues it touched upon even now.
While the plot is very important for keeping me engaged, O’Roark’s character development is what makes her an auto-buy author for me. She has a way of developing her characters so well, with each and every one of them managing to work their way into my heart - even those who have me less than enthused.
I admit that I struggled a bit with some of the decisions our MC made, and felt incredibly frustrated at times, yet I still understood on a fundamental level why she was taking the actions she was. The nuanced backstory the author presents, both in past and present day, help to create a 3D character who could logically make the decisions she did.
And as for the love story, I simply adored it. The chemistry and pure adoration leap from the pages as does the visceral pain felt. The characters become so real, it is hard to let them go at the conclusion. Ultimately though, it was an ending I was satisfied with.
Read if you like: •Enemies to lovers •forced proximity •forbidden love •second chance •found family •star crossed lovers
TW ⇢ YES. Please DM me if sensitive to triggers.
A huge thank you to Elizabeth O’Roark and Valentine PR for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review....more
This was a really unique genre blend between women’s fiction, historical fiction and mystery. With dueling timelines that offer us both Emma’s presentThis was a really unique genre blend between women’s fiction, historical fiction and mystery. With dueling timelines that offer us both Emma’s present day status and romantic entanglements, and her formative years and the relationships that helped to shape her into who she is. Part love story and part coming of age, The Audrey Hepburn Estate takes us into the mansion rumored to be the property featured in the Audrey Hepburn film Sabrina, and illuminates some of the darkest secrets hidden within it’s walls.
I have long been a fan of Brenda Janowitz’ writing, from her earlier romcoms that had me belly laughing, to her emotional family dramas that left me a sobbing mess. Her characters are always very real and incredibly relatable, expressing a vulnerably and rawness that is so unique to her writing. As such, I wind up thinking about her stories long after I have finished reading them.
As someone who loves classic Hollywood, I adore her trio of novels named for the glamour girls of Hollywood - Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and now, Audrey Hepburn. And if you love to geek out on old Hollywood trivia and/or want to see for yourself the insane amount of research Janowitz completed prior to writing this novel, make sure to read the authors note once you have finished the story.
Of note, I listened to this book on audio. The narrator, Cassandra Campbell, did a spectacular job bringing this story to life and complimenting the already gorgeous writing. The versatility of her narration helped to create a unique voice for each and every character.
Read if you like: •historical fiction •coming of age stories •classic Hollywood •dual timelines
Thank you to Graydon House, HTP Books and Libro.fm for my gifted advanced copies in exchange for my honest review. ...more
Thoughts: One measure I have when deciding how much I love a book, is whether or not I want to turn around and read it again immediately. I can safelyThoughts: One measure I have when deciding how much I love a book, is whether or not I want to turn around and read it again immediately. I can safely say, The True Love Experiment has hit that bar and beyond. Since finishing it yesterday, I cannot stop thinking about it. Is this my new favorite Christina Lauren book? Yes, yes it is.
When I heard Fizzy was getting her own story, I quickly did a binge reread of The Soulmate Equation to refresh my memory of this really unique world and set of characters. And while I still love it, I was not prepared for how much more I was going to love Fizzy and Connor’s story. From the witty banter to the off the charts chemistry; the friends to lovers build up to the fun reality show element, this book is done to absolute perfection.
Do yourself a favor and preorder this one, then read it the second you can get your hands on it. You will not be disappointed.
Read if you like: •reality tv •friends to lovers •single parent trope •found family •witty banter •the soulmate equation
A huge thank you to Gallery Books for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review. ...more
3.5⭐️ This is a fun summer read, reminiscent of Laine Moriarty’s Big Little Lies. I enjoyed the setting and learning about the characters, though it’s3.5⭐️ This is a fun summer read, reminiscent of Laine Moriarty’s Big Little Lies. I enjoyed the setting and learning about the characters, though it’s a very large cast and I struggled at first keeping everyone straight. There were also quite a few subplots to keep straight (notes are helpful here).
My biggest issue with this novel is that the pacing felt off - a strong start led to a slower/draggy middle section. By the time I reached the conclusion, I didn’t feel as invested as I had hoped to.
Read if you like: •ensemble casts •twisty plot lines •quick reads •neighborhood drama
Thank you St. Martins Press and Macmillan Audio for my gifted copies. ...more
This is a really interesting look inside a hit television show and the relationship dynamics and personal drama that can occur off set. While there isThis is a really interesting look inside a hit television show and the relationship dynamics and personal drama that can occur off set. While there is a good amount of plot, this one felt much more character driven. I really liked the way the author developed each of the characters, particularly Kat and Summer, and the very realistic and nuanced elements of their complicated relationship. ...more
Update - reread via audio and loved it! This book has such a special place in my heart.
It is no secret that I am a huge Kathrine Center fan. So thereUpdate - reread via audio and loved it! This book has such a special place in my heart.
It is no secret that I am a huge Kathrine Center fan. So there was very little doubt this would be any less than a five star read for me. And yet I had no idea I would love it as much as I did. From the wonderful, quirky characters to the very unique plotline, I found myself completely immersed in Sadie’s world and never wanted to leave.
First and foremost, Center creates *the* most relatable characters I have ever read. Whether the MC is a female firefighter struggling to succeed in in a male dominated profession, a thirty-year-old divorcee struggling to find her place in the world, or an executive protection agent assigned to a reclusive moviestar, I always feel as though I know the ins and outs of each of these characters. I knows what makes them tick and what demons lurk in their shadows. By the time I have finished reading, they have become the best literary friends.
Sadie is no different. From the moment she busts out a Smokey Robinson performance in the middle of the corner store, I knew Sadie was my kind of person. At every turn, I felt as I knew her. I laughed at her silly antics, cried at her struggles, and swooned right along with her as the least likely candiate became a potential love. As for Joe, well there are not enough words to express my love for his character. And let’s not forget the loveable Peanut who dare I say, eats better than I do.
Read if you like: •unique plots •well done love triangles •laugh out loud dialgoue •family drama •swoony romance •charming characters
If you are looking for a book that has a whole lot of humor, swoony romantic vibes, fantastic main and supporting characters, and a whole lot of heart, this is the book for you. I would give it 10 stars if I could. Somehow Center always manages to speak to my soul.
Thank you to SMP Romance and Edelweiss for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review....more
Read if you like: ☕︎ Friends to Lovers ☕︎ Small town setting ☕︎ Hallmark movies ☕︎ Kissing only
4.5★ rounded up.
Summary: After being in love with his beRead if you like: ☕︎ Friends to Lovers ☕︎ Small town setting ☕︎ Hallmark movies ☕︎ Kissing only
4.5★ rounded up.
Summary: After being in love with his best friend Kate Fletcher since the day he met her, Brody Hawthorne has finally decided once and for all to move on. That is until Kate makes a reappearance stirring up old feelings. Kate on the other hand, returns to town expecting to reunite with her old friend Brody. What she finds is a strong and sexy chemistry teacher she cannot seem to take her eyes off of. But is her attraction to her best friend enough to make her stop running and finally want to settle down?
Thoughts: Friends to lovers is by far my favorite trope so needless to say, I was bound to like this one. Not only did I like it, I loved it!! I enjoyed it so much, I did not want it to end. Jenny Proctor has definitely made a fan out of me.
When I read a romance novel, I can always tell whether I am connected to the characters by the way my throat feels during the conflict portion of the book. You know that lump in your throat that comes with emotional duress? If the characters were well developed and the story realistic, I feel that unmistakable tightness in my throat. If it’s not there, that means I do not feel emotionally invested in the characters or their story. Is this incredibly weird? Perhaps. Does it help me to assess a books writing? Definitely. Sure enough, as the conflict presented itself in “How to Kiss Your Best Friend,” so did my aforementioned lump.
All of the characters in this book felt incredibly real and I became emotionally invested rather quickly. I loved the relationship of all of the Hawthorne siblings and the sense of closeness the entire family shares. And Brody, oh my goodness, I am pretty sure their isn’t a more saintly character out there.
I will be low key stalking the NetGalley website, along with Jenny Proctor’s Instagram page, for a sneak peek of book two of this series featuring Brody’s brother Perry coming in October 2022.
Thank you to NetGalley and Four Petal Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review....more
Read if you like: ❀ UK setting ❀ YA Insta love ❀ Classic literature
Summary: When English lit instructor Ms. Carmichael offers High School Senior BrittRead if you like: ❀ UK setting ❀ YA Insta love ❀ Classic literature
Summary: When English lit instructor Ms. Carmichael offers High School Senior Britt Hanson and several of her classmates an offer of a lifetime - a scavenger hunt in the UK with a $100K prize - none can refuse. Upon arriving, Britt becomes immediately smitten with Londoner Luke Jackson, and soon the two are working together to help her win the jackpot.
Thoughts: In order to enjoy this book, you must first suspend any sense of disbelief as the premise of the book seems a bit absurd. Ms. Carmichael refers to the scavenger hunt as a “unconventional endeavor,” and that it certainly is.
Once we move past that, I think this was a cute rom-com for juveniles/young adults that touches on some pretty important and heavy topics such as self esteem, friendship, parental abandonment, etc. The ways in which the author wove these issues into the storyline, and then addressed them head on, was excellent.
What I felt was missing, however, was more in-depth character development across the board. This was a story about adventure, and therefore was more plot heavy, and less about the characters. While this will not necessarily be a negative thing for some, for me, it created an inability to connect with any of the characters.
I did a partial audiobook read as well reading on my kindle, and I would say the narrator did a decent job portraying each of the characters and was clear and concise in her narration.
A super cute cover and an overall average YA romance. I would recommend it primarily to much younger audiences (as opposed to YA that’s a bit more mature) or to those who really love the tropes presented.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. ...more
Summary: The Latecomer tells the story of Salo Oppenheimer and his wife Johanna. From their first meeting under tragic circumstances, to their strugglSummary: The Latecomer tells the story of Salo Oppenheimer and his wife Johanna. From their first meeting under tragic circumstances, to their struggles to conceive via IVF, their lives are filled with both drama and the mundane as they try to create a happy life for their triplets Sally, Harrison and Lewyn. Facing an empty nest as the triplets go off to college, while simultaneously dealing with the secret her husband has kept for decades, Johanna decides to have another child, “ The Latecomer” in hopes that this fourth child will help heal their splintering family.
Thoughts: Let me start off by saying I do not think this one is for me. While I often look for books rich in character development, this book was all character, and little plot. And yet at times, it felt as though there was too much going on in the plot line (not sure how both could be true at the same time, but here we are). The author does a deep dive on the relationship of a dysfunctional family, The Oppenheimers, over many years and how they tackle issues of religion, racism, sexuality, etc.
This is book is a great depiction of the age old theme of past traumas of the parents negatively impacting the lives of their children. And while that on its face is a really interesting storyline, the execution here just didn’t work for me. At times it seemed to be more stream of consciousness than a streamlined plot. It was so verbose at times, I felt myself losing track of what was actually happening from one moment to the next. I think the same story could have been told in 300 pages and would have been a much more succinct and enjoyable book, at least for me.
While it wasn’t a favorite of mine, this book does have some very positive reviews. If you are on the fence, I would check this one out especially if you are one who loves intensive character analysis and epic family dramas.
Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. ...more
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