Georgia Clark’s first holiday romance – Most Wonderful is utter perfection.
Just when I think Georgia Clark’s writing is her best yet, she proves me a Georgia Clark’s first holiday romance – Most Wonderful is utter perfection.
Just when I think Georgia Clark’s writing is her best yet, she proves me a liar. I feel like I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but this truly IS her best book yet. This story has everything – incredible characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and touching ones too. She once again totally nails multiple main characters in complicated relationships both with each other, and with their love interests.
This time we’re focused on the Belvedere family. Three siblings born to the same famous actress mom – Babs, so let’s start there. Babs is capital F Fabulous. Funny and over-the-top dramatic, she loves her career, and loves her kids even more. Her house in the Catskills – Belvedere Inn sounds like a wonderful place. One of my favourite details in the book is all the great descriptions of the house and the hilarious details of how Babs renovated it. As in, “Babs had renovated the basement-level home theatre after landing a Japanese endorsement deal for caffeinated chewing gum.”
The story follows each of the adult children in alternating chapters. Liz is the responsible and sensible one. She’s the showrunner on a teen drama that just finished season one, based on the Sweet Valley High books. She’s trying to write her pitch for season two but is wildly distracted by a mega crush on the star of her show Violet.
Birdie is a stand-up comic in New York. Birdie might be one of my favourite characters of all time. She made me laugh so much my cheeks were hurting at parts. Birdie is a bit of a hot mess. She loses her manager when she misses her set time while hooking up in the bar’s bathroom – again.
Rafi is the sweet, heart-on-his-sleeve baby of the family. He gets his heart broken again when he proposes to his girlfriend in front of all their coworkers at the annual holiday party and she says no.
All three siblings retreat to the Fabulous Belvedere Inn for the holidays early to lick their wounds and to try and get some work done, away from their everyday lives. Each of the characters is so superbly crafted. I loved each of them for different reasons. I loved them together as well. Although they have complicated relationships with each other, it felt very real and reminded me a bit of my own family in ways. I also have two siblings and we’re close. We each have our roles we’re (sort of) relegated to, but at the end of the day, we have each other’s backs. And that’s what the Belvedere’s are like.
This wouldn’t be a rom-com if there wasn’t any romance, and each of the three Belvedere’s find their own love interest. I won’t spoil it for you, but each of them are different and perfect. There is a lot packed into this book but it all feels right.
One of my favourite things about this book is the character growth. All the Belvederes experience tremendous change throughout the narrative, and I found myself feeling very inspired by their growth, perhaps because I cared about all the characters so much. There were even a few moments that I teared up – a rarity for me, and I’m not mad about it.
Okay, one last thing I loved, and then I promise to let you get back to your day. I loved how gay this book is. Like super queer. In her notes at the end of the book, Georgia talks about how at first Rafi’s character was straight and how it just wasn’t working. I’m so glad she followed her gut and put him on the rainbow. Is it realistic that all three siblings would be queer? Who cares? Not this reader. I loved every moment.
Make your yuletide gayer this year and read Most Wonderful. Just trust me.
The Wedding Engagement is a fun and charming friends-to-lovers rom-com.
If you’re a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, this book is a must-read. Zoe The Wedding Engagement is a fun and charming friends-to-lovers rom-com.
If you’re a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, this book is a must-read. Zoe has masterfully captured the essence of this beloved trope, infusing it with fun, heartfelt moments, and a dash of spice. The story is a delightful escape, with entertaining plot twists, spot-on banter, and a romance that will leave you swooning.
One of the things that stood out for me was the strong friendship among the characters in this book. This is a tight-knit group, and I adored how supportive they were of each other. I also loved the fun banter-y teasing that went on among the friends. This story has lots of light, fluffy, and laugh-out-loud moments, which makes for such an enjoyable read. But this book isn’t just fluff; Zoe tackles some pretty challenging topics, like a toxic parent and toxic past relationships. Zoe handled these topics with care and thought and did a great job at weaving them into her story in a realistic and relatable manner.
The characters in this book were wonderful! Zoe really is a likeable character. She is smart and funny, and I couldn’t help but root for her. She is crushing hard for Arran, her brother’s best friend. Zoe and Arran have grown closer over the years and now consider each other close friends. Even though it looks like Zoe has her life together, she struggles when it comes to romantic relationships. Her toxic relationship with her father has made it difficult for her to get close to another man romantically. She believes in love and HEA, but not for herself. Arran is a real sweetheart of a hero. He is funny and charming and is also crushing on Zoe. But Arran has a lot on his plate. He is co-raising his son with his ex-fiancé, who doesn’t seem as interested in parenting. Arran has some emotional baggage from his ex-fiance leaving him, and it’s been difficult to move on when his ex is still in his life. As the story progresses, both MCs really need to focus on internal health and growth. It is something that they do independently and with each other’s support. Their journey to getting their HEA is full of miscommunications and pinning.
I love a romance that is chock full of witty banter. Zoe and Arran really are perfect for each other. I loved, loved, loved their banter. It is flirty and nerdy. I devoured every exchange between these two. Besides all the fun banter, there was some real depth to Zoe and Arran’s relationship that comes from two characters that have known each other for a long time. These two have supported each other over the years and have stood by each other through thick and thin. They are a team that works so well together. The only real miscommunication that exists between them is connected to their romantic feelings, which is pretty understandable, given their past and friendship. You will love this book if you are a fan of friends to lovers, brother’s best friend, slow burn, pinning, miscommunications, and fun, flirty banter.
The Wedding Engagement is a fun, flirty friends-to-lovers rom-com that is sure to please any romance bookworm.
The moment I finish the last book in a series is often bittersweet. I loved how Jeanine ended this sA satisfying conclusion to an exceptional series.
The moment I finish the last book in a series is often bittersweet. I loved how Jeanine ended this series, but I am sad that this is the last new adventure I get to have with these characters I’ve come to love and adore. I would highly recommend reading the previous two books for this series, plus Conveniently Wed to the Laird from the Falling for a Stewart series. This overarching mysterious plotline has been slowly unfolding over these books, and it’s in this final book that we get the answers to many of our questions.
This is a quick and addictive read. I am wowed by Jeanine’s ability to keep this series so interesting and fresh; each story has its own unique feel to it. In this book, we get to go on an epic road trip filled with danger, attraction, and magic. Rolf and Kenna’s lives are thrown together when Kenna’s father is killed while trying to help solve the mystery surrounding Rolf’s parents and Laird McDonald. I’m intentionally vague when I talk about this urgent mystery that Rolf is trying to solve because I don’t want to give any spoilers away from the other books in the series. Things move quickly in this book, which makes it hard to put down. There was always something happening that made me want to turn the page. I ate up all the rune magical elements in this story. It was just so fascinating, and I loved the way that Jeanine incorporated it into this story. It was a great story element and an interesting tool to use to help solve this mystery. I found how everything was wrapped up and the final big climatic fight to be very satisfying and fit perfectly with the tone of the book.
I adored, and I mean adored, Kenna and Rolf’s characters. They were just so easy to connect with and that chemistry was so delicious. Both characters ooze strength, courage, and kindness. I loved their interactions. They don’t know what to make of each other and I loved watching as they continually befuddled each other. Their growth in this book is a poignant journey of finding the courage to let the past go and learn to live in the present. It’s a struggle for both of them, but with the unconditional support they give each other they are able to let those emotional chains go. This is a more sweet romance. The characters are not looking for love, but they cannot deny the attraction that they feel for each other. Because they are forced to spend a lot of time alone, it creates the perfect opportunity for that attraction to grow. But of course, there are hurdles they have to overcome before they can ever have that HEA that they so rightfully deserve.
A Highlander to Protect Her is an emotional and beautiful story and the perfect conclusion to a fabulous series. The way Jeanine wraps up the series is not just satisfying, but it leaves you with a sense of contentment, knowing that the characters you’ve come to love have found their rightful place in the story.
Her Warrior’s Surprise Return is another breathtaking historical romance by Ella Matthews.
I’ve somehow managed to read this series out of order, whicHer Warrior’s Surprise Return is another breathtaking historical romance by Ella Matthews.
I’ve somehow managed to read this series out of order, which is pretty typical of me. I loved the second book in this duology, so when Rachel asked if I would like to be a part of this tour, I knew it presented the perfect reason for me to dive back into the world of Ruaidhri and Robert, two brothers who are about to have their worlds changed by two very brave and beauty heroines. I couldn’t wait to dive into Ruaidhri and Sorcha’s story. Ella does a great job at hooking readers in. The two MCs meet for the first time after being apart for many years. All we know is that they left on bad terms, each thinking that the other betrayed them. That sense of betrayal, heartbreak, and anger just leapt from the pages, and when you throw in some lusty hidden feelings, you get some delicious tension.
This story moves fast and is pretty balanced between hectic moments of chaos and quiet moments where the two MCs have out old feelings and eventually clear up some major miscommunications. I loved everything about this story. It has actions, romance, political intrigue, drama, and even some pretty great wit. It’s a quick and easy read and really is perfect for any bookworm who loves a good historical romance romp. The two MCs are great. Both are strong, capable leaders who have sacrificed a lot to get where they are. Ruaidhri and Sochra are so perfectly matched in terms of wit and intellect, and even though they parted on bad terms, you can tell they still have strong feelings for each other. I really loved watching this second chance romance unfold on pages of this book.
Her Warrior’s Surprise Return is an addictive and quick romance that is sure to leave its readers feeling very satisfied.
Lone Wolf in Lights is a fabulous blend of Hallmark charm and sultry spice.
This was one of those books; I wasn’t sure what I would get when I read itLone Wolf in Lights is a fabulous blend of Hallmark charm and sultry spice.
This was one of those books; I wasn’t sure what I would get when I read it. Would it be super charming, spicy, full of dramatic twists and turns? It’s always a fun experience when you venture into the unknown when reading. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It starts off super Hallmark-ish. The dialogue is about boosting others up and supporting one another, and it is sometimes a bit cheesy. The small town this book is located in feels charming and has the added bonus of being located near a farm full of gorgeous cowboys. As Willow and Eli grow closer, things start to heat up, and there are some spicier moments between them. There are also a few twists when an unknown threat is directed at Willow. All of these different elements blended together really nicely.
This is a short story, and it might even be considered a novella because it is under 200 pages. This means that things progress quickly both in the overarching plotline and with the relationship between Willow and Eli. Both MCs are struggling with past traumas, making taking that first step into a romantic relationship difficult. Willow is coming out of an abusive relationship and is trying to heal and find herself. Eli’s sister was murdered by her abusive ex, and he is dealing with the grief of losing his sister in such a traumatic manner. Stacey did a great job at handling the topic of abuse and grief in a thoughtful and careful manner. I thought including this difficult topic added a sense of realism to the story. It gave it some depth. Of course, both characters grow from the support of each other and some self-reflecting.
The romance in this book is enjoyable. There is a bit of friends-to-lovers, fake dating, and a protective hero. It’s pretty clear to see that these two have chemistry. There is also this mutual understanding of the emotional difficulties they are going through. I liked both the fun, flirty banter and the more serious, quiet chats. Their relationship does progress at light speed, but that is to be expected for a shorter story.
Lone Wolf in Lights is a fun cowboy romance with a dash of Christmas magic.
A Cowgirl’s Thanksgiving Kiss is perfect for any bookworm who loves Hallmark movies.
There is always that moment when this bookworm just needs to curlA Cowgirl’s Thanksgiving Kiss is perfect for any bookworm who loves Hallmark movies.
There is always that moment when this bookworm just needs to curl up with a cozy, charming romance. Normally, my charming romances take place across the pond in England or Scotland. But I decided to stay on this side of the world and spend some time at an unforgettable ranch. Now, if you aren’t a fan of Hallmark movies, then I would say give this book a pass because you probably won’t enjoy it. Overall, I really loved this book. It was sweet and funny, had some pretty entertaining twists and the romance was heartwarming.
One of my favourite things about this book was the family dynamics that exist in J.R. and Hunter’s families. They are all firecrackers. Hunter’s brothers have that fun brotherly banter. J.R.’s family is chaos in its purest form and it’s so much fun to be a part of. I loved that variety of family relationships. Hunter is very close to all of his family, and they all love and support each other. J.R. has a very different relationship with her family. They are distant, have a lot of work, and there are some past hurts that have put a strain on their relationships. Spending time with all these family members was a lot of fun. I loved watching as all these different characters interacted with each other.
J.R. and Hunter have this reverse grumpy sunshine co-worker thing going on. J.R. likes to say that her life is a big old hot mess. I wouldn’t say it is. She is a busy single mom who has a lot on her plate. She does her best, and I think she is pretty amazing. Her past relationships, both romantic and with her family, have made her develop this defence that often makes her come across as being prickly. She is independent and doesn’t like to accept help, especially from Hunter. Over the course of the book, J.R. begins to learn that it’s okay to let others help her and that Hunter might actually be a genuine good guy. Hunter is that perfect cinnamon roll cowboy hero. He is charming, sweet, and knows just what to say to put a smile on someone’s face. He is a good guy through and through and is smitten with J.R. The only problem is that J.R. doesn’t necessarily trust all that cowboy charm. But he is willing to keep showing up when she needs him and prove his feelings are real.
I liked the romance. It’s sweet and feels real. Sometimes, those Hallmark-type books create a romance that doesn’t feel realistic, but that’s not the case in this book. J.R. and Hunter both have their own struggles, and things don’t magically fall into place for them. They have to work on trusting and opening up to each other before they can really dive into that romantic relationship. Things progressed believably.
A Cowgirl’s Thanksgiving Kiss is a heartwarming romance that is sure to sweep you off your feet.
Mr. Nice Spy is a fun, flirty, fast-paced rom-com that is hard to put down.
The synopsis for this book sounded unique and so different from other rom-Mr. Nice Spy is a fun, flirty, fast-paced rom-com that is hard to put down.
The synopsis for this book sounded unique and so different from other rom-coms that I have been reading. I was looking for something light-hearted, fun, and entertaining, and that is precisely what I got. This is a light romantic suspense spy novel; think of those fun spy action movies. This is a really easy book to sink into. Tiana did a great job of bringing together all these different story elements (mystery, suspense, action, and romance) and creating this unique story. If you like your rom-coms fast-paced and witty, you will love the wild ride this book takes you on.
One of the things that really stands out in this book is the fact that our CIA hero is disabled. Chan was injured on the job and now requires hearing aids. This book has a lot of American Sign Language, which Tiana brilliantly incorporated into the plot. Tiana also included this message that even though a person may live with a disability, it doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of great things. Chan is a fabulous spy, and his disability doesn’t hinder his ability to do his job.
I loved both MCs in this book. There is this great reverse grumpy sunshine feel to their relationship. Andee has this slight type A personality, which has made it hard for her to make friends at work. She is an overachiever, and her co-workers don’t usually appreciate that. Andee is also not the most socially adept, which can lead to some fabulous awkward situations (i.e. when she has to pretend to flirt). This unexpected adventure she finds herself on pushes Andee out of her comfort zone. But as her journey unfolds, she discovers that she has this hidden strength she didn’t know she had. Chan is Mr. Nice Spy. He is that sweet, charming, cinnamon roll guy who just so happens to be a trained CIA operative. I loved his character. He’s not the typical alpha male character you would normally get in these stories. He is that perfect book boyfriend.
The romance in this book moves quickly. It’s pretty clear that there are sparks between Andee and Chan right from the first moment that they meet. I loved their banter; it was fun and light-hearted. External factors, i.e. getting kidnapped, cause their budding romantic relationship to develop a little quicker. Getting locked in a small room for an extended period of time really creates that perfect opportunity for the two MCs to really get to know each other. The whole getting kidnapped element also heightens the emotions within these characters, which they sometimes act upon. In this story, there are a lot of smouldering looks, steamy make-out sessions, and snuggling in one-bed situations. I devoured every single one of those romantic moments that happened between these two. It just made me smile because they were often so sweet.
Mr. Nice Spy is a satisfying and wonderfully romantic story with an exciting spy element twist.
A Little Place in Prague is a romantic second-chance love story that is sure to sweep you off your feet.
There is just something so magical about JulieA Little Place in Prague is a romantic second-chance love story that is sure to sweep you off your feet.
There is just something so magical about Julie’s writing. She truly is the master at creating a story that transports you to unique places in our world. No matter where her books are set, Julie masterfully brings to life the culture, the people, and the essence that makes these places so special. In this book, we are transported to the gorgeous city of Prague. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Prague around the holiday season and seen how festive and magical the city becomes during this time of year. The city just comes to life in this book. I felt like I was back in this city, eating yummy treats and soaking in the beautiful sights. Beware, the food talk in this book is delicious and will leave you feeling super hungry.
The story and the characters are wonderfully developed and rich. Reading a Julie Caplin story is like being wrapped in a cozy blanket. You just sink into the story, and the world around you disappears. This book has charm and heart that leaps from the pages of her books, and this book is no exception. I love that feeling of escapism that I got when reading this book. The story unfolds interestingly and entertainingly. I enjoyed learning about Czech beer; watching two MCs explore the world of breweries was a lot of fun. Even though there is this light fluffiness to this story, there is this realism that is woven throughout the plot. Both Anna and Leo have emotional baggage, and they are dealing with these tougher emotions that have been plaguing them, which means that there are plenty of ups and downs, especially when rekindling the romance between them. Their struggles and insecurities are relatable to anyone who may have felt they weren’t good enough.
Anna and Leo are wonderful MCs. We met Leo in the previous book in the series and he is an absolute delight. He is that cinnamon roll hero who is full of life and a big old flirt. He is the life of the party, and you just cannot help but love him. Leo struggles with feeling like he is not good enough. People often write Leo off as a pretty party boy who will never amount to anything. He is in Prague to prove he can make it in the brewery world and start his own business. Anna is also in Prague to prove to her family that she can play a bigger role in her family’s brewery business. Anna sees herself as a prickly-ish person. Her self-esteem isn’t the highest, and she doesn’t believe that someone like Leo would ever stay in love with her. She doesn’t see herself like Leo (who adores her) does.
If you like a good second-chance forced proximity romance, you will enjoy this book. I really enjoyed the chemistry and journey Anna and Leo went on in this book. Julie hooks her readers in by teasing us with the knowledge that these two characters have a past. But we don’t know what that past is. I instantly wanted to know what happened between them because that tension was leaping from the pages. I liked Anna and Leo together. They have this great opposite-attract chemistry that I couldn’t help but devour. The main obstacle these two have to overcome is clearly past miscommunications and learning to trust one another with their fears.
A Little Place in Prague is a charming, breathtaking romance that is so satisfying to read.
My Darling Jane is a lusty, entertaining rom-com that was a lot of fun to read.
I was a bit nervous about starting this book. I wasn’t overly fond of tMy Darling Jane is a lusty, entertaining rom-com that was a lot of fun to read.
I was a bit nervous about starting this book. I wasn’t overly fond of the second half of My Darling Bride, the previous book in this series. It just didn’t live up to the exception I had for it. But what I did love from My Darling Bride was that frenemy energy and banter between Jane and Jasper. So, I was cautiously excited to see what the author had in store for these two characters. I’m happy to say I like this book more than the previous one. The author took a lot of great tropes and mashed them together to create a fun and bantery love story. This is an easy and quick read. It’s one of those books that doesn’t require you to think too much and it doesn’t drain you emotionally. You can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
The chemistry between Jane and Jasper is what really stood out for me. I am a sucker for that sharp banter between two MCs. When it is done right (and it was in this case), the two MCs are constantly keeping each other on their toes. It makes for an entertaining reading experience. That frenemy energy also means that shenanigans often occur between the two characters. I loved watching Jane and Jasper dance around each other in this lusty frenemy tango.
The story itself moves at a steady pace. The author did a great job at placing dramatic twists and turns in the story so that her readers constantly felt the need to keep on reading because they needed to know what would happen next. I liked this story. Jane and Jasper’s stories have realism, making it easy for a reader to connect with them. Jane is a single mom who works at her family’s bookstore and has started up her own dating website. She has a lot on her plate and believes romance isn’t in her future. She also thinks Jasper’s a playboy and that if she lets her guard down around him, he will break her heart. Jasper knows he has feelings for Jane, but he is thrown that she won’t give him the time of day. He knows that there is something special going on between them. Jasper also has some family issues that have come up that have thrown his life into turmoil. Watching as these two characters deal with their own life drama and navigate these growing romantic feelings they have for one another was enjoyable. I love a book with lots of ridiculous drama, and this book had that in spades.
The romance was great. The author did a much better job with Jasper and Jane’s romance than with the previous MC’s love story. I loved the way the author incorporated Jane’s start-up dating website as a tool to help bring these two characters closer together. Jasper’s attempts at dating don’t go smoothly, and with each date, he increasingly realizes that it’s Jane he wants to be dating. It was an entertaining way to have these two characters come together. This is a much spicier book than the previous one. The lusty tension between Jasper and Jane just leaps from the pages, and it gets hot when they finally give in to those feelings. There are also a lot of sweet and tender moments between these two. But of course, some moments of miscommunication and fear cause some problems for these two. What I like about Jane and Jasper’s relationship problems is that they weren’t ridiculous; there was no big blow-up. They just needed time to help sort through some messy emotions.
My Darling Jane is an easy-to-love romantic comedy that is a great way to escape the world for a couple of hours.
Her Knight at the Museum is a delightfully fun, bonkers rom-com that is sure to put a smile on your face.
This book is fabulously fun! I am so thrilleHer Knight at the Museum is a delightfully fun, bonkers rom-com that is sure to put a smile on your face.
This book is fabulously fun! I am so thrilled that Bryn decided to really lean into the bonkers and cheesy side of this unique story that she has created. She took a chance, and I’m happy that she did. You’ve got to like your romances a little silly and bonkers, and with a sprinkling of cheesy dialogue, because this book has that in spades. I devoured this book in two sittings; it would have been one if I didn’t have to be a responsible adult….sigh. I was instantly hooked and engaged with this silly, fun plot unfolding in front of me. I was curious about how Emily and Griffin would get their HEA and where Bryn would take this story. The plot idea of a character living in a completely different time period isn’t new. This story could have unfolded and ended in many different ways. What I loved was that even though this story idea had been done in the past, Bryn put her own unique spin on it. She weaves charm, humour, lusty romance, and drama together and creates something entertaining to read. I loved how she approached the trope and did a great job of ensuring that everything made sense in a bonkers/silly way. She doesn’t overburden her readers with too much information about the whole curse element and doesn’t overburden her readers with too many historical facts.
What stands out in this book is Griffin’s character. Bryn went all out with his character. She embraced Griffin’s medieval-ness and I loved that. Griffin is cheesy (delightfully so); he is that charming knight who spouts poetry to his sweetheart and doesn’t shy away from telling Emily how he feels for her. The fish-out-of-water trope-y feel to his character was perfection. He was so excited to explore this new world that he found himself and embraced everything with such gusto. There are lots of moments where things get lost in translation, or he makes an innocent mistake, which leads to a funny and awkward moment that I devoured.
The romance was great. What hooked me the most was this need to know how Bryn was going to give these two a HEA that made sense. Emily and Griffin’s situation is quite…weird…different… not your run-of-the-mill relationship situation. That need to know really made me obsessed with this book. I loved watching these two together on the page. Emily is a kind, smart, and fabulous heroine who needs a little romance in her life. I loved watching these two very different people learn to interact with each other. It was fun watching as Emily introduced Griffin to the modern world. But of course, there will be some miscommunications and misunderstandings between them. If it hadn’t been for this story, it would have worked. Everything on the romance side worked well.
I hope that Rose, Emily’s best friend, gets her own book. She is such a fun and delightful character, and I really want to spend more time with her.
Her Knight at the Museum is a delightfully fun bonkers romance that has oodles of charm.
One Winter at the French Chalet will warm your heart this winter.
This book is perfect for those who want to read something wintery without being bombaOne Winter at the French Chalet will warm your heart this winter.
This book is perfect for those who want to read something wintery without being bombarded with Christmas shenanigans. I really enjoyed this book, and I think it’s because it took me on a journey I wasn’t expecting. I was thinking this would be a light and fluffy small-town romance with a lot of Christmas magic sprinkled throughout it. While it is this to a certain extent, it also is a story that possesses a lot of depth and mystery and tackles some tougher issues. This story is about these relatable characters who are juggling a lot of real-life problems. Mandy was thoughtful in how she included topics such as mental health, dealing with a serious illness, strained family relationships, and living and healing from past traumas. Everything in this book really worked beautifully together.
I adored the setting. I am a sucker for a small-town romance, and one that is located in the rural mountainside of France really scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. The little town of Saint-Chambéry was quirky, fun, and possessed so much charm. I loved all the townspeople, and Mandy did a great job at creating a community that felt like a cozy blanket was hugging you.
One of the things that made this book feel so real was the complicated family dynamics that existed in it. Both Orla and Jacque’s family relationships aren’t the greatest. Orla’s parents are struggling with health problems and marriage problems. Orla’s younger sister is talking to this mysterious stranger online, and Orla is afraid her sister will either be hurt or scammed by this mysterious person. Jacque has a strained relationship with both of his parents and has chosen to distance himself from his family, except his younger brother. Watching Orla and Jacque navigate these different solutions was heartbreaking and heartwarming. There aren’t any clear answers or solutions to their problems; they are just trying to do their best.
I liked Orla and Jacque. They have this interesting chemistry going on between them. There is a lot of friction between these two, and they often go from hot to cold in the blink of an eye. Both of these characters deal with a lot of issues, both family and personal. Their emotional baggage often leads to misunderstandings, leading to fights. I enjoyed Orla and Jacque’s story. They are both extremely likable characters, and it was utterly adorable to see how nervous they were about going on a date with one another. Jacque is absolutely smitten with Orla, and there are moments when his feelings cause him to say the sweetest and swoonest things. You will like this book if you like forced proximity, dislike to lovers, small-town meddling, misunderstandings, and closed-door spice. Overall, the romance in this book was this fabulous mixture of charm, warmth, and a dash of lusty attraction.
One Winter at the French Chalet is a real and heartwarming romance.
I was not prepared for the last paragraph of the book. I screamed and threw my ereader across the couch. And I can NOT wait for book three.
The MirrorI was not prepared for the last paragraph of the book. I screamed and threw my ereader across the couch. And I can NOT wait for book three.
The Mirror picks up exactly where Inheritance ends. I feel like this trilogy will read like one massive book when it’s complete. I think this series is one readers will either love or hate. It’s slow moving, filled with details and it can feel like nothing is really happening. I feel like this is much more a character-focused story. You spend hours reading and just hanging out with Sonya and Cleo, their hunky men Trey and Owen and the delightful cast of characters throughout history that you meet. Sonya’s had a rough year, as we learn in book one, and in The Mirror, you get to see her start to regain her mojo after some major life experiences.
The Mirror is truly classic Nora: it’s field with a fabulous cast of strong women, hunky and caring men and really cool locations. There’s quirky animals, a dynamic group of ghosts whom I care way too much about, and a generational curse that needs to be broken. The ghosts are truly full fledged characters in this trilogy even though we never really get a chance to directly talk to them. I devoured this book, but already can’t wait to read it again, stretched out on my couch with a cozy blanket and a steaming cup of tea.
While the plot may feel plodding, the storyline of The Mirror shines in its character development.
The Knight’s Bride Prize is a historical romance that is so easy to love.
Gosh, this book was a delight to read. The story was fun, interesting, and ooThe Knight’s Bride Prize is a historical romance that is so easy to love.
Gosh, this book was a delight to read. The story was fun, interesting, and oozed that chivalrous romance that I love to devour. This is a quick and easy read, and because it is a shorter story, things move along at a brisk pace. I enjoyed the plot in this book. It has an intriguing, mysterious element, knights fighting for the hand of the fair maiden, and a romance bursting with witty dialogue and lusty tension. Everything in this story works beautifully together.
I really liked the two MCs. Bronwen has this quiet strength in her character. She feels isolated, and she yearns to break free from her father’s cruel and unpredictable moods and start her own family. She is rather clever, and watching her interact with Sir Hugh was enjoyable. Her character comes to life when she is interacting with him. Sir Hugh is an interesting hero; he is rather insecure and doesn’t believe himself to be that great of a knight (bookworms, he is a fabulous, fierce, and brave knight). You don’t often see that insecure feeling in heroes in historical romances. They are often brash and bold and think very highly of themselves. I found myself really liking Hugh’s character. He is humble and kind, and it was great watching him realize that he is worthy of being loved and receiving the attention he receives from being a knight.
The romance in this book was everything I wanted it to be. I instantly felt those sparks between Bronwen and Hugh. I loved that witty, friendly banter that existed between them. It was so lovely watching these two work secretly together to help Bronwen find the right husband, even though it was obvious that High was the right man for Bronwen.
The Knight’s Bride Prize is a delightful and swoonastic historical romance, and I can’t wait to read Ella Matthews’s next book.
Somewhere between romance and fiction lies Maya Kessler’s debut Rosenfeld.
This book was my most anticipated read for November. It just sounded so diffSomewhere between romance and fiction lies Maya Kessler’s debut Rosenfeld.
This book was my most anticipated read for November. It just sounded so different than a lot of what we get in the romance genre and I was ready for a break. I wasn’t wrong. Rosenfeld is not your typical romance. In fact, I’m not sure I would agree that this book fits into the romance genre at all. I’d put it more firmly in fiction territory.
The first chapter, I was enthralled. It really is just so different. I had the same sense when I read You Make a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi. That sense that this is something totally raw. That’s where the similarity ends however. I did not end up loving Rosenfeld nearly as much.
Noa is an interesting character. Selfish, emotionally immature and frankly, insufferable. Teddy is much the same, albeit, much older and richer than Noa. I don’t always have to love the main characters, but I do prefer to root for one of them, or at the very least, have some empathy or understanding of them. That was not the case here. Noa and Teddy have an intense relationship that doesn’t make a lot of sense. They hurt each other repeatedly. There is an obsessive quality about them.
My biggest beef with this book is the length. It’s like a song with one chord that repeats for too long. No chorus, no changing it up. There is very little that happens until about 3/4 of the way through, and even then, the character growth seems minimal to me. By then I disliked both characters so strongly, I couldn’t muster any enthusiasm for their “growth”. This would have been much more compelling as a short story that left us wanting more.
Even with all that said, I am going to be watching Maya’s career as I think she has an interesting voice and I’d like to see what she does with it.
Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel is delightful and oozes the Paris charm I love.
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Rebecca’s writing. Anytime Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel is delightful and oozes the Paris charm I love.
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Rebecca’s writing. Anytime anyone is looking for a charming, heartwarming romance, her books are always the first ones I recommend. There is just something so wonderful about Rebecca’s writing that brings me comfort and joy. In this book, Rebecca transports her readers to a charming Parisian neighbourhood, where a down-on-her-luck heroine is tasked with renovating an old hotel. I fell in love with the setting in this book, and I adored the literary elements that Rebecca added to the story. It was like she wrote a love letter for those bookworms who adore the bookish side of Paris. The story itself is bursting with warmth, laughter, and heart. I am a sucker for a good home/business make-over story, and Rebecca nailed all those qualities that make that sub-genre so amazing for me. There is plenty of chaotic energy within this hotel as it is being renovated. Anyone who has done renovations knows that nothing ever goes as smoothly as you would like it to. What made this renovation story even more special was the mystery around the mysterious writer who lived in the hotel many, many years ago. It was an interesting side story that helped to bring Anais and Noah closer together. I love a good mystery, and Rebecca did a great job incorporating this story element into the plot.
Anais was delightful. She is a romance author who suffers writer’s block after discovering her husband in bed with another woman. Her divorce was long and awful, and she no longer believes in love; anytime she attempts to write a romance, the poor male hero finds himself dismembered in the most gruesome way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading her attempts at writing; they were highly entertaining. Anais’s relationship with her cousin Manon was what really stood out for me. Anais and Manon are very different from one another, but they have a solid and supportive relationship with each other. It was a lot of fun hanging out with them as they renovated the old hotel. The sisterly, witty banter that went on between them was perfection.
This is an excellent romance for those bookworms who are looking for something that is on the lighter end of the romance scale. There isn’t an overwhelming amount of romance in this book. The “romantic-ish” moments are scattered throughout the story, and it isn’t until near the end that they increase in number. If you like, dislike to lovers and neighbours to lovers tropes, then you are going to enjoy the romance between Anais and Noah. Noah doesn’t give a great first, second, or third impression. He is a bit of a bossy know-it-all, and definitely rubs Anais the wrong way. He’s not my favourite Rebecca hero, but he does grow on you as the book goes on. What I liked about their relationship was that sharp, witty banter and how they constantly kept each other on each other’s toes.
Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel is a holiday story and is easy to love.
Under Loch and Key is a spicy and fun monster love romp.
Under Loch and Key is perfect for bookworms interested in dipping their toes into the monsterUnder Loch and Key is a spicy and fun monster love romp.
Under Loch and Key is perfect for bookworms interested in dipping their toes into the monster love sub-genre. This is a rom-com monster love story. The monster elements are there, and they are also lightly sprinkled into the spicy scenes. But this book isn’t overly batshit weird, bonkers crazy. What I mean is that it doesn’t dive into the deep end of this subgenre. This story lives in the shallow end of the monster-love pool, making it a great read for those keen on reading a book from this sub-genre.
I adore this book. It was everything that I had hoped it would be. It’s fun, flirty, and spicy. It’s a quintessential Lana Ferguson book with a Scottish monster twist. Lana’s writing is so wonderful. She creates these stories that are so easy to sink into and are bursting with great characters, witty banter, and lots of drama. I was instantly hooked on this book. I fell in love with Key and Lachlan’s characters and quickly became invested in their love story. I also was incredibly curious about the folklore, curse, and rivalry that existed between the Greer and MacKay families. Lana did a great job at taking those traditional Scottish myths, aka the Loch Ness Monster, and making it her own. She weaves those monster/myth elements into this contemporary rom-com and creates something that is super entertaining and enjoyable to read.
I loved all the characters in this book. The secondary characters were quirky and sweet, adding charm to the story. Lana did a great job at capturing that small-town Scottish vibe. Key and Lachlan are great MCs. Key’s relationship with her father and family is going to tug at those heartstrings at times. Her journey at learning more about the place that her father grew up in and connecting with her grandparents was beautifully done. I really liked her as a character. She is fierce, spunky, and, at times, very vulnerable. Lachlan is that typical broody Highlander who tries to be gruff with the heroine to hide the growing lusty feelings he is experiencing. Lachlan is an interesting character. He has a lot of those typical alpha male characteristics, but underneath that prickly exterior is a man who is alone and terrified of what the future may hold for him. He has demons that he needs to learn to deal with before he can really move on in his life.
The romance in this book is typical Lana Ferguson romance; I mean by that, it’s witty and very spicy. Key and Lachlan have this dislike-to-lovers trope vibe to their love story, which is right up my alley. I love the sharp, witty banter that often exists in a dislike/enemies-to-lovers romance. In the beginning, Key and Lachlan go out of their way to aggravate each other while trying to ignore those lusty feelings that pop up whenever they are around each other. The relationship between Key and Lachlan was so delicious. I enjoyed the chemistry and sparks between these two. The spice is pretty spicy, and there are a few sex scenes when that monster element gets thrown in. The main hurdle between these two is Lachlan’s lack of trust. He has grown up thinking that the MacKay family are the enemies, and even though deep down inside he knows Key is trustworthy, he has a hard time giving up his secrets.
Under Loch and Key is a spicy Scottish romance with a monster twist.
Christmas at Holly Tree Cottage is a heartwarming love story.
I love Eliza’s books. They are a beautiful blend of Hallmark cheer with a splash of realChristmas at Holly Tree Cottage is a heartwarming love story.
I love Eliza’s books. They are a beautiful blend of Hallmark cheer with a splash of realism. I was instantly absorbed in this story. Eliza tugged at those heartstrings right from the beginning. You could feel Finn’s pain and sadness leap from the pages when he realized his ex-wife was moving to the States and taking their sons with her. My heart was breaking, and I just wanted to hug this man. I felt invested in his story right away.
Overall, this was a delightful story. It had everything I wanted it to have. There were plenty of fluffy, light, laugh-out-loud, swoony, and dramatic moments. The ending gets really juicy with drama, which had me frantically turning the page to see how everything would turn out. This story is told from Romy and Finn’s POVs, and I enjoyed seeing inside both characters. They are both likeable characters. They are dealing with their own struggles and emotional baggage. I love watching these two reconnect. You just know when two characters are meant to be together, and that was the feeling that I got with Finn and Romy. I really enjoyed these two and loved how their time together helped heal past hurts.
Christmas at Holly Tree Cottage is a sweet second-chance small-town romance with a lovely Christmas twist to it.
…Sigh… This book is chef kiss perfection. There is just something about Maxine’s books that just hit eReach for the Stars is pure Maxine Morrey charm.
…Sigh… This book is chef kiss perfection. There is just something about Maxine’s books that just hit every single one of my buttons. I was instantly, and I mean instantly, obsessed with this story. The first scene in this book is when Fliss accidentally knocks out Jesse with a 2×4 piece of wood. Those sparks, or should I say stars, were flying between these two right from that very first meet-cute. I love every moment of this story. We first meet Fliss when her life is a hot mess. While drunk, she buys an old house and some sheep, as one does when they have been drinking a lot. The problem is that the house that she bought is in shambles, and as she attempts to fix it, more things go wrong, mainly because a tree falls through her roof into her bedroom. There is just something about watching as a heroine’s life implodes around them that is slightly addictive to me. I especially love it when the imploding is done through a series of disastrous and sometimes funny events. It makes for a really entertaining read.
The overall story is quintessential Maxine Morrey’s charm. It was a lot of fun to read, and when I was finished, I felt light and fluffy on the inside. This is a feel-good romance with a sprinkling of realism. I loved the fact that it wasn’t an overly heavy book. There are times when this bookworm just wants to sit down and read something that will put a smile on her face, and this book is that. I love the story’s small-town feel, and the secondary characters and their side stories made the reading experience richer. Fliss and Jesse are fabulous MCs. Fliss is an independent, strong woman who isn’t willing to accept favours or handouts. She has worked hard her entire life and doesn’t want to feel like she needs to depend on anyone else. Fliss’s character really has this fish-out-of-water trope-y experience. She is a city girl trying to figure out how to survive in this new country life she finds herself in. I loved watching Fliss let down those walls she built around herself. She does a lot of self-reflecting in this story, and it was great watching her find the things and the people who truly make her happy. Let me tell you, Maxine really knows how to write a fabulous hero. Jesse stole my heart. He is charming and gorgeous, and he sees through that tough, prickly exterior Fliss puts on. Jesse was the perfect match for Fliss. He is strong enough not to let Fliss boss him around and calls Fliss on her BS when the occasion arises.
The romance in this book is sweet and charming, and it had my heart pitter-pattering. Fliss and Jesse were great for each other, and their chemistry was believable and enjoyable. There was just something so addicting about their interactions. I found myself quickly turning the page to see what would happen next between them. Their love story was so fun for me because it has many of my favourite tropes, such as slow burn, opposites attract, fish-out-of-water, and forced proximity.
Reach for the Stars is an easy, breezy, sweet romance that I will read again and again.
Pregnant Enemy, Christmas Bride has the potential to be a wild Christmas romance if only the author really embraced that crazy essence that existed inPregnant Enemy, Christmas Bride has the potential to be a wild Christmas romance if only the author really embraced that crazy essence that existed in this story.
I like a category romance. They are quick and easy reads and often have bonkers storylines. When I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I needed to read it because the plot sounded wild. I hoped for lots of delicious drama, lusty tension, and sharp banter. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any of that in this book. This book just didn’t work for me. I don’t have any problem with the plot. I actually don’t mind accidental pregnancy, which leads to a marriage of convenience or forced marriage trope. I devour that kind of drama with a smile on my face.
The problem I had was the way this book was executed. First, for a short-category romance, there was way too much internal dialogue going on. It takes up most of the book, which means there is a limited amount of dialogue. One of the great things about an enemies-to-lovers or rivalries-to-lovers story is the sharp and fast banter between the two MCs. I didn’t get that in this book, and when these two did talk, it was rigid and felt off. Their conversations and how they unfolded didn’t make sense and made for a jarring and confusing reading experience.
The chemistry between these two characters didn’t really exist for me. Florence’s feelings and actions toward Hades are all over the map, and not in a good way. She went from only sex buddies to I have to have him for myself in the blink of an eye. I know things often move fast in the category of romance, but that doesn’t mean they can unfold in a confusing and illogical manner. There is an art to writing fun, crazy, quick romance; unfortunately, that didn’t happen in this book. It was hard to get a read on Hades’s character; I think it might have been a good idea to include his POV. I might have been able to connect with his character.
Even though this story was a miss for me, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have potential. I love the plot idea behind this book, and I think with some rewriting and tweaking, it could be a great read.
How My Neighbor Stole Christmas is a fun, quirky romance with a lot of spice.
Ho, ho, ho. If a spicy Christmas romance is on your holiday wish list thHow My Neighbor Stole Christmas is a fun, quirky romance with a lot of spice.
Ho, ho, ho. If a spicy Christmas romance is on your holiday wish list this year, then you need to pick up a copy of How My Neighbor Stole Christmas. I tend to avoid spicy holiday romances; they aren’t my thing, but this book has been all over bookstagram, so I was keen to see what all the hype was about. I enjoyed this book. It could be a bit shorter because it’s a beast of a book, coming in at 484 pages. But it is an easy read; you don’t have to overthink what you are reading, and you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. Meghan did a great job taking the Grinch Who Stole Christmas and putting her own unique modern twist on the classic book. You will enjoy this story if you like your rom-coms full of holiday shenanigans, quirky characters, and lusty rivalry. The story itself is entertaining, and I enjoyed the direction Meghan went. I thought I was going to be reading a typical grumpy sunshine romance, but that’s not what this is. Both Cole and Storee are both bah humbug-y in their own way. Cole hates Christmas because it reminds him of when his parents passed away, and Storee isn’t fond of Christmas anymore because she has cut herself off from the world. Watching these two grinches pretend to be full of the Christmas spirit and go all in to win the Christmas Kringle title was good fun.
What I like most about this book is the banter. It was goofy, funny, and just really light-hearted. I found myself soaking it all up. Cole and Max’s friendship was perfection. Meghan did a fabulous job at capturing the essence of the Grinch and Max’s relationship in the classic tale and transforming it into this ride-or-die, best friends-to-the-end friendship. I’m pretty sure I was chuckling every single time these two were on the page together. It really is the highlight of this book.
I liked Cole and Storee as MCs. Storee’s character can be a bit childish and whiny at times, but she does grow on you as the book progresses. Cole’s character has the greatest amount of depth and growth. The ghosts of Christmas past haunt him, and he knows that he is trapped in this cycle of grief that he cannot escape. Watching him find the motivation and courage to break that cycle was sweet and heartbreaking. He really opens up to Storee and shows her this vulnerable side that he is hidden from the world. I enjoyed those quiet moments between these two.
I know the cover and synopsis make this book seem like it’s a fun Hallmark romance, and it is, but the second half of this book heats up in a big way. You have got to like your romances spicy if you are going to enjoy this book. I like the relationship between Cole and Storee. I always enjoy a good story about enemies/rivalries to lovers, and when you throw in a competition of sorts, that’s even better. The banter between these two is fast and goofy. The chemistry is this great blend of sweetness and spice. There is this small portion of the book (roughly around the middle) where there is a series of quiet moments between Cole and Storee where you see these two really reconnect. It was great watching them rekindle that friendship that was lost all those years ago. I know many bookworms are not fans of a third-act breakup, but the one in this book was really well done. It’s going to tug at those heart strings, have you believing in HEA, and Storee’s grand gesture was perfection.
How My Neighbor Stole Christmas is a goofy, banter-y romance that will warm your heart this Christmas.
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