Wild About You was an emotional young adult novel that featured serious topics (grief and anxiety) and yet left me feeling hopeful.
Natalie and Finn enWild About You was an emotional young adult novel that featured serious topics (grief and anxiety) and yet left me feeling hopeful.
Natalie and Finn entered an Amazing Race-style reality competition for quite distinct reasons. Natalie desperately needs the $100,000 prize to pay for her college tuition after her anxiety derailed her freshman year and resulted in the loss of merit scholarship. Finn joined the competition to fulfill a promise he made to his father.
Finn is partnered with Natalie and initially judges her for her lack of wilderness experience and her near-constant sunny disposition. He is the opposite of sunny and more than a bit of an asshole to Natalie, but eventually he begins to realize that he may have more in common with Natalie than he believed.
Finn learns that they are both grieving the loss of a loved one and that Natalie’s positivity is used as a cover for her anxiety. As they grow closer and begin to trust each other, innocent crushes turn into deeper feelings and the cutest love story.
I appreciated how Natalie and Finn were able to speak openly about their struggles with grief and mental health. I loved the competition aspect - even as someone who does not care for romance novels centered around reality shows - and I loved the sweetness of Wild About You....more
Abby Cohen is not a fan of strong emotions, struggles with opening up, and considers herself a realist; honestly, she’s a grump. Seth Abrams is (seemiAbby Cohen is not a fan of strong emotions, struggles with opening up, and considers herself a realist; honestly, she’s a grump. Seth Abrams is (seemingly) never in a bad mood, idealistic, and frequents Abby’s cafe every single morning; honestly, he can be a bit annoying.
When Abby is tasked with organizing her small Vermont town’s first ever Hanukkah Festival, she quickly finds herself overwhelmed. It’s especially difficult trying to explain to non-Jewish people that Hanukkah is a vastly different holiday from Christmas. In a moment of desperation, she goes online hoping to find another Jewish person within a hundred miles radius, and she finds Seth.
Seth is willing to help, but in exchange for his list of contacts he asks Abby to travel with him to NYC for Hanukkah and pretend to be his girlfriend while they stay with his parents. The city does not conjure up pleasant memories for Abby, but desperate times call for desperate measures and she agrees.
While pretending to be in a relationship, Abby and Seth have to fight their mutual attraction and begin to bond over their shared experiences. Abby’s past emotional trauma has led her close herself off from potential heartbreak, but Seth is patient and slowly becomes her safe place.
Love You a Latke was a beautiful and surprisingly emotional story about finding oneself, Jewish identity, and the healing power of love....more
Theodora Anderson has known and delighted in tormenting her best friend’s older brother, August Ryder, all of her life. However, after losing her job Theodora Anderson has known and delighted in tormenting her best friend’s older brother, August Ryder, all of her life. However, after losing her job and feeling a bit lost, Teddy reluctantly agrees to become Gus’s part-time nanny for the summer.
In forced proximity, Teddy and Gus can no longer deny their underlying attraction. Spending time together allows them to see another side of each other and slowly grow closer. All confusing Gus feelings aside, Teddy loves spending time with Gus’s daughter, Riley, and she worries what a potential relationship with Gus would mean for all those she loves.
I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Teddy and Gus. They liked to get a rise out of one another, but managed to never take it too far (without apologizing) or make it feel juvenile. The banter and communication was also top tier. Watching Teddy and Gus figure out their feelings while openly communicating made their love story even better.
Lost and Lassoed, in my opinion, is the best book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series and I hope to see more of Teddy and Gus in Cam’s story next year....more
Everything I loved: the top-tier (and thankfully not overdone) banter the road trip adventures/shenanigans the way Hollis called her Millicent the bonus eEverything I loved: the top-tier (and thankfully not overdone) banter the road trip adventures/shenanigans the way Hollis called her Millicent the bonus epilogue
Everything that hurt my heart: the third act (sort of) breakup, but it didn't last too long, so I forgive them Elsie and Rosie's heartbreaking love story
I adored Hollis and Millie, who were a true case of opposites attract, and the sweetest grumpy/sunshine couple I've read in a long time.
Mrs. Nash's Ashes was such a charming and surprisingly emotional debut novel by Sarah Adler, and I loved it....more
Fangirl Down checked all the usual Tessa Bailey romance boxes: a grumpy, slightly messy, overprotective hero with a dirty mouth and a ridiculous name Fangirl Down checked all the usual Tessa Bailey romance boxes: a grumpy, slightly messy, overprotective hero with a dirty mouth and a ridiculous name who falls hard for the sunshine heroine.
I should note that of all the sports that I do not like - which is all of them - I would consider golf my least favorite. Our hero is a former golf star who allowed self doubts to get the best of him. Josephine is the last fan standing and honestly his only fan. Through the bad and the worse, Josephine is always there to cheer him on. When his behavior causes even Josephine to walk away, Wells realizes he truly has lost it all.
Josephine Doyle is a sunshine girl from the sunshine state; she loves golf, she’s Wells Whitaker’s number one fan, she is a type 1 diabetic, and she’s in a bit of a mess. Wells has managed to disillusion her fangirl heart, a hurricane has managed to destroy her family business, and she’s feeling a bit lost.
Wells shows up when Josephine is at her lowest, with a crazy proposal: help him stage the biggest comeback in golf’s history and join him on the journey as his caddie. This is a rom-com, so of course she agrees. The attraction and the flirting is there from the start and there is a conversation of what it all would mean to their work dynamic.
Wells and Josephine obviously decided to disregard all of the potential downfalls and they fall hard and fast and move even faster. Fangirl Down was as a thoroughly entertaining time and gave all I expected it to give. ...more
Alex and Gwen are two musical prodigies and rivals who have it bad for one another.
Gwen is a self taught violinist and Alex a wealthy and bRating: 4.5
Alex and Gwen are two musical prodigies and rivals who have it bad for one another.
Gwen is a self taught violinist and Alex a wealthy and brooding cello player who is instantly drawn to Gwen; even if she threatens to derail all of his plans.
While working together on the same orchestra, Alex and Gwen grow close through their mutual respect of each other’s musical talent and their undeniable attraction.
However, they are surrounded by people willing to destroy them in order to further their own personal agenda and must figure out how to overcome the obstacles placed in their way.
I like a tall, dark, and tormented hero and Alex certainly delivered. The third act breakup was a bit frustrating, but thankfully it didn’t drag on. The ending was HFN, but it was understandable when you consider the protagonists are 22 and 26 years old, respectively.
Not Another Love Song was a fun and surprisingly spicy romance (that cello scene) sophomore novel by Julie Soto and I loved it.
OT: Apparently this too started as a Reylo fanfiction; I am a reader of fanfiction, but as someone who has never read Reylo nor watched a single Star Wars film, I am intrigued....more
Meghna Raman and Karthik Murthy have very different views on love and marriage, but agree to a fake engagement meant to be mutually beneficial.
Meghna Meghna Raman and Karthik Murthy have very different views on love and marriage, but agree to a fake engagement meant to be mutually beneficial.
Meghna fell in love with her friend Seth in college and was left devastated when he broke up with her after graduation; now he’s getting married and has asked her to be his “best man.” Karthik promised his mother to meet potential brides for a year but after meeting Meghna he felt an attraction he cannot deny. He proposes a fake engagement and Meghna, who dreads the idea of planning Seth’s wedding while glaringly single, agrees to it. Karthik is very clear from the very beginning that he is not going to marry anyone, ever; after years of witnessing his father’s coldness and indifference toward his mother he is convinced that marriage is not for him.
Meghna and Karthik’s forced proximity allows them to slowly get to know one another on a deeper level. Karthik finds Meghna beautiful, and smart, and full of joy; he believes she deserves the type of man he could never be and he always seems to say the wrong thing to her. Karthik is scared of becoming like his father and does not want to risk hurting Meghna - which of course inevitably leads to hurt feelings.
Meghna finds Karthik extremely attractive, but too serious, and blunt to the point of rudeness. She also has always believed that, even though things didn't work out with him, Seth is still a friend who only has her best interest in mind. However, Meghna, who wants to move past Seth, find love, and one day marry, soon starts to realize that she may be very wrong about both men.
Karthik is in awe of Meghna, he is protective, he believes in her talent, defends her passion to her parents, and can see through Seth’s narcissism. He is also awkward, inadvertently says the wrong thing to Meghna all the time, and too stubborn to see that his chance at happiness is right in front of him.
Meghna and Karthik face many challenges, but watching them fall in love and find their happy ending was truly delightful.
Say You’ll Be Mine was a superbly charming debut novel and I cannot wait to read more from Naina Kumar....more
Twenty-two-year-old Ren has lived an extraordinarily sheltered and nearly entirely secluded life. Her parents had always warned her about the evils ofTwenty-two-year-old Ren has lived an extraordinarily sheltered and nearly entirely secluded life. Her parents had always warned her about the evils of the world, but they simply could not quell Ren’s wonder and thirst for knowledge.
Reluctantly and with a lot of restrictions, they have agreed to allow her to attend college when she is awarded a scholarship. Ren, who has never been to a traditional school, finds everything she encounters magical. On her first day she meets Fitz, the handsome senior tasked with showing Ren around and although he initially finds her naivety a bit annoying, he can’t help but be charmed by her.
When Ren accidentally discovers an unknown relation, she blackmails Fitz into taking her along on his road trip home during Spring Break. While in close proximity Ren and Fitz can’t help but be drawn to one another, but both are keeping secrets that make the possibility of a relationship seem nearly impossible.
I loved how protective Fitz was of Ren, while allowing her to experience all the freedom she has been denied all of her life. I loved their road trip shenanigans - especially all the hotels with only one bed (although things stayed strictly PG). I loved the slow burn built up of their sweet romance.
Christina Lauren continues to impress as a writing duo and Tangled Up In You was a delightfully charming retelling of a fairytale classic....more
An introverted and grumpy whisky distiller who suffers from anxiety and falls hard for the girl. A girl who hides her own insecurities and heartbreak An introverted and grumpy whisky distiller who suffers from anxiety and falls hard for the girl. A girl who hides her own insecurities and heartbreak and opens him up to the possibility of love. The sweetest love story ever.
Malcolm and April are from the same small Scottish town; while Malcolm stayed home, April left with big dreams and found fame as an actress. However, fame has been cruel and lonely for April and she returns home grief-stricken over the loss of her grandfather and feeling lost.
Malcolm is not happy with April’s return; she makes him feel things he shouldn’t and he lashes out with cruel jabs and insults. After years of protecting himself by keeping everyone at a distance, April’s forced proximity disrupts his entire life. The more time they spent together however, the more Malcolm fell for April. He understands that his actions have hurt April but struggles to find the words to adequately express his feelings.
April hides all of her fears and hurt behind her superstar smile and she can see through Malcolm’s defenses. She is willing to be patient and careful of his feelings, but she is also not afraid to call him out. Malcolm realizes that he will have to earn April’s trust after his initial behavior and watching these two come together was the sweetest thing I have read in a long time.
I loved Whisky Business: I loved how Malcolm and April protected and took care of each other, I loved how Malcolm went from calling April princess in a condescending manner to calling her princess as a term of endearment and love, I loved the open communication between them about everything from their growing feelings to consent. I loved Malcolm and April.
Whisky Business was a charming and delightful love story that left me swooning....more
I am officially a Hannah Bonam-Young fan girl. I have read all her work and loved it. Matt and Lane's story was no exception, a super sweet love storyI am officially a Hannah Bonam-Young fan girl. I have read all her work and loved it. Matt and Lane's story was no exception, a super sweet love story that although made me cry more than once I adored.
Matt and Lane share a kiss once and then pretend nothing happened forever, become best friends, and then friends with benefits, all super casual, but their feelings are very obviously not casual at all. Matt was especially soft and patience with Lane, his manamea. Lane's insistence on keeping things casual frustrated me, but I understood that she needed to heal emotionally before she could open herself up to Matt's love.
Lane's healing process was worth the wait and led to a beautiful and honest love between her and Matt. It was also great to catch up with Warren, Chole, Willow and Luke. I cannot get enough of these characters.
Next to You was another fantastic addition to this series and I really hope we get to see either Emily or Liz's book next or even Luke and Tabitha's. ...more
I've never been an unexpected pregnancy hater, but I generally dislike the fact that the story usually ends with the birth of the baby. I was happy toI've never been an unexpected pregnancy hater, but I generally dislike the fact that the story usually ends with the birth of the baby. I was happy to see that in Reckless we got to see Theo and Winter parent together.
I loved Theo's devotion to Winter and their baby, Vivienne. I loved Winter finally having her person, who was on her side unconditionally. I loved catching up with the couples from the previous books. I especially loved that the creep Rob got his comeuppance.
I am a bit sad that I will have to wait until October for Beau's book....more
I loved Forget Me Not and felt so very much for Ama and Elliot. Watching them fall in love, break up, and come back together in dual timelines was delI loved Forget Me Not and felt so very much for Ama and Elliot. Watching them fall in love, break up, and come back together in dual timelines was delightfully frustrating.
Ama and Elliot’s chemistry was never in question and I was rooting for them from the start. I loved that we got to experience both of their POVs, especially Ama's POV which showcased her character's emotional growth. I think it would have served Elliot better if we could have been in his head in the present and not just in flashbacks. I understood Ama's hangups about commitment and I understood Elliot's need to define their relationship, and I wish the story would have spent a bit more time in the present addressing what led to their initial breakup.
Elliot was left heartbroken at the end of their relationship and was understandably on guard around Ama, but his love and care for her continued to shine through. He believed his grumpiness would keep her way. Ama was in denial and heartbroken herself, she simply did not believe she was capable of being what Elliot needed. Obviously, they were both wrong.
I was thoroughly entertaining the entire time and fully invested in the wedding planning aspect of the story. I loved Ama's relationships with her ex-stepsiblings and hope that we get to see their stories in the future, starting with Mar.
Forget Me Not was a charming second chance romance debut and I cannot wait to see what's next from Julie Soto....more
I loved Christina Lauren's The Soulmate Equation and was excited to read Fizzy's story in The True Love Experiment, but it left me with mixed feelingsI loved Christina Lauren's The Soulmate Equation and was excited to read Fizzy's story in The True Love Experiment, but it left me with mixed feelings.
Things I liked: Fizzy's personality and sense of humor; she was the star of this show. Fizzy and Connor's finding joy adventures; they were basically dating and in denial. Connor as a single dad; Connor's relationship with his daughter Stevie was super sweet. River, Jess and Juno; getting to see so much of my favorites from The Soulmate Equation was an unexpected treat.
Things I didn't like: The Bachelor-like reality show setting; Fizzy dating 8 other guys was not it. Fizzy confessing her feelings over and over; She put it all out there and he didn't. Fizzy apologizing to Connor; She had a very understandable reaction his confession, imo. The quick resolution at the end; it was a bit rushed and anticlimactic.
Overall, The True Love Experiment was a solid 3 star read....more
Nina Lane is back as Liv Prescott with Falling for the Recluse, a super steamy novella.
I have been a big fan of this author for many years, and she neNina Lane is back as Liv Prescott with Falling for the Recluse, a super steamy novella.
I have been a big fan of this author for many years, and she never disappoints. Falling for the Recluse was a fun, fast paced, grumpy/sunshine, and super spicy novella with insta-lust that still exuded romance and checked off all of the right boxes.
I really enjoyed Gavin and Josie's story and loved their HEA ending....more
I recently read and adored Out on a Limb and I knew I had to read everything Hannah Bonam-Young has ever written; Next of Kin gave me all the feelI recently read and adored Out on a Limb and I knew I had to read everything Hannah Bonam-Young has ever written; Next of Kin gave me all the feels and more.
Chloe and Warren seem to be complete opposites, but underneath the surface they have a lot in common. They were both products of the foster care system as children and are now willing to do anything to gain permanent custody of their younger siblings, Willow and Luke, even move in with a complete stranger.
Chloe and Warren struggle to adjust to their living situation; where Chloe was hoping for a team approach, Warren refuses to let anyone get close to him or Luke. However, Warren's grumpiness was no match for sweet baby Willow and soon the foursome start functioning as a family. There is also an obvious attraction between Warren and Chloe that they try to deny, but are forced to acknowledge. Watching them slowly fall in love and become a real family was so incredibly sweet and satisfying.
I loved everything about Next of Kin; the found family, the representation, the angst, and the sweetness of their happy ever after.
P.S. Reading along while listening to the audiobook truly enhanced my reading experience....more
Charlie and Nova are officially my new favorite Lovelight Farms couple.
Nova is a tattoo artist trying to prove to herself and her big brother, BecketCharlie and Nova are officially my new favorite Lovelight Farms couple.
Nova is a tattoo artist trying to prove to herself and her big brother, Beckett, that she can make a success out of her new tattoo studio. Charlie is Stella’s only brother and a man in finance with loads of charm. He flirts endlessly with Nova but is extremely flustered when the usually reserved Nova proposes a one-night stand and inadvertently hurts her feelings.
Once Charlie convinces Nova to give him another chance, they agree to spend one night together - “to get it out of their system” - and promise that there will be no feelings involved and that neither is looking for anything serious. Obviously, one night is not enough and soon they’re in a secret, no strings attached relationship.
Charlie and Nova try to fool themselves into thinking that they can keep their arrangement strictly physical and remain just friends. However, their banter, their chemistry, the endless flirting, their acts of service for one another, and their obvious growing feelings would beg to differ.
Charlie and Nova were a bit stubborn and too scared to take a risk, but I loved when they finally admitted to themselves what everyone else already knew; they were in love. Their confessions were the best and completely worth the wait.
Business Casual was the final book in the Lovelight Farms series and it was a perfect ending to a wonderful series. I have to admit, I'm going to miss them. ...more
Secretly Yours was classic Tessa Bailey; sort of insta-love, a standoffish hero who turns into a crude yet sweet hero, and a sunshine heroine who was Secretly Yours was classic Tessa Bailey; sort of insta-love, a standoffish hero who turns into a crude yet sweet hero, and a sunshine heroine who was kind of a mess.
I enjoyed Julian and Hallie's story, but I did not care for the miscommunication trope in the form of secret admirer letters, and also it felt like their romance went from 0 to 100 too quickly.
Secretly Yours was an enjoyable read, however I am much more excited to read Natalie's story because enemies to lovers / marriage of convenience is much more my cup of tea....more
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