When I saw Good Boy by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen I thought it was a new book, but in fact it is a book that initially came out in 2017 and was repWhen I saw Good Boy by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen I thought it was a new book, but in fact it is a book that initially came out in 2017 and was reprinted with a new cover. I love when spicy books come out with illustrated covers, and I never would have picked this up based on the original. I am a sucker for a cute cover, but don’t let this one fool you because the spice starts immediately, and Blake has a very dirty mind. There is lots of dirty talk (at least on his end) but I loved how the spice was blended with some serious elements.
I loved the audiobook and was a huge fan of Teddy Hamilton and Tanya Eby as the narrators. I love Hamilton as it is, but he was perfection as the voice of Blake, and I though Eby complemented Jess’s character nicely. Good Boy is the start of the WAGs series but it looks like it is a spin-off of another by the same authors. I didn’t feel lost at all, and it worked well as a standalone. Even though there are two authors, Kennedy and Bowen made everything seamless and it never felt like 2 people wrote it. I loved the characters and will definitely be reading more from this duo!
I haven't read anything by Jayne Allen before, but I was in the mood for something Christmassy and decided that would be The Most Wonderful Time! WhilI haven't read anything by Jayne Allen before, but I was in the mood for something Christmassy and decided that would be The Most Wonderful Time! While this wasn't brimming with holiday cheer as I had hoped, it was a nice romance that was both humorous and thought-provoking. I really enjoyed Ramona and Chelsea's viewpoints, and I loved that we get something different from each of them after they swap homes for a week. Ramona's refusal to accept her fiancé breaking up with her and Chelsea's creative funk get put into a different perspective after they see how the other lives and meet people in each other’s lives.
The Most Wonderful Time is solid on audio and while it wasn't anything I would call special, I really enjoyed listening to Mela Lee and I thought she did a great job differentiating her voice between the two female characters. At times it felt like there were 2 narrators instead of 1 and that is something I always like! The end isn’t necessarily wrapped up in a pretty HEA, but it was very realistic and left me feeling hopeful for Ramona and Chelsea. I would recommend this if you enjoy books that focus on family and reflection and are set around the holidays instead of focusing on them. ...more
I haven't read anything by Jennifer Probst before but when Get Red PR reached out to me and I read the blurb, there was no way I was going to say no. I haven't read anything by Jennifer Probst before but when Get Red PR reached out to me and I read the blurb, there was no way I was going to say no. I love bookish books, especially those that have the POV of an author, and Book of the Month made for a super fun time. Part romantic comedy and part steamy romance, this was just what I needed right now, and I enjoyed it immensely. Brick balanced Aspen out perfectly with his gruff exterior but cinnamon roll inside, and I think I loved him even more than Aspen.
I listened to the audiobook while I followed along in the book, and I would recommend the audio if you love audio as much as I do. Alexander Cendese and Mia Hutchinson-Shaw perfectly embodied Brick and Aspen, though I would say Cendese's female voice could use a little work. ...more
Take Me Home is Melanie Sweeney's debut novel, and I can already say I will be there for anything else she writes. This was a funny and adventurous roTake Me Home is Melanie Sweeney's debut novel, and I can already say I will be there for anything else she writes. This was a funny and adventurous romance filled with tropes like only-one-bed, forced proximity, he falls first, and frenemies-to-lovers. I loved Ash and Hazel despite their flaws, and this is the type of couple I was rooting for even when they weren’t on the same page at all. The family elements of the book were very relatable as well, and I enjoyed the way our MCs grew by the end of the story.
The audiobook was lovely as well, and I definitely enjoyed Zachary Webber’s narration more than other books I have listened to with him as of late. Brittany Pressley was perfection as the voice of Hazel, and I especially loved the parts with texting between the two MCs being a back and forth with both narrators. Take Me Home is set around Christmas, so it also managed to bring a certain air of holiday cheer with it. Very solid and funny debut novel!
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own....more
When I was on my most recent road trip, I was looking for something quick to finish up with and I decided to make that All the Other Mothers Hate Me bWhen I was on my most recent road trip, I was looking for something quick to finish up with and I decided to make that All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman. I'm glad I did because this was a fast-paced, short, and very engrossing read that I read almost in its entirety before we got home. I will say it, I did not like a single character and sometimes I almost downright hated Florence. She is incredibly selfish, has an addiction problem, and sleeps with random men, some of whom are married. But her love and devotion to her son never wavered even in the face of something potentially terrible, so I guess she wasn’t all bad.
Florence might be one of the worst amateur sleuths I have ever seen, but she was also very determined no matter what was thrown at her, and I loved that she managed to make a true friend along the way. There were a lot of moments that made me cringe and laugh in equal measure and man does Harman know how write an entertaining storyline! The climax almost completely surprised me and though I did see one part coming, I didn’t have it completely figured out. This is Harman’s debut novel, and I wouldn’t hesitate to read more from her!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
Can a person/author be a happy place? If so, I think mine is officially Victoria Lavine. Any Trope but You may be a debut novel but I would never peg Can a person/author be a happy place? If so, I think mine is officially Victoria Lavine. Any Trope but You may be a debut novel but I would never peg it as one, and Margot and Forrest's story stole my heart. The title is quite literal in the respect that this book is jam PACKED with the standard romance tropes, and Margot as a romance author definitely thinks Forrest is too good to be true. There is some excellent sexual tension between the two and my god did things get spicy.
Not only did I ugly cry during the ending, but I also teared up multiple times and it’s kind of ridiculous how beautiful Lavine made this book. There is chronic pain rep (so important!) and a sisterly bond between Margot and Savannah that will probably make some people jealous. You can tell that the author loves the romance community, and this is basically a love letter to romance readers everywhere. I loved every minute of this moving and hilarious read, and I will definitely be buying a finished copy once it is out in the world.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca was such a fun read, and it makes me want to check out this authors backlist immediately! I’ve had Well Met on my TBRHaunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca was such a fun read, and it makes me want to check out this authors backlist immediately! I’ve had Well Met on my TBR since it came out, and that will have to change. This was such a fresh way to write a romance, and not only did I fall in love with Cassie and Nick, but I fell in love with small town Florida and the mythical world of Boneyard Key. DeLuca did an amazing job bringing Florida to life making it clear she has indeed lived there, and she made me very curious about the Publix chicken tender sub. I loved the ghosty vibes in the book, and this would make the perfect pick for spooky season if you were looking for something on the lighter side with romance.
I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator Jeannie Sheneman, but I would have preferred a separate narrator for Nick’s viewpoint. It was sometimes harder to tell whose POV I was in on audio since the chapters weren’t titled with the character, and as much as I loved Sheneman, dual narration here would have been the key to a 5-star audio. While I definitely laughed almost constantly, there were also lots of heartwarming moments and a dash of more sensitive topics as well. There is a little bit of spice in this one, but nothing too crazy, and it was a delightfully new rom-com. It looks like this could be the start of a new series, and I really hope it is because I would love to go back to Boneyard Key and its inhabitants – including the ghosts! ...more
Welcome to another edition of Bookstagram Made Me Do It, this time featuring Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by M.J. Wassmer. I cannot believe this is a Welcome to another edition of Bookstagram Made Me Do It, this time featuring Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by M.J. Wassmer. I cannot believe this is a debut novel, and it is one of the most unique books I have read in quite some time. It is both satire and speculative fiction, two genres that I am not usually a fan of under normal circumstances, but here they were perfection. And let’s not forget dystopian since the sun explodes and it is the end of the world as Dan knows it. Filled with quirky characters, action, and humor, this was a fun ride that would make a great beach read if you can get over the fact it’s about the end of the world happening on an island.
The audiobook is the way to go for Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend, and I thought Stephen R. Thorne was the perfect fit for Dan. He brought the storyline and characters to life in the best possible way, and I could feel every single emotion through his lively narration. The audio is clear and crisp as well, and delivery was on point! I loved the journey Dan goes on personally as well throughout the story and the way his underachieving turns into something different. His relationship with Mara is on center stage and I enjoyed watching them navigate the ups and downs of their circumstances with humor and determination. There is also a big twist that in hindsight I probably should have seen coming, but I didn’t, and I loved it. Read this if you want something different and funny while still having serious moments and an air of mystery....more
I became instantly obsessed with Grace Reilly after reading First Down and I knew I had to read the rest of the series. Breakaway is book 2 of the BeyI became instantly obsessed with Grace Reilly after reading First Down and I knew I had to read the rest of the series. Breakaway is book 2 of the Beyond the Play series, and while this can be read completely as a standalone, I prefer reading in order and I liked the nod to characters from the previous book. This was a particularly spicy read, but the scenes were perfection, and I thought they were done very well. I was expecting it to be a bit funnier than it actually was, making this more of a contemporary romance than romcom.
The audiobook was everything I could have hoped for, and Brian Meslar & Faith Clark were fantastic narrators. I especially loved the dual narration during the texting between Cooper and Penny, and it's that something extra that can truly make a good audiobook great. Highly recommend! The best part of all was no third act breakup and this couple actually communicated like they should. It was steamy and heartwarming, and the reason behind that sex bucket list was ...more
I loved Holly James' 2023 release The Deja Glitch, so I was super excited to get Name Your Price! I am a Reality TV fan, and I thought it was such a gI loved Holly James' 2023 release The Deja Glitch, so I was super excited to get Name Your Price! I am a Reality TV fan, and I thought it was such a great idea for James to take this storyline into a TV show about people doing things they REALLY don't want to do for prize money. I loved Olivia and Chuck even when they were fighting, and their chemistry was off the charts. There is a dab of spice in the book but mostly it was a rom-com with forced proximity and lots of sexual tension. ...more
"Love is patient, love is kind, love means slowly losing your mind." - 27 Dresses
My love for rom-com movies is vast, so I can't believe it took me so "Love is patient, love is kind, love means slowly losing your mind." - 27 Dresses
My love for rom-com movies is vast, so I can't believe it took me so freaking long to read Better than the Movies! I also didn't realize this is Lynn Painter's debut and man, what a doozy to start with. Liz and Wes are my favorite, and even though I could see the connection between them, it was much more fun to see Liz have the realization of what she really wants as the book goes on. I would certainly watch this if it got turned into a movie, and I LOVED the quotes at the beginning of each chapter from different rom-com movies.
I also loved the audiobook which is narrated by the one and only Jesse Vilinsky. She is quickly becoming one of my favorites, and she was the perfect fit for Liz. Better than the Movies is an emotional read in many ways as it is also about family, grief, and letting people in not just the HEA. Liz is such a quirky character with a style all her own, and I loved seeing the message of being who you are no matter what anyone else thinks. I cried, I laughed, and I aww'd my way through this delightful young adult romance. ...more
Third act breakup here we go! I've Got My Mind Set on Brew by debut author Stephanie Jayne has boss girl energy thanks to Kat perusing her love of brewing beer and has a unique premise set against the backdrop of a brewpub named Resistance. I loved that each chapter started with a different kind of beer along with a brief description and sometimes a fun quip. I honestly wouldn't mind owning a copy just so I have those chapter headings. ...more
I took entirely too long to read First Down by Grace Reilly, and I loved it so much that I immediately purchased the other books in the series! This iI took entirely too long to read First Down by Grace Reilly, and I loved it so much that I immediately purchased the other books in the series! This is the first in Beyond the Play, and I love this type of series where each book focuses on a different character, and you don't necessarily have to read them in order. I loved James and Beckett AKA Bex, and how this was entirely a he falls first scenario. I did question James's reasoning for wanting to blow up his career for someone he only recently met, but I guess when you know you know!
I thought the audiobook was super enjoyable with Kyle Adams & Olu Sade narrating. James is a manly cinnamon roll while Bex is a little feisty, and I thought Adams and Sade perfectly captured each of their characters. The romance is in essence the way these two feel about each other, but don't worry because the spicy scenes are still spicing! I loved the extended epilogue in the back of the book and must mention this isn't part of the audio! Fake dating is my favorite of all the romance tropes, and this is a prime example of why I love it. There are triggers here so be sure to check them before reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson was such a fun read and proved to me that I need to stop putting off this author's otheAudiobook Rating: 5/5
Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson was such a fun read and proved to me that I need to stop putting off this author's other books. I loved the dual timelines between Marlowe and the Ralston family in 1932 which eventually come together so the reader knows exactly what happened at Morning House. There was so much to uncover, and I loved all of the little clues and twists along the way. Marlowe made me LOL quite a bit, while the Ralston POV was more serious and ominous. Who knew candles could be so dangerous?!
I listened to and loved the audiobook and thought Katherine Littrell did a wonderful job as the narrator. I am a pretty large fan of hers in general, and she did an excellent job with every aspect of her narration here. Death at Morning House is a queer romance and murder mystery all wrapped up in one fast-paced story and thriller readers who love YA are sure to enjoy it. I especially enjoyed the end and the introduction with the articles! Plus, Marlowe's POV gives new meaning to the phrase if you can't be good, be careful. ...more
Just Some Stupid Love Story may be Katelyn Doyle's rom-com debut, but it doesn't surprise me that she also writes historical romance under the name ScJust Some Stupid Love Story may be Katelyn Doyle's rom-com debut, but it doesn't surprise me that she also writes historical romance under the name Scarlett Peckham. I knew from the moment I started this book that I was going to love it, and it is everything I love in a rom-com including witty banter, friendship themes, and a whole lotta family tension. Molly and Seth's relationship was full of ups and downs, but I spent the entire time rooting for them to work and I laughed and cried on the road to get there. I would say some of the book is predictable, but other parts of it are not and I loved my time spent in Chicago, California, and Florida as we followed the peaks and valleys of this coupling.
I also loved every moment spent with the audiobook thanks to Christine Lakin & Tim Paige. Lakin and Paige were pure perfection as the voices of Molly and Seth, and I would fully recommend the audio to all of my book listeners out there. The physical copy isn't to be missed either, and those purple sprayed edges make me want a copy sooner rather than later to add to my shelf. The cover made me LOL just like the banter in the book and is a splendid embodiment of the book itself. There is some spice in Just Some Stupid Love Story that I wasn’t expecting, but it doesn’t overtake the storyline, and one wild (very descriptive) scene is something I will probably remember forever. ...more
It has been entirely too long since I read a book by Jackie Lau, so when I saw Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie was coming out, I knew I had to read i4.25/5
It has been entirely too long since I read a book by Jackie Lau, so when I saw Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie was coming out, I knew I had to read it. The story is told from the viewpoints of both Emily and Mark, though the majority is through Emily’s POV. I really enjoyed this aspect as well as how each chapter started with a quote of some sort that would apply to the chapter. This romance features my favorite trope of fake dating and made me laugh several times while also getting me in my feels. As it should.
The audiobook is narrated by Catherine Ho & Feodor Chin and Ho is one of my favorites while Chin was a new narrator for me. I loved them together for Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie, and they made so much sense to be the voices of Emily and Mark. Family is a large part of the storyline, and I could see why Emily’s mom was driving her up the wall, but it was super sweet too. I totally teared up at the end and I couldn’t get enough of the phenomenal banter and Mark’s cat. ...more
I am so glad I decided to pick up Annie LeBlanc Is Not Dead Yet by Molly Morris because it was a pure delight! I do wish what was going on with bringing a person back from the dead had been explained better in the actual book and not just mentioned in the synopsis, but I caught on pretty quickly and it was a very unique concept for a book. Through Wilson choosing Annie, it brings up a lot of old wounds and Wilson quickly realizes things she didn't before Annie's passing. I loved the journey the story took me on, and the eventual queer romance was very heartwarming.
The audiobook was pure perfection with Georgina Sadler as the narrator and I loved the way she brought Wilson to life. She was fun to listen to, and I thought she did a great job bringing all of the emotions in the storyline front and center. I thought this would be a light and breezy read, but it is a touch heavier, and I thought that brought a lot of depth to the story. I also loved Morris's writing style immediately and it flowed so well! I will definitely be adding this author to my new favorites list.
I received an advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer is most likely going to make my top 10 list of 2024, and it is just the type of heartwarming magical read that makes me The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer is most likely going to make my top 10 list of 2024, and it is just the type of heartwarming magical read that makes me light up. The synopsis states it was inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia and I can definitely see that. I hadn't read the synopsis before reading but that is the vibe I got while reading through and through, and it made me desperately want to do a reread. Jeremy, Rafe, and Emilie were some of the most loveable MCs I have ever met, and so many of the secondary characters were as well.
The audiobook would have been incredible with a full cast, but I loved Jorjeana Marie's narration just the same. Her voice was very pleasant and easy to listen to, and she made the story come alive. Some of my favorite parts were the storyteller sections which are an unknown narrator until the end, and I loved the fairy tale quality they provided. Shaffer's writing is vivid and enchanting, and I could have stayed in the world of Shenandoah forever. There is also a lovely queer romance that made my heart happy, but we couldn't get to the end without some pain and suffering as well. I am now an instant fan of this author, and I can't wait to get a copy to add to my shelves. ...more
The Ride of Her Life BY Jennifer Dugan is an endearing and delightful queer romance filled with family drama and friendships that aren't always perfecThe Ride of Her Life BY Jennifer Dugan is an endearing and delightful queer romance filled with family drama and friendships that aren't always perfect. I loved the uniqueness of this enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine storyline, and I felt like I learned something about horse barns and the rodeo along the way. It felt like a bit of déjà vu reading about a rodeo in this book after recently finishing Homebound, and I am learning how much I love cowboy/cowgirl-esque romances (and can I just mention the cowboy hat scene? ...more
I loved the concept for Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe, and this debut author managed to give us a fun, paranormal romance that is freI loved the concept for Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe, and this debut author managed to give us a fun, paranormal romance that is fresh and new! I am not a conspiracy theorist in the least, so I definitely related more to our FMC Hallie. That being said, I couldn't help but love Hayden's enthusiasm for all things conspiracy-related and got a kick out of hearing the Denver airport mentioned since I live in Colorado and only recently heard about that whole thing myself. I also enjoyed how Hallie evolved as the book went on and was able to stand up against her nasty ex.
I listened to the audiobook that is narrated by Alex Finke and I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about her narration. She made Hallie sound a little whiny and I did not like her voices for the guys in the book. I have enjoyed her narration in previous books though and I'm guessing this could have been a me thing. The romance was sweet and believable, although I was a bit surprised to hear the I love yous so fast. All in all, I thought Love and Other Conspiracies was a great debut, and the freshness of the storyline had me hooked. I can't wait to read more from Marlowe!
I received an advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
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