The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose Publisher: Ballantine Books Pub Date: 10/1/2024
Thank you to PRH Audio for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Molly Gray is enjoying the holiday season with her boyfriend Juan Manuel, who’s trying to make it extra special for her. But when a Secret Santa exchange at the hotel raises suspicions, Molly must solve a mystery that tests her trust and love.
This novella was adorable! It was wonderful to revisit familiar characters. However, it read more like a Christmas romance than the cozy mystery I expected. While the “mystery” was quite predictable, the story remained heartwarming. I’d recommend it if you enjoy the Molly the Maid series.
The Situationship by Abby Jimenez Publisher: Forever Pub Date: 9/24/2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Situationship was originally published as bonus chapter in the Target exclusive edition of Just For Summer. Since I didn’t get that, I ended up purchasing the ebook which surprisingly has a sneak peek into Abby’s new book, Say You’ll Remember Me. In The Situationship, travel nurse Maddy (Emma’s best friend in Just For The Summer) has her meet cute with Doug (Daniel’s best friend in Part of Your World), a charming farmer.
Maddy and Doug’s meet cute was adorable! I absolutely loved this. Highly recommend reading this short story after you’ve read Part of Your World and Just For Summer for everything to make sense!
Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman Publisher: Little Brown Pub Date: 8/13/2024
Thank you to Little Brown and Hachette Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A pilot’s heart attack leads to a commercial airliner crashing into a nuclear power plant in Waketa, Minnesota, triggering an unprecedented Level 8 nuclear disaster. The residents, including power plant employees and local heroes, must band together to prevent a global catastrophe and save their community.
TJ Newman writes adrenaline-inducing thrillers! Drowning was one of my favorites, while I had mixed feelings about Falling, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from Worst Case Scenario. Like her other books, this one involves a plane crash; however, most of the story unfolds on the ground rather than in the air, which makes the cover somewhat misleading. I had mixed feelings about this one. The beginning gripped me, and I was invested in the crash and its immediate aftermath. But as the story progressed, it started to drag, with too many subplots to keep up with, none of which fully captured my attention. While the action was there and the premise was intriguing, I never felt truly engaged. I ended up listening to the audiobook, and Joe Morton did a fantastic job narrating. I could see this book making a great movie.
‘Til Heist Do Us Part by Sara Delia Publisher: Berkley Romance Pub Date: 8/20/2024
Thank you to Berkley Romance & PRH Audio for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Simi Chopra and her team must retrieve a stolen diamond necklace from Jack Danger’s vengeful nemesis to appease a Chicago Mafia boss. Amidst this high-stakes mission, Simi grapples with relationship troubles, a rival thief, and a determined detective, making her heist even more perilous.
‘Til Heist Do Us Part is a sequel to To Have and To Heist, even though it’s not listed as such on Goodreads. To truly enjoy the book and understand the dynamics of Simi and Jack’s relationship along with the quirky side characters that make up the ragtag heist crew, it helps to have read the first book, as they frequently reference their initial heist. The romance here is more of a subplot. Despite its unrealistic elements, I found the book wildly entertaining and binge-worthy. I loved that the author continued to deliver amusing antics and funny characters. However, I didn’t care much for Simi and Jack’s second-chance romance, as I felt Jack’s character development was lacking. I wished for more perspectives from Jack to understand him better. Overall, I found this to be an entertaining read and recommend picking it up if you enjoyed To Have and To Heist!
After falling in love with Elsie Silver’s cowboy romances, I was excited to dive into Lyla Sage’s Rebel Blue Ranch series. Here are my reviews for Done and Dusted (book 1), Swift and Saddled (book 2), and Lost and Lassoed (book 3):
Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage Publisher: Dial Press Pub Date: 10/24/2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Done and Dusted is the first book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series and is Lyla’s debut. Emmy Ryder returns to her hometown Meadowlark, after an accident ends her horse racing career. She reconnects with Luke Brooks, the town’s bad boy and her older brother’s best friend, who finds himself irresistibly drawn to her despite the consequences. As Emmy tries to figure out her future, their rekindled connection can either relive her spirit or burn everything down.
After falling in love with Elsie Silver’s cowboy romances, I was excited to dive into Lyla Sage’s Rebel Blue Ranch series—and what a fantastic debut it was! I was captivated by the plot, the supporting characters, and the vibrant setting of Rebel Blue Ranch. Emmy’s character is endearing and her compelling backstory about returning to her hometown added depth to her persona. I appreciated getting Luke’s perspective, understanding his transformation from his past self to the better man he is now. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Emmy and Luke worked so well, with Luke providing genuine support as Emmy navigated her challenges. Their romance was believable, although Emmy’s hesitation, given Luke’s connection to her brother, was realistic. Their connection ultimately unfolded in the most heartwarming way. A standout for me was Emmy’s best friend, Teddy, whose unwavering support and loyalty were touching. After reading Done and Dusted, I immediately started reading Swift and Saddled, featuring Wes and Ava!
Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage Publisher: Dial Press Pub Date: 3/5/2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to PRH Audio for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Swift and Saddled is the second book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series. Ada Hart, an independent city girl and interior designer, clashes and connects with Weston Ryder, a charismatic cowboy who turns out to be her new boss in Wyoming. Despite her resolve to stay professional, their growing attraction makes it difficult to maintain her boundaries.
I enjoyed reading Done and Dusted so I was excited to pick up Swift and Saddled ASAP! Although I’m kicking myself for not picking up Lyla Sage’s books sooner, I’m glad that this second book was released just a few months ago. Lyla returns with her engaging writing style. Normally, I’m not a fan of insta love stories, but the way Ava and Wes’s relationship developed felt natural and compelling. I appreciated Ava’s character and her backstory, particularly how the story portrays making friends later in life and finding a “found family.” The friendship dynamics among Ava, Cam, Teddy, and Emmy were heartwarming, highlighting their support for each other. Wes, known for his golden retriever energy from the first book, is explored more deeply here. Beyond his upbeat exterior, we learn about his struggles with depression, a facet of his character that adds depth but I felt that this could have been explored further. I enjoyed the book even though I wasn’t a fan of the third act breakup and the quick ending. Now, I can’t wait to read Teddy and Gus’s story in Lost and Lassoed later this year!
Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage Publisher: Dial Press Pub Date: 11/5/2024
Thank you to Dial Press for the free copy on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lost and Lassoed is the third book in the Rebel Blue series. Teddy Andersen finds herself struggling with changes in her life, including her best friend’s engagement and doubts about her future in her beloved small town. Meanwhile, Gus Ryder, overwhelmed by responsibilities on his family’s ranch and his daughter, reluctantly accepts Teddy’s help, leading to unexpected romantic tensions as they navigate their newfound feelings.
Now that I’m fully invested in the Rebel Blue series, I couldn’t wait to read Teddy and Gus’s story. Spoiler alert: this was a 5-star read and Lyla Sage’s best work yet! Lost and Lassoed pulled at my heartstrings, and the ending was sweet! The story is told from two perspectives: Teddy and Gus. I loved how Lyla made each character deeply complex and showed their growth throughout the story. I was also impressed with how Lyla integrated Riley, Gus’s six-year-old daughter, and wrote her character perfectly for her age. The enemies-to-lovers and slow-burn romance was chef’s kiss! It was great to see Emmy, Brooks, Wes, and Ava continue on here as supporting characters. Now, Wild and Wrangled, the fourth book in the series, can’t come soon enough—I can’t wait for Cam and Dusty’s story! If you love Elsie Silver’s books, I highly recommend picking up this series!
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen Publisher: Orbit Pub Date: 7/2/2024
Thank you to Hachette Audio for the free copy on LibroFM in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The town of Eternity is surprised when Twyla Banneker, a widowed middle-aged woman, teams up with her neighbor and best friend, Frank Ellis, to become Tanrian Marshals. Eight years later, they stumble upon a mysterious murder and a baby dragon, which leads them into a dangerous conspiracy and makes Twyla realize she might have deeper feelings for Frank.
I enjoyed The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, so I was really excited to read the second book in the series, The Undermining of Twyla and Frank. This was an action-packed and unique rom-com fantasy and it was refreshing to see both main characters in their 50s. The marketing describes it as “When Harry Met Sally” but with dragons, which I’m not sure I completely agree with, but it definitely follows a best friends-to-lovers trope. The world-building, revisiting old characters, and being introduced to new side characters were a few highlights. However, I wasn’t a big fan of how the romantic plot played out and the “mystery” was rather flat and uninteresting. The author’s writing style was entertaining, but it didn’t feel as impactful as her previous book. I was also expecting both main characters to have an equal amount of depth. Twyla’s character was well-thought-out and felt like it was mostly told from her perspective in the third person. Frank was a great love interest, but overall, fell a bit flat. This was a fun read, but it just wasn’t for me.
The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson Publisher: Berkley Pub Date: 7/9/2024
Thank you to Berkley Romance & PRH Audio for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ian Chase’s public divorce jeopardizes his hockey career, but teaming up with Delilah Baker, his best friend’s little sister and baking show host, offers a solution. As their fake relationship helps both their careers, the lines between what’s for the show and real feelings starts to blur.
Lana Ferguson has quickly become one of my favorite romance authors! Her ability to craft compelling stories across various romance tropes never ceases to amaze me and I was thrilled to dive into a hockey and baker romance with The Game Changer. The chemistry between Delilah and Ian was both sweet and spicy, making their connection irresistibly engaging. Their banter was on fire, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their blossoming romance. What stood out to me was Ian’s character development throughout the story, which added depth and authenticity to the narrative. The dual perspectives from Delilah and Ian kept me thoroughly engaged, allowing me to connect with both characters on a deeper level. The quirky side characters, especially Delilah’s older brother and Ian’s best friend, Jack, brought additional charm to the story. Jack’s dynamic presence has me hoping for his own love story in a future book. The Game Changer is now my all-time favorite book from Lana Ferguson to date. Highly recommend picking this one up!
The Love of My After Life by Kirsty Greenwood Publisher: Berkley Romance Pub Date: 7/2/2024
Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free copy along with the exclusive content from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recently deceased Delphie meets a captivating man in the afterlife waiting room and is given a second chance at life and love if she can find him on earth within 10 days. Embarrassed by her undignified death and eager for a fresh start, Delphie embarks on a heartwarming and magical quest in a bustling city, guided by her heart and the unexpected help she receives along the way.
Kirsty Greenwood is one of my favorite romance authors and I was thrilled to see her picked up by Berkley! The premise of The Love of My After Life sounded intriguing and I loved that it contained magical realism. The Love of My After Life deserves all the stars! Kirsty’s writing is filled with love, laughter, and moments that pull at my heartstrings; it’s like a hug in a book. I absolutely loved the banter, the insane situations Delphie gets herself into, and all the quirky supporting characters. I also loved the ode to wonderful romance authors sprinkled throughout the story. There were some insightful quotes that I adored. The afterlife elements were cozy and sweet, though tinged with sadness. Overall, the book was hopeful and uplifting. I also appreciated the exclusive content that Berkley and Kirsty provided. It was such an immersive reading experience and gaining more insight from Kirsty on specific scenes made me appreciate the book even more. Definitely recommend picking this one up if you like romance with fantasy elements and quirky side characters!
Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon Publisher: Forever Pub Date: 6/4/2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon, Ashanti Wright is thrilled about her thriving dog boarding business and dreams of expanding with a doggie bake shop, but her plans hit a snag when the building she wants is sold to the surly Thaddeus Sims. Despite his disdain for dogs, Thad takes in his grandmother’s Poodle, leading to a viral sensation with Ashanti’s French Bulldog and sparking unexpected chemistry between Ashanti and Thad.
I’ve been hooked on Farrah Rochon’s writing since Forever Pub introduced me to The Boyfriend Project series! I still remember meeting Farrah last year at Steamy Lit Con when she was so excited to be in the final stages of finalizing her cover for this book. When she told me what it was about, I was so stoked! Any books involving dogs? Definitely count me in! Pardon My Frenchie checks all the boxes. There are two main characters going through their own struggles who find each other, don’t get along at first, but eventually support each other. I love how Farrah portrays Ashanti and Thad. I have to admit, like Ashanti, I didn’t like Thad at first because he initially didn’t love dogs (red flag!), but he grew on me, and I could see why Ashanti fell in love with him. As for Ashanti, I wanted to give her a hug and tell her she’s doing amazing and everything would be okay. Farrah creates realistic characters while also giving us hope that everything will be okay. The enemies-to-lovers trope, slow burn romance, dog love, and New Orleans setting are the perfect combo for this book! Now I can’t wait for Evie’s book! Highly recommend picking this one up if you’re a dog lover!
I’ve been thinking about unlikable main characters and how they affect the reader’s experience and overall rating of a book. I recently read two romance novels where one of the main leads was unlikable, and both ended up being 3-star reads for me.
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Pub Date: 6/11/2024
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for the free copy on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emma Wheeler, an aspiring screenwriter, gets a chance to rewrite a script for her idol, Charlie Yates, while her sister takes over caring for their dad. Despite Charlie’s disdain for her and romantic comedies, Emma is determined to prove their value, leading to an unexpected romance that changes everything.
Katherine Center is an auto-read author for me! However, I had mixed feelings about The Rom-Commers. The plot was sweet and had so much potential, but I wasn’t a big fan of Charlie. I empathized with Emma regarding her past and finally being able to pursue her dreams. It didn’t surprise me that she had more of a doormat personality since she had to start taking care of her dad and raising her younger sister at a young age. I liked seeing Emma’s growth throughout the story. Charlie, on the other hand, has to be one of the worst male main characters. He’s a textbook red flag. I hate that whatever he tells Emma is the opposite of what he means. There’s also a major twist at the end that I thought was incredibly messed up. Charlie continues to treat Emma poorly while secretly having a crush on her, but his words are what hurt the most. I couldn’t imagine them being together long after the epilogue due to the initial relationship they have. One part of the book I did enjoy was the cameo appearances of Jack Stapleton from The Bodyguard. Overall, The Rom-Commers had its moments, but it didn’t fully deliver for me.
The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson Publisher: Berkley Romance Pub Date: 6/18/2024
Thank you to Berkley Romance & PRH Audio for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Daphne Brink, newly divorced and unfamiliar with baseball, heckles Carolina Battery player Chris Kepler after one too many drinks. When she later reaches out to apologize without revealing her identity, a connection forms between them, but Daphne struggles to keep her secret as their relationship deepens, leaving her worried about the consequences when Chris learns the truth.
I was super excited to see a sports romance book about baseball! Based on the premise, I was a bit hesitant since it involves catfishing and miscommunication tropes. I had mixed feelings about The Art of Catching Feelings. While the premise sounded promising, the execution fell short. First, I was not a fan of Daphne at all. Not only did she withhold her identity, but she also barely grew as a person throughout the story, essentially implying that lying to Chris was acceptable without any repercussions. As for Chris, I felt downright sorry for him, given everything he was going through and his interactions with Daphne. Although Chris’s character showed growth, the author’s handling of mental health issues felt more like telling rather than showing, making it less effective. The ending was too corny for me, and I couldn’t see Daphne and Chris being a long-term couple after the story ended.
Asha Reads 