Wildfire by Hannah Grace Publisher: Atria Books Pub Date: 10/10/2023
Thank you to Atria Books & Book Club Favorites (Simon & Schuster) for the free finished copy and Libro.FM for the free advanced audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wildfire is the second book in the Maple Hills series. Russ and Aurora have a one-night stand at a party, only to reunite as counselors at a summer camp. They are each seeking an escape from their complicated lives. As they navigate camp rules and their own desires, they must grapple with the question of whether their one-night encounter has sparked something more between them.
I wasn’t a fan of Icebreaker, but I decided to give Wildfire a chance due to the interesting premise and I’m glad I did! I adored this book. Russ and Aurora’s perspectives were captivating and I appreciated that the story was so much more than their love story but it also dove into their respective complex family dynamics. Watching their relationship evolve from a passionate one-night stand to a deeper connection was a highlight. It was also great to see familiar characters like JJ and Henry return while being introduced to new ones. Highly recommend picking this up! I can’t wait for the third book!
Better Hate Than Never by Chloe Liese Publisher: Berkley Romance Pub Date: 10/10/2023
Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free copy on NetGalley and PRH Audio for the free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Childhood enemies, Katerina and Christopher, rediscover their fiery connection when Kate returns home as an adult. Despite their initial animosity, they must navigate their complex feelings and decide if it’s worth risking their hearts for a chance at love.
Better Hate Than Never is the second book in The Wilmot Sisters series. While I loved Bea and Jamie in Two Wrongs Make a Right, Kate and Christopher’s love story fell short for me. Both main characters came across as immature, their reasons for hating each other remained unclear, and their chemistry felt choppy. The mix of past and present emotions didn’t make sense. The book’s pacing was off with some chapters feeling like fillers. All in all, this isn’t one I could recommend and I’m not sure how I will feel about Jules’s story.
You, Again by Kate Goldbeck Publisher: Random House Pub Date: 9/12/2023
Thank you to Random House for the free ebook copy on NetGalley and PRH Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In You, Again by Kate Goldbeck, Ari and Josh start off as bitter enemies, both with vastly different dating philosophies. However, as they navigate heartbreak and forge an unexpected friendship, their once-hostile relationship evolves into something more, blurring the lines between friendship and romance in this witty debut romantic comedy.
When I heard that You, Again can be described as a modernized version of When Harry Met Sally, I was immediately drawn to it! This book deserves all the stars! I ended up listening to the audiobook which had me easily envision the story being adapted into a movie. What truly stood out to me was the beautifully messy and complex characters of Ari and Josh. Watching them evolve and mature over the course of the story and through the time lapses was a delight. The supporting characters, particularly Radhya, Briar, and Gabe, added depth and charm to the narrative. I loved that Kate was skillfully able to progress Ari and Josh’s relationship from enemies to acquaintances to friends to lovers in an exceptional way which kept me throughly engaged. I appreciated that the book didn’t just focus on love but also delved into the struggles of career growth, nurturing friendships, and family responsibilities. There were moments when I wanted to shake some sense into Ari or Josh, yet other times I found myself sympathizing with their dilemmas. For anyone who has a soft spot for When Harry Met Sally, I highly recommend giving You, Again a read. I can’t wait to see what Kate writes next! I’m hoping for Radhya to have her own love story explored in a future book!
The Name Drop by Susan Lee Publisher: Inkyark Press Pub Date: 9/12/2023
Thank you to the author for the free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Name Drop by Susan Lee is a story about Elijah and Jessica, interns at Haneul Corporation who share the same Korean name. They switch identities to escape their circumstances, and as they navigate their charade, a romantic spark ignites while they strive to protect their secrets and futures.
I was really excited about reading The Name Drop after loving Susan’s debut, Seoulmates! Young Adult books aren’t usually my go-to, but I was intrigued by the premise. The dynamic between Jessica and Elijah, complete opposites, captured my interest. The book tackled important themes like social disparities, privilege, familial expectations, and authenticity. The author skillfully made New York City feel like a character in itself. I enjoyed the alternating chapters. If you’re looking for a charming and fast read, I’d recommend picking this up!
Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman Publisher: Random House Pub Date: 5/30/2023
Thank you to PRH Audio for the free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
GoodReads Synopsis: Then. Katee Rose is living the dream as America’s number one pop star, caught in a whirlwind of sold-out concerts, screaming fans, and constant tabloid coverage. Everyone wants to know everything about her and her boyfriend, Ryan LaNeve, the hottest member of adored boy band CrushZone. Katee loves to perform but hates the impossible demands of stardom. Maybe that’s why she finds herself in the arms of another CrushZone member, Cal Kirby. Quiet, serious Cal, who’s always been a good friend to Katee, is suddenly Cal with the smoldering eyes and very good hands. One unforgettable night is all it takes to blow up Katee’s relationship with Ryan, her career, her whole life…
Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence, and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal Kirby shows up with the opportunity of her dreams–a starring role in the Broadway show he’s directing and a chance to perform the way she’s always wanted. The two haven’t spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other, making their reunion a tense battle of wits and egos. Katee reluctantly agrees to the musical, as long as she keeps her guard up around Cal. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smolder, and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Katee can’t deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you’ve been burned in the past?
Review:Once More With Feeling is the second book I’ve read from Elissa Sussman. Former pop star Katee Rose, now living an ordinary life as Kathleen Rosenberg, has her world upended when Cal Kirby, her ex-lover and former bandmate, offers her a starring role in a Broadway show he’s directing. As they work together, the two struggle with unresolved tension and undeniable chemistry, forcing them to confront their past and decide if reigniting old flames is worth the risk. I found the premise of this book quite intriguing and full of potential, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was lacking in its execution. The story is told from the perspective of Kathleen Rosenberg, both in the past and present. Kathleen’s character was very well-developed and I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the story. However, I was disappointed with Cal’s character which I found to be underdeveloped. It was hard for me to see how he had changed from the past to the present. When Kathleen and Cal reunited as adults, their chemistry felt forced and I didn’t feel like they resolved any of their issues. I wasn’t a fan of the subplot involving Kathleen and her best friend, Harriet, having an underlying fight that’s only explained later in the book. On the other hand, I appreciated that the infidelity in the past was presented upfront and not treated as a surprise reveal. Overall, I had mixed feelings about this book. I preferred her first book, Funny You Should Ask.
Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Pub Date: 8/1/2023
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the free copy on NetGalley & MacMillan Audio for the free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
GoodReads Synopsis: Catherine Sterling thinks she knows her mother. Ruth Sterling is quiet, hardworking, and lives for her daughter. All her life, it’s been just the two of them against the world. But now, Catherine is ready to spread her wings, move from home, and begin a new career. And Ruth Sterling will do anything to prevent that from happening.
Ruth Sterling thinks she knows her daughter. Catherine would never rebel, would never question anything about her mother’s past or background. But when Ruth’s desperate quest to keep her daughter by her side begins to reveal cracks in Ruth’s carefully-constructed world, both mother and daughter begin a dance of deception.
Review:Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen explores the intricate dynamics between Catherine Sterling and her mother, Ruth. With Catherine’s aspirations for independence conflicting with Ruth’s desire to keep her close, their relationship is tested as a web of deception begins to expose long-held secrets and vulnerabilities.I found the premise of Gone Tonight intriguing, but it turned out to be a slow burn without much mystery, leaning more towards suspense. I found the pacing of the book to be extremely slow. The dual perspectives of Ruth and Catherine added depth, but I was more captivated by Ruth’s narrative and the flashbacks to her high school days. Unfortunately, Catherine’s perspective felt lacking and didn’t contribute much to the overall story. I was disappointed that the author didn’t delve deeper into a particular relationship in the flashbacks as it left some confusion regarding what goes in the present towards the end of the book. One of the characters felt severely underdeveloped and should have been explored further considering their importance in the book. Regarding the format, I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook due to the single narrator reading both perspectives. It became confusing and distinct voices for each character would have been preferable. The narrator’s voice was also monotonous which caused me to zone out from time to time so I ending up switching to the ebook. Reading the ebook enhanced the experience as the alternating chapters were clearly distinguished, making it easier to spot the clues leading to the conclusion. Considering my mixed feelings about this book and giving it three stars, this isn’t one I would recommend. However, if it’s on your TBR, you may still give it a try.
Will They or Won’t They by Ava Wilder Publisher: Berkley Romance Pub Date: 6/27/2023
Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free paperback copy and PRH Audio for the free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GoodReads Synopsis: Lilah Hunter and Shane McCarthy are madly in love— at least, their characters are. As the stars of the hit paranormal TV show Intangible, they spent years pining for each other on-screen… until Lilah ditched the show at the end of season five in hopes of becoming a film star. With no such luck, she’s back to film the much-hyped ninth and final season, in which their characters will get together at last.
But coming back means facing one of the biggest reasons she left: Shane. Ever since their secret behind-the-scenes fling imploded at the end of the first season, the two of them have despised each other.
Now back on set together for the first time in years, with the world’s eyes on them and their post-show careers on the line, they’ll have to grit their teeth and play nice. But under pressure to give Intangible’s fans the happy ending they’ve been waiting for, Lilah and Shane are forced to get closer than ever. And if they’re not careful, they just might get blindsided by one final twist: a real-life happy ending of their own.
Review: In Will They or Won’t They by Ava Wilder, Lilah Hunter and Shane McCarthy, once deeply in love onscreen, must confront their past animosity as they reunite on the set of their hit TV show for its final season. With their post-show careers and the expectations of fans hanging in the balance, they’ll have to navigate their strained relationship, risking the possibility of a surprising real-life happy ending. I DNF’ed How to Fake It In Hollywood so my expectations for Will They or Won’t They were low. However, I was intrigued by the premise of actors, second chance romance, and enemies-to-lovers so I decided to give it a try. As I was reading, I found the alternating chapters from Lilah and Shane to be written well, allowing each character to have their own distinct voice. The choice of audiobook narrators also complemented the characters well. I appreciated how the glimpses of their past were woven into the alternating chapters, providing insight into their present-day behavior towards each other. Although I’m usually not a fan of miscommunication tropes, in this case, it worked well for the storyline. The author skillfully developed their relationship in the past, broke them up, and then gradually rebuilt their intimacy in the present. The author’s writing style kept my attention throughout the story. If you’re a fan of celebrity and/or second chance romances, I recommend reading Will They or Won’t They!
But their vicious cycle of catastrophic breakups and head-over-heels reconnections needs to end fast. Because suddenly, Wes and Ivy have a common enemy–and she’s a detective.
There’s something Wes and Ivy never talk about–in good times or bad. The night of their worst breakup, when one of them took things too far, and someone ended up dead.
If they can stick together, they can survive anything–even the tightening net of a police investigation.
Because one more breakup might just be their last…
Review: In A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing, Wes and Ivy’s intense love affair alternates between euphoria and destruction. Their rollercoaster relationship takes a dark turn when they realize they share a secret involving a deadly incident from their past, and now they must navigate a police investigation while desperately trying to keep their volatile bond intact. A Twisted Love Story was one of the most anticipated summer reads! This book reminded me a bit of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but A Twisted Love Story is so much better. The author’s fast-paced writing style had me hooked from the very beginning. The characters in this book are extremely flawed which added an extra layer of intrigue to the story especially in Ivy and Wes’s toxic on-again, off-again relationship with its unhealthy patterns. The presence of multiple subplots kept me engaged and everything eventually came together in a satisfying way. While it may not be my personal favorite among Samantha Downing’s works, I recommend giving it a chance!
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Pub Date: 7/11/2023
Thank you to SMP Romance for the free ebook copy on NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the free advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GoodReads Synopsis: Sadie Montgomery never saw what was coming . . . Literally! One minute she’s celebrating the biggest achievement of her life—placing as a finalist in the North American Portrait Society competition—the next, she’s lying in a hospital bed diagnosed with a “probably temporary” condition known as face blindness. She can see, but every face she looks at is now a jumbled puzzle of disconnected features. Imagine trying to read a book upside down and in another language. This is Sadie’s new reality with every face she sees.
But, as she struggles to cope, hang on to her artistic dream, work through major family issues, and take care of her beloved dog, Peanut, she falls into—love? Lust? A temporary obsession to distract from the real problems in her life?—with not one man but two very different ones. The timing couldn’t be worse.
If only her life were a little more in focus, Sadie might be able to find her way. But perceiving anything clearly right now seems impossible. Even though there are things we can only find when we aren’t looking. And there are people who show up when we least expect them. And there are always, always other ways of seeing.
Review: Sadie Montgomery, a talented portrait artist, is suddenly diagnosed with face blindness after achieving a major milestone in her career. As she navigates her new reality of seeing faces as jumbled puzzles, Sadie also grapples with family issues, pursues her artistic dreams, and unexpectedly finds herself torn between two men. Despite the challenges, Sadie discovers that sometimes we find what we need when we least expect it and that there are different ways of seeing beyond physical appearances. As a fan of Katherine Center, I was eagerly looking forward to reading Hello Stranger which is one of my most anticipated summer reads! I devoured the book in just one day! Center’s writing style never fails to provide a comforting and engaging reading experience and the pacing was just perfect. I was particularly touched by Joe’s unwavering understanding and support for Sadie throughout her journey with facial blindness. The author skillfully portrayed Sadie’s struggles and doubts, while also emphasizing the importance of kindness, hope, and overcoming obstacles. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Sadie’s quirky and lovable complex character. I highly recommend picking up Hello Stranger if you’re a fan of Katherine Center’s work or are a romance reader!
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon Publisher: Berkley Romance Pub Date: 7/4/2023
Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free advanced copy on NetGalley and PRH Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GoodReads Synopsis: Chandler Cohen has never felt more like the ghost in “ghostwriter” until she attends a signing for a book she wrote—and the author doesn’t even recognize her. The evening turns more promising when she meets a charming man at the bar and immediately connects with him. But when all their sexual tension culminates in a spectacularly awkward hookup, she decides this is one night better off forgotten.
Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. Her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list actor best known for playing a lovable nerd on a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. But Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand of hilarious mishaps.
Chandler’s determined to keep their partnership as professional as possible, but when she admits to Finn their night together wasn’t as mind-blowing as he thought it was, he’s distraught. He intrigues her enough that they strike a deal: when they’re not working on his book, Chandler will school Finn in the art of satisfaction. As they grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, they must figure out which is more important, business or pleasure—or if there’s a way for them to have both.
Review: Weather Girl was an absolute favorite of mine and I couldn’t wait to dive into Business or Pleasure which was one of my highly anticipated summer reads! The story captivated me as it unfolded solely from Chandler’s perspective, with intriguing articles and tidbits sprinkled between chapters. Chandler, her loving family, Finn, and the people in his life were all wonderfully crafted characters that I adored. This was a quick read for me and I was throughly engaged with the storyline from start to finish. Rachel Lynn Solomon skillfully addresses heavy subjects such as abortion, mental illness, bullying, and emotional abuse with sensitivity. A standout aspect of the book was the emphasis on the importance of communicating your needs. The budding relationship between Chandler and Finn was both sweet and touching with just the right amount of steamy scenes that perfectly suited their dynamic. I highly recommend picking this one up if you’re romance reader or a fan of Rachel’s work!
Asha Reads 