Tag Archives: Romance

Review: Gold Rush Ranch Series

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After finishing the Chestnut Springs series, I knew I had to dive into the Gold Rush Ranch series to tide me over until Wild Eyes releases in September. Here’s my ranking of the books from most to least favorite along with my reviews of each:

Off to the Races (Book 1)

📖: Off to the Races is the first book in the series, where we meet Billie Black, a horse trainer, and Vaughn Harding, a newly inherited ranch owner. Determined to clear his late grandfather’s name from a scandal associated with the ranch, Vaughn hires Billie based on a trusted recommendation. Billie is tasked with training a horse deemed untrainable, as they both navigate the high stakes and intense emotions of their glamorous yet dangerous environment.

I’ve noticed that Elsie Silver’s first books in a series often contain some sort of enemies-to-lovers dynamic, as well as a bit of an “office” romance theme. In Off to the Races, I loved Billie’s character and really empathized with her. Her relationship with the horse, Double Diablo, was sweet, supportive, and protective. As for Vaughn, I had mixed feelings about him. Initially, he comes off as a spoiled, rich man-child, but I appreciate seeing his character develop and his vulnerabilities exposed. He also owns up to his mistakes. The way their relationship becomes more intimate is both sweet and steamy in all the right parts. I noticed that we are introduced to other characters who will feature in upcoming books of the series, which I’m looking forward to reading. Now, I can’t wait to read A Photo Finish featuring Violet (the youngest Eaton) and Cole!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Series Rank: 2nd

Out of the Gate (Book 1.5)

📖: Out of the Gate is a the 1.5 novella in the Gold Rush Ranch series. Ava Wilson has long harbored feelings for Dermot Harding, a family friend and employee at her father’s ranch, despite their significant age difference and his past rejections. When Dermot returns from the army, the two reconnect while training a racehorse together, reigniting their intense chemistry and making them reconsider the obstacles that once kept them apart.

💭: This was the first Elsie Silver book that I didn’t enjoy, despite loving Vaughn and Billie’s story. I had anticipated learning more about how Vaughn’s grandparents, Dermont and Ava, met. However, the overall story didn’t resonate with me. Age-gap romances can be hit or miss and unfortunately, this one missed the mark. The fact that Ava had a crush on Dermont since she was 10 and he was 20 gave me the ick factor. It was frustrating that Dermont continually emphasized his age as an obstacle as to why he couldn’t be with Ava. While Ava’s character was well-developed, Dermont’s lacked depth even though he had his own perspective written in the story. Although this book wasn’t for me, I’m still looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️

Series Rank: 5th

A Photo Finish (Book 2)

📖: A Photo Finish is the second book in the Gold Rush Ranch series. Violet Eaton and Cole Harding’s anonymous online relationship is revealed when Cole moves back to his family’s ranch where Violet currently resides. After Violet has a horse accident, Cole and Violet are forced to love together. Living together, their connection grows, challenging Cole’s guarded nature and hidden scars as they navigate their intense attraction.

💭: This has been my most anticipated read in the series because I initially got glimpses of Violet and Cole in the Chestnut Springs series. However, I realized I loved Off to the Races much more than A Photo Finish. A Photo Finish had similar tropes to Hopeless, so I knew this wouldn’t be my favorite. For some reason, I enjoyed Hopeless much more than this one. Their unusual meeting made for an interesting plot, but I found their past text message conversations lacked depth. As for the present day, I enjoyed the forced proximity. The pace was a bit slower than the others, which I didn’t mind, and I loved Elsie’s writing as always. The little twists along the way and the eventual coming together did make the story enjoyable. I absolutely loved that Billie was a wonderful supporting character who helped move the story along. There were also glimpses of Mira and Stefan which I loved. Overall, this was a 3.5-star read, but I rounded it to 4 stars on Goodreads. I can’t wait to read The Front Runner!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Series Rank: 3rd

The Front Runner (Book 3)

📖: The Front Runner is the third book in the Gold Rush Ranch series. Veterinarian Mira Thorne reluctantly teams up with Stefan Dalca, the town’s brooding pariah, to save a sick foal, leading to an unexpected romance. As Mira delves deeper into Stefan’s mysterious past, she finds herself increasingly drawn to him, only to face shocking truths that put her heart and reputation on the line.

💭: When I found out that Stefan (Billie’s enemy) and Mira were having their story, I was ecstatic! After learning that Stefan is Elsie’s favorite Gold Rush man and that Mira is half Indian and half white, these were delightful surprises. Zachary Webber and Soneela Nankani performing the audiobook were also a cherry on top!

This was a 5-star read! I think it’s safe to say this is my favorite book in the series so far. I really loved the character depth and growth of Mira and Stefan, both individually and together. The slow burn of their romance was sweet and sexy, unfolding beautifully. There were also a few unexpected twists that were pleasant surprises. Zachary and Soneela did an incredible job narrating this book, really bringing the story to life! Zachary’s slight Romanian accent was particularly swoonworthy. Out of all of Elsie’s books, Stefan is definitely one of the most complex and morally grey characters I’ve read. I could tell he was trying his hardest to do the best he could with the terrible hand he was dealt in life. As for Mira, I could understand why she was closed off and came across as cold-hearted due to the pressures she faced. It was fantastic to see Billie as an active supporting character and that we got to know Stefan’s little sister, Nadia, better. Now, I feel bittersweet that I only have one book left in the Gold Rush Ranch series: Nadia and Griffin’s love story!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Series Rank: 1st

A False Start (Book 4)

📖: A False Start is the final book in Elsie Silver’s Gold Rush Ranch series. Nadia and Griffin share an unexpected kiss at a bar when Nadia is 19. Two years later, Griffin still can’t resist his attraction to Nadia, even though she’s his best friend’s younger sister and off-limits. As their bond grows stronger, Griffin struggles with his feelings, caught between his desire for her and the fear of betraying his only remaining friend.

💭: It’s so bittersweet that I finally caught up with Elsie Silver’s backlist. I knew going in that I wouldn’t like A False Start because I’m not a fan of age gap and instalove tropes like Hopeless. In The Photo Finish, I wasn’t a fan of teenage Nadia so I didn’t have high hopes of liking her being older. The only part of this book I liked was that Mira and Stefan are supporting characters and I love seeing their love story progress. Nadia’s personality came off as immature and reckless. Griffin is such a boring MMC. I couldn’t find any redeemable quality about him. Nadia and Griffin’s relationship seems physical and couldn’t see this being a long-term relationship. Overall, I would say I liked the Chestnut Spring series better than the Gold Rush Ranch series. 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Series Rank: 4th

Review: ‘Til Heist Do Us Part

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‘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!

Review: Not Another Love Song

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Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
Publisher: Forever
Pub Date: 7/16/2024

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne (aka Alex), two musical prodigies from different backgrounds, whose professional rivalry intensifies when Gwen is offered the role of First Chair in the Pops Orchestra, a position Xander has long coveted. Despite their hostility, their undeniable musical chemistry and growing feelings for each other face challenges from external pressures and publicity stunts.

Not Another Love Song captivated me much more than Forget Me Not. The world of orchestra and musical performance was fascinating, especially since I have no musical talent and admire those who do. Gwen and Xander’s relationship develops into a sweet and sexy slow burn. While the villains are easy to spot from the beginning and some of the characters’ initial decisions seem dumb due to their age, these elements didn’t detract from the story. Mabel’s character was particularly enjoyable, and her backstory could easily have been a book on its own. Although a few parts dragged, the story remained compelling. I wished we got to have more of Xander’s POV as that would have added more depth to the story, given his complexity.

Review: Rebel Ranch Series Books 1-3

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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!

Review: Fate of the Sun King

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Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli
Publisher: Forever
Pub Date: 6/4/2024

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli is the third book in Artefacts of Ouranos series. Lor, now in possession of the Heart Crown, must evade power-hungry rulers and unlock her magic to reclaim her family’s legacy. As she battles enemies and her feelings for the Aurora Prince, she discovers the truth about the Artefacts, with her future hanging in the balance.

Fate of the Sun King was one of my most anticipated June reads! I absolutely loved Trial of the Sun Queen and while Rule of the Aurora King was slower, I appreciated it for the deeper dive into the characters’ pasts. However, I had mixed feelings about Fate of the Sun King and it may be my least favorite in the series so far. The much-anticipated connection between Lor and Nadir felt disappointing and lackluster. The multiple POVs and subplots, though initially intriguing, ended up slowing down the story. I did enjoy learning more about Lor’s siblings, particularly their backstories and character development. Unfortunately, the pacing was extremely slow and repetitive, with too much planning and not enough action at the beginning, making the eventual action scenes feel underwhelming. Despite these issues, a few of the last chapters did manage to pull me back into the story and the book ended on a cliffhanger. I’m hoping the final installment in November will have a great conclusion to the series.

Review: The Undermining of Twyla and Frank

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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.

Review: The Game Changer

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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!

Review: The Love of My After Life

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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!

Review: Pardon My Frenchie

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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!

Unlikable Main Characters – Two 3-Star Romance Reads

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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.