Tag Archives: Romance

Review: Once More With Feeling

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Review: Will They or Won’t They?

Posted on by
Reply

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!

Review: Hello Stranger

Posted on by
Reply

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!

Review: Business or Pleasure

Posted on by
Reply

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!

Review: The Seven Year Slip

Posted on by
1

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Pub Date: 6/27/2023

Thank you to Berkley for the free paperback copy and PRH Audio for the free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Sometimes, the worst day of your life happens, and you have to figure out how to live after it.

So Clementine forms a plan to keep her heart safe: work hard, find someone decent to love, and try to remember to chase the moon. The last one is silly and obviously metaphorical, but her aunt always told her that you needed at least one big dream to keep going. And for the last year, that plan has gone off without a hitch. Mostly. The love part is hard because she doesn’t want to get too close to anyone–she isn’t sure her heart can take it.

And then she finds a strange man standing in the kitchen of her late aunt’s apartment. A man with kind eyes and a Southern drawl and a taste for lemon pies. The kind of man that, before it all, she would’ve fallen head-over-heels for. And she might again.

Except, he exists in the past. Seven years ago, to be exact. And she, quite literally, lives seven years in his future.

Her aunt always said the apartment was a pinch in time, a place where moments blended together like watercolors. And Clementine knows that if she lets her heart fall, she’ll be doomed.

Review: The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston tells the story of Clementine, who, after a tragic event, strives to live a safe and predictable life in New York. However, when she encounters a man from seven years in the past, she faces a dilemma of falling in love with someone who exists in a different time, challenging her notions of love and timing. I absolutely loved The Dead Romantics so I was very excited to read The Seven Year Slip. From the moment I started reading The Seven Year Slip, it reminded me of two movies that involve time travel, The Lake House (featuring Sandra Bullock & Keanu Reeves) and Just Like Heaven (featuring Reese Weatherspoon and Mark Ruffalo). I adored Clementine and wanted to give her a big hug throughout the book. While the sweet connection between Clementine and Iwan developed beautifully, I craved more insight into the present day outcome. The storyline goes beyond light romance and dives into Clementine’s grieving for her late aunt along with her journey to figure out her career goals. Some may argue that the book leans more towards women’s fiction and magical realism than typical romance, but the way it’s written works for the narrative. I appreciated that the author was able to capture the struggle of figuring out one’s life path when feeling unhappy and in need of a change, the solace found in memories, and the importance of embracing new beginnings. While The Dead Romantics remains my personal favorite, I still found The Seven Year Slip to be an heartwarming read and would recommend to romance readers who are a fan of Ashley Poston’s work.

Review: Love, Theoretically

Posted on by
Reply

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Pub Date: 6/13/2023

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: The many lives of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, toiling away at grading labs and teaching thermodynamics in the hopes of landing tenure. By other day, Elsie makes up for her non-existent paycheck by offering her services as a fake girlfriend, tapping into her expertly honed people pleasing skills to embody whichever version of herself the client needs.

Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet gig—until her carefully constructed Elsie-verse comes crashing down. Because Jack Smith, the annoyingly attractive and broody older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and undermined the reputation of theorists everywhere. And that same Jack who now sits on the hiring committee at MIT, right between Elsie and her dream job.

Elsie is prepared for an all-out war of scholarly sabotage but…those long, penetrating looks? Not having to be anything other than her true self when she’s with him? Will falling into an experimentalist’s orbit finally tempt her to put her most guarded theories on love into practice?

Review: In Love, Theoretically, Elsie Hannaway leads a double life as a struggling adjunct professor and a fake girlfriend for hire. However, when she encounters Jack Smith, the older brother of a client and the experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career, her carefully constructed world begins to unravel. As they navigate their complicated connection, Elsie must decide whether to embrace her true self and put her theories on love to the test. When it comes to Ali Hazelwood’s books, I’ve come to expect certain elements in her stories like the enemies-to-lovers trope, a small girl and big guy dynamic, and a STEM setting. Love, Theoretically follows that formula and while I enjoyed it, I wished we could have had Jack’s perspective as well. Elsie’s people-pleasing personality made sense, but there were moments when her decisions and thought process grated on me. Nonetheless, I appreciated how the author developed the relationship between Elsie and Jack. The cameo appearance of Olive and Adam from The Love Hypothesis was a sweet touch. If you’re a fan of Ali Hazelwood or enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope, this book is worth a read!

Review: The Comeback Summer

Posted on by
Reply

The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady
Publisher: Berkley Pub
Pub Date: 5/9/2023

Thank you to Berkley Pub for the free advanced copy on NetGalley and PRH Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Hannah and Libby need a miracle. The PR agency they inherited from their grandmother is losing clients left and right, and the sisters are devastated at the thought of closing. The situation seems hopeless—until in walks Lou, an eccentric self-help guru who is looking for a new PR agency. Her business could solve all their problems—but there’s a catch. Whoever works with Lou must complete a twelve-week challenge as part of her “Crush Your Comfort Zone” program.

Hannah, whose worst nightmare is making small talk with strangers, is challenged to go on twelve first dates. Libby, who once claimed to have period cramps for four weeks straight to get out of gym class, is challenged to compete in an obstacle course race. The challenges begin with Hannah helping Libby train and Libby managing the dating app on her sister’s behalf. They’re both making good progress—until Hannah’s first love rolls into town, and Libby accidentally falls for a guy she’s supposed to be setting up with her sister.

Things get even more complicated when secrets come to light, making the sisters question the one relationship they’ve always counted each other. With their company’s future on the line, they can’t afford to fail. But in trying to make a comeback to honor their grandmother, are they pushing themselves down the wrong path?

Review: The Comeback Summer is the second book by author duo Ali Brady. Inheriting their grandmother’s struggling PR agency, sisters Hannah and Libby are desperate to save it when eccentric self-help guru Lou offers them a lifeline—with a catch. Both sisters must complete daunting personal challenges as part of Lou’s “Crush Your Comfort Zone” program, but secrets and romantic entanglements threaten not only their progress but their relationship as well. As they strive to honor their grandmother, the sisters must confront the question: Are they on the right path? I absolutely adored the premise of The Comeback Summer and appreciated the distinct personalities of each sister. I found myself drawn more to Libby’s perspective and storyline than Hannah’s. Libby’s inner monologue and challenges were well-developed and I felt they could have made a complete book on their own. On the other hand, Hannah’s challenge seemed somewhat sidelined and her love interest, Josh, really bothered me due to his underdeveloped character. The conflict between Hannah and Josh felt unresolved towards the end which was a bit strange. I enjoyed Libby’s ending much more. Overall, I would recommend this book to those who loved the author duo’s previous work, The Beach Trap.

Review: The True Love Experiment

Posted on by
Reply

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery Books
Pub Date: 5/16/2023

Thank you to Gallery Books for the free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Felicity “Fizzy” Chen is lost. Sure, she’s got an incredible career as a beloved romance novelist with a slew of bestsellers under her belt, but when she’s asked to give a commencement address, it hits her: she hasn’t been practicing what she’s preached.

Fizzy hasn’t ever really been in love. Lust? Definitely. But that swoon-worthy, can’t-stop-thinking-about-him, all-encompassing feeling? Nope. Nothing. What happens when the optimism she’s spent her career encouraging in readers starts to feel like a lie?

Connor Prince, documentary filmmaker and single father, loves his work in large part because it allows him to live near his daughter. But when his profit-minded boss orders him to create a reality TV show, putting his job on the line, Connor is out of his element. Desperate to find his romantic lead, a chance run-in with an exasperated Fizzy offers Connor the perfect solution. What if he could show the queen of romance herself falling head-over-heels for all the world to see? Fizzy gives him a hard pass—unless he agrees to her list of demands. When he says yes, and production on The True Love Experiment begins, Connor wonders if that perfect match will ever be in the cue cards for him, too.

The True Love Experiment is the book fans have been waiting for ever since Fizzy’s debut in The Soulmate Equation. But when the lights come on and all eyes are on her, it turns out the happily ever after Fizzy had all but given up on might lie just behind the camera.

Review: The True Love Experiment is the sequel to The Soulmate Equation. Felicity “Fizzy” Chen, a successful romance novelist, realizes she has never experienced true love despite preaching about it in her books. Connor Prince, a documentary filmmaker, proposes a reality TV show where Fizzy falls in love to save his job. Fizzy agrees only if Connor meets her demands, leading to the production of The True Love Experiment. As the show progresses, Fizzy begins to wonder if she too could find love, and realizes it might be closer than she thought. The True Love Experiment is a contemporary romance novel sets in LA and delves into the themes of friendship, reality dating shows, and intentions. This has become my all-favorite CLo book with so many tab-worthy quotes!!! 🤩The character development for both Fizzy and Connor was well-done and the alternating chapters between them were enjoyable. The supporting roles of River, Jess, and Juno from The Soulmate Equation were also great to see along with the introduction of new fun characters such as Natalia, Stevie, Ash, and the Heroes to name a few. Despite the main characters’ flaws, the story explores their past and their journey towards making better choices for themselves. The slow-building relationship between Fizzy and Connor, from opposites to friends to secret lovers, was beautifully executed. Overall, I would highly recommend The True Love Experiment for fans of CLo and those who enjoy swoon-worthy MCs! 😍

Review: Jana Goes Wild

Posted on by
Reply

Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron
Publisher: Forever
Pub Date: 5/2/2023

Thank you to Forever Pub for the free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Jana Suleiman has never really fit in—everyone always sees her as too aloof, too cool, too perfect. The one time she stepped out of her comfort zone she ended up with a broken heart and a baby on the way. Aaaand lesson learned . Now she’s a bridesmaid for a destination wedding in Serengeti National Park, and almost everyone she knows will be there. Her five-year-old daughter. Her mom. Her friends. Even her potential new boss. And of course (because who doesn’t love surprises!) her gorgeous-but-not-to-be-trusted ex.

Fortunately, Anil Malek is a great dad, even if Jana hasn’t quite forgiven him for lying to her all those years ago. Determined to show he has no effect on her whatsoever, she and the bridesmaids concoct a go-wild list to get Jana through the week. Sing karaoke? Sure. Perform their high school dance routine in front of strangers? Okay. But the more she lets down her guard, the less protection she has against her attraction to Anil. And Jana soon realizes it’s one thing to walk on the wild side . . . and quite another to fall for her ex all over again.

Review: Jana Goes Wild is the fourth book I’ve read from Farah Heron. Jana Suleiman attends a destination wedding in Serengeti National Park, where she encounters her charming ex and father of her child, Anil Malek. As she completes a go-wild list with her bridesmaid friends to prove she’s moved on, Jana realizes that letting her guard down might lead to falling for Anil once more. I was captivated by the vivid descriptions of Tanzania and delighted to see Kamila and Rohan from Kamila Knows Best as supporting characters. However, I struggled to connect with Jana’s character and felt that Anil’s personality was underdeveloped. I would have appreciated more insight into their chemistry and relationship outside of their shared parenting responsibilities, gossip/rumors, and the quick summary of their past. Exploring each of their perspectives or contrasting past and present chapters could have added depth to the story. I also would have enjoyed seeing more positive interactions with their child. Overall, I had mixed feelings about this book and second chance romances usually don’t resonate with me.

Review: Happy Place

Posted on by
2

Happy Place by Emily Henry
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Pub Date: 4/25/2023

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free advanced ebook copy on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.

They broke up six months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends.

Which is how they find themselves sharing the largest bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blue week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.

Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they’ll all have together in this place. They can’t stand to break their friends’ hearts, and so they’ll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It’s a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week…in front of those who know you best?

Review: Happy Place was one of my most anticipated spring reads! This contemporary romance novel delves into college friendships, rekindled love, self-growth, and change. The author tackles heavy subjects of mental health and grief throughout the story. I enjoyed the use of present-day and flashback chapters, which helped me understand the relationship between the main characters, Wyn and Harriet, from their first meeting to their breakup and its aftermath. The friendship group dynamic was well-done, and each character was unique and contributed to the story. The book had many memorable one-liners. However, the pacing of the story was a weak point for me. I found that the middle dragged and the ending felt rushed. Despite this, it was a solid four-star rating. I’d recommend this book to fans of Emily Henry’s work.