Happy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ romance Setting ~ Georgia Publication date ~ August 27, 2024 Publisher ~ Dreamscape Select Est Page Count ~ 327 (26 chapHappy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ romance Setting ~ Georgia Publication date ~ August 27, 2024 Publisher ~ Dreamscape Select Est Page Count ~ 327 (26 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 58 minutes Narrator ~ Anne-Michael Smith POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ baking competition, forced proximity, fake dating, rivals to lovers, no steamage
Savannah (30) is working in a grocery store bakery and has always taken care of her younger sister since their mother died. She wants to send Sadie (20) to college, but is strapped for cash, so she enters a baking competition.
Rhett (31) is working on a cruise ship and was Savannah’s rival in culinary school. She’s not too happy when she finds out he’s in the competition, too. He’s a grump with unsupportive parents who are in a loveless marriage, so he's one of those that never wants to marry because of that.
Which one deserves the $200,000 more? It was hard to root for one or the other because both were deserving.
The camera loves these two together, so they do a bit of a fake relationship in order to gain fans. Fake dating is always tricky since we know they’ll both fall for each other, but neither knows if the other is actually being real with what they’re saying or if it’s all part of the fakeness, but it didn’t bother me too much here.
There was some repetition and awful side characters, but overall I liked it well enough. If you're a fan of cooking/baking competitions that take place in a big brother atmosphere then you might like this one.
Narration notes: UGH UGH UGH, one narrator for dual 1st POV. Boo! She did fine, I suppose, but I really wish I had read it. While we are told whose parts are up next with a simple Savannah or Rhett it was just so quick and it still took me a minute to figure out who was talking with no distinction to her tone. That kind of stuff takes me out of the story.
4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Falling for Summer #4 Others in the series ~ Falling for Summer series Setting ~ Sunset Harbor, an island off 4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Falling for Summer #4 Others in the series ~ Falling for Summer series Setting ~ Sunset Harbor, an island off the coast of Florida Publication date ~ ebook ~ July 10, 2024, audio ~ July 24, 2024 Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media Est Page Count ~ 354 (p+ 36 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 43 minutes Narrator ~ Ariel Royce POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ cop, PR specialist, small town, island life, old family rival/enemies vibes, neighbors to lovers, slow burn, no steamage
Gemma & Beau Gemma is back in town for a week to help get her Gram’s house ready to put on the market while she settles into a retirement home. The very home that’s owned by the family’s enemy, The Palmers. She absolutely can not get involved with Beau Palmer, even if he is super helpful and looks pretty great in his cop uniform, and he has a cute pooch named Xena to boot.
Just when I think I have enough book boyfriends another gets added to the list. Y’all, Beau is so sweet. The way he interacts with people all the time, whether working or not, just shows what a great person he is. He’s trying to get promoted to full time, but keeps getting denied. In steps PR genius Gemma, who offers to help him and in turn he’ll help her with the heavy lifting at Gram's house. Perfect! She’ll be done and ready to head back home to LA in no time, or will she?
3.85⭐ Genre ~ holiday romance Series ~ Ever After Street Others in the series ~ the whole series Setting ~ England Publication date ~ September 2, 2024 Publ3.85⭐ Genre ~ holiday romance Series ~ Ever After Street Others in the series ~ the whole series Setting ~ England Publication date ~ September 2, 2024 Publisher ~ Boldwood Books Est Page Count ~ 319 (20 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 31 minutes Narrator ~ Emma Noakes POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ small town, slow burn, rivals to lovers, no steamage
Full of Christmas magic with nutcrackers and snow globes galore.
Franca owns The Nutcracker Shop and Raff owns Love Is All A-round snowglobe shop. They are rivals and both at risk of losing their shop after the Christmas season rush.
I gotta say I had a bad taste in my mouth at the start of this one because I didn’t like the whole concept of forcing someone to kiss someone else for a photo op. However, all turns out okay…well not okay since Franca broke 3 fingers in a fall. Yikes! How will she make nutcrackers at the most demanding time of the year? With a little help from her rival, Raff, that's how.
I enjoyed the slow burn of them getting to know each other and seeing someone for who they truly are. Raff is really sweet and his family is the absolute best, which is not something Franca is used to and the reason behind her original animosity. She actually took me a little longer to warm up to then he did.
Overall, I’m not a big Christmas person, but I wouldn’t mind strolling Ever After Street to visit all the quaint shops and meeting the lovely people that own them. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.
Series notes: The characters from the other books do make appearances, but I think this would be fine as a standalone.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, Christmas fiction Setting ~ NYC to Illinois Publication date ~ October 24, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 284 (38 chapters +e) A4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, Christmas fiction Setting ~ NYC to Illinois Publication date ~ October 24, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 284 (38 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 27 minutes Narrators ~ Tim Paige, Brianna Cohen POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ slow burn, divorced to enemies to lovers, second chance, no steamage
Katherine (36) & Tom divorced a few years ago, but find themselves spending the holidays together when he offers to watch over her when she has a concussion. The problem is that he's supposed to be in Chicago getting ready to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve. So they set off on an adventure that tests their patience with each other. If something can go wrong it does and I was all for the chaos of it all.
Katherine hates Christmas, understandably so. She was a little much with her workaholic~ness and bickering with Tom, and he made some valid points of why they got divorced. He was really sweet. The banter was good! You just can't help but root for these two to get back together. Overall, a wonderfully fun holiday read.
I was able to listen to a copy as well. Narration notes: I don't have any complaints, except Tim's female voice is not great, which I've been saying for ages.
3⭐ Genre ~ paranormal romance Series ~ Supernatural Singles #1 Setting ~ NYC Publication date ~ February 8, 2022 Page Count ~ 344 (25 chapters +e) Audio len3⭐ Genre ~ paranormal romance Series ~ Supernatural Singles #1 Setting ~ NYC Publication date ~ February 8, 2022 Page Count ~ 344 (25 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 12 hours 15 minutes Narrator ~ Zura Johnson POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ witches (duh), titled chapters, fake relationship, enemies to lovers, miscommunication, second chance, minimal steamage
Violet & Lincoln had a misunderstanding when they were younger making them enemies. Now due to politics they're thrown into a fake relationship.
I don't read too many supernatural witchy books, but when I do I always wish I had some fun magical abilities. Perhaps invisibility so I can nose around unseen.
This is my first shifter book. Is this what a shifter book is usually like? I was expecting a little more excitement on that aspect, not sure what exactly, but something.
Overall, fine, but I wasn't overly wowed. Love the cover, though.
Narration notes: She did a fine job, but, as always, I wish there was a male narrator when dual POV.
*Thanks to Hoopla bonus borrows so I didn't have to use a credit.*
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Brown Oaks (no clue where that is) Publication date ~ February 1, 2024 Page Count ~ 327 (35 chapters +e) POV ~ si4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Brown Oaks (no clue where that is) Publication date ~ February 1, 2024 Page Count ~ 327 (35 chapters +e) POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ small town, slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, enemies~ish to lovers, workplace romance, no steamage
Tess (28) works at a greeting card company that has hired Aaron as a cyber security consultant for 6 months. They don't get off on the right foot because Tess can't help clicking on adorable cat videos, which prove to be a scam and the whole reason Aaron is there in the first place.
Tess is sassy and not afraid to speak her mind. She had a wonderful relationship with her family and I especially loved her grandma and her beef with 'the google'. Also, enjoyed her friendship with Sofia and Kenzie and I love what happened with them in the end. I do have to mention that Tess has a boyfriend for a good portion of the book who is a real tool. There is no cheating on her part, but I do wish she would have broken up with him sooner, so we could have had more on the budding relationship of our main characters.
I do love me a good grump and Aaron was a good one. He takes his job very seriously. He has a sad backstory and I didn't like how he let his past affect the decisions he makes now, but all turns out well of course. He was really sweet when he wasn't grumping.
Overall, I had a good time reading this. The banter is on point and the slow burning romance was cute to watch unfold. Looking forward to reading with Lara writes next.
Side note ~ I am so pleased we got to catch up with Nina and Lucas from All the Lost Pieces to see how their life has progressed.
*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary holiday romance Series ~ Christmas Escape Others in the series ~ are from different authors Setting ~ New York and Vermont Public4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary holiday romance Series ~ Christmas Escape Others in the series ~ are from different authors Setting ~ New York and Vermont Publication date ~ book ~ November 2, 2022, audio ~ October 3, 2023 Page Count ~ 344 (p+ 27 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 59 minutes Narrator ~ Justis Bolding POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ teachers, enemies~ish to lovers, fake dating, no steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Olive (25) and Miles work together at a high school in New York. They didn't get off on the right foot when he started teaching there, so she considers him an enemy of sorts. I didn't really get much enemy vibes to be honest.
Now it's time for Christmas break and Olive is off to Vermont to spend a week with her family, which includes her mother's new husband, Russ. A man she married just 8 months after Olive's father passed away after a cancer battle only last Christmas. Needless to say she's not looking forward to it. On top of that her mother invited her ex-boyfriend, Glen, who she has no interest in getting back together with. Before she can even stop herself she's telling her family she already has a boyfriend named Miles.
Guess who's parents own the resort they are staying at? You guessed it, Miles. Luckily he's down with the fake dating plan, so they have a fun filled week of doing wintery things. I felt the bitter cold Vermont air coming off the pages.
This was so adorable and fun and sweet and cute and funny. The teasing is good natured and the characters are mature and relatable AND they know how to communicate! I would totally watch this if it was made into a Hallmark movie and that's not usually my jam.
Narration notes: Justis did a great job. I have no complaints.
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Brits in Manhattan #2 Others in the seriesThe Law of Attraction Setting ~ NYC & London Publication date ~ Septemb3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Brits in Manhattan #2 Others in the seriesThe Law of Attraction Setting ~ NYC & London Publication date ~ September 11, 2023 Page Count ~ 290 (40 chapters) Audio length ~ 7 hours 50 minutes Narrators ~ Jessica Preddy & Nathan Adams Stark POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ gym owner, fitness influencer, single dad, close proximity, opposites attract, rivals to lovers, enemies to lovers, no steamage
*Previously titled Playing to Win. I have no clue if any content has changed*
Brooks (35) & Izzy (28) Did not love my first impression of Brooks, but I warmed up to him and even felt bad for him a couple of times. His daughter is 18, so this isn't a young kid/single dad trope, more of see my grown daughter when I can, but still love her to pieces trope. He still bugged me at times, like when he kept a big secret. And regarding that big secret I did not care for what Izzy did before she knew about it one bit. Even before that I wasn't feeling her too much. She's a socialite that is bankrolled by her parents in her late twenties. I am not familiar with that world, but she was quite unlikable and immature.
I do enjoy some good old competition but being set in the fitness world is not something I can relate to. Seems a lot of this one was not relatable for me. I did like the conclusion of their competition though.
A little too much with the 'enemies' at times, but I did like it overall.
Series notes: Fine as a standalone as book 1 characters only made a few appearances.
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well. Narration notes: Okay this might sound odd, but I did not think Nathan's voice sounded like someone that owns a gym, or has a bunch of tattoos. I know I know that doesn't really make much sense. How can someones voice determine their career or appearance? No clue but that's my thoughts on the matter. He was fine to listen to and did do a British accent when he did Izzy's parts, so that was good. Jessica did fine as well.
4.5⭐ Genre ~ billionaire romance Series ~ Spade Hotel #2 Others in the series ~ The Playboy Setting ~ California & Canada Publication date ~ February 29, 24.5⭐ Genre ~ billionaire romance Series ~ Spade Hotel #2 Others in the series ~ The Playboy Setting ~ California & Canada Publication date ~ February 29, 2024 Est page Count ~ 405 (p+ 36 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 50 minutes Narrators ~ J.F. Harding, C.J. Bloom POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ fast burn, forced proximity, snowed in, one bed, workplace romance, enemies~ish to lovers, steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Listen there is a similarity with Marni's books, yet each character is still unique. Fast burn and full of steamage is guaranteed. They typically meet in a bar, too. You can count on a H that has gotten around town and then some, but has finally found someone to change his ways, is cocky and knows how to hit it and never wanna quit it. The h's are always strong and independent.
Here we have Cooper (29) & Rowan (29) who find themselves snowed in with all flights delayed for days, and only one bed available...whatever will they do?
Just when I think I have enough book boyfriends another is added to the list. This guy is so sweet and attentive, and protective. And when he got some unexpected news his response was absolutely perfect. Ford Dalton from The Single Dad is still my favorite, but Cooper comes in at a close second.
Rowan knows what she wants and isn't afraid to speak up, even when she gets the cold shoulder.
Overall, lovedy love loved. The epilogue just might bring a tear to your eye.
Series notes This series follows brothers in business together, so you might as well read the 1st one 1st so that you know what's up with the family. Then you'll be ready for Brady's story coming out in June 2024. This is also a spin-off of The Daltons series and some of those characters are involved here. I suppose it's not absolutely necessary to read those first, but they're quite enjoyable, so why not?
Narration notes: Both narrators did great. Their opposite voices weren't bad.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.25⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Chicago Grizzlies, #1 Others in the series ~ On the Defense Setting ~ Chicago, Illinois Publication date ~ September 4.25⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Chicago Grizzlies, #1 Others in the series ~ On the Defense Setting ~ Chicago, Illinois Publication date ~ September 26, 2023 Est page Count ~ 256 (30 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 6 hours 23 minutes Narrator ~ Tim Paige, Stefanie Kay POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ football, sports reporter, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, secret relationship, minimal steamage
Series notes: This is a spin off series of the Kingsmen Football Stars. I would recommend reading them first because it's where we first met Miles & Brice. Plus Twyla, Miles sister, from book 3 pops in a few times giving us an update on her life, so you'd have a spoiler there.
I've been patiently waiting for their story and it was everything I had hoped it would be. After they got over their enemies crap they are both lovable and sweet. Their chemistry was spot on. 3rd act crap I could do without, but all in all it was great.
We got the set up at the end for Damon's story in Something like Lust. I'm not in love with the trope with this one, but I'll still give it a whirl.
DUET narration notes: Whoop whoop, they both did a perfect job! Why can't all dual POV books be duet?? Does it cost more to produce or something?
3⭐ Genre ~ friendship fiction Setting ~ New York & New Jersey Publication date ~ June 18, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 400 (39 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 11 hour3⭐ Genre ~ friendship fiction Setting ~ New York & New Jersey Publication date ~ June 18, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 400 (39 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 11 hours Narrator ~ the author POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ 7 part story, slow burn, enemies to lovers, no steamage Medical trigger warnings I'll hide ~ (view spoiler)[ uterine cancer, parent with dementia (hide spoiler)]
I've gotta give 1 star to the romance part of the story because it took ages and ages and ages for it to happen. Like I'm talking years. I'm boggled by the title actually. This is much more about friendships and one's life journey to figuring themselves out.
We have Natalie & Gabby who are bff's and Rob & Angus who are bff's. On Gabby and Angus's engagement night Natalie and Rob meet. And then they keep meeting again and again for milestones in Gabby and Angus's lives.
What a journey this is ~ we begin in May 2013 and end in May 2021. Each part has at least a year time jump, so it made it seem slow moving for me. I'd much rather read right along with the events as they play out and not be told what happened in the gap of time after the fact. Maybe that's just me.
I wasn't super impressed with any of the characters really, but the story itself has some relatability with all the life happenings. I can appreciate how sensitive topics were handled with care.
So, in conclusion, I liked the story well enough once I got my mindset out of this being a romance. But I feel that information should be given up front because if I'm being told this is a romance then I expect it for a lot more than just 6% of the book. Based on the cover, which I do like, and the title, I'd expect much more loving.
I seem to be in the minority with this one as the 4 and 5 stars are rolling in in abundance.
*Thanks to the author, Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
This is my 500th NG review! Whoop whoop!
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
3.75⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Setting ~ Colorado Publication date ~ January 12, 2023 Est page Count ~ 104 (7 chapters) POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ characters3.75⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Setting ~ Colorado Publication date ~ January 12, 2023 Est page Count ~ 104 (7 chapters) POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ characters in their early 20's, twins, teacher, medical student, enemies~ish to lovers, some steamage
Calliope & Alec have a secret friends with benefits thing going on. They are both twins and it turns out their siblings like each other. They are both not feeling that and want them to stay on track for their career and future plans. I didn't care for this because why are they in charge of their twins life? They need to make their own decisions IMO.
The whole Mr. & Mrs. Krangle bit was a little over the top Christmasy, but they seemed like jolly good folks.
Overall, this had some good banter, mostly in British form since Callliope is from London. Their chemistry was on point. Calliope is not a name I've seen often so I liked the uniqueness of it.
Side funny note ~ usually when food or beverages are discussed in books I automatically want the same, well this time I was actually sipping my own homemade eggnog and on the next page the characters were doing the same. Crazy.
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ August 1, 2023 Est page Count ~ 331 (17 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 3 minutes Narrator ~ Fiona H3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ August 1, 2023 Est page Count ~ 331 (17 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 3 minutes Narrator ~ Fiona Hampton POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ characters in their 30's, work competition, fake dating, slow burn, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, no steamage
I've never been on a dating app, so I'm not sure how they compare, but I liked the one Marina has created. How great that other people are able to leave feedback on how their date went so you can decide if you want to go on a date with that person. Sounds like a time saver to me.
Marina was pretty set in her ways, which is fine to an extent, but I couldn't really warm up to her. I liked Lucas a bit more. Some of the dates they went on were fun.
Overall, it did have good banter which is what I expect from my enemies to lovers, so woo hoo for that, but really with the 3rd act. A bit slow moving and I would have liked dual POV, too.
And how many times do you think the word 'dealbreaker' was used? I don't have an exact number, but it felt like 100k too many.
Narration notes: Unfortunately I listened to this one like 8 audios ago and didn't take any notes, so I can't comment on the performance.
3.25⭐ Genre ~ STEM contemporary romance, romantic comedy Setting ~ California Publication date ~ May 24, 2023 Page Count ~ 372 (28 chapters) POV ~ dual 3rd3.25⭐ Genre ~ STEM contemporary romance, romantic comedy Setting ~ California Publication date ~ May 24, 2023 Page Count ~ 372 (28 chapters) POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ workplace romance, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, slow burn, some steamage
Author Content Warning: Discussion of breast cancer in the heroine’s family and the deaths of two family members (parent and grandparent). Discussion of death of a sibling from heart disease. On page sex scenes and some graphic language (steamy heat level).
Eden & Finn work together ~ she as a scientist and he in the marketing department at a pharma company. It just so happens they are anonymously conversing on a dating app too. Their boss is pitting them against each other to see which department gets more funding. An ulterior motive just might put a snag in their budding romance.
I really liked Finn and his reasoning for wanting to be in the Heart field. He had a great relationship with his parents and friend, Sam. I was a bit disappointed when he ran away from the restaurant though, and I felt like he got off too easy for doing it.
Eden ran hot and cold and was pretty mean to Finn for a good portion of the book (I know, I know it's enemies to lovers, but still), so I never really warmed up to her. I did, however, like her passion for her work and her bond with sister, Faith.
Overall, I could have went without all the workplace drama, which was a lot to take in. I liked the STEM aspect and the cover is cute and almost fitting to the story ~ she has black hair in the story, but it looks brown on the cover, which is a small pet peeve of mine.
*Thanks to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Lake Starlight #3 Others in the series ~ The Problem with Second Chances #1, The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates3.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Lake Starlight #3 Others in the series ~ The Problem with Second Chances #1, The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates #2 Publication date ~ August 8, 2023 Page Count ~ 264 Audio length ~7 hours 13 minutes Narrators ~ Aiden Snow, Emily Woo Zeller POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ high school sweethearts, close proximity, enemies-to-lovers, runaway bride, flashbacks, small town, will they or won't they, slow burn, no cheating, second chance, some steamage
Lance & Kenzie were high school sweethearts, but made a decision to break up before they left for college. Now it's 8 years later and Kenzie is set to marry Lance's nemesis, and a real douche canoe, Will, and somehow Lance ends up being their wedding planner.
The tension was so high when these two were near each other. Although weird that Lance was planning her wedding it was cute that he obviously knew way more about Kenzie than her tool of a fiance did....that should of told her something right there. I actually liked Lance more than Kenzie for that reason...among others. We have the miscommunication from college that I could do without, but I didn't find what happened to be too bad, I mean it wasn't great, but there could have been something worse. This was a slow burn and I kinda wish it wasn't. Although the story is about their journey back to each other it took longer than I would have liked, but when they finally got themselves figured out I love that they were all in. I just hate that so much time was wasted, but at least they're only in their mid 20's.
Overall, not my favorite of the series, but well written and still a great story. Yes a standalone, but Brinley and Van from book 2, and, cousin, Easton, all play huge parts in the story, so you might as well start at the beginning. I still need to go back and read the whole Bailey and Greene series myself, I really wish I had read those before this series.
*Thanks to the authors and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ September 13, 2022 Page Count ~ 332 Audio length ~ 11 hours 30 minutes Narrator ~ Stacey Glemboski POV ~3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ September 13, 2022 Page Count ~ 332 Audio length ~ 11 hours 30 minutes Narrator ~ Stacey Glemboski POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ debut, grad school, characters in their 20's, scattered flashbacks, enemies to lovers, second chance, fade to black, miscommunication Content warning from the author ~ there is expressed fatphobia by characters and in flashbacks, including by a family member, and the story deal with death and loss
We begin with an author's note that tells us all about why she chose to write this book with a fat main character. "Fat people are more than their bodies. We deserve happily-ever-afters, both romantic and otherwise."
Allison & Colin are up against each other for a TA position, but it's not the 1st time they've competed with one another.
Although, I liked Allison's work ethic and how she loved herself and didn't care about eating donuts, sometimes you just need a donut ya know?, I didn't care for her character. In fact, I didn't like anyone really. Colin was a bit of a tool. Her mother was pushy. Her father was awful, but written well to make the reader hate him like we should, but what's up with what was said by his secretary? makes no sense.
I never really felt the connection between them either. I mean she kept his contact name in her phone as Unknown Number for the whole book, so what does that tell ya? Not meant to be in my opinion. We've got the typical miscommunication, which I'm come to expect when reading enemies to lovers, but I still hate it. They both have a lot of growing up to do, but they are in their 20's, so they'd better get cracking on that.
Overall, I was not a super big fan, but it was decent~ish as a debut.
I was able to listen to a copy as well. Narration notes ~ I don't have any complaints with Stacey's skills.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ romance Publication date ~ June 13, 2023 Page Count ~ 331 Audio length ~ 8 hours 33 minutes Narrators ~ Erin Mallon, Joe Arden POV ~ dual 1st F3.5⭐ Genre ~ romance Publication date ~ June 13, 2023 Page Count ~ 331 Audio length ~ 8 hours 33 minutes Narrators ~ Erin Mallon, Joe Arden POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ cats up the waz, dementia, enemies~ish to friends to lovers, opposites attract, slow burn, minimal steamage, no 3rd act break up
Miles & Kitty Miles is looking for someone to take care of his moms cat while she's in the hospital. In steps, or trips rather, cat sitter extraordinaire, Kitty. They don't get off on the right paw, but slowly ease into a friendship as they each deal with their own family guilt.
I don't mind cats ~ my girl Stubb lived to be 19 years and 10 months old, but holy catness batman, it's a lot! Her name is Kitty and her bff's name is Kat, cats on the shirts, on the car, even on her underoos...
Both of their mom's situations were sad and broke my heart. One is still grieving from losing her husband and the other is slowly losing her memories from dementia. The way each was there for the other was nice and comforting.
Overall, not my favorite Helena read, but there were some funny moments to go with some rolling the eyes moments, AND I love, love, love that there was no 3rd act breakup!!
*Thanks to the author, Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans, #4 ~ SA, but why not read in order to meet the whole clan Others in the series ~ Dare Me, Tempt 4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans, #4 ~ SA, but why not read in order to meet the whole clan Others in the series ~ Dare Me, Tempt Me, Save Me Publication date ~ May 23, 2023 Page Count ~ 292 Audio length ~ 7 hours 35 minutes Narrator ~ Carly Robins ~ perfectly fine, but could go for a male narrator too POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ surprise baby, single dad, family friends, enemies~ish to lovers, forced proximity, roommates to lovers, nanny/boss, small town, no steamage
I think this might be my favorite of the series. Jamie & Fallon Former playboy turned single dad in a blink of an eye and he stepped into fatherhood with ease. He always seemed so easy going with an it is what it is attitude in previous books, so I liked that he really stepped up at the pub, too, and took over managing it while his parents were away. Fallon was so sweet and so good with baby, Asher, too. I hate how she was so hard on herself not being able to keep a job, but what she ended up doing in the end just felt perfect for her. I felt their relationship developed at a nice pace and did not feel rushed. 3rd act breakup for the birds as they usually are.
If you've read my reviews on this series before ~ I'm happy to report that meddling mom, Kate, has really tamed down. She only made a couple of appearances and not until the end and barely meddled.
Another delightful addition to the series. Up next is Patrick's story. I've smelt this set up for a while and I'm excited the author is going to give us a different trope.
*Thanks to Samantha Chase, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*