Hot Hex Boyfriend is a sweet and cozy rom-com perfect for fall! The story follows Delia and her quirky family who believe they are wi4.5 Bewitched ✨'s
Hot Hex Boyfriend is a sweet and cozy rom-com perfect for fall! The story follows Delia and her quirky family who believe they are witches cursed to have no magic. Unbeknownst to them all, they are indeed witches and only have one more week to break the hex before they are without magic forever. Sent to keep an eye on the group and make sure they don't succeed, Max, their temporary neighbor is sure the chaotic family has no way of breaking the curse. However, as he gets close to Delia, and the two spend her birthday together, Max, is in for a rude awakening when the family comes into their powers and are ready to test it out.
This was such a fun and cozy read! The magic and small town made the story so sweet and charming, I loved how the family interacted and felt very close-knit. Max and Delia were so sweet together, the way Max was sure of Delia and her capabilities was just adorable. The man was completely smitten! The wholesome characters and family were completely entertaining, the family antics were so chaotic and fun. While I do think the pacing and logistics could use some work, if you don't go into the story expecting anything serious, I think the plot and romance will shine. I read this in one sitting and I can't wait for more in this crazy and exciting magical world!
~Many thanks to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review....more
Truly, Madly, Deeply is an enchanting romance following Truly, a romance author, and Colin, a divorce attorney as they get to know one another while fTruly, Madly, Deeply is an enchanting romance following Truly, a romance author, and Colin, a divorce attorney as they get to know one another while filming a podcast on relationship advice. The story is full of sweet and sensual moments, Colin and Truly were absolutely lovely together. Their back and forth banter was so fun and I loved how they knew when to pause and acknowledge each other's feelings. While there are quite a few hurt/comfort moments, the story never got too heavy and I appreciated that the emotion, romance, and humor were so balanced throughout the book.
Old Flames and New Fortunes is a whimsical and charming small-town romance following Romina, a witch who uses the language of flowers in her craft, anOld Flames and New Fortunes is a whimsical and charming small-town romance following Romina, a witch who uses the language of flowers in her craft, and Alex, her former high school boyfriend who returns to their cozy hometown for his mother's marriage. The story is full of banter, tenderness, humor, heat, and so much fun happenings around the quirky and quaint small town. Alex and Romina were so enchanting together, from the beginning you can see their obvious chemistry and connection. Alex was so infuriatingly smug and sweet, it was a delight to watch him fall over himself for Romina and the potential to be with her again. I loved how the two balanced each other out so well, the little snippets of their high school relationship was so adorable and added a perfect layer to the history of their coupling and reunion. However, while I rated this 4 stars, it was a 5 star read for me until 60% in when a secret is revealed, it came out of nowhere, and honestly, I don't see any merit of it in the story or Alex and Romina's love. Besides that, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this romance and cannot wait to read more from Sarah Hogle!
The Art of Catching Feelings is a sweet and emotional romance following Chris, a struggling baseball player, and Daphne his one-time heckler. The storThe Art of Catching Feelings is a sweet and emotional romance following Chris, a struggling baseball player, and Daphne his one-time heckler. The story is full of charm with so much humor, tension, and emotion laced throughout the engaging plot and writing. Daphne and Chris were beautiful together and separately, their conversations led to so much charged chemistry, and the slow buildup to them coming together was perfect. I loved how they were so soft with each other yet willing to share all of their raw and gritty sides; the deep topics never got too heavy but added a needed layer of dimension. I absolutely recommend this warm and vulnerable romance and cannot wait to explore more from Alicia Thompson!
Read If You Like: ⚾Sports Romance⚾ ⚾Friends w Benefits⚾ ⚾Slow Burn⚾ ⚾Hidden Identity⚾ ⚾Mental Health Rep⚾ ⚾Dual POV⚾ ⚾Workplace Romance⚾
~Many thanks to Berkley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
Prime Time Romance is a charming and unique rom-com following Brynn and her roommate Josh who are transported into a world based on her favorite teenaPrime Time Romance is a charming and unique rom-com following Brynn and her roommate Josh who are transported into a world based on her favorite teenage drama show, Carson's Cove. Unable to leave until the two give the main characters the happily ever after they deserve, Brynn and Josh are forced to stick to their roles. However, as Brynn gets close to her love match, she finds that all she wants is to stick by Josh's side instead.
I wanted to love this as much as I loved Kate Robb's first book, but I just couldn't feel the romance! I think the main issue I had with this rom-com was the pacing, everything in the plot and story flowed well except for the romance between Brynn and Josh. To me, their relationship fell second to the magical realism plot and Brynn spent most of her time trying to play out her favorite show. While I found the small town and 2000s references to be very whimsical and entertaining, as a romance book, I don't think Josh and Brynn had enough standing to fall in love the way they did. I swear Brynn spent way more time with side characters than she did with Josh, and while they had some swoony and deep moments, I couldn't feel their connection at all. Even though this wasn't for me, I think Kate Robb's stellar writing and storyline have the potential to work for so many other people and I will be on the lookout for her next book!
~Many thanks to Netgalley and Dial Press for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review....more
The Game Changer is a lighthearted romcom following Delilah, a sunshiny baker, and Ian, a pro hockey player returning to his home team. With Delilah’sThe Game Changer is a lighthearted romcom following Delilah, a sunshiny baker, and Ian, a pro hockey player returning to his home team. With Delilah’s baking show struggling and Ian’s constant negative press, the two childhood friends team up to put on a show for the public and lean into their supposed romance. However, as they start to spend more time together, the lines begin to blur and they quickly find themselves unable to pretend and keep their feelings at bay.
This romance was so fun and flirty! Every page and interaction was so sweet and kept me engaged to the very end. Ian and Delilah were absolutely adorable together, I loved that they didn’t hold back from each other and yet took the time to find their footing before putting a label on their relationship. The plot was super playful and I ate up every morsel of family drama, I loved that there was something more substantial to offset the unserious nature of the romance. I completely recommend this sweet and steamy romcom, full of chemistry, quirky banter, and so much charm.
~Many thanks to Berkley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
The Truth According to Ember follows a young native woman tired of being rejected for job after job. Determined to find steady work as an accountant, The Truth According to Ember follows a young native woman tired of being rejected for job after job. Determined to find steady work as an accountant, Ember decides to embellish her resume and leave out her Indigenous background. However, when she finally gets hired, Ember ends up befriending Danuwoa, the only other native at the company; and worse, she finds herself falling for him when there is a no-fraternization rule. Unable to keep up with all her white lies, Ember must decide if being open and honest with the man she is falling in love with is worth losing her job.
This was a great debut romcom, full of banter, drama, and so much diversity! The romance was completely adorable, I loved how sweet and enamored Danuwoa was with Ember. The workplace environment was very central to the plot and I liked that it was a little messy and daunting to Ember; it felt very genuine and raw which can be hard to find in a romcom. I also appreciated how much insight there was into native culture and community, I loved getting to know Ember's family and how they came together to rally for her was so sweet. I will absolutely be reading more from Danica Nava in the future; we need more native and #OwnVoices romances out there!
~Many thanks to Netgalley and BerkleyRomance for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review....more
Love and Other Conspiracies is an adorably refreshing friends-to-lovers workplace romance! The story was so fun and sweet, I loved how Hallie and HaydLove and Other Conspiracies is an adorably refreshing friends-to-lovers workplace romance! The story was so fun and sweet, I loved how Hallie and Hayden were so unabashedly charmed by each other despite their opposing views. The way their relationship unraveled as the two got to know one another and become best friends was so sweet. Hayden was a major green flag in every way, the man deserves a medal for his healthy communication and vulnerability. Beyond the romance and characters, the story went by so fast with conspiracies and monster hunting as the perfect breakup to the central workplace setting and drama. I will absolutely be on the lookout for more from Mallory Marlowe, I cannot wait to read her next book!
Three Hearts Hideaway is a fast burn, forced proximity, small town, MFM romance full of steam and fluff. The story follows Ava, who after her recent eThree Hearts Hideaway is a fast burn, forced proximity, small town, MFM romance full of steam and fluff. The story follows Ava, who after her recent ex-boyfriend sent out a private voice message of her sexual wants to her full contact list, fled to a small town to take some time off and figure out what to do next. However, when the rash decision leaves her with nowhere to stay as the local hotel is booked, Ava, goes to drown her sorrows at the local pub and meets Roman, the bartender and owner of a BnB he is currently fixing up. When the two hit it off, Roman offers to let her stay with him and his best friend Logan at the under-construction BnB.
I'm not a fan of insta-lust/love, however, when the plot is the sex, I can get on board! This was super fast-paced and the insta-lust just worked with the story and romance. Roman and Logan were absolutely smitten from the beginning and determined to cater to all of Ava's needs and wants; I loved how the three of them came together. I especially appreciated the communication and how on board the three of them were at making things work after they got their sh*t together. Overall, Three Hearts Hideway is a sweet, steamy, and simple read that is full of cute and cozy moments.
~Many thanks to Netgalley and Love Lit Press for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review!...more
When Celeste learns of her mentor's passing, she is not shocked to find herself pulled in for one last thieving job with her old crew. As they plan foWhen Celeste learns of her mentor's passing, she is not shocked to find herself pulled in for one last thieving job with her old crew. As they plan for a new heist, Celeste is reunited with her former partner and flame, Magnus, for the first time after their dramatic split. With their tension and chemistry running as strong as ever, the two are forced to decide if they are willing to set aside their differences and finally be vulnerable with each other.
I don't think I've ever read a thief romance and I have to say it was so much fun! The story was perfectly balanced with enough romance and chemistry to keep the thievery and heisting entertaining and never broaching on too much. Celeste and Magnus were absolutely breathtaking together, their tension and rapport was so lively and full of chemistry. I loved how the second chance romance played out and the two reflected on their previous relationship and issues before committing to each other. Beyond the romance, the characters and their found family were just lovely, and I cannot wait for the rest of the crew to get their happily ever afters!
~Many thanks to Netgalley and Canary Street Press for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review....more
After spending a wild night drinking way too many margaritas with her aunt, sister, and best friend Dax5 I'd Fall In Love With You In Any Universe ✨'s
After spending a wild night drinking way too many margaritas with her aunt, sister, and best friend Dax, in an attempt to forget about her recent breakup, Gemma performs a love cleansing spell on a whim and wakes up the next morning in an alternate reality where she never met her ex. The only problem is she also met Dax the same night and Gemma can't comprehend living in a world without her best friend. With the only option to stick it out for a month before she can try and go back to her old life, Gemma decides to make friends with Dax again. However, as she finds her footing in her new reality, and she and Dax get to know each other without a label as friends, Gemma has to choose whether she wants to stay in her new world and explore her newfound connection to Dax or return to her old one where they are just friends.
I don't think I will ever be able to forget about this book, I love it so much! Everything about the story was so fun and charming, I loved the alternate reality/timeline aspect and getting to meet Gemma and Dax in both worlds. Their connection transcended universes and I could absolutely feel their love for each other. Gemma was so sweet and relatable, I loved her character growth and getting to watch her come out of her shell and be more brave as the story went along. There were some bittersweet moments toward the end that pulled at my heartstrings and I appreciated there was a range of emotions the story encompassed. I am honest to god shocked that this is a debut book, Kate Robb did an amazing job of crafting Gemma and Dax's love and keeping the story engaging and whimsical. I cannot wait to read more from her, sign me up for all of her future books!
~Many thanks to NetGalley and Dial Press for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review....more
Hate Mail follows Naomi and Luca, two individuals tied together when their respective teachers assign them as penpals. Over the course of almost 15 yeHate Mail follows Naomi and Luca, two individuals tied together when their respective teachers assign them as penpals. Over the course of almost 15 years, the two continue to write to each other until one day the letters stop and Naomi is left wondering if Luca and their budding relationship meant nothing to him. However, two years later Naomi is suddenly pulled back into their exchange when she gets a letter in the mail and is forced to decide if she finally wants to pursue Luca.
This was a delightfully lighthearted romcom full of fun and a dash of steam, featuring frenemies to lovers, he falls first, and dual POV! The penpal premise is so unique in that Naomi and Luca send each other hate mail, they had such a fun banter in their letters and it was so cute to read about them slowly falling for each other while they grew into themselves. The story unfolded between two POVs and timelines; it gave so much insight into the characters and the history of their relationship. This is a cute and sweet debut romance, and while I do think the characters and execution could use some work, I am very excited to read more from Donna Marchetti in the future.
~Many thanks to One More Chapter for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review....more
The Next Best Fling follows Marcella and Theo as they use each other to get over their unrequited feelings for another couple. I'm not usually one forThe Next Best Fling follows Marcella and Theo as they use each other to get over their unrequited feelings for another couple. I'm not usually one for too much drama, but I absolutely loved it in this book! The messy and chaotic energy worked so well with the romance and how Marcella and Theo fell in love. I loved that once Theo got over his feelings for Alice, he was 100% in with Marcella, the man was so sweet and willing to do anything to make her happy. The story flowed so well and while there was quite a bit of back and forth, I think it worked out so well in the end with how Marcella came to realize her feelings.
The Kiss Countdown is a tender romance following Amerie, a struggling events planner, and Vincent an astronaut getting ready for his next mission. WheThe Kiss Countdown is a tender romance following Amerie, a struggling events planner, and Vincent an astronaut getting ready for his next mission. When the two bump into each other over coffee, and Amerie runs into her ex, Vincent plays along as her new doting boyfriend. When they both realize they could use their fake relationship to help with work and family, they decide to stick it out until Vincent leaves for the moon. However, when their connection starts feeling real, Amerie must choose whether she is willing to risk herself and her newfound business on falling in love with a man set to leave for space.
I loved every minute of reading this fast paced, fake dating, slow burn romance! Vincent and Amerie were so much fun together, their banter and chemistry was everything. I loved how they each had their own struggles and reasons for pretending but were so willing to lean on each other and open up. Etta Easton did a wonderful job of balancing the sweet and lighthearted plot with some heavier topics, the raw and rough moments really contrasted with the warm and gentle connection between Vincent and Amerie. The only pause I have with this book is I wish it was dual POV. Despite being an absolute cinnamon roll, Vicent is rather aloof and I would have loved to read his POV of falling in love alongside Amerie.
~Many thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Romance for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review....more
I have to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of second chance romances... they have to deliver on so many factors for me to consider them a win, and TI have to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of second chance romances... they have to deliver on so many factors for me to consider them a win, and The Ex Vows did not do that for me. The single POV really put a damper on the whole story and emotional side, I love angst and pining but only being able to read about it from one side of a couple when there were two very emotional journeys in the story definitely impacted my reading. Regardless of the romance, I was also just bored. There's a lot of internal monologue and coming to grips with feelings, that were not balanced out well enough with the humor and banter I needed to stay engaged in the book. Not to mention I expecting some drama and groveling, and there was absolutely none! By no means is this a bad story, I can see so many people liking this, but it just wasn't for me.
~Many thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review....more
To Bind a Dark Heart is an Arthurian romantasy set in the world of Avalon, full of plot, world-building, and a love burning between a morally grey priTo Bind a Dark Heart is an Arthurian romantasy set in the world of Avalon, full of plot, world-building, and a love burning between a morally grey prince and a naive young woman struggling to choose between what she believes is right and the man she loves. This is book two in the Iron Crystal series and picks up right after the cliffhanger in book one. Following the destruction of the iron crystal, a war between the elementals and Mordred is brewing. With Gwendolyn unsure of who to trust, she goes on the run from Mordred in order to decide what she wants to do now that the world is as it should be. However, along her journey, she discovers her situation may not be as black and white as she previously thought. As the truth comes out and secrets are revealed, she is quick to realize just how stuck in the middle of a bad situation she is.
I have to say I enjoyed To Bind a Dark Heart more than the first book for a few different reasons. First off, the multi POV was very refreshing. I loved switching between multiple characters and getting a feel of what they were thinking in the midst of all that was happening in the world of Avalon. The added POVs of characters outside of Gwen and Mordred were a very nice touch and kept in well with the pacing of the plot. I also loved that Gwen and Mordred were apart for most of the book, I think it was necessary to see them when they were separate and their own entities. It was a nice change from the previous book where they were together the whole time. Now, I will say I was expecting more character development on Gwen's part, I was hoping she would have grown from her betrayal of Mordred at the end of the previous book and being forced out on her own into a world full of dangerous magic. However, I struggled to see her strengths throughout the book, I found her very wishy washy and would have loved for her to take back some control in her life. This ends on a cliffhanger even bigger than book one, I absolutely can't wait to get back to the world of Avalon and see where Gwen and Mordred will stand now that all the secrets are out in the open!
~Many thanks to NetGalley and Kathryn Ann Kingsley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review....more
Birding with Benefits is a sweet and steamy romance following Celeste, a recent divorcee, and her journey of living life to the fullest as she begins Birding with Benefits is a sweet and steamy romance following Celeste, a recent divorcee, and her journey of living life to the fullest as she begins fake dating John, an avid bird watcher, and agrees to become his partner for a birding competition. As the two get closer, Celeste and John find themselves falling for each other but are unwilling to take the next step as they are healing from their previous relationships. I loved this romance and how both John and Celeste grew for themselves. They truly brought out the best in one another and it was so sweet to read about them slowly falling despite their hesitance. The romance was light, airy, and fun being centered around birding and I loved diving into a world I knew almost nothing of. Sarah T Dubb did a wonderful job with this warm and inviting romcom and I will absolutely be exploring her next book!
The Friendship Study is an emotionally charged romance featuring friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, friends w benefits, queer rep, grumpy x sunshine, anThe Friendship Study is an emotionally charged romance featuring friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, friends w benefits, queer rep, grumpy x sunshine, and lots of steam. The story follows Lulu, a young college professor who feels lost in her life after moving back to her hometown, and Jesse, a former firefighter who is struggling to find direction in his life after a car accident left him jobless. When the two are set up on a blind date by their mutual friend, they spend the night awkwardly engaging, only to go their own ways. However, when they both join an experimental study on how to make friends, they quickly fall into step and find themselves falling for each other despite the studies' rule against dating.
This book tore me apart, body and soul. Flayed me, red and raw. And stitched me back together again more flawlessly than before. While that may sound dramatic, I swear everything about this book conspired to lay me bare and open me up to fall for Ruby Barrett's writing and the beautiful romance she concocted between the two hopelessly frail yet resilient characters that are Lulu and Jesse. The two had so much character development and I loved how they encouraged one another and grew for themselves before getting into a relationship. While there were some heavy moments throughout the story, they were perfectly balanced with the sweet and sensual romance; Lulu and Jesse just felt like they were in their own bubble and fell for each other so organically. This was my first Ruby Barrett book but it most certainly will not be my last, I'm going to have to read her whole catalogue!
~Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Books for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review....more
Happy Medium is a fun and quirky romance following Gretchen, a fake medium hired to exorcise a ghost from a goat farm, and Charlie, the grumpy farm owHappy Medium is a fun and quirky romance following Gretchen, a fake medium hired to exorcise a ghost from a goat farm, and Charlie, the grumpy farm owner who wants Gretchen and her obvious scam nowhere near him. Content to take the money and leave, Gretchen is shocked to her core when she learns the property is indeed haunted and she can talk to the ghost. The story is full of charm and so much fun happenings around the farm. I loved how Gretchen and Charlie slowly became friends and tried to understand one another before getting into a relationship. The deep moments contrasted so perfectly to the whimsy brought about by their ever flowing banter and the humourous and endearing ghost. This enchantingly sweet romance will absolutely not be my last from Sarah Adler and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!