Review - The Love Haters by Katherine Center

"If a story is really working, if the writer is really crushing it- you don't just step into that story and watch the characters from afar. In the best stories, you're in it. You're a part of it. It's happening all around you - and to you." So says Katherine Center in the author's note for The Love Haters, and I can't think of a better way to state the way this book made me feel. I wasn't just reading about Katie going to Key West, I was on a vacation/work trip in Key West, wearing outlandish caftans, getting knocked into by giant dogs, taking swim lessons from a ridiculously gorgeous instructor.

Those are the things that happen to Katie, a corporate film producer who gets sent to Key West to make a recruitment video for the US Coast Guard, mainly featuring one heroic, hunky, all-around good guy Hutch. Small problem- Katie doesn't swim, and has to pass a training in case the helicopter crashes into the ocean while she's in it. No big deal, right?

I recently had the opportunity to attend an event with Katherine Center and hear her talk about this book, (Side note-if you ever get the opportunity to hear an author talk about their work - take it! It's always worth it, I promise.) and what struck me the most is how much joy she exudes, and how clearly it comes through in her work. She doesn't try to pretend that bad or difficult or tragic things don't happen, just that we don't have to let that define us. That it's ok to have a life that is full of fun and love and color. That joy is a goal and a reward and a process all on its own. And honestly, what more could you possibly want from a book?

5 enthusiastic stars from me on this one, and I can't wait to read what she's got up her sleeves next!

Review - Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third book in Sarah Adams' Rome, Kentucky series. This (and the two previous books) are set in fictional small-town Kentucky, and follow the Walker siblings as they find love. I've loved all of these so far, and Beg, Borrow, or Steal was no exception.

Emily Walker is the prickly, always put-together eldest sister. She takes everything she does seriously, including her rivalry with her arch-nemesis: fellow second-grade teacher Jack Bennett. When Jack moves back to Rome after he was supposed to be getting married in Nebraska, both he and Emily are surprised to find that maybe they don't hate each other after all. When Emily mistakenly sends the manuscript for her secret romance novel to the wrong person, Jack is the best ally she can think of for getting it back. Along the way sparks fly.

I really enjoyed this novel. I would recommend this as a small-town, cozy romance, and it's beautiful. Adams does a great job of showing how sometimes falling in love with another person helps us to love ourselves more authentically as well. Her characters here experience real, organic growth that doesn't feel forced or contrived. She uses historical epistles as epigraphs as well, enhancing the narrative. Overall I loved this book and can't wait to read the next (last?) Rome Kentucky story!

Review - Built to Last by Erin Hahn

Built to Last by Erin Hahn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this second-chance celebrity romance, Built to Last by Erin Hahn. Shelby and Cameron were child stars together, growing up in the bright lights of LA. Now, the nearly-thirty year old Shelby refinished furniture with her house-flipping dad and loves being out of the spotlight. A reality show, though, could ensure his early retirement, as well as show everyone she’s no longer the party-girl she was. The only catch is that the studio wants to bring in Cameron as her co-star. Her first love who has twice abandoned her-how can that possibly work?

Hahn does a great job making these two feel like real people. This book is pretty low-angst, they’re basically gone for each other from the start (in the best way). Very sweet with some spice, definitely recommend. Hahn is also (I hope) tee-ing up Shelby’s best friend’s story and I can’t wait to read it!

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Review-Hook Line and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

Tessa Bailey know just how to tear my heart out, rip it up, stitch it together and put it back in again. Fox and Hannah’s story was just amazing from start to finish. This is friends-to-lovers on crack, for real. Hannah’s job brings her to town and she ends up staying in Fox’s spare room. The close quarters force both of them to face what their long-distance friendship really means. 

Hannah has so much moxie, she’s goals for sure, but Bailey made her so nuanced and layered and vulnerable. She’s every girl who’s been afraid of speaking up for herself, and when she forces herself out of her comfort zone it’s just too perfect. 

Honestly, though, this felt like Fox’s book to me. Through him, Bailey takes a magnifying glass to toxic masculinity and what growing up hearing only one thing about yourself can do to a person. Of course he’s a romance hero, so he works on his shit and figures it out, but a lot of his narrative hit close to home with comments you hear all the time. 

I’d 100% recommend this book, the writing is amazing quality, the pacing is great and the characters are phenomenal. Bailey is quickly becoming a must-buy for me and I can’t wait for whatever she writes next!

 

Review - Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score

Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score so, so much. I wanted to go and live in this town, and I definitely want stories for all the other characters!

Maggie Nichols runs a super-successful house-flipping YouTube channel. She's seriously close to hitting 1 million subscribers, and hopes flipping a century-old Victorian mansion will push her over the edge. She has her time in tiny Kinship, Idaho planned - and it doesn't include hot, charming local landscaper Silas Wright. Silas has lived in Kinship his whole life, and knows and is known by everyone. Maggie's nomadic life couldn't possibly suit him.

*Sigh* This book was wonderful. Score did such an excellent job creating these multi-dimensional characters that just seemed to move right into my brain. The DIY-details were not over-the-top, which was nice. The best part of this book was the side characters. Silas has a huge family that is all up in everyone's business, and Maggie has a partner who was awesome.

Score served up a book about love, home, and found family that is just perfect. I can't wait to read more from this author!

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Review - The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

 

So I know I’m a couple weeks behind on gushing about The Ex Hex, but I seriously loved it so much!

If you haven’t read it, Vivi is a witch living in a small witchy town in Georgia. Rhys is a Welsh witch whose ancestor founded the town, and nine years after he and Vivi spent a whirlwind summer together, he’s back to recharge the ley lines. Problem is, Vivi and accidentally put a curse on him in a vodka and heartbreak-fueled mishap, and now the whole town has gone haywire.

There were so many things that I loved about this book! It’s a second-chance romance, but the catalyst for the initial breakup isn’t really anything too unforgivable, in my opinion. She shows how after nine years, they have neither one ever forgotten the other, and the the chemistry is off the charts. It’s also very spooky; there were times I was a little nervous!

Overall I’d definitely recommend!!

Review - Exposed by Kristen Callihan

Exposed by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to the first three books in this series on audiobook, and from the first time Rye and Brenna were together, sniping at each other, I knew I wanted their book. Luckily, Exposed released just weeks after I finished listening to Managed, so I didn't have long to wait!

Kristen Callihan knows these characters so well, and makes them so real that they jump off the page to yell at you. It's overwhelming and amazing and so so much joy to read.

Rye is the bassist for Kill John, the biggest rock band in the world, and Brenna is their PR manager. They've known each other for years and bickered constantly. Brenna is aloof and guarded, and Rye is the "fun guy". (Almost grumpy-sunshine, except they are both so much more nuanced than that.) When Rye overhears Brenna confessing that she is craving intimacy without strings, he knows he wants to be the one to satisfy all of her cravings.

However, what they both know but neither want to admit is that what's between them is so much more than physical, if they can only be brave enough to ask for it.

AAAA the pining and longing in this book tore me apart! Callihan does such a great job putting so much in to her books and unpacking such difficult themes so deftly! She doesn't pull punches, and it's wonderful.

I loved this book, would definitely recommend!

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Review - Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talia Hibbert creates magic once again in the finale of her Brown sisters' novels with Act Your Age, Eve Brown. Eve is the youngest Brown sister, and is trying to prove that she can get her act together. Of course, then she hits Jacob with her car. Jacob owns a B&B in a sleepy town, and is in desperate need of help, though he hates to admit it. Eve enters his world like a tornado, and neither of them will ever be the same.

This book was just lovely. It felt soft, somehow, like Hibbert was so careful with these characters and just cared about them so much. It's definitely steamy, but is also sweet. Jacob's rigidness and Eve's carefree ways are perfectly complementary, and seeing the two fall in love feels so effortless.

I adored this book, and can't wait to read Hibbert's next work.

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Review - First Comes Like by Alisha Rai

 

I love Alisha Rai's work, even though I've only read a few. I was super excited for First Comes Like, the third book in her Modern Romance series. Overall it was a great book and excellently written. I have to admit, though, I was looking forward to some super-steam, and this book just didn't have it. Honestly, though, it wouldn't have made sense with these characters for them to be super intimate, so I get it, totally, but still a little disappointed.

Jia is a social media influencer. She has all her websites and videos, etc. She starts talking to an Indian TV star online, and when he comes to Hollywood to break in to American TV, she goes to meet him - except he has no idea who she is! One thing leads to another (romance reasons) and they agree to a fake relationship for both of their benefit, except, of course (!) they catch feelings.

This book felt like it moved really fast! I don't know that I got a great idea of the characters - I wanted to live with them longer? Be more in their heads? It just felt very plot-driven (which isn't a bad thing), but I wanted I guess more feelings. 

In any case, I'd recommend First Comes Like, and can't wait for Rai's next book!

Review - How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

 Ugh, this book gave me ALLL THE FEELS!!! I picked this up from my library's new releases shelf because I thought I had seen some people talking about it, but the blurb didn't really seem like something I'd be that interested in. Boy, was I wrong! I can't believe this is the first book that Denise Williams has published, it was so well done (not that debuts can't be, it just seemed like expert-level writing to me.) 

So, big content warning: Naya, the main character (first person POV) has been abused (physically, emotionally, sexually) by her ex. This is explored a lot, just a head's up, and it really shapes her new relationship and her life in general (as it would, let's be real). 

Naya is a professor who is almost to tenure. She loves her job, and after her abusive ex it is basically her whole life. One night her friends convince her to go out, then have to bail unexpectedly. A handsome stranger starts flirting, and what was supposed to be a one-night-stand turns into something more. However, when it comes to light that being in a relationship with Jake means she is putting her career in jeopardy Naya has to decide what she truly wants for her life.

This book is pretty steamy and also pretty angsty. The romance is pretty central, but I think you could also make the case for it being women's fiction, since the true heart of the story is Naya finding herself again and rebuilding after her ex's influence. Eh, I'd say it rides the line, probably a little of both. Jake is such a great love interest *sigh*. 

I definitely recommend How to Fail at Flirting (I couldn't put it down) and I can't wait to read Denise William's next book! 

Review - Enjoy the View by Sarah Morgenthaler

 Gah! Normally closed-door contemporary romances are NOT my thing, but Sarah Morgenthaler just hits the sweet spot every time! Enjoy the View is the third book in her Moose Springs, Alaska series, and just like the previous two, I loved this one. Morgenthaler does such an astonishing job of writing characters that you can't help but fall in love with. 

River Lane is a Hollywood actress who is pushing thirty and trying to break in to directing, and so the opportunity to make a documentary about small-town Moose Springs, Alaska is too good to pass up. What she didn't plan on was everyone in the town doing their best to thwart all of her attempts. When Easton Lockett, a local mountain-climbing guide offers to take her and her crew up the daunting Mount Veil, she knows it could be her best chance to get the footage she needs. She also can't help but hope to explore more of the chemistry between her and Easton, either.

River is a great heroine. She is driven and focused, and so no-nonsense. Easton is someone we met in previous books, so it was nice to get to know him better as well. I loved every bit of their relationship. There was no beating around the bush, they were both completely honest about their feelings (which is sometimes very refreshing). The external conflict of climbing the mountain was so high-tension and so much fun to read, and the HEA, which seemed pretty impossible, was definitely worth it!

I love all of these books, and I can't wait to read the next one!

Review - The Naughty List by Ellie Mae MacGregor

The Naughty List by Ellie Mae MacGregor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Naughty List is a super-sexy, fun Christmas novella (novellette? seriously it's 56 pages). Kate's soon-to-be-ex-husband whisked their kids away on a last minute holiday cruise, so she's alone and lonely on Christmas Eve when she falls asleep on the couch - only to wake up to a crazy-hot stranger in her living room dressed as Santa. Nikolai is Santa Clause - it's a family business that he's finally inherited, and can't believe the gorgeous woman is propositioning him. Together they have a night of debauchery.

Ellie Mae MacGregor has done a fantastic job in this story - it hits all the right nerves and can be read in a quick jaunt. The sex scenes are so super steamy, and the explanations for magic-stuff are just perfect. It's well thought-out and excellently executed, and exactly what I didn't know I needed this Christmas! Can't wait to read more by MacGregor!

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Review - Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Sarah Morganthaler

Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Sarah Morgenthaler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mistletoe and Mr. Right is the second b0ok in Sarah Morgenthaler's Moose Springs, Alaska series. Lana Montgomery is trying to save Moose Springs, a tiny tourist town in Alaska from economic ruin. The town, however, doesn't want to be saved. Deeply suspicious of all things tourist, the town's populace constantly tries to undermine all of Lana's efforts to bring more revenue to Moose Springs. When she learns of the "Santa Moose" - an elusive moose that comes every year and destroys the town's Christmas decorations, Lana decides to try to catch it. However, instead she catches Rick Harding - handsome owner of the local pool hall and the only person in town who doesn't seem to hate her. They work together to catch the moose, but catch feelings instead.

I loved this book! Morganthaler has created such a picturesque setting for these heartwarming stories, you want to travel to Alaska just to find it. Lana and Rick are both scarred by their pasts, and have to work together and on their own to find their way through to each other. Morganthaler's writing is quick and witty, and super creative (there's a very unique bed and breakfast that I won't spoil) but she also illustrates the internal character of both Rick and Lana so well.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

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Review - No Offense by Meg Cabot

 No Offense is the first book of Meg Cabot's that I have read, and the second in her Little Bridge Island series. When Molly Montgomery, the new children's librarian for Little Bridge Island finds an abandoned baby in the library bathroom, she has no idea she will be swept into solving a string of crimes across the island. Sheriff John Hartwell knows who is behind the recent thefts, but without any hard evidence there's nothing he can do. He certainly doesn't need a nosy librarian poking her nose into his case! However, John and Molly find themselves thrown together and sparks fly.

This book was a cute, light read. There was very little angst, and the mystery was a fun subplot. The characters were likable enough, although I didn't really feel like you got to know them all that well, or very deeply into their heads. For a quick, lighthearted read it was a good pick, and one I would recommend.

Review - Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert

 

Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert is just simply delightful. Fun-loving Conrad has had a string of bad luck over the past year, so when the opportunity arises to go to the biggest convention for Odyssey, the card game that he loves, and play in the tournament, Conrad jumps at the chance. The downside: having to drive from New Jersey to Las Vegas with Alden, an uptight guy who is his biggest enemy. Five days in a car together, though, can change a lot.

This book was awesome and just so fun to read. It has all the best tropes - enemies to lovers, road trip, only one bed (!), forced proximity, all of it. The whole trip is really well-researched, which was awesome, but the characters are what really shine. Alden and Conrad are both so well thought-out, just utterly believable. Watching them put aside their differences and fall for each other is a treat, and though you know the final conflict is coming, it's done so well and so perfectly that I'm still reeling.

On top of all the fluff, Albert deals with a lot of real issues. Both Conrad and Alden have a lot of struggles they are facing, and Albert handles all of these topics very thoughtfully.

I would absolutely recommend this book, and can't wait to read what Annabeth Albert puts out next!

Review - Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

This book, Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall, was amazing! I read this one because of all the rave reviews floating around the web, and I was still blown away! Luc has never met his famous rock-star father but has lived in his shadow nonetheless, with tabloids taking any chance to paint him with the same bad-boy paintbrush as his father. When his latest exploits threaten his job, Luc must find a "respectable" boyfriend in time for a big event. As it turns out, straight-laced barrister Oliver also has an event looming that he'd rather not attend solo, so they decide to fake a relationship until then. All too soon, though, their fake relationship starts to feel more real than any of their recent real relationships, but can they stop pretending?

Ugh, this book. Seriously soooo good, and just thinking about it gives me the warm and cuddly feels. Luc and Oliver are super different in so many ways - Luc is a total slob, Oliver is a neat-freak; Oliver is a vegetarian, Luc loves meat; Luc thinks one-night stands are perfectly fine, Oliver would rather not kiss someone he doesn't like. However, they are both so damaged by family and romantic relationships that they are actually so great for each other. I loved the way Hall slowly built the relationship, and how authentic it all felt. The side characters were also all amazing - Luc's friends, Oliver's friends, and Luc's coworkers all felt fleshed out - like if you were wandering down the street you might bump in to them.

This is a single-POV romance told from Luc's point of view. The intimacy mostly happens off-page. I definitely recommend this book and will be looking forward to reading more from Alexis Hall!

Review - Take A Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

I really struggle to find words to express how much I loved Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert. This book is chock full of humor and sexiness and intimacy and heart - in short, it's pretty much everything you could want in a book.

The story centers on Dani Brown (sister to the titular character of the first book in the series, Get a Life, Chloe Brown), a post-graduate student, who prays for a no-strings-attached bed partner. She has goals and plans, and they don't include a relationship. She does, however, have time to flirt with Zafir Ansari, the really hot security guard at work.

A series of mishaps leads to a video of Zaf and Dani going viral, and the resulting fame brings attention (and funding) to Zaf's struggling nonprofit - helping young boys deal with their emotions through rugby. Zaf suggests to Dani that they fake a relationship, and what could go wrong with that?

I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed so much while reading a book. Hibbert's writing game is on point in this novel in every aspect - I literally can't think of any criticisms. I loved the characters so much - both were so incredibly deep (i.e. real people). Their happy ending seemed like a shot in the dark, but I'm so glad that they got there.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone, it's seriously that good.

My rating: 5/5 stars

Review - Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai

My Rating: 5/5 stars!!

Alisha Rai’s Girl Gone Viral is utterly fantastic and a joy to read. The book follow Katrina, a former model who is now plagued by anxiety and so tries to be as anonymous as possible. When a photo of her in a coffee shop goes viral, she fears that the life she’s carefully built for herself will be ruined. Jas, her trusty (and hunky) bodyguard steps in to help her out.

The character building in this novel is top-notch. Both Katrina and Jas are such believable, likable characters. They both have their own problems they are dealing with, but watching them come together to overcome them is just great. I loved reading the back-and-forth from both points of view, which were full of with and vulnerability.

The way that Rai tackles such timely and poignant issues in this book is impressive. Characters deal with anxiety, PTSD, family issues and the lack of privacy inherent in an increasingly online world. She raises some really interesting  questions that keep you thinking after you've finished the book.

I can’t wait to read more by Alisha Rai.

Review - A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole

I don't typically read contemporary romance (I can count on one hand the number I've read in the last year) but I decided to step outside my comfort zone and read A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole, and am I glad I did!

This book was a very enjoyable read - and it was a real-life fairy tale! Prince Thabiso of Thesolo and Naledi Smith were betrothed as children, before Naledi's parents fled Thesolo for New York City. Naledi grew up in foster care and has worked hard to earn her way into grad school for epidemiology.

Thabiso has had his assistant track down his long-lost fiancee, and when they find she's in New York, where he has to be for business meetings, he decides to confront her. However, when they meet she thinks he's an employee and has no idea who she really is.

Cole does an excellent job exploring a lot of pretty heavy topics, from Naledi's fear of making herself vulnerable and how that impacts her relationships, to Thabiso's life of privilege. Their romance is sweet, and feels organic.

Would recommend!!