arc review

Tis The Season For A Cowboy

Tis The Season For A Cowboy is out today! Thank you to the author for the ARC. 

I enjoyed this angsty and heartfelt second chance Christmas romance!

If there’s one thing I enjoy in a wintery romance it’s a snowed in/forced proximity trope, and add in a divorced couple stuck together in the cabin they once owned together at Christmas? Yes. Please. 

Hank had pined for his wife the whole time they were separated, so he was willing to do what it took to win her back during their Christmas together. I love a yearning MMC! 

There are definitely some triggers here as part of the angst so be careful to check trigger warnings, but overall if you are looking for an angsty second chance Christmas novella, definitely check this one out. 

I’d say if you loved Kandi Steiner’s The Christmas Blanket this would be right up your alley! 

Half-Light Harbor

Half-Light Harbor is out today! Thank you to the author for the ARC.

I always love (fictionally) spending time in Scotland with Samantha Young but this book feels extra special! It’s a great kickoff to a new series, with an amazing small town and great characters I already love. 

We’ve got a broody, grumpy Scottish MMC and an American FMC who moves to Scotland for a fresh start & to open a B&B (all while trying to solve the mystery of her parent’s death.) I loved them both separately and together. Tierney really dragged Ramsay out of his comfort zone and he could not resist her despite himself.

The location is perfection, the suspense engaging, and I just really enjoyed my time in Leth Sholas! What an excellent start to what is sure to be a phenomenal series!

Secret Haven

Secret Haven is out now! Thank you to the author for the gorgeous trope ARC.

Oh, my heart. Love love loved this! Definitely my favorite of the series and a top all time fave from the author. 

This is book six in the series, and the clues have been laid out through the series for this couple. Man, did I love them! We’ve seen the connection between them but I loved getting to know their real backstory. The love, the sacrifice, the yearning, all chef’s kiss perfection.

I don’t want to say too much because some of the elements of the book surprised me and I want the same for you but I will say I just loved everything about how this story unfolded. And as always, I did not properly guess who the bad guy(s) was/were and especially not the why. 

I loved this whole series but Catherine really saved the best for last here! Love! 

Chasing The Sun

Chasing The Sun is out today! Thank you to the author for the ARC.

This is the first book in a charming new small town romance series by Lena Hendrix – you can totally read this as a standalone from her other series. 

This is a single dad, neighbors, rivals to lovers stories about two people who both want the property next door to our MMC. Callum is looking to expand his inn and add a farm to table restaurant, while Elodie is looking to transform the farm to a tourist destination. Lots of banter and bickering ensue which leads to a lot of chemistry and sexual tension!

I had a lot of fun reading this one! I loved the new town and its legends, and look forward to learning more about them as the series progresses. 

Chasing Shelter

I always love my time spent in one of Catherine Cowles’ worlds and it’s even better when it’s a single dad, neighbors, grumpy/sunshine romance!

I really enjoyed the journey Ellie went on, learning to stand on her own and I love how she bonded with Trace’s daughter Keely. Trace was also great, trying to do what’s best for his daughter and his family.

It was great to spend time with the Colson’s and their group chat, and of course the star of the series, Lolli! 

And if you’re wondering, I yet again did not guess who the bad guy(s) was/is, which I love!

Rose In Chains

Rose In Chains is out today! Thank you to the publisher for the early review copy. 

Loved loved loved this wild ride. I’ve loved every Julie Soto book I’ve read and this was no exception.

Some of my favorite parts:

The world building was excellent and it kept me interested. I was dying to find out what was going on (instead of bored and skimming like I often do in fantasy)

The forced proximity!

The strong, smart, competent FMC!

The morally great hero!

The slow burn romance!

I am dying for more from this world already! Julie Soto really can do it all. 

Side Note – I haven’t read the author’s fan fic so I can’t compare it to the original story but I would never in a million years been about to tell this was based on fanfic of that certain world (the heroine was smart, the hero had silvery hair, they had magic, and that’s about it.) so I feel comfortable reading and supporting it despite very much not supporting the transphobic author of the original work.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers is out today! Thank you to @theauthor.agency for the ARC. 

This was such a fun read! I just love apocalyptic romance and this one was great.

Astrid and Dean are opposites who find themselves thrown together when the world ends (and he kidnaps her to keep her safe) and have to figure out how to survive this new world. They had lots of banter and sparks between them.

It was lighthearted and fun, despite a global pandemic, some kidnapping, and a fair amount of violence. I read it one sitting, I just found it so entertaining and didn’t want to put it down!

Hugo

Happy Thursday! Hugo is out today, I received an ARC. 

I really enjoyed this! I’m loving all the small town meets The Princess Bride vibes this series is giving us.

This is Hugo’s (our Inigo) story, a former Olympic fencer, and Mallory, a true crime podcaster in town to uncover who killed his father. I really loved both characters! Huge was such a good guy, so kind even when he was trying to get Mallory to leave him alone.Mallory was so strong and determined which I always love in a FMC.

We also get forced proximity, pregnant-but-it’s-not-his, and a super sweet romance. Overally I just really enjoyed my time in Olive Township!

Can’t Get Enough

Can’t Get Enough is out today! Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.

What an amazing read! Kennedy Ryan truly is one of the greatest storytellers of our time.

This is Hendrix’s story, who we’ve met as the super supportive, fabulous, kickass bestie to the FMCs of the other books in the series, though this can be read as a standalone. She meets her match in Maverick, the very recent ex-boyfriend of her producing partner. She doesn’t want to risk things professionally, so she tries hard to resist Mav’s charms, but that man was determined to win her over and those forbidden vibes were a delight to read.

Aside from a steamy romance, it’s also a story of caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s which added a lot of emotional depth to the plot. Hendrix’s family, both blood related and found, and the various ways they showed up for her brought me to tears. 

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Kennedy Ryan book without important social commentary, so please be sure to read her author’s note at the end to read about the real life inspiration for one of the plot points.

Overall, I just really thought this was a beautifully written, engaging romance.

Dream On, Ramona Riley

I’m a big fan of Ashley Herring Blake’s writing so I was so excited when @berkleyromance sent this one my way! Thank you for the free book! #BerkleyPartner #Berkley #BerkleyBookstagram

This is one is perfect for anyone looking for:

-Spicy, small town, sapphic romance

-they’re both bisexual

-Celebrity x normal person

-Opposites attract

-sorta second chance

I will be honest, I’m not a big fan of celebrity romance in general so I can’t say this is my favorite by the author, but I think that’s just a me thing.  I did think it was well written, I enjoyed that it was very spicy, and I always love a small town romance!