romance series

In A Second

Happy Saturday! In A Second released this week, thank you to the author for the ARC. 

Ohhhhh boy did I love this. You may have heard my talk about my love of In A Jam (or not, I’ve been very subtle hehe) but this is a worthy successor and if you know me you know what high praise that is. 

Audrey and Jude had such a delicious second chance romance. It has so many elements I love- fake engagement, road trip, forced proximity, only one bed, devoted single dad. It’s more than a list of tropes though, it’s a deep and emotional story of these two love birds finding their way back together after her family drove them apart years ago.

I truly loved them both, together and separately. Their journey is not an easy one, they really have to work through their past and present-day troubles. They both make mistakes, especially Jude, but in a way that felt so realistic to me. The journey is also not a short one but I love a long book that keeps me invested in all 500ish pages. I would have gladly read another 500 pages of their love.

I also of course loved revisiting the other characters from this series and broader world. I love that the author’s books have me like Charlie Day in front of his serial killer board. I do think you could read this as a standalone, though I of course recommend reading In A Jam as well  😉

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!

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!

Sawyer

Happy Thursday! Sawyer is out today, thank you to the author for the ARC.

I loved this sweet (but spicccyyyyy) romance between Sawyer, our middle Rivers brother/single dad, and Ava, a single mother who is new in town to start a new job as a barrel racing coach. These two first meet in the city and have a fiery one night stand, only for Ava to show up in the same small town where Sawyer is from.

I just really loved their dynamic, from the body-slamming-at-the-bar meet cute to the eventual blending of their families. I loved how Ava helped Sawyer relax a little. It was fairly low angst, not a lot of drama between them, and that made it really quick and easy reading for me. 

They’re both single parents and I loved the cute moments with their girls. I also loved the previous FMCs showing up to support Ava and welcome her into the Rivers clan. It made me laugh, swoon, and sweat at different times.

Overall, I just really liked it! 

Beautiful Exile

Happy Tuesday! Beautiful Exile is out today, thank you to the author for the ARC. 

I always love being back in Sparrow Falls!

This is Arden’s story, who’s been a bit of a mystery throughout the series, and it turns out she’s one of my favorite CC heroines ever! How can you not love a FMC who holds the MMC at knifepoint upon first meeting him?? 

It’s got everything I love and want in a Catherine Cowles book – small town, (found) family, underestimated but strong FMC, protective MMC, romance, suspense, Lolli,  and this time throw in a hilarious meet cute too!

Definitely check this one out if you’ve loved this series so far too!