Georgia Beers is one of my favorite authors and I very much look forward to when she puts out a new book, but sadly I found myself a little disappointGeorgia Beers is one of my favorite authors and I very much look forward to when she puts out a new book, but sadly I found myself a little disappointed with this one. In fact, all of her books since the breathtaking Dance with Me have fallen a bit flat.
There wasn’t anything in particular that was wrong with the story. The writing was fine, the dialogue was fine, the chemistry was…fine. Perhaps my expectations are too high, but I’ve come to expect a little more from her writing....more
One last Summer by Kristen Keppler was my first book by this author and it had all the good summer vibes of a small town by the beach. I felt the charOne last Summer by Kristen Keppler was my first book by this author and it had all the good summer vibes of a small town by the beach. I felt the characters were well written and believable and the romance was well-paced and chemistry between the two MC’s was definitely present.
When I started reading this book I was a little unsure how the dynamic between Emerson, Peyton, and Alice was going to work as I am admittedly not a fan of love triangles, polyamory etc. Without giving spoilers I’m happy to report that I liked the way it worked out and that there wasn’t any cheating or anything super cringey between the three.
My only complaint is this book is only from Emerson’s POV and I really prefer if it’s told from both. However that is a MINOR complaint. Overall I was very impressed with this author and will be looking up her work in the future.
I received an ARC of this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher and all opinions are my own....more
Although probably more erotica than contemporary romance, The X Ingredient by Roslyn Sinclair still packs an emotional punch and I was still thinking Although probably more erotica than contemporary romance, The X Ingredient by Roslyn Sinclair still packs an emotional punch and I was still thinking about it days after I had finished reading. This book is very heavy on the attraction and lust, but not as much on the developing relationship between Laurie and Diana later in the book and you know what, I was ok with that. The story is more about Diana acknowledging her attraction to women and being ok with that and herself than about her and Laurie falling in love.
Normally I’d feel a little let down but this book is so good it just left me feeling happy and knowing that Diana and Laurie’s story wasn’t over, I was just privileged enough to see the beginning....more
Promises to Protect is the first book I’ve read by Jo Hemmingwood and while there were things I liked about it, overall I felt it lacked emotional depPromises to Protect is the first book I’ve read by Jo Hemmingwood and while there were things I liked about it, overall I felt it lacked emotional depth and the last half of the book was a struggle to get through.
The story starts off strong, with an entertaining run in between park ranger Max and sorta-player Skyler that exacerbates Max’s general dislike of her, or at least who Skyler was in high school. A lot of the pieces were there for a really poignant enemy to lovers romance but it just felt watered down, like the author was just going through the motions of the trope without really fleshing out the characters and their motivations. Because of this it was hard for me to like the two mc’s, especially Skyler, and the chemistry and romantic tension were lacking throughout.
I can’t really recommend this book since it wasn’t my cup of tea but I would give the author another try, as I felt the writing was technically good and showed potential.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own....more
A Heart Divided by Angie Williams is a post- Civil War era disguised as a man/historical romance set on a horse ranch in the New Mexico Territory outsA Heart Divided by Angie Williams is a post- Civil War era disguised as a man/historical romance set on a horse ranch in the New Mexico Territory outside of 19th century Las Vegas. The writing is simple and without pretense but I found that to work well in the historical context of the book. The pacing was fast enough to keep me engaged but did not get into dreaded info-dump territory. Some of the inner monologue got a little repetitive especially when Jack was debating whether he should “come out” to Emma but I never found myself bored.
The main strength of this book is the character of Jack. Admittedly I’m a sucker for a golden retriever character but I thought the author was very smart by making me him extremely likable from the very first scene. It allowed me to become fully immersed in his story and root for him from the beginning. The relationship and chemistry between Jack and Emma was also another strength of the book. What began as enemies to lovers took its time and eventually turned into the sweet (and ultimately steamy) slow burn happy ending I craved.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a sweet and satisfying disguised as a man/historical romance or who just really loves golden retriever characters. This was the first book I’ve read by Angie Williams but will definitely not be my last!
I received an ARC copy of this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher and all opinions are my own. ...more
After having read several of Rachael Sommers’ books I’ve learned a few things, Number one, she does slow burns like nobody’s business (her last novel After having read several of Rachael Sommers’ books I’ve learned a few things, Number one, she does slow burns like nobody’s business (her last novel not withstanding). And two, if you’re looking for an author who you can count on to create believable chemistry and completely suck you into the story she won’t let you down. If you haven’t already, add this book to your TBR list immediately and Ms. Summers to your auto-buy authors!
PS - Also if you haven’t read Chemistry yet do yourself a favor and read it immediately. Or listen. Lori Prince does an incredible job with the narration as usual.
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and all opinions are my own....more
This was my first book by this author and while it wasn’t anything groundbreaking, overall I did enjoy the story and would recommend it to others. TheThis was my first book by this author and while it wasn’t anything groundbreaking, overall I did enjoy the story and would recommend it to others. The dialogue was a little unclear at times, but overall the author did a good job setting the scene and the pacing was good. While not really a mystery per se, there was an element of suspense to the story surrounding Maya and Landon’s relationship that drove the plot as much as the romance.
My favorite part of this book has to be the character of Rory. A golden retriever in chef’s clothes, I fell in love with her and her drive to help and protect her family almost as much as Ellis did. If you’re in the mood for a sweet romance with a dash of celebrity subterfuge and a sprinkle of behind the scenes cooking show secrets I definitely recommend picking up this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and all opinions are my own....more
I had already been a big fan of Jaime Clevenger’s work but with Houseswap 101 she’s raised the bar yet again. This book has everything I’ve come to exI had already been a big fan of Jaime Clevenger’s work but with Houseswap 101 she’s raised the bar yet again. This book has everything I’ve come to expect from this author; well-drawn characters and a story that completely drew me in. As an extra bonus it introduced me to the term “housebutch” which I will now be using copiously.
Like most of Clevenger’s books, the true strength of this story is the chemistry and passion developed between the two main characters, Robbie and Devyn. They don’t start off on the best foot, but the journey from enemies to lovers is swoony and I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for that first kiss. And oh my goodness, when I said this book was passionate I meant it. Literally some of the best plot-driving spice I have read in a while.
This story isn’t all sweetness and spice though, there is some definite drama during the last quarter and a very well-written will they, won’t they get together that had me hanging on every word. While some of the lack of communication was frustrating, it fit with the personal growth both mc’s had to go through to make it to the HEA I was hoping for them.
Whether you’re already a fan of Jamie Clevenger or not, I highly recommend you buy this book if you’re looking for a steamy, emotionally poignant, and just overall really great piece of sapphic fiction. You will be a fan once you finish reading. 4.5 stars
I received an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are my own....more
With In Walked Trouble, Dana Hawkins has written another sweetly poignant love story that had me hooked from cover to cover and cemented herself as onWith In Walked Trouble, Dana Hawkins has written another sweetly poignant love story that had me hooked from cover to cover and cemented herself as one of my must-read authors.
Back again are the clever chapter titles (this time featuring names of alcoholic beverages instead of coffee) and well-developed characters with backstories that make you empathize with their actions and root for their futures. The chemistry between Remi and Maya is electric, the spice is steamy, and the angst and ultimate conflict resolution is believable and didn’t feel rushed. As a bonus this book is on KU, so do yourself a favor and read it today!
I received an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher and all opinions are my own....more
Spencer Greene is a new author for me and I’d put their latest work, Never a Bridesmaid, squarely in the middle of the road/meh category. There were tSpencer Greene is a new author for me and I’d put their latest work, Never a Bridesmaid, squarely in the middle of the road/meh category. There were things I liked about it and things I didn’t, but it’s on the shorter side and overall it was a pleasant way to spend an evening.
The positives to this book include a strong and easy to read writing style. The text is well edited and there were no context errors that you find with weak writing and the story was well-paced. I had a good sense of who Jessica was and how her high school experience affected her, especially her coming out.
That being said, it just felt like something was missing. There was a lot of history between Jessica and Tanner and a lot of present day angst as well but something about it didn’t pack the emotional punch I expected it to. I think part of that had to due with the lack of chemistry I felt between the two leads. There is one, admittedly hot, on-page sex scene but it felt somewhat out of the blue and personally I prefer more longing and build up.
Overall I would say this is a decent read and I’d recommend it for people who are fans of the author and second chance or enemies to lovers trope.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are my own....more
Georgia Beers is one of my favorite authors but this book left me feeling a little underwhelmed. I liked the story idea and blurb but I think the mainGeorgia Beers is one of my favorite authors but this book left me feeling a little underwhelmed. I liked the story idea and blurb but I think the main problem was the length of the novel. Being so short it didn’t feel like there was enough time for some real in-depth character development and I didn’t feel myself connecting with Aubrey and Monica as much as in her other books.
That being said, this is by no means a bad book. It does gain momentum as it goes along, and the one love scene was typical Beers- level steamy. I would recommend this book for anyone in the mood for a quick read or really wanting a romance centered around weddings, but as far as Georgia Beers’ books there are better ones out there (Dance with Me, Camp Lost and Found, Too Close to Touch being a few)....more
Being a big fan of the ice queen trope but never having read this author before I went in to this book cautiously optimistic and for the most part I wBeing a big fan of the ice queen trope but never having read this author before I went in to this book cautiously optimistic and for the most part I was pleasantly surprised. Out of the two main characters Lizzie was my favorite. I admired both her work ethic and felt for her for having a super famous, super terrible name (having a somewhat less famous and terrible name myself).
The best thing about this book was the chemistry between Lizzie and Darcy. Palpable and sizzling hot, I knew it was only a matter of time before they got together and was not disappointed when they did (steamy)! I would have liked to have seen perhaps a bit more iciness from ice queen Darcy, and the plot seemed a bit predictable at times, but overall this was a good introduction to author Morgan Adams and I will be looking for more from her in the future.
I received an ARC copy of this ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and all opinions are my own....more
Cheyenne Blue is one of those authors you know you can count on to deliver a well-written, engrossing story and with Switcheroo she’s done it again. TCheyenne Blue is one of those authors you know you can count on to deliver a well-written, engrossing story and with Switcheroo she’s done it again. This is a deeply atmospheric book, and I enjoyed my journey to the sweltering deserts of Queensland, Australia almost as much as my journey with Hayley and Jenna.
That said, it’s not a perfect book. The initial chemistry between the two leads was a bit thin and the “New York slang” Hayley continuously spouted was a bit cringy. However, the relationship that built between the two women as well as Blue’s superb depiction of a harrowing event later in the story kept me hooked and I finished this fun little page- turner with a smile on my face!...more
This has never happened to me before, but this is the first Gerri Hill book that I haven’t finished. I think it had to do with how the dual timelines This has never happened to me before, but this is the first Gerri Hill book that I haven’t finished. I think it had to do with how the dual timelines were set up, by the time I got to the present timeline I just wasn’t invested in Madilyn and Dylan’s story because I knew nothing about them and what I did know about Madilyn I didn’t really like. I’m still a Gerri Hill fan for life, but this book wasn’t for me....more
After the last couple books that I’d read with new (to me) authors were dnf’s, this book was a welcome change. I love discovering new authors and afteAfter the last couple books that I’d read with new (to me) authors were dnf’s, this book was a welcome change. I love discovering new authors and after reading Truly Home I’ll definitely be looking up JJ Hale’s other work!
This book started off in a very unique way with Ruth’s childhood flashback and hooked me from the start. One trope I love is online dating because of the banter and getting to know each other and Ruth and Ollie’s adorable and flirty texting did not disappoint. A real highlight of this story is the chemistry that Hale develops between her two MCs as well as the passion and eventual love between them.
My only real complaint with this book and why I didn’t rate it higher was the length. At just over 160 pgs it veers into novella territory. While that isn’t necessarily a deal breaker (hello Curious Wine) the issue I have with novellas sometimes is that there isn’t enough time to flesh out the characters backstories and develop chemistry. Fortunately that isn’t a problem with this book due mostly to the stellar text flirting I mentioned earlier. Yes, I would have liked it to have been longer, but only because I’m greedy and wanted more of this sweetly satisfying story.
I received an ARC of this ebook from Netgalley and all opinions are my own....more
Having never read a collaboration between these two authors before I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but fortunately I was pleasantly surprised. On Having never read a collaboration between these two authors before I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but fortunately I was pleasantly surprised. On the surface this seems like your typical one night stand, enemy to lovers trope but upon reading I found so much more.
Where the authors really shine in this book is the chemistry and passion between the two leads, Elizabeth and Kelsey. You can literally feel the tension and attraction simmering between them from the get go, and it very much drives the story. Another thing very well done is the imagery of the ranch and setting in general. The description of the surroundings was detailed and put me right there on a gorgeous Arizona ranch with the characters.
That being said, there were a few things that I felt could be improved as well. Like some other reviews mention, the ending felt and bit rushed and in general I felt the book was a little too short and would have benefited from taking a bit more time to flesh out the main and secondary characters backstories. This is a somewhat minor complaint, however, as I did very much enjoy this book and I recommend it for anyone looking for a quick, passionate read by two well established authors in a beautiful ranch setting.
I was provided an ARC of this ebook by Netgalley and all opinions are my own....more
A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing has a few things going for it besides a clever name and intriguing plot. Because this is a mystery I don’t want to give tooA Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing has a few things going for it besides a clever name and intriguing plot. Because this is a mystery I don’t want to give too much of the story away so I’ll summarize with my lasting impressions.
Amy Allen is a new voice in this genre and one I’ll definitely read again. She creates characters with tons of diverse representation and really shines where it comes to the world building. Once again it’s hard to review a book like this without giving away too much but suffice to say it’s completely immersive storytelling
The romance in this was on the light side and there’s no spice, though admittedly it’s very sweet. This book is perfect if you’re in the mood for an atmospheric urban murder mystery with a sweet little sapphic romance on the side....more
Loading...
