Amelia’s social anxiety has sent her to the countryside, as she’s no longer able to tolerate London’s gossipy ballrooms. On her daily walks she meets Amelia’s social anxiety has sent her to the countryside, as she’s no longer able to tolerate London’s gossipy ballrooms. On her daily walks she meets Sydney, who lies by omission pretty much from the first about who he is and what he’s doing there. He’s actually a major property owner, but he’s uncomfortable claiming it because he inherited after a tragedy. Amelia is at first annoyed by Sydney, as she’s escaped to the country to be alone, but he keeps doing annoying things like showing up to meet her, being pleasant, and melting her defenses. I love how Cat Sebastian’s characters find ways to be together that fit their circumstances and personalities--she doesn’t try to force them into prescriptive archetypal boxes.
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Amelia’s social anxiety has sent her to the countryside, as she’s no longer able to tolerate London’s gossipy ballrooms. On her daily walks she meets Sydney, who lies by omission pretty much from the first about who he is and what he’s doing there. He’s actually a major property owner, but he’s uncomfortable claiming it because he inherited after a tragedy. Amelia is at first annoyed by Sydney, as she’s escaped to the country to be alone, but he keeps doing annoying things like showing up to meet her, being pleasant, and melting her defenses. I love how Cat Sebastian’s characters find ways to be together that fit their circumstances and personalities--she doesn’t try to force them into prescriptive archetypal boxes....more
When I saw the list of authors contributing to He’s Come Undone, that was pretty much all I needed to know to smash that pre-order button. So many of When I saw the list of authors contributing to He’s Come Undone, that was pretty much all I needed to know to smash that pre-order button. So many of my favorites all in one place! But THEN I found out it’s an anthology of novellas featuring starchy heroes, and I almost had to bust out the smelling salts to revive myself. Things are so tough right now for so many people, and then this anthology shows up (for $2.99! WHAT) like a beam of light directly from heaven. Do you like a buttoned-up, all-business hero? How about five of them? Well, make some cocoa and get out the snowblower because Christmas done came early.
Each author is at the top of their game here—each novella is fabulous, across the board. One thing I was extra impressed with was how Adriana Herrera and Cat Sebastian managed to convince me of their characters’ shared history. I’m often a tough sell on second chance romance or stories where the characters already have years of history off-page—I often need to see that closeness develop before my eyes to really buy in—but both authors execute the trope perfectly, weaving in scenes from the past organically, with no clunky flashbacks or distracting breaks. If you’ve loved Ruby Lang’s Uptown series with its grown adult characters confronting real life issues while still being delightfully steamy, you’ll be enamored with “Yes, And.” Emma Barry was a new author to me, but I can 1000% vouch for her depiction of anxiety, and I loved all the technical detail about the science and art of piano tuning in “Appassionata.” And finally, the pairing of a darkly whimsical art teacher and an uptight math teacher in Olivia Dade’s “Unraveled” is lovely in an opposites attract kind of way, although as a former teacher myself, I can think of nowhere less sexy to hook up than a classroom. Broom closet at a funeral home? Nope, still sexier than a classroom.
Regardless of where two teachers may or may not have banged it out, this anthology is all the superlatives and you definitely want to read it.
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When I saw the list of authors contributing to He’s Come Undone, that was pretty much all I needed to know to smash that pre-order button. So many of my favorites all in one place! But THEN I found out it’s an anthology of novellas featuring starchy heroes, and I almost had to bust out the smelling salts to revive myself. Things are so tough right now for so many people, and then this anthology shows up (for $2.99! WHAT) like a beam of light directly from heaven. Do you like a buttoned-up, all-business hero? How about five of them? Well, make some cocoa and get out the snowblower because Christmas done came early.
Each author is at the top of their game here—each novella is fabulous, across the board. One thing I was extra impressed with was how Adriana Herrera and Cat Sebastian managed to convince me of their characters’ shared history. I’m often a tough sell on second chance romance or stories where the characters already have years of history off-page—I often need to see that closeness develop before my eyes to really buy in—but both authors execute the trope perfectly, weaving in scenes from the past organically, with no clunky flashbacks or distracting breaks. If you’ve loved Ruby Lang’s Uptown series with its grown adult characters confronting real life issues while still being delightfully steamy, you’ll be enamored with “Yes, And.” Emma Barry was a new author to me, but I can 1000% vouch for her depiction of anxiety, and I loved all the technical detail about the science and art of piano tuning in “Appassionata.” And finally, the pairing of a darkly whimsical art teacher and an uptight math teacher in Olivia Dade’s “Unraveled” is lovely in an opposites attract kind of way, although as a former teacher myself, I can think of nowhere less sexy to hook up than a classroom. Broom closet at a funeral home? Nope, still sexier than a classroom.
Regardless of where two teachers may or may not have banged it out, this anthology is all the superlatives and you definitely want to read it....more
I jumped on American Sweethearts the day it was released. I was a big fan of the previous three books in Adriana Herrera’s Dreamers series, and I knewI jumped on American Sweethearts the day it was released. I was a big fan of the previous three books in Adriana Herrera’s Dreamers series, and I knew reading this one would be like reconnecting with old friends. Juan Pablo and Priscilla have dated on and off for years but can’t make it work long-term. When they’re forced together for mutual friend Milo’s idyllic island wedding, sparks fly once again, but they still don’t quite know how to relate to each other. Juan Pablo has been working on himself for a while and has made a lot of changes for the better, but Priscilla has some issues to work through before she can be ready to entertain the thought of a real relationship.
While I don’t think this book quite measured up to the others in the series, I liked Priscilla’s journey as a character. Her side hustle teaching sex-positive workshops and selling sex toys was a super interesting addition, and her fear of going for what she really wanted career-wise was personally relatable to me. I think the main reason I wasn’t as invested in the romance was there wasn’t one big, juicy reason why JuanPa and Priscilla hadn’t worked out before. For a second chance romance to really hook me, I need a big betrayal or seemingly insurmountable external obstacle. An amorphous “we just never seem to work out” vibe doesn’t quite do it for me. Still, I heartily recommend the entire Dreamers series, and I enjoyed checking in with all my favorite characters from previous books.
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I jumped on American Sweethearts the day it was released. I was a big fan of the previous three books in Adriana Herrera’s Dreamers series, and I knew reading this one would be like reconnecting with old friends. Juan Pablo and Priscilla have dated on and off for years but can’t make it work long-term. When they’re forced together for mutual friend Milo’s idyllic island wedding, sparks fly once again, but they still don’t quite know how to relate to each other. Juan Pablo has been working on himself for a while and has made a lot of changes for the better, but Priscilla has some issues to work through before she can be ready to entertain the thought of a real relationship.
While I don’t think this book quite measured up to the others in the series, I liked Priscilla’s journey as a character. Her side hustle teaching sex-positive workshops and selling sex toys was a super interesting addition, and her fear of going for what she really wanted career-wise was personally relatable to me. I think the main reason I wasn’t as invested in the romance was there wasn’t one big, juicy reason why JuanPa and Priscilla hadn’t worked out before. For a second chance romance to really hook me, I need a big betrayal or seemingly insurmountable external obstacle. An amorphous “we just never seem to work out” vibe doesn’t quite do it for me. Still, I heartily recommend the entire Dreamers series, and I enjoyed checking in with all my favorite characters from previous books....more
A fluffy romp through the Scottish countryside in the late 1920s. Joachim is an academic whose research in those with delusions introduces him to AinsA fluffy romp through the Scottish countryside in the late 1920s. Joachim is an academic whose research in those with delusions introduces him to Ainsley, a disgraced former scholar who publicly admitted to believing in ghosts. Ainsley takes Joachim on a tour through some of his best-known haunts, and while Joachim starts as a staunch skeptic, through the course of their journey he begins to doubt his own doubts--and possibly develop feelings for his eccentric new kilt-wearing friend. Low angst, feel-good fun.
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A fluffy romp through the Scottish countryside in the late 1920s. Joachim is an academic whose research in those with delusions introduces him to Ainsley, a disgraced former scholar who publicly admitted to believing in ghosts. Ainsley takes Joachim on a tour through some of his best-known haunts, and while Joachim starts as a staunch skeptic, through the course of their journey he begins to doubt his own doubts--and possibly develop feelings for his eccentric new kilt-wearing friend. Low angst, feel-good fun....more
If you want to read a romance about grown-ass people, I have just the thing. House Rules was a five-star read for me. Simon and Lana got divorced 15 yIf you want to read a romance about grown-ass people, I have just the thing. House Rules was a five-star read for me. Simon and Lana got divorced 15 years ago and haven’t stayed in touch, but NYC rent is so pricey they decide to move in together to save money. They set ground rules to keep everything proper, but the feelings from before might not be totally gone. I loved how grounded in real life this book is—Lana has endometriosis, and the way Simon takes care of her is so sweet and tentative. They’ve been apart a long time and Lana is definitely capable of taking care of herself, but it was so nice that she didn’t have to for once. I also loved how Lang emphasized that even though they have positive memories of each other, they are falling in love like new, as the people they are now, and not just lapsing into past habits. Anyway, I loved this, and would love to read more books about people in their 30s and 40s falling in love.
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If you want to read a romance about grown-ass people, I have just the thing. House Rules was a five-star read for me. Simon and Lana got divorced 15 years ago and haven’t stayed in touch, but NYC rent is so pricey they decide to move in together to save money. They set ground rules to keep everything proper, but the feelings from before might not be totally gone. I loved how grounded in real life this book is—Lana has endometriosis, and the way Simon takes care of her is so sweet and tentative. They’ve been apart a long time and Lana is definitely capable of taking care of herself, but it was so nice that she didn’t have to for once. I also loved how Lang emphasized that even though they have positive memories of each other, they are falling in love like new, as the people they are now, and not just lapsing into past habits. Anyway, I loved this, and would love to read more books about people in their 30s and 40s falling in love....more
A romance between a professor and a children’s librarian makes my little nerd heart sing. Victoria wants to launch a program at her university to placA romance between a professor and a children’s librarian makes my little nerd heart sing. Victoria wants to launch a program at her university to place students in internships at the local public library. It’s hard to stay professional, though, when it turns out the librarian she’s going to work with on the project is John, a superhottie with a man bun who’s conveniently single. I had a few issues with this one, admittedly. John comes on really strong in their first meeting, which felt weird to me since it was a work meeting, not karaoke night at a bar. I had a hard time believing any woman, especially one as uptight as Victoria, would be receptive to come-ons in that environment. Also, even after they started a relationship, they didn’t use each other’s first names, which felt stilted and odd. Once you’ve had your tongue in someone’s mouth, I feel like you shouldn’t have to call them Mister. Oh well. Despite those quibbles, I still really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Charish Reid’s work.
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A romance between a professor and a children’s librarian makes my little nerd heart sing. Victoria wants to launch a program at her university to place students in internships at the local public library. It’s hard to stay professional, though, when it turns out the librarian she’s going to work with on the project is John, a superhottie with a man bun who’s conveniently single. I had a few issues with this one, admittedly. John comes on really strong in their first meeting, which felt weird to me since it was a work meeting, not karaoke night at a bar. I had a hard time believing any woman, especially one as uptight as Victoria, would be receptive to come-ons in that environment. Also, even after they started a relationship, they didn’t use each other’s first names, which felt stilted and odd. Once you’ve had your tongue in someone’s mouth, I feel like you shouldn’t have to call them Mister. Oh well. Despite those quibbles, I still really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Charish Reid’s work....more
The delightful story of Josh, founder of a tech company, who enlists Sarah, a bakery owner, to cater a Pi Day party for his employees. The guest of hoThe delightful story of Josh, founder of a tech company, who enlists Sarah, a bakery owner, to cater a Pi Day party for his employees. The guest of honor will be Josh’s father, who he’s had a strained relationship with since a high school mistake caused a rift between them. His dad is a math teacher, and Josh knows if there’s one way to break the ice and heal their relationship, it’s corny math jokes. Josh and Sarah have so much fun planning the menu for the party and tasting all the delicious sweet and savory options, it’s obvious they’re going to end up spending time together romantically. I love Jackie Lau for how real she keeps it--her characters are real people with real problems, but the stories themselves have a light and fun feel. Also, it was super fun to read a romance set in Toronto--it’s definitely on my list of places to visit once travel is safe again!
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The delightful story of Josh, founder of a tech company, who enlists Sarah, a bakery owner, to cater a Pi Day party for his employees. The guest of honor will be Josh’s father, who he’s had a strained relationship with since a high school mistake caused a rift between them. His dad is a math teacher, and Josh knows if there’s one way to break the ice and heal their relationship, it’s corny math jokes. Josh and Sarah have so much fun planning the menu for the party and tasting all the delicious sweet and savory options, it’s obvious they’re going to end up spending time together romantically. I love Jackie Lau for how real she keeps it--her characters are real people with real problems, but the stories themselves have a light and fun feel. Also, it was super fun to read a romance set in Toronto--it’s definitely on my list of places to visit once travel is safe again!...more
I absolutely love this series by Ruby Lang. Her novellas are pitch perfect, so satisfying yet in such a compact package. House Rules is still my favorI absolutely love this series by Ruby Lang. Her novellas are pitch perfect, so satisfying yet in such a compact package. House Rules is still my favorite of the three, but Open House absolutely charmed my socks off. Ty helps run an illegal community garden on a vacant lot in Harlem, and Magda is the real estate agent charged with selling the lot. Not a lot of room there for sparks to fly, but somehow Lang makes the magic happen (and it’s magic indeed (rooftop sex!)).
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I absolutely love this series by Ruby Lang. Her novellas are pitch perfect, so satisfying yet in such a compact package. House Rules is still my favorite of the three, but Open House absolutely charmed my socks off. Ty helps run an illegal community garden on a vacant lot in Harlem, and Magda is the real estate agent charged with selling the lot. Not a lot of room there for sparks to fly, but somehow Lang makes the magic happen (and it’s magic indeed (rooftop sex!))....more
You know what's great stress relief? Reading about two hot hockey players falling in love as they compete for the starting goalie spot on an NHL team.You know what's great stress relief? Reading about two hot hockey players falling in love as they compete for the starting goalie spot on an NHL team. This audio book helped me finish a four-mile walk because I was hooked on the story. Ryu has played for the same team for several years and expects the starting spot to be his this season, but when Emmitt is traded to his team from the minors he finds out he has some serious competition. He also has a serious attraction to the mouthy rookie, which is a problem because he obviously can’t stand the guy. I really enjoyed this book and I don’t know anything about hockey--there’s a low bar for entry here. Ryu and Emmitt’s passion for the game will resonate whether you’re into sportsball or not. I loved how the rivalry fed the romance, and how Ryu and Emmitt’s vastly different personalities complemented each other on the ice and in the bedroom. And finally, if you’re into audio books, narrator Kirt Graves delivers an excellent performance.
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You know what's great stress relief? Reading about two hot hockey players falling in love as they compete for the starting goalie spot on an NHL team. This audio book helped me finish a four-mile walk because I was hooked on the story. Ryu has played for the same team for several years and expects the starting spot to be his this season, but when Emmitt is traded to his team from the minors he finds out he has some serious competition. He also has a serious attraction to the mouthy rookie, which is a problem because he obviously can’t stand the guy. I really enjoyed this book and I don’t know anything about hockey--there’s a low bar for entry here. Ryu and Emmitt’s passion for the game will resonate whether you’re into sportsball or not. I loved how the rivalry fed the romance, and how Ryu and Emmitt’s vastly different personalities complemented each other on the ice and in the bedroom. And finally, if you’re into audio books, narrator Kirt Graves delivers an excellent performance....more
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