ARC — Kilt Trip — Alexandra Kiley

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on subjects like parental death and abandonment issues. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Kilt Trip” follows Addie Macrae, an American travel consultant, and Logan Sutherland, one of the Scottish co-owners of a family-owned tour company that’s struggling to make ends meet. Logan is absolutely against Addie coming and restructuring his hidden gems tours, so they set off on a truce: they’ll experience both sides of Scotland—the touristy and then less traveled—and decide from there which tours stay and which don’t.

Alexandra Kiley did such an amazing job with this book. It truly made me feel like the travel influencer I’ve never wanted to be, and I was there for it. The sexual tension between these enemies to lovers was irresistible, I couldn’t get enough of them.

I would highly recommend this read if you’re looking for a romance book that’ll transport you into the Highlands and are a fan of the enemies to lovers books—because that’s what they are.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: March 05, 2024

ARC — Till There Was You — Lindsay Hameroff

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on tough or uncomfortable subjects like parental disappointment, parental death, and cancer. Contains some sexual content.

“Till There Was You” follows Lexi Berman, a culinary student in New York City who’s just about to graduate and who dreams of becoming a Michelin-star chef in order to honor her late mother, as she meets Jake Taylor, an aspiring singer-songwriter, at a dive bar. They spend the most wonderful weekend together and then Jake leaves for LA to record his demo. He promises he’ll be back and they’ll keep in touch, but Lexi isn’t expecting much. What neither of them expected really was that he’d become an overnight sensation with a song he wrote for her and that then he’d simply disappear. Lexi is too proud and stubborn to admit she’s heartbroken, and is set on forgetting the whole affair. That is, until a drunk and distraught Jake knocks on Lexi’s door, expressing his regret for how things played out. They agree to be friends and Jake crashed at Lexi’s place as he’s recording his second album. But how can you just be friends with someone you know you could love?

I will drop everything and read a celebrity romance every single chance I get. I will not let my Wattpad dreams die, is all. That being said, this was such a fun read. Were the characters childish at times? Yeah, sure, but they are pretty young to begin with, I just left that off to them being young and foolish and stubborn. I just loved the character arcs and developments, both as individuals and as a couple. The only reason this isn’t a 5-star review is because there was a third act break up that simply didn’t sit right with me. Other than that, I loved this read.

I would highly recommend “Till There Was You” to anyone and everyone that enjoys a good, ol’ celebrity romance.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: February 20, 2024

ARC — The Catch — Amy Lea — The Influencer #3

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on tough topics like grief, family loss, family abandonment, and depression. Contains some explicit sexual content.

“The Catch” follows Melanie (Mel) Karlsen, a lifestyle blogger that feels like she’s losing relevancy, as she travels to Canada for a collaboration with a spa resort. But there’s been a mix up, they’re not expecting her until a week later. In a desperate attempt to survive in an unknown country, she books the only B&B she finds open and receiving guests. And in comes Evan Whaler, the stubborn and plaid-wearing local whose family owns said B&B. When Mel is mistaken to be Evan’s fiancée by his feuding family, they decide to play along in a last ditch effort to mend those broken ties—of course, in exchange of Evan helping Mel out with her content creation for the week. The last thing they expected was how the lines of this elaborate ruse would blend when you’re truly meant to be together.

This has to be my favorite read of 2024, without the shadow of a doubt. Amy Lea’s voice is so refreshing, I never get tired of it. Her characters are relatable and emotional and just plain interesting. I couldn’t wait to see how Mel’s and Evan’s story would play out.

If you’re a sucker for small-town romances (and burly and bearded fishermen), then Mel’s and Evan’s love will have you captivated—and just in time for Valentine’s Day! I can’t begin to recommend this book enough.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: February 13, 2024

ARC — Even If It Breaks Your Heart — Erin Hahn

Genre: Young Adult
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Touches on tough topics like grief, family loss, family abandonment, and chronic illness. Contains some romantic content.

“Even If It Breaks Your Heart” follows nineteen-year-old Case Michaels, grieving the loss of his best friend Walker, as he clings to a list Walker left him, determined to complete it despite struggling to return to the rodeo circuit. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Winnie Sutton works tirelessly to support her family on the Michaels’ ranch, sneaking moments to ride horses and dream of something more. Part of Walker’s lists sends Case to befriend Winnie Sutton, but this suggestion turned into something more when Case sees Winnie’s talent for riding. He convinces her to compete for the ranch, sparking an unexpected REAL friendship—and maybe more—that inspires both to chase dreams they never thought possible.

Oh, wow, I’ve read Erin Hahn before but “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” just hit different. With its bittersweet tones but hopeful ending, this book has brought comfort to my heart. With a set of complex characters with even deeper backstories, this book will have you hooked from the start.

If you’re looking for a cozy, cowboy YA read, look no further—“Even If It Breaks Your Heart” is exactly what you seek.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press through Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: February 06, 2024

ARC — Love, Naturally — Sophie Sullivan — Rock Bottom Love #1

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Touches on subjects like abandonment, toxic romantic relationships, and toxic work environments. Describes an injury. Contains some romantic content.

“Love, Naturally”, being the first book in the Rock Bottom Love series, follows Presley Ayers, an aspiring hotel manager and social media personality, as she embarks on the surprise trip she had scheduled for her boyfriend’s birthday (now ex). She is not the outdoorsy type, but she is set on enjoying her getaway at Get Lost Lodge—and that’ll be easy with the help of Beckett Keller, one of the owners of said lodge. Their inexplicable pull and an unfortunate set of circumstance lead to them bunking together, but what’s the point of even thinking about being together if Presley’s visit is just temporary, right? Right?

At this point, I’m pretty sure I am biased—everything Sophie Sullivan touches, I love. I am usually not a closed-doors romance girlie, but for Sophie’s plots and flirtiness? I am. This book had me transported into the small town of Smile, it had me rooting for every single character, and it had me wishing for Presley to listen to her heart and stay.

“Love, Naturally” is for the girlies that loved The Influencer series by Amy Lea and who crave that small town vibes with all the quirkiness that small town romances and found family plot lines bring. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: January 16, 2024

ARC — On the Plus Side — Jenny L. Howe

“Let yourself be seen.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on topics like parental abandonment, fatphobia, body shaming, and death of family members and pets. Contains some explicit sexual content.

“On the Plus Side” follows Everly Winters, who is currently a receptionist but aspiring to be a designer in marketing some day, as she is selected to be the subject of her all-time favorite reality TV show: On the Plus Side. This show follows plus-sized participants and helps them find themselves and reach their goals. Everly had never imagined in a million years that could be her, yet here she is. Will she find herself in the process or will she just shut off the world as she’s been doing for the past couple of years after an important loss in her life?

I absolutely loved this book. It caught my attention right off the bat and I loved all the characters. The spark between the main love interest was slow but worthwhile and honestly made sense. The one thing is I was left wanting so much more by the end, I just wasn’t ready to let go of this story quite yet—the ending all felt too sudden for me.

That being said, this book is for the girlies that enjoy reality TV shows—think Queer Eye meets plus-size representation. This book was just highly entertaining all throughout.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: December 26, 2023

ARC — This Spells Love — Kate Robb

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Describes an injury by fire and panic attacks. Contains explicit sexual content.

I can’t believe “This Spells Love” by Kate Robb is a debut. This novel follows Gemma, a 28-year-old who, after a painful breakup, drunkenly casts a spell to erase her ex from her past. To her astonishment, she awakens in an alternate reality where her ex never existed, but neither does her close friendship with Dax, her best friend. As Gemma navigates this new world, she must rebuild her relationship with Dax, leading to unexpected romantic developments.

Kate Robb’s writing is engaging, with snappy dialogue and endearing characters that drew me in right away. The friends-to-lovers trope is executed perfectly, making Gemma and Dax’s evolving relationship both believable and heartwarming. The novel also touches on themes of self-reflection and the consequences of altering one’s past, adding depth to the lighthearted romance.

A sassy and smart read, “This Spells Love” is the book you’re looking for if you’re (like me) constantly obsessed with the “what if” scenarios. This debut novel offers a fresh take on second chances and the complexities of love and friendship. I wouldn’t change a thing.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: December 05, 2023

ARC — The Mystery Guest — Nita Prose — Molly the Maid #2

Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Spicy Meter: N/A
Content Warnings: Centered around the topics of death and murder. Touches on tough topics like alcoholism and sexual assault.

Returning to the opulent yet shadowy Regency Grand Hotel, “The Mystery Guest” takes us on another delightful journey with Molly Gray, the lovable but complex maid introduced in the hit book “The Maid”, first book in this series. This sequel builds on the charm of its predecessor, weaving a clever mystery with an unexpected touch of poignancy. Nita Prose dives deeper into Molly’s character, exposing vulnerabilities and quirks that make her an unforgettable protagonist.

The novel’s plot centers on a murder at a reunion for literary greats, and Molly, with her unique perspective and penchant for order, is drawn into the heart of the investigation. The setup feels like classic cozy mystery territory, but Prose’s writing elevates it with wit and emotional depth. The story’s pacing is deliberate but engaging, allowing readers to savor the unfolding clues while enjoying the hotel’s vibrant atmosphere.

One of the book’s standout elements is its exploration of Molly’s personal growth. While her endearing literal-mindedness remains a highlight, we see her navigating new relationships and tackling lingering insecurities with remarkable resilience. And although “The Mystery Guest” seems like it can be read as a standalone, the emotional weight is richer for those familiar with the first book and Molly’s personality. With clever twists and a satisfying resolution, this sequel honors its predecessor while standing confidently on its own.

This book is a must-read for cozy mystery enthusiasts and anyone who fell for Molly in “The Maid”. I’m not sure if I would read any subsequent books, but that’s a me problem, as cozy mysteries aren’t much of my thing right now. But who knows what the future might hold.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: November 28, 2023

ARC — A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch — Sarah Hawley — Glimmer Falls #2

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy meters: 2 fire emojis
Content Warning: Addresses toxic relationships and emotional abuse. Contains sexual content.

From the dedication line (“For all the angry girls who were told they were too much”) to the very end of this novel, “A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch” is absolutely perfect.

“A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch” follows Calladia Cunnington, a formidable witch with a penchant for bar brawls, who unexpectedly rescues Astaroth, a demon suffering from amnesia. Unbeknownst to him, Astaroth is the very demon who previously endangered Calladia’s best friend, and hence she hates him. Despite her initial animosity, Calladia agrees to help him recover his memories, leading them on a road trip filled with witty banter and undeniable chemistry.

Enemies-to-lovers with a supernatural twist? That’s a yes for me. This books works like a standalone, but it’s best if you already hold the context “A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon” provides. This sequel also expands on the lore of the demon realm, introducing political intrigue and exploring themes of prejudice and extremism that parallel real-world issues. This backdrop enriches the plot, providing a compelling setting for the protagonists’ adventures.

If you’re into fun, spicy, and addictive paranormal romance, that also hold some enemies-to-lovers appeal, then “A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch” is for you.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: November 28, 2023

ARC — Artifacts of an Ex — Jennifer Chen

Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Mentions dementia. Contains some romantic content, but no explicit sexual content.

“Artifacts of an Ex” follows Chloe Chang, a budding art curator, as she channels the pain of a breakup into “Heartifacts,” an art exhibit showcasing mementos of past relationships (both hers and others). And in comes Damoel Kwak, to shake things up. He crushed on Chloe and Chloe claims to be over her ex, but he’s sure she’s not—and he’s not willing to become just another rebound, not when it comes to her. With a clever mix of humor, emotional depth, and cultural nuances, the book explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

So, I’m not the only one with an “Ex Box” apparently. “Artifacts of an Ex” strikes the perfect balance between comedy and deeply emotional times, making it a memorable read. Fans of Jenny Han and Emily Henry will appreciate the mix of romance and personal evolution—I know I did.

With its themes of artistic expression and rediscovering love, “Artifacts of an Ex” is an ode to the transformative power of creativity. It’s a perfect read for anyone who’s ever held on to a keepsake from the past, wondering what it still means.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: November 14, 2023