Category Archives: Uncategorized
ARC — Never Planned on You — Lindsay Hameroff
ARC — Get Lost with You — Sophie Sullivan — Rock Bottom Love #2
“You’re killing me, Jillian.”
“That’s funny. You have the opposite effect on me. You make me feel more alive than I can ever remember feeling.”
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Touches on subjects like toxic relationships and unsupportive parents. Contains some romantic content.
“Get Lost with You” follows Jillian, a now-single mom, who’s moved back to her small hometown to help her brother establish a fishing resort of sorts, as she reconnects with her childhood crush. Levi is a renowned chef who’s also just moved back to their hometown. His father is getting surgery and he’s here to help, but honestly, he was done with the traditional culinary scene and was down to settle somewhere familiar. Levi is friends with Jillian’s brothers, and therefore she was always off limits. But they’re adults now, with their own problems and insecurities, hopes and dreams. And what if one of his dreams is finally seeing things through with the ginger girl who’s always warmed his heart? That’s up to Jillian and Levi to decide.
This was such a cozy, swift read. Sophie Sullivan has brought us back to the town of Smile and the Get Lost resort, and I was so here for it. This book, although part of a series, could work perfectly as a standalone. Jillian, and her daughter, Ollie, captivate our hearts from the get-go. And then in came Levi, with his flirty and charismatic personality—it was hard not to fall for them immediately. I loved that they skipped that “will-they, won’t-they” shenanigans and went into it as the adults that they are.
If you’re looking for a small town romance that skips through the slow burn and goes directly to that childhood crushes to lovers: “Get Lost with You” is precisely what you’re looking for.
If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.
Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.
ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: February 11, 2025
ARC — She Doesn’t Have a Clue — Jenny Elder Moke
Genre: Mystery, Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on subjects like cheating and insecurities. Describes murder and murder attempts. Contains explicit sexual content.
Part mystery, part romance, set in a private island off the coast of Seattle? Count me in. (I mean, the Seattle Seahawks already had me crying every Sunday, why not extend that pain into a couple days while reading this book, you know).
“She Doesn’t Have a Clue” follows Kate Valentine, the author of a famous mystery/detective book series, as she agrees to go to her ex-fiancé’s wedding in a lavish private island off the coast of Seattle. What she didn’t expect was that her ex-almost-something, Jake Hawkins, an Australian adventure writer and worldwide excursion guide, would be her plus one and roommate for the whole weekend—and that someone would be actively trying to kill the bride and setting it up to look like what happens in each of Kate’s mystery books.
All I have to say is that Jenny Elder Moke really did deliver both a mystery and a romance, and I’m not sure which part of the story I was captivated by the most. The romance was so sweet and spicy, and the mystery had me not wanting to put the book down, in search for answers. This was a fun, dynamic, and unique read, that I’ll definitely be recommending for years to come.
If you’ve enjoyed shows like “How To Get Away With Murder”, are looking to read a book with some romance involved, and are into Hotstralians, then “She Doesn’t Have a Clue” is definitely worth a read for you.
If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.
Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.
ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Clean Point — Meg Jones
“And just like that, the enemy of my enemy was my new teammate.”
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
Spicy Meter: 5 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on tough topics like abusive parents and coaches, mentions intentional and secret drugging, and verbal and sexual abuse. Mentions disordered eating due to training. Contains explicit sexual content.
“Clean Point” follows Scottie Sinclair, as she teams up with her father’s (and ex-coach’s) rival, Nico Kotas, to play doubles. Scottie is just coming back from a two-year ban from playing tennis due to a doping scandal, while Nico is coming back from an injury—either way, both of them have something to prove. What neither had expected was that, through this agreement, they’d be finding their match on and off the court.
How can this be my favorite book of 2025 when this year’s barely even started? But oh well, it is. Told in a consistently dynamic pace, “Clean Point” had me absolutely hooked. I could NOT get enough of Scottie and Nico. Their banter, their competitiveness, their flirtiness? I was done for. And then their personal developments? Both as individuals and as a team? This sports romance had it all, I swear.
If you’re a fan of sports romances or perhaps are looking to dabble into one that isn’t filled with technicisms, then “Clean Point” is for you. Beyond that tho, if you’re just looking for a romance book that ALSO HAS A PLOT *gasps*, then “Clean Point” is what you’re looking for, search no further.
If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.
Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.
ARC — Let’s Call a Truce — Amy Buchanan
“These truces are going to be the death of me.”
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
Spicy Meter: 5 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on tough topics like losing a partner, parent abandonment, and mental health struggles. Contains sooo much explicit sexual content.
“Let’s Call a Truce” follows Juliana Ryan, who is rebuilding her life after unexpectedly losing her husband while juggling work, motherhood, and a bitter feud with her arrogant but undeniably charming colleague, Ben Thomas. What starts as mutual disdain softens when they are forced to collaborate on a high-stakes project, sparking an unexpected connection. As their professional rivalry transforms into a passionate romance, Juliana must decide if she’s willing to risk her heart again—especially when Ben’s past jeopardizes their fragile happiness.
2025 is starting strong with this one. A spicy and twisty enemies-to-lovers is exactly what I needed this January. Ben Thomas is the new universal book boyfriend, of that I’m sure. Juliana Ryan is relatable and quick on her feet. There were so many turns in this read that I truly didn’t expect, but absolutely loved (and loved to hate). And let’s not even talk about how spicy it is, I’m blushing after just thinking about it.
If you’re a fan of Sally Thorne’s “The Hating Game”, then this work-place, enemies-to-lovers romance has been literally written for you. “Let’s Call a Truce” will be my new go-to romance recommendation.
If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.
Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.
ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: January 14, 2025
Savor It — Tarah DeWitt
“The one good thing about being the town tragedy is that no one’s gonna try to get between me and some fun.”
“And that’s what I am in this scenario? Some fun?”
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Describes grief of losing a parent. Mentions car crashes and fire injuries. Contains explicit sexual content.
Maybe it is that I’m missing my small town back in Canada, or maybe it’s that Tarah’s writing IS that good, but I have the urgent need to move out of the city and take care of livestock. Like, ASAP.
“Savor It” follows Fisher Lange, a Michelin-star-winning chef, as he moves with his teenaged niece, Indy, to the small town of Spunes, Oregon, for the summer, as a half-sabbatical, half-helping set up a new restaurant in said small town. On the other hand, Sage Byrd, a lifelong resident of Spunes, Oregon, is looking for a fresh start after her five-year relationship ends and her ex quickly becomes engaged. When Sage and Fisher become neighbors, they form a strategic alliance: Sage will help Fisher integrate into the community, and Fisher will partner with Sage in the town’s annual summer competition. As their collaboration deepens, they confront past wounds and discover new possibilities for love and healing.
Tarah DeWitt once again blends humor and heart, and now small-town charm, offering a story about personal growth and unexpected romance. Her characters are once again as complex as real-life people, bearing true emotion and conflict—displaying a world that isn’t simply black and white, but is packed by gray. Fisher’s and Sage’s love story was sweet and exhilarating and addictive, it felt like being a teenager in love.
If you’re a sucker for some friends-to-lovers (or, perhaps, some friends-with-benefits-to-lovers), then “Savor It” is most definitely for you.
If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.
Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.
Window Shopping — Tessa Bailey
Author: Tessa Bailey
Narrator: Alexa Morden, Sam Rushton
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Narration: 2 mikes
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses crime, gun violence, and ex-convict discrimination. Showcases unhealthy family and friend dynamics. Contains explicit sexual content.
“Window Shopping” follows Stella, a recently released ex-convict striving to rebuild her life, and Aiden, a Fifth Avenue store’s optimistic and bowtie-wearing manager. Their chance meeting leads to an unexpected job opportunity for Stella, which she absolutely will take. But as she takes this job, any chance of any romantic intentions Aiden might’ve had are quickly whisked away… or are they?
We read this book for The Book Club HQ, and gosh was it steamy. We were going for a more holiday-forward read, and this wasn’t it, but we still really enjoyed it. Tessa Bailey basically flips the grump x sunshine trope we’re used to seeing, presenting Stella as the guarded pessimist and Aiden as the cheerful optimist.
Apart from being really steamy (as Tessa Bailey tends to be), “Window Shopping” also delves into themes of redemption and self-discovery, as Stella confronts her past mistakes and works towards a better future. Aiden’s support and belief in her potential add depth to their romance, making their connection feel genuine and earned.
I actually had the chance to listen to some of the book, as well as reading it, and I can’t help but point out how shocked I was with Aiden’s southern accent. Nothing against it really, but it was a bit of a jumpscare.
All in all, “Window Shopping” is a perfect pick for those seeking a spicy and uplifting holiday read and who enjoy that will-they-won’t-they push and pull.
If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.
Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.
ARC — How to Get a Life in Ten Dates — Jenny L. Howe
“This was why (…) dating was off the table. She was too chaotic. He was too rigid. They were too different in ways that could break them, that already almost had (…).”
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on body image prejudices, unhealthy relationship dynamics, and mental health struggles. Contains some sexual content.
“How to Get a Life in Ten Dates” follows Haleigh Berkshire, a plus-sized part time dog walker and editor, who’s worn out by dating drama and family pressure. Her sister has her engagement party soon and Haleigh should have a plus one, but all she wants is a break on dating. That’s when her best friend (and unrequited crush), Jack, suggests that she lets her family and close friends sent her up on 10 blind dates. If none of them work, then her family and friends can’t go on complaining about Haleigh’s dating sabbatical.
Haleigh’s journey is messy, charming, and deeply human. While Jack isn’t your typical perfect hero, his flaws make the romance feel genuine—you definitely catch on the been-best-friends-forever vibes with these ones right away.
If you’re a fan of friends-to-lovers and second chance romances that balance humor, emotional growth, and a sprinkle of chaos, then this book belongs on your shelf.
If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.
Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.
ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: December 10, 2024
ARC — The Rom-Commers — Katherine Center
“I would write a hundred happy endings for us if I could.”
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on topics like divorce, parental death, disabilities, and cancer. Describes being a full-time caregiver for a family member.
“The Rom-Commers” follows Emma Wheeler, an aspiring screenwriter that had to put her dream on hold to take care of her father full-time, as she gets the opportunity to work with her favorite screenwriter, Charlie Yates, as they rewrite a rom-com (something Emma’s an expert on and Charlie has no idea how to execute).
And so this book literally brought me back to life. After a rough patch at the beginning of the year, I hadn’t been able to finish one (1) single book in its entirety—until Katherine Center came around. “The Rom-Commers” made me feel warm inside, with all the giggly feelings rom-coms are known for, but it also made me cry and feel for these characters deeply.
If you like rom-com movies and you like your romances closed door but with a ton of sexual tension, then this book is for you.
If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.
Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.
ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.
andrea's galley 