Tag Archives: 2 fire emojis

A Brush With Love — Mazey Eddings — A Brush With Love #1

“No one doubts you constantly do your best. We all admire you so much for how hard you work. But some days, your best can be a B, and some days your best can even be a C, or some days, it could mean doing nothing at all but just breathing.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Describes and discusses panic attacks, mental illness, and death of parents. Contains explicit sexual content.

“A Brush With Love” follows Harper and Dan, two dental students, as they literally crash into each other’s lives. Harper is in her last year of school, while Dan is just a first-year student—but they’re roughly around the same age… that’s because Dan didn’t even want to be a dentist to begin with, but that’s a longer story. This pair immediately clicks but Harper is set on not being distracted for her last semester, she must end this perfect run with a perfect GPA, no matter what that might mean for her mental health.

I loved that this book was more than just a romance—it tackled topics from mental health to emotional abuse and gaslight by figures of authority, such as parents—but that’s also what made it a bit iffy for me at times. I couldn’t see Harper’s behaviors as things actual people would do in real life, but I guess that’s what fiction’s for, right?

I would recommend this book to readers looking for a sweet romance and who aren’t to off-put by the topic of dentistry. I can openly admit that I wasn’t that interested on the dentist school portion of this novel—but I was also willing to withstand some anatomy lessons in order to see Harper and Dan’s happily ever after.

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.

The Charm Offensive — Alison Cochrun

“I don’t think happily ever after is something that happens to you, Dev. I think it’s something you choose to do for yourself.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Discusses mental illness and panic attacks, ableism, racism, and homophobia. Contains sexual content.

“The Charm Offensive” follows Charlie Winshaw, a tech entrepreneur turned reality TV star, and Dev Deshpande, a producer for said reality TV show. This TV show, Ever After, is set to find the perfect princess for the perfect prince. But Charlie is all but perfect, and he isn’t even sure why he’s looking for a princess. So, when Charlie and Dev suddenly click, they definitely can’t act on it. Dev isn’t looking to be anyone’s little secret (he’s over that), and Charlie has a contract signed. And so Ever After continues.

There has not been a single Alison Cochrun book that I haven’t loved—but “The Charmed Offensive” takes the cake and has every single cherry on top. This book made me feel so many things—yes, love, but also frustration and self-consciousness and just plain mad at both main characters at different points in time.

I connected so much with the characters and the story, I can’t not recommend to every single person I’ll come across. If you still haven’t read this gem, and you like queer romances, then what are you waiting for? Grab this without hesitation.

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.

Blog Tour ARC — A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon — Sarah Hawley

“Why do you have horns?” (…)
“Why do you have so many questions?”

Genre: Romance, Fiction
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Mentions animal death and a fire injury. Contains sexual content.

“A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon” is a pretty self-explanatory title, but this book follows Mariel Spark, a witch that was prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries. Mariel comes from a prestigious magical family, award-winning even, but her magic isn’t as show-y as her parents, specially her mother, had hoped. She’s great with nature and botany, but other incantations? Not so much. That’s why, by mistake, she ends up summoning a demon—yes, an actual demon that’s now set to have a soul bargain with her. Ozroth the Ruthless can’t leave Mariel’s side until he’s completed the soul bargain. So the only explanation Mariel can give her mother when she meets Ozroth is that he’s…her boyfriend? Fake boyfriend that is, but no one can know that—no one can know Mariel’s messed up this bad—at least until she’s found a solution for this whole soul thing.

This book was both comical and captivating, and I simply can’t believe it’s a debut. I literally laughed while reading. Since this novel is written in third person, we get both points of view—Mariel’s and Oz’s—which I loved. I cannot wait to see where this series goes. With complex characters and diverse dynamics between these characters, I could’ve read this book in one sitting. Oh, and Ozroth being so sweet definitely helped.

If you’ve enjoyed series like The Witches of Thistle Grove by Lana Harper and The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling, then you’ll most definitely love Sarah Hawley’s “A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon”. With its witchy-fantasy vibes and it’s unique (and funny) close-proximity love story, you’ll be rooting for Mariel all the way.

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.

Review posted as part of a blog tour.

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

Publication Date: March 7, 2023

ARC — Nobody Puts Romcoms In The Corner — Kathryn Freeman

“I get the feeling you’re not a fan of romcoms.”
“Not my thing, no.”
(…) “Love isn’t your thing?”
(…) “Funny thing, love. It’s like the pot of gold at the end of that whimsical rainbow. People want to believe it exists, but evidence shows it’s just a myth.”
(…) “Tens of millions, no wait, hundreds of millions of people would disagree with you.”
“Today, maybe. But tomorrow? I bet a good number of them would find themselves agreeing with me. And the next day, a good number more.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses death of parent, abandonment, emotional abuse, toxic relationships and cheating, and severe gaslight. Contains sexual content.

“Nobody Puts Romcoms in the Corner” follows Sally Thornton and Harry Wilson as they embark on the weirdest of love quests—recreating iconic romcom scenes on social media. Sally is Harry’s landlord of sorts, and after they recreate the Dirty Dancing lift and go absolutely viral, they have no other option but to keep it going. What they did not account for was their in-real-life chemistry. But Harry doesn’t do love. He’s seen enough to know it doesn’t exist… or does it?

This is the romcom book to take on all other romcom books. This romance was all I wanted it to be. With funny and heartwarming romcom references and oh-so sweet scene reenactments, I absolutely fell in love with this book and it’s cluster of characters—I mean, the main characters are named Harry and Sally, need we say more?

This is the perfect romcom book for romcom movie lovers. If you’re looking for an emotional but hopeful romance and are a fan of that sweet close-proximity trope, then “Nobody Puts Romcoms in the Corner” is right 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 One More Chapter in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: February 27, 2023

“You once talked to me about bells. Do you think it’s possible you could hear those bells with someone like me?”
(…) “Harry Wilson, what are you trying to say?”
“I don’t know. (…) I just know I care for you more than I’ve cared for anyone.”

ARC — Too Wrong to Be Right — Melonie Johnson

“Do you think he loves her because of, or in spite of, how awful she is?”

“Both. (…) I think when you love someone, you love them inspite of their flaws, but at the same time, it’s their flaws that make you love them even more. It makes them real. Makes them yours.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Revolves around a funeral home. Discusses death, loss, trauma from past relationships, and neglectful parents.

“Too Wrong to Be Right” follows Kat Kowalski, a florist with the dream of opening up her own and unique flower shop, and Mick O’Sullivan, one of the owners of a local funeral home. After a tumultuous run-in during a funeral service, the pair become friends—friends who feel oddly attracted to each other. But Kat has sworn off these kinds of connections. Her hunches always lead to Mr. Wrongs and now she’s set on finding Mr. Right. But what if Mr. Right on paper isn’t right for her, while Mr. Wrong in theory is?

This was one of the funnest reads I’ve had in a while. This lighthearted, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers romance was something else. Through this book you’re introduced to various groups of friend and two wonderfully quirky families—oh, and two unique pets—and I was there for it. I actually wish I had had more time with them. *cough cough* Please make this a series Melonie, I am begging you.

If you’re looking for a friends to lovers romance, think “Beach Read” by Emily Henry vibes, then “Too Wrong to Be Right” is exactly right 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.

Publication Date: February 28, 2023

P.S. CCC Nights are a mood and right up my alley, lowkey wanting to implement this with my gym rat friends.

ARC — The Second You Are Single — Cara Tanamachi

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Mentions miscarriages in the second trimester, childhood cancer, and cheating. Discusses fat shaming and abandonment issues after divorce and other negative romantic experiences.

“The Second You Are Single” follows Sora Reid, a freelance writer who pitches the concept of ‘Solo February’ after a series of negative dating experiences. Little did she know that it would go viral and that, in the middle of all of it, she’d run into her childhood best friend, Jack Mann. Jack, who is now a pastry chef, had the hugest crush on Sora growing up, and can’t wait to reconnect. But Sora can’t. Solo February, and all… They’ll have to wait ‘till March. Sure, that’s plausible. Unless they don’t.

Well, having been in a stable relationship for the last 7 years, I thought I wouldn’t relate that much to the Solo February challenge, but I was a tiny bit wrong there. This was still a very fun and empowering read, having Solo February branch into self cafe rather than just having it be a men-ban.

I loved all the representation in this book—from different cultures and ethnicities, to different bodies. I did feel like they went a little overboard with Sora’s love for bacon, it seemed satirical at best, but if I kind of block that out this book was near perfect. We got to see how Sora and Jack reconnect and get to know each other as adults, we see the tension and chemistry build, this wasn’t exactly some unrealistic insta-love story.

I would highly recommend this book. It feels like the perfect Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day gift, so definitely add it to your wishlists and TBRs!!

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 31, 2023

ARC — A Guide to Being Just Friends — Sophie Sullivan — Jansen Brothers #3

“People don’t think California is ever dark. They’re so used to the sun, it’s all they expect. All they see. (…) It reminds me of you. You’re so positive, so upbeat. I forget you’ve been hurt. That you’ve seen the other side of happiness.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses toxic parental relationships, toxic romantic relationships, emotional abuse, and gaslighting. Contains some sexual content, but closed doors.

“A Guide to Being Just Friends” follows Hailey Sharp, a salad shop entrepreneur who’s just moved to town in search for a fresh start after a bad breakup, and Wes Jansen, the oldest of the Jansen brothers (but also the last of them to find love), as they strike up a platonic best friendship based on their need for a break from dating and wish for companionship. Hailey and Wes are both new to town and have fit perfectly together—but only as friends, of course.. right?

I was so entranced by Hailey and Wes and their interactions that every other conversation felt like a filler—when they really weren’t. This book is more than just a romance novel, it’s the story of two very independent characters, as they find themselves and learn to be true and consistent with their dreams. I rooted for every single character (old and new) in “A Guide to Being Just Friends.” I could not get enough of this book.

It’s getting ridiculous but with every new book in this series, my favorite amongst them all changes. First it was Chris, then Noah, and now Wes. How can these brothers just keep getting better and better? This entire series as a whole is wonderful.

I would highly recommend this series if you’re looking for a clean romance series. Also, if you’re a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, then “A Guide to Being Just Friends” 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.

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

Publication Date: January 17, 2023

ARC — The Rom-Com Agenda — Jayne Denker

“Do I belong here?”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses death of parent/foster parent, grieving, breakups, struggling to make ends meet, potential homelessness, and an honest addiction to an ex.

“The Rom-Com Agenda” starts with a rejection. Eli is proposing to Victoria, is utterly turned down, and Leah is there to witness it all. Talk about secondhand embarrassment. Now, months later, Eli and his friends are trying to have Eli go through an extreme makeover in order to win Victoria back when she comes back to the States, all with the help of Leah, who volunteers to help him after befriending Eli’s sisters. Little did they know, they were lowkey made for each other. Through rom-com movies and mishaps, Eli and Leah get to really know each other, and question all about the future they envisioned apart—and how that might look if they were together.

I have to be honest, throughout this book I defaulted at times to just reading the dialogue. Eli’s back and forth was driving me insane. His sisters’ and friends’ obsession with meddling with his life felt so forced and unrealistic. Take this book as a true fiction romance—this could never happen in real-life.

I was so hyped for this book and I just simply didn’t vibe with it. The jokes weren’t funny, the dialogue was iffy, and the romance was alright. Leah and Eli seem like a good match, I just hated how they got there.

I would recommend this book, perhaps, as a palette cleanser between tough books. It’s lighthearted mostly and is an easy read. The pop culture and rom-com movie references were awesome—it just wasn’t as life-changing and heartwarming as I was expecting it to be.

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 10, 2023

“When we said we are family, we meant it.”

ARC — Never Ever Getting Back Together — Sophie Gonzales

“I love you, too, by the way.”
“I thought you didn’t do love.”
“There’s a lot of things I thought I didn’t do.”

Genre: Young Adult, LGBTQIA+
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Gaslighting, toxic relationships, and cheating are a big thing here. Also, definitely some biphobia and all-round douchebag-ery.

“Never Ever Getting Back Together” follows Maya and Skye as they participate in a new reality TV show called Second Chance Romance, where they’re both competing for their ex-boyfriend’s, Jordy’s, heart. But here’s the thing, back in the day, Jordy cheated on Maya with Skye—and then spread fake rumors about Maya, and how he had actually broken up with her but she turned into a low-key stalker. That’s why Maya’s on the TV show, not for Jordy’s heart, but for revenge, while Skye does seem to have some noble intentions… Until sparks start flying between two characters, and none of those is the dumbass Jordy.

First off, if you’ve been here for a while, you know I’m a big Taylor Swift fan (aka a swiftie)—so it should be no surprise if I tell you that the main reason I was called to click on this book was because of its title, and its title alone. Now, on to the actual review.

This is the first book by Sophia Gonzalez that I have ever read but she has been a long-standing member of my TBR list—and I’ll definitely be grabbing those other books real soon.

I don’t even know how to begin to explain “Never Ever Getting Back Together”. I really like books that are set in a reality TV setting, even though I’m not a big reality TV watcher myself, and this story was honestly all I’ve been wishing to read in one of those for a long time. But if there is one thing I would’ve changed about this book was making it more PG18, rather than PG13. Just for the sake of the plot, which has the characters being in their late teens and early twenties, it just felt weird that this was a YA book.

Disregarding that, I really enjoyed the story and, above all, Sophie Gonzales’s writing. Her writing style is descriptive without being overwhelming, and it has a lot of organic, long conversations. I love when I can really see when the characters fell in love, not just some insta-love trope. (Also, it helped that I absolutely loved Maya).

Maybe its because I’m impartial to the enemies-to-lovers trope, but I just a really enjoyed this read. I would recommend this book to readers who are looking for some sapphic, reality-TV-inspired novel.

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: November 29, 2022

“Me and Maya, we’re a good example of how first impressions don’t always set the tone for the rest of it.”

ARC — Pride & Puppies — Lizzie Shane

“I’m just saying in real life the Darcys don’t always turn out to be Darcys.”
“So date a Bingley.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Mentions parent death. Also, dangerous levels of mutual pining.

“Pride and Puppies” follows Dr. Charlotte Rodriguez as she swears off men and is set to adopt a puppy instead of looking for another boyfriend. And so in comes George Leneghan, her neighbor and coworker who actually has an incredibly well-behaved dog—so he must have all the tips and tricks she’ll need. As they start spending more time together, Charlotte may or may not be developing feelings she swore she wouldn’t towards George, feelings George had always had for her.

This is for all the Pride and Prejudice (2005 movie) lovers. No, you don’t really need to have seen the movie (or read Pride and Prejudice) to enjoy this book, but it just makes it so much more fun. It was a bit slow-paced for my liking, but I loved the characters and the lightheartedness of it all.

Charlotte and George are both so weird and socially awkward, I loved it. Their friendship growing into something more felt so natural. I truly fell in love with this novel—and it has nothing to do with the fact that I, too, love Colin Firth (and Matthew Macfadyen) as Mr. Darcy.

If there is one thing that I didn’t like that much about “Pride and Puppies” is how the doctor/rehab/medicine part of it was a bit vague and not really in the forefront of either the plot or the narrative in general. I’m guessing this could be a plus to some people, but, in my case, my boyfriend is a doctor and I love medical dramas so it would’ve been cool to kind of get that viewing off his story.

Either way, I would highly recommend you go buy this book, be it for yourself or for someone else. It really has that vibe of being a good gift book. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for it this holiday season.

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 Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: November 22, 2022

“Other little girls could keep their Prince Charmings. She was devoted to Mr. Darcy.”