Tag Archives: 3 fire emojis

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.

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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.

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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 — Friends Don’t Fall in Love — Erin Hahn

“I write words for a living. Words that people all over the world use to access their feelings. But right now, with her, I’m speechless.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Mentions gun violence and shootings. Contains explicit sexual content.

It seems like I’m in my music industry book era, and I’ll stand by it. “Friends Don’t Fall in Love” follows Lorelai Jones, a singer-songwriter that was ousted of Nashville and the whole Country scene after performing a protest song against gun violence, and Craig Boseman, her ex-fiancé’s ex-band member and now indie music producer. They’ve been friends on and off for a very long time, always evading the what-ifs of what their relationship might become if they let it.

Bringing us back and forth through different timelines, and giving us two different points of view, Erin Hahn definitely knows how to keep us on our toes. One thing to note, tho, is that this book has a lot for internal monologue, so if that isn’t your vibe maybe you won’t love it as much as I did. Funny, because I’m not overly enthusiastic about long internal monologues, yet I was fascinated by Lorelai’s and Craig’s minds and inner turmoil. I mean, they’re songwriters, for God’s sake, of course their minds were fascinating.

I would highly recommend this book for those good, ol’ Country music lovers. Also, if you’re looking for a friends-to-lovers slow burn that eventually turns spicy-packed, then “Friends Don’t Fall in Love” is for you.

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

Publication Date: October 17, 2023

ARC — Let’s Get Quizzical — Kelly Ohlert

“That’s it. Talk nerdy to me.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Mentions illegal activities, blackmailing, and reality show corruption. Contains explicit sexual content.

Oh, this was one spicy read, alright? “Let’s Get Quizzical” follows Charlotte (Charlie) and Eli, two estranged high school best friends and lovers, as they reconnect in a trivia game show, in live TV. It was a shock to start for sure, but after they’re paired up as a team, they’re set on advancing in this game show competition, they both can’t afford to lose. They’ll have to look away from their past and into their future—may that be together or as far apart as possible.

Being told through two points of view, this quirky book filled with fun facts and competitiveness is binge-worthy. Kelly Ohlert’s sophomore romantic publishing absolutely exceeded my expectations. Her debut novel, although entertaining, leaned a bit too much into the childish and nonsensical side of fiction for my liking—this was not the case with “Let’s Get Quizzical.” This upcoming novel lets us see more character depth and complexity, while still holding true to its romantic comedy nature. I really can’t wait to see what else Kelly Ohlert has to offer.

Fair warning, this book was a bit more spicy than I had anticipated. And I mean, I was there for it, but just keep that in mind when grabbing this read. Overall, if you’re a sucker for second chance romances, trivia, and nerdy characters, then “Let’s Get Quizzical” has been personally tailored for you.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: October 17, 2023

ARC — Every Wish Way — Shannon Bright

“Relationships aren’t made of two people who never have problems. (…) It’s about two flawed people choosing and promising to be the best versions of themselves they can be for each other.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Talks about parental death and a curse. Discusses cheating and an attempted sexual assault. Contains sexual content.

This book is for the “Pride and Prejudice” girlies, the ones who’ve watched the 2005 movie starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen over and over through the years. This book is for the people-pleasing girlies with dysfunctional families and overbearing mothers. This book is for the helpless romantics. This book literally altered my brain chemistry.

“Every Wish Way” follows Iza, an architect that isn’t quite happy with how her life is turning out, as she summons a wish-granting genie of sorts? I mean, not really. He’s just Beckett, a man who wished for unlimited wishes and ended up cursed to be the genie on other people’s stories—as soon as they get their 3 wishes, he’s off to a new vessel for however much time it takes to be summoned again, let that be months or years. Iza wishes nothing more than her happily ever after with the only man her mom has ever admired: Mr. Darcy, from “Pride and Prejudice”. But Mr. Darcy isn’t the Mr. Perfect she had envisioned now, is he? What if she’s gotten Mr. Right wrong all along?

It had been months since I had read banter as witty as Beckett’s and Iza’s. This book made me cry, this book made me laugh. I legit can’t comprehend how this is Shannon Bright’s debut novel. I cannot recommend this book enough. For real.

If you like your romance books with huge character development, second chances, and improbable fates, then “Every Wish Way” is for you.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: September 19, 2023

“So forgive and forget?”

“Not forget. Learn.”

ARC — Cleat Cute — Meryl Wilsner

“Oh yeah, you were absolutely one of those formative celebrities, you know? Like, I didn’t know if I wanted to kiss you or be you. (…) Both, it turned out.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on toxic relationships and friendships. Discusses injuries and bullying. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Cleat Cute” follows Phoebe Matthews, a rookie soccer player who’s just been called in to potentially be part of the national team, and who serendipitously (and flirtatiously) becomes friends with benefits with her biggest rival, but also her biggest role model growing up, her team captain, Grace Henderson. But here’s the thing, Grace wants nothing to do with relationships, and least of all with a team member.

Although it went with a slower start, I absolutely loved this read once the pace picked up. Both Grace and Phoebe were such complex characters, packed with raw emotion and that drive that only competitive sport players have—it was truly inspiring (and oh-so spicy).

I would highly highly recommend this read if you’re looking for a sapphic sports romance with some very well-executed enemies with benefits. 10/10, would not change a single thing about this novel.

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

Publication Date: September 19, 2023

ARC — Thank You for Sharing — Rachel Runya Katz

“House Rules:

1. Meet: Friday nights (…) at Prohibition

2. Anything said here stays here

3. No toxic masculinity

(…) And thus, the Speakeasy Survival Club is born.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Mentions death of a parent, cancer, and discusses sexual assault. Contains sexual content.

“Thank You for Sharing” is comically full of mishaps and screw ups, and I was there for it. Told in the third person, we get to see various points of view, making this novel even more engaging. “Thank You for Sharing” follows Liyah Cohen-Jackson and Daniel Rosenberg, two childhood frenemies that run into each other in their late twenties and are forced to collaborate in a project that is very important for both of them, for different reasons.

Liyah’s and Daniel’s text flirting was the absolute sweetest—I just loved how Liyah teases him, their chemistry was so palpable throughout the whole novel. The different ways they live and celebrate their religious believes, the way they found their chosen family through their friend; I simply wouldn’t change a thing about this novel.

I would highly recommend this novel if you’re looking for a sweet childhood friends to strangers to enemies to lovers romance read.

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

Publication Date: September 12, 2023

ARC — The Barista’s Guide to the Perfect Steam — Valerie Pepper — Guided to Love #2

“She is heaven. My own personal heaven. And she has no clue.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Mentions death of a sibling. Involves a house electrical fire. Contains explicit sexual content.

“The Barista’s Guide to the Perfect Steam” is the second installment in the Guided to Love series, yet it works just as well as a standalone. Set in a small town in Alabama, this novel follows Jodi Bristol, a small coffee shop owner, and Price Joseph, a local firefighter and presumed playboy. Jodi has had a crush on Price since pretty much forever, but they’re just friendly acquaintances, you know?? But that’s until Jodi’s house has a small electrical fire and is forced to move into Price’s new Bed and Breakfast while insurance fixes up her place, and Price and Jodi realize they have more than their love for coffee in common.

Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. Told through two points of view, I fell for both Jodi and Price and their dynamic and their insecurities. It was amazing to see them both grow into themselves, and recognize their worth, while both supporting and cheering each other on along the way. This wasn’t a slow burn, which I appreciated, and the small town setting was just so endearing in general.

I cannot recommend this book enough. If you’re looking for a small town, forced proximity romance with a ton of spice, then “The Barista’s Guide to the Perfect Steam” is just for you.

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ARC provided by the author, Valerie Pepper, in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: September 8, 2023

ARC — In Charm’s Way — Lana Harper — The Witches of Thistle Grove #4

“Asking for help isn’t a weakness, (…) but being too proud to accept it is. Believe me, I know.”

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, LGBTQ+
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Showcases panic attacks, violence, magical injuries, and toxic relationships. Contains explicit sexual content.

“In Charm’s Way” follows Delilah Harlow as she deals with the aftermath of being hit by a god-tier oblivion spell. Her whole identity revolves around her good memory, so when she sees traditional methods aren’t working on remediating said oblivion spell, she decides to go with some good, ol’ forbidden magic instead. And oh, does it work. It works so well, in fact, that now her power is bringing into town a bunch of supernatural creatures, including a half-fae that’s apparently here to help her. Not knowing who to trust, Delilah has got to weigh her options: either keep wrecking havoc on Thistle Grove or let go of the spell and go back to dealing with her oblivion-ed self.

How do these books keep getting better? The Witches of Thistle Grove series has captivated my heart for the past 3 years and my favorite book in the series is forever changing—as the last book published is usually the one I highly regard as my favorite, and “In Charm’s Way” is no exception to this rule.

In this fourth installment we go back into the Harlow family, this time through Delilah, and I really think this is one of the only Thistle Grove books that wouldn’t work as well as a standalone novel—we’ve seen Delilah through various of the previous installments and you just wouldn’t be able to empathize with her if you haven’t seen her through Emmy Harlow’s and Nina Blackmoore’s lens.

Now, I would highly encourage you to grab a hold of this series. The author, Lana Harper, refers to this book as “Delilah’s Book of Rage” and it gives just that. This book carried the heaviest character to live life through, with deep resentments and huge trust issues; nonetheless, it’s easy to see why Delilah reacts the way she does and it’s even easier to see where her rage comes from.

I wouldn’t change a single thing about this book or this series as a whole. I literally cannot recommend it enough. If I go down as anything, I hope I go down as someone who spread the good word on Thistle Grove and the beautiful, witchy stories Lana Harper has been sharing since 2021.

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

Publication Date: August 22, 2023