Tag Archives: 5 stars

ARC — The Shippers— Katherine Center

““You cannot fly all the way here for less than twenty-four hours to say something that major—and then just not say it!”
But he could.
And he did.
No amount of begging, arguing, threatening, or guilt-tripping changed his mind.
He took off for London at six AM, as scheduled, without ever saying the thing he’d flown to Texas to say.
And all I could do was go home. And wonder what it was.”

Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on hard subjects, like divorce, child abuse, domestic violence, and kidnapping. Contains romantic content, but no explicit sexual content.

Katherine Center is one of my few insta-buy author, and I can, once again, say with certainty, that she never ever misses. “The Shippers” follows JoJo Burton, a mathematician-turned-art-teacher, as she tries to fight against what she believes is her ultimate love curse: as soon as she feels loved by someone, she will run away. She is always the dumper, never the dumpee. As she boards a cruise, for her sister’s destination wedding, she is set to change the course of her life. And in comes Cooper Watts (the man that you are crying emoji), her childhood best friend, the one who convinced her to leave her ex at the altar, and the one true heartbreak of her life. This close proximity romance will have you turning the pages in record speed, trust me.

I could not get enough of this read. I read it in less than 24 hours. If I could re-read it for the first time again, I would. I am usually a very explicit reader (clean romances aren’t my thing), but I’m not even sure how to explain that this book is, indeed, a clean romance, but it made me feel things some explicit books haven’t achieved. I usually rate clean romances as 1 fire emoji in the spicy meter, but gosh, this book took it one step further, hence the 2. The tension between JoJo and Cooper is palpable. Their care for each other is evident from the start. Their miscommunications almost drove me insane, but it was so worth the wait.

If you’re looking for butterflies, giggles, and a clean, summer romance, look no further. “The Shippers” is the book for you. 5 stars isn’t enough to express how much I loved this book.

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

Publication Date: May 19, 2026

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

Publication Date: June 11, 2023

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 — Plot Twist — Erin La Rosa

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on tough subjects like alcoholism and sobriety. Describes stalking. Contains sexual content.

I can’t come into this review saying I’m not biased—I love Erin La Rosa’s writing, and “Plot Twist” wasn’t the exception. “Plot Twist” follows romance author Sophie Lyon in the aftermath of a horrible confession that’s left the internet dumbstruck: she’s never been in love. Facing a career crisis and a manuscript deadline, Sophie decides to investigate her failed relationships and turn the chaos into content for her followers. Enter Dash Montrose, her brooding landlord and former teen star with secrets of his own. What starts as an unconventional friendship—with a dash of mutual attraction—quickly spirals into something much harder to define. What a plot twist.

This book strikes a balance between laugh-out-loud antics and thoughtful exploration of deeper themes like identity, family pressures, and the healing power of connection. Sophie’s journey to reclaim her narrative is inspiring, while Dash’s steady support and personal growth add emotional depth. And yes, the heat between them is undeniable—romance fans will not be disappointed.

Perfect for fans of romantic comedies with heart, “Plot Twist” is a testament to the messy, beautiful process of finding oneself—and maybe love—along the way. I couldn’t recommend this romance enough.

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

Publication Date: November 14, 2023

ARC — Woke Up Like This — Amy Lea

“Mom once described high school as a “trip”—a passage of time that feels tediously slow, but also lightning fast. After chasing perfect grades, (…) the next school event, it’s hard to believe all those mini goalposts have culminated in four whole years.”

Genre: General Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Mentions death of a young sibling and death of a parent. Contains some romantic content (kissing).

I had never smashed the 5-star button for a book so fast. “Woke Up Like This” follows Charlotte (Char) Wu and J. T. Renner, two high school frenemies, as, after a petty accident, they’re both catapulted to an alternate reality—a reality 13 years away, where they’re 30 years old and a week away from getting married. They’ll do anything to go back to 17, but what if they can’t? And most of all, if they do, will (reverse?) hindsight affect their future? Or are these two polar opposites really meant to be.

This book was really “13 Going on 30” core, and I was here for it. And perhaps “Woke Up Like This” wouldn’t be as relatable if you’re in your late teens, fresh off of high school, but gosh did I love this read. It really did make me reminisce my school days and how I, too, wanted nothing but to grow up—and now want nothing but to go back to the days when my biggest worries were what homework was due or if I was going to be able to nap or not.

I fell in love with Renner and Char and their whole dynamic, but I was specifically drawn to Char and her need to micromanage the present and the future—mostly because I, too, was this way until recently, until I finally understood that I wasn’t living nor enjoying the present, all because I was looking out for my future. Spoiler alert, it’s not worth it in the long run, the present will always be just a little bit sweeter.

“Woke Up Like This” really did take me through a rollercoaster of emotions. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you’re looking for a sweet, clean romance with some cute high school rivals to lovers vibe.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Mindy’s Book Studio in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: October 1, 2023

“(…) Real life doesn’t feel real without you.”

Out on a Limb — Hannah Bonam-Young

“Years and years spent still getting to know one another, unlearning and relearning each other as the decades go by. (…) The mess and the chaos and the beauty of a life well lived—a life shared.
I’d like it very much.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Revolves around an unexpected pregnancy. Describes living with limb differences, both since birth and due to illness/cancer. Discusses postpartum depression and touches on suicide and suicidal thoughts. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Out on a Limb” has broke all my predispositions about the unexpected pregnancy trope. This book follows Winnifred (Win) McNulty after she has a one night stand with an intriguing stranger called Bo during her best friend’s annual Halloween party. They both joke about having limb differences, Win since birth and Bo not so much. A month later, when Win finds out she’s pregnant, she reaches out to Bo, although they had agreed that that one encounter would be nothing more than something casual. But here’s the thing: Bo assumed he was sterile after undergoing chemo and so he more than definitely wanted to be involved in his child’s life. And so their story begins.

It had been months, not to say years, since I had cried this much over a book. Is this book particularly sad? Absolutely not. But it was just so sweet and lovely and heartwarming that I just couldn’t help it. I fell for both Bo and Win and I wanted their happiness above all. This book showed us the perfect example of what unconditional love is, what caring for someone is. It reminded me so much of me and my husband although we’re nothing like Bo and Win, yet our love feels the same.

I cannot physically recommend this book enough. Even if you’re not a fan of the unexpected pregnancy trope, like myself, I would still highly recommend you grab this masterpiece.

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“Out on a Limb” by Hannah Bonam-Young is also available through Kindle Unlimited!

“Win, sometimes good things are just good things. (…) Let’s celebrate that.”

ARC — Ghosted — Sarah Ready — Ghosted #1

“(…) the reason Daniel hadn’t moved on was because of unfinished business. (…) Is love unfinished business? Or can you just keep loving someone even if you’re not together and they don’t know that you do. Is that the end of it? Is that finished business?”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on death. Contains some sexual content.

“Ghosted” follows Jillian Nejat, a socially awkward Trekkie that hasn’t been able to speak coherently to men in the past 10 years—that is, until she moves into a sketchy apartment in NYC that isn’t as vacant as was originally advertised. But, I mean, how can you advertise an apartment with a very physical haunting? Daniel is a man-ghost of sorts who isn’t sure about his past or his future, but he’s pretty sure he’s stuck in the in between in order to help Jillian find true love. But what if true love is between the impossible and improbable? What if Daniel is lingering on for reasons bigger than either of them can fathom?

This novel, full of twists and turns, is Sarah Ready’s newest murder attempt against me and my fragile emotions. “Ghosted” absolutely devastated me. I’ve read quite a few of lovable characters brought to life by this author, but none as lovable as Jillian and Daniel. I was rooting for their happiness and peace from the start.

Do not grab this book if you’re not willing to cry in public, because, trust me, you will. I cannot recommend this book enough, specially if you’re looking for a book with really palpable sexual tension but not so much of the in-page spice. “Ghosted” will be amongst my favorite reads for 2023, I can feel it.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: September 26, 2023