Tag Archives: 5 stars

Mixed Signals — B.K. Borison — Lovelight #3

“I know I can be too much, but I think I’m just enough for you.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 5 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Describes beings uncomfortable with one’s sexual experiences. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Mixed Signals” follows Layla Dupree, owner of one of the most prominent town bakeries and one of the co-owners of Lovelight Farms, as she fake dates one of her frequent customers, Caleb Alvarez. Layla is lowkey giving up on love but Caleb talks her into a low-risk arrangement: no strings attached dating for a month so 1) he can convince her that not all men suck and 2) so she can help him polish his dating skills, as women tend to not want more than one or two dates with him. What could go wrong, right? Not much. Unless one or both of them end up inadvertent falling for the other, that is.

No two characters had ever given off such strong chemistry ever. I was completely won over by their banter and how they slowly became more comfortable around each other—oh, and Caleb’s delicate way to address and comfort Layla’s insecurities. They took their sweeeeet time.

I was honestly impressed with the way Layla’s and Caleb’s sexual intimacy was addressed. It was such a unique take on a reality that isn’t frequently displayed: sexual dysfunctions and insecurities—oh, and a string of ex partners that were selfish to a T, but that’s another topic all together.

If I could only recommend one of the books in this series, “Mixed Signals” would be it. It’s sweet and lighthearted and the characters were as lovable as they get. Layla and Caleb will win your heart, I am sure of it.

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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.

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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 — Not That Kind of Ever After — Luci Adams

“It’s our own classy ending to our own classic story, and I now know with absolute certainty that it’s better than any fairytale out there.”

Author: Luci Adams
Narrator: Josie Charles

Genre: Romance, Fiction
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Discusses cheating and contains some self deprecation and slightly unhealthy relationships. Contains sexual content, but isn’t too explicit.

“Not That Kind of Ever After” follows Bella Marble, an aspiring author and current receptionist at a publishing house, as she struggles through her changing life and, after a fit of writer’s block, decides to start writing autobiographical-ish fairytale one-night stands. Little did she expect that she’d go absolutely viral as @B.Enchanted, now she must look for more fairytales (and one-night stands) to rewrite. But this isn’t like her. And most people around her can see it, Bella just isn’t willing to hear it.

This audiobook caught me off guard to begin with. I was not expecting Josie Charles’ British accent but I must say I ended up being pleasantly surprised. Josie’s accent was soft and whimsical and I could surprisingly listen to it at 2.5x speed and still understand what she was saying perfectly (I usually can’t do more than 1.5x speed with a British accent, my ears just aren’t trained for it, I’m sorryyyyy).

This is the weirdest 5-star read. I found Bella annoying but at the same time I loved it? I was down for watching her fail and then redeem herself (multiple times), but I always knew she’d have her Happily Ever After.

This isn’t a closed door romance per se, we know Bella gets down to business a few times but we don’t see much of the details on it, if you know what I mean. It was still a super cute story and I totally see why it’s classified both under romance and under general fiction—it’s a little bit of both.

I would highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun read about dating in this day and age—with a cute lil’ trope at the end, but not giving that one spoiler away. All you need to know if Bella gets her Ever After with quite a guy.

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

Publication Date: March 14, 2023

Icebreaker — Hannah Grace — Maple Hills (UCMH) #1

“Falling in love with Nathan Hawkins was not something I could have planned. No planner, iPad, or freaking sticker chart could have prepared me for my future. My imagination isn’t capable of dreaming up this level of happiness.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 5 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Describes eating disorders, emotional abuse, body shaming, toxic friendship, gaslighting, death of parent, and bullying centered on being adopted. Contains a lot of explicit sexual content.

“Icebreaker” follows Anastasia (Stassie) Allen, a figure skater aspiring to make it to the Olympics, and Nathan Hawkins, the hockey team captain of the university Stassie attends. Considering the University of California, Maple Hills (UCMH) has two ice rinks, they never really crossed paths until a series of unfortunate events leads to one of the rinks being out of service for the near future and so the hockey and ice skating teams now have to share a single rink. Their attraction is undeniable from the start, but so is their hesitation towards commitment. I mean, in the end they both have the same goals: going pro in their field. Nobody’s got time for relationships, right?

Well, this review can be summarized with one sentence: This book is definitely worth the hype. You’ve probably seen “Icebreaker” all over social media and I’m just here to say that this should be your next read if you’re looking for a steamy romance. You won’t regret it.

No, you don’t need to know anything about hockey or figure skating to appreciate this book. But will you still be rooting for Nathan and Stassie all throughout? Absolutely yes.

Something else I loved about this book is that it had various arcs. Usually shorter books tend to have one conflict and one solution and that’s it, but “Icebreaker” had various conflict come up and although it was heavy on the plot, it was also very cemented on character development.

Thank you so much to Ash from @beyondthebookcase on instagram for letting me join her buddy read, it was so so fun.

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ARC — Take The Lead — Alexis Daria

“It’s just you and me, dancing together.”
“And millions of people watching on live TV.”
“You’re not dancing with those people. You’re only dancing with me.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses racism, sexism, and emotional abuse. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Take The Lead” follows Gina Morales, a latina New Yorker that’s made it in Hollywood as a professional dancer, and Stone Nielson, a TV survivalist who’s made it to the spotlight essentially against his will. Gina is part of the profesional dancer cast of “The Dance Off”, a Dancing-With-The-Stars-esque TV show, and her partner for the season is Stone. They’re are opposite as opposites get, yet their attraction and connection are undeniable. Too bad Gina has sworn off workplace romances… Right?

This book exceeded my expectations in every way. I loved and connected with the characters more than I expected; and I was entertained and captivated by a topic I’m not particularly interested in (dancing and reality TV). I wouldn’t change a single thing about this novel.

I am a fan of Alexis Daria’s writing but I had not read her debut before. Now, with its re-publishing, I am endeared even more. Alexis was my first auto-buy author, and it seems like it’ll be staying that way.

This book is as steamy as they get, in true Daria fashion. I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy close proximity romances and opposites attract situations. Oh, and aren’t afraid of some sexy dancing and dancing, if you know what I mean.

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

Publication Date: February 14, 2023

ARC — The Friendship Breakup — Annie Cathryn

“I am grateful for the experience of our friendship. Rather than continuing to force the friendship at the cost of losing myself, it’s okay to recognize the friendship has run its course and served its purpose, and to let it go. (…) When I think back to the term BFF, I realize the promise of forever isn’t always guaranteed. It’s more like forever for now.”

Genre: Women’s Fiction
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Discussed unhealthy relationships, infertility, divorce, and friendship breakups (duh).

“The Friendship Breakup” follows Fallon Monroe, a mom-of-one and aspiring chocolatier, as she travels through life after her best mom friends ghost her, and refuse to tell her why.

It took me a while to finish this book but that’s only a reflection on how busy I have been—because once I grabbed it with a bit of free time, I couldn’t put it down. How is this Annie Cathryn’s debut? It’s astounding.

The climax was so cathartic, reminding us that sometimes its okay if things get messy. The premise in general was captivating and beautifully executed. I literally would not change a thing about this book.

This book is heartbreaking in a way that, I feel, most of us will understand. In early adulthood and I can only assume that beyond, we lose friends. Only a lucky few have had the same friends since childhood. Even if you have a few old friends, new ones tend to come and go—and sometimes we don’t even know why, and sometimes the reasons don’t even have much to do with us. That’s why I related so much to Fallon, even if I am not more than just a dog mom and engaged to be married.

I looked at “The Friendship Breakup” and I pondered about where me and my friends and my significant other will be 10 or 20 years from now. How much would change, how much would stay the same. I’ll be carrying this book with me for a while.

I would highly recommend this to any young or new adult, no matter what stage of your life you’re in. It’s described as a mom-com, but really it’s so much more. “The Friendship Breakup” will bring you lessons of friendship, relationships, parenthood, and following your dreams. Seriously, I cannot recommend it enough.

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

Publication Date: February 7, 2023

ARC — Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around — Sarah Ready — Josh and Gemma #2

“I loved you yesterday. (…) I love you today. (…) I’ll love you tomorrow.”

Author: Sarah Ready
Narrators: Erin Mallon

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Narration: 5 mikes
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Describes eclampsia and memory loss after being in a coma. Contains explicit sexual content.

What happens after the happily ever after? That’s what we’re set to find out in this sequel. “Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around” follows Gemma as she readjusts to the reality that love sometimes isn’t what you think. It isn’t fireworks all the time. It isn’t a fairytale. It is hard, and it changes over time. After a critical event, Gemma is left feeling… nothing? Not even for Josh, the man (and baby daddy) who has always made her feel too much. Josh is willing to give it another go—but is Gemma?

Erin Mallon is something else. She’s slowly becoming my favorite female narrator, that’s all I’m saying. Her voice really took us through this heart-wrenching journey.

But, ultimately, this book is as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. I am so mad at Sarah Ready for doing this to us, I legit could not handle it. But at the same time I am so grateful that she gave us more Josh and Gemma.

Throughout this book, we get to see more of the characters we loved and hated the first time around. In the first book we got to explore heavy topics like infertility, IVF, and miscarriages. In this second book we get to see what happens when life doesn’t go as expected. How “in sickness and in health” can be applied even before you’re officially married. We see Gemma land in a coma after suffering from pre-eclampsia. We see her lose her feelings. We see her come back.

I cannot recommend this series enough. Yes, it has nice tropes, like dating your brother’s best friend, etc., but it’s so much more than that. These books bring true human emotions, they explore narcissism, they describe trauma—Sarah Ready really exceeded my expectations with “Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around.”

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

Publication Date: January 26, 2023

ARC — Georgie, All Along — Kate Clayborn

“This will be so good for you, Georgie. (…) You’ll finally be able to do all the things you want to do.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discussed unhealthy relationships with parents, vandalism and crime, and being fired. Mentions drug use and fire arms. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Georgie, All Along” follows Georgie Mulcahy, a former Hollywood personal assistant, as she moves back to her small hometown to help her pregnant best friend on her last trimester and to figure out what she wants to do with her life moving forward. Whilst cleaning her besties storage room, they find a notebook they wrote right before starting high school, where they documented all the things they wanted to do back then—and then ended up not doing any of them. Georgie takes this as her sign. This notebook-bucketlist-thingy will help her find herself—and with the aid of her best friend and Levi Fanning, the older brother of her biggest teenage crush who’s crashing at Georgie’s parents’ place, she might accomplish just that.

Okay, so, thanks to this book, Kate Clayborn has become an instant-buy author for me. Like, “Georgie, All Along” was the last book I read in 2022 and yet I still know it will end up in my 2023 wrapped, right among my favorite reads of this year. It wasn’t just the spicy aspect to it, even though it was great—this book had so much character growth and development. The miscommunications are infuriating but justified. The love is not a slow-burn but it takes its time to settle in.

If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you feel things, then look no further. “Georgie, All Along”, in all its small town glory, will make you sniffle quite a bit. I don’t remember ever rooting for two characters as strongly as I rooted for Georgie and Levi. I’m all for a supportive significant other. I would legit date them both.

As Levi is a former bad boy, do expect to read about some triggering events. They don’t go into explicit details with drug use and such, but these things are mentioned, so if that isn’t your speed, maybe be careful about this one—although it, overall, isn’t the most prominent matter.

I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy close proximity tropes and former-bad-guy vibes, and who aren’t afraid of some spiciness in their reads. The chemistry between Georgie and Levi is undeniably, and they’re making it everyone’s business (and I’m here for it).

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: January 24, 2023

“It’s a bucket list, (…) except you’re doing it to start something, not to end it. What’s the opposite of a bucket?”

p.s. I would give so much for a friendship like Bel and Georgie’s.

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.

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

Publication Date: January 17, 2023

ARC — Exes and O’s — Amy Lea

“A die-hard, emotional romantic and a guy who only believes in one kind of happy ending? That’s a recipe for disaster if I ever saw one.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings (as given by the author): Emotionally abusive ex, on-page gaslighting, portrayal of child with illness, mentions of deaths of loved ones, and deliberate use of the word crazy throughout. —I’ll add that it contains sexual content.

“Exes and O’s” is a heartwarming story that follows Tara Chen, a NICU nurse and bookstagrammer, as she tries to find her own second chance romance by contacting her exes with the help of her forever-single-but-never-alone firefighter roommate, Trevor Metcalfe. Little did they know that looking for secondhand love, they’d find it in each other.

The duo Christina Lauren portrayed it just right in their cover art endorsement: you’ll be laughing out loud with this one. I rarely find rom-com books funny, but Amy Lea really did it with “Exes and O’s.”

The main characters were so likable yet realistically imperfect. Tara was just the right amount of annoying and clingy to get the point across, but she wasn’t obnoxiously undesirable to the point that you wanted to skip her dialogue. The contrary was true, actually, I loved Tara and Trevor’s banter and Tara’s inner monologue in general.

The chemistry between the main characters slowly builds and it literally killed me in the process—I’m not the biggest fan of slow burn romances, but Tara and Trevor were worth the wait. In my opinion, they both deserve the world, we must protect them at all costs.

Mark my words: “Exes and O’s” will be between the best romance books of 2023.

If you enjoy books with grumpy-sunshine character pairing, then you’ll love Tara and Trevor, and if you’re a fan of the close proximity trope, then “Exes and O’s” is the perfect romance book for you.

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Review posted as part of a blog tour.

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

Publication Date: January 10, 2023

“I don’t need another man who makes elaborate promises he can’t commit to, Trevor. I need someone who’s going to be open and honest with me. I want someone who is willing to try.”

(…) “If there’s anyone in this world I want to try for, it’s you.”