Tag Archives: ARC

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.

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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

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

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.

Publication Date: June 11, 2023

ARC — Kilt Trip — Alexandra Kiley

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on subjects like parental death and abandonment issues. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Kilt Trip” follows Addie Macrae, an American travel consultant, and Logan Sutherland, one of the Scottish co-owners of a family-owned tour company that’s struggling to make ends meet. Logan is absolutely against Addie coming and restructuring his hidden gems tours, so they set off on a truce: they’ll experience both sides of Scotland—the touristy and then less traveled—and decide from there which tours stay and which don’t.

Alexandra Kiley did such an amazing job with this book. It truly made me feel like the travel influencer I’ve never wanted to be, and I was there for it. The sexual tension between these enemies to lovers was irresistible, I couldn’t get enough of them.

I would highly recommend this read if you’re looking for a romance book that’ll transport you into the Highlands and are a fan of the enemies to lovers books—because that’s what they are.

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 Harlequin Trade Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: March 05, 2024

ARC — Till There Was You — Lindsay Hameroff

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on tough or uncomfortable subjects like parental disappointment, parental death, and cancer. Contains some sexual content.

“Till There Was You” follows Lexi Berman, a culinary student in New York City who’s just about to graduate and who dreams of becoming a Michelin-star chef in order to honor her late mother, as she meets Jake Taylor, an aspiring singer-songwriter, at a dive bar. They spend the most wonderful weekend together and then Jake leaves for LA to record his demo. He promises he’ll be back and they’ll keep in touch, but Lexi isn’t expecting much. What neither of them expected really was that he’d become an overnight sensation with a song he wrote for her and that then he’d simply disappear. Lexi is too proud and stubborn to admit she’s heartbroken, and is set on forgetting the whole affair. That is, until a drunk and distraught Jake knocks on Lexi’s door, expressing his regret for how things played out. They agree to be friends and Jake crashed at Lexi’s place as he’s recording his second album. But how can you just be friends with someone you know you could love?

I will drop everything and read a celebrity romance every single chance I get. I will not let my Wattpad dreams die, is all. That being said, this was such a fun read. Were the characters childish at times? Yeah, sure, but they are pretty young to begin with, I just left that off to them being young and foolish and stubborn. I just loved the character arcs and developments, both as individuals and as a couple. The only reason this isn’t a 5-star review is because there was a third act break up that simply didn’t sit right with me. Other than that, I loved this read.

I would highly recommend “Till There Was You” to anyone and everyone that enjoys a good, ol’ celebrity romance.

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 20, 2024

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.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

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

Publication Date: February 13, 2024

ARC — Even If It Breaks Your Heart — Erin Hahn

Genre: Young Adult
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Touches on tough topics like grief, family loss, family abandonment, and chronic illness. Contains some romantic content.

“Even If It Breaks Your Heart” follows nineteen-year-old Case Michaels, grieving the loss of his best friend Walker, as he clings to a list Walker left him, determined to complete it despite struggling to return to the rodeo circuit. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Winnie Sutton works tirelessly to support her family on the Michaels’ ranch, sneaking moments to ride horses and dream of something more. Part of Walker’s lists sends Case to befriend Winnie Sutton, but this suggestion turned into something more when Case sees Winnie’s talent for riding. He convinces her to compete for the ranch, sparking an unexpected REAL friendship—and maybe more—that inspires both to chase dreams they never thought possible.

Oh, wow, I’ve read Erin Hahn before but “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” just hit different. With its bittersweet tones but hopeful ending, this book has brought comfort to my heart. With a set of complex characters with even deeper backstories, this book will have you hooked from the start.

If you’re looking for a cozy, cowboy YA read, look no further—“Even If It Breaks Your Heart” is exactly what you seek.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

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

Publication Date: February 06, 2024

ARC — Love, Naturally — Sophie Sullivan — Rock Bottom Love #1

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Touches on subjects like abandonment, toxic romantic relationships, and toxic work environments. Describes an injury. Contains some romantic content.

“Love, Naturally”, being the first book in the Rock Bottom Love series, follows Presley Ayers, an aspiring hotel manager and social media personality, as she embarks on the surprise trip she had scheduled for her boyfriend’s birthday (now ex). She is not the outdoorsy type, but she is set on enjoying her getaway at Get Lost Lodge—and that’ll be easy with the help of Beckett Keller, one of the owners of said lodge. Their inexplicable pull and an unfortunate set of circumstance lead to them bunking together, but what’s the point of even thinking about being together if Presley’s visit is just temporary, right? Right?

At this point, I’m pretty sure I am biased—everything Sophie Sullivan touches, I love. I am usually not a closed-doors romance girlie, but for Sophie’s plots and flirtiness? I am. This book had me transported into the small town of Smile, it had me rooting for every single character, and it had me wishing for Presley to listen to her heart and stay.

“Love, Naturally” is for the girlies that loved The Influencer series by Amy Lea and who crave that small town vibes with all the quirkiness that small town romances and found family plot lines bring. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

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 16, 2024