Tag Archives: ARC

ARC — Reasonable Adults — Robin Lefler

“Can we please talk about this like reasonable adults?”

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Touches on cheating (not done by any main characters, just an ex significant other). Describes an attempted sexual assault. Contains sexual content.

I mean, Robin Lefler had me at Goldendoodle and artists’ retreat in the Canadian wild. “Reasonable Adults” follows Kate Rigsby, after she found her ex-fiancé cheating and is fired from her marketing job, hitting an all-time low. During said low, she applies to a job in Muskoka, in a remote artists’ retreat hotel called Treetops, expecting never to hear back from them, all to be suddenly hired. She can even take her dog with her. But little did Kate know that said retreat hotel is a bit wacky and, honestly, in a nosedive to bankruptcy. Her job is to stop that from happening, but management isn’t really cooperating. Will she give up and go back to the city or will she find her new calling close to the wild?

Although there was a romantic interest throughout and we got some fade-to-black romantic scenes towards the end, I wouldn’t really call this a romance book. Was it an amazingly entertaining fiction book, tho? Well yes, that it was. I absolutely fell in love with Muskoka, Treetops, and every single person that worked in that weird and outdated artists’ retreat hotel.

I’m a British Columbia girlie, so I know and love the Canadian wild, but now I really want to take a short trip to the other side of the country, all the way to Muskoka—that’s how beautifully and effectively Robin Lefler has portrayed the settings of this quirky, funny book.

I would highly recommend this read if you’re looking for a book that speaks to one finding ourselves, no matter our age, no matter our circumstances. “Reasonable Adults” gives us just that, a cozy setting, transporting us to a wintery wild, where we can find ourselves and hone our “output”, if you will.

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

Publication Date: October 24, 2023

“Don’t you ever feel like you’re doing things for all the wrong reasons, but it’s too much work to change the path you’re on?”

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.”

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 — Maybe Once, Maybe Twice — Alison Rose Greenberg

“Maggie, you have to at least look like you care. It’s your thirty-fifth birthday, not your funeral.”

“Feels a little like my funeral.”

Genre: Women’s Fiction
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on heavy subjects like sexual assault, death, infertility, and suicide. Contains some sexual content.

What are the chances that you’d be promised true love not once, but twice? “Maybe Once, Maybe Twice” follows Maggie Vine, an aspiring singer, as she reconnects with two very important men in her life—men that, at different points of her story, she promised to marry if she turned 35 and they were both still unwed.

Told through shifting timelines, we get to see life through Maggie’s eyes at different stages of her adulthood—and even childhood. Alison Rose Greenberg’s writing is engaging and entertaining while not getting the timelines so tangled up you get confused; the back and forth just feeds your curiosity to see how it will all turn out in the end.

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it so much, actually, that I read it in less than 24 hours, I just couldn’t put it down wondering who Maggie would end up with. I would highly recommend this book if you’re a reader that enjoys your romantic fiction with heavy subjects, lots of flashbacks, and alternating timelines.

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

Publication Date: October 3, 2023

“I was thirty-five, and the road less traveled was officially a dead end.”

ARC — Trading Places — Emily Duvall

“I thought not kissing you would be easier. Turns out, it’s harder.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Contains some sexual content.

“Trading Places” follows Lexi North, a spoiled millionaire’s daughter, after she agrees to swap places with the blue collar mechanic she rear-ended, Evan Bailey. Evan is just a hard working man who’s looking to support his niece and not let his mechanic business fail—but give as much power as Lexi used to hold can change anyone. In a similar manner, learning the worth of putting your hands to work can humble even the meanest of heiresses.

This was the most fan fiction-ish book I’ve read in a while, because, let’s be honest, in what universe would this ever even happen—yet it was still quite entertaining. Told through two points of view, this book really gives off that Lady and the Tramp vibes, wrapped up with some tension-filled enemies to lovers.

If you’re looking for a life-swap situation in a slow burn romance novel, then look no further, “Trading Places” is most definitely for you.

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

Publication Date: September 26, 2023

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

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