Tag Archives: Avon

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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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 — Love at First Set — Jennifer Dugan

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Discusses classism and toxic relationships. Contains sexual content.

“Love at First Set” follows Lizzie McCarthy, a gym manager-ish, after she inadvertently breaks the gym’s owners’ daughter’s wedding apart. And so in comes Cara Manderlay, the daughter of the owners of that said gym Lizzie works at, and the most recent runaway bride. The day before the wedding she realized she wasn’t happy with her decisions or her life after a casual conversation with Lizzie and so she up and left. It definitely had nothing to do with Lizzie and their tangible attraction. Obviously. And no one can find out it was Lizzie who catalyzed that disaster, because if they do she’ll definitely be out of a job—and a dream job at that.

Well, I had been looking forward to this read for a long time and I am glad to say it didn’t disappoint. Was it a bit repetitive at times? Yes. Were some characters annoying and downright hatable? Yes. But did I absolutely love this queer romance? Also yes.

I’m not the biggest fan of that instant attraction trope, but here Jennifer Dugan found a way to make it work because, yeah, Lizzie and Cara were instantly attracted, but they also got to know each other more before some action actually happened.

Are you looking for a queer romance that touches on topics like dysfunction families and wealth disparities? Then “Love at First Set” is for you!

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ARC provided by Avon Books in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: May 30, 2023

So This Is Christmas — Jenny Holiday — Christmas in Eldovia #3

Author: Jenny Holiday
Narrator: Cynthia Farrell

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Narration: 4 mikes
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis (it was all so awkward)
Content Warnings: Discusses homophobia, physical and emotional abuse, gambling addictions, chronic illness disabilities, and parental abandonment. Contains explicit sexual content.

“So This Is Christmas” follows Cara Delaney, a management consultant that is sent to Eldovia to fix the financial crises the country is currently facing due to their declining watch business, and Matteo Benz, the royal consultant of the King of Eldovia. Mr. Benz is set on making life as uncomfortable as possible for the visiting American, but little did he know that his stubbornness could lead to admiration, and perhaps even love.

The audiobook I listened to for this read was alright at best. I enjoyed the story more than the narration, and I didn’t even enjoy the story that much.

Apparently this is the last book in the series, which sucks because this definitely was not the conclusion I was looking for. It can’t really be called a royalty romance anymore, if you ask me—which would’ve been okay, had the two main characters had any true chemistry at all.

This book was more holiday-centric than “Duke, Actually”, which was nice, but I just could not get myself to like this pairing. I think Matteo and Cara were just chaste and in close proximity, and that’s what led to their hook ups. Also, their first kiss happened literally out of nowhere, it was plain out weird (and I know they felt weird about it too, but it still doesn’t justify it. Out in the wild that would be called assault, for real).

And finally, what kind of conclusion was that? This book felt like it didn’t have a real ending. I finished listening to this audiobook and was left wondering what the hell had just happened.

I think maybe just stick to the first two books in this series. “So This Is Christmas”, in my opinion, isn’t worth your time.

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Duke, Actually — Jenny Holiday — Christmas in Eldovia #2

Author: Jenny Holiday
Narrator: Stacy Gonzalez

Genre: Royalty Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Narration: 5 mikes
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis (because it made me wait too long)
Content Warnings: Discusses homophobia, physical and emotional abuse, and parental death. Mentions cheating. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Duke, Actually” follows Max von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon and future Duke of Aquilla, as he acquaintances himself with Dani Martinez, a professor and recent divorcée who’s best friends with the soon-to-be husband of the Princess of Eldovia. As they strike up an unlikely friendship, you get to see them both grow into the individuals they’re meant to be—only to be brought back together.

I, once again, have absolutely no complaints about the audiobook recording. As compared to Charlotte North, who narrated the first book and who I’ve listened to various times before, Stacy Gonzalez is a new audiobook actor for me. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for that name in future audiobooks, as I found her voice versatile and entertaining.

In this royalty romance you’ll get to fall in love with a player (or rake, if you will) that’s only so because he fears his position and future dukedom, and you’ll get to feel for the recent divorcée who, honestly, just wants it to be over with. I absolutely loved them both. Perhaps even more than I loved Leo and Princess Marie.

I feel like this was a tad bit less Christmas-centric as compared to the first book in this series, but perhaps its due to the fact that a whole year passed throughout the course of this book—so, even if we get glimpses at the holidays, it isn’t the only thing we see.

I think if I would recommend starting somewhere in this series, it would be “Duke, Actually”. It’ll definitely get you in a mood for other royalty romances, which is just what Jenny Holiday has to offer with her Christmas in Eldovia series.

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A Princess for Christmas — Jenny Holiday — Christmas in Eldovia #1

“He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it.
Because why not? A cabdriver from the Bronx didn’t have that many opportunities to spend the evening with a princess, and when he did—especially if she was a sad princess—he should probably seize the chance to kiss her hand.”

Author: Jenny Holiday
Narrator: Charlotte North

Genre: Royalty Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Narration: 5 mikes
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses parental death, grieving, and economic hardships. Mentions the refugee crisis. Has explicit sexual content.

“A Princess for Christmas” is the first book in the Christmas in Eldovia series, and it follows Princess Marie of Eldovia and Leo Ricci of…the Bronx? Leo is a cab driver that’s just doing his best. After his parents die, he is forced to drop out of college, become a taxi driver, and raise his little sister—while barely making ends meet. Then one day his sister spots a “princess” in distress outside of the UN building and they decide to help, even though he’s technically off duty. That’s when these two unlikely lovers meet, but that’s not how their story ends. “A Princess for Christmas” will take you on a Hallmark movie adventure to the European nation of Eldovia, where everyone can fall in love…with the beauty of nature, amongst other things.

This book was literally the definition of “don’t judge a book by its cover”, because, oh, did I hate this cover (but loved this book). I, honest-to-God, have the biggest crush on Leo. He was the perfect man. Someone who sees their own imperfections and seeks to be better, do better. Marie was also so relatable although she was a literal princess? Its kind of hard to explain.

I adored this audiobook. I will literally listen to anything Charlotte North narrates. I have listened to a few of her recording before. This time around, her voice was soothing but captivating. I legit wouldn’t change a thing, hence the 5 mike review.

So, by the time I’m writing this review, I have already read the others in the series, and I can’t really tell which one I liked best. But to hell with it, it’s the holidays season, grab all the books and enjoy these wintery love stories. You won’t regret it.

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Love Her or Lose Her — Tessa Bailey — Hot & Hammered #2

“I think I said, ‘If you loved me, you’d understand what I’m going through.’ ”
“And I said, ‘I do love you, Rosie. That’s why I want to go through it with you.’ ”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 4.5 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses army service and parent death. Also has a ton of very explicit sexual content, as to be expected in any book by Tessa Bailey.

“Love Her or Lose Her” follows Rosie and Dominic Vega, two high school sweethearts who, after surviving long-distance due to Dominic’s army service and then being married for 5 years, are deciding to separate. Well, ‘are deciding’ makes it sound plural. It’s more like Rosie finally came to terms with how Dominic isn’t fulfilling her anymore—or even trying to talk to her—and so she decides to leave. Dominic is not okay with it. At all. He knows Rosie is, and always has been, the one. And so they both agree: couple’s therapy it is.

This second chance romance was most literally just the book I needed to read. I don’t remember the last time I read a book about a separated couple that tries to work through their differences. These are the kinds of book we should be reading now. The ones that tell us that love is worth fighting for, not only when you’re chasing after your crush, but when its been years and things get rough.

I think Tessa Bailey isn’t a hit-or-miss author for me. I think I love all her books, even if I love some more than others. And I definitely loved “Love Her or Lose Her” the most.

I cannot recommend this book enough. I was utterly mad at their couple’s therapist, but overall, it’s a lovely, steamy read. I wouldn’t change a thing—definitely enjoyed it more than the first book in this series.

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“We build resentments toward our loved ones. Sometimes we’re not even aware of them. But they grow so strong, they prevent us from remembering what we loved about our partners in the first place. Maybe one or both no longer wants to give their significant other the satisfaction of showing their amusement, so the other person stops trying. And the laughter dies.”

Fix Her Up — Tessa Bailey — Hot & Hammered #1

“I’ve met her twice in my life. This time, I was smart enough to fall in love with her.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 4.5 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Describes child abuse, verbal assault, and sexual content. Involves gaslighting and diminishing younger members of a family.

“Fix Her Up” follows Georgie Castle, the youngest of the Castle family siblings, part of the family who runs the best renovating company in town—but Georgie deals with nothing of the sort. She went for working as a clown and planning children’s birthday parties instead of making houses pretty. She’s set on expanding her business when, unexpectedly, her childhood crush moves back to town after an injury kicked him out of major league baseball. These two things should have nothing to do one with the other, yet they do. Because Georgie’s family has no respect for her or her business, still seeing her as a child. But dating an ex-professional athlete could change that, right? Or so she hopes.

It has already been well-established that we love and stan Tessa Bailey in this blog. But gosh, was I not ready for this book. I am an absolute sucker for childhood crush books because I was lucky enough to end up with my childhood crush.

Georgie, although annoying and immature at times, was sweet and considerate and down-to-earth. Funny how a clown wasn’t funny tho. Or maybe that was just my perception. Nonetheless, “Fix Her U really delivered on how spicy it was. This book series is called Hot & Hammered for a reason, that’s all I’m saying.

If you like fake dating romances and books with professional athlete main characters, then “Fix Her Up” is for you. Can’t wait to see where this series will take me next.

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“If I ever start to lose strength again, I’ll just think of how it felt to lose the girl who loved me, even when I couldn’t love myself.”

It’s In His Kiss — Julia Quinn — Bridgertons #7

Genre: Historical Romance
Actual Rating: 2 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses parent death, unhappy marriages, and bastard son abuse.

“It’s In His Kiss” is the seventh book in the Bridgerton series, and it follows Hyacinth Bridgerton, the youngest of eight Bridgerton siblings, as she falls in love and solves a mystery. It also follows Gareth St. Clair, the legitimate (born in wedlock) but bastard (not sired by who is supposed to be his father) son of a very rude man.

I hated every moment of this book, it took me forever to read—it’s almost encouraging me not to read Bridgerton #8, but at this point it’d be sad if I didn’t push through. “It’s In His Kiss” could easily win the title to my least favorite Bridgerton book… it’s definitely in the running.

Hyacinth was irrevocably annoying and Gareth was rude and off-puttingly insecure. There wasn’t even that much there with the sexy scenes, Hyacinth was annoying all the same, with some repetitive thing she would bring up whenever they were close.

I would recommend you just skip this book altogether, but maybe that’s just me.

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When He Was Wicked — Julia Quinn — Bridgertons #6

“Tell me something wicked.”

Genre: Historical Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 5 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses spouse and parent death.

“When He Was Wicked” is the sixth book in the Bridgerton series, and it follows Francesca Bridgerton, the sixth of eight Bridgerton siblings, as she is widowed extremely young. It also follows Michael Stirling, Francesca’s husband’s cousin, who is set to inherit her husband’s title after his untimely death. But Michael wanted anything but this. He loved Francesca in secret and he never wished for the title, but what if now he must have both?

I think this will be the winning underdog of the Bridgerton series. I haven’t bonded with Francesca, not through the books nor through the Netflix series. I was completely impartial to her, as I am to the other two younger siblings. But oh how I loved this book and the complex feelings it brought on. It felt like a forbidden romance even though it wasn’t. It felt like friends to lovers even though that felt wrong too.

Francesca is lovely and Michael is as wicked as the title suggests. I think this was my favorite Bridgerton book where spice is concerned. But it also broke me to see the player get played. Players are entitled to have true feelings, you know? And then there was Michael, being broken down time and time again, until he finally allowed himself to be happy.

I would recommend this book to lovers of the friends to lovers and widowed tropes. Naturally, if you’re a fan of the Regency Era, you’ll enjoy this too, but I feel like this story was a bit more timeless than the rest. I would highly recommend resorting to “When He Was Wicked” if you’re looking for a spicy read where the woman in the relationship takes a bit more initiative (given the context).

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“Why? It’s because I love you, damn me to hell. Because I’ve always loved you. Because I loved you when you were with John, and I loved you when I was in India, and God only knows I don’t deserve you, but I love you, anyway. (…) How’s that for a witty little joke? (…) I love you. I love you, my cousin’s wife. I love you, the one woman I can never have. I love you, Francesca Bridgerton Stirling.”