Tag Archives: Romance

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 — 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.

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

Publication Date: January 16, 2024

ARC — On the Plus Side — Jenny L. Howe

“Let yourself be seen.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on topics like parental abandonment, fatphobia, body shaming, and death of family members and pets. Contains some explicit sexual content.

“On the Plus Side” follows Everly Winters, who is currently a receptionist but aspiring to be a designer in marketing some day, as she is selected to be the subject of her all-time favorite reality TV show: On the Plus Side. This show follows plus-sized participants and helps them find themselves and reach their goals. Everly had never imagined in a million years that could be her, yet here she is. Will she find herself in the process or will she just shut off the world as she’s been doing for the past couple of years after an important loss in her life?

I absolutely loved this book. It caught my attention right off the bat and I loved all the characters. The spark between the main love interest was slow but worthwhile and honestly made sense. The one thing is I was left wanting so much more by the end, I just wasn’t ready to let go of this story quite yet—the ending all felt too sudden for me.

That being said, this book is for the girlies that enjoy reality TV shows—think Queer Eye meets plus-size representation. This book was just highly entertaining all throughout.

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

Publication Date: December 26, 2023

ARC — This Spells Love — Kate Robb

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Describes an injury by fire and panic attacks. Contains explicit sexual content.

I can’t believe “This Spells Love” by Kate Robb is a debut. This novel follows Gemma, a 28-year-old who, after a painful breakup, drunkenly casts a spell to erase her ex from her past. To her astonishment, she awakens in an alternate reality where her ex never existed, but neither does her close friendship with Dax, her best friend. As Gemma navigates this new world, she must rebuild her relationship with Dax, leading to unexpected romantic developments.

Kate Robb’s writing is engaging, with snappy dialogue and endearing characters that drew me in right away. The friends-to-lovers trope is executed perfectly, making Gemma and Dax’s evolving relationship both believable and heartwarming. The novel also touches on themes of self-reflection and the consequences of altering one’s past, adding depth to the lighthearted romance.

A sassy and smart read, “This Spells Love” is the book you’re looking for if you’re (like me) constantly obsessed with the “what if” scenarios. This debut novel offers a fresh take on second chances and the complexities of love and friendship. I wouldn’t change a thing.

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

Publication Date: December 05, 2023

ARC — A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch — Sarah Hawley — Glimmer Falls #2

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy meters: 2 fire emojis
Content Warning: Addresses toxic relationships and emotional abuse. Contains sexual content.

From the dedication line (“For all the angry girls who were told they were too much”) to the very end of this novel, “A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch” is absolutely perfect.

“A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch” follows Calladia Cunnington, a formidable witch with a penchant for bar brawls, who unexpectedly rescues Astaroth, a demon suffering from amnesia. Unbeknownst to him, Astaroth is the very demon who previously endangered Calladia’s best friend, and hence she hates him. Despite her initial animosity, Calladia agrees to help him recover his memories, leading them on a road trip filled with witty banter and undeniable chemistry.

Enemies-to-lovers with a supernatural twist? That’s a yes for me. This books works like a standalone, but it’s best if you already hold the context “A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon” provides. This sequel also expands on the lore of the demon realm, introducing political intrigue and exploring themes of prejudice and extremism that parallel real-world issues. This backdrop enriches the plot, providing a compelling setting for the protagonists’ adventures.

If you’re into fun, spicy, and addictive paranormal romance, that also hold some enemies-to-lovers appeal, then “A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch” is for you.

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

Publication Date: November 28, 2023

ARC — Artifacts of an Ex — Jennifer Chen

Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Mentions dementia. Contains some romantic content, but no explicit sexual content.

“Artifacts of an Ex” follows Chloe Chang, a budding art curator, as she channels the pain of a breakup into “Heartifacts,” an art exhibit showcasing mementos of past relationships (both hers and others). And in comes Damoel Kwak, to shake things up. He crushed on Chloe and Chloe claims to be over her ex, but he’s sure she’s not—and he’s not willing to become just another rebound, not when it comes to her. With a clever mix of humor, emotional depth, and cultural nuances, the book explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

So, I’m not the only one with an “Ex Box” apparently. “Artifacts of an Ex” strikes the perfect balance between comedy and deeply emotional times, making it a memorable read. Fans of Jenny Han and Emily Henry will appreciate the mix of romance and personal evolution—I know I did.

With its themes of artistic expression and rediscovering love, “Artifacts of an Ex” is an ode to the transformative power of creativity. It’s a perfect read for anyone who’s ever held on to a keepsake from the past, wondering what it still means.

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

Publication Date: November 14, 2023

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 — Holiday Star — Dr. Melissa Dymond

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on heavy subjects like addiction, loss and grief, and losing a parent. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Holiday Star”, set against the backdrop of a cozy December, follows Gwen Wright, a disciplined doctor house-sitting for her family, and Caleb Lawson, a brooding Hollywood star hiding from scandal (who just so happens to be Gwen’s stepdad’s nephew). Filled with forced proximity, this holiday read will warm up your heart without a doubt.

With the perfect mix of festive charm, celebrity allure, and emotional depth, this was such a fun, holiday read. Balancing witty banter with deeper, healing moments as both characters confront personal insecurities, this book will have you wishing for more. Gwen’s down-to-earth nature contrasts beautifully with Caleb’s chaotic life in the spotlight, and their chemistry is undeniable. The “celebrity meets ordinary girl” trope is handled with fresh sincerity, making their journey to love feel authentic rather than overdone.

For readers sensitive to content, Dr. Melissa Dymond thoughtfully offers two versions of the book: one “sweet” (closed-door) and another “spicy” (open-door) with mild explicit scenes. I chose the spicy edition and found the intimate moments to be tasteful, enhancing rather than overshadowing the emotional arc.

If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers with a forced proximity twist, “Holiday Star” will make your holiday season a little brighter. It’s the perfect read to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and dream of your own celebrity meet-cute.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Melissa Dymond DO in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: November 01, 2023

ARC — Snowed In — Catherine Walsh

Genre: Romance, Holidays
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Showcases unhealthy and controlling relationships. Has some sexual content.

“Snowed In” follows Megan, a reluctant returnee to her quaint Irish village, five years after leaving her ex-fiancé at the altar. Cue the arrival of Christian Fitzpatrick—an old classmate with an easy grin and a not-so-easy charm—who proposes a fake relationship to dodge their respective family dramas. Let me tell you: the sparks in this book? Absolutely electric. The banter? Chef’s kiss.

This book had me hooked right away, starting with that short prologue and carrying on into meeting such lovely (and comical) characters—“Snowed In” will be my holiday book of choice from here on out. I mean, a fake dating, dual POV romance packed with some good, ol’ close proximity? Um, yeah, count me in.

Between the setting of the story and the storytelling itself, I’m not sure what I loved more. I would highly recommend this read if you’re looking for a light, funny, holiday-centric read.

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

Publication Date: November 01, 2023

ARC — 10 Things That Never Happened — Alexis Hall — Material World #1

Genre: General Fiction, LGBTQIA+, Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Revolves around a fake amnesia. Describes a head injury and discusses grief, death of parents, and toxic relationships. Contains some sexual content.

Obviously, faking amnesia is never good, yet it made this book truly hilarious. “10 Things That Never Happened” follows Samwise (Sam) Becker, the manager of a bed-and-bath retailer branch, and Jonathan Forest, the owner of said bed-and-bath retailer stores. Sam’s branch is underperforming and that’s got to change—until, well, Sam has a tiny, little accident, bumps his head, and forgets any of their troubles existed? I mean, he didn’t, but he’ll say he did.

This audiobook had me giggling, alright? First off, the narrator, Will Watt, was absolutely amazing. His voice really held my attention and I couldn’t help but binge this audio. All the lying made me anxious, not gonna lie (no pun intended), but watching Sam and Jonathan get to know and accept each other was truly heartwarming.

This book is perfect if you’re looking for a queer romance book for the Holidays! Get it as a stocking stuffer or a full-blown gift (to others or to yourself), you won’t regret it.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: October 17, 2023