4.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Setting ~ Georgia Publication date ~ book ~ April 5, 2024, audio ~ June 11, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 346 (44 chapters +e) Audio l4.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Setting ~ Georgia Publication date ~ book ~ April 5, 2024, audio ~ June 11, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 346 (44 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 8 minutes Narrators ~ Abigail Reno, David Bendena POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ slow burn, opposites attract, friends to lovers, no steamage
Holly & Jax Holly is nearing 30 and ready to find love and goes on date after date after awful date. Jax doesn't believe in love, but offers to help her find the one. It's obvious where the story will lead us, but it was a fun hike there.
I really liked how they became great friends first, which slowly and realistically developed into more. She was pushed out of her comfort zone and loved doing outdoorsy things she never thought she would. He was totally taken by surprise with feelings he never thought he'd feel.
Overall, super sweet, super fun and the banter was top notch. Be sure to check out Katie's other books because I've enjoyed every one I've read so far, well this is only my 3rd but still.
Narration notes: Abigail did a great job. David did, as well, however he did not sound like he'd be a mountain man at all, which is how Jax is described.
Additional notes: I haven't read it yet, but Season's Schemings is Maddie's book and she is Jax's step sister. I do wish I had read that one first, but I see nothing written anywhere that these are a series, so how was I suppose to know? Now I know what's happening with her life, so that'll be a bit spoiled if I read it.
Anyone going to be able to watch the solar eclipse on Monday? 3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ New York City Publication date ~ October 18, 20Anyone going to be able to watch the solar eclipse on Monday? 3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ New York City Publication date ~ October 18, 2022 Est page Count ~ 410 (43 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 11 hours 22 minutes Narrator ~ Andi Arndt, Noah B. Perez POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ event planner, astronaut, family drama, slow burn, friends to lovers, minimal steamage, miscommunication
Hallie & Chris Hallie accidentally, but not really, watches private videos that Chris recorded for his girlfriend, Darcy, who also happens to be Hallie's client....who is now marrying someone else. She sends her own videos back to him in an effort to apologize and just relieve her family frustations, but she doesn't think he's watched them when they first meet, and guess what, he doesn't tell her right away, so how about we start this relationship out on a lie...seems like a great idea to me.
Hallie is often stereotyped as a party girl because she has pink hair and is an event planner, which made no sense to me. She was really sweet and someone I'd want to hang out with for sure. I just wish she would've stood up for herself more. Chris is back from space and plans to write an autobiography in an effort to promote his work with NASA. I thought he was sweet at times, too, when he wasn't bugging me with the Darcy crap. There was no denying their chemistry, but, not surprisingly, the miscommunication was for the birds.
Both of Hallie's parents and Chris's dad were pretty awful. Sometimes you have to cut toxic people out of your life even if they're your parents. On the flip side Chris's Aunt Richelle was an absolute doll. Hallie's friend, Althea, was pretty great and supportive, too.
It was a bit slow moving and bogged down with all the family and friend drama, which overpowered the story, but overall it was fun. And isn't that cover so eye catching?
I was able to listen to a copy as well. Narration notes: I've listened to Andi before and I always think she does a great job. Noah was okay, but a little too breathy. He did do pretty good female voices though.
*Thanks to the author, Berkley Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Carolina Banks, #3 Others in the series ~ One Unexpected Kiss, One Perfect Kiss Setting ~ North Carolina Publica4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Carolina Banks, #3 Others in the series ~ One Unexpected Kiss, One Perfect Kiss Setting ~ North Carolina Publication date ~ November 16, 2023 Page Count ~238 (18 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ cafe owner, cop, baking competition, close knit family, brother's best friends, best friends sister, best friends to lovers, fake dating, small town, minimal steamage
Carmen & Wes It's already tough crushing on your bff's little sister, but add in that you've been a part of the family for over a decade and it adds a little extra weariness about getting involved. But why, Wes is clearly loved by every member of the family. Oh wait, did I mention that big brother Bennett is VERY overprotective, yikes. If you've read the others in the series then you just know he's going to blow when he finds out and a blow he does. But ugh with it because they're grown adults. And why not add in that you're best friends and don't want to rock that boat.
Gah with these two though! They did a little fake dating to put off a tool of a guy in town, and you can probably guess what's going to come from that. I love me a best friends to lovers and they were so cute once they realized each other had the same feelings. 3rd act shenanigans I could have went without, but overall I loved it. The ending seemed abrupt, so I hope it's tidied up in the next installment.
Series notes: This is a series that follows siblings and all are heavily involved in each installment, so it's recommended to read in order for full enjoyment.
*Thanks to Jessica Ruddick and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Content warning from the author ~ controlling relationship
Megan & Christian Megan has a tough time going home ever since she left her fiance at the alter 5 years ago. The town is not so welcoming of her, so Christian offers to help her get through the holidays by being her fake boyfriend. It's not one sided, though, he's tired of being single around all the couples.
This was fun. They had good banter and I'm happy this was a slow burn as opposed to starting off the fakeness as a friends with benefits. I liked how they slowly eased into their feelings for each other. No 3rd act breakup is always a win in my eyes. It took an awfully long time to get the the title of the book, so I'm not sure what's up with that.
Series notes: I had no clue this was part of a series and that bothers me a little. Molly & Andrew from Holiday Romance are quite involved in this one. I might have to read it one day even though I now know what's in store for them.
Narration notes: No complaints of their Irish accents.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Series ~ DNADuo #2 Others in the series ~ The Soulmate Equation Publication date ~ May 16, 2023 Page Count ~ 413 (p+ 51 chapters4⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Series ~ DNADuo #2 Others in the series ~ The Soulmate Equation Publication date ~ May 16, 2023 Page Count ~ 413 (p+ 51 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 52 minutes Narrators ~ Jonathan Cole, Cindy Kay POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ characters in their late 30's, British hero, single dad, friends to lovers, some steamage
Felicity (Fizzy) & Connor Fizzy is a romance novelist that agrees to find love on a new reality show produced by Connor. She can write about love all day long, but can't seem to find any for herself.
I don't watch Bachelor/Bachelorette type shows, so I can't say for certain, but it seems like it was realistically written on what goes down on one.
I liked this one better than The Soulmate Equation. There was some good banter and I think they had good chemistry. I really enjoyed Connor's character and his relationship with his daughter. Fizzy was okay. Yay for dual POV! Obviously, I'll read another book in this series if there's one.
Narration notes: Happy we had a British narrator for Connor. Jonathan did a great job, def pleasant on the ears. Cindy was good, too, but she brings her tone down to a whisper when she does her male voices, weird.
Series notes: Fizzy was heavily involved in book 1 and Jess, River and Juno make appearances here.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ rom com Series ~ Brits in Manhattan #1 Setting ~ New York City, London Publication date ~ August 21, 2023 Page Count ~ 260 (25 chapters) Audio3.5⭐ Genre ~ rom com Series ~ Brits in Manhattan #1 Setting ~ New York City, London Publication date ~ August 21, 2023 Page Count ~ 260 (25 chapters) Audio length ~ 7 hours 34 minutes Narrators ~ Jessica Preddy, Nathan Adams Stark POV ~ dual~ish 1st Featuring ~ lawyer, pastry chef, grump/sunshine, opposites attract, slow burn, friends to lovers, no steamage, triggers I have in a spoiler down below
Drew & Becky's meet cute was cute. Shove that in your bagel and eat it!
He is a lawyer that is on the fast track to making partner and all he does is work work work, have one night stands and he doesn't do relationships.
She hightailed it outta London rather quickly and we don't learn why for quite a bit into the book. A sunshine character who is not looking for love but wants to see everything NYC has to offer, so Drew becomes her tour guide to all the popular sites. They develop a friendship and eventually feelings they can't deny.
The majority of the chapters are from Drew. We only get a few from Becky's past that slowly reveal why she had to run ~ (view spoiler)[controlling husband, gave her a black eye, miscarriage (hide spoiler)]. I really wish we had more of her present POV.
I was really mad at both him and her at one point. Although, her reasoning for keeping her secrets was fine to keep from most people, I did not like that she wasn't honest with Drew because he was really hurt by what he learned and I can totally see why. (view spoiler)[she was married when they were sleeping together (hide spoiler)]
Overall, I enjoyed this one. That 3rd act bumped me down to 3.5, but the rest of the book was fun, so that's why I rounded up.
Book notes: Originally published in 2017 as Balancing the Scales. I am unsure if any changes were made.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
2.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Publication date ~ August 9, 2023 Page Count ~ 273 Audio length ~ 7 hours 24 minutes Narrators ~ Patrick Boylan, Georgina Sadl2.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Publication date ~ August 9, 2023 Page Count ~ 273 Audio length ~ 7 hours 24 minutes Narrators ~ Patrick Boylan, Georgina Sadler POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ characters in their late 20's, references to a parental death due to cancer, slow burn, friends to lovers, no steamage
Jade & River Connor proposes to Jade at her 26th birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. Even though they've only been dating for 2 months, he doesn't know her middle name, or has a ring, she accepts. The next day he's off to medical school across the country and rarely reaches out. Ummm, hello, SO MANY red flags, but she still stays engaged for ages and ages and ages.
River was a funny fella, outfit choice and man bun aside (sorry not my cuppa, but to each their own) and seemed like he'd be a fun guy to hang around, but not too often because he doesn't act his age most of the time. Not the prettiest non date they had, but I liked how when he had food poisoning the author chose to keep it real by having him compromise his pants and needing a new pair ...more
4.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Publication date ~ August 1, 2023 Page Count ~ 320 Audio length ~ 8 hours 14 minutes Narrator ~ Ann Marie Gideon POV ~ dual 3r4.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Publication date ~ August 1, 2023 Page Count ~ 320 Audio length ~ 8 hours 14 minutes Narrator ~ Ann Marie Gideon POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ nurse, firefighter, forced proximity, one bed, friends with benefits, friends to lovers, roommates to lovers, he falls first, fade to black, no steamage
Claire & Graham have been friends for years and roommates for 1. Both still single in their 30's and agree to marry if they haven't found the one by 40. Claire is looking for love and Graham is not the relationship type when they step into a friends with benefits situation.
Graham is on my book boyfriend list. He's so sweet and lovable, and his devotion to his family and his dog, Gertrude, was adorable. He's used to being super active and always down for an adventure ~ camping, mountain biking and rock climbing are his favorites, so when he breaks his leg and is practically bedridden for weeks he gets really frustrated, which I felt was realistically written. He really grew as a person throughout the book and I liked the email/journal entries he wrote as a form of therapy.
Claire was a great caretaker and friend. I liked her for most of the book, but her character went downhill for me at a certain point, stayed down for a bit and then eased her way back up the hill into likable territory.
Overall, I loved these two together ~ great chemistry, great banter and they just seemed like they had a great time together. Love that we had both POV's, too. I have to round down my 4.5 because I absolutely hated the 3rd act breakup, which I usually do. There's maybe a tiny part of me, like my hangnail size, that understands the reasoning, but I'm a YOLO'er. Anything can happen at any time to give you the boot out of life....ya never know, so live it.
So technically this is not listed as a series, but the characters from Would You Rather are very involved here since they're best friends, so do with that what you will.
*Thanks to Allison Ashley, Grace from Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy, adult romance Series ~ Lake Starlight Others in the series ~ The Problem with Second Chances Publicat4.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy, adult romance Series ~ Lake Starlight Others in the series ~ The Problem with Second Chances Publication date ~ June 27, 2023 Page Count ~ 258 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ bad boy/good girl, close proximity, first responder, military, veteran, opposites attract, roommates-to-lovers, small town, will they or won't they, widow, starting over, slow burn, minimal steamage
Brinley & Van Brinley (great name!) was widowed at just 21, 4 years ago. Not just her super large family, but everyone in their small town is very protective of her, so when her new roommate turns out to be a tattooed well built hunk everyone is on high alert to make sure she doesn't get hurt.
Book boyfriend alert!! I loved Van so much! For looking like a bad boy he totally did not give off that vibe at all. His backstory was heartbreaking, but what he did to move on from it was commendable. He's sweeter than chocolate icing, respectful and patient with the added bonus of rock hard snug-able abs and he cooks! And the camping with the Girl Scouts, gah, just adorable!
We have a bunch of Bailey's involved in the story. I liked the close cousin relationship Brinley has with Calista, Easton and Lance. I really need to go back and read that whole series. I especially want to meet the infamous Great Grandma Dori who sounds like she was an absolute delight. We've got the setup for The Trouble with Runaway Brides, so I'm looking forward to that.
I really loved everything about this book. They were so comfortable with each other right away. Their mutual attraction is undeniable. I'm not even mad about the 3rd act breakup as I can see why they felt they had to walk away. Could I have went for a longer discussion about it? sure could've, but I'm happy with how it ended.
The only reason behind my -.25 is because of the bonus chapters that I read from signing up for the newsletter. I won't give anything away, but I didn't like the place they visited since IMO there are more worthy places where they could of found what they were looking for.
*Thanks to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ romance Publication date ~ June 13, 2023 Page Count ~ 331 Audio length ~ 8 hours 33 minutes Narrators ~ Erin Mallon, Joe Arden POV ~ dual 1st F3.5⭐ Genre ~ romance Publication date ~ June 13, 2023 Page Count ~ 331 Audio length ~ 8 hours 33 minutes Narrators ~ Erin Mallon, Joe Arden POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ cats up the waz, dementia, enemies~ish to friends to lovers, opposites attract, slow burn, minimal steamage, no 3rd act break up
Miles & Kitty Miles is looking for someone to take care of his moms cat while she's in the hospital. In steps, or trips rather, cat sitter extraordinaire, Kitty. They don't get off on the right paw, but slowly ease into a friendship as they each deal with their own family guilt.
I don't mind cats ~ my girl Stubb lived to be 19 years and 10 months old, but holy catness batman, it's a lot! Her name is Kitty and her bff's name is Kat, cats on the shirts, on the car, even on her underoos...
Both of their mom's situations were sad and broke my heart. One is still grieving from losing her husband and the other is slowly losing her memories from dementia. The way each was there for the other was nice and comforting.
Overall, not my favorite Helena read, but there were some funny moments to go with some rolling the eyes moments, AND I love, love, love that there was no 3rd act breakup!!
*Thanks to the author, Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.25⭐ Series ~ Lake Starlight Publication date ~ May 16, 2023 Page Count ~ 282 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ soccer, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers4.25⭐ Series ~ Lake Starlight Publication date ~ May 16, 2023 Page Count ~ 282 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ soccer, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, small town, slow burn, second chance, flashbacks, minimal steamage
Calista & Rylan were childhood sweethearts on the same professional soccer career track, but plans get derailed when Calista gets injured and her dream is over.
Everyone knew they were meant to be, especially the meddling grandma's. Normally I am not a fan of meddling, but the retirement home ladies were so cute. I actually thought the app Buzz Wheel, where busy bodies could post what's happening in the town, was a fun element that gave that small town vibe.
There is a great cast of side characters and while this is a standalone I do wish I had read the Greene family series and the Bailey family series first, just so I'd have some background on these two. It does make me want to read them more now after having met some of the family here.
I hate how so much time was wasted for them to figure their stuff out, but I suppose that's all part of growing into your own person. They often referred to themselves as being on a roller coaster and that's the perfect description for what went on for 16 years. And that epilogue ~ gah the cutest! Overall, another delightful read from these two fun authors.
4⭐ Series ~ Cane Brothers, #2 Others in the series ~ A Not So Meet Cute Publication date ~ June 7, 2022 Page count ~ 466 Audio length ~ 13 hours 23 minutes4⭐ Series ~ Cane Brothers, #2 Others in the series ~ A Not So Meet Cute Publication date ~ June 7, 2022 Page count ~ 466 Audio length ~ 13 hours 23 minutes Narrators ~ Aaron Shedlock, Stella Hunter POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ coworkers to enemies~ish to friends to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn, minimal steamage
Kelsey & JP Kelsey was really mean to him in the beginning and I was getting really mad at her. Slowly she started being nicer, but I wish it didn't take so long.
Oh JP I love you. So misunderstood and a closet do gooder, I mean pigeons need saving too. I do wish he made her wait longer before telling her his name because I liked all the guesses she made. I think there was too much talk about his past sexual encounters too.
"I hang up the phone and then go to my room to pick up my book, a romcom about three siblings who go back to their hometown to throw an anniversary party for their parents" good stuff to give a nod to her other book ~ The Reunion. Also, it was fun that Kelsey had a podcast that interviewed characters in other books by Meghan.
Overall, I didn't love it as much as book 1, but still enjoyed it well enough. Up next is Breaker's (what kinda name is that) story.
Series notes: A standalone, but obviously Lottie and Huxley from book 1 are heavily involved since they're the sister and brother of these two.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
4.25⭐ Genre ~ romance Series ~ Getting Shipped!, #4 Others in the series ~ link to series Publication date ~ September 4, 2022 Page Count ~ 402 Audio length4.25⭐ Genre ~ romance Series ~ Getting Shipped!, #4 Others in the series ~ link to series Publication date ~ September 4, 2022 Page Count ~ 402 Audio length ~ 11 hours 53 minutes Narrators ~ Amy McFadden & Will Damron POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ best friends sister, brothers best friend, off limits, forbidden, friends to lovers, secret relationship, small town, no steamage
Shannon & Duke have been secret crushing on each other for years, but neither thought they could take a chance on each other. Shannon has a sad family story which is why her and brother, Chris, are so close and he's very protective of her.
There's a nice small town feel with a great cast of side characters. I don't have any siblings, so I'll never really fully understand the whole off limits/forbiddenness, but I can see why they wanted to wait to tell Chris until after he came home from his deployment. They were very cute together. I loved Duke's dream and how he went after it. The epilogue was a nice wrap up of what they accomplished.
Aidan & Mallory are still my favorite, but I enjoyed this installment in the series and look forward to the next one that will follow Jayme, Shannon's roommate.
Narration notes: They have narrated the whole series, which might be weird if you listen to them back to back, but they do a fine job.
*Thanks to Savannah Scott, Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*...more
4⭐ Genre ~ women's fiction Setting ~ not sure, but I think in the UK Publication date ~ February 1, 2023 Est page Count ~ 353 (33 chapters) POV ~ single 3r4⭐ Genre ~ women's fiction Setting ~ not sure, but I think in the UK Publication date ~ February 1, 2023 Est page Count ~ 353 (33 chapters) POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ debut, characters in their late 20's/early 30's, secret crush, brother's best friend, best friend's sister, best friends to lovers, slow burn, no communication, no steamage, attempted r@pe
This is very much more of a personal growth women's fiction story and a slow burn on the romance front as it's not until the end.
Nina has just lost her job and is having difficulty finding a new one, until one day she sees the perfect job posting. The only problem is that it's in the suburbs an hour and a half away from the life she has in the city. I love that she took a leap and accepted it in an effort to start over. The qualms that come along with trying to get in a groove in a managerial position when the current employees are set in their ways was realistically written. There were many times she wanted to give up, but she persevered and came up with some great ideas to motivate the team and make them feel appreciated.
Nina has a wonderful, positive relationship with her brother, Ryan and his wife, Olivia. Not so much with her mother, but the growth throughout the story on their relationship was nice to see.
Nina's secret crush on Lucas began many years ago. While they're very close he is oblivious to her feelings. He needed to see what was right in front of him all on his own without any pushes. I am usually not a fan of lack of communication, but I can always see the reasoning when they're friends first because they don't want to rock the friendship boat, however I do feel like it's time wasted, too. I do wish he would have opened his gorgeous eyes a lot sooner though. I wouldn't mind a sequel of their budding relationship since we didn't get much of it at all. I could have went without the Tammy shenanigans, but I did appreciate Nina's effort to help her even if I, and everyone else, didn't agree with her.
Overall, a nice debut about family dynamics and friendships, and how personal growth can lead you to where you were always meant to be.
*Thanks to Lara Martin for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Vancouver Wolves Hockey #2 ~ fine as a standalone Others in the series ~ Puck Me Secretly Publication date ~ January 3.5⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Vancouver Wolves Hockey #2 ~ fine as a standalone Others in the series ~ Puck Me Secretly Publication date ~ January 29, 2019 Page Count ~ 364 Audio length ~ 11 hours 0 minutes Narratora ~ Madeleine Dauer & Alex Kydd POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ hockey/NHL, close proximity, roommates, rich man/poor woman, virgin, friends to lovers, slow burn, minimal steamage
Ryan & Zoey Zoey is a woman who doesn't trust easily and always thinks a man has an ulterior motive, which makes trusting Ryan very difficult for her. Sometimes she acted tough, but other times she had trouble standing up for herself especially with (view spoiler)[Bianca. I could smell the set up with her for miles (hide spoiler)]. I did like her growth that slowly took place.
Ryan was such a giving, lonely and gentle man. He was very patient and never pushed her into anything. He trusted Zoey's judgement on things and he barely knew her, which I am not sure many people would do.
Overall, I am super duper happy we got dual pov in this one. A fine installment to the series. Towards the end we have a set up for book 3 The Penalty Box, which will follow Mica.
4.5⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Kingsmen Football Stars #3 Others in the series ~ books #0.5 - 3 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ April 4, 20234.5⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Kingsmen Football Stars #3 Others in the series ~ books #0.5 - 3 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ April 4, 2023 Est page Count ~ 228 Audio length ~ 5 hours 53 minutes Narrators ~ Jason Clarke, Savannah Peachwood POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ football, teacher, off limits, teammate/friends sister, brothers teammate/friend, neighbors to friends to lovers, fling to love, grumpy/sunshine, close proximity, opposites attract, some steamage
Finally! Chase & Twyla's story, woo hoo! I've been waiting for ages for them to get together and it was just as great as I had a feeling it would be.
Twyla is fresh from dumping her cheating fiance, so she temporarily moves from Connecticut to California and right across the hall from a 6'4" 265 lb solid muscle beefcake. Chase is an anti-social grump, but perhaps he was just waiting on a special someone to show him some sunshine. And Twyla is just the lady that might cut through that hard muscly exterior and bring out the sweetness.
Miles is a way overprotective brother (his reasoning is semi acceptable), so Twyla thinks it's a good idea to sneak around. You know how that'll go six way from Sunday night football.
These two had undeniable chemistry that had me fanning myself a time or two. I loved them and what was in his secret room too.
Overall, a wonderful end this trilogy + the .5 prequel that started it. I am super excited for the set up for a new series that will follow football team Chicago Grizzlies. I've been waiting on the first couples story for 3 books and I know that it will be just as delightful as this one.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Part of the Finding Love at the Doggy Spa series ~ I am not exactly sure what number this one is (maybe #5), but it's a standalone because the chara4⭐
Part of the Finding Love at the Doggy Spa series ~ I am not exactly sure what number this one is (maybe #5), but it's a standalone because the characters from the other books I read were just a quick mention in this one.
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, best friends for 18 years to lovers, accountant, roller derby, sweet, no steamage
Alli & Terrence These two were so cute and sweet I can't even take it. Their friendship is healthy and supportive. It's typical friends to lovers trope in that both have secret feelings for each other, but neither want to bring it up and risk ruining what they have going on. Will one of them take a chance?
Ranger, the border collie, steals the show when he's on page. I loved Terrence's idea to help expand the Doggy Spa.
Overall, a quick read that's a great addition to this adorable series.
*Thanks to Elsie Woods and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Knockemout Others in the series ~ Things We Never Got Over #1 Publication date ~ February 21, 2023 Page Count ~ 593⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Knockemout Others in the series ~ Things We Never Got Over #1 Publication date ~ February 21, 2023 Page Count ~ 594 Audio length ~ 17 hours 36 minutes Narrators ~ Lila Winters, Sebastian York POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ police chief, investigator, panic attacks, neighbors to lovers, small town, slow burn, minimal steamage
Just some quick thoughts for now, I might add some more at some point.
Nash & Lina Nash is not feeling like himself after getting shot. He's having a tough time letting people in, but there's just something about the woman that moved in next door, Lina. He seems to just feel better when she's near.
I liked Nash much more before he got shot ~ he just seemed like a fun loving fella, but now he's a big old grump. Grump looked better on Knox.
Lina is pretty bad ass and doesn't take any crap.
Overall, I liked it fine enough, but it was just soooooo long and it took me ages to get through. It really could have been cut down quite a bit. Side note ~ I did not listen to it, but it might not have felt so long if Sebastian York was whispering in my ear ...more
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Out in Hollywood, #1 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ February 21, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 320 Audio length ~ 3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Out in Hollywood, #1 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ February 21, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 320 Audio length ~ 10 hours 45 minutes Narrator ~ Sophie Amoss POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ LGBT ~ lesbian, celebrity, curvy girl, found family, friends to lovers, some steamage
Nina & Ari Nina is helping Ari, as part of her job, when they start to develop feelings for each other.
What I liked: ~ how Nina was curvy and proud ~ how Ari was out and proud ~ Nina's fun job ~ writing emails for celebrities ~ Aunt Lorna ~ she was a great side character and her and Nina's relationship was lovely
What was meh: ~ I wish Nina would have gotten over her breakup a lot quicker than she did ~ 3 years is a bit of a long time IMO ~ 3rd act breakup was for the birds ~ I would have liked dual POV, or at least a couple of chapters from Ari
Overall, I liked this one. I'd give this author a whirl again for sure.
I was fortune enough to receive a kindle and an audio copy to review. Narration notes: I was happy with her performance.
*Thanks to the author, Kensington, RB Media and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.25⭐ Genre ~ New Adult Romance Series ~ Avalon Bay, #3 Others in the series ~ Good Girl Complex, Bad Girl Reputation Publication date ~ July 18, 2023 Pag4.25⭐ Genre ~ New Adult Romance Series ~ Avalon Bay, #3 Others in the series ~ Good Girl Complex, Bad Girl Reputation Publication date ~ July 18, 2023 Page Count ~ 392 Audio length ~ 12 hours 9 minutes Narrators ~ Caitlin Elizabeth, Teddy Hamilton POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ characters in their 20's, play boy, virgin, neighbors to lovers, friends to lovers, summer fling, minimal steamage, side character infidelity, toxic parent
Cassie & Tate Cassie is on break and spending the summer with her grandma, Lydia. I love reading about grandmother/granddaughter relationships. They had a great bond and it makes me miss my grandma. She's a virgin and looking for a summer fling to gain some experience. Who better than the gorgeous guy that is house sitting right next door.
Tate is known as a playboy and doesn't do relationships, so it seems like a no brainer to accept Cassie's proposition for a summer fling. But he has reservations when he gets to know her because she just doesn't seem like the fling type to him.
These two were really cute when they were together. They had great banter and chemistry, and were both so sweet. I really liked seeing Tate's emotional side and Cassie's big news at the end was perfect.
The 20 year old side characters were more mature than one of the adults. She was so mean to Cassie, and really everyone around her. Did I like the 3rd act breakup? Nah, I never do, but I can kind of see why it had to happen, but did I need the side plot that caused it? Not really.
Overall, this was good fun and my favorite of the series.
I was fortunate enough to have a kindle and an audio copy. Narration notes: Caitlin's voice sounded perfect for her 20 year old character. I've listened to Teddy narrate many times and it doesn't appear that he's worked on his lady voice, oof.
Series notes: Fine as a standalone, but previous book characters make appearances
*Thanks to Elle Kennedy, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Heather Adores Books
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