Happy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ England Publication date ~ July 29, 2024 Publisher ~ Dreamscape Select Est Page Count ~ 3Happy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ England Publication date ~ July 29, 2024 Publisher ~ Dreamscape Select Est Page Count ~ 344 (p+ 18 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 41 minutes Narrator ~ Abigail Hardiman POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ long chapters, workplace romance, age gap, single parent, slow burn, some steamage
Zoe (44) & Jack (29) meet on the night she learns her hub, who she's been with since she was 20, has been cheating with her best friend. Then it turns out he's the new teacher at her school.
Zoe was a great mother and I liked the relationship she had with her 2 kids, as well as with her students. The divorce took up a bit more of the plot then I would have liked. I know it's the whole point of the book and why the main characters get together, but I could have went for more focus on the new relationship. Since there's an age gap that's talked about a lot and that got to be overdone.
Jack was really sweet and a great uncle to his twin nephews. I like when uncle's are supportive and show up to sporting events when they can. He's a bit quick with his feelings for Zoe, though.
While I wasn't a fan on the 3rd act, I can see why it was done based on the ages of the characters. But still I do like when characters are able to make their own decisions and they're not made for what the other thinks is best for them.
Overall, I did enjoy it well enough, but I quite possibly would have enjoyed it more had I read it and not listened (see my notes below). The chapters were really long which gave me a slow moving vibe, and I'm not too sure how I feel about the ending.
Narration notes: Why in the ever loving ever was there only 1 female narrator when it as dual 1st?? I've grown accustomed to it when it's in the 3rd, but 1st!?!?! Come on. She did not even try to do a male voice at all, which I guess maybe was just as well, but it was very distracting. If I didn't catch who was talking then it would take me a minute to figure out who it was. (Just realized I said the same thing in my review for Kristen's other book Sex Ed.)
Series notes: It's not tagged as a series, but the characters from Sex Ed are involved for a good bit here.
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Florida & Illinois & California Publication date ~ June 4, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 318 (42 chapters) Audio length3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Florida & Illinois & California Publication date ~ June 4, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 318 (42 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 31 minutes Narrators ~ Christine Lakin, Tim Paige POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ debut, 9 parts, HS sweethearts, reverse grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, second chance, some steamage, side character infidelity
Molly & Seth Molly is a rom com screenwriter that doesn't believe in love and marriage due to her father's example. Seth wants nothing more than to find 'the one' and live happily ever after. He thought he found that with Molly when they were in high school, but she left him and broke his heart. Now they're at their 15 year reunion and the attraction is still there. Can they easily find their way back to each other?
Oh Seth I felt so bad for him. He wears his heart on his sleeve and just wants someone to love him forever. He keeps getting his heart broken and his emotions clearly came through on the page, or in my ears rather.
Eh with Molly. I never really warmed up to her on the romance front, but she was a great friend to her bff's.
Overall, this is fine as a debut. There were enough funny bits to keep me entertained, but I just felt like so much time was wasted.
Side note ~ there are a lot of emails and text messages, which I wouldn't have minded if I was reading it, but to hear all the info following 'to..., from..., date..., time..., subject...' over and over and over again annoyed me.
Narration notes: They both did fine. Tim still needs to work on his lady voice.
Mia & Alex meet on a dating app and their first date didn't get off on the right foot. But then they learn that their best friends are totally and disgustingly in love, so they're forced to spend time together more often than they'd like....until they're thrilled to see each other.
Where Mia has a wonderful relationship with her family Alex is just the opposite. I could have went without Mia and her father's fight at the end, but I suppose it just shows how protective parents are of their children...especially single father's with deceased wives. But I still didn't like him for a hot summertime Georgia minute there.
Absolutely loved the friendship's between Mia and Josie and Alex and Ezra. So supportive and fun.
Overall, this had some good banter and they had great chemistry. He was a little gung ho at the end there, but I didn't hate it.
*Thanks to the author, Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well. Narration notes: They both did a superb job
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Hooked #2 Others in the series ~ Mr. Hook-up Setting ~ Boston, Massachusetts Publication date ~ April 23, 2024 Pag3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Hooked #2 Others in the series ~ Mr. Hook-up Setting ~ Boston, Massachusetts Publication date ~ April 23, 2024 Page Count ~ 378 (p+ 31 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 11 hours 50 minutes Narrator ~ Andi Arndt, Ryan West POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ billionaire, influencer/waitress, fake marriage, age gap, grumpy/sunshine, some steamage
I didn't read the blurb because this author is an automatic read for me. Plus I quite enjoyed book 1, so it wouldn't have mattered anyway if I did because I would have read this one anyway. Unfortunately I didn't like this one as much as I anticipated.
Grayson (30) & Jovana (22) meet at a bar and have a one night stand, he immediately gives her the boot after and she's super pissed, rightfully so. Flash forward 2 months and a scandal has his company, Hooked, needing her help and so they enter into a contract for a fake relationship.
Normally I don't mind the fake relationship trope, but I much prefer both parties to fully be on board with the plan and that was not the case here. I wasn't feeling the reason, or the big push, for it. I am, however, happy with how it played out in the end.
Playboy, anti-relationship, Grayson, is a big time a-hole and I wasn’t feeling him at all. Once he figures out his feelings for her he's all in, though, even if it takes an awfully long time.
I gotta hand it to Jovana, she stuck it out and in the end gets what she wants, but man oh man, he was difficult to deal with. I really enjoyed her relationship with her parents and her bff, Sloane, which showed more of her sunshiny character.
Overall, this was well written and certainly what I've come to except from this author, but I just couldn't get behind the content or the actions of the characters. Although this one didn't fully work for me I'll for sure read the next book (and anything else she writes), which is will follow single dad, Holden. Edit - just found out there will not be a book 3 anytime soon, poor Holden ...more
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Mr. Wrong Number, #1 Setting ~ Omaha, Nebraska Publication date ~ March 1, 2022 Page Count ~ 350 (22 chapters +e)3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Mr. Wrong Number, #1 Setting ~ Omaha, Nebraska Publication date ~ March 1, 2022 Page Count ~ 350 (22 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 27 minutes Narrators ~ Callie Dalton, Andrew Eiden POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ brother's best friend, close proximity, minimal steamage, no communication
Olivia & Colin Olivia sets fire to her apartment, so she's staying with her brother until she can find a place on her own. Unbeknownst to her, her brother actually lives with his best friend, Colin.
Can someone tell me why we love Colin so much when his pants surely must have been in the apartment fire? Perhaps because he has great abs? And then the whole Nick bit, stop it! Also, who has $4,000 tequila? Olivia's pants were right there next to his with the whole job thing. And, also, did I miss it...why is she not in the slammer for arson? About that tequila, who doesn't even apologize for dumping half of it out? An unlikeable person that's who.
There wasn't much brothers best friend madness, so don't think you're getting much excitement on that front.
Overall, this was fine, I guess, but the conflict in the 3rd act made me just as mad as I knew it would because we knew what it was going to be early on. Can we be honest please? The text messages had more steamage then the actual whomping it up did. There were some funny bits, though, so I'll see what the next book in the series has to offer one day.
Narration notes: Duet narration for the text messages, but not anywhere else, which I found odd. Just duet it all the way! They both did fine on their own, though.
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Aspen Grove #1 Others in the series ~ If You Give a Grump a Holiday Wishlist #0.5 Setting ~ Maine Publication da4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Aspen Grove #1 Others in the series ~ If You Give a Grump a Holiday Wishlist #0.5 Setting ~ Maine Publication date ~ March 14, 2024 Est page Count ~ (37 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ small town, billionaire CFO, single dad, artist, nanny, age gap, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, neighbors to lovers, slow burn, some steamge, no 3rd act breakup
Dylan (33) & Marlow (23) don't get off on the right foot when her dog, Waffles, trespasses in his backyard. Flash forward one year later and Marlow becomes 6 year old Lola's nanny.
Book boyfriend alert! Dylan is most definitely a guy you’d want around when you’re sick as he’s a wonderful caretaker. He cooks and cleans, and even bakes muffins before 6am after he's had his workout. He works a bit too much, but he's such a devoted dad, and Lola is absolutely adorable and so well behaved.
Marlow is an artist and a bright spot of sunshine. Her relationship with Lola was wonderful. She has a strained relationship with her parents, but has found a great support system with Dylan's family, which was really nice to see.
Overall, I had a really great time reading this one. We've got the set up for the next book that seems like it'll be a lot of fun.
Series notes: This series follows siblings, so although not absolutely necessary I think you should read If You Give a Grump a Holiday Wishlist first because not only is it delightful, but you'll get to meet the whole clan because they're pretty involved as a tight knit family.
*Thanks to the author for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ billionaire romance Series ~ Spade Hotel #2 Others in the series ~ The Playboy Setting ~ California & Canada Publication date ~ February 29, 24.5⭐ Genre ~ billionaire romance Series ~ Spade Hotel #2 Others in the series ~ The Playboy Setting ~ California & Canada Publication date ~ February 29, 2024 Est page Count ~ 405 (p+ 36 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 50 minutes Narrators ~ J.F. Harding, C.J. Bloom POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ fast burn, forced proximity, snowed in, one bed, workplace romance, enemies~ish to lovers, steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Listen there is a similarity with Marni's books, yet each character is still unique. Fast burn and full of steamage is guaranteed. They typically meet in a bar, too. You can count on a H that has gotten around town and then some, but has finally found someone to change his ways, is cocky and knows how to hit it and never wanna quit it. The h's are always strong and independent.
Here we have Cooper (29) & Rowan (29) who find themselves snowed in with all flights delayed for days, and only one bed available...whatever will they do?
Just when I think I have enough book boyfriends another is added to the list. This guy is so sweet and attentive, and protective. And when he got some unexpected news his response was absolutely perfect. Ford Dalton from The Single Dad is still my favorite, but Cooper comes in at a close second.
Rowan knows what she wants and isn't afraid to speak up, even when she gets the cold shoulder.
Overall, lovedy love loved. The epilogue just might bring a tear to your eye.
Series notes This series follows brothers in business together, so you might as well read the 1st one 1st so that you know what's up with the family. Then you'll be ready for Brady's story coming out in June 2024. This is also a spin-off of The Daltons series and some of those characters are involved here. I suppose it's not absolutely necessary to read those first, but they're quite enjoyable, so why not?
Narration notes: Both narrators did great. Their opposite voices weren't bad.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ San Diego, California Publication date ~ April 11, 2023 Est page Count ~ 429 (27 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 13 h3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ San Diego, California Publication date ~ April 11, 2023 Est page Count ~ 429 (27 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 13 hours 15 minutes Narrators ~ Samantha Summers, Jameson Adams POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ single dad, nanny/boss, secret relationship, lack of communication, lotsa steamage
Cassie (25) & Aiden (31) Cassie is down on her luck and needing a place to stay, so when she sees a job opening for a live in nanny she jumps at the opportunity. The mother of Aiden's daughter, Sophie, has recently passed away and he's been having a difficult time keeping a nanny. Cassie is just the qualified individual he's been looking for and she's hired on the spot
Based on the blurb you can tell how this one is going to go down. Holy inner thoughts, lack of communication crap and a bunch of pages too many, but I didn't totally hate it. I really enjoyed the relationship Cassie and Sophie developed. They were always on the go and doing fun things together. Overall, fine enough that I would give this author a whirl again.
2.25⭐ Genre ~ romantic suspense Setting ~ Washington Publication date ~ October 11, 2023 Est page Count ~ 320 (2 parts, 41 chapters) Audio length ~ 7 hours2.25⭐ Genre ~ romantic suspense Setting ~ Washington Publication date ~ October 11, 2023 Est page Count ~ 320 (2 parts, 41 chapters) Audio length ~ 7 hours 55 minutes Narrator ~ Tara Langella, Troy Duran POV ~ single 1st, present tense Featuring ~ moving on, steamage
Totally fomo hype trained this one and I wasn't wowed.
Kayla & Aiden We meet Kayla at a funeral. We meet Aiden when he gives her a quote to do some work around her big house. Then mysterious letters keep popping up out of no where that gives a level of suspenseful intrigue that I didn't hate because I actually wasn't expecting where they led to.
Their nicknames made me want to heave.
I can't say too much more as it would give way too much away. Yay's outweigh the nay's for this one, so perhaps you'll enjoy it more than I did.
Here are the triggers from the author's website that I so nicely took 3.6 seconds to copy and paste for you, so unhide them at your own risk (view spoiler)[Explicit language, Graphic sex/Power Play dynamics, Detailed descriptions of death and grief, Miscarriage, Domestic Violence, Mental Illness (hide spoiler)].
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*
Not sure what ⭐ I want to give this one Genre ~ smutmance Series ~ Jacksonville Rays, #0.5 Setting ~ Seattle, Washington Publication date ~ January 22, 20Not sure what ⭐ I want to give this one Genre ~ smutmance Series ~ Jacksonville Rays, #0.5 Setting ~ Seattle, Washington Publication date ~ January 22, 2023 Est page Count ~ 130 (9 chapters) Audio length ~ 2 hours 14 minutes Narrators ~ Alex Kydd & Amy Hall POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ one night stand, no names, hockey player, physical therapist, steamage
This is a full on smut fest of no condoms, any hole you want and c ya next tuesday dirty talk between Rachel & Jake who just met at a bar.
I haven't had a first time in close to 20 years, but are people really acting crazy like this? Anyway, I'm not sure if I'll continue on with the series since the next one is quite a commitment at 756 pages or 24 hours and 41 minutes. But I probably will because I have FOMO, but then I get mad when I get on the hype train and hate it and waste my time...so stay tuned for that rant that might or might not come.
Narration notes: Amy did a great job. Alex is a fine male narrator, but of course he leaves a little to be desired with his female voice especially during sexy time...oof.
4.25⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Chicago Grizzlies, #1 Others in the series ~ On the Defense Setting ~ Chicago, Illinois Publication date ~ September 4.25⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Chicago Grizzlies, #1 Others in the series ~ On the Defense Setting ~ Chicago, Illinois Publication date ~ September 26, 2023 Est page Count ~ 256 (30 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 6 hours 23 minutes Narrator ~ Tim Paige, Stefanie Kay POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ football, sports reporter, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, secret relationship, minimal steamage
Series notes: This is a spin off series of the Kingsmen Football Stars. I would recommend reading them first because it's where we first met Miles & Brice. Plus Twyla, Miles sister, from book 3 pops in a few times giving us an update on her life, so you'd have a spoiler there.
I've been patiently waiting for their story and it was everything I had hoped it would be. After they got over their enemies crap they are both lovable and sweet. Their chemistry was spot on. 3rd act crap I could do without, but all in all it was great.
We got the set up at the end for Damon's story in Something like Lust. I'm not in love with the trope with this one, but I'll still give it a whirl.
DUET narration notes: Whoop whoop, they both did a perfect job! Why can't all dual POV books be duet?? Does it cost more to produce or something?
Sally & Harry Sally believes wholeheartedly in romance, the happily ever after and feeling all the fuzzies that go along with love. She saw it every day with her parents until they were tragically killed when she was 16. She grew up quickly and had to take care of her younger sister, Amy, and still continues to do so even though she's an adult. Amy was really annoying me, but I'm happy that she slowly got her act together.
Harry didn't grow up with the best role models as parents, which turned him off to believing love exists. "He knew he wasn't everyone's cup of tea ~ sarcastic, blunt, stubborn, hard headed" me too Harry, me too! But you can’t help but feel bad about what he went through. His parents were pretty awful.
I grew up in the good ole 90's, so the romcom mentions from then were the typical ones. I have never watched When Harry Met Sally, so like, Harry, I had to google the infamous restaurant scene. You won't ever catch me making videos on TikTok, but I've been known to watch some once in awhile. I bet the ones they made would be an adorable hoot to watch.
For every likable character there were just as many unlikable ones, which helped round out the story. It's a little on the longer side, has a cutesy title and fun cover, and I had a great time reading it.
*Thanks to Kathryn Freeman, Harper Collins UK ~ One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Ghosted #2 Others in the series ~ Ghosted Setting ~ Switzerland Publication date ~ February 20, 2024 Est page Co3.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Ghosted #2 Others in the series ~ Ghosted Setting ~ Switzerland Publication date ~ February 20, 2024 Est page Count ~ 338 (42 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 11 minutes Narrators ~ Kelsey Navarro Foster & James Anderson Foster POV ~ mostly single 1st, one chapter his Featuring ~ one night stand, insta-love, opposites attract, forced proximity, fake dating, slow burn, minimal steamage
Serena & Henry's meet cute was funny when her pants were literally stuck to the booth. She had to wiggle out of them and borrow his jacket since she was leaving the bar sans pants and underroos. They head back to his hotel and get very well acquainted with each other. So acquainted in fact that he instantly falls for her. She feels it too, but since she's career driven and anti-relationship she pushes him away. But it turns out he's her new boss...awkward.
Then we have a time jump to 437 rotations of the earth later. Since they are both physicists it's pretty heavy on science talk, so be prepared for that. They don't seem to get along too well, but are forced into each other's lives when they switch bodies. Of course this is right before Henry's brothers wedding, so Serena has to pretend she is him and then something happens with her family and he has to pretend he's her because who would believe the truth. I'm pretty sure I would not, would you? They each played the opposite quite well. Henry even got to experience having his period ...more
3.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Series ~ Dating by Numbers #1 Setting ~ Malibu, California Publication date ~ book ~ January 4, 2018, audio ~ April 26, 2018 E3.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Series ~ Dating by Numbers #1 Setting ~ Malibu, California Publication date ~ book ~ January 4, 2018, audio ~ April 26, 2018 Est page Count ~ 388 (p + 38 chapters + e) Audio length ~ 11 hours 16 minutes Narrators ~ Ava Erickson, Aiden Snow POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ characters in their late 20’s, TV host, slow burn, minimal steamage
4 part story told mostly by Noely as she goes on 3 blind dates set up via an app. What a lucky lady finding 3 hotties in quick succession. And to have a connection with each is rare.
The Suit ~ the cocky businessman who is private The Rebel ~ the heart of gold biker who can't open up The Jock ~ the too sweet professional athlete who is easy going
The Mystery Man was so blatantly obvious, but I liked how Noely was second guessing herself on who it was.
Side characters ~ Dylan (#bffgoals) & Alex and Lauren (bro & sil), were great.
Overall, I had a good time with this one. I can always count on Meghan for great fun, but I had to round down my 3.5 due to what went on in the dressing room. Even though late in the story I wish it would have happened even later on. Also, didn't care for what happened on the lounger. I mean I didn't hate what happened, I just wish it wasn't with who it was with and the timing of it. Can't say more without giving anything away. I could have went without the lack of communication too.
Narration notes: Ava did a really nice job. I’ve listened to Aiden quite a few times and he does great, but we only got a little bit of him as it's mostly told by Noely.
2⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Setting ~ England I think Publication date ~ February 6, 2024 Est page Count ~ 329 (27 long titled chapters + one year later) Au2⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Setting ~ England I think Publication date ~ February 6, 2024 Est page Count ~ 329 (27 long titled chapters + one year later) Audio length ~ 9 hours 17 minutes Narrator ~ Emily Spowage POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ characters in their 30's, ex soccer player, plus size woman, fake relationship, opposites attract, slow burn, some steamage, EXCESSIVE swearing, no communication
*possible spoilers ahead*
Content warning from the author ~ brief references to parental abuse, childhood poverty, and alcoholism, and an incident that includes fat-phobia, plus brief mentions at a few points of the effects that fat-phobia can have.
Mabel & Alfie Mable is ghostwriting Alfie's memoir, but then they find themselves in a fake relationship and obviously fall for each other.
Have you watched Ted Lasso? If not, here's your chance to meet one of the characters, Roy Kent, because I totally believe Aflie is based on him and you can't tell me otherwise. I didn't really find him to be overly grumpy though. I liked how he defended Mabel right from the start when people were talking about her weight.
But...Mabel, really? I'm kind of tired of the whole 'he'll never love me because I'm fat' crap. I could see he was genuine all the way over here in the USA, so open your eyes girl! Yeah fine you're in a fake relationship, so you think he's faking it, but for the love of all that is holy why can't grown adults communicate?! They are in their 30's for Pete's, not F's, sake!!
Okay, so listen, I've been known to swear a time or two or 16, but for the F word to be used 253 times is just overly excessive to me for a 329 page book. Over excessive even if it was a 1,329 or 3,290 page book. It just really turned me off. I did primarily listen to it, so maybe it wouldn't have been as noticeable to me if I had read it.
There were some funny bits, but even the banter got to be too much and I didn't really care for it. There was too much inner monologue and the repeating of phrases was really annoying ~ 'and she laughed, she did laugh,' 'like he had said he would, like he had told her,' 'even though he wasn't, he wasn't at all'...just to name a few. The whole grand gesture was fine I suppose, but one year later....nah, too far in the future.
In conclusion, I wasn't a super big fan if you couldn't tell.
I had both a kindle and an audio copy to review. Narration notes: I guess she was okay, but again when someone is swearing in your ear a bunch you tend to get bugged with them.
Side bar ~ the cover is super cute.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy Series ~ Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies, #1 Setting ~ Oregon Publication date ~ November 27, 2017 Es4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy Series ~ Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies, #1 Setting ~ Oregon Publication date ~ November 27, 2017 Est page Count ~ 188 (13 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 4 hours 46 minutes Narrators ~ Nelson Hobbs, Teri Schnaubelt POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ small town, military man, veterinarian farmer, minimal steamage
I'm sad this is my last Christmas themed book of the year, but happy I can check another one off the kindle that's been there since December 2021. And I'm happy that I loved it so much!
Jade & Brandon Jade and sister, Amber, own Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch. How adorable is that? It's a fairly new business that they're trying to get up and running, so they hire Brandon as their Santa. Jade remembers Brandon from high school quite well, but does he remember her and the relentless bullying she went through 13 years ago? Sometimes that stuff is hard to forget.
Brandon is not a big fan of Christmas due to something heartbreaking that happened years ago. He is not the same person he was in high school, I mean who is really? I'm not saying he was awful back then, but now he's so sweet and book boyfriend material for sure. The scenes with his father were really sweet and heartbreaking.
Their chemistry was great. I actually expected a lot more action based on the cover, but there wasn't that much steamage and that was totally fine for them. It was a bit quick on the feelings though.
There was a little mystery to solve, some funny moments and some hard hitting ones to round out this delightful Christmas season read. Adding some reindeer trivia was a nice touch. Their Christmas gifts to each other were just perfect. Definitely recommend.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Spade Hotel #1 Setting ~ Hawaii & Los Angeles, California Publication date ~ December 28, 2023 Est page Count ~4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Spade Hotel #1 Setting ~ Hawaii & Los Angeles, California Publication date ~ December 28, 2023 Est page Count ~ 396 (26 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours Narrator ~ Savannah Peachwood, Tor Thom POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ characters in their 20's, fast burn ~ then kinda slow burn, one night stand, billionaire, college student, rich man/poor woman, age gap (27 & 22), opposites attract, alpha, secrets, lack of communication, plenty of steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Macon & Brooklyn Macon is at a club for a bachelor party when he's drawn to the tiny dancer on a stage. Initially she's not feeling him, but very soon she realizes she can't resist his charms, so they head out to the party bus to get very well acquainted with each other.
Holy Maconator, so perfectly alpha and obsessed (not creepily) with her right from the start. He falls first, too. Although a billionaire, he's not overly billionaire~ish, except for that one time he flew her on a private jet to get the best sushi on the island.
Brooklyn was super smart, hardworking and passionate about her ideas to save the hotel money. I'm all about saving money and she had some good ideas, although probably already implemented in real life. I liked how, besides that first encounter, she doesn't give in so easily and plays a little hard to get, which throws Macon off since he's not used to that at all.
My only harp is that I really wish they didn't keep their secrets from each other for so long. They weren't even really that big of a whoop, hers especially. But at least we don't have a 3rd act breakup, so that makes up for it.
Overall, a great start to a new series and just what I'd expect from Marni. I love that we got a glimpse of the Dalton's from her previous series that I loved so much. See my reviews for all 5 of those books here.
I was lucky enough to have the ebook and an audio copy.
Narration notes: Savannah did a lovely job. Tor was great, too, more so with his man voice than his lady one.
*Thanks to the author, Valentine PR, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.75⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Setting ~ Colorado Publication date ~ January 12, 2023 Est page Count ~ 104 (7 chapters) POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ characters3.75⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Setting ~ Colorado Publication date ~ January 12, 2023 Est page Count ~ 104 (7 chapters) POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ characters in their early 20's, twins, teacher, medical student, enemies~ish to lovers, some steamage
Calliope & Alec have a secret friends with benefits thing going on. They are both twins and it turns out their siblings like each other. They are both not feeling that and want them to stay on track for their career and future plans. I didn't care for this because why are they in charge of their twins life? They need to make their own decisions IMO.
The whole Mr. & Mrs. Krangle bit was a little over the top Christmasy, but they seemed like jolly good folks.
Overall, this had some good banter, mostly in British form since Callliope is from London. Their chemistry was on point. Calliope is not a name I've seen often so I liked the uniqueness of it.
Side funny note ~ usually when food or beverages are discussed in books I automatically want the same, well this time I was actually sipping my own homemade eggnog and on the next page the characters were doing the same. Crazy.
3.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Cold Springs #1 Others in the series ~ The Wrong Guy Setting ~ Cold Springs (not sure what state we're in, but3.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Cold Springs #1 Others in the series ~ The Wrong Guy Setting ~ Cold Springs (not sure what state we're in, but I think it's on the East Coast and there's a y'all thrown in once in a while) Publication date ~ October 25, 2022 Est page Count ~ 296 (26 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 28 minutes Narrators ~ CJ Bloom, Teddy Hamilton POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ best man/maid of honor, small town, opposites attract, slow burn, minimal steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Wyatt & Hazel Wyatt is back in the hometown that he left years ago to be the best man in his brothers wedding. He'll be in and out in a matter of days, or will he? Hazel is a hometown girl and best friends with the bride.
What bugged me the most about this one was that everyone judged Wyatt based on his family. I hate that. Just because his family is awful doesn't automatically mean he is. His Uncle Jed is trying to redevelop the small town. I liked that the whole town came together against this, but there was a bit too much emphasis on this as the plot and not on the budding relationship between the MC's, which is what I would have liked more. I liked Wyatt as a person. Once he decided he wasn't leaving town he was all in.
Hazel is a sassy one. She's wants nothing to do with a Ford, but doesn't seem to be able to deny her attraction to him. I liked her relationship with her family. And I'd really like to be able to taste a bacon and candied pecan topped cupcake.
Most lovable side characters: ~ the bride and groom, Avery & Winston, were so adorable. I kinda wish they had their own book, but it's too late now. ~ Avery's grandpa, Joe, was a feisty fella ~ Lester, the foul mouthed bird, was a hoot
Most in-between love and hate side characters and things: ~ Charlene was crass, but still somewhat funny ~ the name of the burgers (more towards hate with this) ~ the whole reasoning Hazel's family hates Jed is fine for a couple of years, but still 30 years later is a bit too long for me ~ pretty slow burn for most of it, then wham with the feelings
Most hateable side characters: ~ Jed ~ Rachel, the other bridemaid, was a little too aggressive for me ~ Cara, the wedding planner, was annoying and rude
Overall, this is middle of the road for me. But can I get a whoop whoop for no 3rd act breakup.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*