BOOK REVIEW: The Love Dare (The Love Match #3) by Kay Marie

October 15, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Love Dare by Kay Marie
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He’s the most eligible bachelor in professional hockey.

She’s his best friend’s little sister—aka, completely off-limits.

Until now...

Winnie Rusu is obsessed with romance—which is good when considering her budding career as a book cover designer, but not so good when considering the massive crush she’s harboring on her brother’s grumpy best friend. Not that she’d ever admit it to him, of course. The man is a hockey superstar who can get any woman he wants, and clearly, that’s not her. But when she discovers he’s the new lead of the hit dating show, The Love Match, Winnie is forced to make a decision—finally embrace her main character energy and tell him exactly how she feels, or watch him fall in love with someone else.

When she steps out of a limo on night one of filming, Tyler Briggs is sure he must be dreaming. She’s the one girl he’s always wanted, and the one girl he can never have—because her father saved his life, her brother is like blood, and he promised himself he would never cross that line. But when she says those three little words he’s always longed to hear, Tyler doesn’t have the strength to say no.

On the set of a show designed to produce love, falling is easy. But for a man who’s never felt wanted and a woman who’s never felt worthy, staying there is something else entirely.

THE LOVE DARE is a brother’s best friend hockey romance perfect for fans of grumpy/sunshine, it’s always been you, and dual POV. It’s the standalone, third installment of The Love Match series.

Review:

The Love Dare was a grumpy sunshine, brother’s best friend, hockey romance that went straight onto my favorites list! I binged this book in under 24 hours, and I don’t even remember the last time I’ve done that. And while technically yes, it’s the third in the series of standalones, start here! It’s so easy to love and effortless to start with this book. I promise you won’t be missing anything besides wanting to go back and read the others once you finish this one!

She was Alex’s sister.
She was Alexandru’s daughter.
She was completely off limits.
And she was devastatingly perfect.

The prologue had me cackling, and from there we are taken to the past. The first third of this story took place with moments from their past, and each chapter got us closer to the present. The way it unfolded had me completely hooked! How her dad took him under his wing for hockey. How we got to watch their friendship form and when Tyler stood up and protected her. And even how they both liked each other, but neither of them would make a move not knowing how the other felt. The bracelet, the jersey, the movies, the studying in college …. oh my gosh, those moments were everything!

“I know how they think. And they would absolutely live for the drama of Tyler’s childhood friend coming on the show as a surprise guest to confess her undying love for him.”
“What?” Winnie gasps, her heart launching like a rocket into space.

When we caught up to the show, I was beyond invested. Not only did I want Winnie as my bestie, but Tyler was a book boyfriend I was obsessed about. I loved how he tried his best to not play by the rules. But with stuff hanging over him, he had to go along with the show’s games. And while the drama was a lot of fun to read about, what made my heart race were their moments together. The looks. The touches. The handing out the necklace after each elimination. I was on bated breath waiting to see what happened next!

He leans closer.
“You’re sexy when you’re angry,” he whispers. “I’ve always thought so.”
“Always?” she asks, searching his gaze.

This story was a ton of fun! I laughed so much and even screamed quite a few times too. These characters easily stole a piece of my heart and I was rooting every step of the way for their happily ever after. Watching Winnie grow up and find her voice made me so happy. And Tyler’s past, ugh, it hurt my heart. But when they were together, everything felt right. The tension between them was simmering and those moments when they did cross the line were fabulously steamy.

“It was never about the bracelet.”

The Love Dare is my new favorite hockey romance! Their confessions, their kisses, and their dates swept me away. Every moment of them together was always my new favorite! And I even cried happy tears too! Plus, there’s an epilogue that looks into the future and it will make you so happy. So if you love sports romance, found family, and brother’s best friend, you need this book in your life! It was fun, flirty and emotional too. It’s my new favorite and I can’t wait to see what Kay Marie writes next!

“So, what now?”
“You’re the reader.” He shrugs.
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“Isn’t what obvious?”
He presses his lips to her ear. “We live happily ever after.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne

October 14, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
'Tis the season for a little white lie…

Christmas has always been single mom Holly Goodwin Moore’s favorite time of year. The twinkly lights on the tree, the cookies in the oven, the snow on the ground. But she’s just not feeling it this year. The wedding in her ex’s family is almost here, her daughter, Lydia, is bursting at the seams to be a flower girl…and Holly couldn’t be dreading it more. She told a little white lie about having a new boyfriend as her plus-one, hoping to save face. She needs a date for the wedding…and she needs it now.

Ryan Caldwell wants to be free this holiday season. So even he isn’t sure how he landed in Shelter Springs, looking after his niece, Audrey, with his estranged father down the road. But when he meets Holly, she makes him want to belong for the very first time. So they make a deal: he’ll be her date if she’ll help him give Audrey a true Christmas to remember while her mom is away.

Review:

Snow Kissed was a heartwarming, small town, fake dating, holiday romance. With all the Christmas cheer and snow falling, this story whisked me away. The characters found their way so easily into my heart and this book left me smiling and so happy. If you adore Hallmark Christmas stories, definitely put this one on your tbr.

He smiled down at her and in that moment, she couldn’t imagine anywhere else she would rather be.

From that first chapter I was already laughing! I adored Holly! She owned her own florist shop and her daughter Lydia captured my heart right away. When Ryan stepped into the store, I was a goner. He was a Naval helicopter pilot that was based in San Diego, and came to Idaho to help out his niece while his sister was in rehab. And the moment they made a bargain, I couldn’t wait to watch the fun begin! The tension between them was intoxicating and I loved watching it turn into more.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt safe. She met his gaze and the world outside this moment seemed to melt away.

Ryan was so cocky and made me laugh. But he definitely had a lot of wounds from the past that weren’t healed. Especially when it came to his father and losing his mother. So watching him take care of his niece, warmed my heart. And seeing how much he cared for Holly’s daughter Lydia, oh my gosh, I melted. There was a moment on page 150 where I realized I was head over heels in love with him…he was thoughtful, protective, caring and kind. But even if we weren’t supposed to get attached to him because he was leaving, it was impossible not to. Ryan was a book boyfriend you will want to steal from the pages!

She gazed up at him and something passed between them in that moment, a subtle awareness. She caught her breath, her lips parted slightly. He didn’t stop to think it through. He probably couldn’t have formed a coherent thought anyway. He only knew he wanted to kiss her. That he had to kiss her.

With small town charm, flawed and relatable characters, and a beautiful epilogue that will make readers so happy, Snow Kissed was the perfect Christmastime read! Also, there was also a suspenseful moment that left my heart in my throat. Thayne has a knack for pulling you in and making you feel all of the emotions, I even shed a few tears while reading. So with decorating a Christmas tree, watching the joy of Christmas through a child’s eye, kisses in the snow, Santa Claus, slow dancing, and more, this book was so easy to enjoy! This was my first book by Thayne and I can’t wait to read more!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Pitcher Perfect (Big Shots #4) by Tessa Bailey

October 9, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Pitcher Perfect () by Tessa Bailey (Big Shots #4)
by Tessa Bailey
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Boston Bearcats rookie Robbie Corrigan is living the dream. He’s made it to the NHL, his best friend/teammate and fellow “orgasm donor” is his roomie—and the women of Boston love them both. Life is sweet. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige, division 1 softball pitcher, girl least likely to take anyone’s bull…and the one member of the opposite sex immune to his charms. Robbie might be dazzled by the badass pitcher, but Skylar pegs him as a filthy player and wants nothing to do with him.

When he discovers she’s carrying a serious torch for her brother’s best friend, Robbie knows he should just go back to clubbing and whipped cream bikini parties, but he can’t seem to leave Skylar to flounder on her romantic quest to land another man. Nor can he miss out on the opportunity to spend time with her and hopefully redeem himself. Before Robbie knows it, he’s agreed to be Skylar’s fake boyfriend/love coach at an upcoming family wilderness competition where her crush will be in attendance. What could go wrong?

Through a series of contests that require them to trust each other, Robbie and Skylar grow closer and closer until their fake relationship starts to feel like the realest thing they’ve ever known and the sizzling lessons in sensuality burn out of control.

But it’s all just pretend…right?

Review:

Pitcher Perfect was a fake dating, sports romance that easily became an instant favorite! With a story that you’ll quickly get lost in, characters that leapt from the pages, and an ending that will leave you beyond happy, it was effortless to love this story! If you’re a fan of forced proximity, only one bed, fake dating or sports romance, this is your book!

Fuck you, she mouthed at him.
A smile spread across his bearded face.
Oh. She couldn’t wait to strike this guy out.
This one’s for the girls.

Robbie Corrigan was someone I never took seriously. In the previous books, I only saw him as a player. Even though he was dedicated to hockey. Yet when Skylar walked into his life, everything changed. This story started in a scene you’ll remember vividly from Dream Girl Drama. The baseball game of hockey players against baseball players. And the pitcher going against Robbie and his team was Skylar Paige, D1 softball pitcher. She was also Elton’s sister. Right from the start, the banter and barbs from Robbi and Skylar were EVERYTHING! But Skylar had been in love with her brother’s best friend since she was 15. Robbie didn’t stand a chance. Or did he?

A Division 1 all-American pitcher who made fun of his shoes and implied she’d like to stab him with a hockey skate?
Hot. That was fucking hot.

Now while you don’t have to read the previous books in this series, I can’t recommend them enough. Watching the growth Robbie goes through was phenomenal! This book made me fall head over heels in love with him. His thoughts had me swooning and obsessed, his humor was so ridiculous, and he was such a caring guy. When he agreed to be Skylar’s date to make her brother’s best friend jealous, I was all in! Robbie plays to win, and I just knew he would win Skylar over!

Robbie leaning down and hovering his mouth a hair away from Skylar’s. Close enough to taste orange juice on her breath. “You’re fucking beautiful all the time, but especially when you laugh.”

Skylar was so easy to connect to. I loved that she helped bring out Robbie’s softer side and we got to see how caring and thoughtful he could be for her. So when she busted out her itinerary, I was screaming! Fake dating and lessons?! What unfolded was smile worthy and will have you falling in love with the both of them! Plus the jealousy was so fabulously done muahahahah! Skylar started out strongly disliking Robbie, he was just a means to an end. She wanted her brother’s best friend to notice and want her. But along the way, Robbie kept showing her again and again who he truly was. And that he had her back. So while there was so much fun in the pages, there were also emotional moments too. I couldn’t help but cry all the tears.

“I didn’t think anyone would see me,” she whispered, breath hitching.
“Really, Rocket?” Robbie labored through a few inhales, exhales. A few violent clenches of his heart. “Don’t you know I never stop looking at you?”

Pitcher Perfect was a story that will capture your heart! It was so easy to devour and I loved the dangerous game Skylar and Robbie played! Plus their nicknames were everything! Their love story officially became my favorite in this series! So if you’re looking for a beach read, curl up next to a fire read, or just a book that will make you happy, I can’t recommend this one enough! It was all the stars!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Other Favorite Quotes:

Robbie was a side character who’d walked into a love story already in progress.

She leaned forward, then way back in her chair. As if she comprehended where he was going with this line of questioning but wasn’t sure if Robbie was quite that crazy. Spoiler alert: he was.

Skylar took a very heavy gulp. Braced. “If you open my glove compartment, there’s a white leather planner. There’s a slip of paper folded in the middle. It’s an . . . itinerary. Of potential lessons, so to speak.”
He almost broke the glove compartment getting it open.

Robbie was already falling for Skylar. The only thing keeping him realistic and grounded about his chances was the fact that she loved someone else. But if he had attraction on his side? Hope opened doors. Hope made him feel like he had a shot.

“Skylar . . .” I overestimated my ability to hand you over to someone else. Someone better. With that truth ringing in his head, he turned to leave.

“At least come in for a beer.”
“Oh my God. No. I don’t want to see any girls in whipped cream bikinis. I only want to see Skylar in sweatpants.”
“You’ve been brainwashed,” Mailer whispered.

Halfway out into the hallway, he stopped.
Strode back to the bed and leaned down, drugging her with a kiss. A long, soul-searing kiss that closed her eyes involuntarily and squeezed the region south of her throat.
Oh dear.
“Consider me, Skylar.”

He’d set out to teach her how to attract and keep a man, but she’d ended up teaching him about himself, instead. What he valued most. Who he wanted to be.
Where he wanted to be and with whom.

Who could have guessed the girl whose first words to him were fuck you would end up becoming his everything?

BOOK REVIEW: All in for Christmas by Ginny Baird

October 8, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

All in for Christmas by Ginny Baird
iBooks

Synopsis:
One woman, two lives—but did she choose the right one?

Practical-minded Paige Pierce has her life in order. She’s got a job she loves, teaching English, and is launching a new “Paws and Read” literacy program for struggling students at her school. Despite her dismal dating record, Paige rarely thinks about her old college boyfriend, Dean Burton. Then dreamy Dean surprises her at her school’s faculty holiday party, upending her world. When she learns Dean’s been hired as their replacement physics teacher, Paige can’t help getting stars in her eyes and wondering what her life might have been like if they’d never said goodbye.

With a rare comet passing overhead and the aid of a mysterious holiday market vendor, the universe grants Paige a chance to find out… The next morning, she wakes up in an alternate reality, greeted by Dean’s sunny optimism, their two kids, and a dog. Suddenly in way over her head with myriad household chores, a precocious little girl and a toddler boy who’s—yikes—potty training, Paige is desperate to scramble her way back home. Until her heart starts melting under the mistletoe, due to Dean’s swoony kisses and the cute shenanigans of their sweet kids and loyal pup, and she finds herself questioning where her home is truly meant to be. Yet the enchantment that’s brought her here won’t last forever.

With the clock ticking on Christmas magic, can the past be undone?

Review:

All in for Christmas was a second chance romance filled with all the magic. With a snowy winter wonderland, a magical advent calendar, and a journey into an alternate universe, this book was so easy to enjoy! If you adore Christmas stories where the ending will pleasantly surprise you, and if you’ve ever wondered what if, this book is for you!

“Magical gifts from the holiday market?” There’s an impish gleam in his eyes and I chuckle.
“Come on, you don’t really mean it. Magic?”
“Why not magic?” he replies. “Stranger things have happened.”

It had been six years since Paige and Dean were together in college. And they ran into each other at her work’s holiday party. From that one moment, and a thoughtful gift, her whole life completely changed. The next morning, she woke up snuggling with Dean, while their two children and dog Scout came bounding into their bedroom. Eleanor and Henry were some of my favorite things about this story! They had me screeching with laughter and they added so much heart and joy! I got quickly attached to them and fell in love with the family that Paige and Dean had created. Yet, it wasn’t real……right?

I can’t tell anybody this. That I’ve invented an entire family! With a living-breathing-barking dog! And laundry. Nobody wishes for piles of unfolded clothes.

Truly I didn’t know how to connect with Paige at first. I mean, she had a robotic dog lol. But from the moment she woke up in another life, I clicked with her right away. I got her struggles, confusion, and at the same time there were things in this life that brought her immense amounts of joy! I was so happy for her. And I adored her relationship with her mom! Watching Paige go from desperately wanting to go back to her original life, to falling in love with this one was so beautiful! And Dean was a book husband you will fall madly in love with too!

He’s awfully handsome standing there in his sweatpants and undershirt, commanding the stove like a pro. The fact that he hasn’t shaved gives him a sexy unkempt edge. I think of his role-playing comments and go hot all over. Santa and Mrs. Claus? Seriously? I wish I knew what that entailed.

Building a snowman, snowball fights, Christmas cookies, ice skating, and holiday magic made this Hallmark vibe story merry and bright! Plus, the ending to All in for Christmas completely surprised me in the best of ways! I didn’t see it coming, and I closed the book so happy! With a fade to black romance, family moments that will melt your heart, and all the Christmas feels, I enjoyed reading this story so much!

A wave of melancholy washes over me, but I push it aside. Foolish to regret what I’ve never had.

I think I’m falling for Dean. I think I’m falling for all of them.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter

October 8, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

(The Second Story Bookshop)
by Denise Hunter
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she's helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Grandville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby's heart years ago.

Grandville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn't skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he'd fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he's back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend's will. Facing the town's animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.

As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram's beyond-the-grave scheme is working--Shelby's old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces--one that threatens Gram's beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?

Review:

The Second Story Bookshop was a small town, second chance romance, that had a lot of heart. The audiobook was enjoyable to listen to, and I flew through this story so quickly! But the hardships the characters faced, especially the stigma of you deserve to be punished because of who you were related to, hurt to read. With fall vibes and lots of adversity and struggles, I enjoyed watching Shelby and Gray find their way back to friendship. And more. The Second Story Bookshop ending with a wonderful happily ever after and was a sweet romance filled with healing, grief and lots of love.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*