Tag: Adult (Page 1 of 61)

BOOK REVIEWS: Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen & Rootbound by Tarah DeWitt

April 6, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From the author of The Five Year Lie comes a new twisty thriller that probes how well we actually know the men in our lives.

In this gripping psychological thriller, Rowan Gallagher is a devoted single mother and a talented architect with a high-profile commission restoring an historic mansion for the most powerful family in Maine. But inside, she’s a mess. She knows that stalking her ex’s avatar all over Portland on her phone isn't the healthiest way to heal from their breakup. But she’s out of ice cream and she's sick of romcoms.

Watching his every move is both fascinating and infuriating. He's dining out while she's wallowing on the couch. The last straw comes when he parks in their favorite spot on the waterfront. In a weak moment, she leashes the dog and sets off to see who else is in his car.

Instead of catching her ex in a kiss, Rowan becomes the first witness to his murder―and the primary suspect.

But in a deadly twist of secrets and lies, Rowan discovers the dead man was stalking her too, gathering intimate details about her job and her past.

Wrongfully accused and struggling to clear her name, Rowan finds herself spiraling into the shadowy plot that killed him.

Will she be the next to die?

Review:

Dying to Meet You was a thrilling ride from start to finish! This book kept me guessing, and I was absolutely terrified for Rowan as the story unfolded. With secrets swirling, a murderer on the loose, and a historical mansion that had lots of secrets, this story kept me entertained and intrigued with what would happen next. I loved how the romance was woven into the story, and the family aspects too! It wrapped up with a climatic bang, and how that final chapter panned out for Rowan plus a peek into something else made me so happy. The audiobook was fabulous, so if you’re looking for a fun thriller, I definitely recommend giving this one a try!

Rootbound by Tarah DeWitt
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
You really can't go home again.

Tait Logan is proud of the life she’s built for herself. Despite her world-shattering divorce, not having any genuine connections with other humans apart from her sister Ava, and the fact that the remainder of her family is estranged from her life, she’s happy…happy-adjacent, at least. She’s rebuilt herself through her photography; her dream career, the one thing she does still have. When that career contracts her to do an assignment on her estranged family's home, Logan Range—a now famous ranch functioning as the setting for a popular TV show—she’s left with no choice but to agree. It’s only a six-week assignment, after all. She has no plans to set down roots, or get to know the family that, seemingly, has had no interest in a relationship with her since her parents' divorce when she was seven.

Henry Marcum is a cowboy who has dedicated his life to the Logan family and to their ranch. He owes them for raising him, rescuing him, and giving him purpose… He also owes them for every hardship he’s inadvertently brought their way. So, when Tait Logan shows up after 20 years of near total silence, he takes it upon himself to protect the people he knows and loves.

It’s a rocky start when Tait and Henry first collide; he is naturally wary of her intentions, and she is more than perturbed by their literal collision - which results in her broken camera, during her first night on location, no less. But as the pair get to know each other better, they’re thrown off balance time and time again by their growing feelings, and by the story of the Logan family as it becomes increasingly less clear from their perspectives.

Set in the mountains and valleys of Idaho on a rustic ranch, Rootbound is a steamy romance with a warm country feel that touches upon family, heartbreak, and whether the potential for disaster is worth the risk that accompanies love.

Review:

Rootbound was a story that will crawl into your heart and leave a mark. Tarah DeWitt just has a way of writing characters that stand out in your mind, and you can easily get lost in their journey. I loved following along with Tait as she discovered herself and so much more. While watching her slowly connect with family was beautiful, seeing a friendship form between her and Henry had me obsessed. It was slow and gradual, both had their guard up, but it made me so happy to see how it all panned out. It was impossible not to cry with that ending. I loved the insight, and it left the hugest smile on my face. If you’re looking for a standalone that is steamy and heartfelt, I can’t recommend Rootbound enough!

BOOK REVIEW: And Now, Back to You (Heartstrings #2) by B.K. Borison

April 3, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

And Now, Back to You (Heartstrings #2)
by BK Borison
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Jackson Clark and Delilah Stewart have had their fair share of run-ins over the years, often ending in disaster. While Jackson thrives on routine and organization from the comfort of his radio booth, Delilah loves the spontaneity and adventure out in the field. When they’re partnered against their will to cover a historic snowstorm, they find themselves scrambling to figure out how to work together.

Eager to be taken seriously as a journalist, Delilah offers Jackson a deal: If he can help her ace this assignment, she’ll help him rediscover his long-lost fun side. With unexplored chemistry burning beneath their clashes, the unlikely partnership quickly tumbles into an easy and surprising friendship.

But when other feelings start to enter the equation, can Jackson and Delilah withstand the storm? Or does what happens in the mountains stay in the mountains?

Review:

And Now, Back to You was an opposites attract, snowed in, only one bed romance that was so effortless to enjoy. This book was a ‘I can’t stop kicking my feet and giggling’ type of story. The yearning was fabulous, the story was fun, and I loved how there were deeper moments woven in too.

I’d know that voice anywhere. In the dark. In the startling light of day. In my very limited sleep. In my nightmares. Clear and bright and infused with an unflagging sense of optimism, it is my own personal harbinger of doom.

Judge away, but I loved that Jackson was beyond irritated by Delilah and had been leaving her passive aggressive notes on her car. She always parked way too close or over the line. But in person, and on the air, we got to watch as Jackson was beyond awkward and tongue tied. His random facts had me laughing out loud! But his heart, oh how I just wanted to wrap him in the biggest hug ever! He was a complex man who also had a compassionate and softer side that shined through….once you got to know him.

“Jackson,” I gasp. “Were you attracted to the turtle suit?”
He shifts, uncomfortable. “Let’s not get carried away.”
“Was it the shell?” I ask with a wobbling voice. There’s a laugh caught in the middle of my chest that I’m frankly afraid to let out.

Delilah was the opposite of Jackson in so many ways. She was absolutely adorable online with her costumes and happy demeanor, yet there was so much more going on. She wanted to be taken seriously and just report on the weather, but she had truly the worst boss ever. Plus, her current situation with her Grandpa broke my heart. So when she was given an opportunity to report on the upcoming storm with Jackson, I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!

She’s looking at me like she believes I can do this, and it makes me think that maybe I can. Maybe I can flatten the curled- up edges of myself. Maybe old wounds don’t have to hurt so bad. Maybe I can move past them into something new, better, different.

As we alternated between Jackson and Delilah, their inner thoughts were so different from how they viewed each other! And while there were quiet, insightful moments that hit deep and made me cry, there were also so many that were filled with all the fun and will keep you laughing out loud! When Jackson would let down his guard, or Delilah would comfort him, they were everything. Watching them form a friendship, and then cross that line to more was so heartwarming!

“This wasn’t part of your plan, was it? Actually enjoying your time with me?”
I hesitate, then nod.
She bites her bottom lip. “You and your plans.”

With delicious tension, fabulous banter, sledding in the snow in the middle of the night, matching goggles on air, and steamy moments, I adored this book! While I felt like the story slowed down more than I liked in the latter half, I still enjoyed this one! And I loved that we got to see our favorites from First-Time Caller! It also set up the next book perfectly and I can’t wait to read their story! Definitely a must series if you adore contemporary romance!

“You’re not difficult,” she says quietly. “You just haven’t had anyone take care of you.”

PS I loved the shout out to her two other series, eeps!

“You make it easier.”
“What?”
“Everything,” he whispers.

BOOK REVIEW: King of Ravens (Upon a Broken Throne #1) by Clare Sager

April 2, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

King of Ravens (Upon a Broken Throne #1)
by Clare Sager
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He’ll do anything to keep her. She’d do anything to escape.

Rhiannon is dying—of what, she doesn’t know. Protected by her family in their remote seaside cottage, she spends her days searching for a cure. Her world is torn apart, however, when a fae King of the Dead invades her home.

Cold and cruel, Drystan offers her a choice: descend to the underworld as his bride or watch her family die. Trapped in a twisted bargain, Rhiannon is thrust into a world of withered gods, scheming courtiers, and ancient magic, but she refuses to be a pawn in a game she never agreed to play. She attempts over and over to run away, until Drystan offers her a new bargain: escape his deadly labyrinth, and he will set her free. Fail, and become his bride.

But in a court where every promise has teeth, Annon must make an impossible choice: return to the home she's always loved or claim her place in a world where she might finally belong.

Review:

King of Ravens was a slow burn, grumpy sunshine romantasy that completely enraptured my heart. This book easily became a favorite with a morally grey fae who stole a human bride from her life. With mystery and secrets swirling, it was impossible to put down this book!

Remember, an echo of Drystan’s voice sounds in my head, weakness is death.

Rhiannon was dying and death visited her in her dreams. Until one day, he appeared. He was the King of the Dead from the fae realm, and Drystan gave her a choice, be his bride or watch her family die. Taken to the underworld, Rhiannon was forced into a life where she could trust no one around her. I was terrified yet fascinated at the same time. As we slowly got to learn this new world, I was hooked. And mesmerized with how many clues there were. I just didn’t know how to put them all together, yet.

For a moment in my room, he’d almost seemed human. Silly me.

Drystan was a mystery. He could be subtly funny….. if you looked hard enough. But at the same time, he could kill someone in a blink of an eye. I did come to appreciate that as the story unfolded lol. So, while there were many different sides to Drystan, I loved trying to figure out exactly where he stood. As I searched for his heart in moments like the cat and snowball, I had hope for Rhiannon that her imprisonment wasn’t as horrific as she first imagined.

I thought the danger lay in his looks or his whispering spies.
But I missed his true power.
It isn’t seen or heard.
It’s felt. Just barely.
Like the sea inching against the cliffs, slow and patient— only noticed once it’s already too late.
And by then, you’ve already given him exactly what he wants.

As bargains were made, the trails Rhiannon went through were unfathomable. I loved seeing the tenacity she had and watching her gain confidence. Especially since monsters surrounded their world, and many of the fae could be just as horrific as those monsters. So while I wasn’t always sure who to trust, one of my favorites was Min. I kept my fingers crossed that she was one of the good ones.

“How readily you respond to a simple touch, even though all that lies between us is hate.” His voice weaves between us, low and rough.

The tension between Rhiannon and Drystan was thick and sensual! I loved feeling the electricity between them and when they did cross the line to more, it was so steamy! Yet the world they were in was a terrifying place. And as the story came to a close, that cliffhanger was brutal! I usually don’t think a lot of books have true cliffhangers, but oh goodness this one definitely was. It was fabulous and left me on the edge of my seat begging for more! So, if you love romantasy that’ll keep you on your toes, is steamy, and has characters that you can connect with deeply, I can’t recommend King of Ravens enough. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world!

Other Favorite Quotes:

I should hate him. I should be disgusted. I should remember the moment with terror, be haunted by it in nightmares.
And yet…
All I can picture is the way Drystan looked at me after. The shade of desperation on his face. The fading fury that left him so raw.

I lift my chin and Min brings out a tiara of black metal studded with shimmering moonstones, I feel less like a clumsy scarecrow and more like a future queen.

This was only meant to be physical. Temporary. Something to enjoy before I go home.
But the King of Death has worked under my skin. A thorn I can’t push out.
And perhaps I’ve got under his too.

“I am the god of death, Avellan. And I wouldn’t let you die alone. Not ever.”

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

BOOK REVIEWS: Second Chance Duet by Ana Holguin & The Fortune Flip by Lauren Kung Jessen

March 20, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Second Chance Duet by Ana Holguin
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A swoony, slow burn romance about a struggling composer whose big break comes at a cost—working side-by-side with her college nemesis.

Celia García has always had one goal: to compose film scores. But after a decade of advertising jingles, that dream couldn’t be further out of reach—until an old college friend presents her with a life-changing opportunity. A big-name director so desperately needs a composer for his TV debut that he’ll take a chance on someone new. There’s only one catch. Celia has to work—and live—with her college nemesis, Oliver Barlowe.

Celia remembers Oliver as arrogant, rude, and entitled—the picture-perfect scion of Hollywood royalty. Soon, though, late nights and long days together reveal how much Oliver’s changed, sparking new feelings and the discovery that their rivalry wasn’t quite as mutual as she thought. But in an industry where she needs to work twice as hard to be seen as half as good, a romance with Oliver could end Celia’s career just as it’s starting

Review:

Second Chance Duet was a rivals to lovers, cozy romance. With forced proximity and music laced throughout, it was a fun one to listen to! The two main characters felt like polar opposites, Olive was so shy and quiet, and Celia’s energy felt larger than life. But working together on a project they were both so excited about, and their love for music pulled them together. This was a story that slowly unwinds, and pulls you in. And the epilogue will leave you so happy! I enjoyed listening to this one!

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

The Fortune Flip by Lauren Kung Jessen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A stroke of luck.

Hazel Yen would love to be that person who doesn’t believe in bad luck. But having lost her job, her mom, her optimism, and even her dim-sum leftovers, she’s sitting in a fortune teller’s booth, desperate for a sign—any sign—that her luck might change. Which is when fate crashes into her, disguised as Logan Wells and his utterly chaotic cat. Except after one spontaneous and mind-melting kiss, Hazel’s terrible misfortune starts taking a turn for the miraculous. Money problems vanish. A new job lands in her lap. And she’s crushing—hard—on the guy who started it all.

Only there’s a problem: Logan’s luck has taken a turn for the worse. A shared lottery ticket could be just the answer they’re seeking or a disaster waiting to happen. Has Hazel’s fortune truly changed? And if so, could winning at life mean losing at love?

Review:

With low angst, a black cat & golden retriever, and a memorable meet cute, The Fortune Flip was such an easy book to adore! I listened to the audio, and it was fabulously done, especially since I’m a sucker for dual POV! With fortune telling and luck woven through this story, this story kept me so entertained. There were also heavier topics, but with thoughtful presents, winning the lottery, and an adorable epilogue that ties in to the beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I definitely will be checking out Lauren Kung Jessen’s backlist!

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

BOOK REVIEWS: Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood, & Confessions: The Complete Duet by Kay Marie

March 9, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Viola Bowen has the chance of a lifetime: to design a video game based on her all-time favorite book series. The only problem? Her co-lead is Jesse F-ing Andrews, aka her archnemesis. Jesse has made it abundantly clear over the years that he wants nothing to do with her—and Viola has no idea why.

When their bosses insist a wintery retreat is the perfect team-building exercise, Viola can’t think of anything worse. Being freezing cold in a remote mountain lodge knowing Jesse is right next door? No, thank you.

But as the snow piles on, Viola discovers there’s more to Jesse than she knew, and heat builds in more ways than one.

Review:

Two Can Play was a sweet and steamy forced proximity romance with an enemies to lovers vibe. This was classic Hazelwood with it being effortless to listen to and enjoy, a male that is secretive and sometimes hard to read, and a female that was so easy to click with. This story took place in a winter wonderland and ended wonderfully. I enjoyed listening to this one so much!

Confessions: The Complete Duet by Kay Marie
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He knows all of her secrets...except one.

My name is Skylar Quinn. I just moved to New York with my best friend Bridget, and I have a confession. Well, more than one. Okay, quite a few really. Fine, here goes!

Confession #1: I'm a sex columnist. Hold on, that's not really the confession. You see, I'm sort of a virgin...sex columnist.

Confession #2: I'm kind of in love with Bridget's older brother, Oliver. No, I was. No, I am. Wait, was? Am? Crap.

Confession #3: I've been avoiding Oliver for four years. Or I was until today, because he just moved in. Yes, you read that correctly. He's my new roommate. So that night we've both been pretending never happened, well, we might not be able to keep it a secret any longer.

And trust me, this is only the beginning.

This box set contains both full-length novels in Confessions, a sweet duology perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Meg Cabot, and Christina Lauren! If you like second chance romance, roommate romance, or falling for your best friend's brother, you'll love this set!
- Book One: Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist!
- Book Two: Confessions of an Undercover Girlfriend!

Review:

Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist was the first book in the duet, and it was super cute! If you adore romcom movies from the 2010s, this is your book! I got all the vibes from my favorite romcoms I’ve rewatched so many times! Skylar was so easy to love, and I emphasized with her too. Even if her thoughts could be over the top at times. While she tried to go on other dates for her job, she couldn’t help but want her best friend’s older brother. This romance was set in the city and was so effortless to listen to!

Confessions of an Undercover Girlfriend, picked up right where the last one left off. I loved how this one was focused on her friendships and working towards her HEA with Ollie. But there were so many hiccups along the way. I didn’t always agree with the choices she made, and wanted to shake her sometimes lol, but the ending made me so happy. This is definitely a fun and flirty read that I enjoyed!