Tag: Adult (Page 1 of 58)

BOOK REVIEWS: My Darling December by Lauren Asher & The Christmas You Found Me by Sarah Morgenthaler

December 5, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

My Darling December by Lauren Asher
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Catalina
Playing the part of my sister’s maid of honor is easy even if she’s marrying my ex.
But playing nice with the best man? An impossible task given our history.
Sure, Luke Darling may be suspiciously kind, incredibly handsome, and stubborn to a fault, but regardless of how hard he tries to make me see otherwise, I’m not interested.
It’s on me to remind him that he’s my ex-boyfriend’s best friend.
And the one I’m secretly starting to wish I met first.

Luke
My job as the best man is a simple one, except for one minor issue.
I’ve spent so much time avoiding my best friend’s ex that I didn’t consider what could happen if I started craving Catalina Martinez’s company instead.
She is only in Lake Wisteria for the winter wedding, but her January departure date won’t stop me from pursuing her.
Getting her to date me would be nothing short of a Christmas miracle, but I’m determined to make her mine.
‘Tis the season to fall in love…even if I’m the only one taking the risk.

My December Darling is a 50,000 word, Christmas-themed romance between a grumpy maid of honor and an outgoing best man who chases after what he wants.

Review:

My December Darling was an ex’s best friend, reverse grumpy sunshine, workplace holiday romance that had a lot of heart packed into the pages! This novella was chock full of Lego building, coffee drinking, and cozy winter nights. I adored the sisterly relationship that needed some work, especially since her speech at her sister’s wedding made me cry. And the duet narration was effortless to listen to and got lost in. I definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a quick and steamy holiday audiobook! And it’ll make you want a Doctor Darling of your own!

The Christmas You Found Me by Sarah Morgenthaler
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Sienna Naples's family has taken care of their wild Idaho land for generations and Sienna can't imagine any other life. But at Christmastime, with her parents gone and her painful marriage finally over, it's full of memories...and incredibly lonely. Until a tall, handsome stranger and a little girl walk into her life and suddenly the holidays are alive again.

When single father Guy Maple shows up as the result of an ad meant to be a joke, the handsome Montana construction worker isn't joking. Money is tight this Christmas, and Guy's four-year-old daughter Emma has stage-five chronic kidney disease. She needs a kidney transplant, but if Guy can't prove that he can afford Emma's anti-rejection medications, his daughter isn't going to stay on the transplant list. Guy's willing to do anything, including marrying a stranger, to keep her safe. It's an impulsive marriage of convenience, and Sienna knows this isn't real, no matter how much she adores Emma, how well Guy fits in to the ranching life―or how much light and laughter is coming into their lives as a result. But the more time she spends with her new family, the more she fears losing the fragile, feisty little girl and the kind, devoted, hard-working, incredibly attractive man who is her husband―but is it only in name?

Review:

The Christmas You Found Me was an emotional holiday romance that revolved around the sweetest little girl. Even though I was never able to connect to any of the characters, I still enjoyed this story and even cried. It involved a marriage of convenience and a single dad who would do anything for his daughter who was in kidney failure. I loved watching Guy and Sienna slowly fall in love. And I loved watching the love Sienna felt for Emma grow. There was lots of cheesy goodness, all the Christmas spirit, and a beautiful happily ever after! If you’re looking for a Christmas romance that will pull at your heart, and leave you with a smile on your face, this is your book!

BOOK REVIEW: Good Spirits (Ghosted #1) by B.K. Borison

December 4, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Good Spirits (Ghosted #1)
by BK Borison
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He’s the Ghost of Christmas Past. She’s not exactly Scrooge.

Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other—get in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when he’s faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.

Harriet York has no idea why she’s being haunted. She’s a good person—or, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what’s expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together— and realize there might be more to moving on than expected.

With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?

Filled with magic, mayhem, and cozy holiday charm, this swoony romance is B.K. Borison’s best yet!

Review:

Good Spirits is a paranormal holiday romance that’s binge worthy! With grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, and characters you can’t help but love, this book was everything! I couldn’t help myself and was screaming and cackling with laughter! If you adore holiday books, definitely put this one on your tbr, you have to meet Nolan and Harriet!

Every murder mystery podcast I have ever listened to has started exactly like this.

Nolan was the Ghost of Christmas Past. And Harriet was his new job. From their first meeting, I was laughing out loud. But Nolan lived such a lonely life. Nobody would remember him, except his current assignment, and other ghosts in the area. And as we got to know him, we saw that he had a heart of gold. I loved how he would calm Harriet, but also how he could be playful and fun! But Nolan didn’t care about others. Except with Harriet….he couldn’t help himself. Her touch warmed his heart. And she gave him hope too.

“Ghosts drink coffee?”
One of his dark eyebrows jumps up. “That’s what you’re choosing to fixate on?”

While Harriet’s family seemed to walk all over her, I loved that she could be bold with Nolan. Telling him that he couldn’t just appear, and had to knock on her door instead ha, I adored her! As we got to travel to her past, my heart broke for her. She just wanted to be loved for who she was. And no one seemed to see her. Until Nolan.

I suppose I always have believed in Christmas magic.
I extend my hand, press my palm to his, and together we disappear.

The moment you could feel the sexual tension between them I was wondering…. is this allowed to happen? A human and a ghost?! Because even Nolan seemed to be wary. But they both felt so alone. Unloved. And the more time they spent together, their friendship developed so effortlessly. When events happened that shook up the status quo, I didn’t know what they could mean. But with sexy dreams, steamy hot kisses, snow flakes swirling and intimate scenes that will have you melting, I was lost in them. And I was rooting for their HEA!

I keep getting flashes of softness from Nolan. Glimpses of the man he might have been before, maybe. It makes me greedy for more.

Good Spirits was a little bit of a slow start for me, but once it got going I was obsessed. And this book made me smile so much! There were so many details that made me fall in love with this story. Like Nolan bringing Harriet drinks, to learning that he knit. To Harriet’s candy hoarding ways, and her pjs that I desperately wanted to own! These characters leaped from the pages and I loved how their story unfolded. The ending left me so happy and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

Her mouth hovers over mine. I want it so badly.
Kiss. Devour. Take.

PS I loved the shoutout to Lovelight Farms!

Other Quotes I loved….

I’m developing feelings for a ghost who will disappear before the end of the month.
But I can’t help it.

“You’re staring,” she whispers.
“Can’t help it,” I whisper back.

I kissed her because I wanted to. Because I couldn’t keep standing in front of her and not do it.

If I ever got to choose to come back to a memory, I’d want it to be this one.

She looks like a present I want to unwrap.

Of course I had to fall in love with a ghost. I’ve always loved the broken and forgotten things best.

I was sent to haunt Harriet, but she ended up haunting me.

BOOK REVIEW: Thrown for a Loop (New York Legends #1) by Sarina Bowen

December 3, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Zoe Carson, former figure skating queen, needs a fresh start as a hockey skating coach. An NHL gig with the New York Legends is her big chance. Unfortunately, that means facing off against the star player who broke her heart ten years ago.

Chase Merritt knows his game is off, and he’s on the verge of losing sponsors. But he doesn’t need the ice princess from that intense college summer showing up and telling him what he’s doing wrong—even when she’s right.

On the ice, they’re magic. Off the ice, they’re nothing but heat and stubbornness, and everyone on the team is enjoying the show. But when an old video of Zoe and Chase’s figure skating routine goes viral, they’re forced to work together more intimately than ever before. Can the two get it right this time or will the whole world watch them crash and burn?

Review:

I still miss him.

Thrown for a Loop was a second chance, slow burn, hockey romance that was so easy to love! From their first moments of seeing each other again, I loved how everything went sideways. It’s been ten years, and Zoe and Chase were now working together. There were so many emotions haunting them, and you could feel the angst and tension simmering. This story was so much fun, and I was cheering them on every step of the way!

“But I think I have something to offer. I’m good at what I do.”
“You always were,” he mutters. “That was never the problem.”
My heart stumbles. Then what was?

Their past was woven throughout this story, and the switch between past and present was so seamless. I loved that while the present was told by Zoe, we got to see a lot of the past through Chase’s eyes. Their innocence was adorable, and it was so rewarding watching them establish trust with each other. As they practiced, had quiet moments together, to even just eating pizza, I loved watching their friendship form. And for their feelings to turn into more. They were so effortless to fall in love with. But I was left desperate trying to figure out where it all went wrong.

He sighs. “I’ll be there, Ice Princess.”
Ice Princess. My heart does a pirouette at the sound of my old nickname, and I stare up at him with unfiltered surprise.

Zoe and Chase were both such complex characters. I just wanted to hug them. What they had been through, ugh, my heart hurt. But they now had to work together. And I knew that if they could heal from the past, and start to find their friendship again, they would be an unstoppable team! It was a rough road, but one that was so easy to become obsessed with! Especially since you could feel the attraction to each other. I kept finding myself smiling, laughing, and falling even more in love with this book!

“It’s not too late, right?”
“Never,” I whisper.

Thrown for a Loop was a book that’ll make you so happy! It was steamy, emotional, and so swoon worthy! Plus, the found family that was starting to form has left me so excited for how this series will expand! And that epilogue was absolutely phenomenal! I was overjoyed! I’m so excited for the next book in this series! So, if you love hockey, sports romance, second chances and a little bit of romantic suspense, then definitely add this one to your tbr! I loved it so much!

“Practice is for tricky things,” he whispers. “Loving you is simple, Zoe.

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

BOOK REVIEWS: Holiday Ever After by Hannah Grace & The Fake Santa Apology Tour by Julie Olivia

November 24, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Holiday Ever After by Hannah Grace
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Clara Davenport wants to solve Fraser Falls’s biggest problem. According to Jack Kelly, Clara is Fraser Falls’s biggest problem.

All Clara Davenport has ever wanted to do is climb the ladder at Davenport Innovation Creative, her family’s toy business. Everything was going according to plan, until the company was accused of stealing a doll design from an independent toy maker, creating a flurry of bad publicity. With a promotion dangled in front of her like a carrot to a reindeer, Clara is tasked with charming the locals of the small town to solve the PR nightmare, by any means necessary.

Jack Kelly would be happy to never hear the name Davenport ever again. Less than a year after a guy in a fancy suit appeared on his doorstep with a sleigh-full of promises, the company that once falsely claimed they wanted to sign him to their small business program has copied his design. So when Clara prances into town hoping to convince Fraser Falls that her company is not the enemy, Jack is determined not to be fooled by Davenport twice.

But Clara has a plan to win over the community only to realize that beneath Jack’s frosty demeanor lies the key to the town’s heart—and maybe her own.

Review:

Holiday Ever After was a small town holiday romance that was super adorable. From the moment that Clara and Jack met, they clicked so beautifully. The tension thrumming between them was electric, until they both realized who the other was. What unfolded next was laugh out loud hilarious and very entertaining. But this city girl and small town boy romance dragged on at times. Even though it was under 400 pages and I enjoyed both of the narrators, it did lose my attention time and again. But regardless, oh how I desperately wanted to go visit this small town! It sounded like a winter wonderland!

The Fake Santa Apology Tour by Julie Olivia
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Short-term flings with good looking Santas are kinda my thing.

After my latest holly jolly break-up with the fake mall Santa Claus of my dreams, I escaped to a small town winter wonderland in the middle of nowhere. But it's just my luck that I run into the only person in the world who could get my Christmas lights in a twist: freaking Nicholas Ryan. A man I haven’t seen in twenty years and who I never wanted to see again. Except now he’s my hot bartender, complete with a silver-fox beard, a twinkle in his eye, and looking a lot like my one true kryptonite: jingle belling Santa Claus.

It’s five days until Christmas, I’m stuck in a snowy small town straight out of a Hallmark movie, and all I want is to avoid the Grinch who stole all my Christmases and pretend that our chemistry is simply just the magic of Christmas in the air.

Review:

The Fake Santa Apology Tour was one of the most unique Christmas books I have read. That’s because Birdie Mae had a Santa fetish. She loved to hook up with them, but typically said goodbye when the new year came around. So when she ran into a hot bartender at the bar, who could easily pass off as a Santa, she was intrigued. But Nicholas Ryan was from her past. And was to blame for her now hating Christmas. So with snowball fights, Christmas sayings, lots of Santas, and steamy moments, this Christmas romance was an easy one to listen to! It ended happily, but was definitely quirky! Like The apology tour. My brain is still processing that lol. I definitely won’t forget this book lol.

BOOK REVIEW: On the Ferry to Skye (Love Along the Way #3) by J.A. Forde

November 21, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

On the Ferry to Skye (Love Along the Way #3)
by J.A. Forde
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Eight summers. Two broken hearts.
One shocking truth.

It took eight summers for Avonlea Stewart to give her heart to her best friend but only moments for him to shatter it. In the wake of her heartbreak, she found herself facing a life-altering decision—one that drove her away from the Isle of Skye and the memories of her first love.

More than a decade later, the opportunity of a lifetime pulls her back to the place forever stitched into her soul. But returning means confronting the past—especially when the man she’s hidden it from is the first person she sees: her childhood best friend, her first love… the father of her child.

Jamie Murray loved Avonlea Stewart, but he realized it too late—after he’d already broken her heart. That mistake cost him more than their friendship; it cost him Scotland—the home he left behind, believing she’d moved on with someone else.

Years later, a devastating family situation calls him back, but the past he’s fought to forget is still there, waiting for him, because Avonlea’s back too. And facing her, and the life she built without him, is more than he can bear.

Stuck together under the same roof, Avonlea and Jamie are forced to face everything they lost—and the truth they once promised each other.

On the Ferry to Skye is book three in the Love Along the Way series. It showcases the resilience of young love, the strength of old love, and how true love always finds a way—so long as you’re willing to work for it.

Review:

On the Ferry To Skye was the most beautiful second chance, childhood friends romance. Set in a small town in Ireland, this story whisked me away. The characters felt so real, I cried all the tears, and the found family was beyond heartwarming. If you love forced proximity, and epilogues that will leave you smiling, then this is your book!

The memories bombard me in a torrent: this ferry, that island, the inn, my home, her.

The Isle of Skye held Avonlea’s dream job. And a new beginning for her and her son. Yet Jamie and their past from 10 years ago were there too. The animosity and hurt between them felt miles wild. Their emotions were so strong, it was impossible not to feel what they felt. But as each step was taken to fix their friendship, I loved how well they clicked. It felt so effortless for their friendship to reform. And the tension between them was electric. Except, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Avi’s son was Jamie’s. And he had no clue. And I couldn’t control the dread swirling in my stomach.

I have subconsciously compared the laugh of every woman I’ve been with to hers, and they never measure up. Never.

This story not only alternated between Jamie and Avi, but there were also sprinkles of their past too. They traveled to Skye to spend their summers with their grandparents, who lived next to each other. And from the moment they met when they were 10, they were the bestest of friends. With muddy tire swing adventures, to sitting on the roof and baring their souls, to the flour incident, they formed such a beautiful bond. As time went by and they grew older, their friendship started to change. And watching the beginnings of first love was breathtaking. But I desperately wanted to know where it all went wrong.

She saunters into the kitchen, her lithe hips swaying as she goes.
I squeeze my eyes shut and then open them only to see my grandparents watching me with knowing, conspiratorial smiles on their lips. Well, shit.

The past and present wove together so beautifully. It was impossible not to fall in love with them. And hurt with them too along the way. Jamie was so sweet and thoughtful, and Avi was so kindhearted and considerate. I adored both of them, but I’m going to be completely upfront….I didn’t know if I could forgive Avi. I cried so many sad and mad tears for Jamie. But here’s the thing, I fell in love with the past and present of Avi. I saw into her heart and soul. And sometimes people make mistakes, or the decisions they make at the time is the best they can do in that given moment. Nobody is perfect. This story portrays that perfectly. And how this was handled, especially with her son, completely won me over. I was cheering and rooting for all of their HEA’s. Each and every one of them deserved it so much.

“Don’t you miss this?” she asks, looking past me to Skye in the distance.
“Aye. Parts of it.” I’m only looking at her.

On the Ferry to Skye made me cry so much. From hope to anger to my heart shattering to happiness, this story made me feel it all. And I have to say I absolutely loved Nox, Avi’s son! And Jamie’s grandparents too. The three of them gave this story so much heart! So with kisses, meddling grandparents, adorable kids, an author who wears glasses, and a single mom with a secret child, this story was all the stars. AND we got to see our favorites from the previous books and what they were up to! I want to talk about that, but just know you’ll be so happy!!! With flawless execution, this series easily became a top favorite! I can’t wait to see what Forde writes next!

Other Favorite Quotes:

Hugging her… kissing her… everything we ever did felt like home, and I can’t deny that even this small moment when she’s letting me hold her feels that way.

Maybe we can be friends. And maybe it won’t be as tragic as it sounds, because no matter how much water is under the bridge with us… I’d happily let the current that is Avi take me wherever it wants to go.

I reach out and brush her knuckles with my fingers before I pull back, remembering I can’t just touch her because I want to.
She’s not mine to touch.

He chuckles, glancing down my body. I ignore the way it makes me feel… The heat, the butterflies— I can’t feel those things. I can’t.

It hurts so damn much.

But love is never perfect. It’s always messy. It’s always hard. It’s always work.
Even ours.

“It’s been a bit of an adventure, hasn’t it?” I ask, taking everyone in. “But what an incredible gift that we all found love along the way.”

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