Tag: Adult (Page 7 of 63)

BOOK REVIEW: Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance by Kate Robb

November 19, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Kitty St. Clair's Last Dance by Kate Robb
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Jules is stunned when eccentric and glamorous retiree Kitty St. Clair passes away and leaves her a dilapidated dance hall in their quaint lakeside community.

That is until Reeve, a charming, successful developer, returns to town, looking for the new owner of the dance hall, intent on turning it into luxury vacation condos. Suddenly Jules has a way to make her lifelong dream of going to medical school a reality. But selling the dance hall will only add to the steadily rising real estate prices, making it harder for the residents of her tiny vacation town to live there, not to mention Reeve also happens to be the man who Jules shared a magical night with two summers ago—and never heard from again.

Reeve wants a second chance with Jules and is determined to earn back her trust. But can she let herself fall for him again? Does he want her, or a guaranteed sale?

Jules wishes she could talk to Kitty, who always seemed to have the best advice, so she turns to the diary she left her. But as Jules falls asleep reading, she wakes up in the world of the diary, fifty years ago, accompanying a young Kitty to the dance hall in all its glory. Her dream visits to Kitty’s past begin to parallel the questions plaguing her in her own world. Will Kitty’s past hold the keys to unlocking Jules’s future?

Review:

Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance slowly unfolded into a tale that completely captured me. It was unlike anything I have ever read before. As the past and the present wove together with magical realism, this story completely surprised me. What started out as charming, turned emotional and I couldn’t help but cry. If you’re looking for a unique book that will stick with you for a long time to come, this is it!

It feels clichéd to think about it, but something inside me has changed. Maybe it’s hope.

Jules was left a vacant building by one of her elderly patients, Kitty St. Clair. And Reeve, a man from Jules’ past who ghosted her, was a developer who was interested in purchasing the property. Jules had so many questions, and when she found Kitty’s diary, she hoped there would be answers inside. As she started to read it before bed, the strangest thing happened. She became Kitty’s best friend Dot. They’re 50 years in the past and end up at the dance hall, which was the same vacant building she was set to inherit.

Despite our rocky start, I remember why I fell so hard the first time.

Between Jules’ struggles with her mother, to her best friend always having her back, to a man who wanted a second chance, to her “dreams” starting to influence her life, her plate was so full. I loved going on this adventure with her and she was such an easy voice to listen to. And I had all of my fingers crossed that Reeve wouldn’t hurt her again. He was sweet and thoughtful, and the butter tarts awwww that just melted my heart! I was hopeful for their happily ever after!

Life is a lot easier when you don’t let yourself want something in the first place.

Kitty had a personality that was vivacious and loud. We watched in the past as she started to fall for Knots, he was such a beautiful soul. But then there was Beau. His family was wealthy, and she knew that her future would be bright and shiny with him. While I didn’t always agree with Kitty’s choices, I understood what she wanted in life. And as I watched her chase after it, I realized Kitty would sacrifice everything for her hopes and dreams.

“I just thought that this was somehow going to be a love story.”
A single tear runs down Kitty’s cheek. She makes no attempt to wipe it away.

Secrets, hurt, friendship, broken hearts, steamy moments, and love swirled through the pages in this magical realism tale. And towards the end of this book I became so emotional. I didn’t expect for the hurt and anger to be simmering inside me so strongly. I couldn’t help but cry. But don’t worry, I closed the book happy and with a smile on my face. But the twists to get there kept me turning the pages. I guessed one of the big ones, but the other one…oh my gosh I didn’t even see it coming. Along with a few other twists too that surprised me. This novel was so cleverly crafted. I always know I’m going to have fun reading one of Robb’s books, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

“This is all your fault,” I tell her. “I was fine. My life was fine, and then you came along and…”
Changed things?
Changed me?

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

BOOK REVIEW: Problematic Summer Romance (Not in Love #2) by Ali Hazelwood

November 14, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Problematic Summer Romance (Not in Love #2)
by Ali Hazelwood
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Maya Killgore is twenty-three and still in the process of figuring out her life.

Conor Harkness is thirty-eight, and Maya cannot stop thinking about him.

It’s such a cliché, it almost makes her heart implode: older man and younger woman; successful biotech guy and struggling grad student; brother’s best friend and the girl he never even knew existed. As Conor loves to remind her, the power dynamic is too imbalanced. Any relationship between them would be problematic in too many ways to count, and Maya should just get over him. After all, he has made it clear that he wants her gone from his life.

But not everything is as it seems—and clichés sometimes become plot twists.

When Maya’s brother decides to get married in Taormina, she and Conor end up stuck together in a romantic Sicilian villa for over a week. There, on the beautiful Ionian coast, between ancient ruins, delicious foods, and natural caves, Maya realizes that Conor might be hiding something from her. And as the destination wedding begins to erupt out of control, she decides that a summer fling might be just what she needs—even if it’s a problematic one.

Review:

Problematic Summer Romance was an older brother’s best friend, age gap romance that was so much fun! And while I didn’t enjoy the first book in this series, I definitely did with this one! The way the past and the present were woven together was done beautifully! The characters were so easy to adore! Maya was fierce and sassy. And Conor was so multifaceted and effortless to love. And the destination wedding made me desperately want to travel to Italy!

“You okay?” I ask, cautious.
“Yeah.” A deep inhale. “Yeah. I just wanted to listen to you exist.”

But of course, my favorite thing about this story was the romance. The angst and tension constantly thrumming between them was addictive. And when they did cross the line time and again, it was hot! Plus that ending, awwww, I loved the happily ever after! Also, the soccer scene was probably my favorite nonromantic scene, I laughed so hard! And while I listened to the audiobook, the narrators weren’t my favorite. But I enjoyed listening to this story enough that I didn’t reach for my kindle.

“Since the first day I met you, you have been the best thing in my life. And you weren’t even in it.”

BOOK REVIEW: Yule Be Mine by Piper Rayne

November 13, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Yule Be Mine by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When workaholic best man Carter arrives in Mistletoe Falls for his best friends’ Christmas wedding, a town-wide Santa Festival and a misplaced motel reservation leave him with one option—beg the woman he once rejected for a room at her bed-and-breakfast. Unfortunately, that woman also happens to be the bride’s sister…and the maid of honor.

To make matters worse, the bride and groom are delayed, turning Ashley and Carter into last-minute wedding planners, forced into a truce neither of them wants. But late-night checklists, a blizzard of holiday activities, and a charming small town turn their snark into sparks.

When they get snowed in and every near-kiss feels dangerously close to something real, Carter realizes there’s more to December than year-end deadlines.

As their truce melts, one question remains—is this a holiday fling, or the start of forever?

Review:

Yule Be Mine was a close proximity, holiday romance that was entertaining! With a best friend’s twin sister and a little bit of dislike to love, this second chance romance was a festive and quick read. In the story you’ll find watching Christmas movies, ugly Christmas sweaters, hot cocoa, falling snow, and even a stripping Santa lol. I didn’t realize at first that this was connected to Single and Ready to Jingle and the subsequent books after that. While this can be read as a standalone, I absolutely loved those first three stories! While I adored his siblings’ stories more, I was so happy that Connor finally got his happily ever after. And for those that love epilogues, this one will leave your heart happy. Yay!

All three of the Russell kids fell in love at Christmastime. Who could ever have predicted that?

*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 Weight of Falling by Lara Martin

November 6, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Weight of Falling by Lara Martin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Perfect for fans of Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles, The Weight of Falling is an emotional small-town romance filled with slow-burn tension, mystery, and suspense.

Kenzie Ellis, the shy greeting card illustrator with a smile for everyone, has always been known as the town’s sweetheart. She’s the last person anyone expects to kiss a stranger in a darkened storeroom, break into locked buildings, or end up in the middle of bar fights she definitely didn’t start.

The protective town knows exactly who to blame—Joel Adams, the handsome, enigmatic photographer who keeps to himself and hides a past he refuses to talk about.

Everyone says Joel is trouble. But Kenzie sees past his aloof exterior to the lonely man behind the camera lens.

Joel has spent years keeping people safe by pushing them away. But when Kenzie barrels into his life full of sunny, chaotic energy, he discovers that keeping his distance only makes the pull between them harder to ignore.

Their chemistry is undeniable. But so is the danger. Because the truth about Joel’s past isn’t just dark; it’s deadly.

And when his secrets come back to haunt the town and place Kenzie in danger, neither of them will escape unscathed.

Review:

The Weight of Falling was a grumpy sunshine, fake dating romance that was heartwarming and delightful! With romantic suspense sprinkled throughout the story and small town charm, this book was so easy to get lost in.

The memory of our kiss hangs between us. I’ve never been kissed like that before. I’m afraid the wonder of it is written all over my face.

The way this story started was so entertaining! While at a wedding, Kenzie and Joel found themselves together in a closet…and kissing. Kenzie thought he was someone else. Joel was trying to escape a certain person. And the chemistry was electric! When they end up fake dating, to help each other out, I was so giddy! The banter and teasing was so much fun, and their moments together made me laugh! If only they would cross that line from fake, to something more.

I tell myself to stop overthinking it. It’s one public date. A fake date at that. He’s helping me. I’m helping him. That’s all.

Joel was a wounded soul who had a heart of gold. It was so easy to adore him. But he definitely came across as the town grump who had his walls infinitely high. And then there was Kate who was a ray of sunshine. I loved her personality and charming ways, and Joel couldn’t help but be pulled into her orbit. As they kept running into each other everywhere and fake dated, and gossip swirled around them, I adored their heartwarming moments. They fit together so perfectly! I want to say more but my lips are zipped. This story unfolded in ways I didn’t see coming!

“You looked… intense.”
“I do everything intensely,” he says in a low voice.
For a second, I forget how to breathe as my imagination runs riot.

With group chats that will have you laughing out loud, secrets simmering, tension that will warm your heart and lead to closed door moments, and an epilogue that will leave you smiling, this book was so much fun! With charm, humor, and romance, The Weight of Falling was a beautiful story. Now I can’t wait to see what Lara Martin writes next!

His hand captures mine, and his thumb lightly traces the inside of my wrist. My skin is on fire.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look today?” he murmurs.

PS Technically this is a standalone, but if you want to read the characters we meet in this story and their HEA’s, it’s Phishing for Love and then Broken Heart Playlist ♥.

“You look at me like I’m worth saving,” he whispers.
“That’s because you are.”

PPS This quote is so me and had me cackling….

Kate, of course, has the store layout memorized and organizes her list by aisle.

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.*