Tag: Adult (Page 8 of 62)

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.*

BOOK REVIEW: How We Are by Poppy Minnix

October 2, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

How We Are by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Five years is a long time to love someone from a distance.

But I’ve finally finished my degree, broken free from my Kentucky momma and her pageant dreams, and moved to Chicago to be with my soulmate.

Step one: move in and make up for lost time with Darius. Intimately.
Step two: land my dream job and start fresh.

Easy enough… until my mom starts scheming to drag me home and slap a crown back on my head.

And then there’s Arlo—Darius’s best friend and frustratingly hot roommate. He’s moody, brash, and impossible to ignore.

When I find out he and Darius have shared women before, everything shifts.

I shouldn’t want both of them.

Good girls don’t get tangled in fantasies that include two men. They don't wonder, what if.

They definitely don’t tempt a man like Arlo…

Right?

Review:

How We Are was a forced proximity, found family, why choose steamy romance that had the most beautiful happily ever after! Set in the city of Chicago, this story whisked me away. With a good girl, a cinnamon roll you’ll want to steal from the pages, and a bad boy that will make your heart beat faster, I quickly flew through this story. If you adore MFM romance, or you’ve been wanting to give one a try, this is your book!

I’m hoping they will learn to at least respect each other, if not more, because I won’t give either of them up. That’s not an option. – Darius

Jolene was a pageant queen who was moving to Chicago to live with her boyfriend, Darius. They had done the long distance thing for the last five years, and their love was strong, unbreakable, and so beautiful too. Living with Darius, was his best friend Arlo. And from the moment Arlo appeared on the pages, I was obsessed. Right from the start, Jolene and Arlo were explosive. The tension between them thrummed with electricity. And even when Arlo was kind to Jolene, it was laced with sexual tension. I loved that he called her Kentucky, and I couldn’t wait for them all to cross the line to more!

I need to re-friend-zone her and fast, but as strong as my will is, I’m struggling. – Arlo

“I don’t want it to stop,” I whisper.
Darius nuzzles his nose against mine. “It doesn’t have to.” – Jolene

One of my favorite things about this book was how they were all open and honest. Not only about what they wanted physically, but about their feelings too. Although…..it took some a little while longer to figure that out. But when they were all together, it was extremely explicit, erotic, and sexy. I loved the steamy games they would play. And I loved even more how much they respected each other. The love between Darius and Arlo was so beautiful *wipes a tear from my eye*. So what unfolded was a story that warmed my heart and had the most fabulous kinky sex!

Our girl. Chills rise on my arms and neck.

If you’re looking for a polyamorous throuple to fall head over heels in love with, Arlo, Jolene and Darius are your people! With all the dirty talk, sexting, vibrators, restraints, and more, How We Are was a sensual and erotic book that will consume you from that first page to the last!

This moment. Them. Everything about them is life now.

*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 Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe

August 26, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From USA Today bestselling author Joanna Shupe comes a spicy Anastasia story full of secrets and betrayal, set among the glittering streets of New York City's Gilded Age.

In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.

After being raised in a children’s asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she’ll stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won’t think about the family who gave her away as an infant.

Leo Hardy isn’t afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby’s mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.

As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what’s real from what’s just gilding.

Review:

The Gilded Heiress was an Anastasia retelling that swirled with lies, secrets, lust, and revenge. With a morally grey male and a female whose happily ever after will have you rooting for her, this historical romance was a quick read. The sexual tension and development of trust and friendship made this book so easy to devour! For me, it should have been an instant hit. But it didn’t matter how much I tried, I couldn’t ever connect to Josie and Leo. And for me to truly enjoy and fall for a book, I desperately need that connection. My heart was so sad I wasn’t able to. So while this one didn’t work for me, I have a feeling so many others will fall in love with this story!

He seemed almost magical in that moment, a guardian angel who’d dropped out of the sky to help me achieve my dreams. He leaned closer, still holding on to my hand. “You and me, Josie? I guarantee we’ll make headlines together.”

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

BOOK REVIEW: Falling into Place by Allison Ashley

August 21, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Falling into Place by Allison Ashley
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Finding a date for a reclusive bachelor is her job. It’s also a risk when she becomes the perfect match in an emotional and hopeful romance by the author of If Tomorrow Never Comes.

Accountant and freelance personal stylist Carly Porter, daughter of a compulsive gambler, knows the personal cost of a bad bet. But when she partners with her best friend, Sasha―publisher of a floundering fashion magazine―Carly can’t resist. The highly publicized makeover of an Oklahoma City bachelor could boost sales and be Carly’s ticket to her dream profession. The bachelor in question is none other than Sasha’s older brother, Brooks.

Hardly the party boy Carly remembers from high school, Brooks is now an antisocial, work-obsessed physician still struggling with a devastating loss. But if it means helping his sister, he’s in. It’s Carly’s job to get him out of those lived-in scrubs, style him to the nines, and bring Brooks back to life. But so far, the only real connection is between Brooks and Carly―and falling for a client could cost Carly the career she’s worked so hard for.

To move forward, they’ll both have to overcome their painful pasts. And whatever the risk, maybe even take a chance on love.

Review:

Falling into Place was a slow burn, best friend’s older brother, grumpy sunshine romance that I devoured! This was such a beautiful and emotional story and by that second chapter I was already smiling and laughing out loud. If you love romance that makes you happy and can also make you cry, then definitely add this one on your tbr!

“What’s your favorite part of your body?”
“I didn’t think my answer would be helpful for this.”
Her skin flushed and her mouth dropped open, and he realized how that sounded.
“My brain! Not my . . . Fuck. You know.” He wanted to slide under the table. Maybe they should have gone for beers instead. “Sorry that I, um. Said that. Fuck, I mean.”
Hell. He was in hell.

Brooks was a doctor who was all work and no play. Carly was a personal stylist who did accounting on the side. When Brooks was approached to help save his family’s magazine, how could he say no? With styling assistance by his little sister’s best friend, and going on dates at local businesses, Brooks found himself in a whole new world. And as Brooks and Carly worked together, life took them in a way neither of them expected.

He didn’t say anything for a moment, watching her, and she had the urge to fidget under his perusal. Bite her lip or step away or move closer . . . something. It was her job to help clients find their confidence, but something about this felt different. Heavier.

Right from the beginning, I loved that they both weren’t what the other expected. So much had changed since they last saw each other. Carly was absolutely adorable and so easy to connect to. And Brooks and his grumpy self made me laugh. But within that first meet up, you could feel the attraction between them. The tension and electricity was so palpable. Yet they both had a job to do. Carly was hoping to get a full-time gig because of this, and Brooks was wanting to save his family’s business.

“It’s been more fun than I thought it would be.”
She hummed in victory. “Fashion is fun.”
“I don’t think it’s the clothes I enjoy,” he said quietly.
Her heart hiccupped, and she just stared at him.

I absolutely loved Carly and Brooks’ interaction! Since they knew each other from the past, their ease with one another felt so real. And as texts, banter, and the most adorable moments were added to the equation, this book was happy inducing! Watching Carly get Brooks to smile made my heart soar! Carly was someone I would love to be besties with! And Brooks was a man who easily captured my heart. The reason he started his garden? Oh, I just wanted to hug him. I just wanted to squish the two of them together so they could see what I saw. These two together were everything!

“It’s just a touch uneven . . . There.” She let her hands rest on his hard chest after she straightened it. The fresh, spicy scent of his soap surrounding her was just delicious, and his body so warm. She leaned in, just a little.
His breath hitched, and he didn’t move for a few seconds. She should move back, now. Walk away. Abort mission.
Heart in her throat, she couldn’t seem to make herself go.

With practice dating, longing that will have you turning that page to see what happens next, stolen jeans that had me laughing throughout this story, steamy kisses that perfectly led to fade to black moments, and a love story that warmed my heart, I loved this book! Falling into Place is easily one of my favorite contemporary books this year! The story was beyond adorable, but it was emotional too. I cried and then also found myself sobbing my eyes out. But don’t worry, the ending was absolutely beautiful, and I even cried happy tears! I loved Carly and Brooks with all my heart! And this is definitely my favorite book by Allison Ashley! I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

PS Pepper and Oreo were the cutest!

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