Tag: Contemporary Romance (Page 1 of 82)

BOOK REVIEW: Party Favors by Sariah Wilson

August 28, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Party Favors by Sariah Wilson
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
For a party planner in awe of the royals, daydreams fit for a queen might come true in a captivating romantic comedy by Sariah Wilson, the USA Today bestselling author of The Hollywood Jinx.

For as long as she can remember, Everly Aprile has been obsessed with the Monterran royals, especially Queen Kat: elegant, self-possessed, and living a fairy-tale romance. As for Everly, her career as an event planner has stalled—and so has her love life. Then a wealthy new client wants a sweet-sixteen party that’s fit for an American princess. Practicing her “What Would Kat Do” mantra, Everly offers to bring it to life by immersing herself in everything Monterra.

Call it intervento divino when she meets dizzyingly handsome and charismatic Max Colby, who’s relocated stateside from the Monterran kingdom of her dreams. If Everly promises to be his New York City guide, he’ll teach her the customs and culture of Monterra so her party gets a boost of authenticity. Deal. As their friendship grows, Everly starts falling—but for what? Another unattainable obsession? Max is such a dreamboat that surely he sees her as just a friend.

Her royal to-do list is in order. She’s revamping her life and learning to believe in herself. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance for fate to bring Everly her happily ever after after all.

Review:

Party Favors was the most adorable happily ever after story. It will give you all of those princess finds her knight in shining armor surrounded by a cute story vibe. If you’re looking for a book that has all the Hallmark feels, add this one to your tbr!

Max Colby was completely out of my league.

Everly Aprile was so easy to like, even if she thought the world of her d-bag boss, Adrian. But that’s because she had a lot of growing up to do. She definitely made a few mistakes in these pages, but watching how far she came from that first page to the last was beautiful! Also, I loved Everly’s relationship with her roommate Vella. Vella cracked me up with her mannerisms and words. I loved how she was so tough on the exterior, but then a big ol marshmallow when it came to Everly.

“Shall we?” he asked, and he offered me his arm.
It was so old- fashioned and romantic that I had to swallow back the nervous but excited lump in my throat. “We shall.”

During a chance meeting, when Everly was extremely low, she met Max Colby. And Max was suave and charming to say the least. From there a friendship formed that was heartwarming. Especially since Max was such a good guy that was sigh worthy. He was protective, caring, thoughtful and I loved how kind he was to Everly. Their interactions were adorable, fun, and I loved watching their friendship progress to more.

There was so much love in his bright blue eyes as he looked at me, gently caressing my face. “You know how our fairy tale ends. Happy Everly after.”

Party Favors was a story that will cheer you up, has the most fabulous happily ever after, a kind book boyfriend and a heroine you’ll love to watch grow. This book was an easy read, and I loved listening to the audio in KU too. I always enjoy a book by Wilson and can’t wait to see what she writes next!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Don’t You Want Me by Joanna Illingworth

July 31, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Don't You Want Me by JoAnna Illingworth
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
One tour. Two artists. A secret that could unravel it all.

The only thing Penny Lovejoy wants more than a shot at a music career is to escape her pop star sister’s larger-than-life persona. When she learns Nashville hitmakers Sparrow are searching for a tour opener, she auditions using a stage name - Mari Gold. She’s determined to get onto the tour with her talent, not her famous last name.

But Mari didn’t count on Kick Raines, the insanely hot guy she spent a recent party locked lip-to-lip with. When he shows up to the audition it throws Mari’s whole plan for a loop. Even worse? Sparrow decides to take them both on tour. As a duo.

On tour, Mari and Kick’s on-stage chemistry is undeniable, sparking online fan theories and hours long meet-and-greets after every show. Offstage, their will-they-won’t-they is as charged as it is complicated. Until Mari discovers a shocking backdoor deal that threatens to jeopardize it all - the tour, her budding career, and her chance at a future with Kick.

This laugh out loud, banter-fueled, make out-to-friends-to-lovers backstage peek at life on tour is the happily ever after every romance lover craves.

Review:

Don’t You Want Me was a forced proximity, found family that will keep you smiling from that first page to the last. You know the type of book where after a couple of chapters you refuse to put it down? And even when life forces you to, you can’t stop thinking about it? That was this book! Romance lovers will passionately fall in love with this story! It was unputdownable, fun, and filled with so much heart!

“Can’t get over me, can you?” I say.
“Wrong again.” His eyes burn into me. “Over you is exactly where I want to be.”
We’re ten feet apart but it’s enough. His voice, thick with want, touches me everywhere.

As the younger sister of a popstar icon, Penny Lovejoy wanted to pave her own path. With a stage name of Mari Gold and her sultry music, she landed an opportunity of a lifetime. To try out and be the opener for Sparrow, during their fifty-city tour. But Kick Raines was also there. And their meet cute was one of my favorites! They ran into one another at a party, and there was instant chemistry. After a steamy kiss in an alcove, Mari was shocked to see Kick at the tryouts too. And from there, sparks just kept flying!

When I look over at Kick, his eyes are on me.
“You and me,” I mouth to him, even as my heart is about to vibrate right out of my chest.
Kick nods, a tiny movement of his head, letting me know he’s with me.

I couldn’t stop myself from laughing throughout this story. And smiling too! Their tryout was a scene I will remember forever! And their karaoke moment had me screaming! But watching them on stage together? Oh my heart! Their banter leapt from the pages and had you begging for more. I loved every single moment they were together! And the electricity and energy between Mari and Kick was swoon worthy!

I lean into the mic, still watching Kick, and drop a bomb big enough to rattle the internet. “I can’t believe you wrote that song about me.”
The screams are so loud I can’t hear my own laughter. Kick’s face goes from surprise to something downright dirty.

I absolutely adored Mari, but she was keeping a huge secret of who she truly was. She was so easy to like, and I loved listening to her thoughts. And Kick was book boyfriend worthy! He was charismatic, intoxicating, protective, and had a tortured soul. Both of their pasts made me want to put them in a bubble and protect them. So, watching them work together as a team, while it wasn’t an easy process, I loved how real it felt.

I watch him walk away and Cass shakes her head. “There is no way the two of you haven’t ripped each other’s clothes off.”
“We haven’t and we won’t. We’re professionals.”
She looks down the hall at Kick who’s still walking backwards, smiling at us. “It’s only a matter of time.

Life on tour definitely had its bumps. And they both found themselves in a fishbowl. Where everything they did was up for public consumption. Even moments they didn’t think were public, could be. Yet the found family in this book was so heartwarming and helped lift them up. I adored so many of their moments together! With a couple of twists, and some scenes that made me shed tears, I can’t recommend this book enough.

All I see is sincerity. Kindness. Something more I don’t dare name.

With a fun and flirty vibe, this book was so entertaining! With friendship, irresistible banter, jealousy, and intoxicating tension, I adored this story! This was one of those books where you can’t stop smiling and will leave you feeling so happy!

PS Completely random but I wondered how others saw Mari Gold’s music? I saw her as a mix between Fiona Apple and Mazzy Star but who knows, I could be so far off!

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

BOOK REVIEWS: Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1), Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2), Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout

July 24, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Madison Daniels has worshipped her brother's best friend since they were kids. Everyone thinks she and Chase Gamble would make the perfect couple, but there are two major flaws in their logic. 1) Chase has sworn off relationships of any kind, and 2) after blurring the line between friends and lovers for one night four years ago, they can't stop bickering. Forced together for her brother's wedding getaway, Chase and Madison decide to call a truce for the happy couple. Except all bets are off when they're forced to shack up in a tacky 70's honeymoon suite and survive a multitude of "accidents" as the family tries to prove their "spark" can be used than for more than fighting. That is, if they don't strangle each other first…

Each book in the Gamble Brothers series is STANDALONE:
* Tempting the Best Man
* Tempting the Player
* Tempting the Bodyguard

Review:

Tempting the Best Man was a brother’s best friend, adult romance that was effortless to listen to and get lost in! Maddie and Chase made me laugh so much! Chase was trying to be the good guy and not go after his best friend’s little sister. And Maddie didn’t think that Chase ever saw her that way, even though she had wanted him forever. When they were forced together, during her brother’s wedding, the tension between them was delicious! While Chase could be his own worst enemy, Maddie just desperately wanted Chase to want her. To love her. This was a super steamy romance. Their friends and family added so much heart to this story and it was set in a beautiful winery location.

There was a delicious possessiveness in the way he kissed her, as if he were staking his claim at the same time he was burning away the memories of anyone else for her. And he did. In an instant, there was nobody but him.

Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with…and that's the last thing Chad needs.

When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad's manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn't just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend.

Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn't easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together…or in love.

Review:

Tempting the Player was a sports romance, fake dating that started out super steamy and hot! But when they ran into each other down the road, I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. This story will make you run the gamut of emotions. And the HEA at the end was absolutely beautiful! I couldn’t stop smiling from that first page to the last and it was even steamier than Tempting the Best Man. I listened to the audio of this book and had so much fun!

He lifted his head, and the look in his eyes did more than sear her. It caught her on fire. His hand found hers, lightly wrapping around her fingers. “I want you. I’m not going to even fuck around. I need you. Now.”

Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers #3)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Alana Gore is in danger. A take-no-prisoners publicist, her way with people has made her more than a few enemies over the years, but a creepy stalker is an entirely different matter. She needs a bodyguard, and the only man she can ask is not only ridiculously hot, but reputed to have taste for women that goes beyond adventurous.

Chandler Gamble has one rule: don't protect anyone you want to screw. But with Alana, he's caught between his job and his increasingly hard libido. On one hand, Alana needs his help. On the other, Chandler wants nothing more than to take the hot volcano of a woman in hand. To make her writhe in pleasure, until she's at his complete mercy.

She needs protection. He needs satisfaction. And the moment the line is crossed, all hell will break loose...

Review:

Tempting the Bodyguard was an adult romance laced with elements of suspense and had the most fabulous re-meet cute! This book was scorching hot and I didn’t want to it down! It was impossible not to fall for Chandler when he was protective. This was a he falls first story, and it had the perfect ending to the Gamble Brothers Trilogy. I loved that we also got to see the previous couples and their happily ever afters too!

He shook his head, and a moment passed before he answered, “No. We don’t protect anyone we want to fuck.”

BOOK REVIEW: The Au Pair Affair (Big Shots #2) by Tessa Bailey

July 23, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Au Pair Affair (Big Shots #2)
by Tessa Bailey
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Tallulah is smart, vivacious, and studying to be a marine biologist. She’s also twenty-six and broke. So when Burgess, a battle-scarred hockey veteran and newly single dad, offers her a job as his live-in nanny, she jumps at the opportunity to get paid while living in a super fancy neighborhood and being around Lissa, his cool but introverted tween.

Her tween charge isn’t the only one who could use some help fitting in, though. According to…well, everyone except Burgess, he needs to get back on the dating scene, and adventurous Tallulah is just the girl to show him how. But as boundaries are slowly crossed and Burgess finds himself pulled between his daughter, who wants her parents back together, and his insane chemistry with Tallulah, a huge rift is formed, and Tallulah does the “right” thing—breaks her own heart and walks away.

Though Burgess knows it’s for the best—he’s too jaded, with too much baggage—a chance meeting, and a new push from his daughter, forces him to put everything on the line and fight to prove he learned his lessons well and is worthy of a happily ever after with Tallulah.

Review:

The Au Pair Affair was a single dad, forced proximity, age gap, adult romance. My favorite thing about this book was watching Burgess slowly start to win Tallulah over. From being his nanny, to friend, to more. I loved watching the progression of their relationship. This was a feel-good book that made me so happy!

God, this woman ruled his dick and she had absolutely no idea. Maybe allowing her to move in was unethical.

Burgess was a professional hockey player, who was definitely starting to feel his age. So, while he could be burly on the ice, he was thoughtful and sensitive when it came to his daughter and new nanny, Tallulah. His honesty and intensity were two of the things that I loved most about him. Like when he would state physically what he wanted from her eeps!

“You could say I’m old-fashioned, sure.”
“It’s very mean Daddy of you,” she whispered.
Burgess’s eyebrows shot to his hairline. It’s what?”
“Ooh.” She winced. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

Tallulah was a much-needed light in Burgess’s life. The way she interacted with his daughter and helped Burgess and her talk warmed my heart. Yet, Tallulah guarded her heart. Her past was heartbreaking and I understood why she wanted to do her thing. And not be tied down in a relationship. Yet spending more and more time around Burgess, it was impossible for her not to fall for him.

“Give me a chance to show you that you’re safe with me.”

He was her boss. She was his nanny. Yet they both wanted each other desperately. So, Burgess and Tallulah had heart quickening chemistry! The tension between them simmered and when they crossed the line into more, it was scorching hot. Also, I adored the found family within these pages. Their best friends and his hockey team, also Chloe, added so much to this story! It made me laugh when they would offer advice, I was dying!

“Is she giving you any signs?”
“She gave me a massage last night in the kitchen.”
“Then I’d say you’ve got a fucking chance, my man. Especially if it was a dick massage.”
“It was a back massage, shithead. Jesus.”

If you’re looking for a beach read or a book to get lost in, I can’t recommend giving the Big Shot Series enough of a chance. I loved the first book, about Burgess and Tallulah’s best friends. And their own story was so much fun too. I can’t wait to see whose story is next, I have a guess and my fingers are crossed!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Fangirl Down (Big Shots #1) by Tessa Bailey

July 23, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Fangirl Down (Big Shots #1)
by Tessa Bailey
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his “promising” career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life.

Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine’s professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash…

As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they’re inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous… right?

Review:

Fangirl Down was a book that was so effortless to enjoy! This grumpy sunshine, adult, steamy, sports romance was a ton of fun! With moments that were laugh out loud hilarious and you just can’t stop smiling, mixed in with cheering on your favorite characters and hiding from embarrassment, this book had it all! I absolutely adored this story!

Her honesty was oxygen.
But breathing it? That part was terrifying.

I loved being in Josephine Doyle’s head, she was such a ray of happiness. It didn’t matter how much Wells Whitaker was being gruff and grumpy, Josephine was there to cheer him on every step of the way. And have his back. When she started to prove herself, I was clapping out loud! I was so proud of Josephine! The amount that she and Whitaker grew, from that first page to the last, was so entertaining!

“I have a new caddie,” Wells settled on, attempting to banish the thought of kissing the spirited redhead. “Something about the way she speaks about golf, my game in general, that makes me think . . . she could . . .” Make me love it again. “Make a difference.”

Wells Whitaker didn’t trust, let alone seem to like anyone. Yet it was impossible for him to keep Josephine from wiggling into his world. I loved getting to watch him trust her and listen to the wisdom she passed along. And his thoughts were everything! Whitaker could be such a marshmallow inside for Josephine, and such a fabulous dirty talker too!

For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t alone. He had a . . . friend.

Josephine and Whitaker together had the most pulse pounding chemistry. And their banter was so entertaining. So, when they crossed the line, it was scorching hot and so steamy *fans face*. Yet Josephine wanted to prove herself, and their struggle just added to the heart of this story. While there was a lot of fun in the pages, there were also emotional moments too. I couldn’t help but cry when Whitaker asked Josephine’s dad how to help her with something, sigh.

“I was very happy being alone until you showed up. You’ve ruined me.”
Her heart galloped in her chest. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not. I love being ruined by you. Bring it the fuck on.”
He kissed Josephine hard, slanting his mouth across hers and licking deep, his fingers sliding up into her hair and fisting.

Within Fangirl Down, there were so many favorite moments, such as the fireworks, the piggyback ride, matching outfits, the kicked door and good girl. And then that epilogue was everything! I am so happy to have gotten to read this book and can’t recommend it enough!