Tag: Contemporary Romance (Page 1 of 94)

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: 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 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.*

BOOK REVIEWS: The Gift Rarely Given by Ambar Cordova & Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel

November 21, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Gift Rarely Given by Ambar Cordova
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Christmas has never been this hot... or eventful.

Falling asleep on a bench in the marina's parking lot on Amelia Island was not in my plans for last night. Neither is being woken up by Alex Haddock, former QB for the Jacksonville Rhinos, and a grumpy media nightmare.

I don’t even know who he is. But one thing leads to another, and we end up in the back of his truck for a steamy night. It’s supposed to be just that one time, but now he's here asking me, Livie Sanz, curvy hot mess express and everyone's best friend, to be his fake girlfriend so the media thinks he's settling down.

I agree, because—bonus!—it also gets my mom off my back about dying alone.

We have twelve days before Christmas to prove to the world he's reformed, and to prove to my mom that I am capable of picking my own partner. Even if he looks like he could murder someone with his stare.

Review:

The Gift Rarely Given Was a fake dating Christmas story that was sweet and steamy. This holiday story kept me smiling and the characters were so adorable! If you’re wanting a Christmas novella that will have you bingeing it in one sitting, has a dirty talker who was also a gentleman, a happily ever after, and you love those moments when the lines blur when fake dating, this is your book! There was even a moment in this story where it made me cry. I loved this one and can’t wait to read more of Ambar Cordova’s books!

Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
One little white lie.

That's all it took. Now I'm suddenly having to fake-date my work nemesis to get me through a week at a Vermont Christmas lodge with my family.

The problem? I can't stand Miles Taylor. Not only that, but I don't date people I work with. But I can handle it. I've had practice faking my emotions for years. So it shouldn't matter that Miles never lets me get away with anything. And that he happens to boil my blood hotter than a steaming pot of wassail. So when he throws his annoying grin my way or forces me on dates he knows I'll hate, I'll just grit my teeth and smile.

Or maybe not. Did I mention that Miles is the one person in the world I can't seem to fool?

When my emotions begin feeling less like a sham and his arms feel way too comfortable, it makes me think that maybe Miles had a plan of his own. And I'm starting to like it a lot more than mine.

★ Faking Christmas is a sweet, closed door romance full of sizzle, witty banter, and chemistry, but without explicit content.

Review:

Faking Christmas was a fake dating, enemies to lovers vibe holiday romance that I devoured so quickly! This book was fun, the angst and tension were done fabulously, and I adored the happily ever after! I listened to the audiobook and was completely enraptured and it made me laugh out loud. These characters spoke to my heart and I loved going through their struggles and watching them slowly blur the line between what was fake and real. This is a story I actually wish I read instead of listened to, only because there were so many favorite scenes and quotes that I desperately wanted to highlight! But the audiobook was phenomenal! Cindy Steel is a new to me author and I already started the next book by her lol!

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.*