Tag: Contemporary Romance (Page 1 of 90)

BOOK REVIEW: The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

June 17, 2025 / Jen / 1 Comment

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A recently deceased woman meets “the one” in the afterlife waiting room, scoring a second chance at life (and love!) if she can find him on earth before ten days are up…

If she wasn’t dead already, Delphie would be dying of embarrassment. Not only did she just die by choking on a microwaveable burger, but now she’s standing in her ‘shine like a star’ nightie in front of the hottest man she’s ever seen. And he’s smiling at her.

As they start to chat, everything else becomes background noise. That is until someone comes running out of a door, yelling something about a huge mistake, and sends the dreamy stranger back down to earth. And here Delphie was thinking her luck might be different in the afterlife.

When Delphie is offered a deal in which she can return to earth and reconnect with the mysterious man, she jumps at the opportunity to find her possible soulmate and a fresh start. But in a city of millions, Delphie is going to have to listen to her heart, learn to ask for help, and perhaps even see the magic in the life she’s leaving behind…

Review:

The Love of My Afterlife was such a heartwarming and hilarious story! With a second chance at life, found family, fake dating, and more, I adored this story. It was so much fun and even made me cry! I definitely recommend picking this one up if you’re wanting to shake up your current reading. It felt unique and left me feeling so happy!

Delphie died choking on a burger. When she made a connection in the afterlife, with a mysterious and gorgeous man, she thought she was getting her second chance at life. But he was just sleeping during a dental procedure. When Delphie was given a deal to go back to her life, she took it! Merritt, her afterlife therapist, was pulling all the strings. And came off as a little unhinged with no tact, but I loved her right away. Merritt made this story unfold in such a hilarious way!

It felt like Delphie wasn’t truly living. She seemed to keep those around her at an arm’s length distance. She was just going through the motion of working and going home alone. When she was given a second chance, I loved watching Delphie grow. From baby steps of interacting with her coworkers and neighbors, to slowly even establishing friendships, my heart was bursting with joy for Delphie! And when she asked her neighbor, Cooper, to help track down her mysterious man, I had so much fun watching that unlikely duo work together.

I don’t want to say more, but just know this story unfolded brilliantly and the love story, oh my heart it was EVERYTHING! Ironically, I wasn’t so sure of the book when I started it. It was quirky, to say the least lol. But just wait. The growth we watched Delphie go through will have you cheering her on every step of the way, while laughing out loud too. The twists in this story were so much fun and the tropes eeps, so many favorites. Especially the one bed! This was my first book by Kirsty Greenwood and I will be reading more of her books in the future!

PS I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator!

BOOK REVIEW: First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

June 13, 2025 / Jen / 1 Comment

First-Time Caller by BK Borison
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Aiden Valentine has a secret: he’s fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, that’s a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight.

Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job; an incredible family; and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life—or lack thereof—she begins to question if she’s as happy as she believed. Maybe a little more romance wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending…even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final decision between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.

Review:

I didn’t see First-Time Caller coming. The story pulled me in right away, but then I lingered. Unsure about how I felt as everything played out. Yet before I knew it, I was completely in. Obsessed. Clinging to their every word. I fell in love right along with them. And that ending?! I sobbed. This story was everything.

It feels like every time I get my hopes up for something good, reality comes out swinging. I don’t know how to be a hopeful person anymore.
It’s easier not to be.

Aiden had lost his hope and optimism for love. But when Maya called, Lucie’s 12 year old daughter, something happened. Lucie got on the phone and their conversation was so effortless. And a tiny spark emerged. But when Aiden and Lucie met for the first time in person, I was cackling. It was awkward personified. Even if the chemistry between them was undeniably fun! As Lucie found herself spending more time around the studio and Aiden, I loved listening to them talk. And watching that slow and tentative friendship form between them.

“This is a live conversation?”
I nod. “Mm- hmm.”
“Right now?”
“That’s what this little blinking red light tells me.”
“Oh, good.” Lucie sounds winded. “I was worried this would be embarrassing.”

Aiden, I loved him. I loved how proactive he was, but oh wow did he hold his cards close to his chest. He definitely had some growing to do, so I loved watching his journey! While he was surrounded by those that cared for him, he just had to let himself feel. Lucie started the spark in his heart, and I loved watching the layers peel away from him.

“I want goose bumps. I want to be wanted. All this time and I— I haven’t given up. I guess I’m just waiting for it to find me.”

Lucie was surrounded by love, but it felt like she was in a rut when it came to romance. I adored her co-workers, her ex, and her bestie. They were some of her biggest champions and each one was so memorable! But Lucie deserved her own HEA, and I was cheering her on every step of the way! So many moments with Aiden felt like they were leading her on a path towards hope and love. That something more was in her future. But her path was not an easy one.

Lucie Stone: You guys, Aiden told me he watches YouTube videos and cries.
Aiden Valentine: [sighs]
Lucie Stone: Big, fat tears.
Aiden Valentine: What’s the point of a secret if you’re going to share it with the world?
Lucie Stone: [laughter]
Aiden Valentine: It’s not funny.
Lucie Stone: Then why are you smiling?

Aiden and Lucie on the air together were hilarious. There were so many moments between them, or even when they were with others, that had me screaming with laughter. So getting those little bonus moments between chapters, where we got like a transcript of part of the show, those made me feel so much! And their time outside of the studio I cherished too. Especially when they crossed that line of friendship to more, they could be so steamy together!

“Nah, Lucie.” In my dream, he brushes a kiss against my forehead. “I think you’re the magic.”

The ending to First-Time Caller was absolutely beautiful. I sobbed all the tears and was so happy. And that little peak was so sweet! I can’t wait to be back in this world watching others we grew to care for get their happily ever afters too! So if you’re looking for an adult romance that will warm your heart, while also making you laugh and cry, definitely add this one to your tbr!

A few more favorite quotes:

I got a taste of the real Aiden last night, and now I want more.
But I can’t. I shouldn’t.

I don’t want to fight it anymore. I don’t think I can.

“Fuck it,” I whisper, and I drag her mouth to mine.

BOOK REVIEWS: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover & Angels’ Blood (Guild Hunter #1) by Nalini Singh

June 11, 2025 / Jen / 1 Comment

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When Tate Collins moves in with her brother, the last thing she expects is to collide with Miles Archer, a brooding pilot with an unrelenting grip on his past. Their attraction is electric, undeniable, and all-consuming—but Miles has rules. No questions. No future. A no-strings arrangement seems simple at first, but a deep, shattering truth lurks just beneath the surface.

Tate soon realizes that Miles is not just guarded but fractured. Torn between desire and self-destruction, his pain bleeds into every part of their dynamic. Miles’s past hides horrors that threaten to rip apart the fragile connection they’ve created, and Tate is forced to make a choice that will change both their lives forever.

With suspense simmering underneath every moment of passion, Ugly Love is a whirlwind of lust, heartbreak, and dark revelations that build to a stunning crescendo. For those drawn to the raw tension and psychological complexities of Verity, this is a riveting story where emotions erupt, secrets fester, and love may not be enough to heal the deep scars etched into the past.

Review:

Ugly Love slowly built me up with hope and love, and then it completely ripped me apart. This was my first Colleen Hoover book, and I get it now. Her stories include all of the messy parts of life. Not only the parts where we struggle, but especially the parts we don’t ever want to think about. So I cried, I raged, and I didn’t think I would ever be able to forgive something that happened. If I read this book 15 years ago, emotionally it would have played out very differently for me. But life changes you. Just like the characters were changed by what happened in their pasts. Forgiveness, grief, and trying to find your new normal were huge elements of this story. And that ending…..it was powerful and left me feeling so happy. Miles and Tate took me on a journey, and I won’t ever forget it. If you’re looking for a story that slowly seeps into your heart and is heavy on the angst and emotions, this is your book. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter #1)
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Nalini Singh introduces readers to a world of beauty and bloodlust, where angels hold sway over vampires.

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux is hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael. But this time, it’s not a wayward vamp she has to track. It’s an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other—and pull her to the razor’s edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn’t destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break.

Review:

Angel’s Blood was a fast-paced paranormal romance that swept me away! Elena was a vampire hunter who was brave, fierce, and had me cheering her on. Raphael was an Archangel who was as deadly as he was mysterious. When the two of them intertwined as she hunted down a rogue archangel, I was gripping the edge of my seat. This book was dark, luscious, and I never wanted to put it down. It was an entertaining, steamy, intricately plotted story that was memorable and ended at the perfect stopping spot. I can’t wait to see what happens next! I listened to the audiobook and read a physical copy, and I loved devouring this story in both formats!

BOOK REVIEW: The Love Haters by Katherine Center

June 10, 2025 / Jen / 1 Comment

The Love Haters by Katherine Center
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past―now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim―but pretends that she can.

Plus, Cole and Hutch are brothers. And they don’t get along. Next stop: paradise! But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good-looking man she has ever seen . . . but maybe a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.

Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue―along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.

Review:

The Love Haters was a sweet, forced proximity that touched on deeper topics. With a beautiful found family, I was completely enamored with Katie, Hutch, Rue, the gals, and George Bailey! This felt like a book I would want to bring to the beach.

“You’ll be with rescue swimmers,” she said. “You couldn’t drown if you tried.”
“Challenge accepted.”
Beanie leaned into the phone to give me a look.

Katie was her own worst enemy at times. She could be so negative and hateful to herself. And while her internal monologues went on longer than I would have liked, I loved watching her grow. Her journey to finding peace, positivity, and love with herself and her body was a fabulous one! And Hutch was someone I loved right away. He could be so quiet and serious, but he was also kind, caring, and so sweet. I wanted to know all of his thoughts! Plus, his dog was the cutest! I would love to steal George Bailey from the pages!

Cole had warned me that nothing about Hutch was in any way fun.
Yet here he was: teasing me a little.
Maybe he sensed my panic. Or maybe he had some of his own.

Watching Katie and Hutch work together, while the tension simmered, was a lot of fun. But their path wasn’t easy. Thankfully they had Rue and the gals cheering them on. They were such a hoot! But at 63% something happened with Cole, and I was not okay with it. It made me loathe Cole, I kept getting the ick factor, and I could not be on board with any of those lies. This story went from a 4 star, down to a 1 star for me. And while the ending was wonderful and had some perilous moments, I just couldn’t get past what happened.

Maybe it was the island breezes. Or the sangria. Or the warmth of the sun. Or the lovely feeling of being surrounded by the easy chatter of friends. But there was something special going on that I couldn’t ignore.

So closing this story, I was torn. I loved Katie’s journey with herself. I loved Hutch and his dog George Bailey. And Rue and the gals. But I struggled with Cole and how he twisted the story. It left a bad taste in my mouth. I’m not okay with lying and manipulation, and Cole just came across as a snake. So take with that as you may. I will be getting lost in a fantasy world after this!

“Your brain stopped working?”
Hutch nodded. “It did.”
“Why?”
“Because every time I’m around you— and today was the worst of all— I want . . .” He shook his head. “I just want . . . everything.”

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

BOOK REVIEW: Introvert by Cookie O’Gorman

May 28, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Introvert by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Introvert (in-troh-vurt): Someone who is quiet, shy, and/or thoughtful. For reference, see Aurora Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Aurora Kent likes being alone. For the most part. With her fear of crowds, anxiety issues, and inexperience, she's never really left home.

Until now.

Aurora loves playing violin…and surprises everyone when she agrees to go on tour with a band for two months.

She surprises herself more by kissing a rockstar.

Felix Cordova. Mysterious, cocky, gorgeous—and strangely familiar. When Felix asks her to be his girlfriend for 10 seconds, she agrees. But Aurora never expected a video of their kiss to go viral.

Now she's in a fake relationship with the one guy who makes her heart sing.

Stuck on a bus with five hot musicians, playing sold-out shows, Aurora should be living the dream. But as fake dating leads to sharing a bunk, late-night talks, and heartfelt confessions, Aurora finds herself falling hard.

Which is a problem because, real or fake, summer romances never last—right?

This book features two opposites with the most delicious slow burn, one heart-melting grand gesture, so many soul-stirring kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a shy girl falls for a rockstar?

Review:

Introvert was an adorable fake dating story that you definitely need in your life! I couldn’t stop smiling, it was so easy to fall in love, and I cried all the happy tears. Plus the found family was everything! Introvert was all the stars and I can’t recommend it enough!

“You seem a little tense,” he said.
I barely heard him.
When I kiss girls…
Girls plural. As if I needed the reminder that I wasn’t special.

Aurora was going on tour with a band for two months, and it started off with a bang! While helping a bandmate out, by pretending to be his girlfriend, their kiss went viral. As they shared a tour bus and performed on stage together, it was so much fun to watch everything unfold! Especially since they were asked to keep up the pretense of their fake relationship. With lines blurred and the unknowns of what’s real and fake, this book was so binge worthy! I had to know what would happen next!

Taylor took a step back. “Brace yourself, Aurora.”
I tilted my head. “For what?”
“Fame and everything that comes with it.”
“But I’m nobody,” I said with a laugh.
“If you say so.”

I was so proud of Aurora! Her introverted self took so many huge steps, even with her nerves getting the best of her at times. It wasn’t a smooth process, but I loved cheering her on every step of the way! From stage fright, to her first kiss, to even making a new friend with London, Aurora was someone you will adore and love! And I wanted to push her right into Felix’s arms!

“People want something to root for.”
I shook my head. “And that would be what?”
“True love,” she said as if it should be obvious. “You and Felix. The shy girl and the rockstar.”

Fleix captivated me so effortlessly. He was filling in for his brother’s bandmate, who had an injury, and he fit the part so perfectly. While he came across as bold and sure, I loved that he was also kind, thoughtful and caring. And when we learned about his past, I just wanted to hug him. But one of the things I loved the most about Felix was the way he could make us swoon and sigh out loud. It was impossible not to fall in love with Felix, right along with Aurora!

The world faded until there was nothing but us.

Together, Felix and Aurora were so sweet! Their banter was adorable, their moments together were smile inducing, and they induced butterflies! But there were also some deeper issues for both of them to tackle, so I cried some tears on their journey. But with grand gestures and happy endings, this book will leave you smiling! Introvert was a famous, forced proximity, fake dating story that easily landed on my favorites list! If you’re looking for the perfect beach read, or a story that will make you oh so happy happy, this is your book!

“How do you do that?” I asked.
“Do what?”
“Make me feel better with nothing but your voice.”

PS This book can definitely be read as a standalone! And I think Introvert is a great starting point to step into Cookie’s books. Aurora is the daughter of a character from Adorkable, which was Cookie’s first book. So we got to see people from other books that will make any Cookie fan oh so happy! But if you’re wanting to pick up one of Cookie’s newer books, I can’t recommend starting here enough! It’ll make you want to go back and binge them all!