Tag: Contemporary Romance (Page 15 of 86)

BOOK REVIEW: Every Bit a Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #5) by Jennie Marts

March 11, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Every Bit a Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #5)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
There's nothing quite like a cowboy.

No matter how swoony the cute cowboy is, romance is the last thing on Carley Chapman's mind. But it's hard to ignore Knox Garrison and the spark of attraction she feels every time he's near. When a water line break floods her building, she's forced to move her salon out to the Horse Rescue ranch, and Knox shows up to help. But things get even more complicated when Carley's no-good ex comes sniffing around and Knox "fixes" the problem by telling him they're engaged…

Review:

Every Bit a Cowboy was a heartwarming, small town romance. With fake dating, adorably cute farm animals and characters that leapt from the pages, this book was such a huge win!

“Lunch isn’t exactly what I’m hungry for…”
He left the statement open-ended, as if passing the flirty ball back to her side of the court. But as much as her body was responding to his words with surges of heat and crazy stomach flutters, this was one game she wasn’t prepared to play.

Carley Chapman was a hairdresser in town, and we got to meet her in Never Enough Cowboy. When she got her moving weekends mixed up, and her sister and friends weren’t available, she turned to Knox. Knox Garrison was a deputy in their town, who worked with her sister’s husband. They got along so easily and there was a definite spark between them! So when Carley’s horrific ex came back to town, who definitely had some creepy stalker vibes, Knox stood up for her and ended up stating they were engaged. Living in a small town had word spreading fast. And they both decided it was best to continue the farce, until her ex left town. What unfolded was so much fun!

“Oh, and Knox,” she said softly. “Thanks for checking in with me. It helped.”
“That’s what friends are for,” he said. “See you tonight.”
That’s what friends are for? He gave himself a mental head slap. Why had he said that? He didn’t want to be her friend.

Carley was definitely jaded from her past, since her ex was a complete douchebag. Because of him, she didn’t want to go on a date let alone have a relationship with a man. When she found out that Knox had said they were engaged, I was so nervous. When she agreed to go along with his plan, butterflies erupted. I had so much hope Carley. She never felt like she had a home anywhere. She moved around a lot as a kid and her ex-husband didn’t make things stable for them. So it was easy to understand why she internally struggled about Knox. She liked him and even though he kept helping her out, she was still terrified that he would hurt her. Or leave her, like everyone else did. I patiently waited for Carley to catch up with what her heart already knew, that Knox was one of the good ones.

She closed her fingers around his hand. “You’re a good man, Knox Garrison. Better than I deserve.”
“You deserve everything,” he whispered, the emotion stealing his voice.

Knox was so easy to love! He showed us time and again that he was kind, thoughtful and caring. He was so good to his townspeople and I loved how they thanked him with Twinkies lol. And I loved how he put his feelings out there. He was forward with Carley and let her know that he was interested. Even in front of others. So watching him care and protect Carley shined beautifully from the pages. When they started to pretend that they were engaged, it was impossible not to be giddy with the little touches here and there. Along with the moments they wanted to be seen together. But most of all I loved how hot their first kiss was! The passion and chemistry between them was electrifying! And together they made such a good team. They had similar pasts, similar friends and their friendship seemed seamless. I kept hoping they would switch from faking to real. They both deserved their HEAs!

A grin tugged at his lips. “You think I’m hot?”
She pressed her lips together as if trying not to smile, but in the end she failed. “Yes, of course I do. Remember our moment on the dryer?”
“Darlin’, to my dyin’ day, I will forever remember our moment on the dryer.”

Rounding out this story were side characters that were so easy to like….or dislike. I was so over the moon happy to see characters from It Started With a Cowboy, that’s one of my favorites in the Cowboys of Creedence Series! We saw soooo many of those we loved from that series and this one too. Plus we got to attend a wedding for a couple we love! While yes, you can easily read this as a standalone, I can’t recommend the other books in Cowboys of Creedence Series and Creedence Horse Rescue Series enough! There were also animals we adored from previous books and the introduction of new ones too. Otis and Tiny and their antics had me cracking up again! I wish they were real, I’d love to meet them! And the newest additions, awww sooo cute, and I loved the nod to Friends. Now for the dislike side, ohhh how I hated Paul and kept wishing for something bad karma to happen!

For just that moment in time, she let herself trust Knox, with her body and her heart, and surrendered herself to him.

Every Bit a Cowboy was a romantic fake dating romance that brimmed with tons of heart! With characters that were so easy to connect with, a town that felt like home, and friendships and love that filled the pages with so emotion, it was impossible not to love this book. I always pick up Jennie Marts books knowing that I’ll smile, laugh and fall in love, so I can’t wait to read her next release!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Dating You/Hating You by Christina Lauren

March 6, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

Dating You/Hating You by Christina Lauren
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Everyone knows that all’s fair in love and war. But these two will learn that sabotage is a dish best served naked.

A sexy, compulsively readable romantic comedy that dives headlong into the thrill and doubt of modern love, Dating You/Hating You by New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren is the story of what two high-powered agents will—and won’t—do to get everything they ever wanted.

Despite the odds against them from an embarrassing meet-awkward at a mutual friend’s Halloween party, Carter and Evie immediately hit it off. Even the realization that they’re both high-powered agents at competing firms in Hollywood isn’t enough to squash the fire.

But when their two agencies merge—causing the pair to vie for the same position—all bets are off. What could have been a beautiful, blossoming romance turns into an all-out war of sabotage. Carter and Evie are both thirtysomething professionals—so why can’t they act like it?

Can Carter stop trying to please everyone and see how their mutual boss is really playing the game? Can Evie put aside her competitive nature long enough to figure out what she really wants in life? Can their actor clients just be something close to human? Whether these two Hollywood love/hatebirds get the storybook Hollywood ending, or just a dramedy of epic proportions, you get to enjoy Christina Lauren’s heartfelt, hilarious story of romance in the modern world.

Review:

Dating You / Hating You was a hilarious adult, enemies to lovers romance. Evie and Carter had the most adorable meet cute at a Halloween Party. It seemed like they were destined to be together, even if their friends may have had a hand in setting them up. And while they had similar jobs, at competing companies, they hit it off so easily. It was as if they could be friends or more without even trying. They were both quirky and complimented each other so well. So while they started the beginning of something, everything changed the moment their companies merged together. Evie and Carted were now competing for the same job, and only one of them could keep it.

I hate how funny he is, and I hate how much I want him to keep touching me. I hate this entire situation.

Evie cracked me up time and again with her honest thoughts. She worked in such a cut throat field, and I hated so many around her. Yet she loved her job and thrived at what she was doing. Carter was the first thing she seemed nervous about. She was finally going on a date, and with someone she liked. So when she learned she’d be competing for her job, against Carter, she tried to be nice. And helpful. But after a few mistakes by Carter, all bets were off. And Evie had NO problems playing dirty!

It feels like we’re standing on the deck of the Titanic as it goes down, saying, It’s gonna bob back up any second now.

Carter was adorkably cute and so kind. I loved his compliments. I loved how he paid attention. I loved how honest he was. And that he even called Evie, Evil! But his family life was something else. His brother was a famous photographer who was a jerk. And his parents, wow, I don’t even have words. But Carter loved his job and LA. This was his home and he wanted to keep his job. So while he had good intentions, sometimes things came off as sooooo wrong. While I was on Evie’s side a few times, it felt like the line was drawn deep in the sand between them. But through it all, he always seemed to be thinking of Evie.

This whole situation would be about a million times easier if I didn’t want to kiss him as much as I want to shove him.

When Carter and Evie worked together, it was so effortless. They truly made a formable team. Yet Evie and now Carter’s boss, Brad, seemed to remind them time and again that they were competing for the same job. So it was impossible for there not to be at war. They didn’t play nice and the games they played on each other were HILARIOUS! I was laughing so hard quite a few times that I had tears falling down my face. Yet I kept hoping that they would fall in love and get a happily ever after!

“I liked you,” he whispers.
An ache worms itself between my ribs when he says this, and my response comes out more raw than I’d planned: “I liked you, too.”
He stares at me, unblinking. “Evie—”
“I’m just glad I figured out who you really are before we got in too deep.”

Dating You / Hating You could easily be made into a romantic comedy movie! Between their texts, practical pranks and games they played against each other, this book was so funny! And the friendships they had with Daryl, Amelia, Carter and Stephanie rounded out this story so well! This story was such a fun enemies to lovers romance and another book I enjoyed by Christina Lauren!

BOOK REVIEW: Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

February 28, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
After a decade apart, childhood sweethearts reconnect by chance in New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren’s touching, romantic novel Love and Other Words…how many words will it take for them to figure out where it all went wrong?

The story of the heart can never be unwritten.

Macy Sorensen is settling into an ambitious if emotionally tepid routine: work hard as a new pediatrics resident, plan her wedding to an older, financially secure man, keep her head down and heart tucked away.

But when she runs into Elliot Petropoulos—the first and only love of her life—the careful bubble she’s constructed begins to dissolve. Once upon a time, Elliot was Macy’s entire world—growing from her gangly bookish friend into the man who coaxed her heart open again after the loss of her mother...only to break it on the very night he declared his love for her.

Told in alternating timelines between Then and Now, teenage Elliot and Macy grow from friends to much more—spending weekends and lazy summers together in a house outside of San Francisco devouring books, sharing favorite words, and talking through their growing pains and triumphs. As adults, they have become strangers to one another until their chance reunion. Although their memories are obscured by the agony of what happened that night so many years ago, Elliot will come to understand the truth behind Macy’s decade-long silence, and will have to overcome the past and himself to revive her faith in the possibility of an all-consuming love.

Review:

It never occurred to me that love could be anything other than all- consuming.

There are some stories that capture your heart so easily, that they’re impossible not to devour. Stories that feel like they own a piece of your soul. Love and Other Words is that book for me. I don’t know if it’s because the flashbacks were set where I grew up and spent decades there. Or because the characters became so real to me that I felt as though they were my best friends. Or maybe because a lot of it resonated to different moments when I was a younger. I don’t know. But I do know that Love and Other Words will be one of my favorite books ever.

“You loved me, too, you know,” he says quietly. “It was everything.”

Macy Sorensen was a pediatrics resident in the bay area and she seemed to have her life together. She lived with an older man who had a daughter, whom she was engaged to, and she loved her job. She had her best friend Sabrina, and she was always there when she needed a friend. Yet her whole life blew up the moment she ran into Elliot Petropoulos again. He was her childhood best friend, first love and her everything. Elliot’s reappearance poked holes in Macy’s carefully curated life. What she thought she was happy with, was completely turned on it’s head. This story was told in alternating timelines between the past and the present, and it was done seamlessly. I was never ready to leave either of those times.

“You make me feel so many things,” I admit in a hush.

I loved jumping 15 years into the past! The flashbacks were set in the small town I grew up in, Healdsburg, California. Readers will fall in love with the setting and it all made me homesick. The vineyards, the Russian River, our little library, Westside Road, Goat Rock, SRJC, the new skate park, Armstrong Woods, Madrona Manor, and even Rosewood Dr (I have a hilarious story that happened on that street!), there were so many beautiful and memorable settings.

“Is there anything I can do?” he asked quietly.
A weight settled heavily in my chest. “Not unless you can bring my mom back.”
Silence pulsed around us and I heard him inhaling in preparation a few times before speaking. Finally, he settled on a simple “I wish I could.”

The way Macy and Elliot met was beyond adorable. And once they got past the weariness, they were instant friends! It was enchanting how their friendship evolved around books, and how they shared their love of reading and words. Those shared interests led them to form a beautiful bond. It allowed them to pour their whole heart and souls to each other. Like when Elliot got Macy to talk about losing her mom, it tore my heart right open. Their friendship was pure and sweet and everything good in the world. And even though they both lived such separate lives, when they came together on the weekends or over the summer it was effortless. As we watched the years go by, and they started to fall in love, it was breathtaking to watch.

“Do you think about me?” I asked. Now that he’d raised it, the question gnawed at me.
“Sometimes it feels like I think about you every minute,” he whispered.
A bubble of emotion wedged tightly beneath my ribs, hitting a tender spot. I watched our clasped hands for a long time before he spoke again.

In the present, Macy was not prepared to face her past. So I was shocked that when she saw Elliot again for the first time, she ran away from him. She showed us time and again that she was the queen of deflection and denial. So I was so happy when she agreed to meet up with him. Elliot was still honest as ever and it was jarring to see how much Macy had changed as we further dived into their story. But again, I loved their moments together. I loved how easy it was for them to reconnect and become friends. I loved feeling the chemistry building all over again. Their moments together were like sunshine breaking through a cloudy day. So when Elliot started to put cracks in Macy’s current relationship, or make her question her life, it was impossible not to shout for joy. I wanted Macy to acknowledge that Elliot was her forever. That they were always destined to be. Yet that wasn’t as easy as it would seem.

“Give me a chance,” he’d said.
I’d promised I would. The question was whether he’d still want one, once he heard what I had to say.

I have to say that Elliot was everything! I loved how open and honest he was. I loved that he told her in the present that he was hoping to see her someday. And that he even called her the love of his life. Elliot put it all out there. So I didn’t understand the hesitancy from Macy. I knew there was a world of hurt, but even as the story unfolded I still didn’t grasp it all. So when we got to see the whole picture, I got it. Why she was so reserved. Why she was in the type of adult relationship she was in. Why she wanted to just feel nothing. And my heart shattered for her. And for me, this was a personal trigger. Because of my past and that same setting, I cried for days after I finished this book since it brought up two old memories. Yet I can’t wait to read this story all over again. I loved watching Macy and Elliot become friends in the past and the present. I loved watching how they slowly fell in love both times. And that ending, it was perfect.

“I’ve loved you my whole life,” Elliot continues, his lips moving against my collarbone. Slowly, I open my eyes, and he looks up at me. “At least from the minute I ever thought about love, and sex, and women.”

There were also so many other things to love in this book besides Elliot and Macy together. I loved Macy’s relationship with her dad. I loved the notes that her mom had left behind so she could give advice as she grew. I adored Elliot’s family. His mom made me cry, when she helped out Macy and her dad. And his brothers made me laugh when they could be punks. This story felt so unique with young adult and adult romance weaved together. So if you’re looking for young adult first love and a beautiful second chance adult romance, make sure you have this one on your tbr!

“Favorite word?” he whispers.
I don’t even hesitate: “You.”

BOOK REVIEW: Take the Lead (Dance Off #1) by Alexis Daria

February 20, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Take the Lead (Dance Off #1)
by Alexis Daria
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Gina Morales wants to make it big. In her four seasons on The Dance Off, she’s never even made it to the finals. But her latest partner, the sexy star of an Alaskan wilderness show, could be her chance. Who knew the strong, silent, survivalist-type had moves like that? She thinks Stone Nielson is her ticket to win it all―until her producer makes it clear they’re being set up for a showmance.

Joining a celebrity dance competition is the last thing Stone wants. However, he’ll endure anything to help his family, even as he fears revealing their secrets. While the fast pace of Los Angeles makes him long for the peace and privacy of home, he can’t hide his growing attraction for his dance partner. Neither wants to fake a romance for the cameras, but the explosive chemistry that flares between them is undeniable.

As Stone and Gina heat up the dance floor, the tabloids catch on to their developing romance. With the spotlight threatening to ruin everything, will they choose fame and fortune, or let love take the lead?

Review:

Take the Lead was a fun and flirty romance. If you like reality tv and adult romance, this book may be the perfect fit for you! The story started with Gina Morales going to meet her new dance partner in Alaska. She was one of the dancers on a show, similar to Dancing With the Stars, who was paired up each season with someone famous. Gina was a city girl, whereas Stone’s family were reality tv stars that thrived in the wilderness. With a rocky start, it was hard to deny that they were both attracted to each other. And they both had goals they wanted to accomplish. Gina was determined to make it to the finals, since she never had. And Stone was dancing to help pay for his mom’s surgery. Yet the show was setting them up in hopes of a romance, and Gina was determined that’s now how she would make it in this industry!

Gina lost herself in the music, in the movement, in the heat of Stone’s body and the warming of her own muscles from physical exertion.

To me, Gina felt a little lonely. She couldn’t tell her family anything that was truly going on, since there were secrets surrounding the show. Thankfully she had her good friend Natasha there, who was another professional dancer on the show. But I loved that Gina was beyond confident in her dancing abilities. And I loved how she exuded that will trying to teach Stone how to dance. While dancing could be very intimate, Gina refused to let her feeling towards Stone sway her towards a romance. So she would be hot and cold towards him to keep him at arm’s length. Even though their bodies would be wrapped around each other dancing. But by the end of this story, I was so happy the growth that Gina made! I loved seeing how far she went!

The song ended. In the moment of silence, Stone’s eyes met hers. They stared at each other, breathing hard. He was so close, close enough to kiss.
Except Gina didn’t fuck around with her dance partners.
“I have to go home.” The words fell out of her in a rush, her voice low and breathy.

We alternated the story between Gina and Stone, and Stone was my favorite! I loved seeing inside his heart. He was such a kind, thoughtful, sexy soul. And when he could surprise her with say some of his moves, I was so happy for him. Yet Stone was carrying some huge secrets that went back to his family and their reality tv show. So I felt like Stone always had a weight on his shoulder. And as him and Gina got closer together, he realized that they were still worlds apart. She thrived in the city and he loved the wilderness. But regardless, the chemistry between them was scorching and he wanted more.

He was in too deep, but too tired to care. It was easier to like her, easier to enjoy her company and focus on pleasing her.
When she smiled, he forgot why he was fighting so hard.

Gina and Stone had to spend countless hours a day practicing and rehearsing together. So it was fun watching how their friendship formed so easily. And how comfortable they were around each other physically and emotionally. Not that far into the story they already felt as though they had each other’s backs and worked great as a team. Plus it helped that they were both well versed with being on reality tv. They understood that they constantly had to watch what they said or did. Because it could and would be twisted in another way, and then shown to the whole world. So they fought becoming more. Gina wayyyyy more than Stone. But all the while, I loved hearing about their dances and cheering for them each week. The nerves of would they be cut or would they stay? And with work politics to deal with, coworkers that only thought of themselves, and their past not off limits, they lived in a tough world.

Out of habit, she looked up to meet his eyes. What she saw there scared her.
This wasn’t just about attraction anymore. This was mutual respect and trust. She liked him.

With friendships, drunk dancing, steamy moments and even love, Take the Lead was a lot of fun! It was easy to get lost in the pages with this reality tv show! And I loved the epilogue that had a happy look into the future! So if you like adult romance, dancing and reality tv then this may be the book for you!

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

BOOK REIVEW: The Chemistry of Love by Sariah Wilson

January 31, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

The Chemistry of Love by Sariah Wilson
Purchase on: Amazon

Synopsis:
True love requires a little research and development in a funny, heart-racing romance by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Paid Bridesmaid.

How can Anna Ellis, a geeky, brilliant, and hopelessly smitten cosmetic chemist possibly win over Craig Kimball, the man of her dreams―who also happens to be her boss? The answer is Craig’s empathetic (and handsome) CEO half brother, Marco. The makeup mogul knows Craig for the ridiculously competitive rival he is. Whatever Marco has, Craig wants. That can be Anna, if she’s game to play.

All Anna and Marco have to do is pretend they’re falling in love and let the rumors begin. If the experiment in attraction works, a jealous Craig will swoop in and give Anna her happily ever after―if it weren’t for one hitch in the plan. There’s more to Marco than meets the eye. With every fake date, Anna’s feelings are starting to become dizzyingly real.

Blame it on chemistry. It’s unpredictable, exciting, and occasionally combustible. If Anna and Marco are really falling in love, who are they to argue with science?

Review:

None of this was going how I’d planned.

The Chemistry of Love was a hilarious fake dating romance! This was one of those stories where I Couldn’t. Stop. Smiling! If you’re looking for an adorable story that will make you smile and fall in love, then this may be your book!

I was keenly aware of him walking just behind me, and I wanted to pinch myself. We’d been having our second- ever actual conversation!

Anna Ellis was a cosmetic chemist who lived with her grandparents. She was madly in love with her boss, Craig. Whom she rarely was ever around, but she built him up as the most amazing man possible in her head. Think movie star worthy. And it didn’t matter that her friend Catalina wasn’t the hugest fan of him. Anna knew she was destined to be with Craig! So when Marco, Craig’s brother, stepped into her world, he was the key to reaching her dreams. Craig always wanted what Marco had. So if she were to fake date Marco, then Craig would be hers!

“Wow. That is some rom- com- level delusion right there,” she said. “It’s never going to work.”
“Marco seems to think it will.”
“It’s a good thing that man is pretty, because he’s obviously not very in touch with reality. I’ve seen the movies. This sort of thing never works out. If anything, it’s only guaranteed to make you fall in love with him.”

Anna was hilarious, quirky and so much fun! It took me a little while to warm up to her because she could be clueless and lost in her head at times, but she was goodhearted and had an innocent feel to her. So when Anna would make some bad life decisions, there was quite a few lol, I couldn’t stop the laughter from pouring out of me. I was so happy she had Catalina in her life, because she had no problems being brutally honest with Anna. And I loved her grandpa, their interactions together were heartwarming. Yet my heart hurt for Anna. Her ambition and dreams didn’t always pan out the way she wanted. I wanted her to find her happily ever after!

My pulse raced, and I couldn’t explain why exactly. Or why my stomach flitted with delight when he smiled at me.
I was in love with Craig. None of this made any sense.

Craig. Well. I lacked seeing what Anna saw in him. Yet whenever she and Marco were together, there were sparks. No matter how much Anna didn’t want to admit it! And I loved Marco right from the beginning. He was thoughtful, kind and caring. Yes he was gorgeous, but I loved learning about the sides he didn’t show others. I loved his interaction with her friends. And I loved even more the things he did to help Anna out. Except there was one tiny problem, Marco was the ultimate closed book. I desperately wanted to know his thoughts on everything. So his gestures of kindness and helping Anna out, well I built them up in my head. I didn’t even care if I was wrong. I loved Marco, and thought Anna should feel the same!

I came close to Marco, and he stiffened, standing straighter, tightening his arms so that his forearms flexed.
I didn’t understand what his reaction was about.
“Thank you,” I said. “It may be too much, but thank you.”
It took him a second, and I watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed twice before he cleared his throat and said, “You’re welcome. I should, uh, get back to work.”
“And I should get back to looking nice.”

Anna and Marco clicked together so seamlessly. Even if they could be the polar opposites when it came to their opinions on love and marriage. Anna was a firm believer that it existed, while Marco didn’t think it did. And I got it. Marco’s back story gutted me wide open. I understood why he was jilted towards love. But his moments with Anna were sigh worthy. And the chemistry between them was intoxicating. So every time they had to “fake” being together I was a giddy mess. I loved when they had to touch, be near one another or kiss. I wanted THEM to work. Their moments could be so perfect, it was like they were destined for one another. Yet Anna was adamant that she still wanted Craig and he was her forever.

“Hey, Anna?”
“Yeah?”
“In case you didn’t know, the ugly duckling never had to change. She just needed to figure out that she’d been a swan all along.” He paused, like he was waiting for a response. When he didn’t get one, he said, “Good night.”

The Chemistry of Love was laugh out loud hilarious and so much fun! Anna’s cosmetic mistake will be stuck in my head forever haha! But the friendship that developed between Anna and Marco made my heart sing. And as little pieces came together, I was patiently waiting for Anna to connect the dots. To see what I saw. This was another adorable story by Sariah Wilson! I can’t wait to read whatever she releases next!

PS All of the birds names?! They were great!

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