Tag: Contemporary Romance (Page 3 of 86)

BOOK REVIEW: Merry Kissmas by Piper Rayne

November 21, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Merry Kissmas by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Six years ago, he was her one-night stand, and now they’re sharing a villa for the holidays.

I thought I was over him. That his good looks and British accent couldn’t affect me anymore. But the minute our eyes lock across the elevator, all those feelings come roaring back to life.

Then I find out we’re competing for the same job.

Next comes the realization that we have to spend a week together on a ski vacation because of some six-degree-of-separation nonsense.

The real kicker is when I find out the two of us have to share a villa. A very small, very cozy villa.

Needless to say, this Christmas getaway is starting off rockier than the mountains we’ll be skiing down.

I’ve stayed away for years, what’s one week? But I forgot how much easier it is to ignore him with an ocean separating us—especially when he’s determined to win me back.

Review:

Merry Kissmas was a second chance, holiday romance was filled with all the Christmas cheer! With forced proximity, a beautiful found family, and a fun competition set at a gorgeous resort, I fell madly in love with this book! I laughed, cried, and closed the book feeling so happy!

How many times do you get a second chance to right a wrong?

Brynn met Pierce six years ago overseas. It was a steamy one-night stand and years later she found herself competing for a job against him. Their meet cute now had me laughing and clapping my hands, they were so awkward and at the same time I loved the tension between them. And when they figured out that they were going to spend the holidays together, I was screaming and couldn’t stop laughing! What unfolded was a fun, steamy, heartfelt, beautiful story!

He leans forward before I can stop him, his lips to my cheek. “Merry Christmas, Brynn. I hope Santa brings you whatever you asked for.”
Then he’s gone.
Lost in the throng of people.
But I can still feel the ghost of his lips on my cheek.

I already adored Brynn in Claus and Effect, and was so excited that she was getting her own story. She told it like it was, and I loved her sassy ways! And Pierce was so much more than meets the eye. Yes, he was sweet and caring, but learning about his past cracked my heart and I just wanted to reach into this book and give him a hug. These two had all the chemistry and sizzled on the pages anytime they were near each other!

“We’re stuck on this holiday together, so let’s just keep our distance from each other.”
“And if I don’t want to?” He arches an eyebrow.
A sound of excitement comes across the aisle, and I look over to see Kenzie staring directly at us. Great, we have an audience.

One of my favorite things was how vocal they were with one another. They shared their feelings and talked about their issues from the past. About how they were hurt, or how a situation made them feel. I love, love, love that they handled their issues in a way that resonated with me. There was no miscommunication or beating around the bush, I loved it! Add to the fact that Pierce seemed set to try and win Brynn back…ohhh I was so excited!

She tipped her head back and closed her eyes, letting the droplets rain down on her face.
At that moment, I knew she was one of those people who might come in and out of my life but would never truly leave me. That I’d remember that moment until my dying breath.

This story took us back in time, a few moments here and there, and we got to see Brynn and Pierce six years ago. From that first moment they met, to their first kiss, to their steamy night together, I loved every minute of it. It added to their depth. And in the present, yes there was an emotional aspect to it all. But at the same time, the Christmas competitions added so much playfulness to this story! From their Christmas tree, to on the slopes, to Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, and mistletoe, I adored how festive this book was! And when their moments together turned steamy, this book truly had it all!

“We both know you aren’t satisfied with your vibrator. The sex between us was something I’ve never experienced before or since. I bet it’s been the same for you. So, I’ll give you a little bit of space, but I have an entire week to prove to you that we belong together. Get ready.”
My chest tightens, and I let out a sarcastic laugh to play off how much his words affect me. “Ready for what?”
“For you to fall in love with me.”

The side characters leapt from the pages! From Kenzie’s obsession with them at the beginning, that had me cackling with laughter. To Andrew and Tre melting me by taking care of the new littles in their lives. To the parents that made me feel like I was home. To even the sparring that took place between the siblings…I loved it all! So, while this can definitely be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend Piper Rayne’s previous holiday books enough! You’ll see favorites in this story, and I loved being back with all of them and seeing their updates on life. If you want to binge them all, then start with Single and Ready to Jingle, then Claus and Effect, then this book. Keeping my fingers crossed for Carter to get his story now.

“I remember how much you liked it last time.” I laugh.
“You do not.”
“Are you testing my memory?” he asks, his cocky smirk turning into a wicked grin.

Merry Kissmas was festive and fun, while also being heartwarming and emotional. It was impossible to not cry tears or laugh out loud. This book easily got added to my favorites list and I can’t wait to see what Piper Rayne writes next!

Talk about Christmas magic, there was something in the air that night.

PS I’m right there with Brynn, snowboarding is where it’s at ♥!

*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 Royals Next Door & Lovewrecked by Karina Halle

November 7, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
>b>An ordinary summer goes royally awry when a prince and princess move next door, bringing their handsome bodyguard with them, from New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle.

Piper Evans: elementary school teacher by day--avid romance reader and anonymous podcaster by night. She has a quiet, reclusive life, taking care of her mother, who lives with mental illness, avoiding her regrettable ex, who bartends in town, and trying to make inroads in the tight-knit island community that still sees her, five years in, as an outsider.
And she's happy with how things are--really--until British royals rent the property next to hers and their brooding bodyguard decides she's a security threat. Piper quickly realizes that one person's fairy tale is an ordinary woman's nightmare as a media frenzy takes over the island and each run-in with Harrison Cole is hotter and more confusing than the last. But beneath Harrison's no-nonsense exterior lies a soft heart, one that could tempt a woman who's sworn off attachments into believing in white knights.

But when Piper finds herself smack in the middle of a royal scandal that rocks the island she'll need more than Harrison's strong arms to shield her--she'll have to do a little rescuing herself. With careers, hearts, and friendships on the line, Piper and Harrison will have to decide what they're willing to give up for a chance at their own happily ever after.

Review:

The Royals Next Door was a hilarious and steamy adult romance that was so much fun to listen to! If you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh, smile, and fall in love, definitely add this one to your tbr! I love how Karina writes such a vast array of characters and stories. Each time I pick up one of her books, I know that I’ll fall for her stories and characters every single time.

From the beginning, I adored Piper. She was funny and so relatable. Piper was a teacher whose day was going sideways, and she just wanted to go home. One her way there, she had the most fabulous run in with a sexy bodyguard, Harrison. Whom she had read dirty fan fiction about. She cracked me up time and again! Their interactions started off a little antagonistic, but I loved watching that relationship evolve!

Harrison was a hard one to read, yet I couldn’t help but love him. He could be a man of few words, and he was a fun one to figure out. He took his job very seriously, and I love how he didn’t give a second thought when it came to protecting Piper. With a little bit of forced proximity at times, I was always counting down till that next time they ran into each other! Because I knew I would either be laughing, sighing, or something explosive would happen.

The Royals Next Door was a romcom that played out like a movie in my head. The cake scene, Costco samples, the laundry room, and so many more moments were memorable. And when Harrison and Piper were alone, they could be so steamy and hot! I also loved that this story included heavier topics that were weaved beautifully into this story. And the epilogue at the end was beyond fabulous! Can’t recommend this one enough!

Lovewrecked by Karina Halle
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A grumpy groomsman. A surprise shipwreck. Stuck on a deserted island together? Worst maid-of-honor gig ever. From the NYT bestselling author of A Nordic King comes a standalone romantic comedy.

Daisy Lewis is experiencing a relentless string of bad luck.

Fortunately, Daisy has her sister’s destination wedding coming up. A week of sand, sea, and sun in the South Pacific as the maid-of-honor is exactly what Daisy needs to forget her upturned life and focus on the positive.

That is until Daisy meets the best man.

If you take tall, dark, and handsome, and add a dash of rugged, a pinch of brooding, and a whole lot of sexy, you’ve got Tai Wakefield. Unfortunately he’s also a major grump, total alpha, and seemingly out to antagonize Daisy at every turn.

As if being part of the wedding party with Tai wasn’t bad enough, Daisy’s bad luck soon resurfaces when she ends up on a cramped sailboat with Tai and the newlyweds.

Which then shipwrecks on a deserted island near Fiji.

Okay, so they aren’t completely alone. There’s an oddball research scientist who has been isolated for far too long, they have rundown bungalows as shelter, stores of water and canned food, plus a feral goat named Wilson.It’s Lost…without the smoke monster.

But with rescue weeks away, Tai and Daisy realize the only way they’re going to get through this mess is to stop fighting and start working together.

And with their guards down, they get closer.

A lot closer.

Soon, Daisy realizes that the only thing worse than being stuck on a deserted island, is being stuck on a deserted island with a man she hates to love and loves to hate.

A man that can break her heart.

Review:

Lovewrecked was an enemies to lovers, steamy adult romance that I devoured. The characters were unique, the storyline flowed quickly, and I loved the happily ever after at the end of this story! If you love assholeish guys, girls that can be judgy and high maintenance, but you can’t help but love, and side characters who get their happily ever after too, then add this one to your tbr! The vibrator, spare comment and dream had me screaming with laughter. And the second half of this book was my favorite part! I listened to the audiobook of this story and enjoyed both of the narrators; they made the story so effortless to listen to.

BOOK REVIEW: If There’s No Tomorrow by Jennifer L Armentrout

November 4, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year.

She’s ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend Sebastian know how she really feels about him. The upcoming year is going to be epic—one of opportunities and chances. Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything.

Now Lena isn’t looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian might never forgive her for what happened.

For what she let happen.

Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when her entire existence has been redefined? How can she move on when tomorrow isn’t even guaranteed?

Review:

Some books hit you hard and take you back to a certain time and place. This was that kind of book for me. It was emotionally powerful. And I cried all the tears, while also reliving memories from the past. I don’t want to say what of, because that’s a huge spoiler. But I feel like this should be a must read for those in their teens and twenties. Or for those that just went along with a situation like Lena did. Because so many do. I know I didn’t think twice until something horrific happened, and then we were all drowning too.

What would I have done differently that night if I’d known there was no tomorrow? Everything. I would’ve done everything differently.

While there is some steam on the pages, and a friends to lovers romance takes a lead at times, I desperately needed it. Sebastian was the light that Lena desperately needed. He added hope to her life. And could be someone she talked to. I absolutely adored him. But what this story was mainly about was healing. How guilt can eat you alive. How life can be so unfair. How one choice haunts you for the rest of your life. How things can change in the blink of an eye. This book will make you think. And these characters come alive from the pages, making it that more real. The friendship, the healing, the family, the love, even just the process, it was all so emotional. If There’s No Tomorrow is a must read if you love romance, books that will hit you hard, and leave you thinking long after you close that last page.

BOOK REVIEW: The Simple Wild (The Simple Wild #1) by K.A. Tucker

October 29, 2024 / Jen / 2 Comments

The Simple Wild (The Simple Wild #1)
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
City girl Calla Fletcher attempts to reconnect with her estranged father, and unwittingly finds herself torn between her desire to return to the bustle of Toronto and a budding relationship with a rugged Alaskan pilot in this masterful new romance from acclaimed author K.A. Tucker.

Calla Fletcher was two when her mother took her and fled the Alaskan wild, unable to handle the isolation of the extreme, rural lifestyle, leaving behind Calla’s father, Wren Fletcher, in the process. Calla never looked back, and at twenty-six, a busy life in Toronto is all she knows. But when her father reaches out to inform her that his days are numbered, Calla knows that it’s time to make the long trip back to the remote frontier town where she was born.

She braves the roaming wildlife, the odd daylight hours, the exorbitant prices, and even the occasional—dear God—outhouse, all for the chance to connect with her father: a man who, despite his many faults, she can’t help but care for. While she struggles to adjust to this new subarctic environment, Jonah—the quiet, brooding, and proud Alaskan pilot who keeps her father’s charter plane company operational—can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. And he’s clearly waiting with one hand on the throttle to fly this city girl back to where she belongs, convinced that she’s too pampered to handle the wild.

Jonah is probably right, but Calla is determined to prove him wrong. As time passes, she unexpectedly finds herself forming a bond with the burly pilot. As his undercurrent of disapproval dwindles, it’s replaced by friendship—or perhaps something deeper? But Calla is not in Alaska to stay and Jonah will never leave. It would be foolish of her to kindle a romance, to take the same path her parents tried—and failed at—years ago.

It’s a simple truth that turns out to be not so simple after all.

Review:

The Simple Wild was a beautiful story that slowly unwound. With small town charm, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, slow burn, and forgiveness laced throughout, this story easily seeped into my heart. It made me laugh, sob, and fall in love. This is definitely one of my top favorite reads from this year and I can’t recommend it enough!

How am I supposed to feel about possibly losing a person who has only ever hurt me?

Calla lived at home with her mom and stepfather. When news came that her father would be fighting cancer, and they hadn’t talked in 12 years, she took a giant leap. And traveled to Alaska. While the journey there seemed to be a battle alone, what lay ahead would change Calla forever.

“‘Don’t worry, Calla.’ ‘It’s no big deal, Calla.’ That’s what a decent person would say,” I mumble feebly.
“I’m here to get your high- maintenance little ass to Bangor, not soothe your ego.”
High- maintenance? My ego? I crack one lid to shoot daggers at the back of his head. All pretenses of politeness have dissolved. “Does my dad know you’re such a giant dick?”

I absolutely adored Calla. She could be so quick with her replies and her thoughts cracked me up! Yet, I felt her pain and struggles. Her first night with her father, my heart bled for her. I was so hurt and angry for Calla. It was hard to watch her struggle, since she didn’t fit in with her new surroundings. But at the same point, Calla had so much room to grow. And I loved watching her journey!

“I am not a Barbie doll!”
“No?” He gives me a sideways glance, amusement in his eyes. “Fake hair, fake face, fake nails . . .” His eyes dip to my chest before flashing away. “Is anything on you real?”

From the moment Jonah appeared on the pages, I wanted to hit him. Hard. He could be such a grumpy jerk, and his words at times could be laced with barbs. Plus the games he played wanted to make me shake him. So I was glad when Calla wouldn’t hold back. Yet, underneath that rough exterior was a man who did know how to be funny. Who liked to mess with others. And he would do things that will melt your heart. Jonah was a beautiful, complicated man who hid a kind heart. He is definitely one of my top book boyfriends!

How do you form a relationship with someone without forgiving them first?

While this story unfolded at a leisurely pace, I never wanted to put it down. It held me completely captive. The landscape was beautiful and I loved learning all I could. It felt like another person in this story. And Calla’s dad, Wren. Oh gosh. My feelings for him were so complex, just like Jonah. As we spent more time with him, I couldn’t help but love Wren too. Watching those moments of connection form between Calla and Wren made my heart explode. I loved watching their father daughter relationship turn into something so beautiful.

His normally icy gaze slides over my mouth, my throat, my chest, and farther, before coming back up to meet my eyes. His hard swallow fills the silence. “You don’t need all that to look good, Calla. Seriously.”
My words falter. Was that a compliment?
From Jonah?

Jonah and Calla gave complicated a whole new meaning. Their banter was absolutely fabulous! And underneath it, there was almost a teasing tone. Yet there was a tension there too. As time passed and a tentative friendship started to form, I loved all of their moments together. There were ones that held all the laughter and you couldn’t help it from bubbling up. Payback was epic! Others where there was a quiet peacefulness. Ones laced with hurt or playfulness. And moments that were filled with strong emotions. It was impossible not to fall for Jonah and Calla, and want them to find their HEA.

Jonah wordlessly holds a headset out for me. I accept it, acutely aware of how our fingers graze in the process.
Even if I am not attracted to him.
Even if I still want to punch him in the face.

With a broody male, neighbors that feel like family, a dad you can’t help but warm up to and love, a fabulous stepfather, a supportive mother, a raccoon thief, and a small town community that’s so easy to adore, the characters in this book were everything! Add that it was set somewhere stunning yet harsh at the same time, and this book truly had it all! KA Tucker is going to be an author where I’ll be reading every single book she has ever written, and then I’ll be patiently waiting for that next release. She is beyond talented, made me feel everything, and I can’t wait to read the continuation of Calla’s story in the next book!

PS Make sure to have tissues by you. I sobbed all the tears!

A few more of my favorite quotes…

“You know, you’re definitely Wren’s daughter,” Jonah mutters.
“Why do you say that?” I ask warily. Do I want to hear this answer?
“Because neither of you have the guts to speak your mind when it matters most.”
I watch him stroll away, gravel crunching under his boots.

The deep chuckle that carries through the headset sends shivers down my spine and makes me smile dumbly. I’m becoming addicted to making him laugh.

“I’m saying that I might take risks, but they’re always worth it. Got it?”
“I think so?” Not really.
My gaze drifts to his mouth.

“I wish I’d been someone different than who I am.”

Jonah is Alaska to me.

BOOK REVIEW: The Broken Heart Playlist by Lara Martin

October 21, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Broken Heart Playlist by Lara Martin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Perfect for fans of Katherine Center, The Broken Heart Playlist is a single-parent, slow-burn, emotional romance.

Kate Miller is an extraordinary food stylist. She employs a whole host of tricks to make food look deliciously perfect, from painting grill lines on a steak to using mashed potatoes for an ice cream shoot.

But Kate is also living an extraordinary lie. The survivor of a brutal marriage, she’s stylized her life to present a perfect facade, hiding her brokenness and loneliness from everyone around her. The only love in her life? Her eight-year-old daughter. There’s no room for anyone else.

Until a handsome stranger with his own set of tricks moves onto her street. Suddenly, Gideon Walker and his therapy dog are everywhere, charming her family, winning over her daughter, and taking an unwelcome interest in her life.

The man who seems to know too much about her has invaded her small town. Against all odds, he also seems intent on breaking down her walls and invading her heart.

But Gideon is not without his own secrets. And if Kate gives in to their undeniable attraction, the truth could bring them together or tear them apart forever.

Review:

The Broken Heart Playlist was an emotional, slow burn, grumpy sunshine, single parent romance. With a storyline that kept me hooked, characters that were multi-faceted, and a fabulous happily ever after, I enjoyed this book so much! With joy, heartache, secrets, friendship, and love laced through the pages, I devoured this book so quickly!

I’m not a fan of tall, powerfully built men. I know what damage they can do. With their words. And their hands.

Jenna had a new neighbor, and she was nervous because of her past. She was someone who loved to be well prepared, organized, and tried her best to know everything about those that surrounded her. As someone who had survived a physical and emotionally abusive relationship, she liked to have all her ducks in a row. So, while she could be prickly and closed off at times, she was so easy to like. Her love for her daughter, family and job made her so easy to connect with.

Gideon’s thoughtfulness is stirring inside me the tiniest flicker of hope. Which I need to snuff out immediately. The last thing I need in my life is a man who stirs up that emotion. Hope carves out a hole for vulnerability and I can no longer afford to be vulnerable.

While Gideon was a mystery, I loved him and his therapy dog Uno! He didn’t seem daunted by Jenna and her weary and skeptical ways. With a slow and steady hand, he started to build a rapport with Jenna. Uno did too! And I loved watching that progression! Add in his compassion towards Jenna’s daughter, whelp I was a goner. Gideon had a calm presence, and he was so thoughtful, caring, and saw so more than what’s on the surface. It will be impossible for everyone not to fall for this man and his kindhearted dog!

“Go on a date with me,” he says.
“No.”
He lets out a humorless laugh. “I thought that would be your answer.”
“Then why did you ask?”
“In the hope that one day you’ll say yes.”

With rich and emotional moments, like in the coffee shop, sitting on his porch drinking coffee, Toto, and so much more, this story held me in the palm of its hand. I loved watching the thoughtfulness of scenes. And I loved watching Gideon and Uno’s ability to weave into Jenna and her daughter Lisset’s life. Especially with how Lisset influenced how things proceeded. Getting Uno ready was one of my favorites! These characters are truly everything!

“She’s so unbelievably stubborn,” I say in disbelief. “It’s so frustrating she won’t accept help.”
He smiles at me for a second too long. “She sounds exactly like someone I know.”
And then he ambles away into the fading evening light, leaving me standing open- mouthed on my porch staring after him.

Rounding out this story were relationships with her grandma, parents, Aaron, and her sister Tess. My favorite was the sisterly love between Jenna and Tess. I loved how much the sisters trusted one another, how they could confide in each other. Even though it wasn’t perfect. Jenna and Tess could fight or bicker in the blink of an eye, but it felt so real. So, while this book can easily be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend also reading Tess’ story, Phishing for Love! It’s one of my top favorites of this year! The romance from that book, along with some quirks like grandma and google, carry through to this book.

“I don’t like the person I was in my marriage.” My fingers twist. “I don’t even know if I like myself much now.”
“Fortunately, I like you enough for the both of us.” Gideon says it so firmly, so unwaveringly, a lump forms in my throat.

The Broken Heart Playlist was a heartwarming, slow burn, emotional, feel-good story! I even cried three times when reading. It was impossible not to feel everything Jenna felt. There was a twist at the end, that was a shocker. And I wish it would have played out differently. But The Broken Heart Playlist was a memorable story, and I can’t wait to read whatever Lara Martin writes next!

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