Tag: Contemporary Romance (Page 3 of 96)

BOOK REVIEWS: A Christmas Spark (Pride & Pranks #0.5) by Cindy Steel & The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole

December 18, 2025 / Jen / 2 Comments

A Christmas Spark (Pride & Pranks #0.5)
by Cindy Steel
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Snowed in at a cabin with the most infuriating man in the world. I may take my chances with the wolves...

When my best friend found out I’d be alone over Christmas, she hooked me up with a week stay in her family’s cabin in Idaho. I was on a publishing deadline for my latest book and was really looking forward to a cozy week by the fire, cuddled up in flannel pajamas with my laptop and hot chocolate.

Alone.

So imagine my surprise when I arrived at the cabin during a blizzard, and found it already occupied. By an all too familiar face and a fine pack of chiseled abs. Even though it had been ten years since I’d last seen Chase, he had no problem picking up exactly where we left off. I had a big problem with it.It didn’t matter what he threw at me—the old nickname, the teasing, his charming grin, or even those chiseled abs (did I already mention those?), I refused to let him get to me after…the incident. Nope, not me. I was made of stone.

Unfortunately, I’m beginning to understand that when you strike Chase against stone…you get sparks.

★A Christmas Spark is a closed-door romantic comedy full of heart, sizzle, witty banter, and one tiny swear word, but swoony kisses are as steamy as it gets!

This is a supplemental novella in the Pride and Pranks Series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but you will see character crossovers!

Review:

Christmas Spark was a snowed in, brother’s best friend, forced proximity holiday romance that was fun to listen to. I adored Penny and her thoughts, she cracked me up. And Chase, oh I wanted to hate him. His actions from the past bothered me, so I was happy to watch him slowly redeem himself. With ice fishing, kissing, and lots of teasing, I enjoyed listening to this one, and I’m excited to read more in this series!

“You’re it for me. Even after all this time, I still want what I wanted in high school. I’m not messing around here. I want us to be together. And I’m pretty damn sure I love you.”

The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
An enchanted Christmas dress brings two generations of women together for the magic of the season in this delightful holiday story from New York Times bestselling author Courtney Cole.

One Dress. Two Women. The Magic of the Holiday Season.

When hopeful fashionista Meg Julliard must return to her hometown of Chicago to manage her late father’s apartment building, she thinks her dreams of making it in the fashion business are over. Add in her father’s eclectic roster of tenants who all need Meg’s attention (ASAP!), a host of building related disasters, and a handsome handyman she keeps embarrassing herself in front of, and this has all the makings for the worst Christmas she’s ever had.

Ellie Wade, one of the building’s longtime residents, is also not feeling the Christmas Joy this year. She is preparing to move into a nursing home (reluctantly), and is in the process of sorting through her belongings to downsize. Every corner of her apartment holds memories, some good, some bad. But there’s one dress she hesitates to pack up as it represents both the best and worst night of her life.

Ellie and Meg strike up an unlikely friendship and the story of Ellie’s dress comes out. Ellie gifts the gorgeous dress to Meg, hoping that it will bring her more luck, on the condition that she wear it to the building’s Christmas party.

The dress magically fits, and while it eventually leads to the best night of Meg’s life, it also acts as inspiration for Meg to follow a life-long dream of her own, a dream that will help save the crumbling Parkview West, and restore it to its former glory, and keep it as a safe home for all of the current tenants.

The dress and the magic of the holiday season helps both Meg and Ellie find their own happy endings.

Review:

The Christmas Dress was a holiday romance that was sweet, charming, and took us on an emotional and leisurely journey. Meg felt so alone. After losing her father, she had no family left. Leaving her job, and moving to another state, she was overwhelmed with the work that needed to be done to the building she inherited. But watching her journey, as she slowly started to find not only friendship but love too was a beautiful thing.

“You’re not alone, Meg,” Logan says quietly, and his blue eyes drill into mine with a fiery intensity. “You’ve got everyone at Parkview in your corner. And you’ve got me.”
He’s so serious, so sincere, that I almost allow myself to believe it.

With what felt like magic in the air, she was given a second chance at life and happiness. And so were those around her too. I adored watching Meg grow, and it was incredible seeing how far she had come from that first page. Yet I wasn’t a huge fan of a twist later in the story, but I was grateful for how it played out, and I loved the epilogue at the end! This one left me smiling, happy, and I even shed a few tears.

“Grief is a powerful emotion, Meg. It’s okay to feel it however you feel it. It’s not linear. It can come and go. That’s fine, too.”

PS While Logan was my favorite, I didn’t understand how he basically worked for free???

BOOK REVIEW: Any Trope but You by Victoria Lavine

December 15, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Any Trope but You by Victoria Lavine
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A bestselling romance author flees to Alaska to reinvent herself and write her first murder mystery, but the rugged resort proprietor soon has her fearing she’s living in a rom-com plot instead in this internationally bestselling debut by Victoria Lavine.

Beloved romance author Margot Bradley has a dark secret: she doesn’t believe in Happily Ever Afters. Not for herself, not for her readers, and not even for her characters, for whom she secretly writes alternate endings that swap weddings and babies for divorce papers and the occasional slashed tire. When her Happily Never After document is hacked and released to the public, she finds herself canceled by her readers and dropped by her publisher.

Desperate to find a way to continue supporting her chronically ill sister, Savannah, Margot decides to trade meet-cutes for murder. The fictional kind. Probably. But when Savannah books Margot a six-week stay in a remote Alaskan resort to pen her first murder mystery, Margot finds herself running from a moose and leaping into the arms of the handsome proprietor, making her fear she’s just landed in a romance novel instead.

The last thing Dr. Forrest Wakefield ever expected was to leave his dream job as a cancer researcher to become a glorified bellhop. What he’s really doing at his family’s resort is caring for his stubborn, ailing father, and his puzzle-loving mind is slowly freezing over—until Margot shows up. But Forrest doesn’t have any room in his life for another person he could lose, especially one with a checkout date.

As long snowy nights and one unlikely trope after another draw Margot and Forrest together, they’ll each have to learn to overcome their fears and set their aside assumptions before Margot leaves—or risk becoming a Happily Never After story themselves.

Review:

Any Trope but You was a slow burn, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity romance set in beautiful Alaska. With a memorable meet cute and only one tent, this story was an adorable winter read. I enjoyed the play on tropes, the characters were memorable, and the happily ever after was so wonderful!

“Do not give me a cute nickname!” she warns, pointing a pillowy mitten in my face like it’s a deadly weapon. I only chuckle and grip her tighter, thinking maybe romance tropes are underrated after all.

Margo was beyond jaded and didn’t believe in HEA’s anymore, even though she wrote romance. When a file of her characters happily never afters, where she gave her characters truly miserable endings, was leaked to her fans, Margo’s sister booked her on an adventure to Alaska. Being able to focus on writing and stepping away from the world for 6 weeks was just what Margo needed! Yet….that wasn’t exactly what she found in Alaska.

“Wait. You’re telling me we’re literally getting snowed in right now?”
I kiss the tip of her nose. “Your favorite trope?”
She snuggles back into my chest with a contented hum. “It definitely is now.”

Margo was a fish out of water who could be so grumpy, but her interactions with Forrest had me cackling with laughter. He was the owner’s son, who had come home to help take care of his father. And while they both wanted the other, they also had their reasons for why neither of them wanted to go there. As the reader though, falling for Forrest was so effortless. He was kind, had an adventurous heart, and learning about his tortured past just made me love him more.

“She’s the end of me but also the beginning. The liability I never wanted but always craved. And when she pulls my shaking body down to hers, kissing my face, she’s all the comfort I never knew I needed.”

Every single time a new trope would appear between Margo and Forrest, she would absolutely lose it. It was hilarious! They kept stacking miles high with only one tent, snowed in, Forrest carrying Margo yet again, and so many more. We got to hear this story in both of their POVs and while the story did meander at times, it was definitely entertaining. Any Trope but You was heartwarming and steamy romance that had a fabulous happily ever after. I’m excited to see what Lavine writes next!

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.*