Tag: Romance (Page 1 of 122)

BOOK REVIEW: Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh

June 29, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
After a painfully public discovery shatters her marriage, along with her picture-perfect, country club life, Claire finds herself suddenly single and faced with a blank page for a future. On that page she writes a simple list that reads like equal parts dare and daydream--Move to a new city. Make a real friend. Get a job I love--and she vows to accomplish every single one.

Before she can talk herself out of it, she takes a step of faith, puts her old life in the rearview mirror, and leases an apartment in Chicago, the city that has always had her heart. This one step sends Claire on a journey of self-discovery, giving her the courage to conquer her fears, one checklist item at a time, and showing her that life can be a whole lot brighter than she imagined.

She rediscovers a love for baking, stumbles into new friendships, and even allows her daughter, Minnie, to create a dating profile and choose her dates for her. Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, is Miles, the charming, off-limits neighbor whose kindness makes it hard to remember why he's off-limits at all.

Between late-night journaling, disastrous first dates, great big lessons and priceless small victories, Claire learns to quiet the voice telling her she wasn't enough and listens to the one that asks the harder question . . .

What do I really want?

As old expectations loosen their grip, Claire discovers that belonging isn't a place you're invited to--it's a life you build one brave choice at a time. And the sweetest things often show up when you finally get out of your own way.

Review:

Brighter than Before was a beautiful journey about discovering yourself and creating your own happily ever after. With a found family that was everything, a journey that will tug at your heart, and a romance that will make you smile and cry, this story had the perfect amount of joy and heartache. If you’re looking for a contemporary romance with older adult characters, I can’t recommend this one enough!

Claire was so flawed and relatable. She definitely made decisions that had me wanting to shake her or talk some sense into her in the beginning lol, but as we got to know her…..oh my heart did it all make sense. Her whole world exploded. She was on a new path to finding herself and her happiness. I loved her adventurous heart and I loved how brave and filled with hope she was. I was cheering her on every step of the way.

With her move to Chicago, there were so many changes surrounding Claire’s life. Her neighbors, new friends, and her daughter played such a prominent role in her life. And then there was Miles. His sarcastic humor and kind heart had me falling for him hard. He will always be one of my top favorite book boyfriends and I loved watching his friendship with Claire bloom. But I kept my fingers crossed for more!

The ending for Brighter than Before was so beautiful and seeing things come together for Claire made me cry all the happy tears. This was such a heartwarming and uplifting story! Even though it was filled with a fair share of struggle, all the hope was there. I loved watching Claire build her new family and work towards her happily ever after! This was such a huge win!

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

BOOK REVIEW: In the Great Quiet by Laura Vogt

June 2, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

In the Great Quiet by Laura Vogt
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A pioneer unwaveringly endures the Oklahoma frontier in an epic adventure about a woman haunted by secrets and searching for home.

A cannon booms at high noon, and the race begins in the Oklahoma land rush of 1893.

Amid the crowd is Minnie Hoopes. Tenacious and fiercely independent, she is determined to endure the brutal frontier and create a life of her own. Guarding her solitude, she distances herself from bordering homesteaders and finds peace under the starry nights of the vast frontier. But this is outlaw country, and Minnie soon has the blood of two gunfighters on her hands. After a renegade outlaw named Stot discovers her secrets, she forms an unlikely friendship with him. With each passing season, Minnie’s past grows more haunting and threatens the future she has risked everything to build. Minnie raced into the Wild West alone, but her grandest journey in the frontier wilderness is one she never saw coming.

Based on the true story of the author’s great-great-grandparents, this sweeping and transportive survival story explores a woman’s connection with the land, her reconciliation with the past, and her elemental search for home against all odds.

Settle in, I’ve stories to tell.

Review:

To hope, after encountering the bleakness of the world, I wasn’t sure there was a greater bravery.

In the Great Quiet was a historical fiction that had a richness and depth that will easily captivate you. Starting with the Oklahoma land rush, I was rooting for Minnie. For her dreams to have her own land. To be on her own and make her own way. She was brave, resilient, and so strong. But Stot knew her secret, that she killed two men to protect herself on her new land. And as their story unfolded, I was swept away into their world.

I crossed my arms, mirroring him. “I don’t trust you.”
“No one said anything about trust, darling.”

I wasn’t sure what to think of the cowboy Stot besides he was quiet, resourceful, and seemed to do what was right. And when it came to Minnie, the banter between them was so much fun. Which I loved because Minnie could come across as stoic to others around her. As we watched neighbors start to knock down her walls and become like family, the tension slowly built to a simmer between Minnie and Stot. Their path was riddled with obstacles, but I kept the hope alive!

“Arguing with me is the most fun you’ve had in weeks,” he said.
“You’re dreaming.”

As the seasons passed, there were life and death moments, hardships, and learning where to draw the line from those that were supposed to be there for you but weren’t. I was enraptured by Minnie’s life and all that she went through. I also loved the slow burn romance and how it ended with a wonderful happily ever after. In the Great Quiet was a beautiful historical story about the Wild West that will whisk you away!

He skimmed his fingertips above the gash at my temple. “I’ll kill him.”

BOOK REVIEW: My Striking Beauty (Wicked Retellings #2) by Olivia Wildenstein

June 1, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

My Striking Beauty (Wicked Retellings #2)
by Olivia Wildenstein
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
TURNS OUT, VENGEANCE MAKES A TERRIBLE FOUNDATION FOR A LOVE STORY.

Cillian Lowry-real name classified, god-hater, former juvie kid, current dance instructor, professional liar. He entered my life pretending to be harmless and homeless. What he really was? A walking vendetta intent on destroying my people.

Electra Serran-modern-day goddess, romance-book devourer, proud moth in a world of butterflies, skilled avoider of emotional vulnerability. My mission? Make Malachi Hadez-my forever crush-finally take notice of me.

When Cillian suggests we fake-date to make Malachi jealous, I accept. After all, that trope works wonders in books.

The problem? The way Cillian looks at me. The way he touches me. The way he worships me.

The bigger problem? The way I start looking back. The way pretending begins to feel real. The way I open myself to him.

When his mask slips, my desire for his heart becomes a thirst for his blood.

I wished for a love story grand enough to burn the world down.

My fake boyfriend over-delivered.

Welcome to a world where gods walk among mortals, vengeance has teeth, and falling in love becomes more than a game. My Striking Beauty is a sizzling, gender-swapped retelling of the age-old tale of Cinderella.

Review:

My Striking Beauty was a fake dating, gender swapped Cinderella that will take you on a spell binding adventure! With mystery swirling, a mesmerizing cast of characters, and an entertaining storyline, I binged this book so quickly! If you love romantasy that will tug on your heart and consume your every waking thought, then definitely give this series a try. I’m obsessed!

“He’s really sweet, and you’re…”
“A bitch?” I supply.

Electra could be so prickly and harsh, but I loved her from the previous book! She was resilient, such a bad ass, and someone you would always want in your corner. So her deep friendship with Calanthe warmed my heart. But she was still hung up on Malachi, and I hurt for her since he only saw her as a sister. And he seemed to always have Ines around, on his arm. So, when Cillian suggested they fake date to make him jealous, I was all in! Even if I knew barely anything about him!

Cillian’s appearance throws me. He looks nothing like the man in the tux I met last night, or the easygoing teacher in sweatpants from this morning. How many faces can one person wear?

Cillian wasn’t even his real name. And Electra was his target. The games he played were dangerous. And his dark side had all the shades of grey. He was nothing but a bed of lies. So, while I wanted to hate him with every fiber of my being, I just couldn’t. His cheesy lines, his words that made me swoon, his perseverance, I loved it all. He snarled me with his seductive and charming ways. And I wanted to know all of his secrets.

“You’re relentless.” Her murmur ghosts across my Adam’s apple.

Electra and Cillian’s banter was so much fun, and their moments could be so steamy! But as feelings were caught, I watched as those were torn over what to do. Guilt played a prominent figure. And as pieces of the puzzle came together, my jaw was on the floor. I did guess a few things, but what a twisted web of deceit and secrets that swirled around them. I also screamed and was panicky as things came to fruition. And I couldn’t help the tears as feelings emerged, especially with forgiveness from those you don’t expect. It all made this book impossible to put down!

The darkest smile spreads over his lips as though he were a monster about to devour me whole.

My Striking Beauty was a hypnotic romantasy that kept me glued to the pages! Just keep in mind that this isn’t a standalone, and I highly recommend you read My Dark Beast first. In this story, you get to catch up with all of our favorites and even see some happily ever afters play out. But hold on, because it’s a rough road to get there and not everyone we care for will make it *cries*. That second half is definitely action packed! So, if you’re looking for a new romantasy series to get lost in, add this one to your list! I can’t wait for the next book, and I have a solid guess for who the couple will be, eeps!

Other Favorite Quotes:

Not all of us are meant to blaze in the sun. Some of us are built to blend with the dark.

My spirit animal is definitely the moth.

I can’t risk Cillian getting attached. Even if I can erase his memories, I can’t erase mine.

I turn on my side and brace my head on my fist. “I just wasn’t expecting… you.”

My girl…
Electra isn’t my girl; she’s only my way in.
As my conscience goes to war with my gut, I grip her hip and flip her front to back.

I’ve lost control— of myself, of this mission, of her.

I drop my voice to a whisper. “Wanting you was never one of my lies.”

I close my eyes, shame and grief gnawing on my insides.
I was too late.
Too late.
Too late.
My ears buzz.

*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 Match (It Happened in Charleston #1) & The Enemy (It Happened in Charleston #2) by Sarah Adams

May 28, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Match (It Happened in Charleston #1)
by Sarah Adams
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it.

Evie Jones has dedicated her life and very limited funds working for Southern Service Paws, the company that matched her with the love of her life: Charlie, a service dog trained to assist with her epilepsy. But it’s no secret that the company has been struggling to make ends meet. It’s up to her and her longtime mentor and boss to throw the fundraiser of the century to keep the doors open.

Then Evie meets Jacob Broaden at a client consultation meeting. There are instant sparks—but not the good kind, because Jacob’s daughter set up the meeting without his knowledge. Ten-year-old Sam has been recently diagnosed with epilepsy, and has wanted a service animal ever since. While he had hesitations at first, it doesn’t take long for Jacob to be convinced that a service dog, and possibly Evie, with her magical, woodland-green eyes, might just be the best thing for him and his daughter.

As Evie spends more time with Jacob and helps Sam find her perfect match with a lovable golden retriever named Daisy, she starts longing for something she’s never had before: a loving family. For Jacob, falling in love with Evie is the last thing he should be doing, but love has a way of finding those who need it most.

Review:

The Match was a feel good, swoon worthy, sweet romance that I absolutely loved! With a single dad that was impossible not to fall for, a little girl that you just wanted to hug, dogs that will warm your heart, and a woman whose journey you’ll easily be invested in, this book was a huge hit! I loved watching Jake try and keep his walls up, and for Evie to discover a found family. Plus Evie’s love for Jake’s daughter was everything! With two epilogues at the end, my heart soared! I listened to this closed door romance on audiobook, and it was fabulously done. Definitely recommend!

The Enemy (It Happened in Charleston #2)
by Sarah Adams
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Enemies should never get a second chance. But this one might.

It’s been twelve years since June Broaden has seen her high school enemy (and secret crush), Ryan Henderson. That’s a long time to hold a grudge over some petty feud, but the sharp memory of him dangling a kiss at graduation, then pulling away at the last second, has fueled many angry fantasies since. Now it’s her chance to get even.

Ryan, along with most of her high school class, is back in town for her best friend’s wedding, and June is eager to show the former bully exactly what he’s missed out on. A lot has changed since their teenage days; June is now the Southern queen of gourmet donuts, not to mention one of the most desired bachelorettes in her small town.

What’s she’s not expecting, though, is for Ryan to show up looking like Adonis and touting his own career success as the youngest chef to ever win three Michelin stars. How dare he try to one-up her revenge plot? Luckily, June never backs down from a challenge.

Review:

The Enemy started out with the most awful meet cute lol! He wanted her. She hated him. And they’re rivals. This book was so much fun! But it did take me a while to warm up to June, since she rubbed me the wrong way at times. Yet I loved the push and pull between them. And I was obsessed with Ryan! This was another fun and easy audiobook to listen to! Plus we’re given another epilogue at the end that will leave readers oh so happy! I’m having so much fun bingeing all of Sarah’s books. If you’re looking for something heartfelt but also with a lighter feeling, I definitely recommend this series!

BOOK REVIEW: Love Overboard by Kandi Steiner

May 27, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Love Overboard by Kandi Steiner
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Ember Reed is finally living her dream: chief stew on a Mediterranean superyacht, sun-kissed days at sea, and the star of Close Quarters, the hottest new reality TV show. But just as she finds her stride, the producers throw her a curveball—by hiring the one man who nearly sank her.

Finn Pearson was the one that got away. The boy who kissed her like they had forever, then left without a word. But now he’s the chef in her new crew, and the cameras are watching their every move, innocent, or not.

Even on a superyacht, there's nowhere to hide from the past. Every stolen glance, every whispered argument, every lingering memory threatens to ignite what never fully burned out. And as the tension spills into their day jobs, even the dinner service is spiralling into disaster.

They’ve crashed before… but could eight weeks at sea be their second chance to get it right? Or will it be the storm that finally sinks them for good?

Review:

Where has Kandi Steiner been my whole life?! This was my first book by her and I am obsessed! Love Overboard was a second chance, forced proximity romance that was filled with all the angst. I listened to the audiobook, and the duet narration was incredible! It felt like a movie was playing in my head! The reality show vibes gave all the drama, and I always felt like I had to know what happened next. Or listen in on the confessionals! This story was fun, steamy, and the perfect book to take to the pool or beach!

I swallowed, looking up even when it took all my effort to do so, my heart kicking back to life from where it had halted in my chest.
And there he was.
Finn Fucking Pearson.
“Hello, Firefly.”

Ember and Finn landed on the same boat together, being filmed for a reality tv show. To say they were surprised to see the other was an understatement! Years ago they fell hard and fast. And there was so much left to be said. Being stuck on the yacht together made for all the drama. Especially with producers who liked to stir the pot. And other members who caused me to gasp and scream. So hold on, it’s a stormy voyage!

“Some loves are inevitable — meant to be. And when you stumble upon that kind of love, it becomes an impenetrable force. Nothing can break it — not trial or time or distance. It just… survives.”

Ember was someone I absolutely loved. Her voice. Her thoughts. I loved her drive and how hard she worked. And I’m so grateful we got to alternate between her and Finn, because Finn. Ugh. How I wanted to hate him. Or at least not like him. But as the story unfolded, he was impossible not to love. His actions, his words, even sacrificing himself. He held me in the palm of his hand. I was obsessed.

PRODUCER
Would you say you quite literally use food to declare your love, then?

FINN
One hundred percent.

Finn pauses, frowning.

FINN
What episode did you say this was for again?

With flashbacks from their past seamlessly laced throughout the story, and the post-season talks scattered too, I loved the format of this book! Especially when they would film a confessional, and then jump into that next scene and I was just waiting to see what happened. This book dangled moments in front of us, just begging us to keep reading, making it impossible to put this story down!

PRODUCER
We don’t spin a narrative. We just capture what happens.

Finn laughs, stands to leave.

FINN
Right. We’ll go with that.

Jealousy, hurt, kisses, dancing on the beach, banana pancakes, and steamy seductive moments filled this story with so much life! Love Overboard made me cry. Multiple times. And it made me so angry too. My heart got ripped in two and all of the emotions kept clogging my throat. But it was such a beautiful and messy story. The angst, the unknown, I loved having my emotions pulled in every direction. I was beyond addicted. And the epilogue was everything. While this is my first book by Steiner, I can’t wait to go binge her whole backlist!

“Just let me have you again and I swear I’ll do anything it takes to keep you.”

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