Tag: Romance (Page 1 of 122)

BOOK REVIEW: If You Were Here by Abigail Johnson

August 7, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

If You Were Here by Abigail Johnson
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Lili Gardner hasn’t been back to Nantucket, her dad’s favorite place, since her parents divorced six years ago. But Dad passed away recently, leaving her a house on the island and an unsolved mystery about a maligned Gardner ancestor. Lili is determined to finish his life’s work, and convinces her mom and sister to spend the summer in Nantucket with her while she looks for answers, and for a connection to her dad.

Wren McCleave has a passion for history, but his father refuses to showcase anything real in their tourist trap of a “museum.” So when Lili asks Wren for help with her research, Wren can’t resist the opportunity to throw himself into something real, even if he dislikes tourists on principle.

Lili and Wren only have a summer to find out the truth about Lili’s ancestor. But the most surprising truths they uncover aren’t about the distant past, but about themselves right here in the present, and about what they want out of the future.

Review:

If You Were Here was a slow burn young adult romance that showed us how messy, heartbreaking, and beautiful life can be. I adored Lily and her journey, the location felt like a character itself, and with history sprinkled throughout the story, this one pulled me in right away.

I don’t believe in fate. But it feels like something is pulling me further into this, farther into her orbit, and I don’t know how to stop it.
I do know that I should try.

After her father’s passing, Lily wanted to finish her fathers passion in proving that one of their great ancestors’ story was wrong. In exchange for access to information at Wren’s family’s business and his knowledge, she agreed to work there for free. Both Lily and Wren had not only struggles from their pasts they were working through, but also in how they saw their futures. What unfolded was a bumpy start, hiccups along the way, and a shared love of history that created a heartwarming friendship and more.

I want to reach out, to touch her hand, to find some reassurance that we’re still solid, still us. But my hands stay at my sides, clenched into fists, holding back the words that would unravel everything.
“We’ll figure it out,” she repeats, softer this time.
I nod, but my chest tightens. We’ve built our relationship on the foundation of avoidance, and I’m starting to feel the cracks.

This grumpy sunshine romance swirled with grief, loss, and hope. It was an emotional story and I adored the nicknames, friendships, and family! I loved Lily’s heart to heart with her mom and watching the friendship with her little sister blossom. That she learned to fix her wrongs and prioritize what’s important. And I loved that Wren had deep talks with his father too. It was beautiful getting to see into both of their heads. So, I quickly devoured this story and closed the book with a smile! I definitely can’t wait to read whatever Abigail writes next!

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Cupid Dilemma by April Asher

July 10, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Cupid Dilemma by April Asher
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In the new paranormal romance from bestselling author April Asher, a down-on-her-luck wedding planner demigoddess and a Muse-less rockstar agree to a fauxmance that quickly turns anything but…

A lover of love and a champion for happily ever after. Those are two of many things people expect from Aphrodite’s daughter. To Adalyn Whitlock, ‘love’ pays the bills, and currently, not well. Business is dropping at Happily Ever Forever, with her latest wedding planning catastrophe ending in a negative social media storm and her sister Maxi’s matchmaking ability on the fritz. To top it off, there’s an ex-boyfriend calling her ‘the Anti-Aphrodite’ and paparazzi pics linking Addie to her new client’s older brother.

Phoenix "Nix" Cross―songwriter and drummer for the hot new band, The Stone Talons―is no saint, but he's far from the womanizer the band’s image rep bestowed on him. If anything, Nix is a romantic, hopeful he'll find a love like the one his parents share. With the band’s star quickly rising and the record label pressuring him to deliver their next hit, Nix’s writer’s block couldn’t have come at a worse time. But when he opens his door to his irate new next-door neighbor, Nix feels the brief flash of inspiration for the first time in ages. And it just so happens that his new Muse is none other than his little sister’s new wedding planner.

With Addie needing an end to her public-relations nightmare and the record label breathing down Nix’s neck, the pair agree to a fauxmance. But what happens when the emotions turned on for the cameras don't turn off?

Review:

The Cupid Dilemma was a fake dating paranormal romance that was fun and flirty. With laugh out loud moments, a disastrous meet cute, characters that popped from the pages, and a story-line that was effortless to follow, I adored this book! It was light-hearted and just what I needed!

Love.
Sparkling unicorns had more chance of being real than that four-letter word that never ceased to send people into a tizzy.

Addie was a wedding planner who didn’t believe in love, even though her mother was Aphrohdite. With her business struggling, she agreed to fake date her hot musician neighbor….she would be his muse, and he would help with her PR issues. I was squealing and clapping my hands as they agreed to the terms!

Dates. Public outings.
What the hell did she get herself into?

Addie was so easy to adore and follow along with on her journey. You could feel how much she loved her business partners, her sister and cousin. And her dog, Do-Re-Me added the most adorable moments! Plus her pajama wardrobe was the best! But watching her get flustered by Nix?! That was priceless time and again!

A serrated knife to the gut was less painful than hearing Addie play off the kiss that had just tilted his world on its axis and quite literally knocked a sweet melody into his head.

Nix came off as having a player vibe because of the music he wrote, plus he could be so sure of himself. But getting to know him, he was entirely different. I loved his quick wit, humor, and protectiveness. He had such a kind soul. And the man had no problems being forward and letting Addie know exactly how much he wanted her!

“This is a really bad idea, Phoenix,” Addie whispered, her voice scratchy.
“On average, I’m a big fan of them. They usually lead to the most fun.”

With smile inducing dates, it was fun watching their chemistry explode. It gave me butterflies! As they started to spend more time around each other, it was heartwarming watching a friendship form. They cared for each other, supported one another, and cheered each other on. And when they did cross that line to more, their moments were sexy and so steamy!

Phoenix grinned against her lips. “As you wish.”

I need more of this world, it was so much fun! And I loved all of the Greek Mythology that was woven into the story. The Cupid Dilemma is the perfect book to take to the beach or curl up next to a fire with. It was delightful, feel good, and so entertaining! I definitely recommend it!

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

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.*