Tag: Romance (Page 9 of 105)

BOOK REVIEW: Not the Witch You Wed #1, Not Your Ex’s Hexes #2, Not Your Crush’s Cauldron #3 (Supernatural Singles Series by April Asher

September 16, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Not the Witch You Wed (Supernatural Singles #1)
by April Asher
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A fake relationship between a magic-less witch and a wolf shifter turns to more in the start of a bewitching new paranormal rom-com series.

Magic-less witch Violet Maxwell wants nothing to do with alpha wolf shifter Lincoln Thorne―the man who broke her fragile, teenage heart. But when the two of them are forced by arcane Supernatural Laws to find mates, Violet and Lincoln agree to fake-date their way to a fake-mating in order to conjure themselves some time.

The joke’s on them. When old feelings make a reappearance―along with Violet’s magic―they both realize there’s nothing fake about their feelings. But there are old secrets and looming threats that could snatch away their happily ever after, again. One thing’s for sure: magic doesn’t make dating and love any easier.

In Not the Witch You Wed, April Asher brings all the hilarity and sweet, sexy moments you love in a romantic-comedy―plus a fun dose of magic―to this spell-binding new series about being sexy, single, and supernatural in New York City.

Review:

Not the Witch You Wed was a paranormal romcom that was so much fun! It was a second chance romance that also had enemies to lovers, fake dating, and fated mates wrapped into the story. I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved the narrator. She made the book come alive. The characters were easy to love, the story-line was beyond enjoyable, and the steamy moments were done fabulously.

With fabulous dates between Violet and Lincoln that simmered with tension, and friends and sisters that added so much heart, this witch and shifter romance was a blast! If you’re looking for something that’s easy to love, and leans more romcom than paranormal, definitely make sure you have Not the Witch You Wed on your tbr!

Not Your Ex's Hexes (Supernatural Singles #1)
by April Asher
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In April Asher’s next Supernatural Singles novel, Not Your Ex's Hexes, a one-night-stand between a willful witch and a broody half-demon conjures an adventure that wouldn’t be complete without several magical mishaps.

For her entire life, Rose Maxwell trained to become the next Prima on the Supernatural Council. Now that she’s stepped down, it’s time for this witch to focus on herself. And not think about her impulsive one-night stand with Damian Adams, a half-Demon Veterinarian who she can’t get out of her head. Neither of them is looking for a relationship. But when Rose is sentenced to community service at Damian’s animal sanctuary it becomes impossible for them to ignore their sparking attraction. A friends-with-benefits, no feelings, no strings arrangement works perfectly for them both.

After a sequence of dead-end jobs, it’s not until Rose tangos with two snarly demons that she thinks she’s finally found her path. However, this puts Damian back on the periphery of a world he thought he left behind. He doesn’t approve of Rose becoming a Hunter, but if there's one thing he's learned about the stubborn witch, it was telling her not to do something was one sure-fire way to make sure she did.

Working―and sleeping―together awakens feelings Damian never knew he had...and shouldn't have. Because thanks to his ex's hex, if he falls in love, he'll not only lose his heart―but his humanity.

Review:

Not Your Ex’s Hexes started right where Not the Witch You Wed ended! This time we followed the triplet Rose and what happened after her one night stand with Damian turned into more. With the grumpy sunshine trope, friends with benefits, and fated mates, this steamy paranormal romcom was just as wonderful as the first! And watching this story unfold was even more emotional than the first. With community services, curses, and a fabulous grand gesture, this witchy half-Demon romcom was fabulous to listen to!

Not Your Crush's Cauldron (Supernatural Singles #3)
by April Asher
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In April Asher’s next Supernatural Singles novel, Not Your Crush's Cauldron, a buttoned-up witch takes a stroll on the wildish side, sparking an alert that lands her a familiar Guardian Angel.

Olive Maxwell much prefers teaching about the Supernatural world to taking part in it and leaves the magical shenanigans to her two sisters. After assigning her college students a project designed to nudge them outside their comfort zones, Olive realizes she’s never once stepped a toe out of her own . . . and it’s about time that changed. Her first trip into the unknown? Moving in with her longtime crush and friend . . . tattooed, motorcycle-riding, and pleasantly pierced Baxter Donovan.

Bax Donovan, Guardian Angel not-so-extraordinaire, has acquired so many black marks on his record it looks like a Scantron test. He’s been given one last chance to keep his Guardian wings―a high-profile Assignment he knows all too well. Olive is usually as low-risk as it gets. Hell, she wrote the safety manual. But something landed her on the Guardian Angel Affairs radar, and he guesses it has something to do with the heart-pounding stunts she’s determined to check off her Dare I Docket list.

Keeping Olive out of trouble is about to be his toughest Assignment. He’s at real risk of shattering the only Guardian Angel code of conduct rule he’s yet to break: Don’t fall in love with your Assignment. And he isn’t so sure that’s a bad thing.

If love doesn’t play by the rules, why should they?

Review:

Not Your Crush’s Cauldron was a fabulous paranormal romcom that swirled with forced proximity, friends to lovers and a steamy forbidden romance. I love that we finally got Olive and Bax’s story! They had been staples in the previous two books. So this witch and tatted up guardian angel mashup was everything I was hoping it would be! Plus we also got Bax’s POV, and it was sigh worthy! Their story had me laughing out loud so many times, especially the house warming gift part. I’m so happy I binged this series and can’t recommend enough to read them in order ♥.

BOOK REVIEW: Party Favors by Sariah Wilson

August 28, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Party Favors by Sariah Wilson
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
For a party planner in awe of the royals, daydreams fit for a queen might come true in a captivating romantic comedy by Sariah Wilson, the USA Today bestselling author of The Hollywood Jinx.

For as long as she can remember, Everly Aprile has been obsessed with the Monterran royals, especially Queen Kat: elegant, self-possessed, and living a fairy-tale romance. As for Everly, her career as an event planner has stalled—and so has her love life. Then a wealthy new client wants a sweet-sixteen party that’s fit for an American princess. Practicing her “What Would Kat Do” mantra, Everly offers to bring it to life by immersing herself in everything Monterra.

Call it intervento divino when she meets dizzyingly handsome and charismatic Max Colby, who’s relocated stateside from the Monterran kingdom of her dreams. If Everly promises to be his New York City guide, he’ll teach her the customs and culture of Monterra so her party gets a boost of authenticity. Deal. As their friendship grows, Everly starts falling—but for what? Another unattainable obsession? Max is such a dreamboat that surely he sees her as just a friend.

Her royal to-do list is in order. She’s revamping her life and learning to believe in herself. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance for fate to bring Everly her happily ever after after all.

Review:

Party Favors was the most adorable happily ever after story. It will give you all of those princess finds her knight in shining armor surrounded by a cute story vibe. If you’re looking for a book that has all the Hallmark feels, add this one to your tbr!

Max Colby was completely out of my league.

Everly Aprile was so easy to like, even if she thought the world of her d-bag boss, Adrian. But that’s because she had a lot of growing up to do. She definitely made a few mistakes in these pages, but watching how far she came from that first page to the last was beautiful! Also, I loved Everly’s relationship with her roommate Vella. Vella cracked me up with her mannerisms and words. I loved how she was so tough on the exterior, but then a big ol marshmallow when it came to Everly.

“Shall we?” he asked, and he offered me his arm.
It was so old- fashioned and romantic that I had to swallow back the nervous but excited lump in my throat. “We shall.”

During a chance meeting, when Everly was extremely low, she met Max Colby. And Max was suave and charming to say the least. From there a friendship formed that was heartwarming. Especially since Max was such a good guy that was sigh worthy. He was protective, caring, thoughtful and I loved how kind he was to Everly. Their interactions were adorable, fun, and I loved watching their friendship progress to more.

There was so much love in his bright blue eyes as he looked at me, gently caressing my face. “You know how our fairy tale ends. Happy Everly after.”

Party Favors was a story that will cheer you up, has the most fabulous happily ever after, a kind book boyfriend and a heroine you’ll love to watch grow. This book was an easy read, and I loved listening to the audio in KU too. I always enjoy a book by Wilson and can’t wait to see what she 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: Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti

August 28, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti by Alexandra Vasti
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In this steamy Regency romp, Lady Selina is determined to find the Duke of Stanhope the perfect wife―the only problem is she's starting to think that might be her.

Peter Kent―newly inherited Duke of Stanhope and recently of New Orleans, Louisiana―must become respectable. Between his radical politics and the time he interrupted a minor royal wedding with a flock of sheep―not his fault!―he’s developed a scandalous reputation at odds with his goal of becoming guardian to his half siblings. For help, he turns to the cleverest and most managing woman of his acquaintance, Lady Selina Ravenscroft.

Selina is society’s most proper debutante, save one tiny secret: she runs an erotic circulating library for women. When Peter asks for her help, she suggests courtship and marriage to a lady of unimpeachable reputation. (Which is to say, definitely not herself.)

But matchmaking doesn’t go according to plan. Peter’s siblings run rampant on Bond Street. Selina ends up in the Serpentine. And worst of all, the scorching chemistry between Peter and Selina proves impossible to resist. For the disreputable duke and his unpredictable matchmaker, falling in love just might be the ultimate scandal.

Review:

I absolutely loved Ne’er Duke Well! The storyline was heartwarming and fun, and the characters leapt from the pages! With a friends to lovers mixed with a trope I absolutely love but don’t want to say for spoilers, this book was so easy to love! I found myself laughing, smiling, and even sobbing too. If you’re looking for a historical romance novel to read, definitely let this be the one you pick up!

He wanted her, curse him for a fool. He wanted her so much he could barely stand the heat from her body at his side, the way her fingers held his arm through his jacket sleeve.

Selina was convinced that Peter Kent needed to be married, so he would be able to win custody of his half siblings. Btw, I absolutely adored half siblings, Freddie and Lu! They made me laugh so much! Lu was feisty and hilarious without even trying and I just wanted to scoop Freddie into a ball and give him the biggest hug ever. Peter having his hands full with them is an understatement lol. With Selina overseeing Peter’s prospective options for whom to marry, I couldn’t put this book down!

She swallowed and tried to turn her mind back to his marital endeavors. That was what she needed to think on. His marriage. To someone else.

While the interactions between Peter and Selina had me laughing out loud, Peter couldn’t help but be pulled to Selina. As he went along with her plans, I loved watching that friendship solidify. And Peter realizing that he was slowly falling for her. And while Selina couldn’t help but fall for his siblings, and all of their adorable antics, she couldn’t help but be charmed and fall for Peter too.

Oh God, she was going to hell, wasn’t she? She was here to explain why marrying her would ruin his life and tell him he ought to reconsider.
She was not here to lick him.

Selina was thoughtful, had the most fabulous family ever, but she had a huge secret. One that could ruin Peter’s chances at getting custody of his siblings. Which was why her being a viable option as his wife wasn’t feasible. As the story alternated between the two of them, you couldn’t help but love them both so much. Peter with his considerate, caring and good guy ways, and Selina with her heartfelt nature. Yet they could never be, or could they….

He pressed another kiss to her palm and she squeezed her eyes closed, fighting the urge to weep again.

The story unfolded in the most entertaining and hilarious way. The scandals kept piling up. And with steamy kisses, scorching hot detailed scenes, and confessions, this book pulled us along in the most wonderful journey. The side characters added so much heart. And I loved how this book had little extras, like at the beginning of the chapter the little sentence or two from a letter added so much depth to the story. I’ll be reading whatever this author releases next and that happily ever after was absolutely perfect!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Don’t You Want Me by Joanna Illingworth

July 31, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Don't You Want Me by JoAnna Illingworth
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
One tour. Two artists. A secret that could unravel it all.

The only thing Penny Lovejoy wants more than a shot at a music career is to escape her pop star sister’s larger-than-life persona. When she learns Nashville hitmakers Sparrow are searching for a tour opener, she auditions using a stage name - Mari Gold. She’s determined to get onto the tour with her talent, not her famous last name.

But Mari didn’t count on Kick Raines, the insanely hot guy she spent a recent party locked lip-to-lip with. When he shows up to the audition it throws Mari’s whole plan for a loop. Even worse? Sparrow decides to take them both on tour. As a duo.

On tour, Mari and Kick’s on-stage chemistry is undeniable, sparking online fan theories and hours long meet-and-greets after every show. Offstage, their will-they-won’t-they is as charged as it is complicated. Until Mari discovers a shocking backdoor deal that threatens to jeopardize it all - the tour, her budding career, and her chance at a future with Kick.

This laugh out loud, banter-fueled, make out-to-friends-to-lovers backstage peek at life on tour is the happily ever after every romance lover craves.

Review:

Don’t You Want Me was a forced proximity, found family that will keep you smiling from that first page to the last. You know the type of book where after a couple of chapters you refuse to put it down? And even when life forces you to, you can’t stop thinking about it? That was this book! Romance lovers will passionately fall in love with this story! It was unputdownable, fun, and filled with so much heart!

“Can’t get over me, can you?” I say.
“Wrong again.” His eyes burn into me. “Over you is exactly where I want to be.”
We’re ten feet apart but it’s enough. His voice, thick with want, touches me everywhere.

As the younger sister of a popstar icon, Penny Lovejoy wanted to pave her own path. With a stage name of Mari Gold and her sultry music, she landed an opportunity of a lifetime. To try out and be the opener for Sparrow, during their fifty-city tour. But Kick Raines was also there. And their meet cute was one of my favorites! They ran into one another at a party, and there was instant chemistry. After a steamy kiss in an alcove, Mari was shocked to see Kick at the tryouts too. And from there, sparks just kept flying!

When I look over at Kick, his eyes are on me.
“You and me,” I mouth to him, even as my heart is about to vibrate right out of my chest.
Kick nods, a tiny movement of his head, letting me know he’s with me.

I couldn’t stop myself from laughing throughout this story. And smiling too! Their tryout was a scene I will remember forever! And their karaoke moment had me screaming! But watching them on stage together? Oh my heart! Their banter leapt from the pages and had you begging for more. I loved every single moment they were together! And the electricity and energy between Mari and Kick was swoon worthy!

I lean into the mic, still watching Kick, and drop a bomb big enough to rattle the internet. “I can’t believe you wrote that song about me.”
The screams are so loud I can’t hear my own laughter. Kick’s face goes from surprise to something downright dirty.

I absolutely adored Mari, but she was keeping a huge secret of who she truly was. She was so easy to like, and I loved listening to her thoughts. And Kick was book boyfriend worthy! He was charismatic, intoxicating, protective, and had a tortured soul. Both of their pasts made me want to put them in a bubble and protect them. So, watching them work together as a team, while it wasn’t an easy process, I loved how real it felt.

I watch him walk away and Cass shakes her head. “There is no way the two of you haven’t ripped each other’s clothes off.”
“We haven’t and we won’t. We’re professionals.”
She looks down the hall at Kick who’s still walking backwards, smiling at us. “It’s only a matter of time.

Life on tour definitely had its bumps. And they both found themselves in a fishbowl. Where everything they did was up for public consumption. Even moments they didn’t think were public, could be. Yet the found family in this book was so heartwarming and helped lift them up. I adored so many of their moments together! With a couple of twists, and some scenes that made me shed tears, I can’t recommend this book enough.

All I see is sincerity. Kindness. Something more I don’t dare name.

With a fun and flirty vibe, this book was so entertaining! With friendship, irresistible banter, jealousy, and intoxicating tension, I adored this story! This was one of those books where you can’t stop smiling and will leave you feeling so happy!

PS Completely random but I wondered how others saw Mari Gold’s music? I saw her as a mix between Fiona Apple and Mazzy Star but who knows, I could be so far off!

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

BOOK REVIEWS: Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1), Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2), Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout

July 24, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Madison Daniels has worshipped her brother's best friend since they were kids. Everyone thinks she and Chase Gamble would make the perfect couple, but there are two major flaws in their logic. 1) Chase has sworn off relationships of any kind, and 2) after blurring the line between friends and lovers for one night four years ago, they can't stop bickering. Forced together for her brother's wedding getaway, Chase and Madison decide to call a truce for the happy couple. Except all bets are off when they're forced to shack up in a tacky 70's honeymoon suite and survive a multitude of "accidents" as the family tries to prove their "spark" can be used than for more than fighting. That is, if they don't strangle each other first…

Each book in the Gamble Brothers series is STANDALONE:
* Tempting the Best Man
* Tempting the Player
* Tempting the Bodyguard

Review:

Tempting the Best Man was a brother’s best friend, adult romance that was effortless to listen to and get lost in! Maddie and Chase made me laugh so much! Chase was trying to be the good guy and not go after his best friend’s little sister. And Maddie didn’t think that Chase ever saw her that way, even though she had wanted him forever. When they were forced together, during her brother’s wedding, the tension between them was delicious! While Chase could be his own worst enemy, Maddie just desperately wanted Chase to want her. To love her. This was a super steamy romance. Their friends and family added so much heart to this story and it was set in a beautiful winery location.

There was a delicious possessiveness in the way he kissed her, as if he were staking his claim at the same time he was burning away the memories of anyone else for her. And he did. In an instant, there was nobody but him.

Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with…and that's the last thing Chad needs.

When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad's manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn't just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend.

Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn't easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together…or in love.

Review:

Tempting the Player was a sports romance, fake dating that started out super steamy and hot! But when they ran into each other down the road, I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. This story will make you run the gamut of emotions. And the HEA at the end was absolutely beautiful! I couldn’t stop smiling from that first page to the last and it was even steamier than Tempting the Best Man. I listened to the audio of this book and had so much fun!

He lifted his head, and the look in his eyes did more than sear her. It caught her on fire. His hand found hers, lightly wrapping around her fingers. “I want you. I’m not going to even fuck around. I need you. Now.”

Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers #3)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Alana Gore is in danger. A take-no-prisoners publicist, her way with people has made her more than a few enemies over the years, but a creepy stalker is an entirely different matter. She needs a bodyguard, and the only man she can ask is not only ridiculously hot, but reputed to have taste for women that goes beyond adventurous.

Chandler Gamble has one rule: don't protect anyone you want to screw. But with Alana, he's caught between his job and his increasingly hard libido. On one hand, Alana needs his help. On the other, Chandler wants nothing more than to take the hot volcano of a woman in hand. To make her writhe in pleasure, until she's at his complete mercy.

She needs protection. He needs satisfaction. And the moment the line is crossed, all hell will break loose...

Review:

Tempting the Bodyguard was an adult romance laced with elements of suspense and had the most fabulous re-meet cute! This book was scorching hot and I didn’t want to it down! It was impossible not to fall for Chandler when he was protective. This was a he falls first story, and it had the perfect ending to the Gamble Brothers Trilogy. I loved that we also got to see the previous couples and their happily ever afters too!

He shook his head, and a moment passed before he answered, “No. We don’t protect anyone we want to fuck.”