Tag: Contemporary Romance (Page 1 of 96)

BOOK REVIEWS: Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen & Rootbound by Tarah DeWitt

April 6, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From the author of The Five Year Lie comes a new twisty thriller that probes how well we actually know the men in our lives.

In this gripping psychological thriller, Rowan Gallagher is a devoted single mother and a talented architect with a high-profile commission restoring an historic mansion for the most powerful family in Maine. But inside, she’s a mess. She knows that stalking her ex’s avatar all over Portland on her phone isn't the healthiest way to heal from their breakup. But she’s out of ice cream and she's sick of romcoms.

Watching his every move is both fascinating and infuriating. He's dining out while she's wallowing on the couch. The last straw comes when he parks in their favorite spot on the waterfront. In a weak moment, she leashes the dog and sets off to see who else is in his car.

Instead of catching her ex in a kiss, Rowan becomes the first witness to his murder―and the primary suspect.

But in a deadly twist of secrets and lies, Rowan discovers the dead man was stalking her too, gathering intimate details about her job and her past.

Wrongfully accused and struggling to clear her name, Rowan finds herself spiraling into the shadowy plot that killed him.

Will she be the next to die?

Review:

Dying to Meet You was a thrilling ride from start to finish! This book kept me guessing, and I was absolutely terrified for Rowan as the story unfolded. With secrets swirling, a murderer on the loose, and a historical mansion that had lots of secrets, this story kept me entertained and intrigued with what would happen next. I loved how the romance was woven into the story, and the family aspects too! It wrapped up with a climatic bang, and how that final chapter panned out for Rowan plus a peek into something else made me so happy. The audiobook was fabulous, so if you’re looking for a fun thriller, I definitely recommend giving this one a try!

Rootbound by Tarah DeWitt
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
You really can't go home again.

Tait Logan is proud of the life she’s built for herself. Despite her world-shattering divorce, not having any genuine connections with other humans apart from her sister Ava, and the fact that the remainder of her family is estranged from her life, she’s happy…happy-adjacent, at least. She’s rebuilt herself through her photography; her dream career, the one thing she does still have. When that career contracts her to do an assignment on her estranged family's home, Logan Range—a now famous ranch functioning as the setting for a popular TV show—she’s left with no choice but to agree. It’s only a six-week assignment, after all. She has no plans to set down roots, or get to know the family that, seemingly, has had no interest in a relationship with her since her parents' divorce when she was seven.

Henry Marcum is a cowboy who has dedicated his life to the Logan family and to their ranch. He owes them for raising him, rescuing him, and giving him purpose… He also owes them for every hardship he’s inadvertently brought their way. So, when Tait Logan shows up after 20 years of near total silence, he takes it upon himself to protect the people he knows and loves.

It’s a rocky start when Tait and Henry first collide; he is naturally wary of her intentions, and she is more than perturbed by their literal collision - which results in her broken camera, during her first night on location, no less. But as the pair get to know each other better, they’re thrown off balance time and time again by their growing feelings, and by the story of the Logan family as it becomes increasingly less clear from their perspectives.

Set in the mountains and valleys of Idaho on a rustic ranch, Rootbound is a steamy romance with a warm country feel that touches upon family, heartbreak, and whether the potential for disaster is worth the risk that accompanies love.

Review:

Rootbound was a story that will crawl into your heart and leave a mark. Tarah DeWitt just has a way of writing characters that stand out in your mind, and you can easily get lost in their journey. I loved following along with Tait as she discovered herself and so much more. While watching her slowly connect with family was beautiful, seeing a friendship form between her and Henry had me obsessed. It was slow and gradual, both had their guard up, but it made me so happy to see how it all panned out. It was impossible not to cry with that ending. I loved the insight, and it left the hugest smile on my face. If you’re looking for a standalone that is steamy and heartfelt, I can’t recommend Rootbound enough!

BOOK REVIEW: And Now, Back to You (Heartstrings #2) by B.K. Borison

April 3, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

And Now, Back to You (Heartstrings #2)
by BK Borison
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Jackson Clark and Delilah Stewart have had their fair share of run-ins over the years, often ending in disaster. While Jackson thrives on routine and organization from the comfort of his radio booth, Delilah loves the spontaneity and adventure out in the field. When they’re partnered against their will to cover a historic snowstorm, they find themselves scrambling to figure out how to work together.

Eager to be taken seriously as a journalist, Delilah offers Jackson a deal: If he can help her ace this assignment, she’ll help him rediscover his long-lost fun side. With unexplored chemistry burning beneath their clashes, the unlikely partnership quickly tumbles into an easy and surprising friendship.

But when other feelings start to enter the equation, can Jackson and Delilah withstand the storm? Or does what happens in the mountains stay in the mountains?

Review:

And Now, Back to You was an opposites attract, snowed in, only one bed romance that was so effortless to enjoy. This book was a ‘I can’t stop kicking my feet and giggling’ type of story. The yearning was fabulous, the story was fun, and I loved how there were deeper moments woven in too.

I’d know that voice anywhere. In the dark. In the startling light of day. In my very limited sleep. In my nightmares. Clear and bright and infused with an unflagging sense of optimism, it is my own personal harbinger of doom.

Judge away, but I loved that Jackson was beyond irritated by Delilah and had been leaving her passive aggressive notes on her car. She always parked way too close or over the line. But in person, and on the air, we got to watch as Jackson was beyond awkward and tongue tied. His random facts had me laughing out loud! But his heart, oh how I just wanted to wrap him in the biggest hug ever! He was a complex man who also had a compassionate and softer side that shined through….once you got to know him.

“Jackson,” I gasp. “Were you attracted to the turtle suit?”
He shifts, uncomfortable. “Let’s not get carried away.”
“Was it the shell?” I ask with a wobbling voice. There’s a laugh caught in the middle of my chest that I’m frankly afraid to let out.

Delilah was the opposite of Jackson in so many ways. She was absolutely adorable online with her costumes and happy demeanor, yet there was so much more going on. She wanted to be taken seriously and just report on the weather, but she had truly the worst boss ever. Plus, her current situation with her Grandpa broke my heart. So when she was given an opportunity to report on the upcoming storm with Jackson, I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!

She’s looking at me like she believes I can do this, and it makes me think that maybe I can. Maybe I can flatten the curled- up edges of myself. Maybe old wounds don’t have to hurt so bad. Maybe I can move past them into something new, better, different.

As we alternated between Jackson and Delilah, their inner thoughts were so different from how they viewed each other! And while there were quiet, insightful moments that hit deep and made me cry, there were also so many that were filled with all the fun and will keep you laughing out loud! When Jackson would let down his guard, or Delilah would comfort him, they were everything. Watching them form a friendship, and then cross that line to more was so heartwarming!

“This wasn’t part of your plan, was it? Actually enjoying your time with me?”
I hesitate, then nod.
She bites her bottom lip. “You and your plans.”

With delicious tension, fabulous banter, sledding in the snow in the middle of the night, matching goggles on air, and steamy moments, I adored this book! While I felt like the story slowed down more than I liked in the latter half, I still enjoyed this one! And I loved that we got to see our favorites from First-Time Caller! It also set up the next book perfectly and I can’t wait to read their story! Definitely a must series if you adore contemporary romance!

“You’re not difficult,” she says quietly. “You just haven’t had anyone take care of you.”

PS I loved the shout out to her two other series, eeps!

“You make it easier.”
“What?”
“Everything,” he whispers.

BOOK REVIEWS: Second Chance Duet by Ana Holguin & The Fortune Flip by Lauren Kung Jessen

March 20, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Second Chance Duet by Ana Holguin
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A swoony, slow burn romance about a struggling composer whose big break comes at a cost—working side-by-side with her college nemesis.

Celia García has always had one goal: to compose film scores. But after a decade of advertising jingles, that dream couldn’t be further out of reach—until an old college friend presents her with a life-changing opportunity. A big-name director so desperately needs a composer for his TV debut that he’ll take a chance on someone new. There’s only one catch. Celia has to work—and live—with her college nemesis, Oliver Barlowe.

Celia remembers Oliver as arrogant, rude, and entitled—the picture-perfect scion of Hollywood royalty. Soon, though, late nights and long days together reveal how much Oliver’s changed, sparking new feelings and the discovery that their rivalry wasn’t quite as mutual as she thought. But in an industry where she needs to work twice as hard to be seen as half as good, a romance with Oliver could end Celia’s career just as it’s starting

Review:

Second Chance Duet was a rivals to lovers, cozy romance. With forced proximity and music laced throughout, it was a fun one to listen to! The two main characters felt like polar opposites, Olive was so shy and quiet, and Celia’s energy felt larger than life. But working together on a project they were both so excited about, and their love for music pulled them together. This was a story that slowly unwinds, and pulls you in. And the epilogue will leave you so happy! I enjoyed listening to this one!

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

The Fortune Flip by Lauren Kung Jessen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A stroke of luck.

Hazel Yen would love to be that person who doesn’t believe in bad luck. But having lost her job, her mom, her optimism, and even her dim-sum leftovers, she’s sitting in a fortune teller’s booth, desperate for a sign—any sign—that her luck might change. Which is when fate crashes into her, disguised as Logan Wells and his utterly chaotic cat. Except after one spontaneous and mind-melting kiss, Hazel’s terrible misfortune starts taking a turn for the miraculous. Money problems vanish. A new job lands in her lap. And she’s crushing—hard—on the guy who started it all.

Only there’s a problem: Logan’s luck has taken a turn for the worse. A shared lottery ticket could be just the answer they’re seeking or a disaster waiting to happen. Has Hazel’s fortune truly changed? And if so, could winning at life mean losing at love?

Review:

With low angst, a black cat & golden retriever, and a memorable meet cute, The Fortune Flip was such an easy book to adore! I listened to the audio, and it was fabulously done, especially since I’m a sucker for dual POV! With fortune telling and luck woven through this story, this story kept me so entertained. There were also heavier topics, but with thoughtful presents, winning the lottery, and an adorable epilogue that ties in to the beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I definitely will be checking out Lauren Kung Jessen’s backlist!

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

BOOK REVIEWS: Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood, & Confessions: The Complete Duet by Kay Marie

March 9, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Viola Bowen has the chance of a lifetime: to design a video game based on her all-time favorite book series. The only problem? Her co-lead is Jesse F-ing Andrews, aka her archnemesis. Jesse has made it abundantly clear over the years that he wants nothing to do with her—and Viola has no idea why.

When their bosses insist a wintery retreat is the perfect team-building exercise, Viola can’t think of anything worse. Being freezing cold in a remote mountain lodge knowing Jesse is right next door? No, thank you.

But as the snow piles on, Viola discovers there’s more to Jesse than she knew, and heat builds in more ways than one.

Review:

Two Can Play was a sweet and steamy forced proximity romance with an enemies to lovers vibe. This was classic Hazelwood with it being effortless to listen to and enjoy, a male that is secretive and sometimes hard to read, and a female that was so easy to click with. This story took place in a winter wonderland and ended wonderfully. I enjoyed listening to this one so much!

Confessions: The Complete Duet by Kay Marie
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He knows all of her secrets...except one.

My name is Skylar Quinn. I just moved to New York with my best friend Bridget, and I have a confession. Well, more than one. Okay, quite a few really. Fine, here goes!

Confession #1: I'm a sex columnist. Hold on, that's not really the confession. You see, I'm sort of a virgin...sex columnist.

Confession #2: I'm kind of in love with Bridget's older brother, Oliver. No, I was. No, I am. Wait, was? Am? Crap.

Confession #3: I've been avoiding Oliver for four years. Or I was until today, because he just moved in. Yes, you read that correctly. He's my new roommate. So that night we've both been pretending never happened, well, we might not be able to keep it a secret any longer.

And trust me, this is only the beginning.

This box set contains both full-length novels in Confessions, a sweet duology perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Meg Cabot, and Christina Lauren! If you like second chance romance, roommate romance, or falling for your best friend's brother, you'll love this set!
- Book One: Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist!
- Book Two: Confessions of an Undercover Girlfriend!

Review:

Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist was the first book in the duet, and it was super cute! If you adore romcom movies from the 2010s, this is your book! I got all the vibes from my favorite romcoms I’ve rewatched so many times! Skylar was so easy to love, and I emphasized with her too. Even if her thoughts could be over the top at times. While she tried to go on other dates for her job, she couldn’t help but want her best friend’s older brother. This romance was set in the city and was so effortless to listen to!

Confessions of an Undercover Girlfriend, picked up right where the last one left off. I loved how this one was focused on her friendships and working towards her HEA with Ollie. But there were so many hiccups along the way. I didn’t always agree with the choices she made, and wanted to shake her sometimes lol, but the ending made me so happy. This is definitely a fun and flirty read that I enjoyed!

BOOK REVIEWS: My Phony Valentine, My Lucky Charm, My Merry Mistake (Holidays with Hart #1, #2, #3) by Courtney Walsh

March 6, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.

My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.

When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.

A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.

But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.

Review:

My Phony Valentine was a fake dating, sports romance that was absolutely adorable and so much fun! From that first chapter, I was hooked with a memorable meet cute. And the characters had me laughing out loud, while I loved getting pulled into their lives and alternating between Poppy and Dallas. This story is perfect for those that love romcoms and romance stories that tug at your heart.

I want to tell him all the small things.

Poppy was a chef in her small town, and her relationship with her sisters and family was heartwarming and such a beautiful part of this story. Dallas was a professional hockey player who was swoon worthy and I loved his meddling Grandma. From that first moment they met, to watching them fake date, and even practice kiss, I was completely entertained! While they started to toe the line to more, awww this book made my heart so happy! Especially with a fabulous grand gesture! So with characters that felt like family, a story-line that was so enjoyable, and a wonderful epilogue, My Phony Valentine was so easy to love!

My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A humiliating break-up leads to an impulsive New Year’s Kiss with a complete stranger.
What could possibly go wrong?

It’s no secret that I love life. And Dr Pepper. But also, I love a challenge. . .

So when the coach of the Chicago Comets gives me the opportunity to help their star player, newly traded to their team, acclimate to life in Chicago, I'm all in.

I have to be. After my last job went up in flames, I have something to prove.

It turns out that the player, Grayson Hawke, is the rudest, most off-putting, reclusive guy I’ve ever met.

It also turns out that he is the beautiful stranger I kissed on New Year’s Eve.

I can do this job. I can do this job. I can do this job.

And I can. Really well.

I can make Gray’s life easier, show him all the reasons to fall in love with this city, and in the process, hopefully completely forget that the amazing kiss ever happened.

How hard can it be? We’re total opposites anyway.

I love people . . . and all their stories. Gray loves hockey . . . and nothing else.

I love to talk. Gray only stares.

I’m happy-go-lucky. Gray’s all work and no play.

There’s just one problem. The more time I spend with Grayson Hawke, the more I start to see that underneath his bristly, standoffish exterior, he’s nothing like the man everyone thinks he is.

And suddenly, all the reasons for keeping my distance, staying professional, and not falling for someone again. . .are impossible to remember.

My Lucky Charm is a grumpy/sunshine, sweet hockey romance with all of the sizzle but none of the steam. It's the second in the Holidays with Hart series, but My Lucky Charm can be read as a stand alone.

Review:

My Lucky Charm was a grumpy sunshine, sports romance I devoured. I’ve come to realize that Courtney Walsh has a knack for writing memorable meet cutes that completely pull you in. It’s impossible not to find yourself obsessed in just a few pages! With a magical kiss and some humiliation thrown in there, I adored Eloise right away! And Gray with his grumpy quiet soul will capture your heart so effortlessly. Together, they were magical!

I don’t want to be a girl who runs the world. What I really want is a simple life with people I love.

The tension and angst between Gray and Eloise was enchanting! And there’s another character in this story I’m keeping my lips zipped about….except I will say I absolutely loved them and they added so much heart and fun to this story! So with a tiny red heart, jealousy, a very unique bouquet, and a beautiful found family, this story was all the stars! My Lucky Charm even made me shed a few tears, it’s definitely one of my top favorites!

My Merry Mistake by Courtney Walsh
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Sometimes the perfect gift is standing right in front of you. . . You're just too stubborn to see it.

I don’t like to make mistakes. Ever.

Especially when those mistakes are witnessed by the same person—flirty Finn Holbrook—who can’t seem to leave me alone. Can I really trust him not to tell anyone that the night we met, I tried to kiss him? Or that I fell apart after I got fired from a job I loved? Or that I’m not as strong as I want everyone to think I am?

The simple fact that he’s boomeranged back into my orbit after all these years feels like a great, big cosmic joke.

Only now he’s a professional hockey player, and while he doesn’t look like the goofy college bartender I met all those years ago, he still acts like one—immature, flirty, and unable to take anything seriously.

Which is why I never, ever fall for his game.

I know better than to get swept up in romance. I don’t have time. I’m busy making myself irreplaceable in my new job with the Chicago Comets. Work isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am.

And while my sisters are constantly on me to slow down and take breaks, those things aren’t on my schedule, so . . . I push on. Do more. Load up my schedule. Overcommit. Until eventually, my stress lands me in the emergency room.

The prescription? A month off. No emails. No work. No distractions.

Unless you count Finn Holbrook, who keeps showing up at my door, determined to leverage his positive, golden retriever energy to show me there's a great, big world outside that I haven't bothered to explore, most of it covered with white twinkle lights and Christmas decorations.

I begrudgingly go along with his grand plans, and little by little, I start to see there really is more to life than work—and more to Finn than flirting.

Which makes me wonder . . . how can someone so obviously wrong for me start to feel completely right? And more importantly . . . how do I make those feelings go away?

My Merry Mistake is an opposites attract hockey romance with all of the sizzle but none of the steam. It's the third book in the Holidays with Hart series, but can be read as a stand alone.

Review:

“All I’m asking for is a chance.”

My Merry Mistake was a reverse grumpy sunshine, holiday sports romance that was so swoon worthy and addictive! This feel good romance was absolutely adorable, but had a more emotional side to it too. With Christmas markets, ice skating, watching Christmas movies, decorating Christmas trees, and drinking hot cocoa, this festive book was so much fun!

Is it wrong that I like things a certain way? Neat. Ordered. Tidy. Everything in its place.
It’s how I like my feelings too. I learned a long time ago that those need to stay tightly wrapped.

Raya always felt like she had to be going a million miles a minute. She came across as so serious and having everything together. But even though her sisters and family loved her deeply, she still felt alone at times. When she got a job working at the same company as Finn, I couldn’t stop smiling. It was impossible not to be happy when he was around! I loved that he could catch her off guard with his words. She was so put together, so it was beyond entertaining to watch her get startled off her game.

“What are you watching, Morticia, if you don’t like Marvel and you don’t like sports?”
“Literally anything but those two things.”
“So, Amish romance, then?”

Finn was the ultimate golden retriever. He had the hugest heart, always had a smile on his face, and came from a family that loved him deeply. And he wanted Raya sooooo bad lol. I loved his tenacity and his ability to get her to smile. Or even get her to feel butterflies. Watching their relationship shift from work, to friendship, to more had my heart soaring! I loved that he got her to slow down and actually take a look around. They were so good for each other. But they both had some healing to do too.

“Are you always like this?”
“Like what?”
“Happy,” I say.
“You say that like it’s a disease.” He smirks.

My Merry Mistake made me cry. This book had so much depth, from healing from your past, to a name sign, to even a Christmas checklist. I loved it all so much! And while this can be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend the two previous books enough! You got to see what they were up to, and it made me so happy! I binged this trilogy in a week and can’t recommend it enough!

I think about the little white box of chocolate. His teasing is harmless. I can handle that and brush it off.
His kindness, though, is much more difficult to ignore.