A new Kate Bateman historical romance series featuring three brilliant woman who run London's most exclusive investigative agency ? Sign me up!! On Tess's wedding night to a much older man (it was a forced marriage in which her father sold her, she was 19 and the duke was about 70+), he suddenly dies and Tess still remains a virgin... but now she has become the Dowager Duchess of Wansford and has set up an investigative agency with her two best friends. Tess knows she can't risk another marriage or getting caught in a scandal with a lover but she wants to experience it just once... so when she goes to a party in a mask the last thing she expects is to share a steamy make out session with the very man who has become the new Duke of Wansford and has come to inspect the home that she lives in. Justin Thornton never expected to inherit a dukedom, but he'll do his duty. In order to get one last hurrah out before he is announced as a duke and swarmed by all the ladies of London he decides to go to a party to find someone to sleep with... but he finds himself wholly captivated by the stunning woman he kisses. Yet when they both meet again he immediately recognizes her as the woman of his fantasy, the woman he's had a crush on since he first saw her all the years ago. Justin isn't looking for love, he doesn't want anything to do with it, however physical lust? He's all for. So when he finds out that Tess is the Duchess to the home he is meant to take he offers her a new deal: a marriage of convenience in which they both sleep with each other for three months and in return she'll maintain her freedom and he'll pay her and allow her to continue doing as she pleases as he just wants everyone to leave him alone when they find out he's married. What started off as just physical lust turns into something more as Justin begins to fall for his mysterious new wife and can't seem to stay away from her. This was an overall cute read and I adore Kate Bateman books, it just kind of fell a bit flat at the end and I was wishing there was more groveling on Justin's part after the big breakup. I actually really loved Tess, my gripe was with Justin. He kind of just irritated me and I was hoping as the book went on I'd like him better, but it wasn't the case unfortunately. I am so interested in the next two books as Tess's two friends are adorable and I am so excited to read this new series that has a touch of mystery and investigation!

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Picking up where the first book left off Velasin and Caethari are now married and navigating the new waters of their marriage while dealing with assassins, politics, and trying to find love. Velasin is still dealing with his ptsd from the assault from a previous lover while trying to stewing in his own self misery and what he wants his relationship to Cae to be. Caethari is made the new heir to his grandmother and must travel to establish his title. Cae never wanted to lose his grandmother and is also still reeling from his sister's subsequent betrayal and her murdering the rest of their family. Cae is wracked with guilt and grief while Vel is struggling with trying to express what he wants and keeping everything to himself. They are both pursued by unknown assailants and are trying to navigate Qu-Xhan's court factions who are vying for power. Vel and Cae's relationship was a really slow burn one, the miscommunication, lack of talking to your partner, and just dumb decisions could be so grating but it paid off in the end. We are also introduced to Asterion, someone who is blackmailed to either seduce or kill Vel or Cae, by Vel's own family. Asterion doesn't want to do it but his mother's life is being threatened and he'd do anything to protect her... yet he finds himself drawn in by General Naza, someone who is powerful yet soft with him, someone who knows exactly what Asterion needs. Can Cae and Vel work out who is trying to kill them and finally be clear with each other about their feelings, or will they die before they even get to tell each other the truth. This was a really interesting second novel, it was hard at parts to read because you really do care for the characters and you want them to heal and be happy, but it's hard and difficult, and they do make frustrating decisions, but in the end it was a really great read and I can't wait for the second one.

*Spoilers: Cae and Vel do finally tell each other they love each other, and despite Asterion trying to seduce either of them they remained faithful and firm in their love for one another. Asterion manages to get his mother out safe and General Naza (quites his job) and they do become sort of lovers. Naza clearly cares for Asterion but they are unsure about their new feelings as Naza had left his post and he and Asterion traveled to meet Asterion's mother together. Cae and Vel find out that it was one of other tiern's who wanted power for herself and to marry Cae but she ends up killing herself after revealing the truth and making her heir Ethian (an innocent who had a crush on Vel). Markel , my icon, is still alive, hilarious, and healthy. We stay winning yall.

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group, Tor Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

A game show to win, a fake boyfriend, and two guys falling in love. Holden James is about to ask his longtime boyfriend to join him in an audition for his favorite game show, Madcap Market, except his boyfriend dumps him and kicks him out... leading to Holden having a bit of a meltdown and destroying the minibar in a Los Angeles Hotel. Yet what Holden never expects is that the very hot concierge offers to grab pizza with him and maybe even a kiss. Cue, Leo Min, a gorgeous, funny guy who somehow worms his way into Holden's heart. Holden and Leo connect and when Leo gets fired, Holden asks him to be his partner in Madcap Market. The cash prize would help him and Holden would get the chance to be on the show he loved to share with his mom who had passed away. They both agree that they have enough chemistry to be a fake couple for the show... yet its beginning to feel very real. To his ultimate surprise, Holden discovers that his ex, who had dumped him and disliked the show, is now a contestant of the show and he wants to get revenge against Holden. Holden and Leo are now trying to win a competition but also figure out the very real feelings between them. This was a cute and steamy read featuring a game show. It was fun and overall a good time. Holden and Leo were a cute couple and this was a fast and easy read. I'd definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a quick steamy cute rom com.

*Thanks Netgalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Afterglow Books by Harlequin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Fake dating between a rich app creator and a broke plant guy as a new twist on Pretty Woman? Teddy Hughes is drowning in debt, in grief over his failed plant business, and crumbs of a ruined marriage in which his husband cheated on him, Cole Vivien doesn't believe in love but he needs a fake boyfriend, especially as he is a super successful and rich creator of the app VERSTL, an app that enables consumers and sex workers to connect. Teddy and Cole are two different people and what was only suppose to be a one night stand turns into something more when Cole offers to pay Teddy to be his fake boyfriend, but with exes around every corner, insecurities, and family drama, the complicated feelings between them only gets more complicated. Unfortunately this one was a miss for me, I didn't really like Teddy or Cole, and their romance wasn't there for me. I love a twist on Pretty Woman, but this one was just meh overall for me. I love a fake dating trope, I love opposites attract, and honestly this had all the makings to be a really fun book, yet it just fell flat to me. I really wanted to like it and I tried to connect with the characters and their growth, but I really just didn't. The romance just didn't feel there and you just dont really believe that these two are in love with each other. Despite this one being a miss for me, if you are looking for a quick LGBTQ romance with a bit of spice and a touch of Pretty woman, give this a go!

*Thanks Netgalley and Harlequin - Romance, Afterglow Books by Harlequin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

When musical theater lover Riley is forced to work for her dad's game shop, the last thing she expects is to enter into a fake dating arrangement with the nerdy guy to help him make his gamer-girl crush jealous, or to even fall for him. Riley may have stolen her mom's car to go see Waitress with her best friend... despite not having a driver's license. When her mom finds out she grounds Riley and makes her spend her time working at her father's game shop. Riley can't think of anything worse, especially since her father and her are distant and he seems to care more about his game shop than actually spending time with her.... yet as she works there she begins to realize that maybe that's not the case at all. While working there she meets Nathan, a nerdy guy who loves D and D and has a crush on a fellow gamer-girl. When Riley runs into her ex, she pretends that Nathan is her boyfriend... and then they both come into a new agreement, Nathan pretends to be Riley's boyfriend to get her ex off her back and she'll help make Nathan's crush jealous so he can finally get with her. Yet the more time Nathan and Riley spend together pretending to fall for one another the more they actually begin to fall. Can they figure out what's real and all part of the game? This was a really cute romance read and I loved the chemistry between Riley and Nathan. It's a fun fake dating read and the theater kid x dnd nerd was a cute trope too. This was a overall really sweet read and a fun time!

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Children's, Delacorte Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Can two lovers be reunited in the midst of a deadly war? This is the heart-pounding and gut-wrenching conclusion to the one of the most beautifully written series, Divine Rivals. The story picks up where the first book left off, with two weeks having passed between Iris and Roman being married then immediately separated at the war front when an explosion occurs and Roman and Iris are separated. Iris has no idea where Roman is, all she knows is that her brother is alive and has dragged her back. Iris knows Roman is lost behind enemy lines, in Dacre's clutches...and her brother warns her that Roman most likely has forgotten Iris with Dacre erasing his memories of her. That won't stop Iris though, she is willing to do anything, go anywhere, to be reunited with her husband, even if it means going back to the frontlines to face off against Dacre and write the truth about what is happening. Roman has awoken with no memories of where he is or how he got there, all he knows is that he is meant to write for Dacre, yet something keeps tugging at his mind, memories and feelings floating around... and when a strange letter arrives through his wardrobe door he finds himself corresponding with a penpal who seems mysterious yet familiar all at once. Roman knows something is missing with his memories... and now that Iris knows he doesn't remember, she'll do anything to help him remember again. All the while, they'll have to figure out how to stop Dacre's war efforts and save those they love, can they stop him before he destroys them all or stopping him require them to make the ultimate sacrifice of all? This book had me crying, clenching my fist, screaming into a pillow, and more. This is a book that strikes you with the strong gut punch, that leaves you winded and begging for more, it has you crying so much that you start dry heaving (it was not pretty). Rebecca Ross has a way of writing the most aching and beautiful words, she creates such a deep love for these characters and such a strong connection between the reader and the characters that you find yourself so fully immersed in their journey that anything that happens to them makes you either rejoice or sob for them. I loved Divine Rivals so much when I read the arc and felt so absolutely blessed and fortunate to receive the arc of this book. This series altogether holds such a special place in my heart. Roman and Iris get to fall in love all over again, their love is so beautiful and special. This book has them suffering, has them hoping, and most of all has them healing. This is a book series that I will find myself recommend over and over. I loved reading this series, it was a journey from start to end, from the first letter Iris typed to the last letter she wrote. It has been a divine time.

*Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, Magpie for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Can two lovers be reunited in the midst of a deadly war? This is the heart-pounding and gut-wrenching conclusion to the one of the most beautifully written series, Divine Rivals. The story picks up where the first book left off, with two weeks having passed between Iris and Roman being married then immediately separated at the war front when an explosion occurs and Roman and Iris are separated. Iris has no idea where Roman is, all she knows is that her brother is alive and has dragged her back. Iris knows Roman is lost behind enemy lines, in Dacre's clutches...and her brother warns her that Roman most likely has forgotten Iris with Dacre erasing his memories of her. That won't stop Iris though, she is willing to do anything, go anywhere, to be reunited with her husband, even if it means going back to the frontlines to face off against Dacre and write the truth about what is happening. Roman has awoken with no memories of where he is or how he got there, all he knows is that he is meant to write for Dacre, yet something keeps tugging at his mind, memories and feelings floating around... and when a strange letter arrives through his wardrobe door he finds himself corresponding with a penpal who seems mysterious yet familiar all at once. Roman knows something is missing with his memories... and now that Iris knows he doesn't remember, she'll do anything to help him remember again. All the while, they'll have to figure out how to stop Dacre's war efforts and save those they love, can they stop him before he destroys them all or stopping him require them to make the ultimate sacrifice of all? This book had me crying, clenching my fist, screaming into a pillow, and more. This is a book that strikes you with the strong gut punch, that leaves you winded and begging for more, it has you crying so much that you start dry heaving (it was not pretty). Rebecca Ross has a way of writing the most aching and beautiful words, she creates such a deep love for these characters and such a strong connection between the reader and the characters that you find yourself so fully immersed in their journey that anything that happens to them makes you either rejoice or sob for them. I loved Divine Rivals so much when I read the arc and felt so absolutely blessed and fortunate to receive the arc of this book. This series altogether holds such a special place in my heart. Roman and Iris get to fall in love all over again, their love is so beautiful and special. This book has them suffering, has them hoping, and most of all has them healing. This is a book series that I will find myself recommend over and over. I loved reading this series, it was a journey from start to end, from the first letter Iris typed to the last letter she wrote. It has been a divine time.

*Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, Magpie for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

When your best friend drags you into his plan to woo his dream girl, the last thing you expect is to fall for her yourself. Matilda "Tilly" never really intended to fall in love but when her best friend Teddy asks her to help him woo his dream girl, aspiring actress Katherine Cooper-Bunting, Tilly finds herself falling for Katherine. Tilly knows Katherine is off-limits because Teddy is in love with her... yet the more time Tilly spends helping Teddy with the play that Katherine is in the more she finds herself being drawn to Katherine... and the fact that Katherine herself is interested in Tilly. But dealing with this complicated situation on top of dealing with the loss of her friend and her grandfather being diagnosed with Alzheimer's is a lot for a sixteen year old girl. Can Tilly figure out her heart and navigate this crush before it destroys a friendship? This was a fairly cute sapphic rom com about unexpected romances and dealing with difficult friendships and situations. Tilly was going through so much, and yeah she made a few bad decisions but she's sixteen and sometimes we do ridiculous things to try and not hurt people we love. This was a overall cute read and I had fun with it.

*Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Serafina Conte has found solace in her handmaking journal talent, but when the death of her mentor brings one of his grandsons to confront her regarding his will, she never expects to fall for him. Serafina handmakes journals, she loves doing it and has found a way to make a successful business of it with her two best friends. Yet when the death of her mentor, Ford Sitwell, happens, Serafina feels lonelier than ever and the last thing she needs is Ford's suspicious grandson coming into her life demanding that the books Ford left in his will actually belong to him. Wes Sitwell thinks the worst of Serafina and Ford's friendship and thinks she was sleeping with his grandpa, and thinks that Ford made a mistake giving away his books to her rather than to Wes. Wes and Serafina get off on the wrong foot but the more time they spend together the more they begin to fall for one another. But can a relationship work when they both are new to relationships and have their own issues? Unfortunately this one was not for me. It was a short read but it felt like it dragged and I'm going to be honest, I did not like Wes at all. I really did not like the last minute breakup/makeup in the last few pages and honestly, dont think that Wes and Serafina have any chemistry at all. I really did not believe their relationship and did not really feel it. The romance just wasn't there for me unfortunately. If you like unlikely romances give this one a go, maybe it'll work out better for you than it did for me.

*Thanks Netgalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Afterglow Books by Harlequin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Lilia is the owner of her own traveling ale tavern and on her way to her annual Yule Festival slot she meets a handsome stranger... who just happens to also be a rival ale salesman and has taken her spot in the festival.... but to make matters worse someone is out to sabotage the festival and the only person she can get to help her solve this is said rival. Lilia loves traveling and brewing ale, but she's beginning to feel lonely. Her only real companion is her dragon yet on her latest journey to the holiday festival she works at, she meets her new business rival, a handsome guy who just loves getting under her skin. Yet when someone steals both their supplies of ale and other things from the festival its up to Lilia and Ragnar to solve the mystery. Yet the more time they spend together the more they realize that they find that they are kindred spirits. This was a really cut cozy fantasy romance, Lilia and Ragnar are working a cute holiday festival, there's a mystery and a cute small town, and it was a overall really cute read (especially with a warm cup of tea). I had fun reading this and it was a sweet one to read. I am excited to see what next adventure will happen in this world!

*Thanks Netgalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*