1.87k reviews by:

bernluvsbooks

Filter

A controlling boyfriend, a bored younger lover and a night that will forever change both their lives!

This is one satisfying LGBTQ thriller! There are so many secrets, lies and bad decisions made that you won't want to stop turning the pages. I actually did this on audio and with short chapters that leave you wanting more, I ended up binge listening. I kept telling myself, I'd listen to just one more chapter to see what happens next and next thing I know, I was done. Don't you love when a book sucks you in like that?

This was a dark thriller and a phenomenal debut by P.J. Vernon. I loved how he explored Oliver and Nathan's relationship as things unraveled around them. as you read you know that all the lies, infidelity, secrets, and the power imbalance amongst the two is going to come to a head and we are along for ride. And, what a ride it is! This book is like a runaway train - literally one thing after the other, from the harrowing opening in the bath haus. Loved it! I genuinely can't wait to see what P.J. Vernon writes next.

A killer, a 20 yr old cold case that’s heating up after a recent murder using the same MO, an online amateur sleuth group uncovering decades old clues and a detective with a personal stake in solving the case. ⁣

I am a huge fan of Joanna Schaffhausen’s Ellery Hathaway series so I was excited to learn she was debuting a new series. Gone For Good is the first book in the new Detective Annalisa Vega series. She is a strong, likable main character and I’m already into this series based off of this first book. ⁣

Loved how the book opens up throwing us right into the thick of things with Grace Harper, an active member of The Gravediggers, an online sleuthing group looking into “The Lovelorn Killer”. She thinks she’s found a clue that wasn’t explored by the original investigative team and she’s determined to bring the killer out of hiding. ⁣

Unfortunately, we soon find that Detective Vega is called to a crime scene and the victim is none other than Grace Harper. As Vega investigates she uses Grace’s notes to uncover clues and, hopefully, finally identify the killer. ⁣

This is a well done police procedural with a solid mystery, engaging characters and an ending that definitely left me wanting to see where things go next for Detective Vega. ⁣

A woman pretending to be a sommelier at a Scottish hotel - what could go wrong? ⁣

I went into this expecting a cute, quick read perfect for summer and that’s what I got but there was also quite a bit more emotion than I expected. Floundering in her life, Birdy decides to take a job meant for her best friend as a sommelier in a hotel in Scotland for the summer. The only problem being that Birdy knows nothing about wine. ⁣

I enjoyed all of Birdy’s mishaps as she struggled to get a handle on the job. Birdy’s personality shined bright through it all. She was such an endearing character (even though she was being deceitful) and you can’t help but feel for her as you learn about her past. ⁣

I adored the cast of characters working at the hotel with Birdy. Everyone was so entertaining and I loved the community they formed with each other. Birdy’s relationship with James was sweet and while it was a focus of the story, it never overpowered it. This was more than just a romcom. It was a story about finding yourself, friendship, belonging, starting over and gaining confidence.

A competitive baking show, British humor & lots of baking innuendos, bisexual rep and a love triangle!⁣

Rosaline is a single, bisexual mom of an eight year old who becomes a contestant on a British baking show. I loved the baking show aspect - you could just picture the judges and the scenes vividly. Then again, I love competitive cooking/baking shows. ⁣

I really enjoyed this book - the British humor and baking innuendos made me laugh. The judges, producers and contestants of the baking show were great. Alexis Hall really made it easy to visualize the show. I will say though that I wasn’t a huge fan of the love triangle. I could instantly tell that one of the men was definitely not worth Rosaline’s time and I wasn’t as into their story angle. The other love story was sweet and centered around friendship and I was rooting for them all the way.⁣

If you’re in the mood for an entertaining, heartfelt story about romance, personal growth and being true to yourself definitely give Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake a try! This is the first book in a new series, and I’m excited to read book 2 when it comes out. ⁣

This book was worth the wait & totally went beyond my expectations - LOVED it!

I love a good opposites attract romance but this one went beyond the superficial and physical, diving deep into mental and emotional territory. I have been anxiously awaiting Quan's story because I fell hard for him as a side character. Helen Hoang delivered a story that gave me so many feels.

Anna is a violinist suffering in the wake of instant internet success. Her desire for perfection is making it impossible to play and ultimately stealing her joy of music. After her boyfriend informs her that he wants to see other people to ensure she is the one for him, she hits up a dating app. Wanting a no strings attached fling, she begins talking to Quan. I loved their story. There is no "meet cute" here. It was messy, imperfect and just so relatable. They simply fit together, flaws & imperfections and all.

Quan is dealing with his own struggles in the aftermath of surgery and health problems. Can I just say how much I adore this tattooed, motorcycle riding gentle giant!!!! He stole my heart with his caring ways. Always wanting what's best for others, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. I wanted nothing more than for him to find his HEA.

In short, this book instantly went to my top spot for this series! Hoang poured her heart into this book and for me, it shows. I felt deeply for Anna and her tragic story. I highly recommend The Heart Principle but be prepared for all the emotions it will invoke in you. It truly is as much a story of loss as it is about love.

A fake-dating romance between a trainer and her client turns hot and emotional, leading to some very real feelings!

I'm a sucker for fake dating stories because we all know they are going to lead to the couple catching some very undeniably real feelings and this one does not disappoint. There was undeniable chemistry, great banter and fiery angst between Taylor and Jamar.

I was a fan of The Boyfriend Project and couldn't wait to see more of the friend trio we met in that book. Taylor is feisty, independent and driven. I loved how guarded she was and how Jamar broke through her walls. Plus, the female friendships are thriving and stronger than ever in this book, which was wonderful.

This book is all about believing in yourself, overcoming challenges and coming out stronger in the end. I love how Farrah Rochon writes strong, driven, intelligent female characters. In The Dating Playbook she tackles emotionally heavier topics with sensitivity such as learning disabilities, grief, guilt, anxiety & mental health.

I found this to be a great addition to The Boyfriend Project series. I'm already looking forward to London's story.