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bookrecsbyjess
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent, Alcohol
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the ARC and gifted copy of If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer. All opinions are my own.
This is my second time reading a Karen Witemeyer book. Last year, I read the first book in this Texas Ever After collection (Fairest of Heart) and really enjoyed it. I was not, however, prepared for how much I would love this book!
Karen really blew me away with If the Boot Fits. It’s a loose Cinderella retelling set in late 1800s Texas. It has romance, danger, faith, and lovable characters.
Samantha was a great main character because she was likable and constantly trying to improve herself and her relationships with others. She had a servant’s heart, and I love that she didn’t let all the negative aspects of her life leave her bitter.
The relationship between Samantha and her father was so great to see because it felt realistic, and I liked how much effort they put in to repair it.
Asher as the love interest was so sweet and protective of both Samantha and his family. He was a man of integrity, and I loved how he sacrificed so much of his time for others.
The romance between Samantha and Asher was so sweet. I loved how Asher took care of Samantha and how much Samantha trusted Asher and saw the best in him. They didn’t jump to conclusions about each other, so I really appreciated that about them.
I also loved how their Christian faith played a role in this story. It felt natural, and it really improved their character growth.
The characters in this story felt real and all had issues of their own. I liked how the author included difficult topics and didn’t shy away from things like consequences of sin.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you like historical romances that are exciting and sweet.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Infertility, Infidelity, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Alcohol
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funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you to the author for this ARC of A Groom of One’s Own by Emma St. Clair. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been reading Emma St. Clair books for a few years now, and I just never get tired of how fun and wholesome her books are. This book is no exception.
A Groom of One’s Own is one of my favorite books that I’ve read from her. It’s so sweet and funny but also deals with a few heavier topics.
Eli is honestly such a sweet character. I’ve read a lot of sports romance books, but most of them don’t have a main character like Eli. He’s adorable, romantic, and just so kindhearted. I loved how he wasn’t afraid to show his feelings, and his relationship with his mom was so wholesome.
Bailey was a great character as well because she was also super nice. I felt like her and Eli fit so well together. Seeing her grow and make friendships in this book was so sweet. I especially enjoyed seeing the interactions between Eli’s mom and Bailey.
The romance in this book had me smiling so big because they were just so cute, and their kisses were filled with passion.
I also enjoyed that this book wasn’t conflict heavy because it made it so enjoyable and relaxing to read.
I highly recommend reading this book and all of Emma St. Clair’s other books too! If you’re looking to read a hockey romance without the spice, this is the book for you!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Injury/Injury detail
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you to Random House Publishing for this ARC of The Rule Book by Sarah Adams. All opinions are my own.
Sarah Adams is my favorite author, and The Cheat Sheet was my favorite book I read in 2022. When I saw that she was writing a sequel to it, I knew that I wanted to read it as soon as possible.
The Rule Book is now my favorite romance book of all time! It’s THAT good!
I don’t know how she managed to top The Cheat Sheet, but this book just had everything I could’ve ever wanted in a romance: witty banter, shenanigans, romantic declarations of love, only one bed, and a hilarious and supportive friend group.
The entire time I was reading this book, I had the biggest grin on my face and was constantly giggling because of how it made me feel.
Derek and Nora are THE couple. They had amazing chemistry and hilarious conversations. Nora is so smart and great at comebacks. Derek is so charming and protective, and I just really enjoyed them together.
Derek’s teammates were so funny, and I loved how they reminded me of the Bromance Book Club from Lyssa Kay Adams’ series. Their constant barging in and advice added to the story so much.
I also loved how Nathan and Bree from The Cheat Sheet were part of this story as well. I loved how they kept trying to help Derek and Nora get together.
Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone. If you only read one book this year, it should be this one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content
Minor: Blood, Injury/Injury detail