Crushing It by Thea Lawrence is everything I want in a romance and then some. This book straight up took my heart, gave it a big warm hug, made me laugh, cry (like, real tears), and left me with that soul satisfied feeling I’m always chasing when I pick up a love story.

Let’s start with Logan Flynn. My GOD. He is down bad in the most adorable, infuriating, "sir, just SAY IT" kind of way. He’s that sunshine professor with deep emotional wounds, a heart of gold, and an obsessive love for his best friend that he tries (and fails) to hide. Logan had me in my feels; the grief, the ADHD rep, the way he cares for Abi even when he’s hurting? I just want to wrap him in a blanket and protect him forever.

And Abi? I saw so much of myself in her that it kind of scared me. That impostor syndrome? The “I should be further in life” spiral? The idea that love is something other people get but not you? Yeah, hi, this book read me to filth and comforted me all at once. She’s strong, brilliant, so funny, and despite how much she doubts it, she is completely lovable.

Thea has this magical way of writing grief, mental health, friendship, and love in a way that hits. It’s so soft and light and fun (fake engagement! road trip! one bed!) while also digging deep into what it means to feel too much and think you’re not enough. That quote—“Show me how good it gets”? It’s not just a line. It’s the whole dang vibe of the book. A love letter to the ones who always felt a little different. A reminder that you do deserve the life and love you dream about.

Also, let’s talk about how this book is just HOT in the best way. Like, smart and emotional spice? Yes please. The chemistry between Logan and Abi is off the charts, and every kiss, every touch, every look was loaded with so much history and longing, I could feel it.

💛 Best friends to lovers
💛 Fake engagement
💛 Canadian road trip (hello bucket list vibes)
💛 Small town feels
💛 Ultimate nerd boy MMC
💛 Age gap (but like, barely and done SO well)
💛 Neurodivergent rep that feels real and honest
💛 “It’s always been you” ENERGY

Crushing It crushed me, and I loved every second. If you’ve ever felt not enough, if you’ve ever wanted someone to choose you without hesitation, or if you’re just a sucker for beautifully messy characters figuring it out together, then this book is for you.

Run, don’t walk. Emerald Bay is waiting. 💛

Thank you to Luna Literary and Thea Lawrence for the eARC of this book. 

Okay, listen. I was not expecting to fall this hard for Gianni Lupo, but here we are.

Taste is one of those books that gives you everything you want from a snowed in, enemies to lovers, one bed situation, and then throws in a surprise pregnancy just to keep the drama spicy. And ohhh, it's delicious.

Gianni and Ellie have that perfect kind of banter that makes you want them to just KISS already, and when things finally do heat up... well, let's just say Melanie Harlow knows what she's doing.

But what I really loved is that it's not just heat and tension, but it's also full of heart. Gianni starts off as this cocky, frustratingly attractive chef, but as the story unfolds, you really see him step up and grow. And Ellie? She's smart, strong, and doesn't let anyone bulldoze her emotions.

The small town charm, the family dynamics, the emotional moments that sneak up on you? All there. This book made me swoon, laugh, and stress eat chocolate chips straight from the bag.

So yeah, if you love forced proximity, second chances, and a stubborn man learning how to love properly, Taste is totally worth devouring.

Abby Jimenez has done it again. She has crafted a breathtaking, heartwrenching, and deeply moving story that lingers long after the final page. Say You’ll Remember Me is raw, emotional, and devastatingly beautiful, tackling love, grief, and the relentless impact of chronic illness in a way only she can.

From the very first page, I was completely engrossed in Samantha and Xavier’s story. The way Abby writes about loss—about how it doesn’t just affect the person suffering but ripples through the entire family—was painfully real. As someone who has watched loved ones battle dementia and Alzheimer’s, this book hit incredibly close to home. The emotional weight of caregiving, the mental and physical toll, the heartbreak of watching someone slip away and not be the person they once were—it was all portrayed with such authenticity that I found myself sobbing through entire chapters.

And Xavier. Xavier freaking Rush. Talk about the ultimate book boyfriend. If anyone personifies “if he wanted to, he would”, it’s him. The way he supported Samantha, even from a distance, never wavering in his devotion, was so sweet and made me fall more in love with him in every possible way. I was so enamored by him. He was thoughtful, selfless, and the kind of MMC that makes you believe in good men. Tristan, with his sassy attitude (the chorizo part), kept me laughing, and Samantha’s grandmother was an absolute gem. Samantha herself was strong, layered, and complex—I admired her resilience, even when I wanted to shake her for not leaning on Xavier more, and maybe not putting in as much effort as he was—although understandable, given what she was dealing with.

What made this book even more compelling was the depth beyond the romance. Abby doesn’t just tell a love story; she immerses you in the day to day realities of caring for a loved one with dementia, the financial and emotional strain , and the quiet sacrifices that often go unnoticed. She also dives into the struggles of running a small business, something rarely explored in romance but so well done here.

Side character MVP? Hank. That scene? I teared up. I felt like everything came full circle and I was so happy with their connection. 

Abby Jimenez writes books that are just so rich and full of layered emotions. She doesn’t shy away from difficult topics but instead handles them with honesty, grace, and humor. This book was the most tragic of all her stories, but it was also one of the most beautiful. A long distance romance filled with longing, sacrifice, and the kind of love that makes you grateful for every moment you get.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for the emotional devastation that comes with it. And maybe, just maybe, Xavier Rush gives Jacob Maddox a run for his money? Something I never thought was possible but am definitely considering! 

Rachel LaBerge’s Your Secret to Keep was an absolute one sitting read for me and I just couldn’t put it down! Lia and Brooks completely stole my heart with their undeniable chemistry, struggles, and sweet moments.

Lia was such a refreshing FMC. She was quirky, strong, and passionate about sports in a way that made her journey so inspiring to watch. Seeing her rise in the male dominated world of basketball media was incredible, and I loved how fiercely she pursued her dreams despite the obstacles in her way. Brooks, on the other hand, was just perfection. His unwavering support, the way he pushed Lia while also standing beside her, was everything. A man who reads romance and romantasy? ABSOLUTE PERFECTION.

As someone with an autoimmune disorder, this book hit on a deeply personal level. The way Lia’s health struggles were portrayed, especially the uncertainty and fear of not knowing what’s wrong, felt so real. I was in tears during the big moment because it made me feel seen in a way I rarely experience in books. Rachel LaBerge handled this representation with so much care, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.

I’m not always a fan of forbidden workplace romance, but this one was so well done. It had just the right amount of tension to keep me invested, and me rooting for them the whole way. It was balanced and I loved how everything ultimately came together in the most satisfying way.

This book is the third installment in The Play Caller Series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. There are fun nods to previous characters, and I imagine longtime readers of the series will appreciate them even more!

What to expect:
🏀 Sports romance
📱 On page text communication
🤫 Secret relationship
❤️ Women thriving in male dominated fields
🧠 Male mental health representation
🐶 A lovable dog (Rocky!)

Brooks and Lia’s story was sweet, emotional, and full of the best romance moments. If you love basketball romance, strong FMCs, women in male dominated fields (and crushing it), and book boyfriends who set the bar impossibly high, Your Secret to Keep is perfect. 

Thank you to Rachel LaBerge for the eARC of this book. 

Unrivaled was my first book from this author, and what a great book it was! This story was an absolute delight. It was cute and fun and the perfect read for a good time. 

I’m a sucker for a good accidental Vegas marriage trope, and tying it in with a childhood friends to lovers twist made this one even better! Devyn and Grayson’s journey was packed with emotion, growth, and undeniable chemistry. Both characters had so much to overcome, especially Devyn, and the way they met each other with understanding and love to help navigate their struggles was incredibly sweet and fulfilling.

The added layer of mystery and suspense kept me hooked, adding a fresh dynamic to the romance. It was unexpected but so well written that it enhanced the story rather than overshadowing the emotional depth. The second half of the book had me completely on edge, making it more than just a romance. It was an emotional rollercoaster with plenty of surprises along the way.

Gray and Devyn’s relationship is full of angst, longing, and the kind of slow burn romance that feels entirely earned. Watching them navigate their emotions and come back together was so satisfying, especially once they let their guards down and started truly communicating.

K.C. Brooks has crafted such a fun and intriguing world in Saint Stephen’s Lake, and I never wanted to leave. It’s bittersweet knowing this is the last book in the series, but what a way to end it! Devyn and Gray’s story is packed with so much heart, emotion, and authenticity that it lingers long after finishing.

If you love deeply emotional second chance romances with just the right amount of tension, tenderness, and spice, Unrivaled is perfect for you, and the entire series is one you should check out. I’ll definitely be adding more of K.C. Brooks' books to my TBR!

Thank you to K.C. Brooks for the eARC of this book. 

After Hate Mail completely won me over last year, I was so excited to get my hands on The Proposal Projec and it did not disappoint. This book has everything I love in a romance: tension, pining, and a slow burn that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Priscilla and Oliver’s dynamic is chef’s kiss. The rivals to lovers energy is spot on, with plenty of banter and bickering that only makes their inevitable romance even more satisfying. I loved how Oliver was clearly obsessed with Priscilla while she remained completely oblivious and it made the tension and buildup so, so good. (Seriously, I need to know what was in that secret notebook!)

The proposal planning aspect was such a fun setup, and I adored how it showed their love for their friends while also forcing them into close proximity. And let’s not forget the tropes: fake dating, one bed, yearning MMC—everything I could possibly want! My only minor gripe is that things wrapped up really quickly toward the end, but honestly, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed this story.

Overall, The Proposal Project is a delightful, tension filled romance with tons of heart and just the right amount of sweetness and spice. No unnecessary third act breakup, just a truly fun and satisfying love story. Donna Marchetti has officially cemented herself as an auto buy author for me!

Thank you to NetGalley, Donna Marchetti, and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book. 

I loved this book. As the final stop on my journey through Maggie Gates’ backlist, Nothing Less Than Everything felt like the perfect way to wrap it all up. It’s so cool to see how much she’s grown as a writer; this book is polished, addictive, and packed with great moments.

Wren and Tatum’s chemistry? Off. The. Charts. From their first meeting, you can just feel the tension, and the way their relationship unfolds is so effortless and natural. Wren is such a fun, dynamic FMC—by day, she’s dealing with high maintenance clients as an interior designer, and by night, she’s rocking those red leather boots as a Rhode Island Red Cocks cheerleader. Tatum, meanwhile, is adjusting to life on a new football team, and while he might not be thrilled about being traded to the East Coast, meeting Wren definitely makes things way more interesting.

This book is low angst but never boring. It’s full of electric, flirty moments (hello, coat closet scene 👀), but it also has a really solid emotional core. The way both characters navigate their careers and the uncertainty of their futures felt real had me rooting for them every step of the way.

If you love sports romance with forced proximity, viral videos, and just the right amount of spice, Nothing Less Than Everything is an absolute must read. Maggie Gates knocked it out of the park with this one, and I loved every second of it.

I am so happy to return to Oakwood Bay! If you love fake dating, sports romance, and off the charts chemistry, Only Between Us delivers all of that and more and I think it was so much better than the first book. This sequel to Only in Your Dreams is packed with tension, banter, and just the right amount of drama to keep you hooked.

Brooks Attwood is trying to make a football comeback after a brutal injury, but his plans take a hit when some very unfortunate photos surface. Enter Siena Pippen, who is the ex girlfriend of the NFL’s golden boy and someone who really doesn’t want to be dragged back into that world. When a viral selfie makes it look like they’re dating, Brooks and Siena realize they can use the attention to their advantage. Their solution? A good old fashioned fake relationship. Easy, right? (Spoiler: not at all.)

I loved the push and pull dynamic between Brooks and Siena. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really sold me was how much they challenged each other. Brooks is determined to win back his spot in the league, while Siena is fiercely independent and guarded after her past relationship. Watching them go from reluctant allies to something very real was so satisfying. Plus, the slow burn? Absolutely perfect.

Beyond the romance, there’s a lot to love about this book—family struggles, career pressures, and the realities of being in the public eye all add depth to the story. But at its heart, it’s an emotional, steamy, and wildly entertaining ride that will have you rooting for Brooks and Siena every step of the way.

If you’re a fan of sports romance with lots of tension and banter, Only Between Us perfect. Ellie K. Wilde nails the fake dating trope in a way that feels fresh, fun, and full of heart.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ellie K. Wilde, and Atria Books for the eARC of this book. 

This book was so cozy and heartwarming! With Stars in Her Eyes is a sapphic romance that has everything I love: bookshop vibes, slow burn tension, and two people figuring out life while falling for each other in the best way.

Courtney Starling is basically in escape mode after her music career crashes and burns, so she hides out in her best friend’s bookstore, shelving books and running book clubs. Enter Thea Quinn, a piercing artist who just moved to town and is feeling all kinds of homesick. Naturally, she ends up at Courtney’s book club, and from there, it’s all stolen glances, flirty moments between the shelves, and the kind of slow burn chemistry that makes you need them to kiss already.

The romance? So well done. Courtney and Thea’s connection builds in such a natural, sweet way, and I loved how their relationship was full of these soft, intimate moments that made my heart melt. But of course, things don’t stay simple because Courtney’s past comes back to shake things up right when she’s starting to feel like herself again.

Beyond the romance, I really loved the themes of fresh starts, figuring out where you belong, and finding home in unexpected places (or people). It’s one of those books that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and just feel all the emotions. If you love bookish settings, sapphic romance, and characters with real depth, this one’s definitely worth picking up!

Thank you to NetGalley, Andie Burke, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book. 

First things first, but the cover? It is so gorgeous. The artwork is beautifully done, and the characters are conveyed perfectly. That being said, it’s not exactly how I envisioned Noah and Mia while reading, but still, it’s a gorgeous design that draws you in.

Now, onto the book itself. The Cuffing Game has a reality TV dating show premise that feels fresh and unique, something I haven’t really seen done before, at least not in this way. The reality show element was definitely the highlight of the book for me. I loved how it wasn’t just about Mia and Noah; we got to see a variety of personalities and interactions, which made the world feel fuller and more immersive. Every contestant had their own quirks, which kept things engaging.

However, while I enjoyed the overall premise, the romance between Mia and Noah fell a little flat. I just didn’t feel the connection between them. Mia’s dynamic with Noah was especially frustrating because she has this massive crush on him but treats him pretty terribly, which made it hard to root for them. I get the whole hiding a crush trope, but at times, it felt unnecessarily mean spirited. Noah, on the other hand, was a well developed character. His background and personality were built up really well, and I could see where he was coming from. Mia, however, felt less fleshed out and I never felt like I fully understood her, even by the end.

The writing itself leans toward the corny side, which sometimes works, but I wasn’t a huge fan of it here. It made certain moments feel forced rather than natural. That said, the ending, while predictable, was still cute and satisfying.

Overall, The Cuffing Game is a fun, lighthearted YA romance with an entertaining reality TV setting that takes center stage. If you’re looking for a college set dating show with lots of drama and a unique concept, this could be a great pick. But if you’re hoping for deep romance, it might not fully deliver.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lyla Lee, Harper Collins for the eARC of this book.