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Cute and fun follow up to the Mom Coms series (which is awesome, by the way) and I loved the additional scenes and moments we got from each couple.
Bent Right to Your Wind had all the makings of a story I should have absolutely loved: childhood friends, academic rivals to lovers, Taylor Swift references galore, and a marriage in crisis? Esther Valos, did you read my mind before writing this book? The premise was so strong, and I could see the direction the author wanted to take, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t fully land for me.
First, the positives. I adored Aaron. He was easily the highlight of this book—so sweet, so adorable, and just the softest, most devoted man. The way he learned to ride a motorbike just because Maya casually mentioned finding it hot? I need this man protected at all costs. Their relationship was layered and had real emotional weight, which I appreciated. I also really liked how therapy was incorporated into the story. The care given to the topic of mental health was a standout aspect and added depth to the characters.
However, there were a few things that kept me from being fully immersed. There seemed to be too much going on at once. The story had a solid premise, but it felt overstuffed at times, making it hard to stay fully engaged. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, which created a bit of a disconnect from the emotions that should have hit harder.
Also, I am not the biggest fan of the dual timeline structure, and this book is why. I knew going in that this was a then/now timeline, but I still expected the story to flow in chronological order at first. Since I’m already not a big fan of past/present jumps, this format didn’t work in the book’s favor for me personally. It disrupted the momentum and made it harder to form a strong emotional attachment to the characters in both timelines.
The execution just did not land the way it was inteded to. While the story had direction, it didn’t always have impact. I could see where the author wanted to take the emotional beats, but they didn’t always hit as deeply as they could have. With tighter pacing and a bit more refinement, this could have been amazing.
That being said, for a debut, this was a solid effort! The characters had depth, and the themes of love, resilience, and personal growth were well intentioned. I love the nods to Taylor Swift too, especially the cover and the obvious one in the title. While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, I’d still be curious to see what Esther Valos writes next!
First, the positives. I adored Aaron. He was easily the highlight of this book—so sweet, so adorable, and just the softest, most devoted man. The way he learned to ride a motorbike just because Maya casually mentioned finding it hot? I need this man protected at all costs. Their relationship was layered and had real emotional weight, which I appreciated. I also really liked how therapy was incorporated into the story. The care given to the topic of mental health was a standout aspect and added depth to the characters.
However, there were a few things that kept me from being fully immersed. There seemed to be too much going on at once. The story had a solid premise, but it felt overstuffed at times, making it hard to stay fully engaged. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, which created a bit of a disconnect from the emotions that should have hit harder.
Also, I am not the biggest fan of the dual timeline structure, and this book is why. I knew going in that this was a then/now timeline, but I still expected the story to flow in chronological order at first. Since I’m already not a big fan of past/present jumps, this format didn’t work in the book’s favor for me personally. It disrupted the momentum and made it harder to form a strong emotional attachment to the characters in both timelines.
The execution just did not land the way it was inteded to. While the story had direction, it didn’t always have impact. I could see where the author wanted to take the emotional beats, but they didn’t always hit as deeply as they could have. With tighter pacing and a bit more refinement, this could have been amazing.
That being said, for a debut, this was a solid effort! The characters had depth, and the themes of love, resilience, and personal growth were well intentioned. I love the nods to Taylor Swift too, especially the cover and the obvious one in the title. While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, I’d still be curious to see what Esther Valos writes next!
Melody Claire’s When He Saved Me is an emotional and heartfelt debut that had me tearing up more than once, which is a sure sign that it did something right. Finn and Jamie’s story is full of tenderness, chemistry, and raw emotions, and while it had so much potential to be an unforgettable read, a few things held it back from fully delivering.
The strongest aspect of the book was, without a doubt, Finn and Jamie’s connection. Their dynamic—broody, guarded barista meets sunshiney, determined college student—was beautifully written, and their slow burning understanding of one another was lovely to watch unfold. Their steamy, dreamy chemistry felt authentic, and the patience and compassion they showed each other made their bond even more compelling.
It semeed to have too much internal dialogue and unnecessary detail. The pacing suffered because of this—so much of the first half was just their regular daily lives with very little actually happening. Coffee shop interaction, one character getting upset with the other, then rinse and repeat for SEVERAL chapters. At times, the story felt bogged down by excessive descriptions that didn’t add anything meaningful to the plot or character development, making it a longer read than necessary.
The big moment and its aftermath were frustrating. The book spent so much time building up Jamie and Finn’s relationship before the major turning point, but when the big moment finally did happen, it felt oddly rushed. I wish it had happened sooner, that they had been together longer before it, and that they had spent more time apart afterward to deepen the emotional weight of their reunion. The month following the event was mostly glossed over, which felt like a missed opportunity for greater impact.
That said, the core of this book, which is the emotional depth, the chemistry, the grief, and healing, was beautifully done. I loved the side characters, the depth of Finn’s journey, and the way Jamie’s light shone even through his own struggles. If the book had been tightened up, with less repetition and more focus on when and how events unfolded, it would have packed an even greater punch.
Overall, When He Saved Me is a strong debut that showcases Melody Claire’s ability to craft an emotional and deeply personal romance. While it had some pacing and structural issues, it still delivered a touching and heartfelt story about love, loss, and healing. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on what she writes next!
The strongest aspect of the book was, without a doubt, Finn and Jamie’s connection. Their dynamic—broody, guarded barista meets sunshiney, determined college student—was beautifully written, and their slow burning understanding of one another was lovely to watch unfold. Their steamy, dreamy chemistry felt authentic, and the patience and compassion they showed each other made their bond even more compelling.
It semeed to have too much internal dialogue and unnecessary detail. The pacing suffered because of this—so much of the first half was just their regular daily lives with very little actually happening. Coffee shop interaction, one character getting upset with the other, then rinse and repeat for SEVERAL chapters. At times, the story felt bogged down by excessive descriptions that didn’t add anything meaningful to the plot or character development, making it a longer read than necessary.
The big moment and its aftermath were frustrating. The book spent so much time building up Jamie and Finn’s relationship before the major turning point, but when the big moment finally did happen, it felt oddly rushed. I wish it had happened sooner, that they had been together longer before it, and that they had spent more time apart afterward to deepen the emotional weight of their reunion. The month following the event was mostly glossed over, which felt like a missed opportunity for greater impact.
That said, the core of this book, which is the emotional depth, the chemistry, the grief, and healing, was beautifully done. I loved the side characters, the depth of Finn’s journey, and the way Jamie’s light shone even through his own struggles. If the book had been tightened up, with less repetition and more focus on when and how events unfolded, it would have packed an even greater punch.
Overall, When He Saved Me is a strong debut that showcases Melody Claire’s ability to craft an emotional and deeply personal romance. While it had some pacing and structural issues, it still delivered a touching and heartfelt story about love, loss, and healing. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on what she writes next!
I picked up Pity Play without having read anything from Whitney Dineen before, nor any of the previous books in this series, but the gorgeous cover immediately pulled me in. And while I genuinely enjoyed the book because it was a quick, easy read with a fun small town setting, I have some mixed feelings about it.
The biggest thing that stood out to me? This book is essentially Luke and Lorelai from Gilmore Girls fanfiction. And I don’t mean that lightly, because the names, the character dynamics, and even the diner/B&B dreams are all straight from Stars Hollow. The book even acknowledges it, which made it feel less like a fun homage and more like a direct copy paste. If you’re a Gilmore Girls fan, this might be fun, but if not, it could feel a bit too familiar.
As for the romance, it had some frustrating elements. Luke spends half the book looking at Lorelai as his best friend’s annoying little sister, even going so far as to say she’s not all that attractive at first. Then, almost out of nowhere, he suddenly starts seeing her as a romantic partner. I love a good slow burn, but this felt more like an emotional switch was flipped rather than a natural progression.
That said, I did enjoy the supporting characters (who clearly have history from previous books), the dual POV, and the cozy small town vibes. It wasn’t a standout read for me, and is not one of my favorites, but it was a fun, rom com for an easy weekend read.
Would I recommend it? If you love Gilmore Girls and don’t mind a very on the nose retelling, then yes! Otherwise, you might find the similarities a little too distracting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Whitney Dineen for the eARC of this book.
The biggest thing that stood out to me? This book is essentially Luke and Lorelai from Gilmore Girls fanfiction. And I don’t mean that lightly, because the names, the character dynamics, and even the diner/B&B dreams are all straight from Stars Hollow. The book even acknowledges it, which made it feel less like a fun homage and more like a direct copy paste. If you’re a Gilmore Girls fan, this might be fun, but if not, it could feel a bit too familiar.
As for the romance, it had some frustrating elements. Luke spends half the book looking at Lorelai as his best friend’s annoying little sister, even going so far as to say she’s not all that attractive at first. Then, almost out of nowhere, he suddenly starts seeing her as a romantic partner. I love a good slow burn, but this felt more like an emotional switch was flipped rather than a natural progression.
That said, I did enjoy the supporting characters (who clearly have history from previous books), the dual POV, and the cozy small town vibes. It wasn’t a standout read for me, and is not one of my favorites, but it was a fun, rom com for an easy weekend read.
Would I recommend it? If you love Gilmore Girls and don’t mind a very on the nose retelling, then yes! Otherwise, you might find the similarities a little too distracting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Whitney Dineen for the eARC of this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3.5 rounded to 4)
After absolutely adoring Morbidly Yours, I was beyond excited to dive into Heart Strings. Ivy Fairbanks has such a knack for crafting immersive settings and dynamic side characters, and this book was no exception. Galway and the Irish castle wedding were so perfect and I loved the setting. However, while I enjoyed this second chance romance, it didn’t quite hit the same for me as her first novel.
My biggest struggle was connecting with Aidan and Lo, both individually and as a couple. Their chemistry leaned heavily into instalust, and I found myself craving deeper emotional connection rather than just physical attraction. Lo, in particular, was frustrating and while I admired her strength and resilience, her approach to relationships (especially with Aidan) made her hard to root for at times. I completely understood why she had walls up, but her stubbornness often bordered on exhausting.
That said, the music infused romance, the tension of unresolved feelings, and the forced proximity at the wedding kept me engaged. Aidan’s devotion was sweet, and the Irish setting made everything feel all the more romantic. While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, if you do love exes to lovers stories and dramatic second chances, then you will likely enjoy this one!
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you’re a sucker for a moody musician MMC and a breathtaking Irish backdrop. Just be prepared for some frustrating FMC moments along the way!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ivy Fairbanks, and Penguin G.P. Putnams Son’s for the eARC of this book.
After absolutely adoring Morbidly Yours, I was beyond excited to dive into Heart Strings. Ivy Fairbanks has such a knack for crafting immersive settings and dynamic side characters, and this book was no exception. Galway and the Irish castle wedding were so perfect and I loved the setting. However, while I enjoyed this second chance romance, it didn’t quite hit the same for me as her first novel.
My biggest struggle was connecting with Aidan and Lo, both individually and as a couple. Their chemistry leaned heavily into instalust, and I found myself craving deeper emotional connection rather than just physical attraction. Lo, in particular, was frustrating and while I admired her strength and resilience, her approach to relationships (especially with Aidan) made her hard to root for at times. I completely understood why she had walls up, but her stubbornness often bordered on exhausting.
That said, the music infused romance, the tension of unresolved feelings, and the forced proximity at the wedding kept me engaged. Aidan’s devotion was sweet, and the Irish setting made everything feel all the more romantic. While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, if you do love exes to lovers stories and dramatic second chances, then you will likely enjoy this one!
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you’re a sucker for a moody musician MMC and a breathtaking Irish backdrop. Just be prepared for some frustrating FMC moments along the way!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ivy Fairbanks, and Penguin G.P. Putnams Son’s for the eARC of this book.
I went into Game On with high expectations after hearing so many great things about Ki Stephens, and wow, this book did NOT disappoint! I was hooked from the very first page and completely swept up in the world of competitive cheerleading. I loved that this story wasn’t just another football romance but instead shined a well deserved spotlight on cheer, reminding me so much of the Netflix show Cheer! It was intense, emotional, and so incredibly well written.
Ki Stephens has such a talent for making her characters feel real. Hudson and Ella’s connection was everything; so raw, so vulnerable, and so beautifully developed. I loved how they truly saw each other, supported each other without pressure, and gave each other space to grow. Their love story felt effortless in the best way, with a natural progression that made every moment between them feel meaningful. And the OCD representation? So well done! It added another layer of depth to the story and made it even more relatable.
Beyond the romance, the side characters also stole my heart, and the way Ki weaves real life struggles into her stories makes everything feel even more genuine. The writing had the perfect balance of fun, spice, and sweet moments, and I never wanted it to end.
If you love sports romance but want something fresh and different, Game On is perfect. It’s emotional, exhilarating, and full of heart. Everyone needs to grab this book as soon as it releases. Ki Stephens has outdone herself, and I’ll definitely be diving into more of her books!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ki Stephens, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book.
Ki Stephens has such a talent for making her characters feel real. Hudson and Ella’s connection was everything; so raw, so vulnerable, and so beautifully developed. I loved how they truly saw each other, supported each other without pressure, and gave each other space to grow. Their love story felt effortless in the best way, with a natural progression that made every moment between them feel meaningful. And the OCD representation? So well done! It added another layer of depth to the story and made it even more relatable.
Beyond the romance, the side characters also stole my heart, and the way Ki weaves real life struggles into her stories makes everything feel even more genuine. The writing had the perfect balance of fun, spice, and sweet moments, and I never wanted it to end.
If you love sports romance but want something fresh and different, Game On is perfect. It’s emotional, exhilarating, and full of heart. Everyone needs to grab this book as soon as it releases. Ki Stephens has outdone herself, and I’ll definitely be diving into more of her books!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ki Stephens, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book.
OMG, this book was everything! Save Your Breath might just be the best in the series, and I am absolutely obsessed. There’s just something about friends to lovers that kenw each other before becoming famous that hits differently, especially when it’s done this well.
Aleks Fand Mia’s history made their chemistry feel so real, and that strong foundation made their love story even more compelling. The fake dating/fake engagement trope? Perfection. That’s my favorite trope, and Kandi Steiner executed it flawlessly. The tension, the push and pull, the undeniable attraction—it all felt electric and it was so palpable.
And can we talk about the audiobook? The inclusion of actual music and singing took the experience to a whole new level. I already loved Mia’s pop star storyline, but hearing her music made it feel even more immersive. Pair that with Aleks being a hockey star, and you have the ultimate power couple. Their worlds collided in the best way, and it made for such a dynamic and exciting story.
The plot had everything: sizzling chemistry, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of drama. And that hurricane scene? Absolute perfection. It was intense, emotional, and completely unputdownable.
This book gave me all the feels, and I didn’t want it to end. If you love sports romance, fake dating, and friends to lovers stories that are packed with heat and heart, Save Your Breath is perfect. Kandi Steiner has outdone herself!
Aleks Fand Mia’s history made their chemistry feel so real, and that strong foundation made their love story even more compelling. The fake dating/fake engagement trope? Perfection. That’s my favorite trope, and Kandi Steiner executed it flawlessly. The tension, the push and pull, the undeniable attraction—it all felt electric and it was so palpable.
And can we talk about the audiobook? The inclusion of actual music and singing took the experience to a whole new level. I already loved Mia’s pop star storyline, but hearing her music made it feel even more immersive. Pair that with Aleks being a hockey star, and you have the ultimate power couple. Their worlds collided in the best way, and it made for such a dynamic and exciting story.
The plot had everything: sizzling chemistry, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of drama. And that hurricane scene? Absolute perfection. It was intense, emotional, and completely unputdownable.
This book gave me all the feels, and I didn’t want it to end. If you love sports romance, fake dating, and friends to lovers stories that are packed with heat and heart, Save Your Breath is perfect. Kandi Steiner has outdone herself!
From the moment I saw Slow Burn Summer and Josie Silver’s name on the cover, I knew I was in for a treat. As a longtime fan of her work, I had high expectations and this book delivered in every way.
The story follows Kate, a forty something newly divorced woman who finds herself at a crossroads after her daughter heads off to university. A chance visit to the talent agency she once worked with as a child brings her face to face with Charlie, the son of the agency’s former owner. When Charlie offers her a rather unconventional job—pretending to be an author on a book tour to promote a novel written by an anonymous, publicity shy writer—Kate reluctantly agrees. What follows is a whirlwind of deception, discovery, and undeniable chemistry.
I truly loved this book, especially all the little nods to the book world. Josie Silver weaves a story that feels both fresh and deeply authentic, making it stand out from the usual rom com books. There are some seriously sweet moments, hilarious scenes, and some unexpectedly deep themes that give the book real emotional weight.
The standout character for me was Liv. Every time she appeared on the page, I found myself grinning. Her sarcasm, dry wit, and fierce loyalty to Kate made her an absolute joy to read. But beyond Liv, every character felt fully realized, to include the ones who weren’t exactly likable were written with depth and purpose.
If I had one small critique, it would be that the ending felt a bit abrupt. I wanted just a little more time with these characters, a bit more resolution. But that’s a testament to how much I enjoyed the journey because I simply wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
If you’re looking for a book that is fun, heartfelt, and refreshingly unique, Slow Burn Summer is one that you should pick up. It’s the perfect summer escape, and I’ll be recommending it to all my friends as their next beach read. Josie Silver has done it again!
Thank you to NetGalley, Josie Silver, and Dell for the eARC of this book.
The story follows Kate, a forty something newly divorced woman who finds herself at a crossroads after her daughter heads off to university. A chance visit to the talent agency she once worked with as a child brings her face to face with Charlie, the son of the agency’s former owner. When Charlie offers her a rather unconventional job—pretending to be an author on a book tour to promote a novel written by an anonymous, publicity shy writer—Kate reluctantly agrees. What follows is a whirlwind of deception, discovery, and undeniable chemistry.
I truly loved this book, especially all the little nods to the book world. Josie Silver weaves a story that feels both fresh and deeply authentic, making it stand out from the usual rom com books. There are some seriously sweet moments, hilarious scenes, and some unexpectedly deep themes that give the book real emotional weight.
The standout character for me was Liv. Every time she appeared on the page, I found myself grinning. Her sarcasm, dry wit, and fierce loyalty to Kate made her an absolute joy to read. But beyond Liv, every character felt fully realized, to include the ones who weren’t exactly likable were written with depth and purpose.
If I had one small critique, it would be that the ending felt a bit abrupt. I wanted just a little more time with these characters, a bit more resolution. But that’s a testament to how much I enjoyed the journey because I simply wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
If you’re looking for a book that is fun, heartfelt, and refreshingly unique, Slow Burn Summer is one that you should pick up. It’s the perfect summer escape, and I’ll be recommending it to all my friends as their next beach read. Josie Silver has done it again!
Thank you to NetGalley, Josie Silver, and Dell for the eARC of this book.
Laura Pavlov has done it again with My Silver Lining, a small town romance packed with tension, humor, a sweet love story, and of course, spice that will make you blush. If you love enemies to lovers with a fake dating twist, this book is perfect!
Lulu and Rafe have the kind of chemistry that sets the pages on fire. From accidental injuries to forced proximity, their dynamic is pure gold. Their banter is electric, their tension is off the charts, and when their fake relationship starts to feel way too real, it is explosive and so good. I am a sucker for fake dating and Laura Pavlov certainly knows how to write this trope!
Lulu is fierce, independent, and hilariously chaotic, while Rafe is the grumpy, broody guy who slowly but surely falls hard. Their relationship unfolds in a way that feels effortless yet deeply emotional, and watching them navigate their feelings was so fun.
Laura Pavlov delivers the perfect mix of heat, humor, and heartfelt moments, and she once again wrote a small town romance that is cute, fun, hot, sweet... all the feels! I am loving this series and seriosuly cannot wait for more.
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Fake Dating
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Small Town Romance
✔️ Grumpy x Sunshine
Lulu and Rafe have the kind of chemistry that sets the pages on fire. From accidental injuries to forced proximity, their dynamic is pure gold. Their banter is electric, their tension is off the charts, and when their fake relationship starts to feel way too real, it is explosive and so good. I am a sucker for fake dating and Laura Pavlov certainly knows how to write this trope!
Lulu is fierce, independent, and hilariously chaotic, while Rafe is the grumpy, broody guy who slowly but surely falls hard. Their relationship unfolds in a way that feels effortless yet deeply emotional, and watching them navigate their feelings was so fun.
Laura Pavlov delivers the perfect mix of heat, humor, and heartfelt moments, and she once again wrote a small town romance that is cute, fun, hot, sweet... all the feels! I am loving this series and seriosuly cannot wait for more.
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Fake Dating
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Small Town Romance
✔️ Grumpy x Sunshine
Courtroom Drama by Neely Tubati Alexander had so much potential, but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver in the ways I was hoping. The premise is fantastic; jury duty meets reality TV scandal with a second chance romance thrown in? Sign me up! But the execution just fell flat.
The trial itself, which should have been the most gripping part, felt underdeveloped and ultimately unsatisfying in how it wrapped up. I wanted more twists, more tension, more depth to the case, but instead, it felt rushed and, at times, unrealistic. Sydney’s perspective as a juror was interesting, but the legal aspects didn’t hold up in a way that made the story feel immersive or believable, and she and her fellow jurors did things that... would not actually be okay for jurors to do.
Then there’s the romance. Sydney and Damon had potential, but their dynamic didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The tension from their past was there, but I never felt fully invested in their connection or why they were drawn back to each other. I also think the book leaned a bit too hard on pop culture references, which were fun but could make the story feel dated quickly.
I wanted to love this, but I needed more; more from the trial, more from the romance, and more from the execution overall. If you’re looking for a light, reality TV-inspired legal drama, this might work for you, but if you’re hoping for a gripping courtroom thriller or a good second chance romance, you might end up feeling underwhelmed like I did.
Thank you to NetGalley, Neely Tubati Alexander, and Harper Perennial for the eARC of this book.
The trial itself, which should have been the most gripping part, felt underdeveloped and ultimately unsatisfying in how it wrapped up. I wanted more twists, more tension, more depth to the case, but instead, it felt rushed and, at times, unrealistic. Sydney’s perspective as a juror was interesting, but the legal aspects didn’t hold up in a way that made the story feel immersive or believable, and she and her fellow jurors did things that... would not actually be okay for jurors to do.
Then there’s the romance. Sydney and Damon had potential, but their dynamic didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The tension from their past was there, but I never felt fully invested in their connection or why they were drawn back to each other. I also think the book leaned a bit too hard on pop culture references, which were fun but could make the story feel dated quickly.
I wanted to love this, but I needed more; more from the trial, more from the romance, and more from the execution overall. If you’re looking for a light, reality TV-inspired legal drama, this might work for you, but if you’re hoping for a gripping courtroom thriller or a good second chance romance, you might end up feeling underwhelmed like I did.
Thank you to NetGalley, Neely Tubati Alexander, and Harper Perennial for the eARC of this book.