Maggie Gates has done it again. Pretty Things on Shelves is an achingly beautiful, deeply emotional second chance romance that had me completely hooked from start to finish. This book isn’t just about love—it’s about healing, rediscovery, and finding your way back to the person who has always been a part of you, even when life has tried to tear you apart.

The concept itself is so unique. A divorced couple reconnecting, not just because of their history as husband and wife, but because of their shared trauma. Blair and Caleb’s bond is unbreakable, rooted in a childhood spent in a cult that shaped every part of their pasts. Now, years later, they’re not just trying to rebuild a relationship but they’re trying to undo the damage of an entire lifetime of conditioning and fear. And Maggie Gates writes this with such a delicate and masterful hand. The rawness, the depth, the sheer weight of their journey—it’s all so incredibly well done.

Blair is an absolute force. She’s strong, resilient, and determined to reclaim her life on her own terms. But she’s also vulnerable, still haunted by the past, still figuring out who she really is outside of the world she was raised in. Watching her navigate that, while also facing the undeniable pull she still feels toward Caleb, was so moving. And that opening scene? The ER disaster? Absolute gold. It sets the stage perfectly for the rollercoaster of emotions to come.

And Caleb, oh my Caleb! If there was ever a book boyfriend that made my heart ache in the best way, it’s him. He’s been trying to move on, trying to put Blair behind him, but the moment he gets that call from the hospital, it’s over. Because no matter how much time has passed, no matter how much pain lingers between them, she’s it for him. The way he cares for her, the way he fights for her without ever forcing her—it’s the kind of love that feels so real, so earned. He sees her, in all her messiness and complexity, and he never once makes her feel like she has to be anything other than herself.

This isn’t just a love story, but had so much emotional depth. It’s a story about healing from trauma, about breaking free from the past, about rediscovering who you are after being shaped by something so damaging. And Maggie Gates writes it so beautifully. The second chance romance showed that Blair and Caleb’s love never truly faded, and seeing them slowly find each other again was breathtaking. This book delivers on the heat, but in a way that always feels deeply earned and emotionally charged. Every intimate moment carried so much weight, making it even more powerful. Despite the heavy themes, there were so many genuinely funny moments too. The dynamic between Blair and Caleb was so effortless, so real, and Maggie Gates always adds humor that fits so well and does not feel out of place. The world felt so alive, so rich with history and depth. It added so much to the story.

This book had everything I love—tension, heartbreak, healing, and a love story that matters. I was so invested in Blair and Caleb, and by the end, I didn’t want to say goodbye to them.

Maggie Gates has proved, once again, that she can write anything and do it flawlessly. She took a unique premise and turned it into one of the most powerful second chance romances I’ve ever read. I will read whatever she writes next, no questions asked.

5/5 stars. Absolute perfection. 💜

A MASTERPIECE. I’M OBSESSED.

Sarah A. Bailey has done it again. Wicked & Wildflower is the kind of book that grips you from page one and refuses to let go. It’s raw, emotional, steamy, and beautifully written, with characters that feel so real they practically breathe off the page. I went through every possible emotion while reading this—I laughed, I kicked my feet and giggled, I blushed, I felt everything. And by the end, I was wrecked in the best way.

Let’s talk about Everett Ramos because, my god, this man. He is the blueprint for the perfect book boyfriend. From the very first moment he appears on the page, he exudes that protective, possessive, alpha with a heart of gold energy that had me hooked. He’s intense without being overbearing, tender without being weak, and every single thing he says is worthy of a highlight. I swear, he is perfection incarnate.

But what really made Everett unforgettable was the way he saw Dahlia. He truly saw her, in all her strength and vulnerability. He never tried to change her, never tried to fix her. Instead, he showed her, through his unwavering love and actions, that she was already enough. That she was worthy. And the way he was with Lou? I was done for. Seeing this big, strong man be so soft and patient with her melted me into a puddle. And the nickname Lou finally settles on for him? I sobbed, and it was just so perfect.

Dahlia is so fierce, guarded, and so incredibly strong, but underneath it all, she’s also deeply wounded. She’s spent years building walls around herself, learning to rely on no one but herself. And watching her slowly unravel, watching Everett help her see her own worth, rather than try to convince her of it, was one of the most powerful emotional arcs I’ve read in a long time. She’s an incredible mother, an even better sister, and when she finally allows herself to be loved? God, it’s beautiful. I was so unbelievably proud of her. 

Now, let’s talk about everything this book absolutely nailed:
🔥 The opening scene? One of the best I’ve ever read. It pulled me straight into the story, and I was hooked from that very moment.
🔥 The chemistry? Off. The. Charts. Dahlia and Everett’s pull toward each other was magnetic, and every stolen glance, every touch, every moment of tension had my heart racing.
🔥 The banter? Sharp, flirty, so well written. Everett and Dahlia get each other, and their dialogue felt effortless and real.
🔥 The spice? HOT. Let’s just say… Sarah A. Bailey knows how to write it, and she delivers. 🔥
🔥 The emotional depth? This wasn’t just a love story—it was a story of healing and growth. The way both Everett and Dahlia had to work through their pasts to truly be together made their love story feel so much richer.
🔥 The bisexual representation? Perfect. It wasn’t just thrown in for the sake of inclusivity—it was authentic and meaningful.

There were so many moments that just wrecked me, but that “Daddy issues” scene!? I was SPEECHLESS. And when Everett said “my kid. my woman.”?? Just take me right TF now.

I honestly didn’t want this book to end. It’s the kind of story you want to devour in one sitting but also savor forever. It had everything—romance, steam, humor, emotional depth, and writing so stunning that I probably highlighted half the book.

Sarah A. Bailey, I cannot thank you enough for these characters, this story, and this series. Wicked & Wildflower is an instant favorite, and I will be thinking about Dahlia and Everett for a long time.

5/5 stars. Perfection. No notes. Just pure obsession. 💜🔥

Heathen and Honeysuckle by Sarah A. Bailey completely stole my heart. This book was everything I love about second chance romances—real, raw, and beautifully written. The dual timeline, switching between past and present, unraveled Leo and Darby’s story in such a compelling way that I couldn’t put it down.

Leo and Darby’s connection was so palpable and evident from the start. Their young, reckless summer love felt so vivid and alive, with Leo determined to pull Darby out of her shell and show her how to embrace life. And then—just like that—she was gone. That heartbreak, that lingering "what if," made their reunion years later all the more intense.

Darby’s internal struggle was so well done. She’s spent years being the perfect daughter, the perfect fiancée, but deep down, she’s still that girl who once let herself be free. And Leo? He’s never stopped loving her. The way he storms back into her life, offering her an escape and a chance to reclaim what they lost, had my heart in a vice.

The tension, the longing, the emotional pull... everything about this book worked. It’s a slow burn that absolutely pays off, filled with angst, passion, and the kind of love that never really fades. If you love small town romance, past and present storytelling, and a book boyfriend who is absolutely all in for his girl, Heathen and Honeysuckle is so worth it.

If you love enemies to lovers, second chances, and Hollywood drama, then Let’s Make a Scene is the perfect read. Cynthie and Jack’s chemistry is off the charts, both on and off screen, and their forced proximity through a fake PR relationship adds just the right amount of tension, angst, and slow burn goodness.

Cynthie is a fantastic FMC! She is sharp, determined, and carrying just enough past resentment to make her dynamic with Jack absolutely sizzle. Their history is messy, emotional, and filled with unspoken feelings that resurface the moment they’re thrown back together. And Jack? He’s got that perfect mix of broody arrogance and undeniable charm, making it impossible not to fall for him.

One of the highlights of the book is the behind the scenes aspect. The idea of a documentary crew following their every move while they navigate this fake but not so fake relationship just adds to the tension. Watching them play their roles for the cameras while their real feelings threaten to take over was so much fun.

My only minor complaint? I wish we got even more of their past timeline because their original rivalry turned PR stunt relationship had so much potential for drama! But honestly, that’s just me being greedy because I loved their dynamic so much.

Overall, Let’s Make a Scene is a perfect mix of witty banter, emotional depth, and palpable tension. If you’re a fan of fake dating, forced proximity, and sizzling Hollywood romance, this one’s for you. 

Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Wood, and Atria Books for the eARC of this book. 

Overall, this was a cute read! Fallon and Harrison’s story had its sweet moments, fun pranks (though I wish there were more of them), and a second chance romance that had me rooting for them.

One of my favorite aspects was Fallon’s dream of opening an allergy friendly restaurant in New York—such a unique and refreshing detail! The representation for Celiac disease was so important and written well. I loved that it was her way of paying homage to her mom. Her parents would be so proud of her, and as for her grandma… well, she is the worst. 

Now, Harrison Stafford. Swoon. This man is the definition of love with his whole chest. He’s endlessly supportive of the people he cares about and gave up his hockey career to take over Stafford Holdings for his family. Honestly, I don’t know what more I could ask for in a love interest—he’s pretty perfect.

While I enjoyed the book, I did want more from it. The pranks between Fallon and Harrison started off strong but fizzled out after just three exchanges. I know these two had more mischief in them! Their dynamic could’ve been even more fun if the prank war had lasted longer alongside their growing romance.

Another thing that didn’t quite hit was the setting. The Brooklyn Bridge and a yellow cab on the cover had me expecting New York to play a bigger role, but it did not have a true NYC feel to it, which was a little disappointing. Also, while this is technically listed as a hockey romance, Harrison doesn’t play hockey anymore—he’s just part owner of the team. So if you’re looking for on the ice action, you won’t find much of it here.

That said, the romance itself was sweet, and I did enjoy watching Fallon and Harrison find their way back to each other. It’s a light, fun read with some heartwarming moments, a lovable grumpy demon cat, and a CEO who absolutely worships his woman.

Clio Evans absolutely delivered with Hidden Roots, giving us the perfect finale to the Citrus Cove series. I’ve been waiting for Hunter and Emma’s story, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. This book had everything I love: deep emotional beats, scorching spice, and some of my favorite tropes (fake fiancé, hate to love, romantic suspense, opposites attract, slow burn to spicy). It was everything.

Emma was phenomenal. Watching her navigate her trauma and mend her fractured relationship with her dad felt so raw and personal. She was strong, fierce, and completely unapologetic about who she was. But what really made her shine was how Clio Evans let us see her vulnerability, allowing her to be cared for in a way that felt so well earned.

And Hunter? That man. 😮‍💨 He just skyrocketed into my top five book boyfriends ever. As the oldest sibling, his stress and responsibilities hit home, but his nurturing, protective nature? So perfect. What I loved most was how open he was with Emma—no toxicity, just trust, passion, and some very hot experimenting (which I am still thinking about, if we are being real).

Now, let’s talk spice. IMMACULATE.🔥 Clio Evans did not hold back, and I am forever grateful because those scenes will be living rent free in my head for weeks.

I’m so sad this series is over because Citrus Cove and its characters have completely taken over my brain. I devoured every book, and I highly recommend this series if you love small town romances packed with suspense, mystery, and serious heat. Hidden Roots was the perfect sendoff, but I wouldn’t complain if we got more. (Please, Clio? Just one more book?)

Thank you to Clio Evans and Grey’s Promotions for the eARC of this book. 

Lucy Score delivers another heartwarming small town romance with Story of My Life, blending the charm of Gilmore Girls with the quirkiness of Schitt’s Creek. This is a love letter to her readers, and you can totally tell. I felt it was a more grown up and refined version of her past books, but still has that signature small town charm and banter (and of course, spice) that Lucy Score is known for. If you love a grumpy contractor falling first for a sunshine FMC in a town full of eccentric yet lovable characters, this book is for you!

Hazel Hart is at a crossroads—recently divorced, struggling with writer’s block, and on the verge of losing her publishing deal. In a moment of impulsivity, she buys a fixer upper in a tiny Pennsylvania town, hoping the change of scenery will rekindle her creative spark. What she doesn’t anticipate is Cam Bishop, the broody and rugged contractor tasked with helping her renovate. Their dynamic? Fake dating for “research” purposes that quickly starts feeling way too real.

Lucy Score excels at crafting vibrant small town settings, and this one is no exception. The town is delightfully oddball, complete with endearing townsfolk, a bald eagle named Goose who has a penchant for tricking people, and a strong sense of found family. Cam’s large, tight knit family stole the show for me—I already want books about his brothers!

As for the romance, it took me a bit to warm up to the chemistry between Hazel and Cam. Hazel is easy to love—witty, determined, and full of heart. Cam, on the other hand, takes the grump factor very seriously, which made him harder to connect with at first. But once he starts falling? Oh, it’s game over. The tension, the reluctant softening, and the undeniable pull between them kept me hooked.

With a just right level of spice, Story of My Life is a slow burn, fake dating, opposites attract romance that delivers plenty of banter, heart, and sweet moments. If you’re a fan of small town rom coms with a grumpy sunshine trope done right, this one’s perfect!

Stick With Me was a debut book that had some super cute moments, but overall, it just didn’t fully work for me.

Let’s start with Hannah—she felt extremely immature throughout the book. Her insecurities and jealousy over the smallest things made it tough to connect with her, especially since she would say she wasn’t bothered, but her actions constantly contradicted that. The whole “woe is me” attitude got exhausting, and her constant comparisons to other women made it hard to root for her. And then the fact that she even considered giving up her literal life’s dream just because Ryan’s hockey contract was uncertain? That really didn’t sit right with me. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the unnecessary drama with her ex. He had sudden attempts to make amends after all the nasty things he said and did and I just did not care for that.

Then there’s Ryan—he’s been in love with Hannah forever, but instead of acting like an adult and saying something, he just… doesn’t. And honestly, neither of them do, which made their miscommunication frustrating rather than endearing. The fake dating aspect, which I was so looking forward to, didn’t even come into play for a huge chunk of the book, and when they finally started catching real feelings, they still refused to do anything about it. Also, Ryan had his own moments of insecurity that felt a little out of place, like when he questioned if he was even Hannah’s type after they kissed. WHY?

That said, there were things I enjoyed! Ryan was so gone for Hannah, and during the spicy scenes? He delivered. There was one in particular that was just perfect. The paper airplanes were adorable—I would’ve read every single one the second I got them. And the way Ryan defended Hannah like it was his sole purpose in life? Absolutely ate that up. Some of his spicy scene comments (especially the last name on her back one) were hot and made up for so much.

If you love slow burns, fake dating, and a “he’s always loved her” vibe, you might still enjoy this one. But for me, the frustrating characters and drawn out miscommunication made it fall flat.

Thank you to Love Notes PR and Nikki Callan for the eARC of this book. 

As a huge Formula 1 fan, I was excited to dive into Coming In Hot, especially after enjoying the first book. The premise had all the makings of a high stakes, spicy sports romance—an F1 journalist and a mysterious team principal? Yes, please! But unfortunately, this one didn’t hit quite as well for me as the first book did.

First, the power dynamic between Natalia and Klaus was a tough pill to swallow. It’s already hard enough being a woman in motorsport, and the journalist/team principal relationship added another layer of imbalance that didn’t always sit right. Their back and forth dynamic felt exhausting at times, almost like Natalia didn’t even like Klaus, which made it hard to root for them as a couple.

That being said, I loved the age gap aspect, and the cover is absolutely gorgeous. The racing world was well done, and I appreciated the Drive to Survive style drama woven into the story. But the romance itself felt a bit uneven, and I struggled to fully connect with Natalia and Klaus’s relationship.

If you love F1 romances with a touch of scandal and intrigue, this might still be worth picking up. But for me, it just didn’t capture the same magic as the first book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Josie Juniper, and Forever for the eARC of this book. 

I really wanted to love this book. The premise had so much potential—enemies by day, secret spicy fanfic connection by night? Sign me up! And that cover? Gorgeous and absolutely eye catching. But unfortunately, Much Ado About Hating You just didn’t deliver.

My biggest issue was the characters. Micah and Aidan didn’t feel mature at all, and their chemistry was seriously lacking. I usually love a good enemies to lovers dynamic, but their banter wasn’t flirty, fun, or full of tension—it was just mean. There’s a fine line between witty rivalry and outright cruelty, and this book unfortunately landed on the wrong side of it. Instead of swooning over their back and forth, I found myself cringing.

The romance itself felt underdeveloped. The transition from enemies to something more didn’t feel natural or earned, and without that spark, the relationship just fell flat. And for a book with a fanfic heavy premise, I expected more passion, but it never quite hit the mark.

I will say that the concept was great, and I can appreciate what the book was trying to do. But overall, this one didn’t work for me. If you love academia based romances and don’t mind a rougher enemies dynamic, you might enjoy it more than I did. Unfortunately, this just didn’t work for me.

Thank you to Sarah Smith and Harlequin for the eARC of this book.