Amanda Sellet delivers another absolute gem with The Odds of Getting Even, a wildly entertaining, swoony adventure that had me hooked from the first quirky interaction to the last emotional reveal.

Jean Harrington is an absolute delight as a protagonist—chaotic, witty, and refreshingly bold. Pairing her with Charlie, the adorably awkward and reptile obsessed scientist, creates the perfect mix of opposites attract. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their poker "lessons" that turn into more escapades are as hilarious as they are heartfelt. Sellet has a knack for writing characters that feel real, flawed, and oh so lovable.

What starts as a whirlwind romance takes a twisty and unexpected turn when secrets from Charlie’s past come to light. The stakes grow higher as the story unfolds, blending humor, romance, and intrigue in equal measure. Jean’s relentless determination to get to the bottom of Charlie’s vanishing act—whether it’s out of revenge or love—is the kind of chaotic energy I couldn’t get enough of.

The backdrop of South Dakota adds a unique charm to the story, and the way Sellet intertwines the setting with the plot is masterful. From resorts to remote small towns, every location feels vivid and adds to the story’s adventurous tone.

This book is more than just a rom com—it’s a story about taking risks, letting your guard down, and learning to play for keeps. Jean and Charlie’s journey is filled with laugh out loud moments, tender realizations, and just the right amount of drama to keep you turning pages late into the night.

If you loved Hate to Fake it to You, this follow up will steal your heart all over again. With its joyous energy, witty humor, and a romance that’s as warm as it is wild, The Odds of Getting Even is a must read for fans of rom coms with a side of adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Sellet, and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this book. 

🌟 War by Brittanee Nicole 🌟

Brittanee Nicole has truly outdone herself with War. This might just be my favorite book of hers yet! From the very first page, I was completely hooked by Tyler Warren’s raw, vulnerable, and utterly charming personality. His journey as a man trying to fight for the family he dreams of is both heartfelt and inspiring, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with him—and his story.

Tyler and Ava’s dynamic is everything you could want in a single parent/guardian romance. Their banter crackles with tension, their chemistry is undeniable, and their growth as individuals and partners is beautifully crafted. Ava’s role as the kids’ favorite person adds a layer of warmth and tenderness to the story, making their fake marriage arrangement feel both touching and believable.

The way Brittanee Nicole explores themes of love, sacrifice, and second chances is nothing short of masterful. Tyler’s relationship with the kids tugged at my heartstrings—it’s sweet, genuine, and exactly what I look for in single parent tropes. Ava’s strength and compassion balance out Tyler’s rough edges perfectly, and the way their relationship develops felt natural and deeply satisfying.

And the romance? Pure perfection. Whether they’re fighting, kissing, or simply navigating their unique situation, Tyler and Ava had me cheering for their happy ending every step of the way.

War isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about family, redemption, and the transformative power of love. Brittanee Nicole delivered an emotional, witty, and beautifully written book that will stay with me for a long time.

If you’re a fan of single parent romances or sweet and swoony heroes with a touch of vulnerability, War is an absolute must read. Trust me—you’ll adore Tyler, Ava, and the kids as much as I did!

⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐

Thank you to The Author Agency and Brittanee Nicole for the eARC of this book! 

I am so happy that Mia Sosa has returned with another gem! When Javi Dumped Mari is a fresh and playful retelling of When Harry Met Sally that brims with charm, humor, and heart. From the first page, Javi and Mari's story had me hooked, showcasing the razor sharp wit, sizzling chemistry, and emotional depth that Sosa excels at weaving into her rom coms.

The premise is irresistible: Javi, the pining best friend who has waited a decade to confess his feelings, finds himself racing against the clock when Mari announces her engagement to someone else. Mari, on the other hand, is done waiting for Javi and is determined to build a life that aligns with her ambitions. The result? A deliciously messy, slow burn love story that had me laughing one moment and clutching my chest the next.

Sosa's characters are vibrant and layered. Javi is a swoony mix of vulnerability and determination, while Mari is a fierce, independent heroine who knows her worth. Their friendship turned love is packed with heartfelt moments, clever banter, and just the right amount of angst to keep you turning the pages. The "Pedro Pascal knockoff" fiancé adds an amusing layer of tension, while the supporting cast (including meddling friends and family) provides a rich backdrop of humor and wisdom.

Beyond the romance, When Javi Dumped Mari explores themes of self-discovery, loyalty, and the courage it takes to rewrite the script of your life. Sosa skillfully balances the comedy with emotional beats, making this more than just a feel good read—it’s a story that resonates.

Perfect for fans of The Worst Best Man or anyone who loves a second chance romance with high stakes, this book is a must read. Mia Sosa proves once again why she’s a powerhouse in the rom com genre.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mia Sosa, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the eARC of this book. 

Songs of Summer by Jane L. Rosen is a beautifully woven tale that sings straight to your heart. With its perfect blend of humor, warmth, and emotional depth, this story sweeps you off your feet and onto the sandy shores of Fire Island, where love, identity, and second chances collide in the most unforgettable way.

Maggie May Wheeler is the kind of protagonist you can't help but root for—she’s relatable, complex, and charmingly flawed. Her journey begins with a whimsical letter from her teenage self but quickly transforms into an exploration of family, self-discovery, and courage. Watching Maggie navigate the chaos of her biological family while balancing the comfort of her current life is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.

The setting of Fire Island is nothing short of magical, serving as the perfect backdrop for a story brimming with romance, intrigue, and personal growth. Rosen captures the essence of summer with vivid descriptions, evoking the salty sea breeze, sun-drenched afternoons, and the timeless melodies that linger in the air.

Maggie’s chemistry with her charming local “fake date” is electric and swoon-worthy, adding layers of romance that will have you smiling and kicking your feet. The emotional stakes are high, and the themes of belonging, love, and the courage to chase what truly matters are masterfully executed.

Rosen’s prose is lyrical and evocative, much like the love songs Maggie treasures. This is the perfect read for anyone looking for a getaway that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the magic of love and self-discovery.

Songs of Summer is more than just a story—it’s an experience, a melody you’ll want to replay over and over. It’s a must read for fans of heartfelt, character driven novels with just the right amount of romance and whimsy.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you to NetGalley, Jane L. Rosen, and Berkley for the eARC of this book. 

Sierra Simone returns with Midnight Mass, and it packs a punch to the gut, a sizzling continuation of Tyler and Poppy’s story, taking readers on a raw, emotional, and deeply intimate journey. As a sequel to Priest, this novella delves deeper into the complexities of faith, desire, and the price of love when the soul itself is caught in the crossfire.

Simone masterfully weaves together themes of guilt, redemption, and devotion, painting Tyler as a man torn between his spiritual calling and the overwhelming love he has for Poppy. The emotional stakes are high, and Simone does not shy away from exploring the darker, more vulnerable aspects of their relationship. Tyler’s struggle to reconcile his past and present makes him an achingly flawed yet relatable character, and Poppy’s unwavering passion and strength anchor the story in a way that feels both empowering and gutwrenching.

True to Simone’s signature style, Midnight Mass is unapologetically steamy, with the eroticism serving not just as a backdrop but as an essential element of the couple’s connection. The scenes are bold, intimate, and deliciously sinful, yet they never overshadow the emotional depth of the narrative. I do wish Poppy and Tyler had done more talking and less of the... other thing, but nonetheless, it is a beautiful follow up.

This novella is not just about the physical and emotional trials of Tyler and Poppy—it’s also about growth, forgiveness, and finding light even in the darkest moments. Simone’s lyrical prose elevates every scene, from the searingly passionate to the heartachingly reflective, making this a must read for fans of the first book.

Midnight Mass is a perfect blend of temptation and redemption, passion and pain, and it serves as a deeply satisfying follow up to Priest. For mature readers who enjoyed the first book, this sequel will leave you breathless and contemplative, reminding you that even the wicked deserve love and grace.

Obviously, I have heard a lot about this book and finally took the plunge. I am so glad I listened to it on audiobook rather than reading it, because I think it really enhanced the experience. 

Sierra Simone's Priest is a daring, provocative, and exquisitely written story that explores forbidden love, faith, and redemption in a way that's both deeply emotional and unapologetically steamy. The novel follows Tyler Bell, a devout priest whose world is turned upside down when he meets Poppy, a woman who challenges everything he thought he knew about his vows, his faith, and himself.

Simone’s writing is lush and evocative, seamlessly blending sensuality with spirituality. Tyler's internal conflict is portrayed with raw honesty, making his journey of self-discovery and forbidden desire utterly captivating. The way Simone delves into his struggles—between devotion to God and his undeniable attraction to Poppy—feels authentic and deeply human, never trivializing the weight of his choices. As someone who grew up in a very religious household, I empathized with Tyler when it came to the burden he felt of wanting to remain pure and loyal to God, while also being acutely aware that he is a man and has selfish desires, and wanting Poppy is the ultimate sin but also a human desire that is how God made him. 

The chemistry between Tyler and Poppy is intense and electric, with scenes that are equal parts tender and fiery. While the story is undeniably spicy (and not for the faint of heart), it’s also layered with themes of forgiveness, purpose, and the complexities of love in the face of societal and personal boundaries.

Priest is not just a romance—it’s a confession, a surrender, and ultimately a story of hope and healing. 

Be warned: this novel is for mature audiences only and doesn’t shy away from explicit content or controversial themes. But if you're looking for a book that challenges conventions and keeps you thinking long after the last page, Priest delivers.

I wish we would have heard more about Tyeler's sister, and how this pushed Tyler into his decision to become a priest, but overall, it was very good. 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Finding Grace is a mesmerizing exploration of love, loss, and the tangled web of secrets that bind us to the past. Loretta Rothschild delivers a masterful debut that will rip your heart out but is so gripping and powerful. The novel skillfully weaves a complex narrative that blends a suspenseful moral dilemma with a deeply emotional love story, creating a reading experience that is both thought provoking and utterly absorbing.

Honor, the novel’s protagonist, is a character whose vulnerability and resilience leap off the page. Her struggle with longing for a second child and the ripple effects of a life changing event feel achingly real. Rothschild captures the delicate balance of joy and heartbreak in Honor’s journey, making her both relatable and unforgettable.

The story takes unexpected turns when Tom, Honor’s husband, makes a choice that sets off a chain reaction, intertwining the lives of two women in ways neither could have predicted. Rothschild’s ability to capture the nuances of human relationships—old love versus new, the push and pull of forgiveness and resentment, and the fragility of trust—is what sets Finding Grace apart.

What makes this book truly stand out is its exploration of the cost of starting over and the ways our past can haunt or redeem us. Rothschild’s writing is electric, seamlessly transitioning between the suspense of uncovering secrets and the emotional poignancy of healing and forgiveness.

With compelling twists and unforgettable characters, Finding Grace is a thought provoking page turner that will stay with me long after the final chapter. Fans of women’s fiction will be captivated by Rothschild’s ability to blend gripping drama with heartfelt emotion.

If you enjoy stories that challenge your sense of morality while delivering a powerful emotional punch, Finding Grace is a must read. 

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

📚✨ The Plot Twist by Eleanor Goymer ✨📚

"Two authors. Zero words. One plot swap. And the cutest caterer you’ll ever meet."

When romcom author Allie meets grumpy crime novelist Martin, they’re both drowning in writer’s block and missed deadlines. Their solution? Switch genres. (Chaos pending.)

🧡 Found family? Check.
😏 Swoony caterer named Will? Absolutely.
😂 Hilarious banter? Everywhere.
🔥 Spicy scenes that had me blushing and kicking my feet? YES.

Allie and Martin’s friendship is pure gold—think grumpy/sunshine but platonically—and Will? MY GOODNESS. He’s got book boyfriend written all over him. Goymer perfectly blends humor, heart, and a little spice into a romcom that feels fresh and uplifting.

Read if you love:
✨ Beth O’Leary vibes
✨ Writer MCs
✨ A slow burn romance with payoff 🔥
✨ Books about books

Thank you to NetGalley, Eleanor Goymer, and Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter for the eARC of this book. 

If you’re obsessed with enemies to lovers, fake dating, and a swoony destination romance set against the gorgeous backdrop of Italy, then The Wedding Date Disaster by Kate Mathieson is your next read.

Picture this: Gemma Evans is on the edge of her dream career… until her work nemesis, Ben McDonald, swoops in and snatches the promotion. As if that isn’t enough, she’s got a family wedding in Italy to survive—alone—until a blind date “rescues” her... except the blind date turns out to be BEN.

🖤 What’s inside?

🔥 Enemies to lovers tension (and oh boy, the banter!)
🕶️ Fake dating shenanigans that spiral out of control in the BEST way
🌍 Italy vibes for days—romantic, dreamy, and absolutely wanderlust
😈 A hero who’s equal parts infuriating and irresistible
💥 Spice, laughs, and family drama that keeps you turning pages

It’s giving The Spanish Love Deception meets Book Lovers, with a dash of The Love Hypothesis charm. Gemma and Ben’s chemistry is chef’s kiss 🔥, the character growth is spot on, and you’ll fall for every moment of their tension-filled, swoon-worthy journey.

✨ If you love fake dating, snarky workplace dynamics, and romance that feels like a warm hug with a touch of spice, this book is for you. Go grab The Wedding Date Disaster and thank me later! 🖤

Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Mathieson, and HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter for the eARC of this book. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Absolute Dark Romance Perfection

Lights Out by Navessa Allen absolutely blew me away. If you’re a fan of dark romance with a morally gray hero, a compelling plot, and addictive writing, this one is a must read. I devoured it in audiobook form, and let me just say: the narrators were PERFECTION. Jacob Morgan’s voice? Pure velvet. Smooth, sinful, and so hot that it added an entirely new layer to Josh’s character. I couldn’t get enough. I am immensely grateful I listened to my friends when they said to listen to this on audiobook because it was SO worth it. 

From the moment I met Aly and Josh, I was hooked. Their chemistry is electric, their dynamic deliciously dark, and I loved watching their story unfold. Allen crafted a fast paced plot that held me captive, blending heat, tension, and a hint of danger in a way that kept me on edge (in the best way possible). I am not someone who usually gravitates towards dark romance, but I adored how the book played into the modern obsessions we all share—those masked, inked, knife-wielding anti-heroes of our FYP dreams brought to life.

This is the kind of book that reminds me why I DO love the dark romance genre: it pushes boundaries, delivers intense passion, and leaves you aching for more. Lights Out is so worth the hype, and I can’t wait for the next one in the series. Navessa Allen, you have a new fan for life.