📚💍 My Big Fat Fake Marriage 💕✍️

Imagine Ted Lasso vibes, but instead of football, it’s all about writing retreats, fake marriages, and falling for the sunshine editor next door! 🌞 Connie’s skepticism meets Beck’s boundless cheer, and the result is a rom com full of swoony moments, late night tension, and quirky charm.

What I loved:
✨ Beck is basically Ted Lasso in bow ties—adorable and endlessly optimistic.
✨ The fake marriage setup is irresistibly fun, and the chemistry builds beautifully.
✨ Cute, lighthearted, and sweet with all the cozy rom com feels.

What didn’t quite hit:
❌ Some parts felt a bit immature and cringe.
❌ Miscommunication as a plot device—why do they DO this to us? 🫠

If you’re in the mood for a sweet escape (and can overlook a few eye roll moments), this one’s for you! Just be ready to laugh, swoon, and maybe wince a little. 💕

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

🎥✨ Best Friends For Never by Teagan Hunter ✨🎭

If you love:
💔 Second chances that tug at your heartstrings
🌟 Hollywood drama meets small town charm
🔥 A slow burn friends to lovers romance

Then Best Friends For Never is calling your name! Noel Carter is a Hollywood heartthrob returning to his roots, while Parker Pruitt is the small-town girl with big dreams—and an even bigger heartbreak. Their reunion? Equal parts awkward, emotional, and downright sweet and satisfying.

The chemistry between Noel and Parker is magnetic, and the journey from rekindling old memories to rediscovering buried feelings will have you hooked. It’s funny, heartfelt, and a perfect blend of small town coziness and red carpet allure.

The question remains: can love survive the glitter of Hollywood and the simplicity of Emerald Grove? ✨

📖 This book is a perfect cozy weekend read! It's my first Teagan Hunter read but won't be my last! 

Thank you to NetGalley, Teagan Hunter, and Montlake for the eARC of this book.

📚 The Wrong Heart by Jennifer Hartmann 🖤

💔 "The only thing I have left of my husband is inside him."

If you're looking for a romance that will rip your heart apart and put it back together, this one is IT. Jennifer Hartmann delivers a gut-wrenching, beautifully written story about grief, healing, and an unconventional connection born from unimaginable loss.

🖤 Angst overload: Prepare yourself for ALL the feels. This book dives deep into grief, trauma, and the messy, complicated process of finding love again.

💬 Emotionally raw: The anonymous exchanges between the FMC and her late husband's heart recipient are haunting, addictive, and completely unforgettable.

⚠️ Trigger warning: This story doesn’t shy away from heavy topics like self-harm and loss, but Hartmann handles them with care. If you're in the headspace for a cathartic cry, you'll absolutely feel seen.

✨ Verdict: This isn't just a romance—it’s a journey of heartbreak, healing, and hope. If you love angsty, contemporary romances that feel like a punch to the gut (in the best way), The Wrong Heart is a must-read. 5/5 tissues. 😭🖤

Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Hartmann, and Bloom Books for the eARC of this book. 

This is such an incredible book, and I am delighted that I was able to read it. A gorgeous look at a coming of age, queer story that grapples with choosing between love of a person and love of a sport, and whether those things can truly coexist and thrive. Marisa Crane’s A Sharp Endless Need is a gut-punch of a novel that captures the raw intensity of first love, grief, and the complexities of growing up in a small town where being different can feel like a crime. Set against the backdrop of rural Pennsylvania in 2004, the story brings an almost tangible nostalgia while also tackling timeless themes of identity, loss, and resilience.

Mack Morris is a brilliantly crafted protagonist—fierce, flawed, and achingly relatable. Her journey begins with two seismic shifts: the devastating loss of her father and the electrifying arrival of Liv Cooper, a transfer student who shakes up both Mack’s basketball game and her heart. The on-court chemistry between Mack and Liv is electric, but it’s their off-court connection—full of longing, vulnerability, and danger—that propels the story forward.

The romance is tender yet charged with a quiet rebellion, as Mack and Liv navigate the precarious line between being true to themselves and surviving in their conservative town. Crane’s ability to evoke the angst and euphoria of young love is unparalleled, and the stakes feel real and urgent, especially as Liv’s controlling mother looms over their lives.

But this isn’t just a love story. It’s a deep dive into grief, identity, and the fear of an unknown future. Mack’s struggles with her father’s death, her relationship with basketball, and her reliance on drugs and sex as coping mechanisms create a layered, emotionally rich narrative. Crane’s writing is lyrical yet razor-sharp, pulling you into Mack’s headspace and keeping you there through every triumph and heartbreak.

The comparisons to Call Me By Your Name and Love & Basketball are well-earned. The novel pulses with the same lush intimacy and emotional stakes, but it also carves out its own space with Crane’s signature voice—raw, unflinching, and beautifully human.

A Sharp Endless Need isn’t just about basketball or small-town life; it’s about fighting for the future you want when everything seems to be pushing you back. It’s a stunning, unforgettable exploration of love, loss, and the resilience it takes to grow up—and grow into yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley, Marisa Crane, and Random House Publishing/The Dial Press for the eARC of this book. 

Y’all, I just finished See It Through by Julia Wolf, and let me tell you… I am OBSESSED. 😍

This book has EVERYTHING:
✨ Small town drama that pulls you in
🔥 Enemies to lovers tension that sizzles on every page
🐎 All the cowboy western vibes (yes, there are horses!)
👩‍🎤 A fierce, independent heroine who’s not afraid to throw a wrench (literally)
💪 A protective and hot hero who shows up when it matters most

Hannah and Remi’s chemistry? OFF THE CHARTS. They bicker, they banter, and then… BAM 💥 you’re hit with all the feels. And Remi? This man went from broody to “I’ll burn the world for you” real quick, and I was HERE for it. 🙌

But it’s not just about the romance—there’s suspense too! Someone’s out to mess with Hannah’s life, and the mystery kept me flipping pages like crazy. Add in a beautiful small town backdrop and family drama, and I was HOOKED. 

If you love:
✔️ Enemies to lovers with fiery chemistry
✔️ Small town romances with a touch of danger
✔️ A hero who’s soft for her and a heroine who fights back

Then RUN, don’t walk, to pick this one up. See It Through gave me all the feels, and I’m already thinking about a reread. 🤠💞

Thank you to Valentine PR and Julia Wolf for the eARC of this book! 

The Gods Time Forgot is an utterly captivating mix of Irish mythology, historical romance, and dark magic set against the glittering backdrop of Gilded Age Manhattan. Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez’s debut seamlessly combines lush historical detail with fantastical elements, crafting a romantasy that kept me spellbound until the final page.

Rua’s journey is mesmerizing. With no memories of her past, her decision to step into the life of Emma Harrington sets the stage for a gripping story of mystery, self-discovery, and forbidden romance. Her chemistry with Finn, the enigmatic Lord of Donore, crackles with tension, making their enemies-to-lovers dynamic feel both heartfelt and electric. Finn’s charm and hidden depths perfectly complement Rua’s determination and resilience, making them a couple you can’t help but root for.

The incorporation of Irish mythology is masterfully done, adding a rich, magical layer to the plot that slowly unfolds as Rua’s memories return. The balance between the societal pressures of New York’s elite and the darker, otherworldly elements of Rua’s past is flawlessly executed, pulling you into both the glitzy and shadowy sides of the story.

This book is perfect for fans of sweeping romantasy like Outlander or A Fate Inked in Blood. It’s a tale of love, identity, and ancient secrets that feels both timeless and refreshingly original. With vivid world-building, an enthralling mystery, and a romance that simmers with intensity, The Gods Time Forgot is a must-read for anyone craving a richly layered and beautifully written escape.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez, and Alcove Press for the eARC of this book.

Bourbon & Secrets is an intoxicating blend of romantic suspense, mystery, and small town drama that had me riveted from start to finish. Victoria Wilder expertly weaves a tale of tension and secrets while creating characters who leap off the page with their undeniable chemistry and emotional depth. And can we talk about this GORGEOUS cover? My goodness, Victoria Wilder outdid herself because the book is worth it for just the cover alone. It’s perfection. The book is also the perfect follow up to Bourbon & Lies, which I did not think could be topped. 

The story’s suspenseful twists kept me guessing, but what truly captured my heart was the romance between Lincoln and Faye. Their hate-to-love dynamic sizzled with sharp banter and an underlying vulnerability that made every interaction unforgettable. The added element of mystery surrounding their pasts and the secrets threatening to unravel their present made this book impossible to put down.

Lincoln’s daughters were absolutely adorable and brought a heartwarming charm to the story. Their bond with their dad, coupled with their playful innocence, added a layer of sweetness that perfectly balanced the darker elements of the plot.

And let’s talk about Faye! The fact that she’s a burlesque dancer gave her character such a bold, empowering edge. She reminded me of the fierce performances in Burlesque (yes, just like Cher and Christina Aguilera!). Faye’s confidence, wit, and fierce protectiveness made her an unforgettable heroine who stands tall among my favorites.

If you love romantic suspense with a touch of mystery, complex characters, and sizzling chemistry, Bourbon & Secrets is the perfect read. With its blend of tender family moments, thrilling twists, and a small-town setting steeped in bourbon and secrets, this book is a standout.

Tropes:
Romantic Suspense
Single dad
Small town
Secrets & Blackmail
Hate-to-love
Returning home
Found Family
Bourbon "Tasting"

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Thank you to The Author Agency and Victoria Wilder for the eARC of this book. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams is hands down one of the best books I’ve read in a long time! It was an easy five stars for me, and I couldn’t put it down. Sarah Adams delivers a masterclass in romance with this delightful rivals-to-lovers story that blends humor, tension, and heartfelt moments perfectly.

Emily and Jack's banter is everything I love in a romance—sharp, witty, barbed, and laced with just the right amount of longing. The tension between them was absolutely electric, and I couldn’t get enough of their push-and-pull dynamic. While they’re rivals on the surface, their undeniable chemistry reveals just how much they truly like each other, and that slow-burning realization is pure magic.

The plot is perfection: fast-paced, engaging, and filled with laugh-out-loud moments. I loved the unique twist of Emily’s secret life and Jack’s role in helping her, which added a fun layer of vulnerability to both characters. Sarah Adams’ writing is superb, effortlessly blending humor, heart, and heat. 

This book is the perfect blend of fun, tension, and romance, and I’m still swooning over Jack and Emily’s journey. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a well-written romance with unforgettable characters. I loved being back in Rome, Kentucky and absolutely adore this series. I cannot WAIT for Maddie’s book! 

Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Adams, and Dell for the eARC of this book. 

🏎️ Not So Fast by Karen Booth is the Formula 1 rom com I didn’t know I needed! As a massive F1 fan (Ferrari and Charles Leclerc forever ❤️), this book hit all the right notes: the thrill of the paddock, the drama on and off the track, and the crackling chemistry between Mia, a snarky F1 podcaster, and Xander, the dreamy Brit driver she loves to roast.

Mia’s viral commentary lands her in the heart of F1 at the Miami GP, and let me tell you—sparks FLY. Their banter is electric, the tension is chef’s kiss, and the slow burn is just fast enough to keep your pulse racing. 🚦

It’s flirty, funny, and fast-paced, but honestly, I wish the checkered flag didn’t come so soon. 288 pages? Karen Booth, why stop when we’re just getting revved up?! I wanted MORE! 

If you love Formula 1, sweet and steamy romance, enemies-to-lovers vibes, or just need a read that feels like watching a Netflix Drive to Survive romance, this one’s for you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Karen Booth, and Afterglow for the eARC of this book. 

I had high hopes for Ellie K. Wilde's Only In Your Dreams, but it unfortunately didn’t live up to the hype. As a small town, brother’s best friend, sports romance with a second chance twist, it had all the right ingredients for an irresistible read—but it missed the mark for me.

Let’s talk about the positives: the chemistry between Melody and Zac should have been a knockout. The setup of their past heartbreak and rekindled connection had potential. And I’ll admit, there were a few swoony, heartfelt moments that tugged at my emotions.

But the execution? Predictable. The twists were more like gentle bends you could see from a mile away, and the story felt stretched—almost 500 pages was just too long. I caught myself skimming through repetitive dialogue and unnecessary filler.

Then there’s the believability factor. Some of Zac’s attempts to win Melody back felt more forced than genuine, and their decade long separation didn’t add the emotional weight it needed to. Also, the football subplot? Definitely could’ve been better and more impactful.

If you’re a die hard fan of small town romances and don’t mind a predictable storyline, you might still enjoy this one. But for me, I wanted more sparks and a story that felt fresh, not just recycled tropes.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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