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Y’all, Never Planned On You by Lindsay Hameroff is giving MAJOR rom com vibes, and I’m obsessed! Imagine The Wedding Planner meets Serendipity, but with a sassy, free spirited chef turned wedding planner who can’t seem to escape her super hot, tattoo twin from London… only to find out HE’S THE GROOM of the wedding that will make or break her career. 😱🔥

Ali is pure chaos in the best way—fun, relatable, and always chasing her dreams, but now she’s back in Baltimore trying to prove she’s not the family flake. Enter Graham, the charming Brit who turns her life upside down all over again. The meet cute these two have is so unique and honestly one of the best that I have read. 

Their chemistry? OFF THE CHARTS. And the tension? OMG, I was SCREAMING. 😩 Every time they’re near each other, it’s sparks and drama, but he’s in a marriage of convenience (because of course he is), and Ali’s career is on the line, so there's a forbidden element to it that just makes it that much better.

Throw in a historic hotel trying to regain its former glory, a high-stakes wedding, and alllll the feels, and you’ve got a story that’s equal parts hilarious and so emotional. 🥹✨

If you love second-chance romances with witty banter, messy but perfect characters, and the kind of love story that’s just SO worth rooting for, run, don’t walk, to grab this one. 💍💕

Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsay Hameroff, and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this book! 

🧠✨ The DOSE Effect by TJ Power

As someone who is passionate about neuroscience and with a personal connection to mental health challenges like OCD, ADHD, and PTSD, The DOSE Effect hit home on so many levels. TJ Power crafts a guide that’s equal parts scientific, practical, and deeply empathetic, making complex concepts about brain chemistry feel accessible and empowering.

What makes this book stand out is its core framework: understanding and optimizing the four key hormones that regulate our mental and emotional well-being—Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins (DOSE). This structured approach makes it easy to understand how each of these chemicals influences our daily lives while offering actionable strategies to improve them.

Dopamine: The Motivation Driver
As someone managing ADHD, learning about Dopamine as the “motivation and attention chemical” was particularly enlightening. TJ Power breaks down how effortful activities, like setting small achievable goals or creating structured routines, can help naturally boost Dopamine levels. His insights gave me a better understanding of why certain tasks feel rewarding and how to manage the inevitable dips in focus and drive.

Oxytocin: The Connection Builder
This section resonated deeply due to its focus on relationships and social confidence, areas often affected by OCD and PTSD. Power emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful connections to enhance Oxytocin levels and shares approachable ways to do so, like practicing gratitude and being more present in interactions. His emphasis on the role of touch, trust, and communication felt like a gentle reminder of the power of human connection, even when mental health struggles make it challenging.

Serotonin: The Mood Regulator
Power’s discussion of Serotonin felt like a revelation, particularly his focus on gut health and exposure to nature. For those battling anxiety or mood swings, his advice to integrate mindful eating habits and spend time in green spaces is not only scientifically sound but also refreshingly simple. The connection between physical and mental well-being is something I’ve read about before, but his explanations gave me a clear roadmap to implement these ideas in everyday life.

Endorphins: The Stress Relievers
The Endorphins section might be my favorite, especially his emphasis on the benefits of laughter and physical activity. As someone navigating the stressors tied to mental health conditions, the idea that small bursts of joy and exertion can create lasting impacts on brain chemistry was incredibly motivating. His advice on incorporating movement and humor into daily routines felt both practical and achievable.

Why The DOSE Effect is a Game-Changer
What sets this book apart is its actionable approach to biohacking your brain chemistry. Power doesn’t just explain why these hormones are important—he offers clear, research-backed steps to boost them. Whether it’s through mindfulness, exercise, fostering social bonds, or simply laughing more, these strategies feel tailor-made for real-life application.

His writing style is another highlight—Power blends cutting-edge science with relatable anecdotes, making neuroscience feel less intimidating and more like a tool you can wield to improve your life. The book’s tone is inspiring yet grounded, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to optimize their mental health, productivity, or general happiness.

Final Thoughts
The DOSE Effect isn’t just a book; it’s a toolkit for transforming how you understand and manage your mental well-being. For someone like me, navigating OCD, ADHD, and PTSD, it felt like a lifeline—a reminder that even small changes can create meaningful, lasting improvements in brain chemistry. If you’re curious about the neuroscience of happiness and want practical ways to thrive, this book is a must-have.

Who else feels like biohacking your brain is the ultimate self-care? Let’s discuss! 🙌✨

Thank you to NetGalley, TJ Power, and Dey Street Books for the eARC of this informative and enlightening book. 

🏀💘 Hard to Break by Piper Lawson 🏀🔥

If forbidden love, sports romance, and a hero with a heart of gold make your pulse race, Hard to Break is the book you need in your life! Piper Lawson delivers an unforgettable finale to the Denver Kodiaks series, packed with sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and so many swoon worthy moments.

Let’s talk about Miles. He’s not just your average pro athlete with a million-dollar smile—he’s the kind of guy who would do anything for the girl he loves. From secretly protecting Brooke for years to risking his career for her, his dedication is everything. And while he’s known as the carefree, good times guy, we quickly see that his love for Brooke is anything but casual. Miles is the ultimate cinnamon roll hero—soft for her, strong for everyone else. 🥰

Brooke, on the other hand, is our girl and we root for her. She’s sassy, smart, and has enough fire to match Miles’ determination. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The push and pull between them as they navigate their shared history, their undeniable attraction, and the risks of being together had me flipping pages faster than Miles driving to the basket.

The tropes in this book are chef’s kiss. Teammate’s little sister? YES. Brother’s best friend? Don’t mind if I do. Fake dating? Adds just the right level of chaos. And let’s not forget the only one bed scene—it’s a whole vibe. Lawson balances these classic romance beats with a fresh energy that feels perfect for fans of sports romance.

And the stakes? They’re high. With Miles’ career and his relationships on the line, the tension keeps building until you’re practically screaming for these two to finally get their happily ever after. Add in the friendship and love of the Denver Kodiaks, and you’ve got a story that’s not just about love but also about loyalty, camraderie, and the sacrifices we make for the people who matter most.

🌟 Hard to Break is a perfect blend of tender and steamy, with an MMC who’ll make you melt and an FMC who’ll make you cheer. If you’re into romances where the stakes are high and the feels are higher, this one is an absolute must read.

Who else is obsessed with cinnamon roll heroes? And can we talk about fake dating? It NEVER gets old! Ugh, my heart. I'm so happy I got to read this series and will miss Brooke and Miles and the entire Denver Kodiaks crew so much. 

Thank you to Piper Lawson and Valentine PR for the eARC of this book! 💗

🎥📖 The Final Rose by Amy Oliveira 🌹✨

For fans of The Bachelor and Bachelorette! This is my dream come true in the form of a book because I'm a huge fan of the show and I have been desparate for a romance novel based on the show! 😍

Lights, cameras, DRAMA! This book gives reality TV lovers everything we crave—messy romance, behind-the-scenes chaos, and the kind of chemistry that’s impossible to ignore. Ugh, I just LOVE Sebastian and Callie with all of my heart! 

Sebastian Riggs is the dreamy bachelor with a smile worth swooning over, but it’s the producer’s perspective that steals the show. The forbidden romance between the on-screen heartthrob and the behind-the-scenes powerhouse? Chef’s kiss. 💋

Amy Oliveira writes with heart and heat, and the tension in this story is 🔥. If you’re into reality dating shows or the juicy drama of The Bachelor/Bachelorette TV show, this one’s for you. A quick, flirty read that makes you wonder: What’s the real prize in love, fame, or both?

🌹 Verdict: Swipe right on The Final Rose. You’ll binge it faster than a reality TV marathon.

Grab some popcorn and wine and binge this sweet and spicy read! 

Thank you to Love Notes PR and Amy Oliveira for the eARC of this book! 

Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton & Rebecca Podos 🌱✨💖

Homegrown Magic is everything you could want in a cozy queer fantasy: tender romance, found family, and just the right dash of whimsy. Yael and Margot’s story feels like a cup of tea on a rainy day—warm, sweet, and unexpectedly magical. 🍵🌧️

Yael, the runaway heir with no practical skills but a heart full of yearning, collides beautifully with Margot, the determined plant witch holding her family’s legacy together. Their friends-to-lovers chemistry? Absolutely to die for. The awkwardness, the pining, the sparks—it’s chef’s kiss.

And can we talk about the vibes? A lush greenhouse full of enchanted plants, a rivalry between powerful families, and magic that feels as alive as the characters. Every detail feels like stepping into a world you’ll never want to leave. 🌸🌿

But don’t be fooled by the coziness—there’s drama aplenty with meddling parents and high-stakes decisions. The romance blooms just as naturally as Margot’s magic, and the result is a story that’s heartfelt, enchanting, and delightfully queer.

Rating: 5/5 🌟
If you love friends-to-lovers, garden magic, and sapphic longing, this book is your next must-read. 🪴✨

Thank you to NetGalley, Jamie Paction, Rebecca Podos, and Random House for the eARC of this book! 

Braving The Storm by Elliott Rose 🌩️🔥

If you're looking for a forbidden love story that will leave you absolutely wrecked in the best way, Braving The Storm is your next obsession. Storm and Briar's relationship is the perfect blend of taboo, tension, and temptation that feels utterly unmatched.

Elliott Rose doesn’t just write smut—she crafts chemistry so palpable you’ll find yourself holding your breath. The spice? 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ It’s chef’s kiss—intense, electrifying, and so incredibly well-written that every scene is burned into your mind.

But it’s not just about the heat. The depth of their characters, the secrets they’re hiding, and the icy, isolated mountain setting make this a book you cannot put down. Storm is everything—a rugged, tattooed cowboy with a dark edge and piercing blue eyes, while Briar is the resilient queen trying to reclaim her life.

If you loved Storm and Briar’s dynamic as much as I did, trust me, this book will own you. It’s forbidden love done to perfection, and you’ll be thinking about those “almost crossed” lines long after the final page. 😍

Rating: 5/5 🌟
Run, don’t walk, to get this masterpiece. And don’t forget to grab a fan—it’s about to get HOT. 🔥

🎄📚 Holiday Wedding by Melissa Dymond 📚🎄

✨ What’s the vibe?
Think Hallmark Christmas movie meets Die Hard drama with all the romance! This dual POV story follows Gwen and Jenny, besties on a snowy mission to survive wedding chaos, stalker drama, and swoony love stories.

💍 Gwen’s POV:
She’s ready to marry Caleb, but a blizzard and a stalker bring major holiday hiccups. Will their love sleigh right through the chaos?

📰 Jenny’s POV:
She’s a struggling reporter turned reluctant amateur detective paired with the bodyguard who ghosted her years ago. Enemies-to-lovers with sizzling tension, anyone?

🎁 Why you’ll love it:

Tropes galore: Enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, snowed in, one bed, and grumpy sunshine!
Romance and suspense: Heart-pounding thrills alongside mistletoe-worthy moments.
Cozy vibes: New York winter wonderland, steamy cocoa, and a sprinkle of humor.

📖 Final verdict: If you love pulse-pounding suspense with a side of swoon, this one’s your Christmas wish come true! 🥰✨

Tag your festive book buddy who needs this in their stocking! 🎅🎄

Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Dymond, and Victory Editing for an eARC of this book! 

Buckle up because Roughing It is a spicy rollercoaster with all the wilderness vibes and slow-burn tension you didn’t know you needed. Meet Blakely, our city girl influencer who takes on the wild to prove she’s more than just a social media “princess.” Her guide? Hudson—grumpy, rugged, and completely over her brand of charm.

The setup is classic forced proximity (hello, one bed in a one-room cabin!), but what really pulls you in is the tension between these two. Blakely and Hudson are opposites in the best way possible, with banter that’s sharp, hilarious, and a little bit steamy. Hudson doesn’t want her there, but there’s no denying the chemistry. And Blakely? She’s determined to show she’s tougher than he thinks.

If you love grumpy-sunshine romance, fish-out-of-water tropes, and a healthy dose of wilderness survival, this book has it all. Perfect for fans of forced proximity and city-girl-meets-country-boy stories. You’ll be rooting for these two by page one and totally swooning by the end. This is a 10/10 read for your romance shelf!

🔥 Axes & O's by Kayla Grosse is THE steamy holiday romance you didn’t know you needed, and I am shook in the best possible way! 🔥 If you're into holiday heat, snowed-in situations, and a wild MMF love story that’s bound to make you blush, you NEED this one on your TBR.

Let me set the scene: Nathan Clark, our unsuspecting hero, crashes his car just before Christmas and ends up stranded at the cabin of Fox and Morgan Malone—who are about to turn his world upside down. Fox is all rugged, tattooed, and seriously hot, while Morgan is the sultry, sweet woman who’s ready to make Nathan question everything he thought he knew about himself. 🌲❤️

It starts with a cozy offer to stay warm… and then, well, things escalate. Fox and Morgan aren't just eyeing Nathan—they're into him in a way that’s hot enough to melt the snow outside. The tension between the three of them is insane, and I mean that in the best possible way. 😏💥

Now, don’t be fooled, this isn’t just a hot romance—it’s got heart too. The chemistry between Nathan, Fox, and Morgan isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, it’s deep, it’s about discovering new sides of yourself and embracing who you truly are. 🌟 There’s vulnerability mixed in with the passion, and let me tell you, it’s impossible not to root for all of them to find their happily-ever-after.

And don’t even get me started on the narration. Grayson Owens, Stella Hunter, and Stephen Dexter bring it with their voices. They make the whole experience feel like you're right there with them in that cozy cabin, feeling every spark, every heated moment, every bit of tension. 😵‍💫

So if you’re into high-heat, snowed-in romances with a bit of kink and a whole lot of heart, Axes & O's is your next must-read (or must-listen, if you’re into audiobooks like me). It’s steamy, it’s emotional, and it’s the perfect holiday treat if you're ready for something a little extra spicy under the mistletoe. 🎄🔥

Thank you to NetGalley, Kayla Grosse, and Dreamscape Select for the audio ARC of this book! 

🎉 I Think They Love You by Julian Winters is here, and I am obsessed! 😍 This is his first adult rom-com, after writing some amazing YA, and let me tell you… he did not disappoint.

So, we’ve got Denzel “Denz” Carter, a guy who’s always had his life planned out—until his dad announces his retirement and the competition for CEO of the family company kicks off. To seal the deal and look all responsible to his family, Denz does what any sensible person would do—he lies and says he’s in a serious relationship. 💍💔

Now, Denz needs a fake boyfriend STAT, and who does he turn to? None other than Braylon, the ex who broke his heart. Talk about awkward! 😬 But, hey, Braylon needs Denz’s connections for his own career, so they strike a deal: pretend to be together to get what they want. The problem? Fake dating your ex has complications… and suddenly, things feel real. 😏

Okay, I am living for this fake-dating-to-second-chance romance! It has everything—the tension, the chemistry, the heart. ❤️ What makes this story stand out is how it dives into the messy but beautiful complications of love and healing. It’s not just about a second chance at romance; it’s about becoming the person you want to be and learning to love who you’re growing into. 🌱✨

The dynamic between Denz and Braylon is everything. Their banter? On point. The slow-burn tension? Chef’s kiss. The relationship feels so real, so relatable—honestly, I was rooting for them the entire time. And the family dynamics? HILARIOUS. This is one of those books that will have you laughing and then picking your heart up off the floor in the next chapter. 🫶

If you’re a fan of fake-dating tropes, second chances, big queer families, and a swoon-worthy romance that will make you smile like an idiot—this book is for you. Julian Winters absolutely nailed his adult debut. It’s funny, heartwarming, and just the right amount of messy in the best way possible.

10/10 recommend if you’re looking for a love story that feels real, funny, and leaves you feeling all the feelings. 🏳️‍🌈💖

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