🎄 How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn is supposed to be a spicy enemies to lovers holiday rom com… but I have some thoughts. 🫣

So, we’ve got the classic grumpy guy vs. sunshine girl, right? He’s the ultimate Christmas Scrooge living in a year-round Christmas town (literally the worst place for a Grinch). Enter Storee, the sunshine nemesis who moves in next door and immediately starts causing trouble by entering the town's Christmas contest. Cue drama. 🎅

The premise? Cute. The potential? There. But, here’s the thing: this book was not as funny as I thought it would be. Like, at all. 😬

Let’s break it down:

Too Juvenile: The humor felt really forced and childish. So many eye roll moments and it drove me nuts. They were everywhere and honestly, it just got repetitive. 🎄

Repetitive: You get the same phrases OVER and OVER again, and by the end, it felt like they were just filling space. Instead of funny, it felt lazy. 🙄

Not Funny: The jokes just didn’t land for me. It’s supposed to be a rom com but it’s more like a... “meh com”? The banter between the leads? Kinda cringey. The enemies to lovers tension? Kind of not there. 💔

WAY too long: It’s a holiday romance, not a 500 page saga. The middle dragged on and I found myself wondering, "When is this going to get good?" Spoiler: it never quite did. ⏳

Look, if you’re really into Christmas fluff and don’t mind repetitive writing, this might still be fun for you. But personally, it didn’t give me the laughs or the swoons I was hoping for. 🎁

So, if you’re looking for a spicy holiday romance that actually hits the mark, maybe try something else. This one was a bit of a letdown. 😬

🌟 Close Knit by Kels & Denise Stone 🌟

Grumpy/Sunshine. Enemies-to-lovers. Sports romance. You know I'm here for it. Close Knit by Kels & Denise Stone absolutely checks every box – but it does something even more powerful: it brings a thoughtful and authentic portrayal of mental health into the mix. 

Let’s start with Cameron Hastings, the broody, world-class goalkeeper in the Premier League. After a chaotic season filled with pressure, expectations, and the relentless glare of the media, he's desperate to prove himself. All he wants is to focus on his game, but then, of course, he meets Daphne Quinn – a vibrant, lavender-haired knitting influencer who crashes into his world like a breath of fresh air. 🌸

Their "one night, no strings" arrangement quickly spirals into something more complicated when they discover they’re neighbors in London. But Cameron’s emotional walls are high—he’s battling a lot more than just fame and soccer. He’s running from his past, and the mental health toll of constant stress, pressure, and loneliness is real. The way Cameron struggles with his anxiety and the weight of his own expectations is raw and incredibly relatable. 🧠💔

Then there’s Daphne, who’s out in the world living her best life. She’s quirky, independent, and unbothered by the expectations others put on her, but there’s more to her story too. Daphne has spent years learning how to navigate her own personal struggles, carving out a space for herself with her knitting community online—her safe space. Her Yes Year represents her attempt to embrace life fully, and we see her grappling with the vulnerability that comes with being her true self, both online and offline. And, honestly, her confidence and commitment to her mental well-being were a refreshing contrast to Cameron’s internal battle. 💪🌈

What makes this story so compelling is the authenticity of their struggles. Cameron’s mental health journey isn’t just a plot point; it’s integral to his character development. His issues aren’t solved overnight—he has to confront them, and doing so with the help of Daphne feels real and earned. Their romance unfolds slowly, but it’s not just about chemistry; it’s about healing. When they begin to understand each other’s vulnerabilities, the emotional depth of their connection really hits you in the feels.

What I loved about this book is that it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of mental health—whether it’s Cameron’s struggles with anxiety or Daphne’s efforts to find balance while maintaining her online persona. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability, seeking help, and leaning on others when needed. And you feel all of that through their evolving relationship. 💙

This is more than just a sports romance—it’s a journey of self-acceptance, emotional growth, and navigating the highs and lows of life, love, and mental health. Kels & Denise Stone have done a fantastic job weaving these themes into a story that’s both fun and heartfelt. So if you love:

Grumpy/sunshine dynamics ⚽🌞
Mental health representation that’s sensitive and real
Slow burn romance with emotional depth
Characters who feel like real people

This one’s for you. Trust me, Cameron and Daphne will steal your heart. 😘💖

🌸✨ No Matter What by Bekki Vowles ✨🌸

Okay, do you ever read a book and just… can’t put it down? Because this was that book for me! 🤯

Meet Charlie – she thought she had it all: the perfect husband, a beautiful house, and the dream job… until boom, everything crumbles with one shocking reveal. 💔 So, what does she do? She rebels and buys a flower shop, ready to restart her life. 🌸 Sounds like the perfect fresh start, right? But life has other plans.

Enter Owen, the mysterious guy who’s supposed to be just her protector but hellooo, he’s also her biggest temptation. 😏 The tension? OFF THE CHARTS. 🔥 The chemistry? Explosive. But Charlie’s made it clear: she’s only in it for the “friends with benefits” vibe. So you KNOW that’s not going to go as planned.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Owen’s got his own baggage – PTSD, dark past, and a decision that could wreck everything. Will he be able to pull himself together before Charlie’s life gets torn apart?

This book is a wild ride, full of twists and turns, emotional baggage, a slow-burn romance, and enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. There’s danger lurking, but what I loved was how this book showed us that no matter how hard life gets, sometimes you have to fight for what you want – no matter what. 🌟

The characters? Charlie is strong, fierce, and relatable. I loved her journey of finding herself again. And Owen? Gimme all the protective, brooding vibes. 😍 I swear, I was rooting for these two to find their happily ever after.

If you love:

Romantic suspense
Hurt/comfort vibes
Enemies to lovers/slow burn
Characters with deep emotional layers
Then trust me, you NEED this book on your TBR. 📚

🎥💖 Add this to your list now, and thank me later!

Thank you to Bekki Vowles and Love Notes PR for the eARC of this book!

✨ I Dreamt of You by Bekki Vowles ✨

This debut novel had so much potential! The premise of I Dreamt of You is captivating: Millie’s story is a journey from heartbreak to rediscovering life, love, and herself. There’s an emotional mosaic here—a past of intense love and haunting pain, with dreams that keep pulling her back to one unforgettable man from six years ago. It sounds like the perfect recipe for a passionate and twisty romance, right?

But as much as I wanted to be swept away, I could tell it was a debut. While the story has its moments, some parts felt underdeveloped, and I found myself wishing for a stronger connection to Millie and her journey. There’s definitely a rawness to Bekki Vowles' writing that I think could grow into something incredible, but I Dreamt of You felt like it missed a few beats along the way.

Still, if you’re a fan of second-chance romance and stories that tackle deep pain and healing, this book might be worth checking out. Here’s hoping for even better things from this author in the future! ✨ 

✨ Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey ✨

Another winner from Tessa Bailey! I absolutely love the Big Shots series!

Ohhh, this one’s a whirlwind of forbidden romance, family drama, and off-the-charts chemistry! 😍🔥 When pro hockey player Sig Gauthier crosses paths with Chloe Clifford, he’s immediately hooked by her free-spirited, quirky vibe—she’s everything he didn’t know he needed. And just when they think their midnight kiss might be the start of something big… plot twist: their parents are engaged! Yep, that engaged. Sig’s dream girl is about to be his stepsister. 😱

The tension between Sig and Chloe is just delicious, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as they both try to keep things “just friends” while living worlds apart in status, family expectations, and goals. Chloe’s been under her mother’s thumb as a harp prodigy, and Sig? He’s the guy teaching her to break free. But the more they learn about each other, the harder it is to resist the more-than-friends vibes! ❤️

This book is EVERYTHING: steamy, heartfelt, and brimming with rom-com energy. Dream Girl Drama is for fans of Tessa Bailey who want romance with a twist!

Thank you to NetGalley, Tessa Bailey, and Avon for an eARC of this book! 

✨ Cowboy Christmas by Maggie Gates ✨

Picture this: it's a snowy holiday on the ranch, and we're swept back into the heartwarming love story of Silas and Claire Griffith—the OG lovebirds who raised the charming Griffith brothers! This short, sweet story is a perfect holiday read, with just the right mix of nostalgia and holiday magic. 🌲🎅🏼

If you’re a fan of the Griffith Brothers series, get ready to fall in love all over again with their parents’ love story! Silas and Claire have that cozy, enduring love, full of warmth and strength—the kind that can only come from years spent together through thick and thin. ❤️

✨ Best enjoyed if you've already dived into the Griffith brothers’ world, but you could still enjoy it solo for a quick holiday romance fix! ✨ 

I've been WAITING for Gus and Teddy's book and oh, it delivered! 

Enemies to lovers? Forced proximity? Teddy and Gus? Yes, please!

Teddy and Gus are the definition of "it’s complicated." Teddy is chaos in human form, with her go-with-the-flow attitude, a worn-out vintage jacket, and that soul deep craving for something more. Gus, on the other hand, is all routine and responsibility, managing his family ranch and his adorable six-year-old daughter for the summer. He thinks Teddy’s the last person he needs around—until she becomes the only one who can help. The enemies to lovers trope is in full force, and I am LIVING for it!

The banter between these two is FIRE. They’re constantly clashing, but when the heat between them builds... oh my goodness, the chemistry! It’s more than just the grudging respect that slowly turns into something more. It’s that sweet slow-burn romance that leaves you wanting more with every page.

But let’s talk about one of my favorite scenes: Gus taking care of Teddy during her period. 💖 Teddy, in her usual “I can handle it all” mode, is struggling, and Gus, despite being the most serious guy on the ranch and the guy who supposedly "hates" her, has this tender moment where he steps in to help her. The way he looks after her, getting her a heating pad, even making sure she’s comfortable—it’s unexpected and so sweet. That moment is so simple but says so much about their evolving relationship.

This book is everything—the drama, the romance, the swoony moments, and, of course, the forced proximity that turns into something much deeper. If you’re into small town vibes, a touch of western flair, and an enemies to lovers story that will make your heart race, Lost and Lassoed is your next read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for heartwarming, messy, beautifully complicated love!

📖💙 Well Written by Elle Sprinkle 💙📖

This book is a must read for anyone who wants a heart-wrenching, beautifully honest portrayal of mental health and LGBTQIA+ love. In Well Written, Kane Ramirez owns a whimsical bookstore in a charming coastal town, but he’s not just the happy bookstore guy. He’s also lived with clinical depression since he was nine. His journey is one that so many will connect with: showing up for life, even on the hard days, finding joy in small things, and having a support system (like his wonderful ex-wife Clara, her new husband Derrick, their son Judah, and Kane's loyal dog) that makes those dark days a little easier to bear.

When Marcus Fraund, his favorite author and the man he once loved, reenters his life, everything Kane’s been managing gets stirred up. Marcus, who writes under a pen name, brings his own complicated past—he’s a forty-something man who took decades to accept himself and still carries a lot of shame and regret. Their love is layered with that bittersweet tension of “what could have been” and the painful realities they’ve each faced, especially Marcus’s struggle with self-acceptance as a queer man.

This isn’t just a second chance romance; it’s a heartfelt story about queer representation and mental health. Kane’s character makes you feel seen, showing the impact of depression in a way that’s real and raw. And Marcus’s journey of finally embracing his identity while confronting his past? Utterly relatable. Their love story unfolds in a way that’s deeply touching, challenging, and ultimately hopeful.

So if you’re looking for a love story that’s as nuanced and well-layered as its characters, Well Written is your next read. Prepare to laugh, tear up, and maybe see your own journey reflected back. 💖

I'm also in love with the cover of this book and I swear I keep picturing Kane as Pedro Pascal! 😉

Read this if you love:
Second Chance Romance 💞: Kane and Marcus reconnect after twenty years apart, rekindling old feelings and unresolved emotions.
Mental Health Representation 🧠💙: Kane lives with clinical depression, giving the story a deep, honest portrayal of managing life with mental health struggles.
LGBTQIA+ Representation 🌈: This love story centers on two queer men, one of whom has struggled with accepting his identity for much of his life.
Found Family 🐾❤️: Kane’s support system includes his ex-wife Clara and a loyal dog who help him find joy even on the hard days.
Reclusive Author ✍️: Marcus writes under a pen name, hiding behind his words to keep his past at a distance.
Small-Town Setting 🌊📚: Set in a cozy, picturesque coastal town, with a charming bookstore as the backdrop.
Emotional Healing and Growth 🌱: Both characters must confront old wounds and unresolved regrets to move forward.
Nostalgic Flashbacks 🕰️: Kane and Marcus relive memories from the summer they once shared, capturing a bittersweet sense of nostalgia.
Bittersweet Reconnection 🥀✨: Their reunion is filled with both joy and the pain of lost time, making the romance heartfelt and realistic.

This book combines sweetness, healing, and the complexities of mental health and self-acceptance—perfect for fans of heartfelt, nuanced LGBTQIA+ romances.

Thank you to Elle Sprinkle for the eARC of this amazing novella!

📚💖 Once Upon You and Me by Timothy Janovsky 💖📚

Okay, buckle up because this book has everything you didn't know you needed: a fairy tale resort, a spicy age-gap romance, and a “forbidden” chemistry that’s fire 🔥. Once Upon You and Me by Timothy Janovsky takes us on a swoon-worthy journey as Taylor Frost—meticulous, charming, and maybe a bit too flirty—heads off to the Storybook Endings Resort to set up a fairytale birthday bash. But what he doesn’t plan on? The rugged mountain-man vibe of Ethan Golding—the resort’s manager, the ex-husband of his boss, and the ultimate “forbidden fruit.” 🍎

Ethan thought his happy ending was long gone, but Taylor has him questioning that in the most delicious way possible. There's something about their chemistry that feels both taboo and totally irresistible. It’s angsty, it's sizzling, and yes, there’s an ex-wife in the mix, which means their attraction comes with a side of drama. But honestly, isn’t that what gives a romance its edge?

Janovsky writes with a wit and warmth that makes you root for Taylor and Ethan, no matter how messy things get. 🏞️✨ If you love the charm of fairy tales mixed with a dash of forbidden romance and a pinch of spice, you’ll be devouring this one. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love a story where forbidden flings just might lead to a happily-ever-after? 👀💖

Read this if you love: 
Age-Gap Romance 🧔👦: A mature, rugged man and a charming younger guy spark an unexpected romance.
Forbidden Romance 🚫💘: Taylor is the assistant to Ethan’s ex-wife, who’s also the mother of his daughter—making their connection a bit risky.
Workplace Adjacent Romance 💼❤️: Taylor’s at the resort for his job, but mixing work with pleasure could spell trouble.
Single Dad 👨‍👧: Ethan is a doting father focused on making his daughter’s birthday magical.
Grumpy-Sunshine 🌞🌧️: Ethan has that broody, rugged energy, while Taylor brings a playful, flirty vibe.
Only One Bed 🛏️👀: When circumstances throw these two together, things heat up fast.
Small Town Setting 🏞️✨: Set at a picturesque resort in the Catskills, where fairy-tale magic feels real.
Slow Burn to Steamy 🔥🔥: They start with undeniable chemistry and build up to those swoon-worthy, spicy moments.
Happily Ever After? 💕🤞: Will they risk it all for a shot at a true fairy-tale ending?

Thank you to NetGalley, Timothy Janovsky, and Afterglow Books for the eARC of this book! 

📖✨ Almost 30 by Lindsey Simcik and Krista Williams

I'm a huge fan of the podcast Almost 30, and I think this book will be so amazing for not only listeners of the show, but anyone who feels like their late twenties is one big "WTF is happening?" moment, Almost 30 is about to become your new best friend. 🫶💕 Written by the brilliant minds behind the Almost 30 podcast, Lindsey and Krista are here to hold your hand through every “almost-adult” crisis and cosmic shakeup you’re going through, including that dreaded Saturn Return (yes, it’s a thing, and yes, they explain it all). 🌌

This book is like sitting down with your wisest, funniest big sisters who totally get it. Through candid stories, wellness tips, and guidance from major guest experts like Jay Shetty and Glennon Doyle, you’ll get the tools to not only survive but thrive through the chaos. ✨ Think journaling prompts, meditations, and thought-provoking questions that make you dig deep and get real about where you’re going. I love that each chapter reveals a new life lesson that we should definitely know by the time we enter our 30s. We might feel like we don't know what we are doing and don't know where to go next, but we can find ourselves with this guide. 

If you’re feeling lost, restless, or just in need of a loving nudge toward the life you really want, Almost 30 will give you all the laughs, insights, and motivation to make your thirties your best decade yet. 🥂

Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsey Simcik & Krista Williams, and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this book.