Thank you to Berkley Romance and Netgalley for an eARC.

Reread February 2023: oh my gosh, I LOVE THIS BOOK. Even better the second time around.

ADORE.

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Ohhh how this grew on me. After loving Set On You I had to get my hands on this book and it did not disappoint.

I loooved Tara. I connected through many of her thoughts about romance, love and life and really enjoyed the journey her character went on. Her ability to be optimistic about love and the place she wanted it to hold in her life was incredibly hopeful. Tara needed someone to see and love all of her and that’s where sweet Trevor enters the picture. TREVOR. Good heavens. From a disastrous meeting to slowly peeling away all of those layers!? I was in a PUDDLE by the ending confessions. I loved his counter balancing gruff nature and how he was just always *there*. This duo truly went from roommates to friends to lovers and I was couldn’t get enough.

The forced proximity moments had me grinning like a fool. I LOVED the banter and all the times Tara dragged Trevor along (who we all know went willingly) to whatever plan she had in store that day. The entire vibe of this book was exactly what I was seeking. A light hearted (yet serious) look at finding love.

Amy Lea is easily becoming an auto-read author for me. I love the way she writes romances and the slow burn payoff is always worth it.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 2-3 open door; mild explict
- Trigger/Content Warnings: a child with a heart condition, gaslighting, mentions of death of loved ones 

THIS GREW ON ME.

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I did NOT know what to do with the first 30-35% of this one y’all. It was weird, and oddly focused on things I just didn’t think mattered. Not to mention there’s insta-love here (which does make sense in context, but you’ve been warned!).

THEN, towards the second half I realized I kind of actually liked the relationship between Angelika and Will. When some of the physicality was left on the side they did have some good conversations about life, love, and beyond. And I found the ending to be beautiful.

The surrounding plot was full of all things Frankenstein-esque that you’ve heard, read, or watched. I love that it fell in line with a lot of the original story and still took on it’s own bearing. It’s definitely super quirky (for fans of India Holton I’d say give it a go).

I had a good time reading something off the beaten path of my usual go-to genres and it’s the second book I’ve at last ready of Thorne’s (THG owns me). I’m curious if she’ll continue with these types of reads, I think I’d give another one a try!

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door; med-high explicit + high innuendo
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: pregnancy & infertility, deaths of parents recounted, sexual assault 

SHE DID IT AGAIN.

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I loved this y’all!!! Now, it didn’t top my obsession with The Spanish Love Deception, BUT this grew on me in a different way.

This was so dang soft. It’s low angst with lots of heart. I adored Lucas and Rosie. I felt like I connected with both of them about different things and it really sang to my heart as they found love with each other. It was pretty slow for the first half and you have to hang in there, but the foundation is being laid for all of the swoon!

I love a great romance where I’m sitting there reading it and all of a sudden realize how attached I am to everything that’s happening. Yes, this is a little bit on the cheesy side but it WORKS. The grand gesture(s) and fake dates, the chases through airports and more. It has the love story movie-esque vibe that worked well for me.

The surrounding plot was steady and I liked that it gave a chance for both Lucas and Rosie to evolve and exhibit there own personal character growth. This is why I love dual POV romance books!!! I have a super soft spot for Lucas and gosh dang he just MELTED MY HEART.

Bring on whatever Elena Armas is giving us next because I can’t wait.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: strong
- Romance: multiple open door; med-high explicit
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: Parent abandonment mentioned (off page), PTSD and trauma, panic attacks, nightmares 

STELLAR FINALE.

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Don’t you love when you finish a series and realize how much you’ve enjoyed it? Hallelujah this was the case here. What a fantastic YA mystery series.

I LOVE THESE BROTHERS. If I could get spin off books of everyone I would be in bookish heaven. I love Jameson, Grayson, Xander and Nash for in a hundred ways and will protect them at all costs.

The puzzles and games sprinkled throughout were intense to watch unfold. I am continually in awe at this author’s ability to craft such intricate enigmas. I love that I don’t quite know where each answer will lay and who’s on what side.

I do wish there was a touch more romance. I appreciated the growth from Jameson that I really needed to feel more connected to the relationship between him and Avery. They had some really sweet moments though!!

Short chapters make for a fast pace that had me binge reading this needing to know what happens next. I liked the conclusion a lot and how Avery ended up handling the inheritance and defeating the nemesis that came from the past.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Mystery
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: med-high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: weapons violence, kidnapping, recounted murder 

OVERSHADOWED.

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I’m not a super spice loving gal. BUT I can overlook it whenever the plot and characters beside it are strong. Unfortunately the spice really took over here and I had a hard time looking past the friends with benefits motif.

The characters were good. I did love the dual points of view between RJ and Lear. The banter was seriously FIRE. I was cracking up and it had a very good enemy to lovers vibe. New workplace rivals that butted heads and felt the heat between them.

I’m sadly realizing while writing this that I don’t remember a lot of the plot. This goes back to the heavy physical relationship over anything emotional that came late in the game.

I loved Williams first two books and I’m bummed this one was a miss. I’m still hopeful about whatever book is coming next!

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door; high explicit
- Trigger/Content Warnings: sexism, cheating recounted, death of parents mentioned 

HI, THIS IS MY NEW PERSONALITY.

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Y’all. New fantasy obsession alert. I LOVED this!! Another Kindle Unlimited gem that has its hooks in me.

This is a slow build. And at times you do feel that slowness, but it has a necessity. I hate when things are slow and aren’t truly moving. In this case, we got to see some major character growth from Cistine and I looooved that. I enjoy seeing the development of skills rather than overnight they are fantastic at everything.

The plot is satisfying too. The world building is easy to follow and I like how the magic system is involved. I also absolutely loved that this had FOUND FAMILY. One of my favorite non-romantic tropes. This group grew on me and I am hopeful that we get to see there stories as the series progresses.

I can see that the romance will be a super slow burn. And I love those so doesn’t bother me one bit. I even like how it’s set-up right now (I don’t want to mention more because of spoilers). It’s just a true to life way of romance and I think this slow development will be EVERYTHING.

I can’t wait for more of this one. It was just what I was looking for when I picked it up and I’m genuinely excited to keep reading. Highly recommend for my fantasy friends!

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: mild
- Trigger/Content Warnings: small battle scenes, torture, loss of loved ones, domestic abuse (recounted) 

WHOA.

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I had no expectations going into this one. I had heard of its origin story and that was convincing enough for me to give it a go.

The audiobook was wonderful. And easily recommend that route if you’re looking for a fantasy romance!

This had many many mashups of tropes and fantasy book elements that I love seeing. I know others might not like the addition of that many pieces, but it just reminded me why I love fantasy reading so much and I had a blast seeing all of the nuanced aspects come together.

I really liked the main character and her story. Thing were unveiled in an easy to follow way that kept me intrigued and wanting more. The romance was enjoyable and I can’t wait to see how that further develops after that ending!!

A solid start to a new series that I will definitely be waiting to get my hands on as soon as it releases.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy + Romance
- Language: some
- Romance: one open door scene
- Violence: med-high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: sexual assault mentioned, substance abuse (alcohol), self harm, murder, torture, colonialism 

A BIT LETDOWN.

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I was hoping that this would be an ending I could fully fall in love with, and while there were some good moments…it also was missing some stuff too.

I really liked the father/daughter relationship. I love seeing a good parental relationship. Also, the BROTHERS. I could read a novella spin off about each one of them and be content with everything. I love their dynamic and the love they clearly show for one another.

The romance could have had a heavier hand. I don’t think the love triangle should have even been used. It just made me sad for one of the characters rather than being satisfied with how things wrapped up.

I was confused by the book defeating the bad guy with 80+ pages left? Things got stagnant at that point and then the ending was a bit lackluster. I felt like it was reminiscent of Daughter of the Moon Goddess but in a lesser manner.

I think I’ll go the library route next time for her books. I always seem to LOVE the first one and then the second is a bit meh.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: mild
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, battle scenes, demon attacks, physical and magical altercations 

CUTE.

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I enjoyed this one! It had a cute You’ve Got Mail-esque plot with some decent main characters. I adored the bookstore set-up and the forced proximity. There’s a very fast tempo to the story so if you’re looking for a sweet rom-com to read in a day, this could be it!

The insta-love was a bit of a struggle for me. I think pacing + insta was where it lost me. I have read books where insta-connections work, this though, fell flat. I wanted more depth from the main characters (praises for dual POV at least!). Trying to add in hard backgrounds + everything happening in present time + the romance was a tricky combination that didn’t always succeed.

There is a miscommunication trope here too. It isn’t over the top dramatic but I know this is a controversial trope to use so I figured I’d mention it. I liked the charming moments and the second chance these two took at love. The kissing scenes were nice and swoony and I think book two has the potential to be even better.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a mother (recounted) 

Thank you to Nichole Van for the eARC.

ALL THE DANG FEELS.

OHMYGOSHILOVEDTHISBOOKSOMUCH.

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I don’t even know how coherent this will be because I am fully obsessed with all things Nichole Van and this book was another five star read from one of my favorite historical romance authors.

This book holds one of my biggest triggers: a widow/widower. I loved the way Van handled Malcom and his tender heart. The heart that missed his wife but also was starting to beat for someone new. I can’t count how many scenes and conversations had my eyes going misty. There were profound sentiments towards grief that I think would resonate with anyone who’s experienced a loss in their life.

AND VIOLA. She is my new favorite female main character. Because guess what? Being shy does NOT mean you are not also fierce and tenacious. It does not mean you’ll stand to be walked all over. I LOOOOOOVE that I got to read about a shy (hi, it’s me) woman who was a force and showing all that it’s not a weakness.

THE ROMANCE??? Holy heck. The fire between these two was off the charts. I loved the slow build. The nuanced looks and casual run-ins that turned to deep conversations. And when Viola went after what she wanted? I was squealing with joy at how an entire scene played out.

There’s even some cameos from some of the best men of The Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series. The epilogue is EVERYTHING. And I am in desperate need of Ethan’s book.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: blackmail, loss of a spouse (recounted), depictions of grief, asthmatic attacks