thisteacherlovestoread's Reviews (544)

The Holiday Claus by Ann Einerson is like a cozy winter night, wrapped in a warm blanket, sipping hot cocoa, and... well, you get the picture. It's a delightful holiday tale that's both heartwarming and heated.

Our story revolves around the irresistibly charming Lila and the swoon-worthy Brooks. Picture this: a small town, a cozy inn, and some holiday cheer. But this isn't your average Christmas romance. There's a sprinkle of forbidden attraction (brother's best friend), a dash of forced proximity, and a whole lot of steamy tension.

Lila and Brooks are an absolute dream. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their relationship develops naturally and believably. I loved the way Einerson balanced the holiday sweetness with some steamy scenes. It's the perfect blend of cozy and spicy.

The supporting characters, including the adorable dog Winston, add depth and humor to the story. I hope we get to see more of these characters in the future.

So, if you're looking for a quick, fun, and festive read, The Holiday Claus is the perfect choice. It is a must read this holiday season. 

Thank you Wordsmith Publicity and Ann Einerson for an ARC of this book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.

Where do I begin with this review. I finished this audiobook a few hours ago and it is still on my mind.  It was a very emotional and heartbreakingly beautiful book. I felt so many emotions while reading this book and it gave me a lot to think about. I went in blind to this book and I am so glad I did. Emersyn and Zach’s story is beautiful. It will break your heart and then slowly put the pieces back together.  This book is more than just a love story. It is a story about love, loss, friendship and healing. This book deals with heavy content so read the blurb and check content warnings if you are sensitive to certain topics. Jewel E. Ann is quickly becoming a favorite author and I can’t wait to read more by her. 

Other things I liked about this book:
* Epilepsy representation
* the maturity of the three main characters
* how real and raw the relationship felt
* the various ways love was portrayed (through friendship and relationships)

I listened to the audio and Michael Gallagher and Charlotte North were new to me narrators. They did such a great job voicing these characters. Their emotions and complex feelings came across in their portrayal of Zach and Emersyn. They were a great pairing for this story.

I absolutely loved this book! I was so engaged and invested in the story line and the characters. In this story, we meet Jaymes a travel nurse and Calvin (Fitz) a fire jumper rescuer. They meet when Jaymes moves into a house with Fitz and a few other roommates. From the moment they meet there is a connection but Fitz has his walls up and doesn’t want a relationship, especially with his line of work. Even as Jaymes moves around due to her job, they still stay connected as each other’s person/best friend. I loved the development of these characters and their relationship throughout the book. The audiobook was fee on kindle unlimited so I listened and read and found myself so engaged in the audio. Ada Sinclair and Nelson Hobbs were new to me narrators and they did a fantastic job voicing these characters. I felt all the emotions and the connection between the characters. This was my first book by Jewel. E Ann, but it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this book!

Variation by Rebecca Yarros is absolute perfection. I couldn't put it down! Allie and Hudson's story is so captivating. Hudson, with his endless patience and love for Allie, is the perfect book boyfriend.

I was completely surprised by the twists and turns in the plot. The audio version, narrated by Carly Robins and Teddy Hamilton, brought the characters to life. Their performances were spot on, making the emotional journey even more intense.

If you're a fan of second chance romances, fake dating, and family secrets, Variation is a must-read. You'll fall head over heels for Allie and Hudson, just like I did! This book is infinity stars for me and one of my favorite reads this year!

The Pussy Next Door is the third installment in Amy Award's Cocky Kingmans series, and while it's a fun, lighthearted listen, it's not quite as purr-fect as the previous books.

I still adore the series' overall vibe, and the narrators do a fantastic job bringing the story to life. The body positivity and representation of curvy women are refreshing and empowering. I also have a soft spot for the Kingman brothers, especially the charming Hayes.

However, this book felt a bit rushed. The insta-love between the characters didn't quite click for me, and the plot seemed a bit thinner compared to the other books. Despite these things, it's still a spicy and enjoyable read that will keep you entertained.

Catherine Cowles' Broken Harbor is an amazing addition to the Sparrow Falls series. This third installment follows Sutton, a single mother haunted by her past, and Cope, a professional hockey player with his own share of trauma. The way they navigate their past together and are there for each other is beautiful and total "couple goals".

Cope's protective nature and unwavering devotion to Sutton and her young son, Luca, is heartwarming. The bond between Cope and Luca is particularly touching.

Catherine Cowles in my favorite romantic suspense author and this book captures why she is my favorite. The suspenseful plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with a shocking revelation you won't see coming.

The audiobook narration by Connor Crais and Erin Mallon is exceptional. Their performances bring the characters to life, capturing their emotions and chemistry perfectly.

Broken Harbor is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense. I can't wait for more books in this series.

Lyla Sage's Lost and Lassoed is a delightful addition to the Rebel Blue Ranch series. This third installment follows the charming and spirited Teddy as she navigates a new chapter in her life, one that unexpectedly intertwines with the rugged and endearing single dad, Gus.

The is so much chemistry between Teddy and Gus, and their banter is both witty and heartwarming. Teddy, with her sassy charm and compassionate heart, is an instantly lovable character. Her bond with Gus's daughter, Riley, is truly heartwarming.

The audiobook, narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke, is a fantastic listening experience. Their performances bring the characters to life, capturing the emotions and chemistry perfectly.

If you're looking for a feel-good romance with a touch of heartwarming family dynamics (father-daughter relationships, co-parenting), Lost and Lassoed is the perfect choice.

I've been a fan of Freida McFadden for a while, but her last few books left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up The Boyfriend and found myself completely hooked from the very beginning.

The alternating timelines and dual POV were a clever way to keep the reader guessing. I loved how the story unfolded and was genuinely surprised by the ending. It's always a bonus when a book manages to keep me on my toes.

Victoria Connolly and Adam Blanford did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Their voices were perfect for the roles, and they added a lot of depth to the story.

If you're a fan of Freida McFadden or mystery thrillers in general, I highly recommend checking out The Boyfriend. It's a satisfying return to form for the author and a great read all around.

Never Look Back by A.L. Jackson is the third installment in the Redemption Hills series. This dual POV, enemies-to-lovers romance follows Aster and Logan as they navigate a second chance at love.

The chemistry between these two is off the charts, and Jackson masterfully weaves together their past and present. The flashbacks offer a heart-wrenching look into Aster's past, showcasing her strength and resilience.

The story is full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Jackson's writing style is captivating, and her characters are unforgettable.

The audiobook, narrated by Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber, is a fantastic listening experience. Their performances are filled with emotion and engaging, bringing the story to life.

If you're a fan of second chance romances, you won't want to miss Never Look Back.