thisteacherlovestoread's Reviews (544)


Lyra Parish’s A Very Merry Nanny is a delightful holiday romance that captures the spirit of the season. 

The story follows Hudson, a grumpy yet charming lumberjack, and Emma, a bright and bubbly city girl. Their paths cross once again as Emma returns home for the holidays to spend time with her sister Claire and her fiancee, Hudson's brother Jake. She becomes the unexpected nanny to Hudson’s adorable son, Colby. The dynamic between the three is heartwarming and endearing.

Parish expertly weaves a tale of love, family, and the magic of the holiday season. The chemistry between Hudson and Emma is instant, and their slow-burn romance is both sweet and spicy. 

If you’re looking for a feel-good holiday read that’s both heartwarming and steamy, A Very Merry Nanny is the perfect choice. If you're a fan of cozy holiday romances with a little extra spice, you need to add this to your TBR list. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Thank you Lyra Parish for an ARC of this book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.

As a kid of the 80s, The Little Mermaid was my go-to Disney flick. So, when I heard about Hexed by Emily McIntire, I was so excited to read it. While it's not a direct retelling, it's a deliciously dark reimagining with enough references to the original to make a fan girl squeal.

Hexed follows Venesa and Enzo, a couple caught in a forbidden romance. Enzo's engaged to Venesa's cousin, but their eyes meet, and sparks fly. The plot is full of twists and turns, and I love that the villains get the happily ever after.

I liked Venesa as the villainous female lead. She's was a strong, independent woman who could handle herself. I loved seeing her through Enzo's eyes. He truly appreciates her for who she is and wants to be by her side.

If you're into spicy mafia romances, forbidden love, and a touch of "touch her and die" vibes, then this book is for you. I listened to the audiobook while reading the physical copy for a truly immersive experience. Madeleine Dauer and Erik Bloomquist brought the characters to life, and I could feel the tension between Venesa and Enzo.

Bodies in the Sand by Chrystal Murphy is a wild ride that will keep you guessing until the very end! Jenna, Lauren, and Kaitlyn have been besties since college, and their annual game has gotten way too real. This year, the stakes are murder, and the rules are about to get broken.

If you loved Pretty Little Liars, you'll be obsessed with this twisted thriller. It's full of secrets, lies, and plenty of shocking twists. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!

Thank you so much to Chrystal Murphy and BookSirens for an ARC of this book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.

This book was such a delightful surprise! Ava, the pink-loving, confident FMC, is simply adorable. She's the kind of character you can't help but root for. Her confidence and easygoing nature are refreshing. I also loved that she liked to read romance and spicy books! 

Jamie, the grumpy guy with a heart of gold, is the perfect counterpart to Ava. Watching him soften and fall for her was heartwarming. His protective instincts and simple acts of kindness were swoon-worthy.

Together, Ava and Jamie create a dynamic duo that's both funny and romantic. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their love story is the perfect blend of sweet and sassy.

I couldn't put Forever Wild down! Rebecca Jenshak's fifth installment of the Wildcat Hockey series follows the unlikely pairing of grumpy NHL hockey player Jack and the sassy, free spirt Everly.

Jack, still reeling from a car accident, has built a wall around himself. But Everly, his teammate's younger sister, isn't afraid to break it down. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their banter is pure gold.

I loved Everly's character. She's strong, sassy, and incredibly relatable. Her vulnerability adds depth to her character, making her even more endearing. The support and love between Jack and Everly, as well as their friends and teammates, is heartwarming and emotional.

If you're a fan of hockey romance, you won't want to miss Forever Wild. It's a must-read!

Thank you Rebecca Jenshak and Valentine PR for an ARC of this must read book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.

I just finished If You Need Me by Helena Hunting, and let me tell you, it was a total mood booster. This is the third book in the Toronto Terror series, and it follows Hemi and Dallas's journey from enemies to lovers. This book also has the fake dating troupe which is one of my favorites. Especially when it's done so well!

The banter between these two was hilarious. I was laughing out loud so many times! And the way Dallas feels about Hemi... swoon. It's that "always been you" kind of love that just melts your heart. Plus, we get to catch up with some familiar faces from the previous books, which I always love.

The dual POV was a great choice. It's so cool to get inside both Hemi and Dallas's heads and see how they're feeling. And the narrators did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. Listening to the audiobook was like watching a movie in my head.

If you're looking for a fun, romantic read with a cinnamon roll hockey player and a strong, independent female lead, If You Need Me is definitely for you. Thank you Helena Hunting for the ARC and ALC of this must read book! I voluntarily read it and wrote an honest review. 

Laura Pavlov's Finding Hayes is a heartwarming conclusion to the Magnolia Falls series. This fifth installment focuses on Hayes and Savannah, two childhood best friends who find their way back to each other. Their love story is beautifully crafted, filled with emotional depth and character growth.

The book offers a glimpse into Hayes and Savannah's past, providing heartbreaking yet important context for their relationship. Their connection is undeniable, and it's heartwarming to witness them rediscover their connection. The found family dynamic among the boys and their significant others is a highlight, with their camaraderie and unwavering support adding a layer of warmth to the story.

Finding Hayes perfectly wraps up the series, leaving readers with a sense of contentment and satisfaction. It's a must-read for fans of the Magnolia Falls series and anyone looking for a sweet and uplifting love story.

Thank you Laura Pavlov and Valentine PR for an ARC of this beautiful book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review of this must read book.

Tell Me Lies by Hannah Gray is another absolute gem from this talented author. I’ve become a huge fan of her work and this book is no exception. It's a swoon-worthy romance that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

Logan Stern, an NHL star and single dad, and Maci McKenzie, a romance writer struggling with writer's block turned nanny, have a chemistry that's off the charts. Their connection is both sweet and intense, and I couldn't get enough of their interactions.

I loved Maci's independence and her journey towards healing from past trauma. She's a relatable character who inspires you to keep going, no matter what. And Logan? He's a total dreamboat and an amazing father to his adorable daughter, Amelia.

A bonus for fans of Gray's other series: you'll love seeing familiar faces pop up throughout the story. It's like catching up with old friends.

If you're looking for a heartwarming, swoon-worthy romance, Tell Me Lies is a must-read. I can't wait to see what Hannah Gray has in store for us next!

If you're looking for a swoon-worthy romance with some suspense, look no further than A.L. Jackson's From Here to Eternity. This book follows River, a tattooed, motorcycle-riding bad boy, and Charleigh, a closed-off medical assistant, as they navigate their undeniable connection.

Told in dual POV, the story unfolds in a way that allows us to truly understand both characters and their perspectives. River's tough exterior hides a surprisingly kind and protective heart, while Charleigh's guarded nature slowly melts away as she gets to know him.

The chemistry between River and Charleigh is off the charts. Their push and pull dynamic keeps you on the edge of your seat, and their connection is so strong. I loved the idea of them getting to know each other better by asking each other 20 questions; it's a unique and charming way to develop their relationship.

From the start to finish, this book is a rollercoaster of emotions. The writing is top-notch, the plot is engaging, and the twists and turns will keep you guessing. The suspense is well-paced, and the characters are so well-developed that you'll feel like you know them personally.

From Here to Eternity is a captivating blend of romance and suspense that will leave you wanting more. A.L. Jackson's vivid storytelling and well-developed characters make this a truly unforgettable read. If you're searching for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat while warming your heart, look no further than this heartwarming tale of love, loss, and redemption.

Andi Arndt and Austin Stone did a great job voicing River and Charleigh. They brought all the emotions and I could feel the push and pull between these two characters. They had me feeling all the feels. They also voiced all the side characters very well and listening to this and reading the book was a very enjoyable experience.

Devney Perry's latest installment in the Haven River Ranch series, featuring Jax and Sasha, is a captivating and emotional read. Fans of the series will be delighted to return to this beloved setting and reconnect with familiar characters.

From the outset, it's clear that Jax and Sasha have a connection.  As they navigate their relationship, their vulnerability and openness with one another are both heartwarming and inspiring. I love when they ask each other "Tell me a secret..." or "Tell me a lie."

The subplot, which keeps readers guessing until the very end, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. 

Perry's vivid descriptions bring Haven River Ranch to life, making it feel like a real place. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the audiobook narration by Steven Dexter and Ava Erickson is exceptional. Their performances perfectly capture the emotions of the story, making it an enjoyable listening experience.

Overall, Sunlight is a beautifully written and emotionally satisfying novel that will leave readers feeling uplifted and hopeful. It's a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and anyone looking for a heartwarming story about love, healing, and found family.

Thank you to Devney Perry, NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Valentine PR for the ALC of this audiobook. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.