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winecellarlibrary's Reviews (657)
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“His kisses are deep and tender but also full of fire, each one burns itself on my soul and I know I’ll always remember them.” (p.81)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶
Tropes:
holiday romance, holiday novella, Christmas, fake dating, widow, single dad, curvy FMC, later-in-life romance
Nothing like a dash of Christmas magic to help you see what your heart has always known
Jonathan’s white lie has landed him in quite a predicament. When he told his daughter that he is seeing someone new to get her off his back, he didn’t expect his family to surprise him by showing up unannounced on Christmas Eve. Now he has no choice but to act out a fake dating arrangement with his colleague Maddy until his family leaves. Then they can part ways after Boxing Day, and things will go back to normal…right?
Christmas Alibi is a sweet, steamy, and uplifting novella. I always enjoy reading love stories with older main characters. Jonathan and Maddy are in their forties, and neither plans to settle down with anyone, regardless of their chemistry as friends. Dani Elias writes great characters! Maddy’s bubbly personality is infectious, and she fits in perfectly with Jonathan’s quirky family. The length of the novella is perfect, giving the main characters just enough time to realize that putting their fake dating plot into action has revealed some feelings hidden deep within them. This is a great, snack-sized read to get yourself ready for the holiday spirit.
First, I would like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“His kisses are deep and tender but also full of fire, each one burns itself on my soul and I know I’ll always remember them.” (p.81)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶
Tropes:
holiday romance, holiday novella, Christmas, fake dating, widow, single dad, curvy FMC, later-in-life romance
Nothing like a dash of Christmas magic to help you see what your heart has always known
Jonathan’s white lie has landed him in quite a predicament. When he told his daughter that he is seeing someone new to get her off his back, he didn’t expect his family to surprise him by showing up unannounced on Christmas Eve. Now he has no choice but to act out a fake dating arrangement with his colleague Maddy until his family leaves. Then they can part ways after Boxing Day, and things will go back to normal…right?
Christmas Alibi is a sweet, steamy, and uplifting novella. I always enjoy reading love stories with older main characters. Jonathan and Maddy are in their forties, and neither plans to settle down with anyone, regardless of their chemistry as friends. Dani Elias writes great characters! Maddy’s bubbly personality is infectious, and she fits in perfectly with Jonathan’s quirky family. The length of the novella is perfect, giving the main characters just enough time to realize that putting their fake dating plot into action has revealed some feelings hidden deep within them. This is a great, snack-sized read to get yourself ready for the holiday spirit.
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief, Medical trauma
medium-paced
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Grey's Promotions for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I want to cherish you, and I want to know you. The whole you…I’m starting to fall for you, and I barely know anything about you.” (p. 60)
Tropes:
age gap, alpha hero, billionaire, small-town, unequal social status, coming-of-age, instalust, he falls first, meet cute, love triangle
Will Adam be the Mr. Big to Dani’s Carrie?
One impulsive decision after another brings Dani and Adam together in a whirlwind summer romance. Adam is immediately smitten, spoiling Dani and helping her build her clientele. However, discovering their many mutual connections is proving to be more of a curse than a blessing, especially since one of them happens to be her ex’s attractive half-brother.
The Renter is the first primary work in Serena Pier's SAGA series, wherein Dani’s love interests’ first initials compose the letters S-A-G-A. (The preceding prequel for Sorin's story is a dark romance, so it is an optional read.) After the “saga” of Dani’s love life, in the final novel, she will end up with the love of her life–and we readers will not find out who that is until the last book is written!
When I first heard about this series, I immediately thought of Sex and the City. While the storyline isn’t like SATC at all, the fact that each novel in the series is based on a different love interest reminds me of the chapters in Carrie’s love life about Mr. Big, Aiden, and others. I was invested in this storyline before I even got my hands on a copy. I can’t wait to experience each love story leading up to the final novel in which Dani will choose “the one.”
Adam is a love-bomber, lavishing Dani with gifts and expressing strong feelings right away. At first, she is caught up in the excitement of it, but she starts to become hesitant and draw back the more he tries to merge their lives into one. Although a jealous man, he doesn’t come off as toxic like most love-bombers, so even though I knew there wouldn’t be a happily-ever-after in this book, I was rooting for them as a couple. Dani deserved to be treated like a queen after how abusive her relationship with Sorin was in the prequel to this series.
I loved this first novel and plan to go back and read the prequel, The Townie. While a lot of Dani’s relationship with Sorin is recounted in The Renter, I really want to experience their relationship while I await the next installment.
First, I would like to thank the author and Grey's Promotions for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I want to cherish you, and I want to know you. The whole you…I’m starting to fall for you, and I barely know anything about you.” (p. 60)
Tropes:
age gap, alpha hero, billionaire, small-town, unequal social status, coming-of-age, instalust, he falls first, meet cute, love triangle
Will Adam be the Mr. Big to Dani’s Carrie?
One impulsive decision after another brings Dani and Adam together in a whirlwind summer romance. Adam is immediately smitten, spoiling Dani and helping her build her clientele. However, discovering their many mutual connections is proving to be more of a curse than a blessing, especially since one of them happens to be her ex’s attractive half-brother.
The Renter is the first primary work in Serena Pier's SAGA series, wherein Dani’s love interests’ first initials compose the letters S-A-G-A. (The preceding prequel for Sorin's story is a dark romance, so it is an optional read.) After the “saga” of Dani’s love life, in the final novel, she will end up with the love of her life–and we readers will not find out who that is until the last book is written!
When I first heard about this series, I immediately thought of Sex and the City. While the storyline isn’t like SATC at all, the fact that each novel in the series is based on a different love interest reminds me of the chapters in Carrie’s love life about Mr. Big, Aiden, and others. I was invested in this storyline before I even got my hands on a copy. I can’t wait to experience each love story leading up to the final novel in which Dani will choose “the one.”
Adam is a love-bomber, lavishing Dani with gifts and expressing strong feelings right away. At first, she is caught up in the excitement of it, but she starts to become hesitant and draw back the more he tries to merge their lives into one. Although a jealous man, he doesn’t come off as toxic like most love-bombers, so even though I knew there wouldn’t be a happily-ever-after in this book, I was rooting for them as a couple. Dani deserved to be treated like a queen after how abusive her relationship with Sorin was in the prequel to this series.
I loved this first novel and plan to go back and read the prequel, The Townie. While a lot of Dani’s relationship with Sorin is recounted in The Renter, I really want to experience their relationship while I await the next installment.
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Booksprout for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Are you…dramatizing your own brand of evil?...You don’t have to bloody exaggerate it. You are actually a fucking demon from hell, you narcissistic shitbag.” (p.237)
Tropes:
paranormal romance, urban fantasy, forbidden love, chosen one, vampires, womens' empowerment, LGBT rep, BIPOC characters
No wonder Andras is drawn to Danny–She is brilliant
Danny’s marriage is failing, and she is struggling with feeling as though she’s lost her identity in motherhood. Her new neighbor is a welcome distraction, always escorting someone beautiful when Danny sees him. Something about him is different, and the intense way he looks at her is all-consuming, But there is danger lurking, and Danny will have to fight to protect herself and her children.
Danny is every woman who wants to be the best mom but mourns the woman she used to be. She is the most relatable character I have ever read. I was immediately drawn into the story because of her–she’s fantastic. I absolutely love how as she begins to reclaim her identity, she doesn’t take shit from anybody! Andras’s fervent intensity is alluring, and I am excited to see where the trilogy takes them.
House of Secrets is M.E. Evans’ first fiction novel, but you’d never know it. She writes like she was born for it. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
First, I would like to thank the author and Booksprout for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Are you…dramatizing your own brand of evil?...You don’t have to bloody exaggerate it. You are actually a fucking demon from hell, you narcissistic shitbag.” (p.237)
Tropes:
paranormal romance, urban fantasy, forbidden love, chosen one, vampires, womens' empowerment, LGBT rep, BIPOC characters
No wonder Andras is drawn to Danny–She is brilliant
Danny’s marriage is failing, and she is struggling with feeling as though she’s lost her identity in motherhood. Her new neighbor is a welcome distraction, always escorting someone beautiful when Danny sees him. Something about him is different, and the intense way he looks at her is all-consuming, But there is danger lurking, and Danny will have to fight to protect herself and her children.
Danny is every woman who wants to be the best mom but mourns the woman she used to be. She is the most relatable character I have ever read. I was immediately drawn into the story because of her–she’s fantastic. I absolutely love how as she begins to reclaim her identity, she doesn’t take shit from anybody! Andras’s fervent intensity is alluring, and I am excited to see where the trilogy takes them.
House of Secrets is M.E. Evans’ first fiction novel, but you’d never know it. She writes like she was born for it. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence
Another trigger warning: home invasion
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Electricity sparked between them, the invisible current strong as a raging river. And their bodies hummed in harmony like a symphony of pure bliss.” (p.193)
Tropes:
portal fantasy, magical realism, isekai, sibling rivalry, impossible love, sweet romance (kisses only), tragic romance
Taking “book boyfriend” to the next level
Ha Neul abandoned the marketing industry to pursue her passion: being a writer. But when the boundaries between reality and fiction collide, she is violently attacked by a character she created. Shin is furious. He has realized that he is at the mercy of Ha Neul’s imagination, and he is determined to reclaim his autonomy. Ha Neul, feeling guilty, wants to help Shin, but when the portal pulls her into Shin’s world, she begins to realize that even if she wants to change Shin’s fate, it might be out of her hands.
You From My World is a tragic, sweet love story. Two people who never should have met–one who didn’t even exist before he was created for Ha Neul’s book–become entwined in an impossible relationship. The story is captivating and well-paced. However, I would have liked to see Shin deal with the realization that he isn’t a real person. His frustration is almost entirely over his lack of control over his destiny, but he doesn’t really face any kind of existential crisis. It would have added depth to his character. I enjoyed how the roles of the antagonist and the protagonist are not clear-cut, but is this due to the characters having their own free will or an outside force controlling the narrative? With more character development and a deeper dive into how Shin became sentient among a crowd of faceless NPCs, this would be a great read.
First, I would like to thank the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Electricity sparked between them, the invisible current strong as a raging river. And their bodies hummed in harmony like a symphony of pure bliss.” (p.193)
Tropes:
portal fantasy, magical realism, isekai, sibling rivalry, impossible love, sweet romance (kisses only), tragic romance
Taking “book boyfriend” to the next level
Ha Neul abandoned the marketing industry to pursue her passion: being a writer. But when the boundaries between reality and fiction collide, she is violently attacked by a character she created. Shin is furious. He has realized that he is at the mercy of Ha Neul’s imagination, and he is determined to reclaim his autonomy. Ha Neul, feeling guilty, wants to help Shin, but when the portal pulls her into Shin’s world, she begins to realize that even if she wants to change Shin’s fate, it might be out of her hands.
You From My World is a tragic, sweet love story. Two people who never should have met–one who didn’t even exist before he was created for Ha Neul’s book–become entwined in an impossible relationship. The story is captivating and well-paced. However, I would have liked to see Shin deal with the realization that he isn’t a real person. His frustration is almost entirely over his lack of control over his destiny, but he doesn’t really face any kind of existential crisis. It would have added depth to his character. I enjoyed how the roles of the antagonist and the protagonist are not clear-cut, but is this due to the characters having their own free will or an outside force controlling the narrative? With more character development and a deeper dive into how Shin became sentient among a crowd of faceless NPCs, this would be a great read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Violence, Grief, Fire/Fire injury
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
fast-paced
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Valentine PR for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“You…are the perfect host. You are the appetizer…The cocktail, the main course…but I never could wait to get to my dessert. You’re the most alluring goddamn banquet.” (p.127)
Tropes:
small-town romance
hockey romance
second chance
accidental pregnancy
cinnamon roll MMC
standalone in an interconnected series
Convincing her he truly wants to be with her this time just got so much harder
Beatrix gave up her internship and would have dropped out of college to follow Dominick “Ren” Renaldi to Canada to support his pro hockey career, but he blindsides her by breaking up with her. Ten years later, Ren appears in Buttercup Hill–with a fixer-upper winery, a high-energy dog, and a new hockey team. Buried under stress from work and still sour over being unceremoniously dumped, Trix has no intention of entertaining Ren or his attempts to get her to see the winery he bought under the guise of needing her skilled designer’s eye. But it’s been a long time since Trix has been with anyone, and she figures a one-and-done agreement couldn’t hurt…until morning sickness strikes a few weeks later.
Love You Too is a standalone second-chance romance in the interconnected Buttercup Hill series by Stacy Travis. Trix is high-strung, prone to overburdening herself with commitments, while Ren is more laid back, but both are responsible to a fault. Ren struggles with his duty as a team captain against his role as Trix’s partner and as a soon-to-be co-parent, and the harder he tries to work on one, ultimately, the other suffers. Despite being prone to overworking herself, Trix knows she could squeeze single motherhood into her agenda, but part of her still longs to believe that Ren won’t abandon her this time around.
I always love second-chance romances because there are so many complex emotions on both sides, which allows you to really connect with the characters on a deeper level. Trix grapples with feeling disposable, and now that she’s pregnant, it’s hard for her to believe Ren will ever commit to her for the right reasons and not just out of a sense of duty. I wish there had been a little more groveling and more reassurance on Ren’s part, since he promised her forever and then impulsively ended the relationship, making his career his priority, but overall, I enjoyed this book and am interested in catching up on the rest of the series.
First, I would like to thank the author and Valentine PR for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“You…are the perfect host. You are the appetizer…The cocktail, the main course…but I never could wait to get to my dessert. You’re the most alluring goddamn banquet.” (p.127)
Tropes:
small-town romance
hockey romance
second chance
accidental pregnancy
cinnamon roll MMC
standalone in an interconnected series
Convincing her he truly wants to be with her this time just got so much harder
Beatrix gave up her internship and would have dropped out of college to follow Dominick “Ren” Renaldi to Canada to support his pro hockey career, but he blindsides her by breaking up with her. Ten years later, Ren appears in Buttercup Hill–with a fixer-upper winery, a high-energy dog, and a new hockey team. Buried under stress from work and still sour over being unceremoniously dumped, Trix has no intention of entertaining Ren or his attempts to get her to see the winery he bought under the guise of needing her skilled designer’s eye. But it’s been a long time since Trix has been with anyone, and she figures a one-and-done agreement couldn’t hurt…until morning sickness strikes a few weeks later.
Love You Too is a standalone second-chance romance in the interconnected Buttercup Hill series by Stacy Travis. Trix is high-strung, prone to overburdening herself with commitments, while Ren is more laid back, but both are responsible to a fault. Ren struggles with his duty as a team captain against his role as Trix’s partner and as a soon-to-be co-parent, and the harder he tries to work on one, ultimately, the other suffers. Despite being prone to overworking herself, Trix knows she could squeeze single motherhood into her agenda, but part of her still longs to believe that Ren won’t abandon her this time around.
I always love second-chance romances because there are so many complex emotions on both sides, which allows you to really connect with the characters on a deeper level. Trix grapples with feeling disposable, and now that she’s pregnant, it’s hard for her to believe Ren will ever commit to her for the right reasons and not just out of a sense of duty. I wish there had been a little more groveling and more reassurance on Ren’s part, since he promised her forever and then impulsively ended the relationship, making his career his priority, but overall, I enjoyed this book and am interested in catching up on the rest of the series.