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.

“‘Keep looking at me that way’–his voice rumbled like soft thunder–’and I’ll forget all my strict rules about patience.’” (p.332)

Tropes:
alternate dimension
parallel world
portal magic
Scottish folklore
mythical creatures
dragon shifters
love triangle
widower MMC
hidden identity
forbidden love
revenge

Dragons and unicorns and forbidden love? I’m hooked!

Refusing to believe her boyfriend of four months simply ghosted her, leaving behind his car and other belongings, Carys travels to Scotland from California to speak to Lachlan’s twin brother Duncan. Duncan is reluctant to tell her the truth, but when he does, he escorts her into an alternate dimension–the Shadowlands, a world of magic parallel to her own where Lachlan is a prince. All Brightkin–those living in the known world–have a “twin” Shadowkin in the Shadowlands. While she contends with the shocking reasons why Lachlan entered her realm and abruptly disappeared, she must also battle with her conflicting feelings for the twin brothers while seeking information that will reveal the person who murdered her own Shadowkin.

First Light immediately grips the reader, plunging straight into the mystery of Lachlan’s disappearance and the magical yet treacherous world of the Shadowlands. More fantasy than romance, this story was a welcome break from all of the romance novels I have been reading lately. Elizabeth Hunter’s world-building is fully immersive and atmospheric. I always love a well-written love triangle, and the dilemma of Lachlan betraying Carys’s trust on top of Duncan and Lachlan being identical yet complete opposites of each other in personality is immensely captivating. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, revealing shocking information…meaning I need to get my hands on the next book in the series as soon as it’s available! 

This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library

First, I would like to thank Love Notes PR and the author for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“It had been seven years and three days since I’d had her this close. And yes, I’d kept track of each day, regret only piling on over time.” (p. 124)

Tropes:
holiday romance
second-chance romance
brother’s best friend
off-limits romance
snowed in
only one bed
forced proximity

A tender, sweet, and steamy second-chance romance

After confessing that he slept with Nick’s sister Stella, Nick gives Alden an ultimatum: stay away from Stella or lose their friendship forever. Seven years later, Stella is newly single following a toxic relationship. When her grandmother asks for help preparing for a snowstorm, the last person Stella expects to find at Amma’s house is the man who broke her heart. And when the storm comes early, leaving Amma stranded at her neighbor’s house, Stella and Alden are forced to ride out the storm–and Christmas–together.

Snow Struck is a touching second-chance romance. Stella and Alden’s insecurities and emotions are raw, but Alden’s steadfast endeavors to build up Stella’s confidence and make her realize her worth are tender and swoon-worthy. It is a very fast read–feeling more like a novella–as well as predictable, but it captured all the cozy vibes I had been hoping for.

This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library

“‘I think I’m so hungry that I’m not anymore. Does that make sense?’
Eric laughed. ‘As much sense as anything else that’s happening.’” (p. 215)

First, I would like to thank the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A nail-biting journey through surrogacy, COVID-19, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine

After losing their 4-year-old to leukemia and years of secondary infertility, Heather and Eric seek out an affordable surrogacy option. Their research leads them to an agency in Ukraine. Stricken by COVID-19 as their surrogate’s due date approaches, Heather must stay behind, and Eric’s mother, Abby, accompanies him on his journey to retrieve his newborn daughter, Jillian. Russia invades Ukraine shortly after Jillian is born, forcing Eric and Abby to flee the country with the baby in the dead of winter.

Emily Gallo’s attention to detail in Out of Ukraine makes the book feel as though it could only have been written by someone who faced all the challenges firsthand. Every turn is met with another blockade, forcing Abby and Eric to devise unique strategies to overcome their circumstances. The tension they feel is realistically conveyed through Eric’s surly tone and Abby’s bouts of panic, which compounds the strain on their resolve. While they are trapped in Europe for many weeks, the story maintains a fast pace and high energy. The narrative, at times, does more telling than showing, but the story is so compelling that the pages fly by rapidly. As the trio faces unimaginable hardship–but also heartwarming, selfless charity–Out of Ukraine is a distinctive literary examination of human resilience. 

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.

“Between the sincerity in Emmett’s eyes, the words he’s choosing to use, and the kiss I can still feel, I’m more confused than fall in the South. Is it hot? Is it cold? That’s exactly Emmett.” (p. 265)

Tropes:
romantic comedy
age gap
brother’s best friend
secret relationship
workplace romance
vacation fling
city girl/country boy

Witty, sexy, and downright hilarious

After being gaslit so much that she even gaslights herself, Stella finally reaches her limit when she walks in on her groom-to-be in a particularly compromising position. Rather than face her family or her 400 guests, she runs–straight to a dive bar in the most hideous wedding dress ever made. Emmett can’t help but be drawn to the beautiful disaster sitting across the bar. And when he is sent to check in on a rental property for his boss, the last thing he expects is to run into her, armed with a stiletto, spending her honeymoon alone. Stella knows rebounds aren’t healthy, and Emmett has never done relationships, so what happens when they can’t seem to avoid bumping into each other?

Chelle Sloan’s romantic comedy Runaway Bride’s Guide to Love is not only witty and hilarious, but it is passionate, both in spice and in relearning how to love oneself. Emmett falters at times, but he is a supportive, caring, and thoughtful partner, even when they agree not to make any commitments beyond the “honeymoon” period. This is the kind of story that needs a film adaptation. I am really excited to read the next book in the series about Stella’s sister Maeve! I’m on board with this series for the long haul. 

 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.

Tropes:
standalone romance
romantic comedy
magical realism
cat dad
he falls first
insta-love
dual POV
obsessed MMC
supernatural twist
small town
touch her and die
"mine"

Who hasn’t fantasized about meeting their soulmate at 30,000 feet? I know I have.

Jack is stunned by the sexy, smut-reading good girl on his flight from Las Vegas to Denver. Reading over her shoulder leads to an NSFW conversation about their sexual preferences before landing, expecting never to see each other again. That is…until Jack shows up at Hannah’s library to ask her out. He’s a hitman, but he’s not the only one with a shocking secret.

Hannah and the Hitman is a funny, light-hearted standalone romantic comedy. I generally only like romantic comedies in film, but Vanessa Vale’s latest book is a refreshing change of pace for me. While humor is definitely at its core, Jack breaks through Hannah’s insecurities and builds her up throughout the story. Whereas her family makes her feel invisible and insignificant despite having recently recovered from a brain tumor, Jack relishes every ounce of her, physically and mentally. Together, they explore the spicy romance tropes of Hannah’s dreams, revving up her wild side while simultaneously allowing Jack to merge out of the fast lane. 

 This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library

Inspired by a true story, a love torn apart by World War II brings two people together decades later.

"Come on. Shut me up, Adrian. Or are you worried you can’t do it?" (p.227)

First, I would like to thank the author and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In the wake of a broken engagement and the death of her grandmother, Sutton arrives in Boston determined to learn more about the man her grandmother had loved and lost so many years ago. Sutton and Adrian, the owner of a sports bar, clash immediately. Adrian has no patience for Sutton’s attitude. Unfortunately for him, his grandfather is the man Sutton came from New York City to meet.

Dani Grimes wrote Unexpected Proof based on a family story of love lost during World War II. In this touching reimagining of how her great uncle’s story could have been written, Dani Grimes has created the emotional foundation for Sutton and Adrian’s love story. My own grandmother had Alzheimer’s dementia, and the way in which Ray’s character is portrayed is raw, delicate, and realistic.

The banter between Sutton and Adrian evolves from genuine, irritated frustration to sexual frustration to something more. Their slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, cautious journey to love is so fun and their sexual chemistry is exquisite.

Unexpected Proof is a brilliant opener to the Boston series, and I am really looking forward to reading Unexpected Offer, which releases in just 2 weeks!