Category: ARC

The Devil in Her Bed ARC Review

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

The Devil in Her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Devil You Know #3

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: March 9, 2021

I received a complimentary audiobook and copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

He lives in secret service to the Crown—a man of duty, deception, and an undeniable attraction to a woman who threatens to tear his whole world apart.

They call him the Devil of Dorset. He stands alone, a man of undeniable power. Moving in and out of shadows, back alleys and ballrooms, he is unstoppable and one of the Crown’s most dangerous weapons. However, when he sets his sights on the undeniably beautiful Countess of Mont Claire, Francesca Cavendish, he doesn’t realize that he has met a match like no other.

TRUE LOVE WEARS NO DISGUISE

Francesca is a countess by day and stalks her prey—those responsible for the death of her family—by night. What she does not expect is to be thrown into the path of the devil himself, the Earl of Devlin. She has secrets of her own and he seems determined to lay them bare. Can her heart survive finding the love of her life and losing him when all is revealed?

REVIEW

Lady Francesca is out for one thing and one thing only – revenge. After her family was massacred the only thing that kept her going was the end goal – to kill everyone that ever harmed her family. Chandler – also known as the Devil of Dorset has his own secrets and for now he’s after one thing – Lady Francesca. When both of them realize that they are after the same goal – will their attraction to one another cause issues for them?

I loved the relationship between Francesca and Chandler. They had so much simmering sexual tension between them and I enjoyed how raw their attraction was to one another. In a sense The Devil in Her Bed was also a fated mates romance, and I loved how Francesca and Chandler’s past was intertwined with their future. The suspenseful parts of the book also had me hooked and I loved the way everything played out.

It was great to see how every single one of these characters came together for the last book in the series. I only wish there was an epilogue!

Audiobook:

Story: 4
Narration: 5
Overall: 4.5

I am a fan of Derek Perkins and he did a wonderful job narrating The Devil in Her Bed. I could always tell when either Chandler or Francesca was happy, mad, frustrated or sad. He always does a great job conveying the different emotions in the characters in the book. And his accents were always so good!! I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and I think it definitely amplified how much I enjoyed The Devil in Her Bed.

If you’re looking for a suspenseful, sweet and sexy romance definitely give the Devil You Know series a try!

Sandcastle Beach ARC Review

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

Sandcastle Beach by Jenny Holiday

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Matchmaker Bay #3

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: March 9, 2021

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

From the USA Today bestselling “master of witty banter” (Entertainment Weekly) comes a hilarious and heartwarming romance about two enemies whose feud turns red-hot.
Maya Mehta will do anything to save her tiny, beloved community theater. Put on musicals she hates? Check. Hire an arrogant former-pop-star-turned-actor? Done. But what Maya really needs to save her theater is Matchmaker Bay’s new business grant. She’s got some serious competition, though: Benjamin “Law” Lawson, local bar owner, Jerk Extraordinaire, and Maya’s annoyingly hot arch nemesis. Let the games begin.

Law loves nothing more than getting under Maya’s skin, and making those gorgeous eyes dance with irritation. But when he discovers the ex-pop star has a thing for Maya, too, Law decides he’s done waiting in the wings-starting with a scorching-hot kiss. Turns out there’s a thin line between hate and irresistible desire, and Maya and Law are really good at crossing it. But when things heat up, will they allow their long-standing feud to get in the way of their growing feelings?

REVIEW

Maya Mehta and Ben “Law” Lawson have been at odds since they can remember. They continually best each other at everything and the whole town knows how much they dislike each other. When Matchmaker Bay develops a new grant – both Maya and Law want it. Maya wants to save the community theater and Law wants to open up a newer restaurant. Who will win the grant and how far will the town meddling old folk go to keep on throwing Maya and Law into situations together?

After reading the previous two books in the Matchmaker Bay series I was excited to read about Maya and Law. Their enemies-to-lovers relationship was always there in the first two books in the series and I couldn’t wait to see these to finally get their book in Sandcastle Beach. I loved how sweet and caring Law was with Maya. How he always wanted her best interest even if he was pretending to keep up the charade of hating her. Sadly I felt like Maya was a tad bit too harsh with Law. I understood that she was in a lot of stress, especially trying to keep her theater and cater to moody actors. I do feel like the chemistry between Maya and Law was lacking for me. The misunderstanding that put them at odds felt very one sided and I just wanted a little bit more angst.

As in the first two books of the Matchmaker Bay series I enjoyed being back in the small town setting! Although the town folk are always meddling – they do have a good heart. It was great reconnecting with Sawyer, Eve, Jake and Nora. The sense of family and friendship is so strong in this series and I really do love that!

If you’re looking for a charming, slow burn, small town romance grab Sandcastle Beach!

Act Your Age, Eve Brown ARC Review

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Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: The Brown Sisters #3

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: March 9, 2021

I received a complimentary copy/audiobook of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

In Act Your Age, Eve Brown the flightiest Brown sister crashes into the life of an uptight B&B owner and has him falling hard—literally.

Eve Brown is a certified hot mess. No matter how hard she strives to do right, her life always goes horribly wrong—so she’s given up trying. But when her personal brand of chaos ruins an expensive wedding (someone had to liberate those poor doves), her parents draw the line. It’s time for Eve to grow up and prove herself—even though she’s not entirely sure how…

Jacob Wayne is in control. Always. The bed and breakfast owner’s on a mission to dominate the hospitality industry—and he expects nothing less than perfection. So when a purple-haired tornado of a woman turns up out of the blue to interview for his open chef position, he tells her the brutal truth: not a chance in hell. Then she hits him with her car—supposedly by accident. Yeah, right.

Now his arm is broken, his B&B is understaffed, and the dangerously unpredictable Eve is fluttering around, trying to help. Before long, she’s infiltrated his work, his kitchen—and his spare bedroom. Jacob hates everything about it. Or rather, he should. Sunny, chaotic Eve is his natural-born nemesis, but the longer these two enemies spend in close quarters, the more their animosity turns into something else. Like Eve, the heat between them is impossible to ignore—and it’s melting Jacob’s frosty exterior.

REVIEW

Eve Brown has held a few different jobs over the past few years. The latest one being a kind of disaster – oops! Eve’s parents are a bit harsh and decide to cut Eve off for a while until she can hold down a job.

Eve is upset, but understands (kinda) her parents reasoning for cutting her off. While taking a long drive she happens upon a charming Inn. This is where she meets Jacob Wayne – owner of said Inn. Jacob and Eve immediately do not get a long. Jacob just happens to be interviewing for a cook and Eve just happens to be looking for a job. The interview doesn’t go so great and while leaving, Eve manages to hit Jaco with her car (yikes!). And now Eve kind of has to stay to help out Jacob because – she did kind of hit him with her car.

What starts off as a rocky working relationship slowly turns into a tentative friendship. I loved the relationship between Eve and Jacob. They are literally the definition of sunshine and grump with Jacob even nicknaming Eve “Sunshine” (swoon 😍). I loved the slow growth of their relationship and how they didn’t ever shy away from hard subjects for both of them.

I really liked the fact that Jacob was very outright and forthcoming with his autism. And that he felt at ease with Eve. Eve hasn’t always had the best relationships with friends either and so it was a joy watching their friendship bloom. They were always free to be each other when they were together.

As always, Talia is such a talented author. There are always specific lines that stick with me when reading her books and I definitely highlighted parts of Act Your Age, Eve Brown that I will be going back to revisit.

Audiobook:

Story: 4.5
Narration: 5
Overall: 5

I had an opportunity to listen to the the audiobook of Act Your Age, Eve Brown and it was so good! The audiobook was narrated by Ione Butler and I feel that she did a wonderful job narrating Eve, Jacob and all of the secondary characters in the book. I was laughing so hard while listening to this book and that just goes to show you how amazing and talented the author and narrator are!

Grab Act Your Age, Eve Brown if you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers/grumpy sunshine romance that will have you laughing and swooning in equal measures!

The Spanish Love Deception ARC Review

~ Tej ~ 1 Comment

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: February 23, 2021

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

SYNOPSIS

A wedding. A trip to Spain. The most infuriating man. And three days of pretending. Or in other words, a plan that will never work.

Catalina Martín, finally, not single. Her family is happy to announce that she will bring her American boyfriend to her sister’s wedding. Everyone is invited to come and witness the most magical event of the year.

That would certainly be tomorrow’s headline in the local newspaper of the small Spanish town I came from. Or the epitaph on my tombstone, seeing the turn my life had taken in the span of a phone call.

Four weeks wasn’t a lot of time to find someone willing to cross the Atlantic–from NYC and all the way to Spain–for a wedding. Let alone, someone eager to play along my charade. But that didn’t mean I was desperate enough to bring the 6’4 blue eyed pain in my ass standing before me.

Aaron Blackford. The man whose main occupation was making my blood boil had just offered himself to be my date. Right after inserting his nose in my business, calling me delusional, and calling himself my best option. See? Outrageous. Aggravating. Blood boiling. And much to my total despair, also right. Which left me with a surly and extra large dilemma in my hands. Was it worth the suffering to bring my colleague and bane of my existence as my fake boyfriend to my sister’s wedding? Or was I better off coming clean and facing the consequences of my panic induced lie?

Like my abuela would say, que dios nos pille confesados.

The Spanish Love Deception is an enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating romantic comedy. Perfect for those looking for a steamy slow-burn romance with the sweetest Happily Ever After

REVIEW

Catalina has a pressing situation on hand. She’s required to return home to Spain to attend her sister’s wedding. Only one small problem – she’s told her family that she has a boyfriend … and she doesn’t. Aaron Blackford is the last person that Catalina would take with her to Spain, but he offers and Catalina doesn’t have a lot of choices left.

Catalina and Aaron have history – the not so good kind. They’re co-workers and don’t always get along. Aaron is always berating Catalina and yet he’s always showing up wherever she’s at. Could she possibly survive this trip with Aaron as her pretend boyfriend when they’re not even really friends?

The Spanish Love Deception was a slow-burn, romantic and sexy romance. I adored the back and forth between Aaron and Catalina. She didn’t take his shit and he doesn’t take hers and together they were just so sweet. What starts off as a slow burn turns deliciously sexy. But be forewarned – this is a very slow slow burn. There were times where I was just yelling for Aaron and Catalina to act on their attraction towards one another. But the payoff is worth it!

Pick up The Spanish Love Deception if you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, fake dating romance. I look forward to reading more by Elena Armas!

Love at First ARC Review

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Love at First by Kate Clayborn

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: February 23, 2021

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

A sparkling and tender novel from the acclaimed author of Love Lettering, full of bickering neighbors, surprise reunions, and the mysterious power of love that fans of Christina Lauren, Sarah Hogle, and Emily Henry will adore.

Sixteen years ago, a teenaged Will Sterling saw—or rather, heard—the girl of his dreams. Standing beneath an apartment building balcony, he shared a perfect moment with a lovely, warm-voiced stranger. It’s a memory that’s never faded, though he’s put so much of his past behind him. Now an unexpected inheritance has brought Will back to that same address, where he plans to offload his new property and get back to his regular life as an overworked doctor. Instead, he encounters a woman, two balconies above, who’s uncannily familiar . . .

No matter how surprised Nora Clarke is by her reaction to handsome, curious Will, or the whispered pre-dawn conversations they share, she won’t let his plans ruin her quirky, close-knit building. Bound by her loyalty to her adored grandmother, she sets out to foil his efforts with a little light sabotage. But beneath the surface of their feud is an undeniable connection. A balcony, a star-crossed couple, a fateful meeting—maybe it’s the kind of story that can’t work out in the end. Or maybe, it’s the perfect second chance . . .

REVIEW

What starts off as a meeting between two strangers during golden hour – the time frame right when the sun hits everything with its golden light – turns into an often funny, sweet and romantic love story in Love at First

Will has recently acquired his deceased uncle’s apartment unit. Will wants nothing to do with the apartment unit, the people who live there or any memory of his uncle. Will is busy – he is an emergency physician after all and wants the unit off of his hands ASAP. With some urging, will decides to flip the unit and sub-lease it. And that’s where Nora comes in.

Nora has so many fond memories associated with her current apartment. She spent many summers there with her late nonna and the apartment complex tenants have become more of a family to her. So when an outsider – Will – comes in talking about change and sub-leasing the apartment, Nora isn’t having it. What starts off as a feud between the two, slowly turns into something more.

I loved this book so much. Kate Clayborn has a way of writing her books that just gets to me. The story in Love at First revolved around Will and Nora, but it was also so much more than that. It was about sharing their history and how it shaped them to who they are. It was about second chances and the choices that we make when faced with hard decisions. It was about two people coming together because they end up meaning so much to each other.

I don’t think I’m doing this review justice, but just know that I absolutely adored Love at First and I can’t wait to go back and re-read my favorite parts.

Serena Singh Flips the Script ARC Review

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

Serena Singh Flips the Script by Sonya Lalli

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Genre: Women’s Fiction/Romance

Heat Level: Closed Door

Release Date: February 16, 2021

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

Serena Singh is tired of everyone telling her what she should want–and she is ready to prove to her mother, her sister, and the aunties in her community that a woman does not need domestic bliss to have a happy life.

Things are going according to plan for Serena. She’s smart, confident, and just got a kick-ass new job at a top advertising firm in Washington, D.C. Even before her younger sister gets married in a big, traditional wedding, Serena knows her own dreams don’t include marriage or children. But with her mother constantly encouraging her to be more like her sister, Serena can’t understand why her parents refuse to recognize that she and her sister want completely different experiences out of life.

A new friendship with her co-worker, Ainsley, comes as a breath of fresh air, challenging Serena’s long-held beliefs about the importance of self-reliance. She’s been so focused on career success that she’s let all of her hobbies and close friendships fall by the wayside. As Serena reconnects with her family and friends–including her ex-boyfriend–she learns letting people in can make her happier than standing all on her own.

REVIEW

Serena Singh is content with her life. Her baby sister is getting married, she’s getting a new job and she has an okay-ish relationship with her parents. Maybe they won’t always be on her case to get married and have kids now that her sister is getting married.

It seems like all of Serena’s friends are at a different stage in life than her. They’re almost all married with kids and she’s feeling left behind. It doesn’t help that her new job isn’t quite as easy as she thought it was going to be. Her team is resentful of her position and isn’t exactly wanting to make anything easy for her. It isn’t until she bonds with a fellow co-worker, Ainsley that Serena starts to really examine herself. Is she too focused on her career? What about making new connections and hobbies?

I loved connecting with Serena and especially her mother, Sandeep. Being brought up as a Sikh Punjabi I related to so much of what both of them were going through. I am a second generation South Asian/Indian American and often felt and still do feel the same pressure that Serena was feeling. I really liked seeing the growth of her daughters from Sandeep’s perspective as well.

But what started off as a really strong book, dragged for me in the middle. The pacing was off at times and I do feel that there were parts of the story included that didn’t really add to Serena’s journey. The romance with a former flame didn’t really add to the story and I definitely did not feel the connection or angst of a second chance romance.

I appreciated the aspect that Serena was a strong and independent woman. I really loved the relationship she had with her friend Ainsley and her mother Sandeep. Overall I enjoyed the cultural references in Serena Singh Flips the Script, but the romance and latter half of the book fell flat for me.

The Intimacy Experiment ARC Review

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The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: April 6, 2021

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

Naomi and Ethan will test the boundaries of love in this provocative romance from the author of the ground-breaking debut, The Roommate.

Naomi Grant has built her life around going against the grain. After the sex-positive start-up she cofounded becomes an international sensation, she wants to extend her educational platform to live lecturing. Unfortunately, despite her long list of qualifications, higher ed won’t hire her.

Ethan Cohen has recently received two honors: LA Mag named him one of the city’s hottest bachelors and he became rabbi of his own synagogue. Taking a gamble in an effort to attract more millennials to the faith, the executive board hired Ethan because of his nontraditional background. Unfortunately, his shul is low on both funds and congregants. The board gives him three months to turn things around or else they’ll close the doors of his synagogue for good.

Naomi and Ethan join forces to host a buzzy seminar series on Modern Intimacy, the perfect solution to their problems–until they discover a new one–their growing attraction to each other. They’ve built the syllabus for love’s latest experiment, but neither of them expected they’d be the ones putting it to the test.

REVIEW

Naomi Grant is a successful businesswoman. She started up her own sex-positive start-up Shameless and has never conformed to the idea of what society thinks she should be like. She feels the need to do more though and wants to start teaching and lecturing about intimacy. Only problem – no one wants to hire her.

Ethan Cohen is the rabbi of his own synagogue and loves his job very much. He wants only the best for his congregation, but is trying to increase the number of his members. Especially young members. When Ethan and Naomi cross paths with one another they decide to work together. Naomi gets an opportunity to lecture on modern intimacy and Ethan gets an opportunity to get young members into his shul. Should be a win-win situation, what could go wrong?

I absolutely loved Naomi and Ethan together. As soon they met I could feel the chemistry between them. Ethan was the sweetest most cinnamon roll hero and I loved how he saw through to Naomi’s vulnerabilities. The way these two became acquainted with one another was so so sweet.

I can honestly say that I haven’t read much Jewish representation in romance books. I’ve read one other romance that had Jewish representation – The Ex Talk –  and enjoyed that book very much. I loved the way that Rosie Danan was able to incorporate the love of Judaism within this wonderful romance. I have so many excerpts highlighted because of Ethan’s obvious love, but also his patience. The way Naomi and Ethan come together with their combined backgrounds was just done so perfectly. I’m sure I’m not putting into words how this book made me feel – but trust me when I say it gave me all the feels.

I loved The Roommate when I read it earlier this year and I was a little bit afraid that The Intimacy Experiment wouldn’t live up. But I was proven wrong and Rosie Danan is such an amazing author. I can’t wait to read more of her work!

A Lady’s Formula for Love ARC Review

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A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Secret Scientists of London Series #1

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: February 8, 2021

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

What is a Victorian lady’s formula for love? Mix one brilliant noblewoman and her enigmatic protection officer. Add in a measure of danger and attraction. Heat over the warmth of humor and friendship, and the result is more than simple chemistry—it’s elemental.

Lady Violet Hughes is keeping secrets. First, she founded a clandestine sanctuary for England’s most brilliant female scientists. Second, she is using her genius on a confidential mission for the Crown. But the biggest secret of all? Her feelings for protection officer Arthur Kneland.

Solitary and reserved, Arthur learned the hard way to put duty first. But the more time he spends in the company of Violet and the eccentric club members, the more his best intentions go up in flames. Literally.

When a shadowy threat infiltrates Violet’s laboratories, endangering her life and her work, scientist and bodyguard will find all their theories put to the test—and learn that the most important discoveries are those of the heart.

REVIEW

Widowed Lady Violet Hughes is on a top secret mission for the Crown. But as with all top secret missions, her life may very well be in danger. Soon Violet is under the protection of bodyguard Arthur Kneland.

Arthur takes his duties very seriously. Rule #1 for Arthur is to never get too close to the person he is supposed to be protecting. The growing attraction between Arthur and Violet has him concerned. Violet’s life is potentially in danger and Arthur needs to keep a clear head and his wits about him if he is to protect her. Will his sense of duty prevent Arthur and Violet from becoming more than a working relationship?

I loved A Lady’s Formula for Love! This book had the perfect amount of humor, mystery and such a sweet and sexy romance between Arthur and Violet. I will admit that I haven’t read a lot of bodyguard romances, but…sigh, this one was so good.

Grumpy + sunshine gets me every time and Arthur was such a grump (but I still loved him). I loved his dry wit, but also how much love he has to give. If Arthur is grumpy then Violet is definitely the epitome of sunshine. Not only does she have an amazing refuge for women scientists to reside in, but she loves them all equally. She is smart and witty, but is fighting her own doubts and insecurities. These two together brought out the best in one another and their romance was equally swoony.

Although A Lady’s Formula for Love was my first book by Elizabeth Everett, I already can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out! Pick up A Lady’s Formula for Love if your’e looking for a romance featuring women in STEM, a bit of mystery and a swoony, steamy romance.

Flirting with Forever ALC Review

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

Flirting with Forever by Cara Bastone

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Forever Yours #3

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: January 26, 2021

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

Mary Trace is bright, bubbly and back in the dating pool in her midthirties. All of her closest friends are in love, and she refuses to miss out on romance. So when a regular customer at her trendy Brooklyn boutique wants to set Mary up on a blind date with her son, she gives a hesitant yes. John Modesto-Whitford is gorgeous and well-groomed, so maybe dinner won’t be a total bust—until he drops a less-than-flattering comment about Mary’s age.

Desperate to be nothing like his snake of a politician father, public defender John Modesto-Whitford prides himself on his honesty and candor. But his social awkwardness and lack of filter just blew it with the most beautiful woman he’s ever dated.

Luckily, Mom’s machinations keep Mary and John running into each other all summer long, and soon they resort to fake dating to get her to back off. When their pretense turns to real friendship—and some surprisingly hot chemistry—can these two stubborn individuals see past their rocky start to a rock-solid future together?

REVIEW

Mary agrees to a blind date with the son of one of her clients. She’s back in the dating pool and is an optimistic person by nature. When the date starts off on the wrong foot, Mary tries to give John Modesto-Whitford the benefit of the doubt. But when John drops a less than flattering comment about Mary’s age, she’s out. She doesn’t deserve to sit on a blind date and feel harassed.

As soon as the words leave John’s mouth, he knows he should never have said them. He tries to make things right with Mary and even seeks her out at her shop to apologize in person. But that setback landed him firmly in the friend zone.

The more time Mary and John seem to spend with each other – the harder it is to not want something more. They understand each others vulnerabilities and complicated familial relationships. Both John and Mary are fighting their own battles with their loved ones, but can always rely on one another. Will they end up taking a chance on one another after their rocky beginning?

Audiobook:

Story: 5
Narration: 5
Overall: 5

The audiobook of Flirting with Forever was narrated by Susannah Jones and I loved her narration of both Mary and John. I could always feel the varying emotions from both characters – from frustration to elation. I enjoyed the audiobook so much that I would often find things to do around the house or walk just so I could continue listening to the audiobook of Flirting with Forever.

I’m not sure why I haven’t read a book by Cara Bastone before, but I can’t wait to read more of her backlist! I really enjoyed the sweet, sexy slow burn romance in Flirting with Forever!

Much Ado About You ARC Review

~ Tej ~ 3 Comments

Much Ado About You by Samantha Young

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥

Release Date: February 2, 2021

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

The cozy comforts of an English village bookstore open up a world of new possibilities for Evie Starling in this charming new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young.

At thirty-three-years old Evangeline Starling’s life in Chicago is missing that special something. And when she’s passed over for promotion at work, Evie realizes she needs to make a change. Some time away to regain perspective might be just the thing. In a burst of impulsivity, she plans a holiday in a quaint English village. The holiday package comes with a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore located beneath her rental apartment. There’s no better dream vacation for the bookish Evie, a life-long Shakespeare lover.

Not only is Evie swept up in running the delightful store as soon as she arrives, she’s drawn into the lives, loves and drama of the friendly villagers. Including Roane Robson, the charismatic and sexy farmer who tempts Evie every day with his friendly flirtations. Evie is determined to keep him at bay because a holiday romance can only end in heartbreak, right? But Evie can’t deny their connection and longs to trust in her handsome farmer that their whirlwind romance could turn in to the forever kind of love.

REVIEW

Evie Sterling is feeling fed up. She got stood up on a date (with who she thought was an amazing guy -turns out he was an ass) and then got passed over for a promotion at work. She decides a fresh start is just what she needs. A move to a quant English town from the hustle and bustle of Chicago sounds perfect. Perks of this getaway – getting to manage a book shop – Much Ado About Books! Evie has always loved reading and is looking forward to this trip. A four week getaway in a different country sounds like the perfect escape and chance for Evie to sort out her thoughts.

As soon as Evie arrives, she’s enveloped into the small town’s charming eccentricities. The meddling townsfolk who love to know everyone’s business, the pub where everyone frequently visits and the hot farmer who Evie can’t stop thinking about are just part of the towns charm.

Roane doesn’t do casual hook-ups with tourists, but he’s immediately intrigued by Evie. They start out friends, but slowly their relationship turns into more. Will they stand a chance if Evie is always looking at the clock ticking down to her time in England?

Much Ado About You was a charming small town romance. I enjoyed the relationship between Evie and the townsfolk as well as Evie and Roane. This was my first book by Samantha Young and I loved the way she described the small town vibe and feel of Alnster. It feels like Young was definitely setting up the premise for the possibility of a series as there were a lot of characters/side stories. I do feel that at times Evie and Roane’s story got a bit lost amongst all of the other character storylines throughout Much Ado About You.

One aspect of Much Ado About You that I enjoyed a lot was the friendships that Evie forges. Evie and her best friend Greer had the sweetest moments. I absolutely love friendships in romances and I felt so much kinship with these two. I too have a similar best friend and I would be heartbroken if she moved away. These scenes were immediately highlighted!

Overall I would rate Much Ado About You 3.5 stars.