ARC Review The Ex Hex

September 28, 2021September 27, 2021 ~ Tej ~ 7 Comments

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

Genre: Paranormal/Contemporary Romance

Series: Ex Hex #1

Heat Level: 🔥

Release Date: September 28, 2021

Publisher: Avon

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

SYNOPSIS

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong.

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.

That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.

Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.

REVIEW

Vivienne Jones fell in love one perfect summer, nine years ago. Vivienne met Rhys Penhallow and sparks flew. There might have been the hiccup that he was a decendent of the towns ancestors, but Vivienne believed their love could survive everything. That is, until Rhys broke her heart and left for Wales. Heartbroken and drunk on vodka, Vivienne and her cousin decide to curse Rhys! They didn’t think anything came of it and Vivienne moved on from Rhys.

It’s now nine years later and Rhys is back in town. The strangest thing – he doesn’t think his magic works in Graves Glen and he is on some important business on behalf of his father. For him to finish his task, he will definitely need to use his power. It isn’t until he runs into Vivienne that Rhys realizes she put a hex on him. Now the entire town is in danger – will Rhys and Vivienne find a way to reverse the curse without falling for each other again?

If you are a fan of Halloween (which I so am!) I think you will definitely enjoy reading The Ex Hex. I loved the description of the scenery and the vivid colors that Erin Sterling invoked while reading the book. The Ex Hex had me laughing out loud almost right from the beginning. I loved the relationship that Vivienne had with her aunt as well as her cousin Gwyn. The suspense to try to reverse the curse was also a lot of fun!

My only qualm is that I wish there was more angst/longing/back story with Vivienne and Rhys. I wasn’t quite sold on their second chance love story.

Overall I would give The Ex Hex 3.5 stars! I hope that Gwyn gets her book – she’s such a fun and feisty character and I would love to read her story!

ARC Review Portrait of a Scotsman

September 20, 2021September 19, 2021 ~ Tej ~ 4 Comments

Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: A League of Extraordinary Women #3

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: September 7, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

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

SYNOPSIS

Going toe-to-toe with a brooding Scotsman is rather bold for a respectable suffragist, but when he happens to be one’s unexpected husband, what else is an unwilling bride to do?

London banking heiress Hattie Greenfield wanted “just” three things in life:

1. Acclaim as an artist.
2. A noble cause.
3. Marriage to a young lord who puts the gentle in gentleman.

Why then does this Oxford scholar find herself at the altar with the darkly attractive financier Lucian Blackstone, whose murky past and ruthless business practices strike fear in the hearts of Britain’s peerage? Trust Hattie to take an invigorating little adventure too far. Now she’s stuck with a churlish Scot who just might be the end of her ambitions….

When the daughter of his business rival all but falls into his lap, Lucian sees opportunity. As a self-made man, he has vast wealth but holds little power, and Hattie might be the key to finally setting long-harbored political plans in motion. Driven by an old revenge, he has no room for his new wife’s apprehensions or romantic notions, bewitching as he finds her.

But a sudden journey to Scotland paints everything in a different light. Hattie slowly sees the real Lucian and realizes she could win everything—as long as she is prepared to lose her heart.

REVIEW

Hattie Greenfield is looking for the perfect husband. He has to be sweet, kind – love reading books and going on romantic trips. She wants a love match and to a man who she chooses. Except that Hattie finds herself tangled with Lucian Blackstone. Blackstone is a bit dark and dangerous and rumor has it he is capable of ruining men financially if he so chooses. Hattie doesn’t want anything to do with him, but her father has other plans and so she finds herself married to the broody Scot. Will their marriage be just a farce, a means to an end or will they end up falling in love and making it a true love marriage?

I have to start of by saying that I love the marriage of convenience trope. Hattie and Lucian have so much chemistry together and I loved every scene that they had together. And although their marriage started off rocky and not on the right foot, I was rooting for them to fall in love the entire time.

Portrait of a Scotsman was such a romantic book, I was often swooning at these two beautiful characters who had so much love to give but often stopped themselves for fear of being hurt. Lucian and Hattie had a lot of obstacles to overcome, including their socioeconomic upbringings. Where Lucian was poor growing up, Hattie was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Evie Dunmore did a wonderful job showcasing the differences between both characters. And I often found myself agreeing with both sides of the story.

I also really enjoyed the various secondary characters in the story. Not only Hattie’s friends who we have seen in pervious books, but also the coal miners and their families while Hattie and Lucian were in Scotland. I could totally see and feel the various experiences/scenes while reading the book.

I will say that the book did start off a little slow for me, but picked up the pace after the first quarter or so. The slow burn between Lucian and Hattie definitely paid off.

If you’re looking for a romantic, but equally feminist book – grab a copy of Portrait of a Scotsman.

Overall I would give Portrait of a Scotsman 4.5 stars, but rounding up because I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely romantic book.

ARC Review The Lady Gets Lucky

September 16, 2021September 3, 2021 ~ Tej ~ 1 Comment

The Lady Gets Lucky by Joanna Shupe

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Fifth Avenue Rebels #2

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Publisher: Avon

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

SYNOPSIS

USA Today Bestselling Author

Following the book called “an alluring blend of love and playfulness” (PW) The Heiress Hunt, beloved author Joanna Shupe continues her new Fifth Avenue Rebels series with a scandalous romance about a good girl desperate to rebel and the rebel desperate to corrupt her.

A first-rate scoundrel.

A desperate wallflower.

Lessons in seduction.

The woman no one notices . . .

Shy heiress Alice Lusk is tired of being overlooked by every bachelor. Something has to change, else she’ll be forced to marry a man whose only desire is her fortune. She needs to become a siren, a woman who causes a man’s blood to run hot . . .and she’s just met the perfect rogue to help teach her.

He’s the life of every party . . .

Christopher “Kit” Ward plans to open a not-so-reputable supper club in New York City, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to hire the best chef in the city to guarantee its success. Even if it requires giving carnal lessons to a serious-minded spinster who has an in with the chef.

Their bedroom instruction grows passionate, and Alice is a much better pupil than Kit had ever anticipated. When the Society gentlemen start to take notice, Kit has to try to win Alice in other ways . . . but is he too late to win her heart?

REVIEW

Heiress Alice Lusk needs a teacher. Specifically someone to teach her the art of seduction. Her mother thinks that Alice will have no problem finding a suitor – especially with her large dowry. But Alice wants to marry for love. So she finds the one person who she thinks would be perfect in helping her become a vixen – Kit Ward.

Christopher “Kit” Ward is a known scoundrel. He likes to keep his relationships on the surface and is definitely not the settling down sort. So when Alice comes knocking at his door with a proposal to teach her how to seduce a man… he’s at a loss for words. But Alice and Kit just happen to be at the same place at the same time – a house party thrown by Kit’s friend Maddie. And Maddie has forbidden Kit to seduce any of the young women at the soiree.

But when Alice has a proposal for Kit – he has a hard time turning her down. She will help Kit with written recipes for the opening of his supper club and he will help her with her lessons. What could possibly go wrong?

Oh how I loved The Lady Gets Lucky. Kit and Alice had so much chemistry together and I loved every single scene where they were together. Their interactions always left a grin on my face. But with the sweet and funny was also the perfect amount of angst. I wanted these two to end up together right from the beginning of the book.

I will admit, I wasn’t a fan of The Heiress Hunt, but absolutely loved the second book in the The Fifth Avenue Rebels series. I can’t wait to find out who is getting their story next!

CW: parental verbal abuse, alcoholism, death of a friend by alcoholism

ARC Review A Lot Like Adios

September 13, 2021September 12, 2021 ~ Tej ~ 3 Comments

A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: September 14, 2021

Publisher: Avon

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

SYNOPSIS

Hi Mich. It’s Gabe.

After burning out in her corporate marketing career, Michelle Amato has built a thriving freelance business as a graphic designer. So what if her love life is nonexistent? She’s perfectly fine being the black sheep of her marriage-obsessed Puerto Rican-Italian family. Besides, the only guy who ever made her want happily-ever-after disappeared thirteen years ago.

It’s been a long time.

Gabriel Aguilar left the Bronx at eighteen to escape his parents’ demanding expectations, but it also meant saying goodbye to Michelle, his best friend and longtime crush. Now, he’s the successful co-owner of LA’s hottest celebrity gym, with an investor who insists on opening a New York City location. It’s the last place Gabe wants to go, but when Michelle is unexpectedly brought on board to spearhead the new marketing campaign, everything Gabe’s been running from catches up with him.

I’ve missed you.

Michelle is torn between holding Gabe at arm’s length or picking up right where they left off—in her bed. As they work on the campaign, old feelings resurface, and their reunion takes a sexy turn. Facing mounting pressure from their families—who think they’re dating—and growing uncertainty about their futures, can they resolve their past mistakes, or is it only a matter of time before Gabe says adiós again?

REVIEW

Gabe and Mich (Michelle) grew up literally right next door to one another. They were the best of friends – always hanging out, even going so far as writing fanfic for their favorite show. But when it came time to go to college, Gabe left to go to California for a new start. He didn’t say goodbye to anyone, not even Mich.

It’s twelve years late and fate throws Gabe and Michelle back together. Gabe is now part owner of a sports club. Michelle is a freelance graphic designer. When Gabe’s partner reaches out to Michelle (without knowing her relationship to Gabe) she agrees to take on the job. Gabe finally gets in touch with Michelle and they agree to work together. They’ve missed each other and this will be a great opportunity to get back in each others lives.

But the more time Gabe and Mich end up spending together, the complicated their relationship becomes. Not to mention the strained relationship that Gabe has with his family. Will these two be able to forgive each other and themselves and move on?

I really enjoyed A Lot Like Adios. I am a sucker for a second chance romance and these two had so many emotional memories tied to the past. I loved the back and forth being tied in with their fanfic. It was perfect in so many ways, especially when the fanfic mirrored what was happening with Gabe and Mich in the present.

A Lot Like Adios brought the heat 🔥🔥. This book was spice. What I liked most about the sexual relationship between Gabe and Michelle was how open and honest they were with one another. There was bi rep as well as trans and the use of pronouns which is so wonderful to see in a romance.

The parts of this book that were pulling on my heartsrings hard were the parts with Gabe and his parents. Nostalgia can be beautiful, but it can also be heartbreaking. I know the feeling of being in a place you feel like you know so intimately and yet you feel like you’re a stranger. Those feelings were explored so well in A Lot Like Adios.

Overall I really did enjoy this book, I think even more than You Had Me At Hola! If you love a second chance romance, a meddling but loving family – definitely grab yourself a copy of A Lot Like Adios

August Reads

September 5, 2021September 6, 2021 ~ Tej ~ 4 Comments

August was a really good reading month! Somehow I managed to read 11 books – which is the most I have read in a month this year. I think it was a combination of reading really good books, audiobooks and my kids being back in school that allowed me to read so much. Standouts from this month included Hook, Line, and Sinker from Tessa Bailey (which doesn’t release until next spring), Electric Idol by Katee Robert, Lease on Love by Falon Ballard (another spring release) and The Lady Gets Lucky by Joanna Shupe which releases next month!

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey (ARC)

The Lady Gets Lucky by Joanna Shupe (ARC)

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas (reread via audiobook)

Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas (reread via audiobook)

Electric Idol by Katee Robert (ARC)

Witches Get Stitches by Juliette Cross (ARC)

Lease on Love by Falon Ballard (ARC)

A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria (ARC)

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling (ARC)

While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory (ARC)

Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas (ARC)

ARC Review The Heart Principle

August 16, 2021August 15, 2021 ~ Tej ~ Leave a comment

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

Genre: Romance/Women’s Fiction

Series: The Kiss Quotient #3

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: August 31, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

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

SYNOPSIS

A woman struggling with burnout learns to embrace the unexpected—and the man she enlists to help her—in this heartfelt new romance by USA Today bestselling author Helen Hoang.

When violinist Anna Sun accidentally achieves career success with a viral YouTube video, she finds herself incapacitated and burned out from her attempts to replicate that moment. And when her longtime boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship before making a final commitment, a hurt and angry Anna decides that if he wants an open relationship, then she does, too. Translation: She’s going to embark on a string of one-night stands. The more unacceptable the men, the better.

That’s where tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep comes in. Their first attempt at a one-night stand fails, as does their second, and their third, because being with Quan is more than sex—he accepts Anna on an unconditional level that she has just started to understand herself. However, when tragedy strikes Anna’s family she takes on a role that she is ill-suited for, until the burden of expectations threatens to destroy her. Anna and Quan have to fight for their chance at love, but to do that, they also have to fight for themselves.

REVIEW

Violinist Anna Sun is a YouTube sensation. Not only does she have a viral video of herself playing the violin, but she also has a great boyfriend. On the surface it looks as though her life is idyllic. But Anna is struggling. Struggling with her violin practice, struggling to always appease her older sister and her parents and now she’s also struggling with her relationship. When her boyfriend suggests they have an open relationship, Anna is hurt. But if he can see other people then she can too. Anna turns to the most recent dating app to help her with her predicament.

Quan hasn’t dated or been with anyone in some time. After a recent health scare, Quan doesn’t feel completely like himself. When his cousin Michael suggests Quan date or even casually see someone, Quan decides to try his luck with dating apps. Soon Anna and Quan are chatting via the dating app. And what starts as a one night stand suddenly turns into more. Will these two be able to see themselves in a long term relationship?

I enjoyed the relationship between Anna and Quan. There’s was an unconventional love story. From their chats to their first meeting, I loved how patient they were with one another. Both Anna and Quan are at a point in their lives, where they are trying to figure out who they are. Their respective worlds have recently been turned upside down and they feel as though they have a common link and person who grounds them. I liked that they both go through this process together even though they started as strangers

After reading both The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test, I couldn’t wait to get to Quan’s story! He is definitely one of my favorite characters in the series. Be forewarned though that The Heart Principle isn’t a light read. Although there were definitely moments that had me laughing (Quan + Michael + Khai are the best!), there were definitely a lot of heavier topics discussed. There is definitely something to be said about an author that can make me feel so much. There were moments where I was so angry on behalf of the characters and also moments that had my heart hurting.

While I did enjoy The Heart Principle, I do feel like I wanted more of Anna and Quan together. I completely understand that Anna is fighting her own battles and so is Quan, but I really loved their scenes together and wanted more of them.

I appreciate Helen’s representation of autism. As with The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test, I feel as though I am more knowledgeable about the spectrum. Helen’s note at the end of the book was touching and definitely gives us more of an insight to Anna’s character and Helen’s feelings while she was writing this deeply emotional book.

ARC Review The Dating Playbook

August 12, 2021August 12, 2021 ~ Tej ~ Leave a comment

The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon

Genre: Romance/Women’s Fiction

Series: The Boyfriend Project #2

Heat Level: 🔥

Release Date: August 17, 2021

Publisher: Forever

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

SYNOPSIS

When a personal trainer agrees to fake date her client, all rules are out the window in this delightful romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of The Boyfriend Project!

When it comes to personal training, Taylor Powell kicks serious butt. Unfortunately, her bills are piling up, rent is due, and the money situation is dire. Taylor needs more than the support of her new best friends, Samiah and London. She needs a miracle.

And Jamar Dixon might just be it. The oh-so-fine former footballer wants back into the NFL, and he wants Taylor to train him. There’s just one catch — no one can know what they’re doing. But when they’re accidentally outed as a couple, Taylor’s game plan is turned completely upside down. Is Jamar just playing to win . . . or is he playing for keeps?

REVIEW

Taylor Powell is a force to be reckoned with. She’s fierce, independent and strong – she does run her own personal training program Talyor’d Conditioning. Problem is, bills are piling up and Taylor isn’t getting as many clients as she needs. When a famous pro football player – Jamar Dixon- ends up taking her class he loves her enthusiasm and drive and wants to hire her.

Taylor is weary of men. Especially after the disaster where she ended up meeting her best friends (they were all dating a serial dater at the same time). She doesn’t trust Jamar, but he sounds too good to be true. So at the urging of her friends, Taylor takes on the job of getting Jamar back into shape enough so he can try out to play pro football again. Only problem – Jamar doesn’t want it known that Taylor is training him and Taylor has no problem keeping it that way. Except they’re accidentally outed as a couple and both go along with the ruse.

What starts off as a fake relationship for the reporters slowly starts turning real, will Jamar and Taylor be able to keep their relationship strictly platonic and a few stolen glances and kisses just for the camera?

Okay first of all, I LOVED the banter between Jamar and Taylor in The Dating Playbook. I was constantly cackling out loud at how funny these two were with one another. Their banter and relationship always felt easy – right from the beginning. Taylor had so many rules for their fake relationship and I loved watching the lines blur between what was real and what was fake.

The relationship between Taylor, Samiah and London that I loved so much in The Boyfriend Project was back again with The Dating Playbook! The girl bonds between these three was so lovely. I love that their relationship was still strong in the second book of this series.

The Dating Playbook was a sweet fake dating romance interwoven with the lovely bonds of friendship. I am looking forward to London’s story next!

ARC Review The Devil and the Heiress

August 9, 2021August 7, 2021 ~ Tej ~ 4 Comments

The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses #2

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: June 29, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

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

SYNOPSIS

Sparks fly when a runaway heiress bargains with a devilish rogue to escape a marriage of convenience.

No one would guess that beneath Violet Crenshaw’s ladylike demeanor lies the heart of a rebel. American heiresses looking to secure English lords must be on their best behavior, but Violet has other plans. She intends to flee London and the marriage her parents have arranged to become a published author–if only the wickedly handsome earl who inspired her most outrageously sinful character didn’t insist on coming with her.

Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, has a scheme of his own: escort the surprisingly spirited dollar princess north and use every delicious moment in close quarters to convince Violet to marry him. Christian needs an heiress to rebuild his Scottish estate but the more time he spends with Violet, the more he realizes what he really needs is her–by his side, near his heart, in his bed.

Though Christian’s burning glances offer unholy temptation, Violet has no intention of surrendering herself or her newfound freedom in a permanent deal with the devil. It’s going to take more than pretty words to prove this fortune hunter’s love is true….

REVIEW

Violet Crenshaw has aspirations of becoming an author. She feels like she has so much life yet to live, but an heiress who is in her 20’s is prime for the marriage market and Violet’s parents are looking for potential suitors. Violet is crushed and decides to take her chances and run away.

Christian Halston, Lord of Leigh has his own ambitions. He wishes to marry into a wealthy family and has his eye on Violet. Whenever the two of them are together sparks fly. Christian decides to help Violet escape and convince her to marry him on their road trip together.

I really enjoyed The Devil and the Heiress. Violet and Christian had amazing chemistry together and I enjoyed their banter. Harper St. George knows how to write steamy scenes and the sparks between Violet and Christian were smoking! The forced proximity component really added to their romance. While I’m not always a fan of insta-love, it really worked for me in this case.

I’m hoping that there’s a third book with the last Crenshaw sibling – Max!

ARC Review – Isn’t it Bromantic?

August 2, 2021August 2, 2021 ~ Tej ~ Leave a comment

Isn’t it Bromantic by Lyssa Kay Adams

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Bromance Book Club #4

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: July 20, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

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

SYNOPSIS

With his passion for romance novels, it was only a matter of time before Vlad wrote one.

Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared, she escaped danger the only way she knew how: She married her childhood friend, Vladimir, and moved to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville.

Vlad, aka the Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But it’s become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he’s learned is that he deserves more. He’s ready to create his own sweeping romance—both on and off the page.

The bros are unwilling to let Vlad forgo true love—and this time they’re not operating solo. They join forces with Vlad’s neighbors, a group of meddling widows who call themselves the Loners. But just when things finally look promising, Elena’s past life intrudes and their happily ever after is cast into doubt.

REVIEW

Finally, finally we get the Russian’s aka Vlad’s story in Isn’t it Bromantic? 😍 Vlad has been a permanent part of the Bromance Book Club, but his friends don’t know much about his relationship with his wife Elena.

At point in their lives, Elena and Vlad were the best of friends. They grew up together and were literally neighbors. Elena was often at Vlad’s house – especially when her journalist father was off on a lead for a story. So when Vlad asked Elena to marry him so she could come to live with him in America after her father went missing, Elena agreed.

What started off as a marriage of convenience between two friends, slowly turned into the two of them hardly seeing one another. Elena went off to school and Vlad fulfilled his obligation to play professional hockey. But now Vlad wants more of his marriage, he wants a real marriage. Only Elena has had enough and is ready to return to Russia. Will Vlad find a way to woo back his wife like the heroes in the books he’s been reading?

I have been waiting for so long to finally get the Russian’s story and I am so glad that Vlad turned out to be this sweet cinnamon roll hero. I loved everything about Isn’t it Bromantic?. From the bros to the widows in Vlad’s neighborhood who call themselves the Loners to the romantic suspense story that Vlad is writing on the side (seriously sooo good). All of these aspects made up for the perfect romance. But most importantly I loved Vlad and Elena’s relationship.

Vlad and Elena haven’t had the easiest relationship and the longing and angst just had my heart swooning. When a book has be shedding tears within the first few chapters, I know that it’s one I will end up loving and that is so true with Isn’t it Bromantic?.

If you haven’t already picked up your copy – do it now! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

July Reads

August 1, 2021August 1, 2021 ~ Tej ~ Leave a comment

July was a great ARC heavy reading month for me. I ended up reading 9 books – which is a lot, considering it was a busy busy month! Favorites of the month included Isn’t it Bromantic? and Bombshell! I’m excited to see what great books August has in store!