Category: ARC

ARC Review – The Royals Next Door

~ Tej ~ Leave a comment

The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: August 31, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

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

SYNOPSIS

An ordinary summer goes royally awry when a prince and princess move next door, bringing their handsome bodyguard with them, from New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle.

Piper Evans: elementary school teacher by day–avid romance reader and anonymous podcaster by night. She lives a quiet, reclusive life, taking care of her mother, who struggles with mental illness, avoiding her regrettable ex, who bartends in town, and trying to make inroads in the tight-knit island community that still sees her, five years in, as an outsider.

And she’s happy with how things are–really–until British royals rent the property next to hers and their brooding bodyguard decides she’s a security threat. Piper quickly realizes that one person’s fairy tale is an ordinary woman’s nightmare as a media frenzy takes over the island and each run-in with Harrison Cole is hotter and more confusing than the last. But beneath Harrison’s no-nonsense exterior lies a soft heart, one that could tempt a woman who’s sworn off attachments into believing in white knights.

But when Piper finds herself smack in the middle of a royal scandal that rocks the island she’ll need more than Harrison’s strong arms to shield her–she’ll have to do a little rescuing herself. With careers, hearts, and friendships on the line, Piper and Harrison will have to decide what they’re willing to give up for a chance at their own happily ever after.

REVIEW

Piper lives a quiet life on a small island in the Pacific Northwest. She’s a school teacher by day and romance reader/podcaster on her off time. She also just happens to live with her mom who struggles with mental illness (bipolar disorder and dependent personality disorder). Piper is completely surprised when The Royals end up moving right next to her! Their bodyguard – Harrison Colt – isn’t exactly the friendliest person, but Piper can’t help but needling him. When they continually run into each other, their relationship starts to turn to more than just acquaintances. But will Piper be able to handle all the stress/media frenzy/constant being hounded by the media if she decides to take her relationship further with Harrison who is in essence linked to the royals?

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I picked up The Royals Next Door, but it is definitely up there as one of my favorite reads this year. This book was funny, sweet, sexy and also so inspirational and swoony. I would be laughing out loud one moment and then falling so hard for Piper and Harrison.

I loved the slow burn between Piper and Harrison. There were more than a few moments where I was yelling at them to finally get together. But the slow burn totally paid off and Karina Halle definitely knows how to write her steamy scenes 🔥.

One aspect of The Royals Next Door that I absolutely loved was the mental health representation. I feel like there’s such a stigma still attached to mental illness and books like The Royals Next Door are slowly showing us the readers that you shouldn’t be ashamed of having a mental illness or seeing a therapist. In fact it should be talked about more often and not shunned as it so often is.

Add The Royals Next Door to your TBR and pre-order this book before it releases on August 31, 2021. I for one cannot wait to re-read this wonderfully romantic book.

p.s. Not only is Piper a romance podcaster but she’s also an unapologetic romance reader and I loved her even more for that!

Bombshell ARC Review

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Hell’s Belles

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: August 24, 2021

Publisher: Avon

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

SYNOPSIS

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean returns with a blazingly sexy, unapologetically feminist new series, Hell’s Belles, beginning with a bold, bombshell of a heroine, able to dispose of a scoundrel—or seduce one—in a single night.

After years of living as London’s brightest scandal, Lady Sesily Talbot has embraced the reputation and the freedom that comes with the title. No one looks twice when she lures a gentleman into the dark gardens beyond a Mayfair ballroom…and no one realizes those trysts are not what they seem.

No one, that is, but Caleb Calhoun, who has spent years trying not to notice his best friend’s beautiful, brash, brilliant sister. If you ask him, he’s been a saint about it, considering the way she looks at him…and the way she talks to him…and the way she’d felt in his arms during their one ill-advised kiss.

Except someone has to keep Sesily from tumbling into trouble during her dangerous late-night escapades, and maybe close proximity is exactly what Caleb needs to get this infuriating, outrageous woman out of his system. But now Caleb is the one in trouble, because he’s fast realizing that Sesily isn’t for forgetting…she’s forever. And forever isn’t something he can risk.

REVIEW

I have been waiting for Sesily and Caleb’s story for a very very long time and it did not disappoint! These two were always quarreling with each other and I loved their banter. Their quips and humor did not disappoint in Bombshell – the newest book in a new series by Sarah MacLean.

Sesily Talbot also known as “Sexily” has embraced her reputation. She is one of five sisters and they’ve never had it easy in society. Sesily and her gang of fierce and ruthless girl friends have decided to take on the worst men of London aristocracy. Those who deserve a lashing and worse are the ones that they are after. When one of these escapades almost goes south it’s Caleb Calhoun, the American that comes to Sesily’s rescue.

Caleb can’t seem to stay away from Sesily no matter how hard he tries. He’s hiding his own secrets and it’s best if he doesn’t become entangled with Sesily. But everywhere he turns, she’s there. Taunting him with her warmth and light. Will Caleb be strong enough to stay away from Sesily…or rather will Sesily let him stay away?

Oh, how I loved these two. Already I was anticipating their story and once I started reading Bombshell I could not put it down. It was funny, so swoony and the suspense had me hooked in! I love not only the romance, but also the colorful characters that we are introduced to.

As always, Sarah MacLean had the perfect amount of angst, romance and humor balanced out in Bombshell. While sometimes the first book in a series can have a lot of word building or seem tedious, I never felt that way with Bombshell. I already need every single one of the Hell’s Belles stories – a few who I’ve maybe guessed already!

Definitely add Bombshell to your TBR and grab it when it releases August 24, 2021!

Battle Royal ARC Review

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Palace Insiders #1

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: August 17, 2021

Publisher: Avon

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

SYNOPSIS

Beloved author Lucy Parker pens a delicious new romantic comedy that is a battle of whisks and wits.

Ready…

Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, colorful creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere, the hottest pastry chef in London. When her glittery unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has managed to use her fame to help fulfill her dream of opening a bakery, Sugar Fair. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess.

Set…

Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite baker, the go-to for sweet-toothed A-List celebrities, and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that the irksome Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can’t stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple.

Match…

When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they’re both determined to come out on top.

The bride adores Sylvie’s quirky style. The palace wants Dominic’s classic perfection.

In this royal battle, can there be room for two?

REVIEW

Baker Sylvie Fairchild thoroughly enjoyed her time on Operation Cake four years ago as a contestant. She’s elated that the producers have asked her on as a judge. It will provide great coverage for her shop Sugar Fair! The only downside of accepting the gig – she has to work with Dominic De Vere. The same judge that booted Sylvie off the show (okay, yeah maybe her unicorn malfunction that earned him a hoof and glitter in the face wasn’t the best for live TV).

Dominic is stern, but fair. He’s not the biggest fan of Sylvie especially after that glitter unicorn fiasco. Dominic and Sylvie also just happen to have neighboring bakeries as well. When Sylvie and Dominic end up vying for the top position to bake a cake for the royal wedding of Princess Rose – who will the Princess end up choosing? Will Sylvie and Dominic continue to stay rivals or will working in such close proximity have them seeing each other in a different light?

I absolutely loved Battle Royal. Not only does it have two of my favorite tropes – enemies to lovers and forced proximity, but the chemistry between Dominic and Sylvie was always sparking. Yeah, sure they disliked each other, but they also have a deep sense of respect for each others work.

The level of vulnerability each character in the story showed added a lot of depth to this amazing romance. Not only from Dominic and Sylvie, but also Dominic’s sister Pet as well as the royal couple Princess Rose and Johnny. Sometimes when there are a lot of side characters in a book I feel like it takes away from the romance. That was not the case in Battle Royal. Each and every single character in this book had an important part and they all added to overall story.

I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of Battle Royal and enjoyed it so much! The audiobook was narrated by Billie Fulford-Brown and she did such a wonderful job voicing all of the various characters. I could definitely tell if Dominic was grumpy or if Sylvie was happy or sad. I loved the accents of all of the characters and really felt like the audiobook of Battle Royal was fantastic and highly recommend it!

Battle Royal was so swoony and I’ve highlighted so many parts that I can’t wait to go back and revisit. Definitely add this book to your TBR and pre-order for when it releases in August! Battle Royal is one of my favorite books of the year!

I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!

ARC Review – Love Next Door

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Love Next Door by Helena Hunting

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥

Series: Lakeside #1

Release Date: July 27, 2021

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

SYNOPSIS

When Dillion Stitch left her hometown, she had no intention of going back. But when her brother gets into trouble, Dillion reluctantly agrees to return home to take her place at the family business.

Being back in Pearl Lake after all these years feels familiar, but also brings a few surprises. She’s quick to notice that someone new has shown up at the cottage next door. Dillion gets more than an eyeful when she goes to check out the newcomer and meets Donovan “Van” Firestone—her beloved neighbor’s grandson—in all his unclothed glory.

Having gotten off to a rocky start, it’s not long before they begin bickering with each other all over town. All that back and forth inevitably sparks an undeniable attraction. But Dillion’s family has issues, Van’s family resents him, and neither Dillion nor Van feels truly at ease in the small town. For these Pearl Lake exiles, home isn’t just where the heart is—it’s where things get complicated.

REVIEW

Dillion Stitch is back in Pearl Lake. Not really where she’d like to be, but after a series of circumstances all happen at once, she’s needed back home to help her family with their business. Dillion couldn’t wait to get out of the small town life and severed a lot of connections on her way out of Pearl Lake. Will she be able to handle small town life again where everyone is up in each other’s business?

Donovan Firestone has his own reasons for escaping to Pearl Lake. At first he was only coming to manage his grandmother’s estate. But soon he’s planning on staying a while. He doesn’t realize that Dillion and his grandma were close and that she has been keeping up with the estate when his beloved grandmother passed. These two don’t exactly hit it off, but soon they’re in each others spaces more and more often. Will they eventually act on their passion?

I really enjoyed Love Next Door. Having grown up in a small town myself, I remember thinking that I couldn’t wait to leave. I didn’t end up going very far and still visit often and am so grateful for small town living! I also really related to Dillion as being the eldest sibling and really having to take charge of situations sometimes. Family life can be hectic and lovely at the same time and I love how Helena showcased those circumstances.

Van and Dillion had such great chemistry and I loved their sparks right from the beginning. Yes they both make mistakes, but their open and honest communication really added to their relationship. They truly were there for one another and I adored them.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series – hopefully it’s Teagan’s story.

ARC Review – When Stars Collide

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When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction

Heat Rating: 🔥

Series: Chicago Stars #9

Release Date: June 29, 2021

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

SYNOPSIS

Olivia Shore, international opera superstar, is a driven diva with a passion for perfection, a craving for justice, too many secrets—and a monumental grudge against the egotistical, lowbrow jock she’s been stuck with.

It’s Mozart meets Monday Night Football as the temperamental soprano and stubborn jock embark on a nationwide tour promoting a luxury watch brand. Along the way, the combatants will engage in soul-searching and trash talk, backstage drama and, for sure, a quarterback pass. But they’ll also face trouble as threatening letters, haunting photographs, and a series of dangerous encounters complicate their lives. Is it the work of an overzealous fan or something more sinister?

This is the emotional journey of a brilliant woman whose career is everything and a talented man who’ll never be happy with second place.  Tender and funny, passionate and insightful, this irresistible romantic adventure proves that anything can happen…when two superstars collide.

REVIEW

What happens when two stars from opposite spectrums collide? Renowned opera singer Olivia and NFL football quarterback Thad are both brand ambassadors for an upscale watch. Immediately they start off on the wrong foot. Olivia doesn’t want anything to do with jock Thad. Thad thinks Olivia is an uptight diva after she repeatedly freezes him out.

But the more time Thad and Olivia spend with one another, the more they realize how much they like each other. But soon enough Olivia’s life is being threatened and protective quarterback Thad will go to any length to keep Olivia safe. How long can these two before their passion ignites. And once that happens, how can they realistically make a relationship work between the two of them? They are both career driven and independent personalities.

I have read each and every single one of the Chicago Stars books and love the world that SEP has created! It was so much fun revisiting with some of the characters that we loved in previous books. I do feel like I had a harder time connecting with Thad and Olivia as a couple in When Stars Collide. There was often so much other stuff happening in the story and I wanted just a little more of their romance.

Audiobook:
Story: 3
Narration: 4
Overall: 3

The audiobook of When Stars Collide was narrated by Nicole Poole and I truly enjoyed the audiobook! I was laughing along Olivia and Thad while listening to Nicole narrate both of their voices. She did a wonderful job expressing each characters feeling and I won’t hesitate to pick up another audiobook narrated by Nicole!

While not my favorite book out of the series, When Stars Collide had a ton of fun and hilarious moments thrown in with some mystery and suspense to round it out!

ARC Review – Love Scenes

~ Tej ~ 1 Comment

Love Scenes by Bridget Morrissey

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction

Heat Level: 🔥

Release Date: June 20, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

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

SYNOPSIS

Acting like she’s in love with her handsome nightmare of a co-star–in a movie directed and produced by her complicated Hollywood royalty family–is Sloane’s job. But what happens when the lines between script and reality get blurred?

Out-of-work actress Sloane Ford is in desperate need of something to do after losing her steady TV gig. When her famous family ropes her into working as a producer on their World War II-era romance, they neglect to mention that the film will be headlined by Joseph Donovan, her least favorite former co-star of all time. The roguish actor made her life a living hell the last time they worked together, using his movie star good looks and Irish charm to cover for his erratic professional behavior. On their new film set, he promises he’s different now, but Sloane is far from convinced.

As filming gets underway, it becomes clear that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. When the lead actress is abruptly fired, Sloane agrees to step in and take over the role, and she starts to remember why she fell in love with acting in the first place. On camera, she and Joseph share an electric chemistry. Off camera, they’ve been honing their characters and, much to Sloane’s surprise, growing closer. But playing the role of a woman in love with Joseph Donovan is a dangerous business, and the more time they spend together, the less Sloane can tell what’s real between them, and what’s just for show.

REVIEW

Sloane is going through a rough time in life right now. She’s literally been axed from the TV show she was working on, her boyfriend broke up with her and is writing music about the break-up and she is working with her family as a producer on a movie where she was supposed to be the lead. The cherry on top is to find that the lead actor is no one other Joseph Donovan. The actor who made Sloane’s life miserable when they shot a movie together. He was rude, arrogant and an overall ass. Has he redeemed himself like he says he has?

Sloane is soon working even closer with Joe when she steps in as the lead actress opposite of Joe. Their sizzling chemistry on stage is soon spilling off stage as well. How will these two make it work in the land of Hollywood everything feels like an act and nothing is real.

I loved the banter between Joe and Sloane in Love Scenes! They were so funny and cute but also very real. Sloane is strong and independent and she has to be especially in show business. I liked that she set the boundaries of her relationship with Joe and he respected that. Underneath the romance were a lot of heavier themes like forgiveness, redemption and how to manage dysfunctional families.

Overall I really enjoyed Love Scenes. I always looked forward to the romance within the book and I do feel that sometimes the story did lag a bit. Overall I would give Love Scenes anywhere from a 3.5-4 stars.

ARC Review – The Queer Principles of Kit Webb

~ Tej ~ 6 Comments

The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: M/M Historical Fiction

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: June 8, 2021

Publisher: Avon

I received a complimentary copy and audiobook of this book from the publisher and TLC Book Tours

SYNPOSIS

Critically acclaimed author Cat Sebastian makes her trade paperback debut in a stunning historical romance about a reluctantly reformed highwayman and the aristocrat who threatens to steal his heart.

Kit Webb has left his stand-and-deliver days behind him. But dreary days at his coffee shop have begun to make him pine for the heady rush of thievery. When a handsome yet arrogant aristocrat storms into his shop, Kit quickly realizes he may be unable to deny whatever this highborn man desires.

In order to save himself and a beloved friend, Percy, Lord Holland must go against every gentlemanly behavior he holds dear to gain what he needs most: a book that once belonged to his mother, a book his father never lets out of his sight and could be Percy’s savior. More comfortable in silk-filled ballrooms than coffee shops frequented by criminals, his attempts to hire the roughly hewn highwayman, formerly known as Gladhand Jack, proves equal parts frustrating and electrifying.

Kit refuses to participate in the robbery but agrees to teach Percy how to do the deed. Percy knows he has little choice but to submit and as the lessons in thievery begin, he discovers thievery isn’t the only crime he’s desperate to commit with Kit.

But when their careful plan goes dangerously wrong and shocking revelations threaten to tear them apart, can these stolen hearts withstand the impediments in their path?

REVIEW

Percy, Lord Holland finds himself in an usual predicament. He is being blackmailed and needs an item from his father. Not just any item, but a particular book that his father keeps on his person at all times. Percy and his father do not have a good relationship and Percy needs to find a way to get this book – at all costs!

Reformed highwayman Kit Webb now runs a coffee shop. He’s not exactly the nicest barista, but he makes do with what he has. When aristocrat Percy shows up at his coffee shop with a proposition, Kit’s first instinct is to turn him down. But the more he thinks about it the more it excites him. Maybe he can teach Percy his tips and tricks instead? Is this going to be a complete disaster? And them more time Percy and Kit spend together – their sizzling chemistry seems to only get stronger.

I adored The Queer Principles of Kit Webb. Percy and Kit were just so fun! I loved their banter, their sarcastic quips and their respective backstories. These two had more in common than they initially thought.

Audiobook:

Story: 4.5
Narration: 5
Overall: 4.5

The audiobook for The Queer Principles of Kit Webb was narrated by Joel Leslie and I truly enjoyed this audiobook so much! I loved the way Joel was able to voice both Percy and Kit. The way he was able to convey humor, sadness or excitement was perfect! I hope to be able to listen to more audiobooks from Joel Leslie in the future!

If you’re looking for a M/M historical romance that is funny, romantic and tender I would definitely pick up The Queer Principles of Kit Webb! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

The Love Hypothesis ARC Review

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The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: September 14, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

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

When I tell you that I LOVED this book and that it’s already up there as my favorite book read of the year so far – I mean it! Add this book to your TBR – I’m hoping you will love it as much as I did!!! I have already re-read it and will most likely re-read it again before it releases 💕

SYNOPSIS

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships–but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor–and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford’s reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive’s career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding…six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

REVIEW

Olive Smith is a third-year PhD candidate and like everyone else in her program she knows who Dr. Adam Carlsen. He has a reputation for being difficult and making his students cry. Olive knows to keep her distance. Except for that one time when Olive panics and accidentally ends up kissing him – whoops! 

Olive imagines that Carlsen will immediately put up a fuss and demand she explain what’s going on. Instead he goes along with her charade of pretending to be Olive’s boyfriend. This fake relationship will end up being in both of their interests…but slowly the lines between what is fake and what is real end up blurring. Will they be able to end this “relationship” when their agreed upon deadline comes up? 

I honestly cannot put into words how much I absolutely LOVED The Love Hypothesis. The banter, the chemistry, the humor – it was all doled out in the perfect proportions to make for such a wonderful book! 

I will say that being a female in the STEM field – I related to Olive a lot. But even without the scientific background The Love Hypothesis was filled with warmth and relatable characters. I was rooting for Adam and Olive to get together and loved every moment of their journey together. 

Please add this book to your TBR and pre-order it for when it releases in September. You won’t want to miss this stellar debut by Ali Hazelwood!

It Happened One Summer ARC Review

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It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: July 13, 2021

Publisher: Avon

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

SYNOPSIS

Tessa Bailey is back with a Schitt’s Creek-inspired rom-com about a Hollywood “It Girl” who is cut off from her wealthy family and exiled to a small Pacific Northwest beach town… where she butts heads with a surly, sexy local who thinks she doesn’t belong. 

Piper Bellinger is fashionable, influential, and her reputation as a wild child means the paparazzi are constantly on her heels. When too much champagne and an out-of-control rooftop party lands Piper in the slammer, her stepfather decides enough is enough. So he cuts her off, and sends Piper and her sister to learn some responsibility running their late father’s dive bar… in Washington.

Piper hasn’t even been in Westport for five minutes when she meets big, bearded sea captain Brendan, who thinks she won’t last a week outside of Beverly Hills. So what if Piper can’t do math, and the idea of sleeping in a shabby apartment with bunk beds gives her hives. How bad could it really be? She’s determined to show her stepfather—and the hot, grumpy local—that she’s more than a pretty face.

Except it’s a small town and everywhere she turns, she bumps into Brendan. The fun-loving socialite and the gruff fisherman are polar opposites, but there’s an undeniable attraction simmering between them. Piper doesn’t want any distractions, especially feelings for a man who sails off into the sunset for weeks at a time. Yet as she reconnects with her past and begins to feel at home in Westport, Piper starts to wonder if the cold, glamorous life she knew is what she truly wants. LA is calling her name, but Brendan—and this town full of memories—may have already caught her heart. 

REVIEW

Piper is insta-famous. She knows how to throw a party, has millions of followers and travels in all the social circles in LA. When a party gets out of control, Piper’s stepfather cuts her off from his finances. Turns out Piper’s late father had a bar in a town called Westport in the Pacific Northwest and Piper’s stepfather is putting Piper in charge for a few months so she can understand how to be a more responsible adult.

Brendan is a no-nonsense sea captain. He has specific rules he follows and doesn’t like to deviate from routine. Piper comes through Westport and throws a wrench into all of his carefully laid out plans. Piper and Brendan immediately start off on the wrong foot. Brendan doesn’t think she’ll last more than a few days. Piper has had it with the men in her life telling her that she isn’t good enough or strong enough and is determined to make it in Westport.

I loved the slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance in It Happened One Summer. The chemistry between Brendan and Piper was evident from the moment they set eyes on each other. The slow progression from enemies, to friends, to lovers was done so well. I love that Brendan and Piper took their relationship slow. They got a feel for each other and truly got to know one another. As usual Tessa knows how to bring the steam and Brendan and Piper were hot hot.

Not only was I charmed by Piper and Brendan, but also by every side character in It Happened One Summer. I loved the sisterly bond between Piper and Hannah. They were truly there for one another at all times no matter what.

If you’re looking for a sweet and sexy grumpy meet sunshine, slow burn romance – pick up It Happened One Summer when it releases July 13, 2021.

I would rate It Happened One Summer between a 4.5 – 5 stars. I am already looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

The Soulmate Equation ARC Review

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction

Heat Rating: Closed Door

Release Date: May 18, 2021

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

SYNOPSIS

Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. Raised by her grandparents–who now help raise her seven-year-old daughter, Juno–Jess has been left behind too often to feel comfortable letting anyone in. After all, her father’s never been around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn’t “father material” before Juno was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close, but working constantly to stay afloat is hard…and lonely.

But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that’s predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands. At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98% compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly’s founder, Dr. River Pena. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Pena. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know him and we’ll pay you. Jess–who is barely making ends meet–is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the “Diamond” pairing that could make GeneticAlly a mint in stock prices, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist–and the science behind a soulmate–than she thought.

Funny, warm, and full of heart, The Soulmate Equation proves that the delicate balance between fate and choice can never be calculated.

REVIEW

Single mom Jess and her best friend Fizzy hang out at the same coffee shop daily. They both work from home (Jess is a statistician and Fizzy is an author) and have a great set-up going at Twiggs coffee shop. They get to work, drink great coffee and people watch. A person of interest is definitely tall, dark and handsome Americano. He gets the same coffee order – an Americano – everyday at the same time and promptly leaves. Jess and Fizzy have been watching him for quite some time now. When they find out that he’s the creator of GeneticAlly – an app to help you find your soulmate based on your genetics they’re intrigued and finally talk to him to ask him more. He offers to have them come to the office and give a DNA sample. Jess just happens to match with the stoic Americano, or rather Dr River Pena at a 98% compatibility which is off the charts. Do they give this relationship a try? And how much of it would be based on their compatibility score vs what’s in their hearts?

I really enjoyed The Soulmate Equation! I loved how awkward and nerdy both Jess and River were. The fact that they matched at a 98% level, but seriously couldn’t stand to be in the same room together was hilarious. And at the same time I loved the chemistry building between these two. The Soulmate Equation definitely reminded me a lot of the older Christina Lauren books that are heavily focused on the romance aspect of the book. And while the secondary characters were all very important (loved Jess’s daughter Juno), River and Jess were always the center of the story.

Grab The Soulmate Equation if you’re looking for a unique twist on a romance featuring a dating app. I personally enjoyed the scientific aspect of the book a lot and the nerdy jokes had me laughing out loud several times! Overall, this unique spin on online dating/matchmaking romance was sweet, funny and full of heart!