Category: Forced Proximity

Spotlight The Neighbor Favor

~ Tej ~ Leave a comment

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 28, 2023

Publisher: Berkley

Lily wants nothing more than to become an editor in children’s fiction, but she finds herself stuck in nonfiction. Lily finds solace when she ends up corresponding with her favorite fantasy author. She thinks their friendship is something special until he ghosts her.

When Lily meets her new neighbor Nick, she’s unexpectedly drawn to him. But Nick is keeping a secret from her. He’s the fantasy author she was corresponding with. He has his reasons for using a pen name and keeping people from getting to close. But how long will he hide this secret from her before it escalate out of control?

I am so excited to start reading The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest. Girl next door + friends to lovers + love interests who are in the book publishing world and they send anonymous letters to one another…swoon!

SYNOPSIS

In this heart-fluttering romance by Kristina Forest, a shy bookworm enlists her charming neighbor to help her score a date, not knowing he’s the obscure author she’s been corresponding with.

Shy, bookish, and admittedly awkward, Lily Greene has always felt inadequate compared to the rest of her accomplished family, who strive for Black excellence. She dreams of becoming an editor of children’s books but has been frustratingly stuck in the nonfiction division for years without a promotion in sight. Lily finds escapism in her correspondences with her favorite fantasy author, and what begins as two lonely people connecting over e-mail turns into a tentative friendship and possibly something else Lily won’t let herself entertain–until he ghosts her.

Months later, still crushed but determined to take charge of her life, Lily seeks a date to her sister’s wedding. And the perfect person to help her is Nick Brown, her charming, attractive new neighbor, whom she feels drawn to for unexplainable reasons. Little does she know that Nick is an author–her favorite fantasy author.

Nick, who has his reasons for using a pen name and for pushing people away, soon realizes that the beautiful, quiet woman from down the hall is the same Lily he fell in love with over e-mail months ago. Unwilling to complicate things even more between them, he agrees to set her up with someone else, though this simple favor between two neighbors is anything but–not when he can’t get her off his mind.

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Shatter Me Series Review

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Dystopian Fantasy

Heat Level: 🔥 (mainly closed door)

Okay first of all, yes I realize that this series was originally published in 2011 and I am so so so late to the game. But to be fair – it’s been all over my bookstagram and booktok feeds lately. I picked up the series on a whim when my library hold came through. And even then, I was thinking meh I should just return it and read it some other time (lol!). I also realzied that Hoopla has the audiobooks so I figured I’d listen to the books on my runs and if I liked the book I could check out the rest from the library…

Yeah I was obsessed with the writing style, the dystopian setting and the main characters. Juliette was obviously the most complex character, but I loved her relationship with Adam and oddly even found Warner intriguing but yeah also an asshole in Shatter Me.

**MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD**

And then I moved on to Unravel Me and … phew. At this point it’s a given that if there’s angst and major swooning involved I will most likely LOVE the book. There was heaps and heaps of angst and longing in Unravel Me. Why am I not surprised that I love this setting? It’s happened time and time again and I seriously love it every time – in the ACOTAR series, in the From Blood and Ash series…I love an arc with a morally grey hero who is an asshole but underneath has a heart of gold. It seems as though Aaron Warner was definitely the blueprint for this type of character.

Ignite Me was even somehow more angstier (is that a word?) than Unravel Me. I had so many conflicting emotions and had butterflies in my stomach during so many scenes. I know who I wanted as end game and it was always Warner + Juliette and Tahereh Mafi did not make their journey easy. But their banter, their chemistry and their understanding of one another was pure perfection!

The last 3 books of the series weren’t quite as strong as the first three. But still Tahereh was able to capture me with all the angst and backstory. The fact that Warner knew Ella his whole life and his father kept separating them??? Argh I hated Anderson so much.

What I did like about the last 3 books was the varying points of view that we got. Where books one to three were mainly told from Juliette’s point of view (except for the novellas), I really liked getting Warner and Kenji’s points of view. And that last novella Believe Me (sobbing as I’m writing this review) – ugh it was just pure perfection. Do I want more time with Aaron and Juliette? always, but the way it was wrapped up was perfect.

Will I ever be able to move on from this series? I’m in such a book slump and keep rereading my favorite parts of each and every book. What an amazing series. I can’t wait to read more from Tahereh Mafi!

Ratings:

1.Shatter Me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

1.5 Destroy Me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2. Unravel Me⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2.5 Fracture Me ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. Ignite Me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4. Restore Me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5 Shadow Me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5. Defy Me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5.5 Reveal Me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

6. Imagine Me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

6.5 Believe Me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC Review – The True Love Experiment

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The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: May 16, 2023

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

SYNOPSIS

Sparks fly when a romance novelist and a documentary filmmaker join forces to craft the perfect Hollywood love story and take both of their careers to the next level—but only if they can keep the chemistry between them from taking the whole thing off script.

Felicity “Fizzy” Chen is lost. Sure, she’s got an incredible career as a beloved romance novelist with a slew of bestsellers under her belt, but when she’s asked to give a commencement address, it hits her: she hasn’t been practicing what she’s preached.

Fizzy hasn’t ever really been in love. Lust? Definitely. But that swoon-worthy, can’t-stop-thinking-about-him, all-encompassing feeling? Nope. Nothing. What happens when the optimism she’s spent her career encouraging in readers starts to feel like a lie?

Connor Prince, documentary filmmaker and single father, loves his work in large part because it allows him to live near his daughter. But when his profit-minded boss orders him to create a reality TV show, putting his job on the line, Connor is out of his element. Desperate to find his romantic lead, a chance run-in with an exasperated Fizzy offers Connor the perfect solution. What if he could show the queen of romance herself falling head-over-heels for all the world to see? Fizzy gives him a hard pass—unless he agrees to her list of demands. When he says yes, and production on The True Love Experiment begins, Connor wonders if that perfect match will ever be in the cue cards for him, too.

The True Love Experiment is the book fans have been waiting for ever since Fizzy’s debut in The Soulmate Equation. But when the lights come on and all eyes are on her, it turns out the happily ever after Fizzy had all but given up on might lie just behind the camera.

REVIEW

I watched so many Bachelor and Bachelorette shows growing up, that I’m kinda over them at this point. But put them in a rom-com and I am all over them! This is definitely the case with The True Love Experiment.

We first meet Fizzy in The Soulmate Equation where she hangs out a lot with her bestie Jess. She’s a super fun and bubbly character who is a romance author and has a fun social/dating life. Fast forward a bit and Fizzy is struggling with not only her romantic life, but also writing her next romance. She’s lost her muse and is having a hard time getting her words down.

Connor Prince is a documentary filmmaker and single father. He’s not big on reality types of TV shows, but his boss tells him the network needs him to come up with something big. When Connor realizes that his ex-wife’s favorite romance author is Felicity Chen aka Fizzy -a beautiful woman who Connor recently saw at a bar – Connor immediately realizes this is who he wants for the reality show. But their first encounter doesn’t exactly end on good terms. Felicity thinks Connor is a bit of a douche-bag and immediately says no to the show, unless Connor agrees to her very specific terms. When Connor says yes, Fizzy realizes this could be fun and she could potentially find her soulmate. The more these two work together, the more they realize that their chemistry seems to be flaring offset while the rest of the contestants wonder who Fizzy will end up picking.

Recent Christina Lauren books have been hit and miss for me. But The True Love Experiment was a definite YES. I loved Fizzy’s character so much, which isn’t a surprise because I also loved her in The Soulmate Equation. She’s fun, bubbly and appears to be so carefree. It’s only when we get to know her that we realize she has insecurities and vulnerabilities too. The fact that she’s a romance author is *chefs kiss*. I loved those passages when she talks about how so many people look down upon the genre, and for what? I feel her vulnerabilities so much – not only with her writing, but with her family too.

Here am I am, proven a liar again when I say I don’t like single parent romances. Because Connor is so lovely and so caring with his daughter. He’s not perfect, and I love that he owns up to his past as ugly as it might be. His relationship with his daughter and his ex-wife were honestly always so fun and added a lot to the story.

The True Love Experiment had me laughing out loud, but also pulling on my heart strings. There were some beautiful angsty moments where I had tears rolling down my eyes. I just wanted Fizzy and Connor to be happy together. If you’re looking for a rom-com with great banter, humor and a spicy romance I highly recommend The True Love Experiment.

ARC Review – Powerless

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Powerless by Elsie Silver

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Sports Romance

Series: Chestnut Springs #3

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: February 10, 2023

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

SYNOPSIS

Two childhood friends. Two broken hearts. One impromptu road trip to get away from everything. That’s all this was supposed to be. Afterall, I’ve been living in the friend zone for years now.

But hockey heartthrob Jasper Gervais isn’t looking at me like a friend anymore. And he isn’t touching me like one either.

To his fans, he’s the handsome, talented athlete on TV. But to me he’s still the lost boy with sad eyes and a heart of gold.

The man I’ve loved in secret for years.

So when my life falls apart on my wedding day, it only makes sense that he’s the one to swoop in and save me. And when his world comes crashing down around him, I’m there to return the favor.

But the more time we spend alone, the more Jasper doesn’t feel like a friend at all. He feels like everything I’ve ever wanted and thought I could never have.

Our feelings aren’t straight forward though. They twist and turn around the pain of his past and the reality of my present.

Jasper Gervais acts like he wants me.

But after years of turning me away, he’s going to need to prove it.

REVIEW

in Powerless expect to find:
-childhood friends to lovers
-angst & pining
-🔥🔥🔥
-age-gap
-sports romance
-sweet nicknames (he calls her Sunny 😍)

Jasper and Sloane have been in each others orbits since they were kids. They’ve known each other for the better part of two decades and have seen each other at their best and their worst. So when Sloane’s wedding is fast approaching, Jasper doesn’t know exactly what to feel. He’s not too keen on Sloane’s fiancée and doesn’t think she’s all that happy. And that’s all Jasper has ever wanted for Sloane – to be happy. So when Sloane’s life comes crashing down on her wedding day, it’s Jasper who saves her. Soon the two of them are on a road trip and their feelings are all coming to the surface. Will they shy away from them or face them head on?

I have been wanting Jasper’s story since he was first introduced in the Chestnut Spring series. He’s always been a bit quiet and reserved and we get to understand why in Powerless. Jasper has a lot of trauma from his past relationship with his family and Sloane has always been there for Jasper. Never one to push him, but always there to offer him comfort. So when Sloane needs that same comfort, Jasper is willing to be that rock for her.

Sloane is tired of everyone telling her what to do – especially her father. Her life as a ballerina, her upbringing and even her relationship with her fiancée have all been orchestrated for her and she’s finally had enough. Sloane is finding a way to find her voice and that voice is telling her that Jasper is the one for her, but she needs more than just longing from her side. Sloane wants to understand why Jasper never wanted to be with her when that’s all she’s ever wanted.

I loved so many aspects of this book. The longing and pining was evident from the first interaction between Sloane and Jasper. The push and pull in this slow burn was bringing out all the angst. Jasper was so swoony and Sloane was so fierce – fighting for what she wanted. Gah! I love these two and the world that Elsie Silver creates. I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!

I also had an opportunity to listen to the audiobook of Powerless and really enjoyed it. Teddy Hamilton is one of my favorite narrators and he does such a good job portraying Jasper! I also loved CJ Bloom as Sloane! I could totally feel the tension between these two. Highly recommend the audiobook of Powerless.

Loathe to Love You ARC Review

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Loathe to Love You by Ali Hazelwood

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: January 3, 2023

Publisher: Berkley

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

SYNOPSIS

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis comes a collection of steamy, STEMinist novellas featuring a trio of engineers and their loves in loathing—with a special bonus chapter!

Under One Roof
An environmental engineer discovers that scientists should never cohabitate when she finds herself stuck with the roommate from hell—a detestable big-oil lawyer who won’t leave the thermostat alone.

Stuck with You
A civil engineer and her nemesis take their rivalry—and love—to the next level when they get stuck in a New York elevator.

Below Zero
A NASA aerospace engineer’s frozen heart melts as she lies injured and stranded at a remote Arctic research station and the only person willing to undertake the dangerous rescue mission is her longtime rival.

REVIEW

I loved this collection of steamy STEM forward novellas from Ali Hazelwood. My favorite part of Loathe to Love You was the friendship between Mara, Sadie and Hannah. I loved how they were always there for one another throughout each of the novellas. It made it so fun to follow along with their journeys.

Under One Roof: 5/5
This novella was definitely my favorite out of the three. I loved Liam and Mara so much!
Under One Roof had so many of my favorite tropes all wrapped up in one amazing book including
-forced proximity
-roommates
-enemies-to-lovers
-slow burn
-bonding over grief
-strong women in STEM

Stuck with You: 4.5/5
Stuck with You starts off with Sadie being stuck on an elevator during a power outage. Maybe not the best place to be, but it gets worse when Sadie finds out she’s stuck with the person she hates the most right now – Eric Novak. Erik and Sadie had one heated, perfect night together before Sadie finds out that he betrayed her in the worst way. Will being stuck in the elevator get them to work past their issues or make them worse?

Okay first of all, I absolutely love a book with flashback scenes and in Stuck with You the scenes alternated to being stuck in the elevator and Sadie and Erik’s first meeting. While I’m typically not a fan of insta-love, it worked for me in this case.

Below Zero: 4/5
Hannah first meets Ian when she’s still in school. Forced to write an informational interview on someone who shares the same career girls, she decides to write it on her friend Mara’s cousin Ian. Ian is a NASA engineer and Hannah’s career aspirations are to one day work as a NASA engineer. Their one short afternoon together turns in to so much more when they act on their attraction to one another. But Hannah doesn’t do relationships and tells Ian this. He is hurt, but understands and they part their separate ones.

That is until 4 years later when Hannah and Ian meet again at NASA when Hannah ends up working there. Soon they work together and are constantly in each others orbit. But when Hannah finds out that Ian may be keeping her from her ultimate goal her shields go up.

Only, when Hannah finds herself trapped in a snow storm on an expedition it’s Ian who comes to her rescue. Will she be able to put aside her differences to find out why he’s there when he challenged her project every step of the way?

Below Zero was a short and fun novella. At this point I expect Ali’s books to make me laugh, swoon and deliver on the 🔥 and Below Zero did exactly that. I do love a good time lapse and it was fun to see Hannah, Mara and Sadie first meet and get to know each other through the length of this novella.

Ian was the ultimate cinnamon roll hero and I loved how much he cared for Hannah. I needed to know what happened to put these two individuals who liked and respected each other at odds. I totally binged this novella.

I will say that out of the three novellas, this book maybe felt the most like a novella to me and I wanted to feel more of a connection to Ian and Hannah. Overall I did enjoy Below Zero and this series of novellas as a whole!

ARC Review -The Frat Boy

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The Frat Boy by Nikki Sloane

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Nashville Neighborhood #4

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: December 6, 2022

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Valentine PR.

SYNOPSIS

Colin Novak is the big man on campus. Huge—if the rumors are to be believed. Nearly every girl at Davidson University has had a ride on him . . . everyone, except me.

Which is fine. This frat boy may be irritatingly hot, all carved muscle with a deceptively wholesome smile, but that’s irrelevant. He’s a Sig.

When I catch his fraternity cheating at the Greek Week tournament, he denies it—causing our rivalry between houses to escalate. Colin and I may have started the mud fight, but it grows into an all-out war, and ends with us expelled from our houses.

Now I’m homeless and it’s all his fault.

So, while answering an ad for a leading role at an adult film company wasn’t part of my career path, the work comes with a lot of perks. Steady salary. Accommodations close to campus. A safe place to explore my fantasies.

Except when I show up for my audition, my partner is none other than my new archenemy—Colin. And our sexual chemistry is explosive.

We hate how attracted we are to each other, and I despise that I want every scene to be with him. Because the longer we live together, the more I see he’s not who I thought he was.

This frat boy was so easy to hate . . . but what if he’s even easier to love?

REVIEW

Colin and Madison are rivals in every single way. Their fraternities have been rivals for years and each want to compete in the Greek Week tournament and call themselves the champions. When Madison calls out Colin’s fraternity for cheating the frat boy doesn’t believe her. This in turn causes the rivalry to escalate to the point that both Colin and Madison are kicked out of their respective houses.

With no where to go, Madison answers an ad for a leading role in an adult company. She’ll have a place to stay and she can make some extra money while she finishes school. Madison is nervous and scared, but what truly throws her is that her partner will be Colin!! Their chemistry is explosive, but will these two survive living in the house together?

Nikki Sloane’s writing is always 🔥🔥🔥 and The Frat Boy definitely brought the heat. I read nearly half of the book in one sitting. I loved the chemistry between Colin and Madison. The fact that they truly hated each other, but also had to act intimate together while on screen made their chemistry so explosive.

I also really enjoyed the secondary characters in The Frat Boy. While this maybe a taboo book in the sense that adult stars and adult film is discussed, it always felt respectful. I truly enjoyed the interactions that the characters had while they were all living in the house.

I will say that sometimes the secondary plots got to be a bit much and I found myself looking for more time with just Colin and Madison together.

If you’re looking for a fast paced book with lots of spicy scenes I would definitely recommend this book! Overall I would give The Frat Boy 3.5 – 4 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Valentine PR.

Spotlight A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson

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A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson

Genre: Contemporary Romance/LGBT

Release Date: December 6, 2022

Publisher: Berkley

Tropes you can expect to find in A Dash of Salt and Pepper : enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance, single dad and age gap! This is a perfect rom-com for foodie lovers.

When Xavier finds himself back in his home town of Harper’s Cove, Maine he doesn’t expect to be working as a prep chef for the hot single dad chef who doesn’t know how to operate his own kitchen. But soon these two find themselves heating up the kitchen – will they be able to make their relationship work?

SYNOPSIS

Sometimes two cooks in the kitchen are better than one in this swoony romantic comedy from the author of I’m So (Not) Over You.

Xavier Reynolds is doing less than stellar. He just got dumped, was passed over for a prestigious fellowship, and to top it all off he’s right back home in Harper’s Cove, Maine (population: 9,000). The last thing he wants to do is to work as a prep chef in the kitchen of the hip new restaurant in town, The Wharf. Especially since the hot, single-father chef who owns it can’t delegate to save his life.

Logan O’Hare doesn’t understand Xavier or why every word out of his mouth is dipped in sarcasm. Unfortunately, he has no choice but to hire him–he needs more help in the kitchen and his tween daughter, Anne, can only mince so many onions. It might be a recipe for disaster, but Logan doesn’t have many options besides Xavier.

Stuck between a stove and a hot place, Logan and Xavier discover an unexpected connection. But when the heat between them threatens to top the Scoville scale, they’ll have to decide if they can make their relationship work or if life has seasoned them too differently.

ARC Review – A Very Merry Bromance

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A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Bromance Book Club #4

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: November 1, 2022

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley and audiobook from prhaudio

SYNOPSIS

‘Tis the season for a Bromance Book Club matchmaking mission! This time, they’re pulling out the mistletoe for everyone’s favorite country music star, Colton, and his second chance at love.

Country music’s golden boy Colton Wheeler felt the most perfect harmony when he was with Gretchen Winthrop. But for her, it was a love him and leave him situation. A year later, Colton is struggling to push his music forward in a new direction. If it weren’t about to be the most magical time of year and the support of the Bromance Book Club, he’d be wallowing in self-pity.

It’s hard for immigration attorney Gretchen not to feel a little Scrooge-ish about the excess of Christmas when her clients are scrambling to afford their rent. So when her estranged, wealthy family reaches out with an offer that will allow her to better serve the community, she’s unable to say no. She just needs to convince Colton to be the new face of her family’s whiskey brand. No big deal…

Colton agrees to consider Gretchen’s offer in exchange for three dates before Christmas. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, Colton throws himself into the task of proving to her there’s a spark between them. But Gretchen and Colton will both need to overcome the ghosts of Christmas past to build a future together.

REVIEW

Colton Wheeler had a pretty wonderful night with Gretchen. But when he decides he wants something more from their one night stand, Gretchen flees. Colton hasn’t seen her in over a year when she finally waltzes back into his life with something akin to a business proposal.

Gretchen hasn’t had the best relationship with her family. But when her wealthy family decides that they want Colton as their ambassador for their whiskey line they turn to Gretchen to seal the deal. Gretchen doesn’t want to be back in Colton’s presence, but will do what’s necessary to secure a position on the board of her family’s business.

Colton’s no young buck, and decides if Gretchen wants to snag him as an ambassador then she has to agree to go on a few dates with him. Gretchen finally relents and that’s how these two slowly start to spend more time with one another and get to know about what makes each other tick.

A Very Merry Bromance was a fun addition to the Bromance Book Club series! It was great seeing the bro’s together again. I was laughing quite a lot whenever they’d all be on the same page.

I enjoyed the dichotomy of Gretchen and Colton. Where Colton was all shine-y and had a ton of Christmas spirit, Gretchen was grumpy and less so inclined to even give Christmas a thought. These two were perfect for each other and I loved how patient Colton was in giving Gretchen the space she needed especially considering her strained relationship with her family (and d-bag of a brother).

I also had an opportunity to listen to the audiobook of A Very Merry Bromance and really enjoyed listening to Andrew Eiden as narrator. He did a great job voicing Colton and Gretchen and I was laughing out loud whenever all the bro’s were together.

Overall, I enjoyed A Very Merry Bromance and this series as a whole!

Review – Flawless & Heartless by Elsie Silver

~ Tej ~ 1 Comment

Flawless & Heartless by Elsie Silver

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Cowboy Romance

Series: Chestnut Springs #1 & #2

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

I ended up reading this series after I kept seeing these books all over booktok and bookstagram! I’m so glad I decided to pick them up because I ended up reading both books in the Chestnut Springs series in a matter of just a few days. I love the world that Elsie Silver has created with this series. I’ll be the first to say that I’m not a big fan of cowboy romances and yet I could not stop reading and being fascinated with bull riding and ranching. So yeah – big fan of Elsie Silver 😍 I can’t wait to go back and read through her backlist! If you pick up either of these books I’d love to know your thoughts.

Flawless by Elise Silver

Review

Rhett Eaton has been felled by milk.

When the media catches wind of bull riding superstar Rhett Eaton saying that he hates drinking milk – one of his biggest sponsors drops him. Not only that – Rhett manages to come under heat after punching a reporter who wouldn’t get out of his face. So when his manager assigns him an associate from his office to watch over Rhett to make sure he doesn’t get into anymore trouble, Rhett does not anticipate it being his agents daughter Summer.

Summer just graduated law school and is looking to join her dad’s firm. This seems like a test to her and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to work with her dad and stay on at the firm. If that means making sure that Rhett maintains his good boy image, then Summer is willing to do whatever it takes. He doesn’t need any more scandals before he tries to win his third golden buckle.

Flawless had so many of my favorite things in a romance
-forced proximity
-slow burn
-often hilarious text messages
-dual POV
-angst
-spicy scenes
-a hero who seems like an asshole, but is actually a sweetheart
-a fierce/independent heroine who doesn’t judge the hero

I could go and on about why I loved this book. The chemistry, the banter, the way these two needed each other. Not because they felt incomplete, but rather because they lifted each other up. They were always there for one another and their relationship was built on that foundation.

I’m so glad I decided to read Flawless!

Heartless by Elsie Silver

Review

After finishing Flawless, I knew that I had to start Cade’s story with Heartless and I loved this single dad romance so much! Cade is striking out on finding nanny’s for his son, Luke. When Summer (Rhett’s fiancee from book 1) says she has the perfect candidate in mind for Cade, he doesn’t expect for it to be her HOT best friend Willa.

Willa’s not quite sure how she got roped into being nanny to a little boy for the summer while his grumpy dad works on the ranch. But she’s been feeling restless and decides a little change for the summer will be good for her. What Willa doesn’t count on is falling for both the sweet boy she’s caring for as well as his dad.

Okay, first off – I don’t usually gravitate towards single dad romances. I’ve read them in the past and they’ve been meh – but after reading and falling completely in love with link: Flawless I knew that I had to continue with the next book in the series. And oh boy – how I loved Daddy Cade and Willa together. These two had so much chemistry and the way they flirted with one another was so 🔥. If I’ve learned anything about Elsie Silver is that she definitely knows how to write those dirty talking heroes. The scene in the kitchen – iykyk

What worked for me the most was how these two individuals didn’t want to depend on another person. Cade has been used to holding down the fort. He’s always been the one to take care of his siblings and then his son when his ex-wife ran off. So it’s hard for him to be taken care of. Willa is the same – she’s always been able to move around. I loved her growth throughout the book and how content she was even though she didn’t have her whole life figured out yet.

What I love about Elsie’s books is that she’s able to bring all the elements I love in a romance
-hilarious banter
-angst
-texting – not just between Cade & Willa, but every single character in this world
-scenes that make me laugh out loud
-scenes that make me want to cry

I could go on and on about how amazing this series is! I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!

ARC Review – The Devil Gets His Due

~ Tej ~ 1 Comment

The Devil Gets His Due by Elizabeth O’Roark

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Devil #4

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: December 1, 2022

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Valentine PR.

SYNOPSIS

Keeley: Last January, I drunk-married my nemesis—hot, oversized geek Graham Tate. With no memory of how it came about, there was only one solution: run off before he woke up and pretend it didn’t happen. It would have worked perfectly if I hadn’t wound up pregnant.

Graham is the opposite of everything I want in a man—practical, disciplined, frugal—but living with him until the baby arrives has me wondering if, perhaps, I’ve been wanting the wrong things all along. And if that drunk version of me last January might have been onto something.

Graham: I never planned to have kids, and I certainly wouldn’t have planned on one with Keeley Connolly—a woman who does not believe in savings accounts or personal safety and thinks Lucky Charms is a health food because of the non-marshmallow bits.

A woman who also didn’t think twice about marrying me in Vegas and ditching me hours later.

I can’t wait to put this behind me and return to my careful, chaos-free life in New York. But the more time I spend with Keeley, the more I’m remembering the things that led me to marry her in the first place…and wondering if I can live without them when this ends.

REVIEW

What you can find in The Devil Gets His Due:
-enemies-to-lovers
-whoops we went to Vegas and now we’re married
-accidental pregnancy
-forced proximity

Keeley and Graham have been communicating over the phone for weeks and they do not like each other. But when Keeley’s best friend Gemma decides to marry Graham’s brother Ben – they have no choice but to work together to throw them a wedding party. When they finally meet face to face at the actual party – that’s where sparks fly. But their one night stand turns into two. And when Keeley wakes up with a wedding ring on her finger in Vegas (!!) and Graham Tate happens to be the groom she flees. Pretends like it never happens, except she’s keeping a big secret that she’ll have to tell Graham about much sooner than later. Will these two be able to come together to an agreement to make their situation work or are they doomed before they even try?

I’m going to start off this review by stating that accidental pregnancy is not a favorite trope of mine. BUT…Elizabeth O’Roark knows how to write great chemistry and I was immediately falling for Graham and Keeley. I also really enjoyed the fact that Keeley didn’t remember much of their drunken debauchery the night they got married and the hot flashbacks that would come to her out of nowhere were 🔥.

While this romance was definitely steamy right off the bat, I would definitely still qualify it as a slow burn. The tension between Keeley and Graham was always ratcheted up and I was itching for these two to finally realize they wanted to be together.

I also actually laughed out loud quite a lot while reading The Devil Gets His Due. Parts of this book were hilarious and I loved that in the moments of angst/tension between Keeley and Graham.

It was great to see cameos of previous couples in The Devils series.

Overall, I would give The Devil Gets His Due between a 4 and 4.5. I couldn’t stop reading the book once I started and will definitely be going back to re-read my favorite scenes.