Category: Friends to Lovers

The Fastest Way to Fall ARC Review

~ Tej ~ Leave a comment

The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥

Release Date: November 2, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

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

SYNOPSIS

Britta didn’t plan on falling for her personal trainer, and Wes didn’t plan on Britta. Plans change and it’s unclear if love, career, or both will meet them at the finish line.

Britta Colby works for a lifestyle website, and when tasked to write about her experience with a hot new body-positive fitness app that includes personal coaching, she knows it’s a major opportunity to prove she should write for the site full-time.

As CEO of the FitMe app, Wes Lawson finally has the financial security he grew up without, but despite his success, his floundering love life and complicated family situation leaves him feeling isolated and unfulfilled. He decides to get back to what he loves—coaching. Britta’s his first new client and they click immediately.

As weeks pass, she’s surprised at how much she enjoys experimenting with her exercise routine. He’s surprised at how much he looks forward to talking to her every day. They convince themselves their attraction is harmless, but when they start working out in person, Wes and Britta find it increasingly challenging to deny their chemistry and maintain a professional distance.

Wes isn’t supposed to be training clients, much less meeting with them, and Britta’s credibility will be sunk if the lifestyle site finds out she’s practically dating the fitness coach she’s reviewing. Walking away from each other is the smartest thing to do, but running side by side feels like the start of something big.

REVIEW

Britta, a journalist for a lifestyle website is tasked with showing readers her experience with a body-positive fitness app. Britta wants to be more than an assistant at her company and this is the opportunity for Britta to shine.

Britta is paired with Wes – owner and coach of the fitness app that Britta is using. Their back and forth banter soon has them thinking more about one another. When an opportunity arises for Wes and Britta to finally meet in person, they realize that the sparks they have for one another might be worth acting on. But what about their professions? Are they willing to risk it all for one another?

I have to preface this review by saying that over the past year, my journey has been very similar to Britta’s. I found myself making lifestyle changes that at first started similar to Britta’s. Yes mine were more health related and weight loss was a part of my goal, but it wasn’t the end of my goal. I had to figure out how to incorporate this healthy lifestyle into my daily routine. Much like Britta does with running and strength training – it was a process. And unlike Britta, I didn’t have an amazing coach urging me on. So gosh, I wish I had this book a year ago when I was feeling not so good and scared and a bit lonely if I’m being honest. This book is not only an amazing romance, but also shows how it can be so uplifting if we have someone in our corner. Fighting for us. Telling us we can do it – just one more mile or a few minutes more.

Britta and Wes were so cute together in The Fastest Way to Fall. I loved their witty dialogue, their chemistry and the back and forth banter they always had with one another. Their story flowed so effortlessly. I will say that some of the side characters/names of the businesses did get lost a little (I had to go back and see who was who and where they were working), but overall I really enjoyed this romance with a side of body positivity!

Denise Williams is an amazing author and I always find myself flying through her books. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

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ARC Review The Wedding Ringer

~ Tej ~ 3 Comments

The Wedding Ringer by Kerry Rea

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Women’s Fiction/Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥 Closed Door

Release Date: November 9, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

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

SYNOPSIS

A woman who wants nothing to do with love or friendship finds both in the unlikeliest ways in this hilarious and heartwarming debut by Kerry Rea.

Once upon a time, Willa Callister was a successful blogger with a good credit score, actual hobbies, and legs that she shaved more than once a month. But after finding her fiancé in bed with her best friend, she now spends her days performing at children’s birthday parties in a ball gown that makes her look like a walking bottle of Pepto Bismol. Willa dreams of starting fresh, where no one knows who she used to be, but first she needs to save up enough money to make it happen.

Maisie Mitchell needs something too: another bridesmaid for her wedding. After a chance encounter at a coffee shop, Maisie offers to pay Willa to be in her bridal party. Willa wants nothing to do with weddings–or Maisie–but the money will give her the freedom to start the new life she so badly desires.

Willa’s bridesmaid duties thrust her into Maisie’s high-energy world and into the path of hotshot doctor Liam Rafferty. But as Willa and Maisie form a real friendship, and Liam’s annoyingly irresistible smile makes her reconsider her mantra that all men are trash, Willa’s exit strategy becomes way more complicated. And when a secret from Maisie’s past threatens to derail the wedding, Willa must consider whether friendship–and romance–are worth sticking around for.

REVIEW

At one time socialite and social media darling Willa Callister had it all. A thriving career, blog & Instagram followers, a fiancé, a best friend who she shared everything with – a seemingly perfect life. Until one day Willa walked in on her fiancé and best friend in bed together. Now her life is nothing like it was before The Incident. Willa finds herself living with her sister and her family while she decides how to move forward with her life. When a chance encounter with a woman at a coffee shop has the potential to turn Willa’s life around – will she take the opportunity to let herself feel again? Or is she bound to harden to heart so that it never gets broken again?

I cannot put into words how much I adored this wonderful book. The Wedding Ringer took me by surprise, but in the best way. Right from the beginning the writing captivated me and had me laughing out loud and at the same time feeling the hurt and anguish that Willa goes through when she sees her ex best friend at a birthday party. The way Kerry Rea brings all of these emotions out and lets us feel them alongside Willa is amazing.

Friendship is such a key component in The Wedding Ringer. Friendships can be amazing; they can lift us up when we’re feeling down, help us with a should to lean on when we need it the most or just be there when we want to vent. But Willa has lost that with her best friend and the loss is profound. So I can see why Willa has such a hard time opening up to friendships especially with a whirlwind like Maise. Maise is the ray of sunshine that Willa didn’t even know she was missing in her life. I loved their friendship so much and how they were truly there for each other when they didn’t think they could rely on anyone else.

While the friendships were front and center in The Wedding Ringer, I loved the romance between Willa and dark and sexy Liam. The banter, the playfulness – gah! They were so damn cute together and I loved the way they slowly came around to one another.

I highly recommend The Wedding Ringer! This is Kerry Rea’s debut and I can’t wait to read more of her books!

CW: Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Cheating (off page/not MC)

ARC Review Duke, Actually

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Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: November 16, 2021

Publisher: Avon

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

SYNOPSIS

USA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday follows A Princess for Christmas with another delightful contemporary Christmas romance between a playboy baron and a woman who has said goodbye to love.

Maximillian von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon and heir to the Duke of Aquilla, is trapped. Under pressure from his domineering father, he must marry a suitable bride before he inherits a title that feels like a prison sentence. In New York to meet a prospective wife, he ditches his responsibilities and appears on Dani Martinez’s doorstep. He’s been intrigued by the no-nonsense professor since he met her at the Eldovian royal wedding and is determined to befriend her.

Newly single Dani is done with love—she even has a list entitled “Things I Will Never Again Do for a Man”—which is why she hits it off with notorious rake Max. He’s trying to escape relationships, and she’s resolved to avoid them at all costs. All they want from each other is friendship and a distraction from their messy lives.

As their bond begins to deepen, so does their attraction, until they end up in bed together. Falling in love was never part of the plan—Max’s family doesn’t see Dani as a perfect match, even as his heart tells him she’s the one, and Dani isn’t sure she can make it in Max’s world. Can they find the courage to live they life they desire, even if it means risking everything?

REVIEW

After Dani’s husband leaves her for a younger woman, Dani finds herself newly single. She’s finally able to do the things that she wasn’t able to when she was married – including spending more time with her family. Dani doesn’t want to find herself in a relationship anytime soon and nothing can change that.

Maximillian von Hansburg is known as a ladies man. On the surface, Max is carefree and nothing fazes him. But Max is feeling the pressure from his parents. They want Max to find a suitable wife before he inherits the title of Duke. Max had a perfect thing going with his best friend Marie, but she ended up finding her one true love (in A Princess for Christmas) and now he’s back to square one.

When Max finds himself in New York and calls on Dani – a tender friendship forms. Max and Dani already know of each other as both of their best friends are going to marry each other. But Max insists on befriending Dani. Dani isn’t quite so sure about the Depraved Duke, but soon finds herself actually liking him. Can they keep their relationship strictly platonic? Or will sparks fly?

I read A Princess for Christmas last year and remember really enjoying Max’s character. But I wasn’t quite sure what to expect in Duke, Actually. Well, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I absolutely loved this book. I loved the slow progression of friends-to-lovers between Max and Dani. Duke, Actually had the slowest of slow burns, but I never felt like the relationship was going too slow.

Both Max and Dani were so sweet with one another and yet I found myself grinning or laughing at their antics. Their relationship felt so real and that made me love this couple even more because of that. They had their own insecurities and vulnerabilities, and yet they completely understood each other and were always there for each other – no matter what.

I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of Duke, Actually and really enjoyed it. The audiobook was narrated by Stacy Gonzalez and I felt like she did a great job. The narration took me a bit to get into, but once I started really getting into the story – I ended up really enjoying all of the voices Stacy narrated. I could always tell when a character was upset or happy. I was constantly grinning when Dani and Max were texting and felt all of the burden Max was shouldering when he was interacting with his parents. Overall, I feel like Stacy Gonzalez did a wonderful job narrating Duke, Actually and highly recommend the audiobook!

If you’re looking for a sweet, tender, friends-to-lovers romance with Christmas-y vibes, grab your copy of Duke, Actually!

CW: Parental neglect/abuse

**Although Duke, Actually can be read as a standalone, I think there’s a lot of backstory on Max and Dani from A Princess for Christmas and would recommend reading the books in order.

ARC Review The Lady Gets Lucky

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The Lady Gets Lucky by Joanna Shupe

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Fifth Avenue Rebels #2

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Publisher: Avon

SYNOPSIS

Following 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 Well Matched

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Well Matched by Jen Deluca

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Well Met #3

Heat Level: 🔥

Release Date: October 19, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

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

SYNOPSIS

Single mother April Parker has lived in Willow Creek for twelve years with a wall around her heart. On the verge of being an empty nester, she’s decided to move on from her quaint little town, and asks her friend Mitch for his help with some home improvement projects to get her house ready to sell.

Mitch Malone is known for being the life of every party, but mostly for the attire he wears to the local Renaissance Faire — a kilt (and not much else) that shows off his muscled form to perfection. While he agrees to help April, he needs a favor too: she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend at an upcoming family dinner, so that he can avoid the lectures about settling down and having a more “serious” career than high school coach and gym teacher. April reluctantly agrees, but when dinner turns into a weekend trip, it becomes hard to tell what’s real and what’s been just for show. But when the weekend ends, so must their fake relationship.

As summer begins, Faire returns to Willow Creek, and April volunteers for the first time. When Mitch’s family shows up unexpectedly, April pretends to be Mitch’s girlfriend again… something that doesn’t feel so fake anymore. Despite their obvious connection, April insists they’ve just been putting on an act. But when there’s the chance for something real, she has to decide whether to change her plans — and open her heart — for the kilt-wearing hunk who might just be the love of her life.

An accidentally in-love rom-com filled with Renaissance Faire flower crowns, kilts, corsets, and sword fights.

REVIEW

Single mom April is about to have an empty nest. With her daughter Caitlin ready to graduate high school, April doesn’t feel the need to stay in Willow Creek. April is ready to move on from small town living – maybe the big city or a change of scenery is up next. But she needs help renovating her home before she sells. And this is where her good friend Mitch offers his services. Mitch is willing to help April with her renovations if she returns a teensy tiny favor. If April can pretend to be his girlfriend for a weekend then he’ll help with renovations! April isn’t quite sure, but soon finds herself agreeing.

And that’s when all the fun begins! I really enjoyed Well Matched. This charming friends to lovers/fake relationship romance was so sweet. I adored Mitch and how funny and sweet he was with April. While I’m not usually a fan of the age gap – I really didn’t see the issue with April being older than Mitch. Mitch was mature and their interactions always felt sweet and romantic – never weird or forced.

Both April and Mitch have so many vulnerabilities and I loved how they were always there defending each other whether they asked for it or not. The moments with April and Caitlin really got to me. I don’t read a lot of single parent romances, but felt like Jen DeLuca did a wonderful job with this sweet mother and daughter in Well Matched.

If you’re looking for a sweet romance that will sometimes transport you to the Renaissance Faire (I seriously loved these scenes) then grab your copy of Well Matched!

ARC Review A Lot Like Adios

~ Tej ~ 3 Comments

A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

ARC Review The Heart Principle

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The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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 – Isn’t it Bromantic?

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Isn’t it Bromantic by Lyssa Kay Adams

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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!

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!

Hang the Moon ARC Review

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

Hang the Moon by Alexandria Bellefleur

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥

Series: Written in the Stars #2

Release Date: May 25, 2021

Publisher: Avon

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and audiobook courtesy of Harper Audio & Libro.fm

SYNOPSIS

In a delightful follow-up to Written in the Stars, Alexandria Bellefleur delivers another #ownvoices queer rom-com about a hopeless romantic who vows to show his childhood crush that romance isn’t dead by recreating iconic dates from his favorite films…

Brendon Lowell loves love. It’s why he created a dating app to help people find their one true pairing and why he’s convinced “the one” is out there, even if he hasn’t met her yet. Or… has he? When his sister’s best friend turns up in Seattle unexpectedly, Brendon jumps at the chance to hang out with her. He’s crushed on Annie since they were kids, and the stars have finally aligned, putting them in the same city at the same time.

Annie booked a spur-of-the-moment trip to Seattle to spend time with friends before moving across the globe. She’s not looking for love, especially with her best friend’s brother. Annie remembers Brendon as a sweet, dorky kid. Except, the 6-foot-4 man who shows up at her door is a certified Hot Nerd and Annie… wants him? Oh yes.

Getting involved would be a terrible idea—her stay is temporary and he wants forever—but when Brendon learns Annie has given up on dating, he’s determined to prove that romance is real. Taking cues from his favorite rom-coms, Brendon plans to woo her with elaborate dates straight out of Nora Ephron’s playbook. The clock is ticking on Annie’s time in Seattle, and Brendon’s starting to realize romance isn’t just flowers and chocolate. But maybe real love doesn’t need to be as perfect as the movies… as long as you think your partner hung the moon.

REVIEW

Annie has made a plan. She’s going to move from Philadelphia to London where a career advancement awaits her. But before she does that she decides to spend some quality time with her best friend Darcy in Seattle. Except… Darcy isn’t there – she’s on vacation with her girlfriend Elle. Darcy decides Annie will have to get to know Seattle better with her brother Brendon! Annie remembers Brendon as a sweet dorky kid – so she doesn’t think anything of it. Except Brendon isn’t so dorky now – he’s actually smoking hot and there is a definite attraction between the two of them.

Brendon is a big fan of love. He loves love and everything that goes along with it. The grand gestures, the romance movies – everything! Annie is the opposite and doesn’t see love lasting after the happily ever after. Brendon decides to show Annie that romance is real by taking her on romantic outings in and around Seattle. Will he eventually get her to believe in love and stop her from moving halfway across the globe and settle in Seattle instead?

After reading Written in the Stars last year I couldn’t wait to read Hang the Moon ! Annie and Brendon were so cute together. Their scenes either had me laughing out loud or I had hearts in my eyes. I loved how swoony their romance was. And although I’m not a big fan of insta-love, I did believe in the romance between Annie and Brendon.

I loved seeing Darcy, Elle and Margot again too! The easy dynamic between all of the characters really added to the storyline for me. Not only did I love Brendon and Annie together, but I also loved how deep Annie and Darcy’s friendship was.

Audiobook:

Story: 4.5
Narration: 5
Overall: 5

Hang the Moon was narrated by Lauren Sweet and I think she did a wonderful job narrating both Annie and Brendon. I switched back and forth between the audiobook and the e-book version of Hang the Moon and I loved how easily Lauren was able to take me to Annie and Brendon’s world. I listened to the audiobook on my runs, on my commute and any other chance I got! I feel like the audiobook really added to Annie and Brendon’s characters.

Add Hang the Moon to your TBR if you’re looking for a funny, swoony and sweet romance. I would rate Hang the Moon 4.5-5 stars (rounding up).

I can’t wait for Margot’s story next!