A Princess for Christmas ARC Review

~ Tej ~ Leave a comment

A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 13, 2020

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥

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

SYNOPSIS

Leo Ricci’s already handling all he can, between taking care of his little sister Gabby, driving a cab, and being the super of his apartment building in the Bronx. But when Gabby spots a “princess” in a gown outside of the UN trying to hail a cab, she begs her brother to stop and help. Before he knows it, he’s got a real-life damsel in distress in the backseat of his car. 

Princess Marie of Eldovia shouldn’t be hailing a cab, or even be out and about. But after her mother’s death, her father has plunged into a devastating depression and the fate of her small Alpine country has fallen on Marie’s shoulders. She’s taken aback by the gruff but devastatingly handsome driver who shows her more kindness than she’s seen in a long time. 

When Marie asks Leo to be her driver for the rest of her trip, he agrees, thinking he’ll squire a rich miss around for a while and make more money than he has in months. He doesn’t expect to like and start longing for the unpredictable Marie. And when he and Gabby end up in Eldovia for Christmas, he discovers the princess who is all wrong for him is also the woman who is his perfect match.

REVIEW

Leo Ricci is navigating life as best as he can. With the loss of his parents a few years ago – he’s not quite sure if he’s doing the parenting thing right with his little sister Gabby. When Gabby and Leo accidentally stumble upon a real life princess who needs a cab lift and Leo happens to be driving his cab he reluctantly says yes.

Princess Marie has her own issues to worry about. After making a UN speech in New York she’s on some “unofficial” business for her father, the King of Eldovia. This is her chance to shine, her chance to finally prove to her father that she is also a good businesswoman as well as a princess. Marie finally gets Leo to agree to escort her around New York while she is there on business. Will their unlikely business transaction turn into something more?

I adored this sweet and sexy romance between Leo and Marie! I’ve seen this book described as a sexy hallmark movie and I would completely agree. The chemistry between Marie and Leo was so believable and sweet. The sexy times were smoking hot and I loved our dirty talking hero!

Although this romance comes across as cute and sweet, there are also a lot of deeper issues that were discussed. The loss of a loved one can emotionally devastate a person and both Leo and Marie were trying to balance their losses in their own ways. The way they understood these feelings in each other was so sweet and another reason why I was rooting for these two to end up together!

Overall, I really enjoyed A Princess for Christmas and can’t wait to read the next book in the series (I’m hoping it’s Dani & Max!).

Top 20 Romances of 2020

~ Tej ~ 4 Comments

How was your reading in 2020? I think the perfect word to describe mine would be sporadic. There were days/weeks/months when I felt like I couldn’t read fast enough and then other times where my reading would just come to a halt.

I did read some amazing books this year though and thought I’d highlight my top 20 of 2020! I created a top 10 list of books I read that were released this year and a top 10 list of books that were released previously, but that I read and loved this year!

Did we read any of the same books in 2020? I can’t wait to go back and re-read some of these new favorites 💕

Top 10 books published in 2020

A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Mila Vane

  • Barbaric romance/fantasy that gave me all the GOT vibes
  • Enemies-to-lovers romance that was sizzling from the very first time Maddek and Yvenne met
  • Suspenseful fantasy romance that will leave you wanting more!

A Favor for a Favor by Helena Hunting

  • Grumpy hero with a heart of gold
  • Enemies-to-lovers romance with hilarious shenanigans from Stevie and Bishop
  • Slow, slow burn with sexual tension that had the pages burning up
  • If you like audiobooks – this one was amazing!

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

  • Engaged couple not so in love with each other anymore
  • Funny, beautiful and honest writing by Sarah Hogle
  • Tackles the difficulties that we all face when in a relationship.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

  • Enemies-to-lovers/second chance romance
  • Cutesy cover, but underneath a story about self-reflection, healing and forgiveness

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

  • The cutest meet-cute involving an adorable doggie!
  • Friends to lovers romance that had me equal parts grinning and sobbing
  • Listen to the audiobook if you get the chance – amazing!

Not My Romeo by Ilsa Madden-Mills

  • The funniest meet-cute!
  • Witty banter and chemistry that kept me hooked from the beginning
  • Reminded me of old school Suzan Elizabeth Phillips (SEP) books with great secondary characters!

The Roommate by Rosie Danan

  • The premise alone had this book as one of my most anticipated reads of 2020 and I was not disappointed.
  • A pleasure professional and an uptight socialite become roommates – so much witty banter.
  • Equal parts funny & sexy!
  • The chemistry between Josh and Clara was 🔥 but also they were so so sweet to one another and I loved it.

Don’t Hex and Drive by Juliette Cross

  • Opposites attract between a conduit & a vampire in this fantasy romance
  • Suspenseful romance filled with super sexy times!
  • Loved Devraj’s backstory – especially since I connected with his South Asian/Indian character.

The Devil of Downtown by Joanna Shupe

  • Jack Mulligan and Justine “do-gooder” were so absolutely perfect for one another
  • The chemistry and sexy times were hot hot hot
  • Lots of angst in this romance and I was rooting for Jack and Justine throughout the entire book!
  • Loved that this historical romance was set in America!

Little Lies by Helena Hunting

  • A continuation of the Pucked series with the newest generation
  • Classified as New Adult, but the writing by Helena was perfect as always
  • Lots of angst and sexual tension in this second chance romance.
  • Filled with hilarious scenes, but also scenes that were touching and so sweet.
  • A must read if you loved Pucked/All In series!

Top 10 books not published in 2020

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas

  • I held off on reading this series for so long because I didn’t think it was for me. Ha!
  • I read ACOTAR so quickly and could not wait to find out what happened in ACOMAF.
  • This book was everything I ever imagined this series could be.
  • Rhys…swoon – need I say more??

Shortcake by Lucy Watson

  • Enemies to lovers + forced proximity!
  • Chemistry between Emmy and Ben was so sexy
  • Love how Lucy Watson also touched on topics like panic attacks and anxiety, but in a way that made us love these characters even more!

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

  • So many friends recommended Lord of Scoundrels to me and I don’t know why I waited so long to pick it up!
  • Jess is so feisty and Dain was just…A LOT 😂
  • This book had me laughing out loud so much, but also swooning over these two!

Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

  • Grumpy meets sunshine
  • So many funny laugh out loud moments!
  • Sizzling chemistry and wonderful banter between Gabriel and Penny!
  • Loved how these characters were so complex and saw one another’s vulnerabilities.

Him/Us by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

  • I cannot believe I waited to long to read about Wesmie!
  • I loved loved loved this book and it was my first M/M!
  • Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy did such a wonderful job of giving me all the feels in this duet.
  • Highly recommend the audiobook of both Him and Us as well as the rest of the books in the WAGs series!

Rules of Engagement by JT Geissinger

  • Mason needs a wife so his football organization will get off his back.
  • Maddie is a matchmaker and decides to help Mason.
  • Hilarity ensues and sparks fly!
  • Loved this hilarious slow burn rom-com with lots of heart!

Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross

  • Paranormal romance between a werewolf and a witch.
  • Hilarious. laugh out loud internal dialogue between Mateo and his werewolf Alpha
  • Slow burn that was super super sexy
  • Loved Evie’s relationship with her sisters!

Getaway Girl by Tessa Bailey

  • Friends to lovers romance with so much heart and heat
  • Adored Elijah and Addison and their chemistry was evident from the beginning of their relationship.
  • Elijah – the cinnamon roll, dirty talking hero…swoon!

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

  • Opposites attract romance between a nobleman & a commoner
  • Romance that puts women’s rights front and center – Annabelle is a suffragist after all
  • Loved the relationship between Annabelle and Sebastian – the push and pull made it feel so real!
  • The friendships between the suffragists was so great! Can’t wait to read more about them.

The Billionaire’s Wakeup Call Girl by Annika Martin

  • Hilarious and sexy – I loved the first in this amazing series!
  • The inner monologues of Lizzie and Theo were equally parts amusing and funny
  • Super sexy phone calls between these two had me rooting for them to finally see each other for who they really were
  • Grumpy + sunshine = my favorite type of romance.
  • Listen to the audio if you get a chance!

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren Review

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In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Heat Rating: 🔥 (closed door)

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

SYNOPSIS

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

REVIEW

Maelyn Jones looks forward to her family’s annual Christmas trip to the cabin in Utah every year. She loves spending time with her parents and their close group of friends, especially Andrew. Mae has had a crush on Andrew since forever, only he doesn’t know it. After a night of too much drinking and bad decisions, Mae and her family head home to California. Mae feels like her life is falling apart – she’s not happy at her current job, she’s living at home with her parents and she makes a wish to the universe – Please. Show me what will make me happy.

And then instead of driving to the airport with her family, Mae is back on the plane about to head to the cabin in Utah. Mae of course is freaking out because what the hell universe?! but she decides that the universe is giving her a second chance to make it right this time. Every time something goes horribly wrong, Mae ends up back on the airplane. What does she have to do to continue to live in the present without fear of being sent back?

Once I started reading In a Holidaze, I could not put it down! It did take me a bit to get into the book, but I loved the way Mae was able to experience the different parts of the holiday again with a different kind of clarity each time. I loved the way Mae came into her own and her various relationships with everyone in the cabin.

In a Holidaze is a perfect book to get you into the holiday spirit! I would love it if I could escape to a cabin in the woods each holiday season with the people who love me unconditionally. Such a great read!

Overall I would rate In a Holidaze 4.5 stars!

November Reads

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

November was a good reading month! It helps that I discovered Hoopla recently and listened to a lot of audiobooks on my daily walks. After the last few reading slumps, I’m glad that I was able to get lost in books (not counting election week – because that was an anxiety induced week where I feel like I was a zombie). Here’s to hoping that December will be another great reading month and that 2021 will be better than 2020!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

Not My Match by Ilsa Madden-Mills

A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare

Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Second Chance on Cypress Lane by Reese Ryan

Loverboy ARC Review

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Loverboy by Sarina Bowen

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Series: The Company #2

Release Date: December 1, 2020

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥

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

Gunnar and Posy knew each other way back when. Gunnar was the bartender at Posy’s family bar and both of them were duking it out for the bar manager position. After a steamy hot kiss, Posy never saw Gunnar again. Until he shows up at her coffee shop asking her to hire him as a barista (?!). Something doesn’t add up, but Posy is desperate enough to hire him on.

Gunnar thought he was done with the East Coast and New York in particular. Having moved to California he helped Max run The Company from the West Coast. Max asks Gunnar for a favor and when Gunnar finds out that there’s a murderer on the loose in New York and one of the common threads always happens to be Posy’s coffee shop he agrees to an undercover operation. But can Gunnar and Posy’s close proximity rekindle feelings they both once had?

I really enjoyed Loverboy! Having read Moonlighter first, I was ready for the next book in The Company series and it did not disappoint. I love a great second chance romance and Gunnar and Posy had such great banter! And the adventure and suspense had me hooked. I looked down at one point and realized that I had almost finished the book because I was so sucked in to the story. Sarina Bowen is a master story teller and these books are so complicated, but I always understood what was happening and I couldn’t stop reading!

As always, the steamy scenes in Loverboy were STEAMY, but also with a lot of heart. Both Posy and Gunnar are so vulnerable – neither of them willing to let the other in completely. I appreciate it how they decided to go slow with their relationship. I definitely enjoyed this slow burn. I can’t wait to read Max’s story next!!!

Audiobook:

Story: 4.5
Narration: 4
Overall: 4.5

I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Loverboy. The audiobook was narrated by Joe Arden and Vanessa Edwin. I feel like these two did a wonderful job narrating Gunnar and Posy! I’ve listened to Joe Arden in the past and really enjoy his narrating. Vanessa Edwin is a new to me narrator, but I enjoyed the way she was able to portray the different emotions that Posy was feeling. This was a fantastic audiobook!

If you’re looking for your next sweet and sexy romance filled with amazing suspense pick up a copy of Loverboy!

Accidentally Engaged ARC Review

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Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 🔥 (Closed door)

Release Date: March 9, 2021

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher

SYNOPSIS

Reena Manji doesn’t love her career, her single status, and most of all, her family inserting themselves into every detail of her life. But when caring for her precious sourdough starters, Reena can drown it all out. At least until her father moves his newest employee across the hall–with hopes that Reena will marry him.

But Nadim’s not like the other Muslim bachelors-du-jour that her parents have dug up. If the Captain America body and the British accent weren’t enough, the man appears to love eating her bread creations as much as she loves making them. She sure as hell would never marry a man who works for her father, but friendship with a neighbor is okay, right? And when Reena’s career takes a nosedive, Nadim happily agrees to fake an engagement so they can enter a couples video cooking contest to win the artisan bread course of her dreams.

As cooking at home together brings them closer, things turn physical, but Reena isn’t worried. She knows Nadim is keeping secrets, but it’s fine— secrets are always on the menu where her family is concerned. And her heart is protected… she’s not marrying the man. But even secrets kept for self preservation have a way of getting out, especially when meddling parents and gossiping families are involved.

REVIEW

Reena Manji loves to bake. Baking bread is a hobby and it brings her joy. What doesn’t bring her joy – a) her overbearing Indian family b) her job in finance c) Nadim, her new neighbor who just happens to be the same guy Reena’s parents are trying to get her to marry.

Reena and Nadim eventually form a friendship. This friendship turns into a fake engagement when Reena and Nadim sign themselves up as cooking contestants for a show on FoodTV. They have so much fun cooking together that they decide to keep on going with the ruse as well as the cooking competition. But when they’re always in such close proximity will the lines start to blur between a fake engagement and a real relationship?

I honestly enjoyed Accidentally Engaged so much. I loved the desi representation and I have so many parts of the book highlighted. I related to Reena and Nadim’s characters A LOT – from her overbearing parents, to the food, to small things like going shopping for Indian outfits with your aunts and cousins.

Nadim and Reena’s relationship from dislike to friends to lovers was so sweet. These two had such great chemistry and I was rooting for them throughout the whole book. Reading this book made me hungry – so keep that in mind! I loved all of the secondary character’s from Reena’s best friend to her sister.

Overall I highly enjoyed Accidentally Engaged and would give it 4.5 stars!

Excerpt from Loverboy by Sarina Bowen

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Loverboy by Sarina Bowen

Release Date: December 1, 2020

Series: The Company #2

I’ve had the opportunity to listen to and read an ARC of Loverboy and loved Posy and Gunnar❤️ My full review will be up in a few days!! Enjoy the excerpt below.

EXCERPT FROM LOVERBOY BY SARINA BOWEN

Gunnar waits for my answer, watching me with hungry eyes. I take another sip of tart, fruity goodness and feel a rare looseness in my limbs, as if I’m limber enough to mold myself into the kind of woman who knows how to handle this moment. The possibility of Gunnar and me in bed stretched itself out around us.

He’s waiting for me to say something. Except that I’ve forgotten the question, let alone the answer. He gives me a smile, like he can read my thoughts. And then he lets me off the hook by glancing up at the TV screen to check the score. “Tell me,” he says. “Where did you go just now?”

“Nowhere,” I say quickly, chickening out. I take another deep gulp of my drink. I haven’t had quite enough alcohol to nonchalantly ask Gunnar to come home with me tonight. I want to, though. Really. A lot. He’s just the right kind of playboy to get me out of my rut. It won’t mean anything to him. He won’t have any expectations.

And neither will I, of course. We have nothing in common.

Although lately I find myself appreciating Gunnar for much more than his very fine ass. Who could resist a guy who comes to work on time every day, and makes fabulous coffee for eight hours without complaint? 

The old Gunnar would have teased me mercilessly and hidden the sugar cubes when he went on break. The new Gunnar keeps his head down and saves my overworked butt during every shift.

Sure, he still flirts mercilessly with the customers. But nobody is perfect. And I’m just jealous. I’d rather have those pale eyes trained on me. 

They were, too, only a moment ago. But I blew it already. He was waiting for me to give him the green light, and I chickened out.

That’s a theme with me. 

BLURB

Secrets, desires, and exquisite pie. It’s all in a day’s work at The Company.

Growing up, I was the rough guy from the wrong neighborhood who couldn’t catch a break. Posy was the pampered girl I tried to impress. But I managed to steal only a single kiss before I had to skip town.

Now I’m back, and the tables are turned. Posy runs a struggling pie shop. I’m the VP of a secretive billion dollar security company.

Not that I can tell her.

There’s a murderer on the loose in New York, and he seems to spend a lot of time at Posy’s shop. I can’t let on that I’m here to bring him down before he can harm a hair on her pretty head.

Going undercover as Posy’s new barista wasn’t my idea. I don’t even drink coffee. But now I have to call her “boss,” and do everything the curvy perfectionist asks of me. I’d forgotten how much we infuriate each other, and that she somehow fills me with both irritation and desire in the same breath.

There’s nobody more skilled at stealth ops than me. I can bring this killer down. Right after I take a cold shower. And just as soon as I figure out how to make a skinny peppermint latte with milk poured in the shape of a kitten…

PURCHASE LINKS

🗝️ Amazon https://geni.us/Amazon-LB 

🗝️ Apple https://geni.us/Apple-LB 

🗝️ Kobo https://geni.us/Kobo-Lb 

🗝️ Nook https://geni.us/Nook-LB 

🗝️Audio: https://geni.us/LoverboyAudible

Written in the Stars ARC Review

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance F/F

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥

Release Date: November 10th

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

SYNOPSIS

With nods to Bridget Jones and Pride and Prejudice, a charming #ownvoices queer rom-com debut about a free-spirited social media astrologer who agrees to fake a relationship with an uptight actuary until New Year’s Eve—with results not even the stars could predict!

After a disastrous blind date, Darcy Lowell is desperate to stop her well-meaning brother from playing matchmaker ever again. Love—and the inevitable heartbreak—is the last thing she wants. So she fibs and says her latest set up was a success. Darcy doesn’t expect her lie to bite her in the ass.

Elle Jones, one of the astrologers behind the popular Twitter account, Oh My Stars, dreams of finding her soul mate. But she knows it is most assuredly not Darcy… a no-nonsense stick-in-the-mud, who is way too analytical, punctual, and skeptical for someone as free-spirited as Elle. When Darcy’s brother—and Elle’s new business partner—expresses how happy he is that they hit it off, Elle is baffled. Was Darcy on the same date? Because… awkward.

When Darcy begs Elle to play along, she agrees to pretend they’re dating to save face. But with a few conditions: Darcy must help Elle navigate her own overbearing family over the holidays and their arrangement expires on New Year’s Eve. The last thing they expect is to develop real feelings during a fake relationship.

But maybe opposites can attract when true love is written in the stars?

REVIEW

Darcy hates it when her brother tries to set her up on blind dates, but decides to give it one last shot when he sets her up with Elle – someone he’s currently working with. Darcy and Elle have a horrible first date. It’s awkward, full of silences and there may have been a glass of spilled wine. Elle doesn’t ever plan on seeing Darcy again.

When Darcy’s brother, Brendon asks how her date went, Darcy tells a teensy tiny white lie and says it was great and that they hit it off. News comes back to Elle and she isn’t exactly thrilled. But in the end, Darcy and Elle decide that being each others fake dates might work out perfectly. They can be each others dates at family gatherings and their respective family’s would leave them alone.

I love a fake-dating romance and Written in the Stars was absolutely delightful. The chemistry between Elle and Darcy was so great. I loved all of their conversations. I love when a rom-com has cute text scenes and I LOVED all of the texting between the various characters in Written in the Stars. I had a grin on my face reading so many parts of this book.

Not only was the relationship between Elle and Darcy wonderful, but I also enjoyed the secondary characters including Margot and Brendon. The friendship between Elle and Margot was so special and relatable. It reminded me of me and my best friend and I loved that I was able to connect with their friendship.

This was my first F/F romance and I’m hoping to read more great romances like this one in the future. If you’re looking for a funny, sweet, swoony romance – grab Written in the Stars!

Lord of Scoundrels Review

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Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Scoundrels #3

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥

Jessica Trent has traveled all the ways to Paris to specifically see Sebastian Ballister, Marquess of Dain. Jess’s brother has been cast under the spell of Dain and Jess is here to negotiate with the scoundrel. Dain doesn’t really care much for Jessica’s brother, but he’s willing to play the game just to aggravate Jess. When both of them are caught in a compromising position, Dain must do the honorable (maybe? he’s not always so honorable) thing and marry Jess. Will they survive their marriage before trying to wreak havoc on one another?

So many friends recommended that I read Lord of Scoundrels, and I can’t believe it took me so long to pick up this book!! I understand why it’s a classic and why it’s so beloved. I will admit that it took me a bit before I got into it. The prologue was quite long and didn’t really make much sense – but eventually I’m glad because it tied the whole story nicely.

The fiestiness of both Jess and Dain was so much fun to read! Dain was something else, but I loved how Jess was bold and strong and not letting Dain run roughshod over her. She brought out so much good in him. Jessica and Dain at times were curt, rude and did some bonkers stuff to one another, and yet I was still rooting for these two to get their HEA!

I did listen to the audiobook while concurrently reading the book and I enjoyed the narration by Kate Reading. She did an amazing job with both characters, especially when Dain was speaking in Italian.

Overall I throughly enjoyed Lord of Scoundrels!!!

A few favorite quotes:

“I don’t see how matters could become worse,” he muttered. “I am already besotted with a needle-tongued, conceited, provoking ape leader of a lady.”

You made me want you, he told her in his mother’s language. You’ve made me heartsick, lonely. You’ve made me crave what I vowed I would never need, never seek

“Oh, Dain, I do believe I shall swoon.” “Not now,” he said crossly. “I haven’t got time to pick you up. Get off me, Jess.”

How to Fail at Flirting ARC Review

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How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥

Release Date: December 1, 2020

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

SYNOPSIS

One daring to-do list and a crash course in flirtation turn a Type A overachiever’s world upside down.

When her flailing department lands on the university’s chopping block, Professor Naya Turner’s friends convince her to shed her frumpy cardigan for an evening on the town. For one night her focus will stray from her demanding job and she’ll tackle a new kind of to-do list. When she meets a charming stranger in town on business, he presents the perfect opportunity to check off the items on her list. Let the guy buy her a drink. Check. Try something new. Check. A no-strings-attached hookup. Check…almost.

Jake makes her laugh and challenges Naya to rebuild her confidence, which was left toppled by her abusive ex-boyfriend. Soon she’s flirting with the chance at a more serious romantic relationship—except nothing can be that easy. The complicated strings around her dating Jake might destroy her career.

Naya has two options. She can protect her professional reputation and return to her old life or she can flirt with the unknown and stay with the person who makes her feel like she’s finally living again.

REVIEW

Naya Turner loves her job as faculty professor at the university. Besides her best friends (a married couple), she doesn’t get out much. Naya had an abusive ex-boyfriend and isn’t quite ready to jump back into the dating game quite yet. Her friends convince her to go out with them one evening and even make her a list of all the things that she should be doing. When her friends fail to show up at the club, Naya meets Jake. His dad jokes and funny sense of humor put her at ease. Will she take a chance on him?

I loved the mute cute between Jake and Naya. Their funny one-liners had me cracking up! And although I’m not a big fan of insta-love, I really enjoyed the relationship between Jake and Naya. But beyond what was supposed to be one-time hook up, Jake and Naya’s relationship becomes very complicated. Both Jake and Naya have had difficult relationships in the past and to move forward they have to address them. Not only that, but Jake is involved in the future of Naya’s job as professor, which raises all sorts of concerns for Naya.

Overall, I really enjoyed How to Fail at Flirting! Naya was abused by her ex and she had a had a lot of trauma because of it, but I love how she became more comfortable and confident as the storyline progressed. She sought that strength out from within her and I was here for it! Looking forward to reading more from Denise Williams.

CW: Domestic abuse – both physical and emotional