July was a great ARC heavy reading month for me. I ended up reading 9 books – which is a lot, considering it was a busy busy month! Favorites of the month included Isn’t it Bromantic? and Bombshell! I’m excited to see what great books August has in store!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
SYNOPSIS
An ordinary summer goes royally awry when a prince and princess move next door, bringing their handsome bodyguard with them, from New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle.
Piper Evans: elementary school teacher by day–avid romance reader and anonymous podcaster by night. She lives a quiet, reclusive life, taking care of her mother, who struggles with mental illness, avoiding her regrettable ex, who bartends in town, and trying to make inroads in the tight-knit island community that still sees her, five years in, as an outsider.
And she’s happy with how things are–really–until British royals rent the property next to hers and their brooding bodyguard decides she’s a security threat. Piper quickly realizes that one person’s fairy tale is an ordinary woman’s nightmare as a media frenzy takes over the island and each run-in with Harrison Cole is hotter and more confusing than the last. But beneath Harrison’s no-nonsense exterior lies a soft heart, one that could tempt a woman who’s sworn off attachments into believing in white knights.
But when Piper finds herself smack in the middle of a royal scandal that rocks the island she’ll need more than Harrison’s strong arms to shield her–she’ll have to do a little rescuing herself. With careers, hearts, and friendships on the line, Piper and Harrison will have to decide what they’re willing to give up for a chance at their own happily ever after.
REVIEW
Piper lives a quiet life on a small island in the Pacific Northwest. She’s a school teacher by day and romance reader/podcaster on her off time. She also just happens to live with her mom who struggles with mental illness (bipolar disorder and dependent personality disorder). Piper is completely surprised when The Royals end up moving right next to her! Their bodyguard – Harrison Colt – isn’t exactly the friendliest person, but Piper can’t help but needling him. When they continually run into each other, their relationship starts to turn to more than just acquaintances. But will Piper be able to handle all the stress/media frenzy/constant being hounded by the media if she decides to take her relationship further with Harrison who is in essence linked to the royals?
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I picked up The Royals Next Door, but it is definitely up there as one of my favorite reads this year. This book was funny, sweet, sexy and also so inspirational and swoony. I would be laughing out loud one moment and then falling so hard for Piper and Harrison.
I loved the slow burn between Piper and Harrison. There were more than a few moments where I was yelling at them to finally get together. But the slow burn totally paid off and Karina Halle definitely knows how to write her steamy scenes 🔥.
One aspect of The Royals Next Door that I absolutely loved was the mental health representation. I feel like there’s such a stigma still attached to mental illness and books like The Royals Next Door are slowly showing us the readers that you shouldn’t be ashamed of having a mental illness or seeing a therapist. In fact it should be talked about more often and not shunned as it so often is.
Add The Royals Next Door to your TBR and pre-order this book before it releases on August 31, 2021. I for one cannot wait to re-read this wonderfully romantic book.
p.s. Not only is Piper a romance podcaster but she’s also an unapologetic romance reader and I loved her even more for that!
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Time Travel/ F/F Romance
Release Date: June 1, 2021
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and audiobook from LibroFM
SYNOPSIS
From the New York Times bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue comes a new romantic comedy that will stop readers in their tracks…
For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can’t imagine how waiting tables at a 24-hour pancake diner and moving in with too many weird roommates could possibly change that. And there’s certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures.
But then, there’s this gorgeous girl on the train.
Jane. Dazzling, charming, mysterious, impossible Jane. Jane with her rough edges and swoopy hair and soft smile, showing up in a leather jacket to save August’s day when she needed it most. August’s subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon, she discovers there’s one big problem: Jane doesn’t just look like an old school punk rocker. She’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Maybe it’s time to start believing in some things, after all.
Casey McQuiston’s One Last Stop is a magical, sexy, big-hearted romance where the impossible becomes possible as August does everything in her power to save the girl lost in time.
REVIEW
Twenty-three year old August has just moved to New York City to go to college. She’s somehow able to secure a room in an apartment she’ll share with three other roommates and she got a job at the diner around the corner (thanks to her new roommates). And yet, she doesn’t feel like there’s a place for her…she often feels alone.
That is until one day she meets a girl on the subway. This girl is fun and bright and August can’t help but gravitate towards her. Every time August takes the Q train she manages to see Jane! Soon August is finding every reason to get on the train so she can see Jane. But what starts off as August meeting her dream girl, turns into a race in time to try to help Jane get back to the 1970’s. Turns out Jane is from the past and has been stuck on the Q train since the 1970’s. Will August be able to help Jane piece together her past so she can help her get back? And what about their budding relationship?
One Last Stop started off really strong for me. I loved getting to know August, her roommates and of course Jane. Their friendship was tentative and sweet and so swoony. But somewhere around the halfway mark, the book started to drag for me. I just felt like there was so much going on and the romance was always there, and yet also it took the back seat a lot.
I switched between listening to the audiobook and reading One Last Stop. The audiobook, narrated by Natalie Naudus was fantastic. Natalie did a wonderful job with the various characters and accents. And while I truly enjoyed the audiobook, the story itself wasn’t as enjoyable as I had hoped.
The writing by Casey McQuiston was beautiful as usual. Definitely add One Last Stop to your TBR if you are looking for a F/F romance with time travel aspects (think Loki) with sweet supporting characters to round out the story!
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!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
SYNOPSIS
When Dillion Stitch left her hometown, she had no intention of going back. But when her brother gets into trouble, Dillion reluctantly agrees to return home to take her place at the family business.
Being back in Pearl Lake after all these years feels familiar, but also brings a few surprises. She’s quick to notice that someone new has shown up at the cottage next door. Dillion gets more than an eyeful when she goes to check out the newcomer and meets Donovan “Van” Firestone—her beloved neighbor’s grandson—in all his unclothed glory.
Having gotten off to a rocky start, it’s not long before they begin bickering with each other all over town. All that back and forth inevitably sparks an undeniable attraction. But Dillion’s family has issues, Van’s family resents him, and neither Dillion nor Van feels truly at ease in the small town. For these Pearl Lake exiles, home isn’t just where the heart is—it’s where things get complicated.
REVIEW
Dillion Stitch is back in Pearl Lake. Not really where she’d like to be, but after a series of circumstances all happen at once, she’s needed back home to help her family with their business. Dillion couldn’t wait to get out of the small town life and severed a lot of connections on her way out of Pearl Lake. Will she be able to handle small town life again where everyone is up in each other’s business?
Donovan Firestone has his own reasons for escaping to Pearl Lake. At first he was only coming to manage his grandmother’s estate. But soon he’s planning on staying a while. He doesn’t realize that Dillion and his grandma were close and that she has been keeping up with the estate when his beloved grandmother passed. These two don’t exactly hit it off, but soon they’re in each others spaces more and more often. Will they eventually act on their passion?
I really enjoyed Love Next Door. Having grown up in a small town myself, I remember thinking that I couldn’t wait to leave. I didn’t end up going very far and still visit often and am so grateful for small town living! I also really related to Dillion as being the eldest sibling and really having to take charge of situations sometimes. Family life can be hectic and lovely at the same time and I love how Helena showcased those circumstances.
Van and Dillion had such great chemistry and I loved their sparks right from the beginning. Yes they both make mistakes, but their open and honest communication really added to their relationship. They truly were there for one another and I adored them.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series – hopefully it’s Teagan’s story.
I received a complimentary copy and of this book from the publisher.
SYNOPSIS
Olivia Shore, international opera superstar, is a driven diva with a passion for perfection, a craving for justice, too many secrets—and a monumental grudge against the egotistical, lowbrow jock she’s been stuck with.
It’s Mozart meets Monday Night Football as the temperamental soprano and stubborn jock embark on a nationwide tour promoting a luxury watch brand. Along the way, the combatants will engage in soul-searching and trash talk, backstage drama and, for sure, a quarterback pass. But they’ll also face trouble as threatening letters, haunting photographs, and a series of dangerous encounters complicate their lives. Is it the work of an overzealous fan or something more sinister?
This is the emotional journey of a brilliant woman whose career is everything and a talented man who’ll never be happy with second place. Tender and funny, passionate and insightful, this irresistible romantic adventure proves that anything can happen…when two superstars collide.
REVIEW
What happens when two stars from opposite spectrums collide? Renowned opera singer Olivia and NFL football quarterback Thad are both brand ambassadors for an upscale watch. Immediately they start off on the wrong foot. Olivia doesn’t want anything to do with jock Thad. Thad thinks Olivia is an uptight diva after she repeatedly freezes him out.
But the more time Thad and Olivia spend with one another, the more they realize how much they like each other. But soon enough Olivia’s life is being threatened and protective quarterback Thad will go to any length to keep Olivia safe. How long can these two before their passion ignites. And once that happens, how can they realistically make a relationship work between the two of them? They are both career driven and independent personalities.
I have read each and every single one of the Chicago Stars books and love the world that SEP has created! It was so much fun revisiting with some of the characters that we loved in previous books. I do feel like I had a harder time connecting with Thad and Olivia as a couple in When Stars Collide. There was often so much other stuff happening in the story and I wanted just a little more of their romance.
Audiobook: Story: 3 Narration: 4 Overall: 3
The audiobook of When Stars Collide was narrated by Nicole Poole and I truly enjoyed the audiobook! I was laughing along Olivia and Thad while listening to Nicole narrate both of their voices. She did a wonderful job expressing each characters feeling and I won’t hesitate to pick up another audiobook narrated by Nicole!
While not my favorite book out of the series, When Stars Collide had a ton of fun and hilarious moments thrown in with some mystery and suspense to round it out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
SYNOPSIS
Acting like she’s in love with her handsome nightmare of a co-star–in a movie directed and produced by her complicated Hollywood royalty family–is Sloane’s job. But what happens when the lines between script and reality get blurred?
Out-of-work actress Sloane Ford is in desperate need of something to do after losing her steady TV gig. When her famous family ropes her into working as a producer on their World War II-era romance, they neglect to mention that the film will be headlined by Joseph Donovan, her least favorite former co-star of all time. The roguish actor made her life a living hell the last time they worked together, using his movie star good looks and Irish charm to cover for his erratic professional behavior. On their new film set, he promises he’s different now, but Sloane is far from convinced.
As filming gets underway, it becomes clear that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. When the lead actress is abruptly fired, Sloane agrees to step in and take over the role, and she starts to remember why she fell in love with acting in the first place. On camera, she and Joseph share an electric chemistry. Off camera, they’ve been honing their characters and, much to Sloane’s surprise, growing closer. But playing the role of a woman in love with Joseph Donovan is a dangerous business, and the more time they spend together, the less Sloane can tell what’s real between them, and what’s just for show.
REVIEW
Sloane is going through a rough time in life right now. She’s literally been axed from the TV show she was working on, her boyfriend broke up with her and is writing music about the break-up and she is working with her family as a producer on a movie where she was supposed to be the lead. The cherry on top is to find that the lead actor is no one other Joseph Donovan. The actor who made Sloane’s life miserable when they shot a movie together. He was rude, arrogant and an overall ass. Has he redeemed himself like he says he has?
Sloane is soon working even closer with Joe when she steps in as the lead actress opposite of Joe. Their sizzling chemistry on stage is soon spilling off stage as well. How will these two make it work in the land of Hollywood everything feels like an act and nothing is real.
I loved the banter between Joe and Sloane in Love Scenes! They were so funny and cute but also very real. Sloane is strong and independent and she has to be especially in show business. I liked that she set the boundaries of her relationship with Joe and he respected that. Underneath the romance were a lot of heavier themes like forgiveness, redemption and how to manage dysfunctional families.
Overall I really enjoyed Love Scenes. I always looked forward to the romance within the book and I do feel that sometimes the story did lag a bit. Overall I would give Love Scenes anywhere from a 3.5-4 stars.
I received a complimentary copy and audiobook of this book from the publisher and TLC Book Tours
SYNPOSIS
Critically acclaimed author Cat Sebastian makes her trade paperback debut in a stunning historical romance about a reluctantly reformed highwayman and the aristocrat who threatens to steal his heart.
Kit Webb has left his stand-and-deliver days behind him. But dreary days at his coffee shop have begun to make him pine for the heady rush of thievery. When a handsome yet arrogant aristocrat storms into his shop, Kit quickly realizes he may be unable to deny whatever this highborn man desires.
In order to save himself and a beloved friend, Percy, Lord Holland must go against every gentlemanly behavior he holds dear to gain what he needs most: a book that once belonged to his mother, a book his father never lets out of his sight and could be Percy’s savior. More comfortable in silk-filled ballrooms than coffee shops frequented by criminals, his attempts to hire the roughly hewn highwayman, formerly known as Gladhand Jack, proves equal parts frustrating and electrifying.
Kit refuses to participate in the robbery but agrees to teach Percy how to do the deed. Percy knows he has little choice but to submit and as the lessons in thievery begin, he discovers thievery isn’t the only crime he’s desperate to commit with Kit.
But when their careful plan goes dangerously wrong and shocking revelations threaten to tear them apart, can these stolen hearts withstand the impediments in their path?
REVIEW
Percy, Lord Holland finds himself in an usual predicament. He is being blackmailed and needs an item from his father. Not just any item, but a particular book that his father keeps on his person at all times. Percy and his father do not have a good relationship and Percy needs to find a way to get this book – at all costs!
Reformed highwayman Kit Webb now runs a coffee shop. He’s not exactly the nicest barista, but he makes do with what he has. When aristocrat Percy shows up at his coffee shop with a proposition, Kit’s first instinct is to turn him down. But the more he thinks about it the more it excites him. Maybe he can teach Percy his tips and tricks instead? Is this going to be a complete disaster? And them more time Percy and Kit spend together – their sizzling chemistry seems to only get stronger.
I adored The Queer Principles of Kit Webb. Percy and Kit were just so fun! I loved their banter, their sarcastic quips and their respective backstories. These two had more in common than they initially thought. Audiobook:
Story: 4.5 Narration: 5 Overall: 4.5
The audiobook for The Queer Principles of Kit Webb was narrated by Joel Leslie and I truly enjoyed this audiobook so much! I loved the way Joel was able to voice both Percy and Kit. The way he was able to convey humor, sadness or excitement was perfect! I hope to be able to listen to more audiobooks from Joel Leslie in the future!
If you’re looking for a M/M historical romance that is funny, romantic and tender I would definitely pick up The Queer Principles of Kit Webb! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Readaholic Book Reviews 