Early Book Review: Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg

Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg is currently scheduled for release on April 25 2023. The only thing worse than hating your boss? Being attracted to her. Liz Baker and her three roommates work at the Nether Fields, a queer magazine in New York that’s on the verge of shutting down—until it’s bought at the last minute by two wealthy lesbians. Liz knows she’s lucky to still have a paycheck but it’s hard to feel grateful with minority investor Daria Fitzgerald slashing budgets, cancelling bagel Fridays, and password protecting the color printer to prevent “frivolous use.” When Liz overhears Daria scoffing at her listicles, she knows that it’s only a matter of time before her impulsive mouth gets herself fired. But as Liz and Daria wind up having to spend more and more time together, Liz starts to see a softer side to Daria—she’s funny, thoughtful, and likes the way Liz’s gender presentation varies between butch and femme. Despite the evidence that Liz can’t trust her, it’s hard to keep hating Daria—and even harder to resist the chemistry between them.

Just as You Are is a novel that will be exactly what some readers need. I loved the honest look at gender identity and the struggles that every character had with in figuring out who they were, what the wanted, and how to be true to that. This is something everyone can relate to, and I think will definitely strike a chord with readers. I also like the character growth for everyone- in found family, friendship, and work not just through the romance lenses. I have to admit that I want to know more about some of the secondary characters, even those that only came up in very specific settings. I look forward to reading what ever Kellogg releases next. 

Just as You Are is a highly engaging and honest look at friendship, finding yourself, and the complications of all that and love. 

Book Review: Anyone But The Billionaire by Sara L. Hudson

Anyone But The Billionaire by Sara L. Hudson is a contemporary romance. Self-made mogul Chase Moore is a charming hound dog with a hairless cat and a family business to save. He was fine being the spare to the heir until the family's billion-dollar business threatens to go belly-up. Now Chase will need more than his rakish good looks to fight his father for control. Powerhouse marketing guru Campbell King returns to Texas and launches her own company after being chewed up and spat out by the city that never sleeps. One phone call makes all the difference when a suave and sexy male voice offers her the chance to redeem herself and help him save his swanky Manhattan store. When the sexy redhead finally runs into her new billionaire boss, they’re both in for a shock. But there’s no way Campbell is dating the boss. In fact, anyone but the billionaire would be better.

Anyone But The Billionaire is a well written romance with drama on several levels. I liked that Chase and Campbell have their issues, and had chemistry together right from the start. Chase has some serious family issues and drama that seeps into every other part of his life, and Campbell is still struggling to come back from how being too trusting almost ruined her. Their interactions were fun, and I enjoyed Campbell's humor and snark right away. I like that while I saw the missteps and misunderstanding coming a mile away, the execution and resolution were very well done and night exactly what I expected. The humor threaded through the book was really a highlight for me. The friends and secondary characters were just as interesting and I look forward to some of them coming back around as they find their own happy ever after in future books from the author. 

Anyone But The Billionaire is a engaging and entertaining read. 

Early Book Review: The Firefighter's Dilemma (Mile High Firefighters) by Mariah Ankenman

The Firefighter's Dilemma is the third book in the Mile High Firefighters series by Mariah Ankenman and is currently scheduled for release on February 27 2023. Each book in the series can be read on its own.

Firefighter Stephanie Díaz won’t let anyone stop her from becoming the youngest female fire chief in Denver. Not the jerks who’d like to see an ambitious Latine woman admit defeat. Not the ultra-bro firefighters she has to work with. And definitely not her ridiculously hot and often infuriating, fellow firefighter Eli Ward. Now Stephanie has the chance to prove to everyone that she’s got what it takes…but there’s one helluva catch. The Battle of the First Responders is a live, balls-out competition in the secluded Rockies and Stephanie has been selected—along with Ward as her partner. On the line are their reputations, a whole lot of cash…and the promotion they’ve been fighting for. Teaming up is the perfect chance to finally settle their never ending one-upmanship, but it also exposes the smoldering attraction they’ve held at bay. Now their days are fueled by a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled competition. Their nights are filled with sizzling deep kisses that steal her breath away. But this sexy little fling is about to set off a five-alarm blaze she can’t control.

The Firefighter's Dilemma is a great friends/coworker to more romance. I love that neither ever expected to come together, and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters (well getting to know them better since I have read some related books) and see them figure things out. Diaz is a favorite of mine- I love her strength and her vulnerable, caring side. Ward is fun and alot more self aware than most, and a generally great guy. I loved the banter and comradery between them- even when thing were not going according to plan. I thought the fact that the author can make me interested in the stories of even the secondary, troublemaking characters is a great skill and they use it in the very best way. I enjoyed the read and loved the balance of fun, humor, suspense and some serious introspective moments for both the main characters was spot on. 

The Firefighter's Dilemma is yet another fun and engaging read from Ankenman.

Book Review: Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon

Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon is a contemporary romance and the start of a series. Every morning, a gorgeous mystery man jogs by Jacqueline Butler’s office window, tempting her to break her “no dating” rule. She’s good with ogling him from afar, but her best friend-slash-colleague Vince Carson suggests she do more than stare—he wants her to ask the runner out. Vince knows his best friend Jackie better than she knows herself, and the last thing she needs is a date with a pompous, swole jackass. But Vince can’t exactly ask her out himself. Encouraging her to pursue a guy who is all muscle and no substance will not only get Jackie off the bench, but will also open her eyes to the fact that Vince is the right man for her. Vince takes Jackie on practice dates, promising to help her hone her skills, but can’t resist edging the fake romance into reality. After a ridiculously epic kiss, Jackie sees a sexier side of Vince, and suddenly anything is possible.

Eye Candy is and contemporary romance that has some friends to lovers, some co worker romance, and a slew of interesting characters that have me looking forward to the next book from the author. I liked getting to know Jackie and Vince, and while many times the friends to lovers things falls short for me- it worked really well here. They were really good friends to each other, not just one (or both) biding their time until they could make a move. They each honestly wanted what was best for the other- and that is what made it work and feel sweet rather than creepy- which can happen. I greatly enjoyed the secondary characters, and thought they were a wonderful support system for our couple, and made things even better. I will say that my only complaint is that I felt like the conclusion left to many real life problems up in the air, and that bothered me a lot when I finished the read. I am hoping that the next book (Arm Candy) answers some of those questions for me while also giving Davis and Grace their story- which i am eager to read. 

Eye Candy is a entertaining and engaging read. I will be reading the next book by the author. 

Book Review: Skin Deep (The Prescotts) by Tara Wyatt

Skin Deep is the eight book in The Prescotts series by Tara Wyatt. While having read the previous books will give readers an edge with character knowledge and backstory, I think newcomers to the series will still be able to fully enjoy the read. 

Violet MacAllister is no stranger to rejection. Growing up with dyslexia, she was bullied mercilessly, making her feel as though she would never be good enough. And she believed it—until she found art and a new way of expressing herself. But her wounds run deep, and even though she’s been pining over her best friend Hudson for years, he has no idea, and she intends to keep it that way. He’s everything she could ever want—sensitive, artistic, hard-working, smart, and so, so hot—but she knows they’ll only ever be friends. Hudson Prescott has been through a lot. He lost his father as a child, his fiancée jilted him, and six months ago, he was in a terrifying motorcycle accident that could’ve cost him his life. The one bright spot through the dark times has been his friend and co-worker Violet, who’s talented, driven to help others, and a total sweetheart. She’s his closest friend, and he’d be lost without her. But one emotional night, everything changes, and suddenly Hudson’s seeing Violet in a different light. One that has him questioning how he could’ve been so blind to what was in front of him this entire time: Violet, with her curls, and tattoos, and her laugh that feels like sunshine. So when Violet has a proposition for him—one that involves her painting a nude portrait of him—he agrees. Because now that his eyes are open, he’ll do anything to make her see she’s the one for him.

Skin Deep is a contemporary romance that does a good job of tackling some tough topics with honesty and sensitivity but still keeping humor and hope in the story. I thought the walls Violet had built for herself were realistic and well portrayed. I liked the dynamic between Violet and Hudson, and the support the rest of the circle of family and friend offers. I enjoyed the arch of the story, and thought it was engaging and entertaining. My only disappointment was with the ending. To be honest, I expected one more twist to the story and thought it all balanced too quickly and neatly. 

Skin Deep is a good edition to the series, and a well done friends to lovers romance. 

Book Review: Give up the Ghost (Phantoms) by Kelly Moran

Give up the Ghost is the second book in the Phantoms series by Kelly Moran. While you could get away without having read the first book before reading this one, the first book really does set this one up nicely.

Paranormal investigator Kerry Baker has seen it all. But nothing in her work with the Phantoms TV program prepares her for the most terrifying spirit of all—seeing her doppelganger. Rumored to be a foreshadowing of one's death, the specter shakes Kerry to the core, sending her into the arms of her best friend and fellow cast member for comfort. Except their contract with the show strictly forbids crossing that line, so not only is her life at risk, but so is her job. Paul Leake has been in love with Kerry for ages, yet unwilling to compromise their friendship. As their investigation in an isolated Arizona ghost town grows more intense, however, so does the chemistry between them. The mysterious hauntings and chronic on-set accidents at their location are wreaking havoc with the crew. With her life in danger and their careers on the line, giving into their attraction couldn't be a worse idea—and yet they can't bring themselves to stop. Even if it kills her.

As soon as I finished Ghost of a Promise I knew I wanted to see how things played out between Kerry and Paul in Give up the Ghost. The haunting and spooky aspects did not disappoint. I liked the setting and the various levels of angst from the ghosts, and how the team worked to handle all of it with the worry of the doppelganger looming. I would have liked to see some more resolution on a couple ghostly points, but it was nothing major or that ruined the read for me. I did enjoy the character development and growth as Paul and Kerry figure things out and deal with some of their issues.I did feel like there was significantly more sexy time in this book than in the last, but I could be wrong. I did like that Kerry and Paul had so much friendship and background with each other, so there was much less wondering what the other might be thinking, since they knew each other so well. As a whole I really enjoyed the read, but think it fell a little short of my expectations and this first book in the series. It is still worth the read, but it did not wow me like I had hoped it would.

Give up the Ghost is a good follow up to the first book, and a good book on its own. It just did not live up to my high hopes for it. 

Early Book Review: Ten Rules for Faking It by Sophie Sullivan

Ten Rules for Faking It by Sophie Sullivan is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on December 29 2020. What happens when your love life becomes the talk of the town? As birthdays go, this year’s for radio producer Everly Dean hit rock-bottom. Worse than the “tonsillectomy birthday.” Worse than the birthday her parents decided to split (the first time). But catching your boyfriend cheating on you with his assistant? But this is Everly’s year! She won’t let her anxiety hold her back. She’ll pitch her podcast idea to her boss. There’s just one problem. Her boss, Chris, is very cute. (Of course). Also, he's extremely distant (which means he hates her, right? Or is that the anxiety talking)? And, Stacey the DJ didn’t mute the mic during Everly’s rant about Simon the Snake (syn: Cheating Ex). That’s three problems. Suddenly, people are lining up to date her, Bachelorette-style, fans are voting (Reminder: never leave house again), and her interest in Chris might be a two-way street. It’s a lot for a woman who could gold medal in people-avoidance. She’s going to have to fake it ‘till she makes it to get through all of this. Perhaps she’ll make a list: The Ten Rules for Faking It. Because sometimes making the rules can find you happiness when you least expect it.

Ten Rules for Faking It is a sweet and fun read that took me out of the holiday and bad weather blues that have been trying to make themselves know way too often lately. I found there to be a good balance of humor, not all of the embarrassing moment kind, and more serious moments. Everly has social anxiety and parents that are  hard on her emotions, but she also has spunk and an outspoken best friend that will stand by her. Chris is still struggling with his father pulling strings, and needs to figure out what makes him happy. Watching them figure out their own wants, their own issues, and coming to terms with their feelings was quite the ride. I thought the characters were well written, with even the secondary characters having some depth and complexity. In fact, there are many of those secondary characters that I would like to see get their own story. While nothing was incredibly surprising, I saw most of the big twist-like moments coming a mile away, it was still a fun read.

Ten Rules for Faking It is a sweet and fun romance which handles the topic of anxiety with care and understanding.

Early Book Review: Here to Stay by Adriana Herrera

Here to Stay by Adriana Herrera is currently scheduled for release on August 25 2020. Julia del Mar Ortiz is not having the best year. She moved to Dallas with her boyfriend, who ended up ditching her and running back to New York after only a few weeks. Left with a massive, by NYC standards, anyway, apartment and a car lease in the scorching Texas heat, Julia is struggling, except that’s not completely true. Running the charitable foundation of one of the most iconic high fashion department stores in the world is serious #lifegoals. It’s more than enough to make her want to stick it out down South. The only monkey wrench in Julia’s plans is the blue-eyed, smart-mouthed consultant the store hired to take them public. Fellow New Yorker Rocco Quinn’s first order of business? Putting Julia’s job on the chopping block. 
When Julia is tasked with making sure Rocco sees how valuable the programs she runs are, she’s caught between a rock and a very hard set of abs. Because Rocco Quinn is almost impossible to hate—and even harder to resist.

Here to Stay has it all. Julia is newly single and Rocco is not staying in Dallas long term. They are also in conflicting positions at work, and members of a new group of friends built of new Dallas residents from NYC. The chemistry is high, and the tension is too. I loved getting to see them build a friendship with each other, and build up a found family of friends. Some of their interactions were funny, but most were sweet. I really enjoyed how well I got to know each of them, and their circle. I also like that even when they messed things up it was not because of being silly or making a bad decision, but out of protecting each other and themselves at the same time. The work conflicts, the family dynamics, and the efforts of both to do the right thing for the greater good really made me like them each even more. The only thing that ever took me out of the story was my own hopelessness with Spanish. Thankfully with context and my limited understanding of romance languages I was able to translate the occasional conversational usage and dive right back in. My lacking, not an issue with the book, since it was exactly what these characters would say in the situation, and there were not stymied by my limitations. I really enjoyed how open and honest they were in the sex scenes too, something I have come to expect from the author. They communicate and make consent and  talking about what they like and want important and key to the moment. 

Here to Stay is another great romance from Herrera. Fans will need to read it, but I think most contemporary romance fans should give it a read.

Early Book Review: The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon is currently scheduled for release on June 9 2020.  Samiah Brooks never thought she would be "that" girl. But a live tweet of a horrific date just revealed the painful truth: she's been catfished by a three-timing jerk of a boyfriend. Suddenly Samiah-along with his two other "girlfriends," London and Taylor, have gone viral online. Now the three new besties are making a pact to spend the next six months investing in themselves. No men, no dating, and no worrying about their relationship status. For once Samiah is putting herself first, and that includes finally developing the app she's always dreamed of creating. Which is the exact moment she meets the deliciously sexy, honey-eyed Daniel Collins at work. What are the chances? When it comes to love, there's no such thing as a coincidence. But is Daniel really boyfriend material or is he maybe just a little too good to be true?

The Boyfriend Project is a romance with extremely well formed characters. Some of the secondary characters, even those we only see briefly, reminded me of people I have dealt with in real life. Even better, I honestly liked Samiah and Daniel, and their closest friends/family, both as characters and people. Both have drive and compassion, wanting to get ahead but also wanting to do the right thing and help people. Seeing their interactions and how they dealt with everything that came their way was compelling and engaging from the very start. The story was very well built, and even when I had a notion as to what was coming next, and how things might go wrong I still very much enjoyed the ride. I am hoping to see more about London and Taylor in later books.

The Boyfriend Project is a practically perfect contemporary romance. I cannot wait to explore other books from the author.

Early Book Review: A Secret for a Secret (All In) by Helena Hunting

A Secret for a Secret is the third book in the All In series by Helena Hunting. Each book can be enjoyed as part of the series or on its own. It is currently scheduled for release on May  12 2020. 

My name is Ryan Kingston, and I’m a rule follower. I’ve never been in a fistfight. I always obey the speed limit. I don’t get drunk, and I definitely don’t pick up random women at bars. Except the night I found out that my whole existence has been a lie. I got drunk. And picked up a stranger. Her name was Queenie, and she was everything I’m not: reckless, impulsive, and chaotic. We did shots and traded secrets. And ended up naked at my place. She left me a thank-you note in the morning and her panties as a parting gift. But no way to contact her. Six weeks later I’m sitting in the first official team meeting of the season, and there she is. I neglected to mention that I’m the goalie for Seattle’s NHL team. And Queenie? Turns out she’s the general manager’s daughter.

A Secret for a Secret is a sports romance with humor, heat, and heart. Ryan looks and acts like a boy scout, but his family life and history is not as perfect as anyone looking at him would suspect. Queenie feels like she is an utter mess, and has little faith in herself. When a one night stand has to change into a working relationship the battle really starts. I liked watching them come together, and get to know themselves and each other better. I could understand both of their frustrations, self doubt, and concern for each other. I did see a couple of the twists coming, but just enough so that I wanted to warn the characters to spare them the confrontations and additional angst.  As a fan of the author I loved getting to see past characters come into play. 

A Secret for a Secret is another great book from Hunting. Fans will need to add this to their collection. 

Early Book Review: Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher

Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on April 14 2020. State attorney Bridget Nolan is successful in all aspects of her life—except romance. After breaking up with her longtime boyfriend, she's been slow to reenter the dating scene. To be honest, she has more important things to do like putting bad guys behind bars. But with her brother's wedding right around the corner, she suddenly needs a date and fast. Lucky for Bridget, the legal intern is almost done with his program. Matt Kido is dumbstruck by Bridget—total love at first sight—but there's one problem. She's totally off-limits while she's his boss. But the moment he no longer reports to her, Matt decides to take a chance. An impulsive decision takes them to Las Vegas where, as the saying goes, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Unless you put a ring on it.

Not That Kind of Guy had a great balance to it. I loved the humor and real, emotional issues that were dealt with. Bridget is so used to having to be in control and trying to be perfect that when she lets go things get a little out of control. Matt has gotten tired of doing what he should and the possibility of being used. Neither is overly trusting, even of themselves. I loved watching them forge a friendship and more. I was glad to get both of their points of view, seeing how both of them worried about their own value in the relationship help me understand the choices they made, even when I dd not agree with them. I thought that the family dynamic for both of them were key to the story, and explored in a way that explained a great deal about the characters without sidetracking the story. I also liked the thought that was put into the secondary characters and background story. However, I also felt like the author was trying to get all the tropes in the book. There was the workplace/forbidden romance, the age gap, the wealth gap, the real slash fake relationship, the jealous ex's, and so on. I felt a little like the author had all the possible twists and trops on a check list and tried to get as many in as possible. I liked the characters, and the story for the most part, but some of it just felt forced. 

Not That Kind of Guy is a contemporary romance with a good balances of heat and sweet.

Book Review: Temptation (Bad Angels) by Inara Scott

Temptation is the second stand alone in the Bad Angels series by Inara Scott. As close friends and coworkers, attorney Zoe Riva and tech genius Connor Ashton know they can never get involved. Never. Ever. Until a scooter accident lands Zoe in Connor's arms—and his overnight custody—and she starts to see a man she's never seen before. With her career and her heart on the line, Zoe can't afford to take any chances. But when combustible chemistry takes over, even the smartest people in the room can make the biggest of mistakes.

Temptation is a friends to lovers romance that had me hooked from the start. I was in a bit of a reading slump- where nothing was really making me eager to get back to reading after having to put the book down for a moment, and this book broke that streak. Zoe is a strong, successful, and professional woman just trying to get ahead in a field that is still dominated by deals made in bars and over sports. Connor is a smart guy that is more than a little shy and socially awkward. A chance encounter has them each pondering crossing the border of friendship into something more- but they each have emotional scars and professional qualms about taking the next step- until they cross the line anyway. I loved the sass and straightforwardness of Zoe, and Connor's sweet nature. The secondary characters, particularly Connor's mother and her friends, were great fun while the couple's mutual friends added some honest talk and advice to even things out. I honestly found myself routing for our couple from the very beginning- even when their efforts to seem nonchalaunt had me face palming. The read hit all the sweet spots, heart, heat, and humor and left me grinning one the last page. I just might be going back to read the first book in the series, but I will definitely be putting Scott's name of my list of authors to watch for. 

Temptation is a contemporary romance with strong characters and a nearly perfect balance of heat, heart, and humor.