Book Review: Frenemy Fix-Up (Six Gems) by Yahrah St. John

Frenemy Fix-Up by Yahrah St. John is the fourth book in the Six Gems series, but can be enjoyed as a stand alone as well. Accountant Colin Anderson is working himself into an early grave. Shay Davis is finally living her dream of owning a yoga studio. Sure, they went to high school together—but that’s where their similarities end. He’s Mr. Corporate, hustling late into the night so his firm can go public, while she flows through sun salutations and half-moon poses at her own pace. So when a health scare pushes Colin to make a few life changes, he knows where to turn. If he’s going to get right with his career, he’ll need the right woman—and to get the right woman, he has to prioritize his health. Who better than Shay to help whip his butt into shape so he can win back his high school girlfriend? The catch is, she only has ninety days to do it. And they both really, really get on each other’s nerves. Soon, though, their sessions are heating up the studio. But as Colin gets closer to achieving his goal, he and Shay both move further away from what they thought they wanted. Before they know it, they’ll have to step out of their comfort zones and rethink their own versions of “right" before their time is up.

Frenemy Fix-Up has a fun set up and I thought the story was engaging and entertaining to read. I liked the complexity of both characters. I liked the reality of all the characters, not just the man players. Everyone made good and bad decisions, things that needed forgiveness and understanding- and the book covered more about the families and friends to give a better understanding of the characters than many other books offer. I greatly enjoyed this bigger picture- because we are all shaped by our lives and experiences and leaving that out of the equation does not feel authentic. The book gives a full picture of the characters and I enjoyed getting the big picture. My only disappointment was that the resolution felt a little flat for me, I wanted a little follow up to the discussion, but I am sure those reading the series will get to see more of how they find their way forward together. 

Book Review: 10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall

10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall is a contemporary romance. Sam Becker loves—or, okay, likes—his job. Sure, managing a bed and bath retailer isn't exactly glamorous, but it's good work and he gets on well with the band of misfits who keep the store running. He could see himself being content here for the long haul. Too bad, then, that the owner is an infuriating git. Jonathan Forest should never have hired Sam. It was a sentimental decision, and Jonathan didn't get where he is by following his heart. Determined to set things right, Jonathan orders Sam down to London for a difficult talk…only for a panicking Sam to trip, bump his head, and maybe accidentally imply he doesn't remember anything? Faking amnesia seemed like a good idea when Sam was afraid he was getting sacked, but now he has to deal with the reality of Jonathan's guilt—as well as the unsettling fact that his surly boss might have a softer side to him. There's an unexpected freedom in getting a second shot at a first impression…but as Sam and Jonathan grow closer, can Sam really bring himself to tell the truth, or will their future be built entirely on one impulsive lie?

10 Things That Never Happened is another solid romance from Hall. I liked the interplay wit the characters and the way readers got to know their personalities. I did wish that I got a little of Jonathan's thoughts, and some more back story for Sam. We get it in very broad strokes, but it was lacking emotion or depth for me. Oddly, we get much more emotion and connection with the past from Jonathan, the much more stoic of the two characters. I just wanted to connect with both of them a little more. However, I thought the give and take between them was well done, and I thought the secondary characters were great. I liked both the crew from Sam's store and Jonathan's family. There were definitely moments when I liked the interactions with secondary characters more than Sam's inner dialogue.

 

Early Book Review: Better Hate than Never (The Wilmot Sisters) by Chloe Liese

Better Hate than Never by Chloe Liese is currently scheduled for release on October 10 2023. This is the second book in the Wilmot Sisters series, and I admit to not having read the first. I was able to fully enjoy the story despite the lack, but think those reading the series in order will definitely get more from it than those that do not.

Katerina Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio shared backyards as kids, but as adults they won’t even share the same hemisphere. That is, until Kate makes a rare visit home, and their fiery animosity rekindles into a raging inferno. Despite their friends’ and families' pleas for peace, Christopher is unconvinced Kate would willingly douse the flames of their enmity. But when a drunken Kate confesses she’s only been hostile because she thought he hated her, Christopher vows to make peace with Kate once and for all. Tempting as it is to be swept away by her nemesis-turned-gentleman, Kate isn’t sure she can trust his charming good-guy act. When Christopher’s persistence and Kate’s curiosity lead to an impassioned kiss, they realize “peace” is the last thing that will ever be possible between them. As desire gives way to deeper feelings, Kate and Christopher must decide if it’s truly better to hate than to never risk their hearts—or if they already gave them away long ago.

Better Hate than Never is a fun enemies to lovers romance that treats neurodiversity and trauma with respect and honesty. I honestly loved both Christopher and Kate as characters, and was glad that I got to see the story from both perspectives. I am a big fan of actually knowing what all the main players are thinking. I found that the handling of everyone's differences, needs, and struggles were all handled with great care, and I love that the author made note in the beginning of the book what some of the issues at hand were, and how everyone's experiences with them are different and personal. I thought the balance of fun and the heavier moments was on point and I found myself wanting to get to know the entire friend group, and Christopher's coworkers, a lot more. I really enjoyed this read and think others will as well. Now i need to go back and read the first book, Two Wrongs Make a Right, and hope for the third sister to get her story soon. 

Better Hate than Never is an engaging and enjoyable read. 

Book Review: Olympic Enemies by Rebecca J Caffery

Olympic Enemies by Rebecca J Caffery is a contemporary romance. Three weeks at the Olympic Village. Two Gymnasts who've been rivals for half a decade. Forced to share a room at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Oliver and Lucas are less than happy. After five years of fighting, the team needs them to learn to work together if they stand any chance of medalling. To make matters worse, Lucas, king of lone wolves, has absolutely no desire to become best friends with the three musketeers who make up the rest of the male British Gymnastics Team. So when the press becomes intrusive towards Lucas and Oliver finally steps in to defend him, things are looking up. Until that sliver of common ground truly demonstrates how thin the line between love and hate really can be. However, when their fighting turns to kissing which results in headlines in every newspaper and potential heartbreak for the pair, it isn’t just gold on the line -- it's their hearts.

Olympic Enemies is a un read with a nice balance of character and relationship development. I liked how well developed the main characters, and the most prevalent secondary character were. I thought the family and friendship ties, and the reasoning behind concerns and issues were all well built into the story. I liked the build up and resolution for the relationship between Oliver and Lucas. I thought the details about competitive gymnastics were well researched, and I loved getting a better understanding of what it can be like, and some of the stresses that the media and world in general can put towards those in the spotlight. I thought the team and coach dynamics were some of my favorite moments in the book, but I did find myself feeling like one secondary character was rather left out in the cold towards the end, and I would enjoy seeing them get some love in future books from the author. 

Olympic Enemies is an engaging and enjoyable read.

Early Book Review: The Plus One (A Brush With Love) by Mazey Eddings

The Plus One by Mazey Eddings is the third book in the Brush With Love series and is currently schedule for release on April 4 2023. I have nor read the previous books, and while those that have will have a head start on knowing the characters, I think newcomers can easily enjoy this book as a stand alone if they wish. 

On paper, Indira has everything together. An amazing job, a boyfriend, and a car. What more could a late twenty-something ask for? But when she walks in on her boyfriend in an amorous embrace with a stranger, that perfect on paper image goes up in flames. Jude has nothing together. A doctor that’s spent the last three years traveling the world to treat emergencies and humanitarian crises, a quick trip home for his best friend’s wedding has him struggling to readjust. Thrust into an elaborate (and ridiculously drawn out) wedding event that’s stressing Jude beyond belief and has Indira seeing her ex and his new girlfriend far more frequently than any human should endure, the duo strike a bargain to be each other’s fake dates to this wedding from hell. The only problem is, their forced proximity and fake displays of affection are starting to feel a bit real, and both are left grappling with the idea that a situation that couldn’t be worse, is made a little better with the other around.

The Plus One is a fun and engaging read that talks about mental health with respect and realism. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing them get to know each other again. This book combined some of my favorite tropes; forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and brother's best friend, and did it well. I enjoyed their interactions and the bickering was very entertaining. I did not read the previous books, and did not even know it was a part of a series until I was already reading and realized it must be part of a larger series. However, it did not effect the love story between Indira and Jude, only the larger family and friend group. I thought the portrayal of both Indira and Jude's mental health was handled with a great deal of honesty and respect. I really liked that the reality of how different things effect us all differently and that being aware of the issues at hand does not automatically remove their impact on our emotions and lives are important things for us all to remember. 

The Plus One is a well written and engaging romance. 

Book Review: By a Thread by Lucy Score

By a Thread by Lucy Score was an accidental reread for me. I saw the cover on Netgalley and I thought it looked familiar, but requested it any way. I should have trusted my instincts, but it has been awhile so I went with it. 

I got her fired. Okay, so I'd had a bad day and took it out on a bystander in a pizza shop. But there's nothing demure about Ally Morales. She proves that her first day of her new job, which just happens to be in my office. And I can't fire her, because it's my mother the CEO who hired her...technically, Ally doesn't work for me, and she makes it clear she doesn't have to listen to me either. So maybe her colorful, annoying, inexplicably alluring personality brightens up the magazine's offices that have felt like a prison for the past year. Maybe I like that she argues with me in front of the editorial staff. And maybe my after-hours fantasies are haunted by those brown eyes and that sharp tongue. But that doesn't mean that I'm going to be the next Russo man to take advantage of his position. I might be a second-generation asshole, but I am not my father. She's working herself to death at half a dozen dead-end jobs for some secret reason she doesn't feel like sharing with me. And I'm going to fix it all. Don't accuse me of caring. She's nothing more than a puzzle to be solved. If I can get her to quit working here, I can finally peel away all those layers. Then I can go back to salvaging the family name and forget all about the dancing, beer-slinging brunette.

By a Thread has a lot going for it. I like the humor and the heat. The exchanges between Dominic and Ally are great, and the sense of community she forms with those around her was fantastic. I love some good enemies to lover banter- and found family- so all of that works great for me. I thought the handling for Ally's situation and her father's health was done well and realistically. I thought the secondary characters and non-romance of the story were just as engaging and entertaining as the heart of the story. I have to be honest though, I really do not like Dominic, at all. He is painted as the alpha hole with the heart of gold, but even in the epilogues continues to do the one thing Ally asked him not to- make big decisions for her or with no conversations about it. He never learns to respect that one boundary- but because she is just so in love with him and can't think around him she just keeps letting it happen.  That kind of takes the shine off the story for me, because there was the opportunity for him to change that trait- and it never happened. 

By a Thread definitely has some entertainment value and serious heat. 

Book Review: The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dyken

The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dyken is a contemporary romance. Colby's living her best life: as a popular food blogger, she gets to fulfill her dreams of exploring the globe. But her world comes crashing down when a tragic accident leaves her co-guardian of her best friend's two adorable children. Not only does she need to put down roots—fast—but she'll be sharing custody with the one man she can't stand sharing a continent with, let alone a house. Accountant-extraordinaire Rip values rules and plans. But when he loses his sister and his best friend and becomes an insta-guardian all in one night, Rip sees his organized life imploding. What he really doesn't need is his sister's irresponsible, flighty—albeit kind and gorgeous—best friend making it worse. Rip doesn't trust Colby to take their new responsibilities seriously, while Colby can't believe Rip thinks children will thrive under his rigid control. Yet soon Rip and Colby discover they need each other more than they hate each other. Could it be possible that following their hearts is just what their new little family needs?

The Godparent Trap has some serious subjects throughout- mostly grief and coming to terms with loss and change. However, there is still some humor thanks to the secondary characters and the opposite's attract nature of the relationship between Colby and Rip. I was highly engaged in getting to know both characters and seeing them grow as people, caregivers, and a couple. I really enjoyed the interactions between Rip and Colby, and some secondary characters like Banks. There were moments that were hard to read, but that is more because of the topics at hand- like loss and the well being of children- than any lacking in the writing. I think the book was well written and the hard stuff was handled well including the use of content warnings for readers that might have difficulty with the subject matter. 

The Godparent Trap  is a solid romance with lots of feels and some laughs along the way. 

Early Book Review: The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon

The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon is the third book in The Boyfriend Project series, but can be enjoyed on its own as well. It is currently scheduled for release on August 2 2022. Successful pediatric surgeon London Kelley just needs to find some balance and de-stress. According to her friends Samiah and Taylor, what London really needs is a casual hookup. A night of fun with no strings. But no one—least of all London—expected it to go down at her high school reunion with Drew Sullivan, millionaire, owner of delicious abs, and oh yes, her archnemesis. Now London is certain the road to hell is paved with good sex. Because she’s found out the real reason Drew’s back in Austin: to decide whether her beloved hospital remains open. Worse, Drew is doing everything he can to show her that he’s a decent guy who actually cares. But London’s not falling for it. Because while sleeping with the enemy is one thing, falling for him is definitely not part of the plan.

The Hookup Plan is a great read with characters that feel very real. They each have their issues and hangups, but they also have self awareness and do their best to communicate and be good people even when it is hard. London is at a cross roads, trying to better balance her life to be healthy while dealing with layers of stress and big decision making. Drew is thrilled at a chance to develop a relationship with London, but has his own challenges to face at the same time. I loved the communication and honesty that is such a huge part of their story, and their lives in general. I was glad to get both of their perspectives, to see how they chose to share with each other and getting a glimpse at their concerns and struggles made them even more real to me as a reader. This was such a great journey and I loved this book, and the whole series. 

The Hookup Plan is a wonderful wrap up to this trilogy. I am looking forward to reading whatever Rochon writes next!

Book Review: Go Hex Yourself by Jessica Clare

Go Hex Yourself by Jessica Clare is a contemporary enemies to lovers romance with a magical twist. When Reggie Johnson answers a job ad in the paper, she’s astonished to find that she’s not applying to work at her favorite card game, Spellcraft: The Magicking. Instead, she’s applying to be an actual familiar for an actual witch. As in, real magic. The new job has a few perks - great room and board, excellent pay, and she's apprenticing to a powerful witch. Sure, the witch is a bit eccentric. And sure, there was that issue with the black cat Reggie would prefer to forget about. The biggest problem, however, is warlock Ben Magnus, her employer's nephew and the most arrogant, insufferable, maddening man to ever cast a spell. Reggie absolutely hates him. He's handsome, but he's also bossy and irritating and orders her around. Ben's butt might look great in a crystal ball vision, but that's as far as it goes. But when someone with a vendetta targets the household, she finds herself working with Ben to break a deadly curse. Apparently, when they're not fighting like cats and dogs, things get downright bewitching

Go Hex Yourself is an engaging and entertaining read. I like the world building and characters and think the balance of humor, mystery, and heat was well done. This book is not for readers that do not enjoy dirty talking or thinking, because there is plenty of that here- and frankly it fits the characters perfectly and I think it would have felt off personality wise if it was not there. I liked Ben's character the most, and I liked getting things from his perspective. The contrast of his emotion and concern for those he cares about against how everyone sees him, and how he sees himself, was very well written and I enjoyed getting a good look at his thoughts. I will say that Reggie sometimes irked me, but I liked how she generally stood up for herself. I will say that I guessed the big twist well before it was revealed, and honestly expected an extra one somewhere along the way with at least one set of secondary characters. That being said, if the author writes a follow up for a couple of the secondary characters, I would be ready for that. 

Go Hex Yourself is a fun and entertaining read. For those that are interested, the audio book is available and very well done.

Book Review: By Any Other Name by Lauren Kate

By Any Other Name by Lauren Kate is a contemporary romance. With a successful career as a romance editor, and an engagement to a man who checks off all ninety-nine boxes on her carefully curated list, Lanie's more than good. She's killing it. Then she’s given the opportunity of a lifetime: to work with world-renowned author and her biggest inspiration in love and life—the Noa Callaway. All Lanie has to do is cure Noa's writer's block and she'll get the promotion she's always dreamed of. Simple, right? But there's a reason no one has ever seen or spoken to the mysterious Noa Calloway. And that reason will rock Lanie’s world. It will call into question everything she thought she knew. When she finally tosses her ninety-nine expectations to the wind, Lanie may just discover that love By Any Other Name can still be as sweet.

By Any Other Name has a fun premise, and I liked a great deal of the set up and Lainie's character. I liked that she had a full background and significant character growth through out the story, even if I thought many of her decisions and reactions were less than ideal. I thought some of the secondary characters had great moments, but could have used more fleshing out. I would have liked more from Noah as well, sometimes it felt like he was more of a prop or plot device in the story moving things along than a character. Many of the big reveals, conflicts, and important moments were more than a little predicable beyond the 'this is a romance things will come together' way. I greatly enjoyed some moments, and had some smiles and sentimental moments along the way. However, while the book is also a bit of a celebration of romance I felt it got a little too corny for me on occasion. I am all for the awww moment, but Lainie's inner dialogue felt a bit much, and while I understand a romance book editor to often think about and dwell on the subject of her work, she could have diversified a bit. I did enjoy the read, and I think many readers will enjoy it more than me, but I just never connected with the story and characters. 

By Any Other Name is a solid contemporary romance, and I think fans of the author will enjoy it.

Book Review: The Hate Project (Love Study) by Kris Ripper

The Hate Project is the second book in the Love Study series by Kris Ripper. You do not need to read the series in order to enjoy the read, although returning readers will have a head start in understanding the characters and the friend group dynamics. 

Oscar is a grouch. That’s a well-established fact among his tight-knit friend group, and they love him anyway. Jack is an ass. Jack, who’s always ready with a sly insult, who can’t have a conversation without arguing, and who Oscar may or may not have hooked up with on a strict no-commitment, one-time-only basis. Even if it was extremely hot. Together, they’re a bickering, combative mess. When Oscar is fired (answering phones is not for the anxiety-ridden), he somehow ends up working for Jack. Maybe while cleaning out Jack’s grandmother’s house they can stop fighting long enough to turn a one-night stand into a frenemies-with-benefits situation.  The house is an archaeological dig of love and dysfunction, and while Oscar thought he was prepared, he wasn’t. It’s impossible to delve so deeply into someone’s past without coming to understand them at least a little, but Oscar has boundaries for a reason—even if sometimes Jack makes him want to break them all down. After all, hating Jack is less of a risk than loving him. 

The Hate Project is another winner from Ripper. I loved getting to know Oscar and Jack- and the honest and open way their personalities and issues are part of the story and never felt like elements added to the story to tick check marks or create unnecessary drama. Oscar's anxiety and depression were very well described, as was the reality that everyone reacts to stimuli differently, and that medication has good and bad aspects including the difficulty of finding the right prescription. Evelyn is a great character, and I enjoyed seeing the group I came to care for in The Love Study again. The character interactions and growth had me fully engaged in the story and wanting more, I really want to know where the whole group goes from here. My only complaint is that I would have like to see at least some of this from Jack's point of view- because there a more than a few moments in the book were I really wanted to know where he was thinking and where he was coming from. 

The Hate Project is a solid romance with great characters. 

Early Book Review: Out of Character by Annabeth Albert

Out of Character by Annabeth Albert is the second book in the True Colors series and is scheduled for release on July 6 2021. You do not have to have read the previous book in order to enjoy this one, but knowing the characters and some history does make it even more enjoyable. 

Milo Lionetti is not a gamer. Not even close. But when a stupid bet costs him his brother's prized cards, he'll do anything to replace them before anyone notices they're gone. To do that, he'll need a little help from the best gamer he knows, who also happens to hate him. Jasper Quigley is known for moonlighting on a popular gaming blog, but he's eager to stop playing the sidekick. The last thing he wants is to help out Milo and dredge up feelings he'd rather forget. But helping Milo comes with some perks, including getting his help running a cosplay event at the local children's hospital. All that forced proximity was not supposed to come with kissing, and definitely not falling in love.

Out of Character is an enemies to lovers romance that hit just the right notes for me. I like that both Milo and Jasper grew in the story- it was not all Milo's changing after not being the greatest guy in the past. They both had to come to terms with their past, their present, and what they wanted from the future. Sometimes in these enemy to lovers stories only one of the characters needs to change for things to work, and I simply loved that growth was seen on all sides. I also adore the depth the author gives to secondary characters- everyone is well fleshed out even if they do not seem to have a big role to play in this story. It makes me want to know even more about them and hope that some might have a role to play in future book in this series- or maybe in one of the author's other series (which I badly need to catch up on). 

Out of Character is exactly what I wanted from this read. It is a must read for fans of the author and series, and a good read for just about everyone else. 

Early Book Review: Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker

Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on January 19 2021. As a Certified Professional Organizer, everything in Paige Parker's world is as it should be. Perfect apartment, perfect office, perfect life. And now, the perfect vacation planned to honor Singles Day. After all, what's better than celebrating her pride in being single? Because who needs a man anyway? They have zero taste in quality television, leave the toilet seat up, and sleep with your best friend. No thanks. Her life is fine just the way it is. As the owner of a now-dormant bed & breakfast, Lucas Croft's life is simple and quiet. It's only him and his five-year-old daughter, which is just the way he likes it. Because who needs a woman anyway? They nag you to clean up your stuff, want the toilet seat put down, and expect the dishes to be done the same day the meal is cooked. No thanks. His life is fine just the way it is. But when Paige books a room that Lucas' well-intentioned sister listed without his knowledge, their two worlds collide. If they can survive the week together, they just might discover exactly what they've both been missing.

Happy Singles Day is a romance that clicks a good number of trope boxes. Single parent, cheated on heroine, animals, small town, stuck together because of a storm, and kind-of enemies to lovers. It is also a closed door, or fade to black romance, so if you prefer more intimate moments to be alluded to rather than spelled out- than aside from some making out and lusty thoughts, here you go. I liked Paige and Lucas as characters, they each have trauma to deal with and are doing the best they can, and I enjoyed watching them find compromise and happiness. Seeing the bad first impression fade while understanding, and attraction, start to take over was nice, and I enjoyed the ride, However, I have to admit that the secondary characters really were my favorite. I want more of Lucas's sister, some of the town residents, and frankly his daughter. I want to know more about Sophie and her bookstore (which I would love to see)  more than I want to know about how Paige and Lucas balance things and move forward, but maybe that's just me. I really did enjoy it while I was reading it, it is only now when I look back that I realize that I want more of and for Sophie.

Happy Singles Day is a sweet romance that has all the feels.

Book Review: Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman

Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman is a contemporary romance. For barista and café owner Sari Tomas, Christmas means parols, family, and no-holds-barred karaoke contests. This year, though, a new neighbor is throwing a wrench in all her best-laid plans. The baker next door—“some fancy boy from Manila”—might have cute buns, but when he tries to poach her customers with cheap coffee and cheaper tactics, the competition is officially on. And Baker Boy better be ready, because Sari never loses. Foodie extraordinaire Gabriel Capras want to prove to his dad that his career choice doesn’t make him any less a man. The Laneways might not be Manila, but the close-knit community is the perfect spot to grow his bakery into a thriving business. He wasn’t expecting a gorgeous adversary in the barista next door, but flirting with her makes his heart race, and it’s not just the caffeine. It’s winner takes all this Christmas. And more than one competitor might just lose their heart for the holidays.

Sweet on You is an enemy to lover romance that that had me craving coffee and food through most of the read. I liked Sari, and could relate to her need to act like everything is fine and project that kind of stability even when she felt like the world was falling down around her. I could also understand Gabriel's family connections and his desire to prove ho9mself even when it should not be necessary. I enjoyed their bickering and pranks with each other even more than I liked each character individually. I always enjoy a good slow burn of fighting attraction and finding a happy ending in spite of fear and emotional baggage after doing a bit of soul searching. I also liked that consent and the emotional wellbeing of other characters was paramount in the minds of Gabriel and Sari even when they were fighting. I was entertained by the read, and while I did not immediately understand some of the phrases used and know the food mentioned by name alone- a little effort on my part gave me a better understanding and appreciation for a culture other than my own. It also left me with a list of foods that I want to try, and some that I want to try and bake over the holidays.

Sweet on You is a romance that is sweet with a a good amount of humor and a dash of heat.

Early Book Review: Her Marine Next Door by Aliyah Burke

Her Marine Next Door by Aliyah Burke is currently scheduled for release on December 14 2020. My next door neighbor Parker Jax is not my type. He’s covered in tats, rides a motorcycle, and his parties keep me up all night. The fact he’s sexy as sin doesn’t change the fact we are oil and water. I’m a quiet artist. He’s a rowdy marine. I’ve got a broken heart. I’m convinced he doesn’t have a heart at all. Thankfully, my bad-boy neighbor is on leave from the Marines for only thirty days. But then the jerk has to go and show me that he has a soft side beneath all those hard muscles. He actually leaves his own party to help me, and he didn’t even have to. I’m not worried, though. What are the chances he’ll need me to do anything before the month is up? But when a woman shows up with a kid at her side, knocking on Parker’s door, it turns out those chances are pretty good.

Her Marine Next Door is a frenemies to love romance. Parker and Skylar do not get along, they spar verbally just about every time the two neighbors interact. The attraction is just as strong as the irritation they seem to cause in each other. They both have more issues tan apparent at first glance, and there are more than are examined in the story. I felt like we got a bit more of Skylar's trauma than Parker's, and I feel like he has some lingering childhood issues based on some of the family interactions in the book. Those that do not like frank words about physical attraction are going to be annoyed right of the bat with this book, but I like the fact that Skylar is honest with herself about her attraction to Parker, even though she has no intention of exploring it at first. I thought some oft he secondary characters were very well built, and I would have liked to know more about most of them. There were some great moments of interaction and self reflection for both Skylar and Parker, and there were other moments that a little flat to me, lacking emotion or depth. I think the ideas were great, but maybe the amount of emotional subplots each needed a substantial amount of attention and there was just too much to give each part the attention it deserved. 

Her Marine Next Door is a solid contemporary romance with several layers and plenty of heat.

Book Review: Simmer Down by Sarah Smith

Simmer Down by Sarah Smith is a contemporary romance. Nikki DiMarco knew life wouldn’t be all sunshine and coconuts when she quit her dream job to help her mom serve up mouthwatering Filipino dishes to hungry beach goers, but she didn’t expect the Maui food truck scene to be so eat-or-be-eaten—or the competition to be so smoking hot. But Tiva’s Filipina Kusina has faced bigger road bumps than the arrival of Callum James. Nikki doesn’t care how delectable the British food truck owner is—he rudely set up shop next to her coveted beach parking spot. He’s stealing her customers and fanning the flames of a public feud that makes her see sparks. The solution? Let the upcoming Maui Food Festival decide their fate. Winner keeps the spot. Loser pounds sand. But the longer their rivalry simmers, the more Nikki starts to see a different side of Callum…a sweet, protective side. Is she brave enough to call a truce? Or will trusting Callum with her heart mean jumping from the frying pan into the fire?

Simmer Down is a well written romance, but one that I had trouble getting lost in. This could very well have been because I read it during election week and the world was more than a little stressful. It took me a while to get into the story, and I did enjoy the heart of it once it got going. I thought the chemistry between Callum and Nikki was well done, and the circumstances that landed them both in food trucks in Maui at the same time were handled well as well. I got a kick out of some of their heated interactions, and understood some of the reluctance for opening up as well. However, I will admit that I was annoyed with Nikki more than once, and I saw the majority of their issues coming. A good conversation rather than avoidance would have been a good start, and not necessarily have wrapped things up too early to make a good story. I did enjoy the read despite my annoyance with Nikki and the distractions from the outside world. Although, it did make me hungry while reading.

Simmer Down is a solid contemporary romance, but I just could not get as engaged in it as much as I hoped.

Early Book Review: The Wedding Date Disaster by Avery Flynn

The Wedding Date Disaster by Avery Flynn is a contemporary romance. Hadley cannot believe she has to go home to Nebraska for her sister’s wedding. She wants a wingman and a whole lot of vodka for this level of family interaction. Her bestie Web agreed he’d man up and help. Too bad he had to catch a different flight, then his plane got delayed, and finally (because bad things always happen in threes) instead of my best friend, his evil twin strolls out of the airport. If you looked up doesn’t-deserve-to-be-that-confident, way-too-hot-for-his-own-good billionaire in the dictionary, you’d find a picture of Will Holt. He’s awful. Horrible. The worst—even if his butt looks phenomenal in those jeans. Ten times worse? My buffer was supposed to be there to keep me away from the million and one family events. But Satan’s spawn just grins and signs us up for every. Single. Thing. Fine. “Cutthroat” Scrabble? I’m in. I can’t wait to take this guy down a notch. But somewhere between Pictionary and the teasing glint in his eyes, our bickering starts to feel like more than just a game.

The Wedding Date Disaster is an enjoyable read with a good number of moments that made me cringe for the characters- in the very best way. Hadley is a planner in the charity circuit, and while she loves her job she does not love the way she is treated. She wants to branch out and start her own business, as soon as money is no longer an issue, but that does not seem in the near future. Her best friend Web, and his twin brother Will, have plenty of money- but Had wants to stand on her own two feet. Sadly, Will has decided that she is a gold digger- and thus the explosive animosity blooms. I loved wanting Hadley and Will both fight the attraction and cling to the animosity they have in order to protect their own hearts. This made the relationship feel like a slow burn, even though the heart of the book takes place in a single week. I also liked that we got the perspectives from both Will and Hadley, it allowed me to have a much fuller picture of how everyone was feeling, and what mistake was coming to throw a wrench in the works. I thought that while the majority of the book was fairly light, the moments that touched on the painful pasts they both had help to make them both more understandable in their fears and coping mechanisms. I just made them more real to me.  I also greatly enjoyed the secondary characters, and hope to read more about Hadley's family and Web at some point in the future. 

The Wedding Date Disaster is a fun enemies to lovers romance with heat and heart. Fans of the author and plenty of "we really shouldn't/ this is a bad idea" will especially enjoy the read.

Early Book Review: The Roommate Problem (Mile High Happiness) by Mariah Ankenman

The Roommate Problem is the third book in the Mile High Happiness series by Mariah Ankenman. While having read the previous books will give you a more rounded understanding of some of the characters, this book can stand up just fine on its own. It is currently scheduled for release on August 10 2020. 

To Moira “Mo” Rossi, the world is full of sunshine, goodness, and happily ever afters—so of course she figures finding the perfect roomie will be easy. But after four creepos who ask if benefits come with the room and one woman who claims she’s a vampire, Mo is officially desperate. So what if the guy she agrees to on paper ends up being the Derrick Downer to her Sally Sunshine in person? She’s the queen of making lemonade. August Porter expected his new roommate Mo to be like him—neat, practical, and oh yeah: male. Not the outrageous hippie with more stars in her eyes than there are in the sky. She’s infuriating, exasperating, his exact opposite in every possible way...and the bright ray of sunshine he didn’t even realize his gray world was missing. Suddenly, falling into bed with his roommate isn’t the worst idea he’s ever heard. Just falling in love with her is. But one of them is keeping a secret that could turn their opposite attraction into utter disaster. 

The Roommate Problem is a sweet and fun read. Mo and August are the quintessential odd couple. Mo is all optimism and joy, while August is very reserved and introverted. I loved seeing them get to know each other better and discover how they balanced and complimented each other. Their growth from rather adversarial roommates to a couple was fun and satisfying to read.  Both Mo and August grew, and their interactions varied from serious to seriously funny.  I will admit that I saw they major conflict coming- from far, far away- and mentally urged different choices several times. However, I think the way it was handle and the character development involved kept it interesting and engaging. 

The Roommate Problem is a solid romance that fans of the author and series will definitely want to read. 

Book Review: Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall is a contemporary romance. Luc O'Donnell is tangentially—and reluctantly—famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything. To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he's never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened. But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that's when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don't ever want to let them go.

Boyfriend Material is a book with everything I love. It is a slow burn, acquaintances to lovers, fake dating, there's only one bed trope filled romance with a slew of fantastic secondary characters that I desperately want to have more of. Luc is a hot mess, and knows it. He is struggling with being a functioning adult while trying to keep everyone at a distance. Oliver is so busy trying to be perfect that he neglects to see what makes him actually happy rather than just doing what everyone expects from him. They seem to be opposites, but they each have family and emotional issues that they need to work on, and they seem to do that best together. I loved the circles of friends for both the guys, and I want more of them all, so much more. The banter was hysterical but also so painfully that it was real. There were feels that made me want to throw things, some that made me want to cry, and others that just had me grinning like a maniac. I think the only issue people could have is if they are completely stymied by the occasional slag and cultural references that they might not get, but that is the only thing I could imagine anyone complaining about- and that would be if they were really reaching for something to complain about. There was so much goodness in this book that I think this has become my go to reread for when I hit a reading slump and need to remember why I love to read. 

Boyfriend Material is a book that hit all the sweet spots and had me grinning through most of the read. There are no enough words to describe the love I have for this book. Now I need to go read everything else from this author!