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- Pitcher Perfect, Tessa Bailey
Story Blurb Boston Bearcats rookie Robbie Corrigan is living the dream. He’s made it to the NHL, his best friend/teammate and fellow “orgasm donor” is his roomie—and the women of Boston love them both. Life is sweet. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige, division 1 softball pitcher, girl least likely to take anyone’s bull…and the one member of the opposite sex immune to his charms. Robbie might be dazzled by the badass pitcher, but Skylar pegs him as a filthy player and wants nothing to do with him. When he discovers she’s carrying a serious torch for her brother’s best friend, Robbie knows he should just go back to clubbing and whipped cream bikini parties, but he can’t seem to leave Skylar to flounder on her romantic quest to land another man. Nor can he miss out on the opportunity to spend time with her and hopefully redeem himself. Before Robbie knows it, he’s agreed to be Skylar’s fake boyfriend/love coach at an upcoming family wilderness competition where her crush will be in attendance. What could go wrong? Through a series of contests that require them to trust each other, Robbie and Skylar grow closer and closer until their fake relationship starts to feel like the realest thing they’ve ever known and the sizzling lessons in sensuality burn out of control. But it’s all just pretend…right? My Thoughts/Opinion As I've mentioned before, I either fall hard for Tessa Bailey's books or they leave me disappointed. Such as it has been for this series. Book 1, good not great. Book 2, phenomenal. Book 3, disappointing. I was anxious about starting this one because I didn't want to be disappointed twice in a row. And I wasn't! This wasn't as good as book 2, but it was surprisingly awesome. Robby Corrigan was NOT a character I was excited to read about. But his transformation in this story, and Skylar's badassery (and weaknesses) were a great combination. I loved this story and their obstacles and although the resolution was a little light, their love for each other and how it was displayed on the page did my little romantic heart good! Now, I'm back to being excited about the next book in this series. Favorite Quote: “Time moved in slow motion as she jumped into his arms, her warm laugh bubbling in his ear. And eventually sighing into his neck when he banded both arms around her and held, locking her curves tight to his frame, his eyes rolling blissfully into the back of his head over the way she fit him, absorbing the perfect feeling of the girl who was going to get away.”
- A Merry Little Meet Cute, Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
Story Blurb Bee Hobbes (aka Bianca Von Honey) has a successful career as a plus-size adult film star. With a huge following and two supportive moms, Bee couldn’t ask for more. But when Bee’s favorite producer casts her to star in a Christmas movie he’s making for the squeaky-clean Hope Channel, Bee’s career is about to take a more family-friendly direction. Forced to keep her work as Bianca under wraps, Bee quickly learns this is a task a lot easier said than done. Though it all becomes worthwhilewhen she discovers her co-star is none other than childhood crush Nolan Shaw, an ex-boy band member in desperate need of career rehab. Nolan’s promised his bulldog manager to keep it zipped up on set, and he will if it means he’ll be able to provide a more stable living situation for his sister and mom. But things heat up quickly in Christmas Notch, Vermont, when Nolan recognizes his new co-star from her ClosedDoors account (oh yeah, he’s a member). Now Bee and Nolan are sneaking off for quickies on set, keeping their new relationship a secret from the Hope Channel’s execs. Things only get trickier when the reporter who torpedoed Nolan’s singing career comes snooping around—and takes an instant interest in mysterious newcomer Bee. And if Bee and Nolan can’t keep their off-camera romance behind the scenes, then this merry little meet cute might end up on the cutting room floor. My Thoughts/Opinion I was looking for one more holiday-themed read and while my previous one was very Hallmark coded, this one was definitely NSFW. While there was plenty of opportunity for sexy funny moments, this book was surprisingly fraught with real life problems that were handled incredibly well. I was expecting a fun romp, but this story was much more than that. I don't know why I was surprised. Both of these authors are fantastic and this story was no exception. Favorite Quote: “Because that’s what love was—more than a word, more than a mountain of the best and noblest intentions in the world. It was saying I’ll be here with you when it feels like nothing else is certain. It was saying Let the storm come, because I’ll never stop holding your hand.”
- Single All the Way, Kate Watson
Story Blurb When a secret billionaire and his obnoxious(ly pretty) upstairs neighbor get stuck together on an elevator, their sparks could light a Christmas tree. Juliet I go through crushes faster than a kid goes through presents on Christmas morning. But when I crash into my annoying(ly hot) nemesis and we get stuck on the elevator during a blackout, the last thing I expect is to develop feelings for him . Nate Cruz is opinionated, a stickler for justice, talks with his hands, and is the space heater keeping me safe while we’re stuck on this freezing metal box. He’s also the first person to ever push past my defense mechanisms and see me as more than “the girl who messes up everything” that my family sees. And when the blackout ends and we’re back in the real world, he’s the first person to ever stand up to my family…for me. Now that I’ve fallen for Nate, I’m determined not to mess up things with him, and I know exactly how: we’ll fake date to get through the holidays. Because a fake relationship can’t leave me brokenhearted on Christmas. Right? Nate Juliet Shippe is the loudest, most obnoxious(ly pretty) upstairs neighbor in the world. But after six hours on an elevator with her, I’m fighting feelings deeper than I’m willing to admit. And after the power is restored and she manages to drag me to my apartment and give me my insulin shot, I’m all in. When Jules suggests I come to her identical twin’s wedding as her “fake date,” I agree, but only if she comes to my ultra ambitious parents' holiday party as my real one. Because I know the truth she’s too scared to admit: she isn’t faking. And I’ll do everything I can to help her realize it. All I want for Christmas is Jules. My Thoughts/Opinion This story was very cute and struck just the right holiday Hallmark-y vibe for me. Very trope filled enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, forced proximity but they all worked well together. Juliet's voice was a little woe is me from time to time, but Nate supported her well through her twisted family dynamics and was a great book boyfriend. I did enjoy the story and might even revisit the series at some point. Favorite Quote: What started as a moment has become the beginning of forever.
- Good Spirits, B.K. Borison
Story Blurb He’s the Ghost of Christmas Past. She’s not exactly Scrooge. Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other—get in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when he’s faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future. Harriet York has no idea why she’s being haunted. She’s a good person—or, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what’s expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together— and realize there might be more to moving on than expected. With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection? Filled with magic, mayhem, and cozy holiday charm, this swoony romance is B.K. Borison’s best yet! My Thoughts/Opinion I have been anticipating this read for months leading up to the holidays. I love B.K. Borison's writing. It feels so smooth and effortless for her to create this believable fantastical scenario. I must admit that the first few chapters read a little slow for me, but once Nolan arrived on scene, my heart was just along for the ride. Some very swoon-worthy, poignant moments, as are this author's stock and trade. Plus plenty of hilarity and joy. I'm carrying around a little bit of the magic from this book in my own heart today. Favorite Quote: “I could spend an eternity studying you and still not know what you might do next. You give so much of yourself, so freely. You're . . . wild with your attentions. Miraculous. I've seen so many lives, Harriet, but I've never seen someone live like you.”
- Brimstone, Callie Hart
Story Blurb Duty. Blood. Honor. Power. Saeris Fane doesn’t want power. The very last thing she needs is her name whispered on an entire court’s lips, but now that she’s been crowned queen of the Blood Court, she’s discovering that a queen’s life is not her own. A heavy weight rests upon her shoulders. Her ward—and her brother—need her back in her homeland…but the changes that have strengthened Saeris have also made her weak. Born under blazing suns, Saeris will surely die if she makes her way home through the Quicksilver. Which means that, once again, she must send someone else in her stead... “Keep your mouth shut. Stick to the shadows. And for the love of all seven Gods, do NOT crack any jokes.” Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate has defeated armies and survived all manner of horrors, but traveling back to Zilvaren with Carrion Swift might just be the death of him. The male just will not shut up. Hidden dangers await them down the narrow alleyways of the Silver City. Unfolding secrets pose impossible threats. Fisher must wrangle the smuggler and accomplish his goals quickly if he wants to see his mate again. A darkness falls across Yvelia. The realm and their friends are in danger. Together, Saeris and Fisher will pass through fire and brimstone to save them. My Thoughts/Opinion Ahhhhh....such a good book to follow Quicksilver. I am in LOVE with the audio versions of these books. The duet narration is so good. And I love that in this book, Saeris and Kingfisher are aligned in the goals. Such incredible world building and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing about what's coming next. And, yes, another incredible cliff hanger that has me very impatiently waiting for the third book in the Fae and Alchemy series. If you're a romantasy fan at all, do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in this very well-written world. Favorite Quote: “Every part. I love all of you.” He blew a dark curl out of his eyes. “I’d spend the fortunes of the universe to protect you. I’d drain the seas dry. Fell every tree. I would sacrifice the sun from the fucking sky and surrender the stars, too, if I could. But those things aren’t mine to give. All I have is my life. It isn’t much, but I’d spend it and consider the price small if it meant keeping you safe.”
- Bride of Fire, Glynnis Campbell
Story Blurb A hot-tempered warrior lass and an unwelcome Highlander fight over a castle, but when he takes her hostage, his tragic tale and his motherless infant kindle a new flame in her heart. Beautiful, hot-tempered warrior maid Jenefer of Rivenloch is used to taking what she wants, whether it’s command of her father’s archers or the castle she’s had her eye on for years. So when a heathen Highlander arrives to claim her prize, she schemes to run him off the land. Formidable Morgan Mor mac Giric proves a challenging foe, foiling her plans and taking her hostage. But as the Highlander reveals his tragic history, her heart softens toward the honorable laird and his motherless infant. And when the past brings a deadly threat to his heir and his clan, she becomes the fiery champion of his heart. My Thoughts/Opinion Who doesn't need a sassy Scottish lass in their lives? It had been a while since I'd read any historical romance and I wanted to get back to my Julie Garwood roots, so I picked this one up. It's the first of three books in series and was exactly what I'd hoped for. The enemies to loves vibe was strong, but there was also the undercurrent of loss and pride that carried this book and the plot right along. I enjoyed the story a lot and will definitely pick up the other books in this series. Favorite Quote: No one could ever fathom what a rare and special gift for deception she had. Nor what a grueling, demanding business it was.
- Tastes Like Shakkar, Nisha Sharma
Story Blurb Bobbi Kaur is determined to plan a celebration to remember for her best friend’s wedding. But she has two problems that are getting in her way: 1. The egotistical, and irritatingly sexy, chef Benjamin “Bunty” Padda is supposed to help her with the menu since he’s the groom’s best friend, and 2. Someone is trying to sabotage the wedding. With aspirations of taking over her family’s event planning business, Bobbi knows that one misstep in managing the Kareena Mann and Prem Verma (#Vermann) party, along with the other weddings on her plate, will only give her uncle another reason not to promote her. That means Kareena’s big day and Bobbi's future career are on the line. Bunty will do anything for his best friend, even though he has his hands full in finding a new location for his next restaurant while also playing mediator between his brother and father, the celebrated Naan King. When Prem asks Bunty to help with the wedding menu, he agrees, especially since it puts him in close proximity to the delicious Bobbi Kaur. When a mystery shaadi saboteur starts leaving threatening notes, and cancelling cake orders, Bunty and Bobbi have no choice but to call a truce and face the volatile attraction they have for each other. Through masquerade fundraisers and a joint bachelor-bachelorette trip to Vegas, this chef and wedding planner explore their growing connection all while trying to plan a wedding at Messina Vineyards in a time crunch. But once the shaadi saboteur is caught and the wedding is over, will their love story have a happily ever after? With the return of the meddling aunties (who are scary good at finding information) and a lot of hilarity and hijinks, Bobbi and Bunty’s romance is an event you don’t want to miss. My Thoughts/Opinion I read Dating Dr. Dil (well, listened to it actually) and absolutely adored it. It had so many laugh out loud moments, that I was really excited to read this book, as the second in this series. Unfortunately, this book didn't contain the same hilarity or magic as the first. I never really connected to either of the main characters, and their relationship felt forced and uncomfortable to me. I want true love that jumps from the pages and, for me, this book wasn't it. Still, I enjoy this author's writing and will definitely pick up something else by her in the future. Favorite Quote: There isn't a single dish that I could make that would taste as good as the both of us together.
- Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid
Story Blurb Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s space shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space. Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easygoing even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warmhearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane. As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe. Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, it all changes in an instant. Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, creating complex protagonists, and telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love—this time among the stars. My Thoughts/Opinion As someone who grew up in the space shuttle era, this book was particularly compelling. Plus it's Taylor Jenkins Reid, so reading it was a no-brainer. Emotional doesn't even begin to describe this read. The characters were so well drawn and complex, they might have very well have been real people. If I had one complaint about the book, the time jumps were a bit tough. While I know why they were used, I kept having to go back to the beginning of the book as I learned more about the characters so that part of the story would have deeper impact and meaning. Still, a great read about a memorable facet of my young life. Favorite Quote: “Because the world had decided that to be soft was to be weak, even though in Joan’s experience being soft and flexible was always more durable than being hard and brittle. Admitting you were afraid always took more guts than pretending you weren’t. Being willing to make a mistake got you further than never trying. The world had decided that to be fallible was weak. But we are all fallible. The strong ones are the ones who accept it.”
- Under Loch and Key, Lana Ferguson
Story Blurb Keyanna “Key” MacKay is used to secrets. Raised by a single father who never divulged his past, it’s only after his death that she finds herself thrust into the world he’d always refused to speak of. With just a childhood bedtime story about a monster that saved her father’s life and the name of her estranged grandmother to go off of, Key has no idea what she’ll find in Scotland. But repeating her father’s mistakes and being rescued by a gorgeous, angry Scotsman—who thinks she’s an idiot—is definitely the last thing she expects. Lachlan Greer has his own secrets to keep, especially from the bonnie lass he pulls to safety from the slippery shore—a lass with captivating eyes and the last name he’s been taught not to trust. He’s looking for answers as well, and Key’s presence on the grounds they both now occupy presents a real problem. It’s even more troublesome when he gets a front row seat to the lukewarm welcome Key receives from her family; the strange powers she begins to develop; and the fierce determination she brings to every obstacle in her path. Things he shouldn’t care about, and someone he definitely doesn’t find wildly attractive. When their secrets collide, it becomes clear that Lachlan could hold the answers Keyanna is after—and that she might also be the key to uncovering his. Up against time, mystery, and a centuries old curse, they’ll quickly discover that magic might not only be in fairy tales, and that love can be a real loch-mess. My Thoughts/Opinion Hands down, my favorite Lana Ferguson book to date. Hilarious is too mild a word and this plot twist in this one still has me thinking about it. I would totally reread this book right now. If you pick up this paranormal romcom, suspend your disbelief and get ready to go on a fantastic ride. Highly recommend! Favorite Quote: “There will always be things in this world that remain unknown to me, but one thing I can know for sure is the way I feel about her. And I know that whenever I'm unable to find my way, she'll be there with an outstretched hand, ready to show me.”
- Wild and Wrangled, Lyla Sage
Story Blurb Camille Ashwood had always loved a plan. Her latest was her best yet. She was going to get married so she could secure her daughter’s future, get her overbearing parents off her back, and finally start building her own life in small-town Meadowlark, Wyoming. Easy, right? But when her groom doesn’t show up to the wedding, Cam’s life is turned upside down—she doesn’t even have a place to live. That is until she finds out the house she’s loved since high school is available to rent. There’s only one problem: the neighbor. Dusty Tucker has spent nearly all of his adult life running. Running from what, though? More like who: Cam Ashwood. But ever since he returned home last year, the girl who was his first, well, everything has become a woman seemingly determined to keep him at arm’s length. And he was okay with that—at least, that’s what he kept telling himself. She was getting married, after all. But now she’s single and living next door. Dusty wants to show her that they can be friends, and that he can stay put. Despite her best attempts to stay far away from Dusty Tucker, Cam realizes that being close to him is like slipping into her favorite jeans. Easy. Comfortable. That is until past wounds start to open and feelings—both old and new—wreak havoc. Nearly ten years after they first met, Dusty and Cam begin to wonder if their first love can also be their last. And this time, will it be forever? My Thoughts/Opinion I love a phoenix heroine who has to rise from the ashes of past mistakes and past hurts. And Camille Ashwood has had plenty of both. She's been an integral character in this series from early on, but her life seemed settled on a certain path until her world blows up around her. Enter Dusty Tucker, her first love. What I loved most about this story is that they really had to work hard to get through the mistakes they both made as younger people to have the opportunity to embrace who they could be now. It was a beautiful way to end this series. Not just for Cam and Dusty but for the beauty, sadness, and joys of Rebel Blue Ranch. I'm so glad I read the whole series! Favorite Quote: “I love you madly and deeply. I love you in ways that people don’t believe exist in real life. I love you for who you’ve been and who you are and who you’re going to be, Ash.”
- Lost and Lassoed, Lyla Sage
Story Blurb Teddy Andersen doesn’t have a plan. She’s never needed one before. She’s always been more of a go-with-the-flow type of girl, but for some reason, the flow doesn’t seem to be going her way this time. Her favorite vintage suede jacket has a hole in it, her sewing machine is broken, and her best friend just got engaged. Suddenly, everything feels like it’s starting to change. Teddy is used to being a leader, but now she feels like she’s getting left behind, wondering if life in the small town she loves is enough for her anymore. Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He doesn’t know what’s harder: taking care of his family’s 8,000 acre ranch, or parenting his spunky six-year-old daughter, who is staying with him for the summer. Gus has always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he has to admit that he can’t manage everything on his own. He needs help. His little sister’s best friend, the woman he can’t stand, is not who he had in mind. But when no one else can step in, Teddy’s the only option he’s got. Teddy decides to use the summer to try and figure out what she wants out of life. Gus, on the other hand, starts to worry that he’ll never find what he needs. Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. As new feelings start to simmer below the surface, they must decide whether they should act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned? My Thoughts/Opinion This was probably my favorite book from the Rebel Blue Ranch series. I've loved brash Teddy from the first pages of the first book and have been looking forward to her eventual crash and burn and rebirth with grumpy Gus Ryder. This book rode the perfect line of enemies to lovers and allowed both Teddy and Gus to be true to themselves while growing into a beautiful HEA. Some great steamy bits and, even better, some amazing heartfelt moments. Favorite Quote: “He was just so…grumpy. Men who are that good-looking should not be allowed to be such assholes. It was false advertising.”
- Swift and Saddled, Lyla Sage
Story Blurb The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career. When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can’t seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she’ll never see him again . . . except it turns out he’s her new boss. Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family’s ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. It’s too bad she wants absolutely nothing to do with him outside of work. Ada is convinced the pull she feels toward Wes will go away, but Wes can’t stop thinking about her. Even though walls are coming down around Rebel Blue, Ada’s walls are firmly in place. Can they make it through this project without giving in? Or will they both put their dreams on the line for a chance at love? My Thoughts/Opinion Ah, Wes is just the best. Honestly, such a good book boyfriend. I stumbled back into Rebel Blue Ranch after reading the first book in the series several months ago. I thought it was fine, but was in no big hurry to get back to the universe. But I'm so glad I did. Each subsequent book got better and better. I love Ada's guarded heart and how hard Wes works to help her learn to trust again. There's nothing earth-shattering about this story but it warmed my heart in all the best ways. Also, loved getting to know the side characters in this world even more in this second book. Favorite Quote: “You're the moon and I’m the tides. You pull me in without even trying, and I come to you willingly. I always will.”












