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Story Blurb Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her. Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom she calls home—she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets. But nothing comes for free, especially magic. When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure the kingdom of the dark magic infecting it. Except the highwayman just so happens to be the King’s own nephew, Captain of the Destriers…and guilty of high treason. He and Elspeth have until Solstice to gather twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly, darkly, taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him. My Thoughts/Opinion I listened to this book on audio and, in retrospect, I think it is a better experience to read the book, or do a tandem read/listen. So much of this story is tied to Providence Cards and their magic that understanding it is tricky when just listening. But the story itself is compelling. It's a quest journey at its heart, sprinkled with romance between Elspeth and Ravyn Yew. The depth of the story is what hooked me. And the monster. Such a good book, along with Two Twisted Crowns, the second in the duology. If you're in the mood to sink into a story with darkness at its heart and hope fighting at the fringes, I highly recommend this one. Favorite Quote: “There once was a girl,” he murmured, “clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King—a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same: “The girl, the King… and the monster they became.”

Story Blurb Maya Killgore is twenty-three and still in the process of figuring out her life. Conor Harkness is thirty-eight, and Maya cannot stop thinking about him. It’s such a cliché, it almost makes her heart implode: older man and younger woman; successful biotech guy and struggling grad student; brother’s best friend and the girl he never even knew existed. As Conor loves to remind her, the power dynamic is too imbalanced. Any relationship between them would be problematic in too many ways to count, and Maya should just get over him. After all, he has made it clear that he wants her gone from his life. But not everything is as it seems—and clichés sometimes become plot twists. When Maya’s brother decides to get married in Taormina, she and Conor end up stuck together in a romantic Sicilian villa for over a week. There, on the beautiful Ionian coast, between ancient ruins, delicious foods, and natural caves, Maya realizes that Conor might be hiding something from her. And as the destination wedding begins to erupt out of control, she decides that a summer fling might be just what she needs—even if it’s a problematic one. My Thoughts/Opinion Although age-gap romance isn't my favorite trope, it can be really good if done well. I became invested in Maya and Conor when they were side characters in Not in Love. Plus, I'll read anything Ali Hazelwood writes. Though Maya comes off a little petulant at times and Conor comes off a bit too angsty, I enjoyed the path they took to find each other. Not as good as Not in Love, in my opinion, but still worth the read. Favorite Quote: “I have never wanted anything as desperately, as ungovernably, as persistently as I want you. Not a single goddamn thing. Not my dead mother back. Not revenge. Not the well-being of the people I love. Not professional success, not even my own happiness. Absolutely nothing has consumed me as mercilessly as you have.”

Story Blurb A forbidden, secret affair proves that all’s fair in love and science—from New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood. Rue Siebert might not have it all , but she has enough : a few friends she can always count on, the financial stability she yearned for as a kid, and a successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most promising start-ups in the field of food science. Her world is stable, pleasant, and hard-fought. Until a hostile takeover and its offensively attractive front man threatens to bring it all crumbling down. Eli Killgore and his business partners want Kline, period. Eli has his own reasons for pushing this deal through—and he’s a man who gets what he wants. With one burning exception: Rue. The woman he can’t stop thinking about. The woman who's off-limits to him. Torn between loyalty and an undeniable attraction, Rue and Eli throw caution out the lab and the boardroom windows. Their affair is secret, no-strings-attached, and has a built-in deadline: the day one of their companies will prevail. But the heart is risky business—one that plays for keeps. My Thoughts/Opinion Oh, the yearning in this book! These characters were undeniably quirky and broken, so smart and so complicated. It was incredibly easy to lose myself in this story. The steamy, no strings hotness of this book was unexpected and off the charts. But what made this story for me was how vulnerable Rue and Eli had to get to finally get their real HEA. So real and raw. And the deception that lies at the core of this story just adds another level of greatness. You won't regret picking up this book. Favorite Quote: “And I’m going to—I’m going to want to see you every day. I’m going to learn more dishes and pack your lunch and write cute little notes on it. I’m going to ask you if you want to sleep at your place or mine and always assume that we’re spending the night together. I’m going to think about you all the damn time. I’m going to assume I’m watering your plants when you’re out of town. I’m going to hold your hand in public. I’m going to kiss you in public. I’m going to organize surprise parties for you with your friend. I’m going to send a hundred texts per day with stupid online shit I think you should see. Clingy as fuck, Rue. Can you do it? Can you live with me as your boyfriend?”

Story Blurb Felicity “Fizzy” Chen is lost. Sure, she’s got an incredible career as a beloved romance novelist with a slew of bestsellers under her belt, but when she’s asked to give a commencement address, it hits her: she hasn’t been practicing what she’s preached. Fizzy hasn’t ever really been in love. Lust? Definitely. But that swoon-worthy, can’t-stop-thinking-about-him, all-encompassing feeling? Nope. Nothing. What happens when the optimism she’s spent her career encouraging in readers starts to feel like a lie? Connor Prince, documentary filmmaker and single father, loves his work but when his profit-minded boss orders him to create a reality TV show, putting his job on the line, Connor is out of his element. Desperate to find his romantic lead, a chance run-in with an exasperated Fizzy offers Connor the perfect solution. What if he could show the queen of romance herself falling head-over-heels for all the world to see? Fizzy gives him a hard pass—unless he agrees to her list of demands. When he says yes, and production on The True Love Experiment begins, Connor wonders if that perfect match will ever be in the cue cards for him, too. My Thoughts/Opinion I have been so looking forward to reading Fizzy's story since The Soulmate Equation. I love watching a character who is so put together and seems to have life by the throat go through crisis and be forced to grow into something new. I also love the single dad trope, so this one had me from the first page. The slow burn romantic tension was first class and getting to see both Fizzy and Connor stand for each other by the end of the story was fantastic. I highly recommend anything by Christina Lauren but this one is one of my faves. Favorite Quote: “My grandparents have been married for over sixty years, and when my grandma walks into the room, my grandpa looks at her like he’s still nineteen and trying to figure out how the prettiest girl in school is giving him the time of day.” He laughs. “I want that. To be as head over heels in love at eighty as I was at thirty. To be together and just… feel joy.”

Story Blurb Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her “princess of pop” image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome . . . Rome, Kentucky, that is. When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn’t have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He’s too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room—but only until her car is fixed—then she’s on her own. Then Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose—she’s Amelia: kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. He can’t help but get close to her. Soon she’ll have to return to her glamorous life on tour, but until then, Noah will show Amelia all the charming small-town experiences she’s been missing, and she’ll help him open his heart to more. Amelia can’t resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually. My Thoughts/Opinion This story had everything you could want in a soft grumpy/sunshine rom-com. I loved Noah and Amelia, Noah's sisters, and the whole town of Rome, KY. Poignant at times, there was a depth to the writing I hadn't expected which only added to the richness of the story. Also, this book is a great setup for the stories of the sisters, which continues the series. Favorite Quote: “Care is reckless because it doesn’t come with the seat belt that selfishness offers. Care has so much to lose, and almost always ends in heartbreak.”

Story Blurb Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t. They broke up five months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends. Which is how they find themselves sharing a bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blissful week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most. Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they’ll all have together in this place. They can’t stand to break their friends’ hearts, and so they’ll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It’s a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week…in front of those who know you best? My Thoughts/Opinion This is probably my least favorite Emily Henry novel. I liked the complexity of the undercurrents in several of the relationships between this group of friends and how they eventually boiled to the surface. But as far as the romance went, I struggled with the conflict between Harriet and Wyn because it felt so easily overcome-able. Still, great writing. Of course. I enjoyed the story overall and was truly satisfied with the ending. Favorite Quote: “You're like gravity. Everything keeps spinning, but my mind's always got one hand on you.”

Story Blurb One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming... Nora Stephens' life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby. Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute. If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves. My Thoughts/Opinion One of Emily Henry's greatest writing gifts is to create incredible empathy for her characters, especially ones who might be deemed unlovable. Definitely the case for Charlie and especially for Nora. But for anyone who has ever put their lives on hold for the good of someone else, this book will break you in all the best ways. Nora and Charlie are ultimately a fantastic partnership. I loved every page of this story, even the ones that made me tear up. Favorite Quote: “So if you’re the ‘wrong kind of woman,’ then I’m the wrong kind of man.”

Story Blurb Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love. Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy. They have nothing in common. She’s a wild child; he wears khakis. She has insatiable wanderlust; he prefers to stay home with a book. And somehow, ever since a fateful car share home from college many years ago, they are the very best of friends. For most of the year they live far apart—she’s in New York City, and he’s in their small hometown—but every summer, for a decade, they have taken one glorious week of vacation together. Until two years ago, when they ruined everything. They haven't spoken since. Poppy has everything she should want, but she’s stuck in a rut. When someone asks when she was last truly happy, she knows, without a doubt, it was on that ill-fated, final trip with Alex. And so, she decides to convince her best friend to take one more vacation together—lay everything on the table, make it all right. Miraculously, he agrees. Now she has a week to fix everything. If only she can get around the one big truth that has always stood quietly in the middle of their seemingly perfect relationship. What could possibly go wrong? My Thoughts/Opinion The format of this book reminded me loosely of Maisey Yates' Other People's Weddings. You don't really get the details of what happened in the "bad year" until late in the book but it's always out there, the shoe waiting to drop. I loved Alex and Poppy so much. I loved how they both had to get honest to get what they ultimately wanted. I always say I'm not a friends to lovers lover but I keep getting proven wrong. This one has my heart for sure. Favorite Quote: “I wish I could bottle this moment and wear it as a perfume. It would always be with me. Everywhere I went, he’d be there too, and so I’d always feel like myself.”

Story Blurb Aurora is caught between powerful alphas as they fight for the Wolf Throne. But darker forces are rising. . . Aurora may have survived the Wolf King, but his bite marks her skin. In accordance with wolf law, that makes her his property. Now, he wants her back. To beat him and take his throne, Aurora and Callum must form a dangerous alliance with one of the most feared Wolves in the Kingdom, Blake. He is their enemy, but he has entangled his life with Aurora’s—meaning she cannot harm him without forfeiting her own life. As she fights to break their connection, she suspects Blake is keeping secrets about a dark power that rises in the north, and the unsettling nature of the bond between them. It seems there is a bigger game at play than who sits on the Wolf Throne—one that threatens both the Kingdom of Wolves, and the Kingdom of Men. With her wolf awakening, enemies closing in, relationships tested, and secrets revealed—Aurora may be the only one who can stop an ancient evil from rising. If she can figure out who to trust. If she can figure out where she, and her heart, belong. If she can stay alive. My Thoughts/Opinion This second book in the series absolutely lived up to my expectation. The story has way more layering and the character development of Callum, Aurora, and especially Blake made this such a quick read. Darkness is winning and I can't wait for the final book in this trilogy. Favorite Quote: “What?" Almost delicately, he takes a strand of my hair and tucks it behind my ear. The gentleness is at odds with the look in his eye, and what is going on behind me. My breath catches. “It’s just a dream,” he says. “We don’t have to do it my way. I can be gentle, if you like.” My mouth dries. “Blake. . .” He cups my face in both hands. “Let me have you. Just once. Please.”

Story Blurb When a princess is kidnapped by an alpha, war rages between the humans and the wolves. But soon, forbidden attraction starts to grow. . . Princess Aurora longs to escape the castle and the marriage that has been arranged for her. But on the night before her wedding, at a dog fight where captured werewolves are made to fight for sport, she spares the life of a young wolf. It puts her on the radar of the powerful alpha who was going to kill him. And it changes everything. That night, when the alpha escapes, he kidnaps her and takes her to the rugged lands north of the border—where the once warring werewolf clans are beginning to unite. He thinks that she is the key to winning the war against the humans. Only, as they spend time around one another, forbidden attraction starts to grow. And as Aurora learns that not all wolves are bad, the alpha discovers that she is in danger from both his enemies, and those he once considered friends. With monsters on both sides, a bloodthirsty war between humans and wolves raging, and undeniable passion growing between them—will their story end in love? Or tragedy? And will Aurora ever get home? Does she even want to? My Thoughts/Opinion This story had more depth than I expected. I am intrigued by Aurora and Callum's relationship but I have real (possibly irrational) fears that they won't ultimately be together by the end of the series. I don't know if that's true, but there is A LOT going on behind the scenes. I love a good morally gray character, but Blake is ambiguous on so many levels, I'm still not sure where all of this will land. This series is a trilogy and The Wolf King, as book one, definitely had me ready to keep reading. Favorite Quote: “I’ll learn to fight. I’ll make my own stories, rather than be the side character in the stories of kings.”

Story Blurb Book One - Consider Me For a shot at love, he’ll do whatever it takes… Carter Beckett is the NHL’s best player—both on and off the ice. His career is at its peak, his friends are performing better than ever, and there’s no shortage of women to spend the night with. What more could he want? Olivia Parker isn’t new to professional hockey players, thanks to her best friend’s boyfriend, but she has no interest in dating one herself—no matter how hot he is. And anyway, she loves working as a teacher and hanging out with her best friend, drama-free. Why would she want to spend her time stroking the ego of an arrogant athlete? But once Carter meets Olivia, he can’t think of anything else. Too bad for him, Olivia is hellbent on keeping him at arm’s length, with no intention of giving into his charms. Perhaps it’s time for Carter to up his game…after all, nobody said he had to play fair. Sparks will fly as Carter does whatever it takes for Olivia to consider him. Book Two - Play With Me He’s found the perfect person—but she’s the only one he can’t be with… Garrett Andersen knows that playing professional hockey requires absolute dedication to the rules. There’s just one rule he’s finding difficult to follow: stay away from his captain’s younger sister. As a professional dancer, Jennie Beckett knows what it takes to excel. She prides herself on being every bit as confident and bold as her brother, sassy as hell, and the only person in charge of her pleasure. No wonder Garrett can’t stay away from her—even if he forgets how to form sentences whenever she’s around. Jennie would rather avoid her brother’s teammate, especially after several embarrassing run-ins, but suddenly they’re neighbors. And as the connection between them grows, Garrett and Jennie decide to have some fun, no strings attached. Between their busy schedules and her brother’s disapproval, they know keeping things casual and low-key is the smartest play. But what if their feelings get in the way? After all, they’re only supposed to be playing with each other… Book 3 - Unravel Me Can he leave the past behind to forge the future he’s always wanted? When it comes to dating, Adam Lockwood wouldn’t know luck if it hit him in the face. After a failed relationship and a string of dates gone wrong, the thought of being vulnerable with someone is terrifying—most women only see his fame. But when his dog runs into Rosie Wells, a beautiful woman with a blush as pink as her hair, she doesn’t seem to have a clue who he is, and Adam seizes the opportunity as a chance to finally be himself. Rosie has her hands full as a single mother and fourth-year veterinary student, and she certainly wouldn’t know a hockey player if she ran into one. She doesn’t have time to date, and she’s fiercely protective of her little family. But when a chance encounter leads her to Adam, she knows it’s worth risking her heart. The only problem? Adam is used to wearing a mask—he’s a goalie, after all. And as he holds onto a secret that threatens to unravel him and destroy his new family, they’re both at risk of losing more than ever before. Book 4 - Fall With Me It was supposed to be a one-night stand. But what if they can’t leave it in the past? Jaxon Riley is exceptional at three things: starting fights on the ice, picking up women post-game, and going home to fulfill his role as the world’s best cat dad. Relationships, unfortunately, missed the list. Lennon Hayes is supposed to be on her honeymoon. Instead, she’s alone and single, vacationing next door to a surly tattooed man who ran his date off the resort. When a run-in at the bar results in a night of bickering and cocktails, she finds herself tumbling into bed with the enemy next door, then sneaking out before the sun comes up. Lennon’s plan to start over in a new city is going great, until she starts her new job. The job? The Vancouver Vipers’ new photographer. And the defenseman scowling at her from across the room? The one-night stand she wasn’t supposed to see again. Good thing neither of them are looking for anything serious… Right? Jaxon may not be used to falling, but if he’s going to go, he refuses to go alone. If he falls, he wants Lennon to fall with him. My Thoughts/Opinion This series has been super popular on Tiktok which isn't usually where I get my books recs from, but I just kept seeing it (and I thought the covers were pretty) so I grabbed the first 4 books in the series on audio and fell in love with the Vancouver Vipers. The books got better as I went. The first two books of the series felt a little long for me, like they should have and could have resolved sooner. I also didn't feel a super deep connection with the backstories/trauma of the heroines of the first two books. Books three and four were definitely my favorites of the series. What I did enjoy about all of the books was the banter and the absolute alpha male speak, so on point and hilarious. I also love how much the characters all show up in each other's books and lives so I got a chance to really get to know all of them. I'm patiently waiting for the 5th and final book in the series to come up later this year. It's already in my TBR pile. If you're looking for found family, a little bit of hockey with your romance, and some hot scenes, you should put this series in your TBR too! Favorite Quote: “She’s like…waking up on Christmas morning when you’re three years old and you finally understand what it’s all about. She’s the moment the rain stops and the sun comes out, lighting up the sky with color, and everything smells new and fresh. She’s the first skate on a frozen lake, surrounded by snowy mountains and pine trees and the freshest breath of air. She’s rolling over in the middle of the night, pulling that warm body into yours and curling around it, and everything’s just right.”

Story Blurb If Poppy Love could just avoid Ryan Clark, her life would be fine . The brooding photographer hated her on sight when they met at twelve years old, and the feeling is mutual. And yet somehow he's always . . . there: Poppy's first wedding as a cake designer, the second wedding when a bear ate her cake, and then there was the fifth wedding when. . . well, it's probably best not to mention it, actually. Now her best friend is getting married and moving to the other side of the world. And as if that impossible heartbreak wasn't awful enough, Poppy, as Maid of Honor, is about to be stuck with Ryan for the whole wedding trip to New Zealand, because of course he's the Best Man. Perhaps it's time to finally call a truce. Or perhaps it's time Poppy admitted the heat between them isn't truly hate , at all... My Thoughts/Opinion This was my first Maisey Yates book and I LOVED it!! Oh my gosh. I have slept on her for way too long. Poppy and Ryan, their backstory, their chemistry, their banter. Swoon City. It was a perfect poolside listen. Other people's reviews of the written version say that the writing is choppy and fragmented, but as an audiobook I didn't encounter any of those "on the page" issues and had a great experience! Favorite Quote: "Love is scary. It's Shark Week, Ryan. Maybe that's why we're all so fascinated by it. You can't care about something or someone with the whole of your being and not risk something. Because the idea of losing something that means everything to you is scary."