Dough You Love Me? by Stacy Travis

January 22, 2025Book ReviewContemporary romance, Donner Bakery, Small town romance, SmartyPants Romance, Stacy Travisskyebjenner

Title: Dough You Love Me?
Author: Stacy Travis & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Donner Bakery #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

This is my first every Stacy Travis story, but not my first SmartyPants Romance book. I love how dives into this world inevitably lead to a new author to obsess over… and add to my overgrowing TBR. In this revisit to Green Valley, Julia and Shane are able to get their second chance at a first chance to be together. It’s a really cute story in which they are able to revisit and forgive the past, and recognise the mistakes of stupidity and youth. I love that this second chance romance isn’t really about two people who have managed to couple up before. Rather, they missed their shot the first time around, and are trying to figure out what they want and how to go forwards this time.

As teenagers, we’re all insecure. I mean, I think as adults, we’re all insecure about something. But, as teenagers, this sense of lacking self-confidence is even more severe. I love that Stacy Travis writes a story in which the biggest mistake of the past is that they let their insecurities get the better of them. Yet, these mistakes are exactly what encourage both Julia and Shane to grasp their lives with both hands and gain control. It helps them to grow into who they need to become, before happily and lovingly committing to one another and finding their happily ever after.

Although this was a romance, I really enjoyed that it was a story about finding one’s happy place. For some, this is the value of money and, for a long time, that was the case for Julia. To build her empire and to create a legacy that she could be proud of. Rather than this never being her dream, it is just one dream of many. I love that Shane helps her to try and find a new dream to aim for. Plus, whilst accomplishments are wonderful and something to be proud of, it’s not about the accolades and being known, but about what we have to say goodbye to. It’s about the friends, the family and enjoying every day. However, Travis writes this in such a way that you also know that to live everyday for those around you, you actually have to have the money and the means to do so.

As with every book I’ve had the pleasure of reading in the SmartyPants Romance Universe, I absolutely adored this book. It was fun and light, and revisited characters that I absolutely adore (it’s also inspired me to go back and read the original Penny Reid books). Plus, alongside the romance and the soul searching that I honestly couldn’t get enough of was food. The making and baking of bread. The love and joy that goes into making food and sharing it with others. I was not only hungry reading this, but pleasantly happy with the idea of two people finding their happily ever after together.

<- No Whisk No Reward

Tough Cookie ->

Image source: Goodreads

Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh ReRead

January 21, 2025Book ReviewNalini Singh, Paranormal Romance, Psy-Changeling, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Hostage to Pleasure ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2008

It might be my second read through, but I still absolutely adore the fact that Dorian gets his happily ever after. He’s such a broken boy throughout the first few books in this series. So it’s really nice that he gets a happily ever after moment. Not only within his romantic life, but also within his shapeshifting reality. Dorian’s painful past is kind of healed by the occurrences within Hostage to Pleasure. And it doesn’t matter how many times I read this, I’m head over heels and happy each and every time I reread this.

I really love the idea of a snipper and a scientist working together. They are both incredibly logical and analytical beings who are laser focused in their chosen fields. I really loved that although, on the surface, the two seem very different, they are, in fact, very similar in their approach to their goals. I honestly only picked up on how similar Ashaya and Dorian are on this read through. Before, I just enjoyed the adventure, but some of the relationship nuances became all that much clearer. Likewise, the nuances to Ashaya’s relationships with Kennan and her sister are a little more intriguing on my third read through. It’s all a little messed up and convoluted. I can’t wait to pick up more aspects of these relationships on my next read through (which will happen because I constantly read these books).

Hostage to Pleasure furthers the evil and the rebellion within the PsyNet. But, it also helps to heal Dorian from the tragedies of Slave to Sensation. I love all of the little threads of insanity that are being revealed. The reflection of Ashaya and her twin of the insanity that is poisoning the PsyNet is beautifully and fantastically symbolic. The fact that this book also closes out some of the predictions that Faith made in Visions of Heat. It also starts to highlight the strength of the growing relationship between DarkRiver and SnowDancer. Again, I felt like Hostage to Pleasure was all about the different relationships and how they are growing and changing, set alongside the evils of the PsyNet and the destruction that Silence has reaped upon it’s people.

This novel included not only a great copy at its helm, but also a lot of cameos of different characters throughout. I particularly loved that this is the first book that Mercy is seen and you get to know her that little bit more. There are a number of characters that I wanted to get to know more or get a little more insight into their happily ever afters. Hostage to Pleasure is the first of these to really start to delve into that trend which gets repeated throughout the series. Frequently showing the happily ever afters as they occur, rather than just riding off into the sunset. Something I seriously love about this romance series.

<- Stroke of Enticement ReRead

Dorian ReRead ->

Image source: Pinterest

Crossroads by Moira Rogers

January 20, 2025Book ReviewMoira Rogers, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, Shapeshifters, Southern Arcanaskyebjenner

Title: Crossroads
Author: Moira Rogers
Series: Southern Arcana #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2009

I finally ended up caving in the past month and getting Kindle Unlimited. Mostly so I could finish off the series like Southern Arcana – ones that I have started, and then don’t have access to on Kobo. I’m incredibly grateful that I caved too. I honestly couldn’t put this book down at all. It was brilliant and unforgettable. Plus, unlike some of the happier stories I’ve been reading, it was dark and filled with horrible twists and turns. It meant that I want to dive into Deadlock even more because there are so many parts of the tale unfinished. But, it also hurt my heart a little the way in which Derek and Nick are put through their paces in their new relationship.

Even though this novel might have been about Nick and Derek’s love story, I also spent the entirety of this wanting Michelle to get her happily ever after. After all, she’s being punished for the powers she was born with. And not allowed to have a romantic entanglement because people want to control her. Nick might try everything she can think of for her twin’s happily ever after. But, you can tell from the beginning and the foreshadowing that things are not all going to end in a positive manner. Yet, even with the knowledge that there is going to be a tragedy, I was still surprised and horrified. Rogers may have even managed to bring a tear or two to my eye.

I absolutely adored gaining the insight into the Council and their far reaching arm in this story. It was a bit chilling considering all of the parallels I can draw to our own powers that be. But I also love how they kind of feel like they’re being set up for a fall in this series. I really want to read more of this series to see how their mistakes of being overly controlling are going to come back and bite them in the butt. Plus, now that Nick and Michelle manage to escape some of the nonsense that they grew up surrounded by, there is a whole lot more change on the way. Change that is going to produce some more amazing and fun stories down the road.

Southern Arcana is a world built with a number of different paranormal beings running free. I love that they are of a variety of different groups and types, and each subgroup has their own subculture. The fact that these guys all team up and try to stop injustices in their own way was absolutely gorgeous. I also love that the destructive side of empathy is touched upon, with lots of hints for the stories that are to come. Derek’s plight of getting used to being a shifter is part of this journey, letting each and every character in this to grow and become who they want to be.

<- Crux

Zola’s Pride ->

Image source: Amazon

My Lucky #13 by Piper Rayne

January 19, 2025Book ReviewContemporary romance, Hockey Hotties, Piper Rayne, Sports romanceskyebjenner

Title: My Lucky #13
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Hockey Hotties #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

I knew from the very first moment reading about Aiden and Saige in Countdown to a Kiss that I was going to love their story. I mean, they are just way too cute. And sweet. And just all of the things that I love in a good couple. The fact that they build their relationship on friendship and respect just made me love them all that much more. The fact that they are able to build this relationship with each other when they are dealing with an overriding lust for one another… it was honestly an impossible book to put down.

I’ve heard about superstitions in pro athletes, but I love how Piper Rayne was able to take this idea and give you a superstition that wasn’t quite what I expected. Having a drink thrown in the face of lucky #13 was hilarious. And it was downright joyful just to see how everyone reacted to a superstition which isn’t exactly glorious. Plus, it gives you a beautiful Meet Cute. And it also leads to Saige really recognising how much of an inconsiderate fool Joran is at times. Particularly when he just… is okay with Aiden and Saige travelling around the country together with no second thoughts.

This was one of those romances where I thought the biggest challenge would be the couple actually getting together. And I was ridiculously excited when they did… only to realise just how much of this book was left. They’re a great couple, and seeing that plenty of the book was left just made me realise that there was more than one road bump in the way. That final twist was incredibly sad and hurt my heart a whole lot. But, I love how they still found their way to each other and created their own happily ever after, moving past the nonsense of the past.

Not only was My Lucky #13 a wonderful read, but it beautifully set up the drama that is to come for Maksim and Ford. This showed the brotherhood of the hockey teams, the high stakes of being a professional athlete. And also the trouble two of Aiden’s best friends are about to find themselves in. Drama that is going to be absolutely delicious to read (and probably impossible to put down too).

<- Countdown to a Kiss

The Trouble with #9 ->

Image source: Kobo

The Mistletoe Trap by Eve Pendle

January 18, 2025Book ReviewChristmas, Eve Pendle, Faking Stitch, Historical romance, Regency romance, Twelve Lords for Christmasskyebjenner

Title: The Mistletoe Trap
Author: Eve Pendle
Series: Faking Stitch #1
In: Twelve Lords for Christmas (Miscellaenous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Not only is this a second chance romance, but also a regency romance set at Christmas time. It is really cute and filled with the typical misunderstandings of a second chance romance. Amelia and Robert are also immensely likeable and unforgettable. The perfect couple to lead this story. One that left me smiling and feeling nostalgic for Christmases that I haven’t even experienced!

The Mistletoe Trap is a holiday novella with lots and lots of kisses under the mistletoe (which is of little surprise considering the title). Plus, it is a key part of the actual storyline. Kisses denied and given under the mistletoe being the driver for their story. I also love that, although this is a regency romance novella, it’s one that doesn’t take a simpering woman as a lead. Rather, Amelia is able to take charge of her own life after being snubbed by Robert. She might not have had the original romance that she wanted, but she managed to find happiness in her own life anyway.

This is a great historical romance that takes place at Christmas. It is all about new beginnings and saying goodbye to the mistakes of the past. Although Amelia and Robert might end up trapped into their new happily ever after. It’s ultimately what they both want, and they are well equipped to set off into a beautiful happily ever after with one another. A simple and joyous read that left me smiling and relaxed.

<- A Cup of Cheer

A Most Inconvenient Earl ->

Image source: Larissa Lyons

Midnight Dance by Alexa Padgett

January 17, 2025Book ReviewAlexa Padgett, Contemporary romance, Rockstar romance, Seattle Soundskyebjenner

Title: Midnight Dance
Author: Alexa Padgett
Series: Seattle Sound #10
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Rockstar romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

As often happens with my introduction to a new author and a new series, I didn’t read the first book first, but rather the tenth in the Seattle Sound series. And even if it gives hints of a few of the other couples in this story, I regret nothing. I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait to dive further into the Seattle Sound series. And whichever books are going to follow on. I mean, this was wonderful and kind of impossible to put down.

Colt and Tawny are a little bit instalove for me, I mean, I’m not normally into the instalove kind of vibe. But, somehow, they make it work really nice. They get to know one another in some of the harshest and most challenging conditions. And, whilst they are racing to save each others’ lives and unravel a whole heap of mysteries, they also find their way to one another. Plus, there’s a lovely amount of lust and slightly intense bedroom activity that made their romance all that much more fun to read.

I love that this is a romantic suspense that leads to Tawny solving the biggest mystery of her life, just who killed her father. Plus, she’s an ethical hacker working for the FBI, so there’s all sorts of action and drama that unfolds. The entire story, I’m not entirely sure who I trust in her life, and it was a whole lot of fun unravelling the many, many mysteries. Plus, there’s all of the interconnections to Colt’s life and his past romance. I can’t figure out if I love reading more about the ethical hacker on the run from a psycho, or the microbiology professor being dragged into the mess too.

I adored absolutely everything about this story, I did read it thinking that it was a Christmas tale (it was downloaded from kobo under the A Moonlit Serenade title, not Midnight Dance). But, I’m definitely not disappointed about the mix up. I just hope that the rest of the books in this series are just as good! Although, maybe not with so many hijinks and shenanigans, overcoming the odds was great. But I do occasionally need to sleep at night and be a responsible adult.

<- Moonshine Eyes

More Alexa Padgett ->

Image source: Kobo

Good Guy by Kate Meader

January 16, 2025Book ReviewContemporary romance, Kate Meader, Rookie Rebels, Sports romanceskyebjenner

Title: Good Guy
Author: Kate Meader
Series: Rookie Rebels #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance,
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

I really like that this is a bit of a second chance romance story, and also the best friends’ girl story. I mean, Levi has been in love with Jordan from the very beginning, even though she ended up marrying his best friend. Somehow, he made something that may be frowned upon less cringey, and kind of sweet. Plus, he is just so damn stoic throughout this. Don’t get me wrong, all of the angst throughout this was a little bit difficult to read. But also completely beautiful and made me want to keep turning the pages, even when I should’ve been sleeping.

Jordan’s expose and attempt to gain equality in an inequal world is kind of fantastic. Plus, I love the journey of how she gets there and how she realises that she needs to actually write this piece. It’s terrifyingly familiar many of the microaggressions which Jordan experiences. And the battles she faces to try and change the status quo. I absolutely adored the show of strength and spine of steel that she displays in her battle to try and find a way for the world to be just a little bit more just. Particularly within the realm of a male-dominated sphere. The fact that her expose touches upon dramas that have happened in the Chicago Rebels series just made me want to read them all that much more.

There is something about a good hockey romance that I’m really into lately. I don’t even get the chance to watch the sport, but I am completely intrigued by it. I’ve literally only ever seen one game in my entire life, so I definitely want more of this in my life. But, Australia. But I digress, I love the idea of hockey players and the romances that follow. Plus, there’s the whole problematic nature of having a relationship with someone who is a professional / celebrity athlete. Like many of the stories that fill my shelves, it’s the external stressors that challenge Jordan and Levi, the nature of his celebrity and how they can fit together into the world.

Expanding on the problematic nature of celebrity athletes, I love the fact that Levi chooses to join the army instead of dealing with the celebrity. He recognises the damage that fame can do upon somebody’s growing psyche at a young age. And the fact that he realised that he needed to grow up is completely admirable. It made me absolutely adore him, even in those moments when I just shook my head at his nonsense. I mean, this is such an adorable romance, but one with a little bit of extra meat to the characters. Things like Levi joining the army to make sure he doesn’t become yet another spoilt athlete made it impossible not to love.

<- More Kate Meader

Instacrush ->

Image source: Goodreads

Half-Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire

January 15, 2025Book ReviewInCryptid, Paranormal Fantasy, Seanan McGuire, Strong Women, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Half-Off Ragnarok
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

After the first two books in the InCryptid series, it’s interesting to move onto the next Price sibling. Verity has the beginnings of her happily ever after. And now it’s Alex’s turn to start finding his. I love the way he finds Shelby and the way that they start to partner up. I love it even more that she’s Australian. And that Alex is obsessed with reptile cryptids. Plus, there’s the fantastic continuation of Sarah’s story and how she copes after the fall out in Midnight Blue-Light Special. Honestly, everything about this is absolutely loveable and unforgettable. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next in this series (I just have to figure out how as they are not published in Australia).

Gorgons have been mentioned in the first two InCryptid books, but it was fun to get to know this society a little bit more. I love that there are so many secrets within this story – secret enclaves, secret locations and secret sons. Plus, Half-off Ragnarok is all about the different cryptids who are able to petrify their victims. I love that this goes far beyond the gorgons and their different subspecies. Plus, there’s the whole idea that the different petrification cryptids are able to live harmoniously together, and not necessarily petrify each other. Everything slotted in nicely to build this story and conspiracy. I absolutely could not put this down. Partly because of the storyline, but also because I really want to find out more about the different petrification-able beings.

Sarah’s fate after Midnight Blue-Light Special was a bit of a mystery, so it was lovely to find out how she is starting to recover and cope. She’s a bit terrifying if I’m being honest, but her plight and struggles made me want to reach through the pages of the book and give her a big hug. Then, there’s the way that this story lets you get to know the Baker grandparents. There’s the cuckoo and the revenant who have adopted all of their children. I absolutely adored getting to know this incredibly unique branch of the Price family. I mean, all of the branches are unique, but I did love the dynamic of a cuckoo and a revenant being in love and raising children.

Shelby’s presence in this book might have been one of my favourite things. At the beginning, she seems to be just what you would expect from a visiting Aussie zookeeper. But then, she fits right into Alex’s world. I love how the Price/Baker clan eventually welcome her into the fold. Even though their meetings and relationship don’t start off the best or most healthy. It was fun and entertaining. All of the sass and potential violence throughout this had me turning the pages with gusto and intrigue.

<- White as a Raven’s Wing

The Ghosts of Bourbon Street ->

Image source: Seanan McGuire

A Cup of Cheer by Deb Marlowe

January 14, 2025Book ReviewA Series of Unconventional Courtships, Christmas, Deb Marlowe, Historical romance, Regency romance, Twelve Lords for Christmasskyebjenner

Title: A Cup of Cheer
Author: Deb Marlowe
Series: A Series of Unconventional Courtships #4
In: Twelve Lords for Christmas (Miscellaenous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Julia and Chester work beautifully as a couple at Christmas time, plus they have that whole instant family feels with Charlie at their side. The fact that this is also a regency romance, filled with the different traditions of the time. Priceless. I absolutely adored this story and I can’t wait to read more Deb Marlowe stories, particularly the tales of Chester’s friends. Romances are always enjoyable, but they’re particularly fun when Christmas and all things joyful are involved.

A Cup of Cheer is the first historical and regency romance that I’ve read in quite a while. I actually forgot how much I enjoyed reading regency romances, there’s just something that little bit more innocent about them than some of the more intense contemporary romances that I read. And that very innocence is kind of a delicious little slow burn. Plus, there’s all of Chester’s friends to meet now. Again, something that I enjoy about this genre – a bunch of man children falling in love and finding their happily ever afters, often with them kicking and screaming.

I love that Marlowe uses this story to really focus on the importance of gift giving. Not the pomp and drama that surrounds it, but rather, the meaning and thought behind the exchanging of gifts. I love that this story is all about celebrating Christmas with loved ones and giving each other gifts that have a lot of thought and meaning behind them. There are also all of the little traditions that remind Julia and Chester of the importance of spending time together and giving each other the benefit of the doubt.

A Cup of Cheer is an instant attraction, friends to lovers story. They both work together to move on from the tragedies of their past. And to figure out a way to find their own happily ever afters. It might take Chester a little bit longer to find that feeling of contentment, but, he does eventually get there. This is such a low angst, but fun story that I will probably reread in the future. It had all the joys of Christmas, the innocence of a regency romance, and just the fun of a good story.

<- Twelve Lords for Christmas

The Mistletoe Trap ->

Image source: Larissa Lyons

Lost and Found in Mexico by Carla Luna

January 13, 2025Book ReviewCarla Luna, Chic lit, Contemporary romance, Romancing the Ruins, Travelskyebjenner

Title: Lost and Found in Mexico
Author: Carla Luna
Series: Romancing the Ruins #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary romance, Travel
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2024

I love that both Sofia and Olivia (Field Rules) are second chance romance girls. Both the sisters have polar opposite personalities and desires, but at the core, they both just want to be loved and to find love. Honestly, as much as I loved Olivia’s story in Field Rules, I think I actually liked Sofia’s more. Olivia and Rick are so damn alike and it’s impossible not to imagine how they will fit together. Sofia and Javier are total opposites and I like how they are able to find their own happily ever after with such different goals and personalities.

We might not have Vegas in Australia, but I do love the idea of a drunk wedding leading to a happily ever after. Alright, Sofia and Javier have a lot more to base their relationship on. But the point remains the same – a couple who got married drunk. Stuffed up the divorce and just end up reconnecting in the most picturesque of ways. Alright, maybe not everyone would think that a dig site would be picturesque, but the way that this one is described? It gives a girl who doesn’t have the travel bug some serious wanderlust.

I’ve never given much thought to what it actually means to be an insta-influencer. Particularly not one who is a travel influencer. I follow the occasional one, but that’s about as far as my brain cells go down that track. I loved that in this story, Sofai as a travel influencer who is kind of an adrenaline junkie. She manages to not only find her place at an archaeological dig site (and I swear all academia field sites are rough as guts), but she also goes diving whilst there. I might be kind of scared to go diving myself, but, having family who does… I could really appreciate the technicalities of writing this. And the joy that Sofia finds in her experiences.

This is such a fun, short and happy novella. Sofia and Javier have a whole lot of history, and although there are enough hurt feelings to make it interesting, they very quickly dive into their relationship. There isn’t that painful refusal to admit feelings and angst. Rather, just a story all about the joy of finding yourself in your person. And having support even when your passions don’t always align.

<- Field Rules

Troy Story ->

Image source: Mondastore

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.