Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Icebreaker
Author: Hannah Grace
Series: Maple Hills #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I first opened this book – I mean, I know that it has gotten good reviews and a lot of attention. But, that doesn’t always equate to a book that I’m going to love, or indeed, an author that I will enjoy. That was not the case here. I really, really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to dive into Wildfire. There was something fun and engaging about it all. Plus, I’m not really used to having a book throw quite so many curveballs at me. I literally thought that everything in the story was all tied up, but then realised that there were over ten chapters left to go, and began to kind of dread what was coming.

I’ve read a lot of sports romances over the past few years – there is something about them that I really enjoy. But I’ve never read one that features a figure skater. I really liked the mix of figure skater and hockey player. The differences and the things that they have in common due to their sport. I feel like, in hindsight, it’s a bit of a natural and obvious pairing, but when I started reading this, it certainly didn’t feel like it. In fact, some of my favourite moments are when the two are able to connect through their love of skating, even though their styles and approaches are vastly different.

Anastasia and Nathan are kind of an enemies-to-lovers trope, but they start more as frenemies than anything. I love how it is Anastasia that really drives the antagonism, because she is a tiny pocket rocket of a woman who doesn’t take crap from anyone. In fact, she absolutely calls Nathan on his nonsense from incredibly early on. And, even if she doesn’t quite know the full story, I totally get the vindication and approach that she takes to this nonsense. Although I loved watching their relationship go from frenemies to friends to more in my mind’s eye, I actually loved the process of Anastasia becoming friends with all of the hockey players more. They’re just adorable and kind of labrador-like in their drive to connect with her.

Of all of the relationships in this story, it was Aaron and his treatment of Anastasia that really got my heart racing. I actually couldn’t believe how manipulative and evil he is. By the midway point, I was really hoping that he would just… be set on fire or something equally drastic. But, Grace was a master at crafting her villain. I completely related to every decision that Anastasia made, even if I didn’t actually think that they were “smart”. It was kind of terrifying, a little like Gaston, because he is one of the most realistic and insidious villains I’ve read in a long while.

<- More Hannah GraceWildfire ->

Image source: Simon and Schuster

Checking You Out by Ann Whynot & SmartyPants Romance

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Checking You Out
Author: Ann Whynot & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Green Valley Library #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Meeting Norman and getting hints of Lois in Dewey Belong Together meant that I was incredibly excited when I started reading Checking You Out. I love how their whole story is interconnected with Max and Jonathan, but they also have their own start. They meet online, create a relationship, and then Lois gets a Dear Jane letter to completely break her heart. As with most second chance romances, on the surface, the initial break up / misunderstanding seems incredibly harsh, and I still question Norman a little. But, ultimately, they are a gorgeous couple and I really enjoyed reading this story!

Not only do Lois and Norman reconnect through kismet and their mutual connections, but I love how Max, Jonathan, Lois and Norman manage to make a pretty unstoppable foursome. They are wonderfully suited to each other as a group. And the fact that this all takes place around Christmas just makes it all that much better. I love that they manage to celebrate together, and make the festive season particularly special for Agoraphobic Rose, and Lois (who is missing her daughter a whole lot). The romance between the two leads might be the main driver of this story, but the building of the community between the four of them is all that much more special to my mind.

With all of the space between Norman and Lois’ first and second chance, there is obviously going to be a whole lot of other history. I love how realistic Whynot is about Lois’ feelings towards her ex husband. Rather than it just being about him realising that he’s gay and being true to himself, she has a whole mess of other feelings. Feelings of abandonment, rejection and betrayal all due to the ways in which he goes about it. I love that towards the end, when she finally confronts him for some of his less than stellar behaviour, she highlights that it’s actually not about him coming out – it’s about the way in which he chose to go about it. Her ex made a choice, and there are consequences to it.

I love when romance authors deal with chronic conditions which have an impact on someone’s everyday experiences and lives. In the case of Checking You Out, Whynot is able to emphasise the ways in which chronic pain can have a daily impact. The risks (and often experiences) of substance abuse to deal with the pain. And then the multitude of ways in which to live with such a condition. The fact that a chronic condition can change your daily experiences and impact every decision you make. The realism is wonderful and I seriously enjoyed taking this walk in someone else’s shoes.

<- Dewey Belong TogetherMore SmartyPants Romance ->

Image source: Amazon

Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Tastes Like Shakkar
Author: Nisha Sharma
Series: If Shakespeare Was an Auntie #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Immigrant, South-East Asian
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Tastes Like Shakkar is funny, clever and full of heart. I really enjoyed reading Dating Dr. Dil. But, if anything, I enjoyed Tastes Like Shakkar even more. Maybe because Dating Dr. Dil was introducing me to a whole world and viewpoint that I have had literally no experience with, but I felt more enmeshed in this reality upon this read through. It might also just have been because I absolutely adored Bobbi and her many spitfire ways. Her level of drive and commitment, not just to her work, but also to holding a grudge, was fantastic. And I really loved how she went toe to toe with the many challenges thrown into her path. Without backing down or showing any kind of fear.

I’m always a big fan of a prequel that shows a couple’s first interactions, and then dives forward into the present day. In this case, it jumps from Bobbi and Bunty’s first meeting during Kareena and Prem’s courtship, and then dives headfirst into their frequent interactions in their wedding preparations. I loved this jump around as it perfectly sets up the initial animosity between the couple. But, rather than painting either of them as the fool, or the person who is at fault for their difficulties getting along, it is obvious just how they have both ended up in this position. Then, there’s the fact that this also helps to round out more of Prem and Kareena’s story.

As with Dating Dr. Dil, I’m not familiar with the original Shakespeare that this story was based upon. But, it made me actually halfway interested to read some more of Shakespeare’s works. Not necessarily because I’m excited by The Bard’s words, but because Sharma does such an amazing job of retelling the tale in a way that colours me intrigued. Plus, she’s not chosen Macbeth, King Lear or Romeo and Juliet – the three that I feel like are constantly retold and rehashed. The fact that this story also helps to tell of Sharma’s only reality as part of an immigrant family makes it even better and more enjoyable.

Although I loved reading about Bobbi and Bunty falling in love, as with Kareena and Prem’s story, it’s really the aunts that steal the show. I mean, they are hilarious, powerful and just all around joyful. Everyone needs Aunties like this in their lives to help them out of a tough spot. And although I haven’t had women of this calibre involved in my own life, I love the thought of them being involved in my daughter’s life. Plus, they might be considered Kareena’s Aunties, but they are also 100% there for Bobbi. This kind of love reminds me that there are so many good things in the world. Good people and a whole lot of love. Plus, they’re just outright hilarious to read about.

Amongst all of the other multiple joyous parts of this book, I really liked getting to know how a South-East Asian wedding take place. I spent the entire time trying to guess just who the Shaddi Saboteur was, and this, along with the new experiences left me feeling intrigued and happy. I absolutely adored this RomCom inspired insight into an entirely new world. And now I can’t wait to round out my reading of this trilogy with Marriage and Masti.

<- Dating Dr. DilMarriage & Masti ->

Image source: Goodreads

Truth or Beard ReRead by Penny Reid

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Truth or Beard ReRead
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #1
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: 2015

Thoughts

I’m always a fan of rereading a well-loved series – and this was my first reread of the Winston Brothers series. Or at least the start of my first reread. And I honestly loved revisiting Duane and Jessica and all of the nonsense that leads up to their happily ever after. Plus, Duane is the first of the Winston Brothers to finally find his happily ever after. What a great way to revisit a well loved series and a great start to a fun and dynamic contemporary romance. Now I can’t wait to get into more of the Winston Brothers series.

As someone who can be somewhat impulsive, I don’t truly understand Duane’s drive to plan absolutely everything in his life. I found it really frustrating to read about someone potentially sabotaging a future relationship, future happiness because he couldn’t plan out the entirety of the future. The whole idea that the future must be so heavily prepared for that Duane almost misses out on all of the present…. Something I definitely am not inclined towards and really struggled to understand myself.

Like Duane, I really don’t quite understand Jessica’s drives either. I’m somewhat of a homebody and somebody who tends to live in the moment. Jessica is also inordinately fixated towards the future. But where Duane wants a plan, she just wants to leave and keep moving. Again, I don’t have that feeling of wanderlust and that need to constantly run. I love having my roots firmly in the ground, and I can’t imagine being willing to say goodbye to pretty much every aspect of my life just for a new experience. And yet, because of the way that Reid is able to construct her characters – I felt like I gained some insight into these two very different personality types and personal drivers.

The presence of the Iron Wraiths, and Razor in particular still absolutely freaks me out. For good reason to be honest. This level of evil having a foot hold in any part of society is terrifying. And, sadly, it’s not a far fetched idea. I love that I get to now read this series knowing that they will ultimately be safe from the horrors of the Iron Wraiths, but I also know that there’s going to be a whole lot of horribleness and drama occurring before that happens… which I now get to seriously, happily and with great joy look forward to.

<- Beauty and the Mustache ReReadGrin and Beard It ReRead ->

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Neanderthal Seeks Human ReRead by Penny Reid

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Neanderthal Seeks Human ReRead
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Knitting in the City #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

This is one of those books that I remember reading for the first time and realising that I found a new author to be obsessed with. And now, I get to have the joy of rereading this amazing series. I remember reading this for the first time and realising that there was finally someone else with a similarly random and intense monologue to mine. Someone who fixates on obscure facts and to do lists when in moments of intense emotions. Neanderthal Seeks Human is just as fun and unique as the first time I was introduced to this wonderful world. I can’t wait for more!

I read a few of the reviews on Goodreads this time around. And even though some people took exception to Janie’s quirkiness, I absolutely adored it. She is just as gloriously clueless and beautiful as the first read through. And as someone who is often quite clueless about social moments, I love that she is so giving and kind, willing to love everyone who steps into her life. But yet, she’s kind of clueless to what’s going on around her. Plus, I just genuinely love all of the random facts throughout the story. I learnt so many things in this story and I know I’ll learn more next time I read this story!

Quinn is somewhat controlling, something I don’t always enjoy in the lead males in a story. But, I do enjoy that he constantly attempts to pull back on this. Plus, even if this dynamic isn’t exactly what I would enjoy, I like that some of his more pushy tendencies actually help Janie. Quinn and Janie, for all that they are different, manage to support and compliment each other. With each of them pushing their partners out of their comfort zone to become better versions of themselves. I prefer Janie’s approach in that she is sweet and kind of guileless in what she’s aiming for. But, I love that Quinn’s more heavy handed approach does work for the couple too.

It won’t matter how many times I read the Knitting in the City series, or Neanderthal Seeks Human, I must admit that the scene with a stabbing of knitting needles is one of my favourites. It’s violent, it’s hilarious and it shows the gumption and support of these seven women perfectly. They are the true Ride or Die friends and I love that they are there to support each other through all of the shenanigans. Plus, knitting, and good quality wool and just a total craft nirvana reading this.

<- More Penny ReidNeanderthal Marries Human ->

Image source: Penny Reid

A Co-Worker’s Crush by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: A Co-Worker’s Crush
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Rooftop Crew #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I’m not sure why I decided to pick up the final book in The Rooftop Crew series last. But I’m really glad that I did. It was a fun and engaging read, and has really made me keen to dive into the rest of the series. Plus, it was the first contemporary romance book that I’ve read by Piper Rayne that isn’t also a sports romance. It just shows that they can also write well in this genre, with slightly more damaged heroes and heroines than I have previously expected.

Frankie and Jax work together wonderfully well. They go from workmates who irritate each other, to friends, to lovers, to forever. And it was so much fun going through this transition with both of them. Plus, they are both working through their own legal and social battles to try and get answers and clarity in their lives. Again, a journey that I enjoyed as a backdrop to their romance. The use of tattoo artists in this world was also a unique and fun angle to take. I haven’t read many (if any) contemporary romances which feature a tattoo parlour and tattoo artists as the leads. I always love finding out about new worlds in the joys of my readings.

Although Frankie and Jax don’t really do the apart and back together part of the relationship that I was expecting, they definitely have some battles to face. In fact, the largest battle that they have to face is that they need to learn to trust again. Or, in the case of Jax, fully learn to trust for the first time ever. I really enjoyed that throughout all of this, Jolie, Frankie’s daughter is a slightly manipulative driver of everything. It is done through the lens of childhood innocence, but it was quite entertaining watching (in my mind’s eye) Jax and Frankie fumbling with how to deal with her desires and choices.

A Co-Worker’s Crush by Piper Rayne was a relatively low angst story that just involved a lot of personal growth. Frankie’s dealings with her ex were horrible, but I love how her mother-in-law quickly steps in and deals with him when she’s over his nonsense. Rather than being a relationship that was strained because of the outside influences, which I kind of expected, this was one that was very much influenced by the internal battles the couple are facing. It is their past they have to move on from, not the present nonsense that they have to overcome. I loved this and can’t wait to go back to the beginning of the series to see how all of the other couples fell in love first.

<- The Do-OverMore Piper Rayne ->

Image source: Piper Rayne

The Issue with bad Boy Roommates by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Lake Starlight #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

Thoughts

Going on a journey with Brinley and Van as they go from flirtation to roommates to lovers was ridiculously fun. I also like how they both have their own character growth and development to go through. This isn’t the first book in the Lake Starlight series, and now I want to read more about not only the Lake Starlight romances, but I also want to dive into the Baileys series. I get the feeling that the Baileys is a precursor to the couples that occur in the Lake Starlight books and I must read them all now.

I spent most of this story waiting for the conflict, the other shoe to drop. However, what I did not expect was the way in which this occurred. I thought that the conflict would be a point of internal concern that would make either Van or Brin basically run away from their connection. Which, it kind of was. But, mostly, it was a point of conflict that was completely enmeshed in their pasts. It was a total twist, that up until right before the reveal, I honesty didn’t see coming. Which, of course, I absolutely loved.

Brin being widowed at a young age was a really interesting and somewhat intense concept. I love how preceding her meeting Van for the first time, Brin has very obviously worked through the different stages of grief. As someone who is going through grief, I love that Piper Rayne deals with the length of time it takes to deal with this and the different aspects of ongoing grief so well. Brin’s strength at finally breaking free of the slightly toxic cycle of overprotection was also completely emotional and empowering. Moving forward from this cycle and the grief is an amazing moment and part of why I loved this story so much.

This was one of those contemporary romances that I just didn’t want to put down. The backgrounds of both the characters was brilliant. And I loved the growth that they both go through to find their happily ever afters. Brinley and Van are a wonderful couple, their ability to support and love one another made me all happy inside. And now I want to read more about the rest of the Bailey clan as they all find their happily ever afters.

<- The Problem with Second ChancesThe Trouble with Runaway Brides ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Kingsmen Football Stars #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: 2022

Thoughts

I’ve been waiting to read You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows since the fun little prequel, False Start. I’m not really sure what distracted me from diving straight in. But I’m really glad that I eventually got there. As with all of the Piper Rayne books I’ve had the privilege of reading, I absolutely adored this. You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows was a fun and enjoyable sports romance. One that not only had a wonderful couple in the lead, with a whole lot of past that majorly complicated things. But, it also introduced a new cast of characters that I couldn’t help but love. They were fun and I can’t wait to read about each of the boys falling to the women they decide to love like dominoes.

As much as I enjoyed this romance, Shayna is far more forgiving than I think I could be. But, I know how to hold a grudge, and Shayna is definitely a lot more grown up and sweet than I could ever hope to be. Don’t get me wrong, she does hold onto her feelings for a little while, and her being able to forgive Lee for his childish nonsense is a big point of their conflict. But, the past and past hurts weren’t the only things that acted as a point of conflict for the couple. I like that there are other challenges that they face, all coloured by the past, but also influenced by the present. Rather than being bitter and stuck with what has been before, Shayna manages to be optimistic and kind in all of her dealings.

Although Lee is very obviously apologetic for his past stupidity, he is also a little too enmeshed in his own privilege. He consistently believes that because he thinks or says something will be so, it will turn out the way that he wants. Even when Shayna warns him, repeatedly about the consequences of his choices, he just… barrels on ahead. Honestly, his surprise at the outcome of their final hurdle to be together was almost laughable. If it wasn’t for the fact that his privilege made me want to smack him round the head and scoff “idiot”. Yet, this very steep (and kind of unnecessary if he’d just listened to Shayna) learning curve actually acts as a mechanism for him to learn about his privilege. I like that he ultimately acknowledges that he was acting in a very ignorant manner and figures out a way to move forwards with his head just a little further out of his own butt.

I can’t wait to read You Can’t Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks. His story is set up perfectly, as I’m discovering many of the stories in the Piper Rayne world are. I might not be reading each of the series (and even individual stories) in order, but each and every journey into this world is a whole lot of fun. You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows is a good, easy and fun sports romance that had me smiling and, honestly, believing anything is possible. A great way to depart reality and just enjoy what I have the privilege of burying my literary nose into.

<- False StartYou Can’t Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks ->

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Best Laid Plans by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Best Laid Plans
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Blue Collar Brothers #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, First responders romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Best Laid Plans is a great little teaser hint for the Blue Collar Brothers series. It not only introduces the three Bianco brothers who will feature in this series. But, it also fantastically introduces the three women who are going to be their love interests. Lauren, Vanessa and Maddie all manage to win one “date” for their friends in this auction. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen when each of these unwilling couples collides. And how the sparks will fly beautifully in doing so.

This is a fantastic novella that works as a brilliant prequel to a series I can’t wait to sink my teeth into. Not only does it introduce the six members of the three couples perfectly, it also starts to hint at the different hangups of the three women involved. I love a good amount of character development in my stories, and the different ways the three women are against their incoming dates hints at a whole lot of character development in this series. oh, and did I mention that each of the brothers is a First Responder? There is just something about a man in uniform…

One of the things that I’ve come to love about Piper Rayne is the way that they introduce a series. By writing a short prequel novella like Best Laid Plans, they are able to pull you into a world that is wonderfully unexpected. Plus, it provides teasers for not just one book, but for three different ones. It leads into the series perfectly, and I’m completely excited to dive headfirst into Flirting with Fire.

<- More Piper RayneFlirting with Fire ->

Image source: Piper Rayne

The Two Week Roommate by Roxie Noir

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Two Week Roommate
Author: Roxie Noir
Series: Wildwood Society #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was not the story I was expecting to be completely honest, I knew that it was a forced proximity romance and had a bit of a second chance romance vibe. But what I got was, quite honestly, even better. For starters, the second chance aspect of reconnecting as adults was due to entirely unexpected factors. Primarily, in Gideon feeling that he had betrayed Andi, and Andi moving far away as a consequence of childish actions. I do love though that they very quickly are able to reconnect as best friends, and then build on this to the romance and lust filled portion of the story.

As the story unfolds, and Gideon’s past comes to light, it became a whole lot of emotionally wow. Gideon’s parents and their use of religion to justify abuse was truly horrifying. I don’t often see individuals as “evil” in a black and white sense, but in this circumstance, I 100% did. It also gives a very unique conflict in their past – a lot of Gideon’s guilt at the past is viewed through the lens of an adult. As a child, it is completely justifiable to see where his actions came from. But it would most certainly be harshly judged as an adult. I also love that his love for Andi and their growing relationship is what finally allows him to put some better boundaries in place with his family.

The more I found out about Gideon throughout this story, the more I loved him. He took a traumatic and guilt-ridden event from his past and decides to change his ways. Rather, he comes full circle and supports his two younger brothers in their own gender and sexual identities. Those which would make many of this religious insanity absolutely baulk. I just found this whole situation to be beautiful. Normally I connect really strongly with the women in a story, but in writing this review and thinking back on the story, my focus is solely on Gideon. Andi is also an amazing female lead and I really loved her. But it’s easy to be kind and accepting when that’s what you’ve grown up with. It’s so much more powerful to shuck a lifetime’s worth of prejudice, and be a better human off your own back.

I was expecting this story to be filled with conflict caused by Gideon’s family. I thought he would be likely to have a massive crisis of identity, and then finally come full circle at the end. I love that this is not the case at all. Gideon and Andi have both already done all of the work as individuals and become better people. Finding each other and ending up together is really about forgiving themselves (internally) for the past and enjoying their future together. It also meant that the character development (which is something I always love Noir for) is seriously focused on their own issues and letting go of the toxicity in their lives. Not about the conflict between the couple.

Not only was this a wonderful story, I also just loved the reMeet Cute. Andi is chained to a tree in a blizzard and seriously questioning her own sanity. Gideon is wondering why he has to go and save the crazy woman and questioning her decision making. It makes for a hilarious start to a story. And all of the light moments throughout help to diffuse the intensity of some of the more emotionally fraught moments. I adore Noir’s work and this is a perfect example of why.

<- The One Month BoyfriendThe Three Night Stand ->

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