Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

Under the Stars by Kris Jayne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Under the Stars
Author: Kris Jayne
Series: Lone Star Crossed Saga #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

Thoughts

The concept of this – the Maid of Honor and Best man at a Christmas wedding was way too cute. Particularly when it was a bit of an enemies to lovers story alongside that. It was such a joy to read about the conflict between the two characters from both points of view. It just highlighted how all of the conflict came from perceptions and prejudice. Rather than either of them having an actual reason for their antagonism toward one another.

Most of the romances that I’ve read lately might have an antagonist, but generally its more of a situational antagonist, or a point of internal conflict. I love that in the case of this Christmas romance, the biggest hurdle is actually the mother. She is truly horrible, and I can’t wait to see how all of the hints at her depravation unfold throughout the rest of this series. This novella definitely introduced the mother as a villain, but then there was no revenge or comeuppance – because I think she’ll be a series long villain!

As with many of the Christmas romances that I’ve read lately – I loved the setting of this story. I mean, being stuck in the honeymoon suite at a winter wonderland? As someone who has never had a white Christmas, it is definitely something that seems dreamy and like a departure from reality. Exactly the setting you want when two people get to slowly fall in love. Add in that they’re getting ready for a wedding… delicious.

<- More Kris JayneCross My Heart ->

Image source: Goodreads

Ruff Day for the Rockstar by Christina Hovland

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Ruff Day for the Rockstar
Author: Christina Hovland
Series: Mile High Rocked #3.5
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I like that this is a short story that features a rockstar and an actress in a happy marriage – the drama within this is more external than internal, something that is refreshing every now and then. I did get the idea that this is almost a little bit of an epilogue, so that kind of helped with the joy and contentment of the characters. And I love that they figure that adopting a dog is a really lovely next step. It’s incredibly cute and sweet.

I love that there is that moment of serendipity in this story – Knox always wanted a dog named Waffles, so Irina finds one. It’s an incredibly cute and sweet moment of fate. And I absolutely loved that they find a way to complete their little family at an adoption drive – without quite planning to.

Irina and Knox are both really fun characters. I look forward to reading more about their love story and discovering how they got to this happy place. It might not have been a very Christmassy short story, but it was definitely a sweet one.

<- Snaps with SantaToo Nice to be Naughty ->

Image source: Goodreads

Snowbound by Catherine Cowles

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Snowbound
Author: Catherine Cowles
Series: Tattered & Torn #0.5
In: Wrap Me Up (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was a much shorter story than I was anticipating from the opening. There was a lot of drama and information – so I thought that it would be a much longer story. But it worked really well being so short. There was a lot of drama and action, so you can’t help but turn the pages as quick as possible as you rush to the end. Plus, since there’s a whole heap of backstory that is shown in a very short amount of time, you pretty much jump straight into the drama and romance. Which is sometimes nice.

Although this is set at Christmas, it’s not really much of a Christmas story. Honestly, if I hadn’t read it in a Christmas collection (Wrap Me Up), I wouldn’t have even realised that it was based at that time of year. Mostly the whole Christmas thing lends itself to the atmosphere and the snow, not really anything else. Whilst I would have loved a whole heap more Christmas celebrations, it still worked wonderfully.

It scares me how often I read stories about women who, to start the drama are on the run from a stalker. It’s honestly not a surprising trope as it happens more often than I want to think about. I also found that the stalker in this was particularly unpleasant and upsetting. I don’t know what it was about Cowles’ writing of the bad guy that was so creepy, but I was definitely grateful for the ending and intrigued to see if Cowles can get the goosebumps raised with her other works…

<- Christmas Shopping for a BillionaireA Very Dare Christmas ->

Image source: Amazon

Songbird by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Songbird
Author: L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid
Series: Rugby #4.5
In: Wrap Me Up (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This short story really didn’t do what I expected. I thought, that, being Cosway and Reid, that it would be a complete and contained happily ever after. Instead, it was really a story full of possibilities. It did have its own beginning and end (because all stories kind of have to). But it felt more like a prologue leading into the possibility of a relationship, not the formation of one. Honestly, I just felt a whole lot of hope when I finished this short story. which was kind of incredibly beautiful.

I’ve always loved the idea of Christmas as a time of change and miracles. Songbird is very much about that one perfect Christmas eve. One that makes you truly believe that change is on the horizon and that miracles can (and do) happen. Even writing this review, I have a slightly dreamy look on my face as I think about all of the happy little feelings that this short story inspired in me.

There was something ridiculously romantic about this story. Even though it was just a moment in time, I think the setting, the timing and just the beautiful writing made for an incredibly romantic tale. You’ll definitely be left hoping for another story in this universe, one in which these two find their happily ever after and eventually get to meet again.

<- Wrap Me UpNeanderthal Seeks Illusionist ->

Image source: Amazon

All I Want by J.H. Croix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: All I Want
Author: J.H. Croix
Series: Haven’s Bay #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

There is always something fun and cute about Christmas romances which feature a couple stranded together. They’re pretty much always cute, and seriously fun. The fact that they’re two people with a history, and not just an insta-love story makes it all that much cuter. I loved reading this, and it reminds me why I decided to add as many J.H. Croix books to my shelves as possible when I first got to read their work.

I did find the fact that Audrey admits that she was just “settling” for her fiancé a little bit harsh. I mean, it works out well and gives her the chance to move onto who she really wants. But, I still found the fact that she would settle for someone to be a bit more of a character flaw than I wanted. Although, it was also nice that she didn’t have to spend much of this story marinating in her hurt about her ex’s actions. I mean, seriously, how gross!

For all of Audrey’s flaws, Dallas is a great match for him. Even if he is a bit of a fool. I mean, I always hate it (in reality and on the pages) when people stubbornly stick to their preconceived notions. In the case of Dallas, its his idea that people will be disappointed if he’s with Audrey and that she’s entirely off limits. I mean, come on, I need to stop finding characters I love who just make decisions for the women in their life without talking to them. Or thinking things through.

There was a whole lot of history between the characters wrapped up in this story. I love how Croix is able to give their history, whilst still keeping you in the now and the moment. It made this less of an insta-love story, but a second chance romance. One set at Christmas, enclosed in a small space together. Fantastic and enjoyable. Definitely one I will read again.

<- More J.H. CroixAll I Need ->

Image source: Amazon

Neanderthal Seeks Illusionist by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Neanderthal Seeks Illusionist
Author: L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid
Series: Hearts #0.5, Knitting in the City #0.5
In: Wrap Me Up (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I am a huge, huge, huge fan of the Knitting in the City series. And, thus far, I’ve loved the Rugby series by Cosway and Reid. So, I was really pleasantly surprised that there was a crossover short story between the KITC series and the Hearts series. I may not have quite started Six of Hearts yet, but now I’m chomping at the bit to do so. I mean, if this short story is enough to go by (and I’m betting it is). I’m going to love it just as much as I’ve loved everything else by these two authors.

As someone who is already madly in love with Janie and all of her intricacies, I love that this was her before she met Quinn. You can already feel the cracks that are opening up in her happiness with her current life. And, I’m sure that it’s some great hints into who Jay was before his happily ever after. Again, it hints at some of the cracks in Jay’s life and the things that he’s wishing for. A great way to introduce two characters and their potential growth to new readers.

As someone who is built a little bit like Janie, I can completely understand how she spends most of this story just wanting to figure out how the illusionist does his tricks. In fact, I look forward to reading Six of Hearts to figure it out for myself. So now I have yet another book on my to read pile…

<- SongbirdMaking Her Melt ->

Image source: Amazon

Tess’ Tasty Treats by Kameron Claire

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Tess’ Tasty Treats
Author: Kameron Claire
Series: Veteran K9 Team #8.5
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was a really sweet little short story, and a nice bit of a prequel to another book. I mean, I’m not entirely sure which of the Veteran K9 Teams books this is a prequel to. Which, just means that I will have to read the whole series. I like that this is the beginning of Tess and Logan’s relationship, but there is so much more that is going to happen. After all, this is just the Meet Cute and the first moments of attraction…

This might be a short story that is based around Christmas time, but, like most of the other short stories in the Chasing Holiday Tail collection, it was more about the charity event. Which, I suppose, most people want to give back at that time of year. I would have liked a little more Christmas to the story, but it was still seriously enjoyable.

Although I enjoyed this story, I did find it a little instalove with how quickly Logan focuses in on Tess. And then, just decides that she’s the one. I mean, it’s a nice little story, but I would’ve liked the two characters getting to know each other a little more before deciding that they were meant to be. All in all though, this was a fun introduction to Claire’s writing and definitely encourages me to want to read more of her work!

<- Lady and the ScampSanta Claws is Coming ->

Image source: Goodreads

Make Me Wilder by Serena Bell

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Make Me Wilder
Author: Serena Bell
Series: Wilder Adventures #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Gabe and Lucy, like all of the couples in Bell’s books were really cute and sweet. I love that they both find it really hard to trust (for different reasons) and are a little removed from everyone else. I know quite a few people like this, and it’s a fun adventure to go on with them both learning to open up and trust others again. Not just each other, but their families and loved ones. Lucy in particular is a pleasure to watch actually except friendships and a life beyond the closed off one she’s been living.

This has one of the more sweet Meet Cutes that I’ve read recently – I mean, it’s a couple meeting in the rain and rescuing ducklings together. How is that not ridiculously adorable and sweet? I also love that there’s the instant attraction which then leads them straight to a date of sorts. Which, because this is a contemporary romance novel, is immediately unravelled by the fact that she’s consulting on his company. Against his wishes. This adds that perfect amount of antagonism that doesn’t ensure their happily ever after, but not enough to truly threaten it.

Wilder Adventures is a really cool business idea, and definitely something that I’d personally have an interest in. But, I loved how Lucy encourages the Wilders to actually expand on their business. It was fun reading about a company and experience that I would love to go on, but wouldn’t actually book because I’d be worried about inaccessibility and sexism. Lucy’s view was kind of brilliant at removing that issue. It also perfectly opens up the rest of the series to the remaining brothers. And seeing how they are going to adjust to all of the changes as they find the women that they get their happily ever after.

Make Me Wilder is a great contemporary romance. I mean, it’s a small town romance with rugged mountain men as the male leads. Add to that that Bell writes positive female friendships that don’t pit women against each other. Yes please! Sign me up for more!

<- More Serena BellWalk on the Wilder Side ->

Image source: Goodreads

Hot Under the Collar by Serena Bell

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Hot Under the Collar
Author: Serena Bell
Series: Hott Springs Eternal #1.5
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Reggie and Ford are a really nice couple, and a great way to introduce me to the world of Hott Springs Eternal, and even the Wilder Adventures series. Both of which I’m now going to dive right into and just… inhale. I mean, Reggie and Ford were just too damn cute, and they were a little bit older too. I enjoy my young adult stories, but sometimes I just need something that is a little bit more mature. With more mature couples who have experienced life.

I love that Reggie and Ford manage to go on their first date… because Reggie bought a puppy. And accidentally also purchased a date with a hot firefighter. The fact that his grandmother kind of orchestrated it all just made me laugh all that much harder. I mean, she is totally the kind of older woman that I want to be when I grow up. I’m sure that most people would read this short story and dream about the hot firefighter, band I totally did. But I also just love Nan all around. I’m looking forward to her popping up more and more in the rest of the Hott Springs Eternal and Wilder Adventures series.

I really enjoyed all of this little romance, but I must admit, the part that I enjoyed the most of it all was the Meet Cute. I mean, Reggie manages to set her house a little bit on fire. And when the sexy firefighter Ford gets there, he sees evidence of her self love and, you know, penis candles. Its definitely not the desired outcome of spending time by yourself. But it was definitely a Meet Cute that had me laughing out loud, to the surprise of my little family…

<- Hott ShotLady and the Scamp ->

Image source: Goodreads

Hott Shot by Serena Bell

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hott Shot
Author: Serena Bell
Series: Hott Springs Eternal #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Hot Under the Collar introduced me to Quinn and Sonya as a couple. Then I realised that I had their story on my shelves. And wow, was I excited! I mean, they seemed like fun secondary characters, but finding out about their romance and falling for one another… this was so damn cute and fun. It’s also a fun start to a whole new series, one that I’m itching for the next one to come out!

The idea of a guy who is tied completely into his scientific endeavours having to work at a beauty salon was a great premise to begin with. Then, there was the actual reality of this – it shows that a lot of our misconceptions about who and what we are are often wrong. It also showed that Quinn didn’t need to conform to Sonya’s idea of kindness and welcoming – he was able to fumble his way to his own style and confidence. One that worked beautifully and highlighted that we are all kind in our own ways. Plus, it was a nice way to dispel that whole stereotypical myth that nerds can’t socialise. We can! But I’m an introvert, and sometimes I just don’t want to.

Sonya only contrasts Quinn superficially. I mean, on the outside, a scientist and a beautician don’t necessarily work, but like with many people, that difference is only skin deep. They are both fiercely independent individuals who strive to make their own way in life. However, I particularly loved how Sonya’s independence acted to her own detriment – she is incredibly strong, but we all need help sometimes. And I loved that the moment when she finally realises that she can ask for help was kind of hilarious. It was definitely one of the most memorable scenes of the book.

The catalyst for this series is the fact that Quinn’s grandfather dies, and, being a bit of an asshole, decides to leave his grandchildren with a challenge each. I absolutely loved this premise. Yeah, it doesn’t reflect nicely upon the old man, but I also like to think that he’s actually doing it to benefit his grandchildren. And, it sets up the rest of this series brilliantly, so now I’m excited to see what happens with the next brother in line for a not-so-grandfatherly challenge.

<- More Serena BellHot Under the Collar ->

Image source: Amazon