Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

Flirting with the Scrooge by Gia Stevens

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Flirting with the Scrooge
Author: Gia Stevens
Series: Harbor Highlands #6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Grumpy-sunshine romances are always a well-loved trope in my bookshelves. And I love that this is a Scrooge-Christmas lover romance. I’m absolutely obsessed with the idea of someone who is Christmas obsessed ending up with someone who is completely against it. It might be the final book in this series (currently), but it was a great introduction to the Harbor Highlands for me. One that has made me dive into the rest of the series with gusto.

On top of the wonderful tropes in this story that I seriously appreciated, is the fact that the male lead is a hidden rockstar. It’s an intriguing plot device, although at first, it does make him act like a bit of a douche canoe. I mean, he is an absolute tosser to Tatum when they first meet. But, luckily, reading this from his point of view, lets you understand just why he is such a fool.

Tatum’s relationship with her sister is absolutely brilliant. I love that her and Olivia are obviously best friends, and they constantly have each others’ back. Plus, both the sisters have a whole lot of attitude and spunk. It’s always nice to read a book that has well-written female relationships. Ones that aren’t competitive and negative, but rather, the ones that are supportive and loving.

I always like to spend my December reading Christmas stories – it is helpful to get into the spirit. But, this was definitely the most Christmassy story that I’ve read in a while. It was fun and light. Filled with characters I couldn’t help but feel connected with. And now I want to know more about the other characters that make up the Harbor Highlands series, and their romances.

<- Flirting with the Bad BoyMore Gia Stevens ->

Image source: Goodreads

Flirting with My Best Friend by Gia Stevens

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Flirting with My Best Friend
Author: Gia Stevens
Series: Harbor Highlands #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I was wondering how Liana would finally commit to her best friend, particularly since the hints of their infatuation with each other are there from the very beginning. The driver that made Liana finally take the plunge really wasn’t a good thing, and there is a bit of a trigger warning attached. However, it was nice how that moment was built up to. So, although it was not a great situation, it was a really good story.

I really enjoyed reading the falling of this couple from both points of view. Particularly that, throughout this novella, they both slowly realise their feelings. Instead of having one part of the couple pining after the other the whole time – they both slowly realise that their friendship is worth something slightly different. It also introduces Liana’s brother, the hero of Flirting with the Playboy, who I can’t wait to read more about.

This was a really cutesy little college romance with all of the fun vibes. There are so many aspects of this story that left me smiling, and it was a really lovely way to spend the evening.

<- More Gia StevensFlirting with the Playboy ->

Image source: Amazon

A Very Dare Christmas by Carly Phillips

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Very Dare Christmas
Author: Carly Phillips
Series: Dare to Love #6.5
In: Wrap Me Up (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 read Riley and Ian’s story a little while ago, and although time has made some of the details fuzzy, I really enjoyed visiting them a few years after the fact. This short story does give away a few parts of the series that I haven’t yet read, but not enough that I’d call spoilers. And, honestly, it was just really nice to read about the Dare clan and their happily ever afters. Particularly since it is set at Christmas.

With two young children of my own, and reading this at Christmas, I can completely sympathise with Riley’s level of exhaustion. Particularly around the holidays when you are trying to juggle extra familial obligations and making that time of year magical and beautiful. Honestly, the moment when Ian just decides that they should have an extra set of hired helping hands around the house… man, I wish we had that kind of money.

This was a cute, fun, short look back into the lives of all of those in the Dare to Love series. I also love that it was a reminder of what Christmas can look like for those with a big, chaotic family. Mine might not be quite that big, but that chaotic, joyful feeling is still captured perfectly within the pages of this story.

<- SnowboundOne Cruel Wedding ->

Image source: Amazon

My Cone and Only by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: My Cone and Only
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: King Family #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

Reading this, it’s really obvious that Wyatt should’ve told Andie his feelings years ago when he first had them. Because, bleugh, so much angst and silliness. Plus, you know, the fact that he made decisions that weren’t actually great for his mental health because of the whole not telling her thing. However, then I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of reading this absolutely amazing story. One that was really, really cute and sweet. And that I enjoyed ridiculously. There’s a reason I’ve been loving Susannah Nix books.

Andie and Wyatt are that perfect friends to lovers, best friend’s brother trope. I love that they grew up together and had feelings for each other pretty much forever. Plus, there’s the whole keeping things secret drama that works perfectly. I mean, it leads to some bone headed moments from Wyatt, but that’s exactly what I love about reading romances – there are some doubtful moments that make you smile and appreciate the battles we all have to face over our own stupidity. Plus, the bone headed moments often remind me that I don’t actually make the dumbest decisions in the whole, wide world. Even if sometimes I don’t make the smartest decisions…

Even though there is a lot of external conflict (hiding the relationship, Andie’s brother, etc.) most of the conflict that threatens the relationship throughout this novel is actually Wyatt’s own issues. His self-confidence, which has been beaten down by his horrible father top the list. That, and the fact that others’ accidentally reinforce this idea. It made it a little bit sad to read in moments when he obviously doesn’t feel that he deserves to be loved and cared for. That, and the fact that his own self-confidence is what’s constantly holding him back in life in general. I love that Andie is quickly able to recognise this and help him find his own way in life and work towards some goals that he actually wants to accomplish.

My Cone and Only is the beginning of the King Family series, and I can’t wait to find out more about the King brothers. Particularly as the King patriarch is an absolute douche. And I look forward to finding out more about how his self-centred nature has negatively impacted his children. And how they all find their own happily ever afters to completely ignore his influence…

<- More Susannah NixCream and Punishment ->

Image source: Goodreads

Decidedly with Paws by Stina Lindenblatt

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Decidedly with Paws
Author: Stina Lindenblatt
Series: By the Bay #0.5
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’m not going to lie, the idea of a New Year’s Eve proposal is kind of cliché. And thus, reading about them also often feels a little cliché. However, I did really like this one. I mean, it involved a dog, a quickie in the closet and a fair amount of chaos. Why wouldn’t I enjoy such a tale? Plus, it’s a wonderful reminder of just how easy it can be between two people who are perfect for one another.

Decidedly with Paws sets up the storyline for Kelsey in Decidedly Off-Limits, and I’m already completely intrigued as to how her love story is going to go. I loved reading this short story as an introduction to a new author and new series. This was incredibly cute and easy to read, which made it perfect for my frame of mind lately. And, bumped it up my wanting to read portion of my TBR.

Erin and Darren are incredibly cute together. And I love that, although the ex showing up and the communication difficulties, there is ultimately no question of their eventual happiness. Rather, the challenges just up the stakes and change Darren’s timeline a little. Seriously, this was an incredibly cute and fun short story, and now I can’t wait to read more in the world of Lindenblatt.

<- Make Me BegThe Howliday Contract ->

Image source: Goodreads

One Cruel Wedding Night by K.A. Linde

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: One Cruel Wedding Night
Author: K.A. Linde
Series: Cruel #5.5
In: Wrap Me Up (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

As with a few of the stories in the Wrap Me Up Collection, I’m not entirely sure how this fits in as a Christmas story. I mean, it was a good story. And it was in the right time of year, but there really wasn’t any kind of Christmas theme. Rather, it was a bit of a visit into the Cruel world. One that I do look forward to visiting again, even if it feels like a lot of the people in this universe are kind of arseholes.

Although I plan to read Cruel Money and more of the Cruel series, I am a little on the fence about how I felt about this short story. I absolutely loved the writing, but I didn’t love the characters. I also felt like this story was a little bit unfinished. I mean, there are hints that both of the characters are going to get their happy endings. But can’t quite reach it yet. Again, it makes me want to try out the series and see how it unfolds.

This was a great marriage of convenience story with a bit of a twist. There isn’t an immediate moment of clarity and joy between the two characters. In fact, you finish this short story with both of them still kind of hating on one another. With just one or two walls crumbling. I’m fascinated to read more of their tale in Cruel Marriage.

<- A Very Dare ChristmasSkating on the Stars ->

Image source: Amazon

Make Me Beg by Tawdra Kandle

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Make Me Beg
Author: Tawdra Kandle
Series: The Anti-Cinderella Chronicles #3.6
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This short story felt like a bit of a prologue to a longer second chance love story. Although, I don’t think that that’s what it actually was. But, even if I have to live with that disappointment, I love that this is part of a series that I get to dive into. Particularly since the Anti-Cinderella Chronicles features some of the fun side characters from this short story.

For all that this was a fun romance, it might just be the puppy yoga that was my favourite and most memorable part of this story. Mostly because it’s something I’ve always wanted to try. And then I would probably adopt all of the dogs… I’m not really sure how Daisy didn’t decide to take home every single dog she possibly could!

There is something so dang Hallmark about Christmas stories, and a lot of them don’t quite poke fun at this. I love that Kandle spent the whole time poking fun at the similarities. It made the story not only a little more approachable, but gave me a good giggle throughout. Now I can’t wait to dive more into the writings of Tawrda Kandle.

<- Too Nice to be NaughtyDecidedly with Paws ->

Image source: Goodreads

Her Pretend Christmas Date by Jackie Lau

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Her Pretend Christmas Date
Author: Jackie Lau
Series: Cider Bar Sisters #2.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Her Pretend Christmas Date was a really fun little Christmas novella. I mean, I do love a bit of that whole fake relationship trope. But the fact that Julie asks the absolutely horrible blind date to be her fake boyfriend made it all that much better. Plus, it’s just fun to read about a couple that on paper don’t work at all. But, in reality, are actually a really phenomenal match.

I did feel kind of bad for Julie in this story, I mean, having your family constantly question your decisions and choices must be exhausting. I may not love the idea of lying to ones family to get them off your back. But, in Julie’s case, I completely understand. Particularly when the desperate request actually ends up in a pretty wonderful happily ever after.

To contrast Julie’s love of life and chaos, Tom was a wee bit of a stick in the mud. Again, total opposites attract story line. But I did love how, even though he is fairly inflexible, he absolutely adores how Julie constantly drags him out of his comfort zone. And the different ways in which she does that. Personally, I also kind of love when someone drags me out of my comfort zone, but I’m also someone who is a little bit off kilter at times.

This novella was completely predictable, but seriously enjoyable. I mean, it had all of the fun Christmas vibes and the sweet romance. But, add to that it also had just enough spice and action to keep in interesting. I also loved reading about how different people from different parts of the world celebrate Christmas. Something I’m always fascinated by.

<- His Grumpy Childhood FriendThe Professor Next Door ->

Image source: Goodreads

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