Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

All This Time by Annabelle McCormack

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: All This Time
Author: Annabelle McCormack
Series: Brandywood #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I’m a bit of the fence about how much I liked this story. I actually almost DNF’d it about a third of the way through. I liked the characters and could kind of see where this was going. But it was taking a bit too long to get to any action and drama… at about the halfway point there was FINALLY enough drama to actually hook me. So it was definitely worth reading, I just wish that there was less lead up.

I have to admit, Garrett and Sam’s interconnectivness was a little bit cringe factor for me. I mean, they’ve each been HEAVILY involved with each other’s best friends. Alright, it turns out that both of those ‘friends’ are kind of knobs. But still, I can’t even imagine doing that to someone I care deeply about. Because both Eli and Katie turn out to be kind of knob-like, you eventually lose the cringe factor. But honestly, that was another reason why I almost DNF’d this.

Katie turns out to be my favourite character in this. Not in the I like her way, but that love to hate you should always have with a good villain. She’s obviously a manipulative, self-centred creature from the very get go. And I like that Sam is immediately uncomfortable with a lot of her actions. Honestly, until that halfway point when I really got invested, I was mostly reading this, waiting for Katie to get her poetic justice…

All in all, though I’ve probably highlighted the flaws of this book more than what I liked about it, I did really enjoy this read. It was a nice little Christmas story. And by the end, I was completely rooting for Sam and Garrett. There was also the added bonus of Christmas cookies, which is always a lovely bonus in my books…

<- More Annabelle McCormackI’ll Carry You ->

Image source: Amazon

The Tip-Off by Rebecca Jenshak

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Tip-Off
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Smart Jocks #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I knew that Zeke and Gabby were going to end up together from their first meeting in The Assist. They had immediate chemistry, and Jenshak made no secret of how they are likely to end up as a couple. Yet, even knowing that they were going to end up together, I enjoyed the journey. Also, the discoveries of the people’s personalities and strength along the way. A nice, easy adventure that left me smiling.

I honestly thought that there would be more about Gabby’s scarring. I mean, it’s obviously mentioned, but in reality, her character journey was more about what it means to experience college. The misconceptions, enjoyments and milestones that are associated. I love that Gabby’s idea of what she wants to experience is kind of off-kilter, and involves her doing some pretty random things. All of which Zeke just goes along with. None of which were things that I experienced at my university… but it’s interesting how the American collegiate system can be seen through others’ eyes (I’m Australian, I have no idea how it works in America).

As is typical, it takes Zeke takes a little bit to actually realise he has feelings for Gabby. The lust and the attraction is there from the very beginning – for both of them. But actually realising that you have emotions for someone and acting on them, it takes just a little while. In fact, it does take a bit for both of them to recognise that what they have is real. Introducing that nice conflict that made me want to rush to the end. When they realise that preconceived notions aren’t always correct. And if it’s the right person, then they’ll fit into your plans.

So far, this is the only one of this series to end with any ideas of matrimony. It makes sense, Zeke and Gabby are definitely the most mature couple of the series. And their journey is about the idea that permanency and falling in love can happen to anyone at anytime. Regardless of whether or not you think that it’s the “right time”.

<- The FadeawayThe Fake ->

Image source: Amazon

The Catch by Rebecca Jenshak

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Catch
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Smart Jocks #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I knew Vanessa and Mario had a simple origin story compared to the others. But it was still incredibly sweet. And I seriously enjoyed reading it. As I’ve been slowly making my way through the series, I’ve wanted to get to know the original couple just that little bit more. And, finally I signed up for this free novella. And I was NOT disappointed.

I love that throughout this story, Mario works hard at earning Vanessa’s trust. Not by doing anything over the top and insane, but by charging through all of her time objections and just spending time with her. He doesn’t push Vanessa, just let’s her come around to him in her own time.

The Meet Cute of Mario and Vanessa was also brilliant. I love how it’s just a simple misunderstanding that is quite memorable. It also perfectly sets up the tone for the rest of the story… both Vanessa and Mario have memorable first impressions and work hard at finding space in their lives for one another.

Not only is this a fun novella, it provides hints to Blair’s challenges. It’s a great introduction to the series with a lot of tantalising hints about the basketball boys. Definitely a great romance series all about smart jocks.

<- More Rebecca JenshakThe Assist ->

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The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Run Around
Author: Bernadette Franklin
Series: Holiday Fun #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I didn’t realise that this was technically the last book in the Holiday Fun series when I picked it up. I got about 2 chapters in before I realised that this was the case, and by that point I was already completely hooked and didn’t want to put this down. I mean, it starts off with a wedding with a runaway bride. Although, I’m going to use the term thoroughbride henceforth because I think that that’s a brilliant name! Which, considering this kind of stands on its own anyway, just means I have four other contemporary romances to jump into… ain’t life tough?

Everyone has their breaking point, within any relationship in their life. And, speaking from experience, that breaking point with family often comes much, much later than anyone else. But, I love that where this story starts with organising a wedding with a thoroughbride, it very quickly careens into the unknown. Hope reaches her breaking point with her brother, and rather than just getting annoyed with everyone, she just yells ‘f**k it’ and leaves behind literally everything. I can’t even imagine the bravery and strength it takes to completely start afresh, and I love that Hope does this with as much sass and attitude as possible.

There might be a great love interest and a beautiful period where the two love interests get to know one another before falling for one another. But, my favourite aspect of their relationship is their two dogs and cat. I’m a sucker for animals, and the fact that their relationship kind of starts to gain traction because of Hope’s obsession with Rick’s dog is beautiful. And totally understandable, I would be friends with someone just because of their adorable dog. Hope definitely says and does a lot of the things that I would want to do when striking up a new friendship, but I’m never quite confident enough to do so…

I love that Hope is an accountant who somehow gets wrangled into being a wedding planner. I found both aspects of her to be fascinating. I love the idea of being a forensic accountant, particularly when some of that involves male prostitutes, but I digress. Then there’s her ability to organise the wedding from hell, times two. Because both weddings she organises are completely insane. I honestly spent most of this story laughing and grinning. It is cute and funny. And definitely a story that I look forward to reading again… now I just have to go back to the beginning of the series…

<- Ginger SnappedMore Bernadette Franklin ->

Image source: Amazon

The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Real Deal
Author: Lauren Blakely
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary romance, although I didn’t find it as difficult to put down as I’ve found others of this genre. Or even the one other Blakely book that I’ve had the privilege to read. It was fun and easy to read. A light-hearted romance with some great character development. But it also didn’t get my heart racing like some of the other books I’ve had the privilege to read.

April’s job was one of those that really intrigued me. I mean, I suppose you need body painters for adds and shows and things that I’ve seen. But it wasn’t something I ever considered in depth. I love how Blakely describes this career. And the passion and artistry that goes into it. I know a few people who make their living through art, and I love how this creativity just jumps off the pages.

All the way through this story, it was obvious that Theo’s omitting of the truth was going to be the bump in the road for April and Theo. But I really like how it came about. That, and how parts of Theo’s history only get teased out slowly for the reader. It’s not all dealt out in one large splash. Not only do Theo and April manage to overcome some of this, but I also love that Theo finds some solutions to his own drama.

One of my favourite things that got me a little flustered in this romance was the fantasy Theo and April structure. The way they engage with each other and spin tales that make your toes curl was brilliant. It just goes to show the power of the written word (and spoken) can have to curl one’s toes…

<- My Favorite HolidateA Real Good Bad Thing ->

Image source: Amazon

The Peppermint Tree by Kristy McCaffrey

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Peppermint Tree
Author: Kristy McCaffrey
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I love cute Christmas romances. Particularly at this time of year, I swear if everyone read a Christmas romance, even the biggest scrouge would start to believe in the Christmas spirit. In fact, I loved reading this curled up in front of the cheesiest, simplest Hallmark-esque Christmas movies. It just had a whole feel to it. With the Christmas lights on… and yeah, it was just a really nice way to spend an evening.

It was kind of weird reading a story featuring a lead character named Skye. Since that’s my name. But, once I got over the slight weirdness of that, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Particularly since it’s also a second chance romance. Everyone seems to have one what if person in their history, and Joe and Skye were the rare few who got to try again. Plus, it’s just nice to think that sometimes people are just fated to be together.

The idea of decorating a ginormous pine tree every year for Christmas is something I’d love to do. Although with a gum tree, and, lets be honest, no one actually trusts me to get up that high, so it’ll never happen. The added mysticism of fated couples meeting at the Peppermint Tree was just perfect. Christmas time, a beautiful tree, and an unexpected inheritance… it’s a kind of typical Christmas story. But one that I would definitely read again and again.

<- A Mirthful WishMore Kristy McCaffrey ->

Image source: Goodreads

OMG Christmas Tree by Stephanie J. Scott

Book Review,
Overview

Title: OMG Christmas Tree
Author: Stephanie J. Scott
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Whilst I liked this short novel, I probably won’t be diving down the Stephanie J. Scott rabbit hole anytime soon. It was a good, enjoyable Christmas romance. And I did have a fair amount of fun reading it. But it’s also one that I’ll probably forget about. Fun, but not memorable.

The Meet Cute in this story was kind of serendipitous. I mean, Nick wants to find the woman who took the Christmas tree he wants. So, he finds her in a ditch… because the tree is top big. Alright, I don’t love how he tries to manipulate her. But it was still kind of a nice Meet Cute. I even like that Megan acknowledges that no matter what, she’ll probably run into the guy she’s crushing on.

Both Megan and Nick need to do some serious growing up. It’s nice that they push each other to do this throughout the story. Both are privileged and kind of naive, and I like that they manage to push each other to be better. In particular, I love that Megan finally finds her own path. One that is fulfilling, but not necessarily the traditional route.

With Christmas trees, decorating and ham. This is a fun and endearing Christmas story. Not in my top 10. But still one that I enjoyed. And I’d definitely suggest it to someone who wanted to dive into an easy Christmas read.

<- More ChristmasMore contemporary romance ->

Image source: Booktopia

Not Your Valentine by Jackie Lau

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Not Your Valentine
Author: Jackie Lau
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

I’m always up for a good friends-to-lovers trope. I mean, what better way to find your perfect match, then to be with someone who has already shown that they know you and like you? Plus, Lau also fully embraces the fake dating trope. Which is another bit of insanity that I always enjoy. Two tropes I love, centred around Valentine’s Day… of course I was going to just devour this short novel.

I love that both Taylor and Helen don’t just fall in instalove. And although one of them has had feelings for a little bit longer, there isn’t that unrequited love aspect either. Instead, it’s two friends spending a lot of time together. Getting to know one another more deeply. And just generally going together and as a couple.

Along with the two tropes I mentioned above, this is also the sunshine grump trope. Although, I love that the grumpy is Helen and she’s kind of valentines hating. Contrastingly, Taylor is all about the love hearts and confetti. They work so well together, even though I found Helen’s constant feeling that she was unlovable a little bit difficult at times.

Thus was a really cute and fun romance. But it was also a great journey into how some immigrant American family dynamics work. Probably one of the reasons I’m loving Lau. She writes beautiful and fun romances. But she also introduces me to a family dynamic that is entirely foreign to me.

<- More Jackie LauThe Unmatchmakers ->

Image source: Goodreads

Maybe This Christmas by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Maybe This Christmas
Author: Susannah Nix
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: 2019

Thoughts

It’s not all that often that I love the premise of a story, and then I end up loving the execution too. But the idea of a couple and their developing relationship over 10 years was already a great premise. The fact that it’s just the Christmas day every year that is written about… beautiful and seriously sweet. And, at this time of year, who doesn’t go gaga for a Christmas love story?

Not only is this a very cute Christmas story, it’s also a great coming of age tale. Alex and Lucas start out this story as two people leaving high school and on the cusp of adulthood. Although they actually get together in the first chapter, the whole story is honestly just about two people getting to know who they are. And then returning to one another.

I loved the tradition of a group of friends getting together every year at Christmas. The fact that over the 10 years of this story, each of the group still manage to find a way back every Christmas is beautiful. This might be a story about Alex and Lucas falling in love, but it’s also about all of the friendships along the way.

I absolutely adored this story. The uniqueness of taking one day a year and using that chapter to explain all of the happenings of the past year is great in and of itself. But the fact that this is also a really sweet coming of age romance made it all that much better. I’m definitely looking forward to rereading this next Christmas!

<- More Susannah NixMore Christmas ->

Image source: Goodreads

Kiss Me This Christmas by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Kiss Me This Christmas
Author: Cynthia Eden
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This was such a cute and festive little Christmas novella. There was a touch of danger and suspense to it that helped get the heart pumping. But overall, it was just a nice, predictable, and enjoyable read. Set at Christmas, when all the wishes can come true.

I did like that the lead female character in this romance was named Noelle. I mean, it’s a little cliche, but also very enjoyable. That and, it really fits with the whole sunshine falls for the grinch trope that is going on. Noelle is also just a really great character, and I love how all she wants to do is spread the cheer around.

Brady is kind of an idiot in a lot of ways… mostly the fact that he keeps making decisions for Noelle based on his own assumptions. But I also love that he is fiercely protective of her. And that the other trope he fits is the brother’s best friend… and that Brady’s best friend is blatantly playing matchmaker here…

This is a wonderfully cute Christmas romance novella. The suspense of the stalker raises the stakes. But overall, it is just an incredibly sweet little story.

<- It’s a Wonderful WerewolfMidnight Bite ->

Image source: Amazon