Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

Crazy Old Money by Kilby Blades

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Crazy Old Money
Author: Kilby Blades
Series: Gilded Love #6
In: Worst Holiday Ever (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Jada and Marsh are an absolutely gorgeous couple. One that I look forward to reading more about in their full-length novel, Loaded. They have such a wonderfully comfortable way of being together. The glances and non-verbal communication that great indication of a healthy, understanding relationship. It’s made me want to dive right back into the Gilded Love series and get to this story…

I love that although Jada and Marsh have a clearly happy and healthy relationship, there are still a lot of secrets between them. Throughout this short story, there is a slow unveiling of these secrets. Mostly on the behalf of Marsh, and the way that they deal with this conflict works well. Particularly how Jada puts up with all of the nonsense that is thrown her way during the course of meeting Marsh’s family.

All family is kind of batty and insane, but Marsh’s definitely takes the cake. Every moment in this story unveils a moment of just pure insanity. I spent most of the time reading this shaking my head in bemused horror. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to walk unprepared into such a ridiculous situation.

Ultimately, I loved this whole story, particularly the ending. Especially the way in which there was poetic justice and a whole lot of happy comeuppance to the painful characters throughout this story. It had that nice feeling of poetic justice at the end and a happily ever after journey into the sunset.

<- A Perfect FitStealing Christmas ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Snapdragon by Kilby Blades

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Snapdragon
Author: Kilby Blades
Series: Gilded Love #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

I’m not normally a fan of romances that don’t contain their happily ever after in the one book. I mean, I read them as a sense of escapism so the whole happily ever after bit is kind of important to that. However, there is something about Snapdragon that made me appreciate the time and place for such a split narrative. That, and I didn’t actually realise until about halfway through that Michael and Darby’s relationship is told in two books.

I love how this story starts with Darby being frustrated with the assumptions her old friends were making. Not every woman wants children, a family, and a husband. But, as Darby does recognise throughout, everyone wants companionship (but that’s another story). It’s fantastic how as this story unfolds, it’s emphasised that Darby’s choices still focus on work. She is incredibly and admirably driven; at moments I was actually so deeply hooked into this story because I wanted to know what happened next in her professional life.

Michael is a very yummy male lead. The sex scenes are just a little (alright a lot) bit toe curling. But I get the feeling that there is so much more to him than hasten revealed. I can’t wait to find out more in Chrysalis. After all, so many things about Michael’s personality and life are only revealed to Darby right towards the end. But it definitely feels like he is enough to go up against the Big Bad that is Darby’s father in the next part of their story.

Honestly, this romance kind of has it all. It has the steaminess of a really good, late night read. Then there’s two great characters, one of which is a woman who is phenomenally career driven in a field that is not only fascinating, but so damn important. Finally, there’s all sorts of mysteries thrown up. Not just by Michael’s inability to share with Darby, but her past with her father. And now there’s all so much political, romantic and social potential ready to unfurl in Chrysalis.

<- More Kilby BladesChrysalis ->

Image source: Amazon

A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Very Merry Bromance
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams
Series: Bromance Book Club #5
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

I always love a good grinch and sunshine trope. I mean grumpy and sunshine is brilliant, but when you add in the Christmas grinch factor? It makes it just that much better and more enjoyable. At least for me. The fact that the grinch in this was the woman, and the sunshine person was the man, made it all that much better in my books. Normally I find that it’s the woman who is all bright and shiny, so I enjoyed having Gretchen as such a wonderfully cantankerous character. And although I most definitely am not that grumpy myself, I completely fell in love with all of her grumpiness and grinch-like ways… maybe she reminded me a little strongly of my own partner…

I loved both Colton and Gretchen in this story. They were a fantastic pair and wonderful couple. But Gretchen’s family? I’ve read plenty of stories with horrible families as part of the characterisation, but Gretchen’s really took the cake. My blood actually boiled a little bit when I was reading about the way that they treat her. And that’s not even including some of the family history reveals that come later in the book! Suddenly a lot of her grumpiness and inability to be vulnerable makes tragic sense. And although it bothered me to no end, it also made for a great read. Plus, when Colton decides to get involved, you fall for him that much more…

Where Gretchen is forced to give up some of her Grinchiness to make space for others in her life, Colton is also forced to give up some of his sunshine characteristics. I like that Gretchen isn’t expected to be suddenly happy, friendly, and cheerful, although she does thaw a bit towards Colton. But I also loved that Colton drops some of his cheerful façade and just acts as himself. He manages to stop fearing that if he’s not sunshine all the time, people will still actually love him. I love that they both had to thaw a little bit in their “tropes” to become a happier and healthier versions of themselves.

All in all, this was a wonderful Christmas story. I love that throughout Colton is constantly trying to help Gretchen feel the joys of Christmas. And to gain those experiences that she has woefully missed out on. It was a good reminder of all of the little traditions and moments that you have in your own families, and how nice it is to share these things with your partner.

A Very Merry Bromance is my first book in the Bromance Book Club series, even if it isn’t actually the first in the series. Now I just desperately want to read more of these stories. I love the idea of having a book club of men reading romance novels. And how they all try and support each other in a way that is very rarely seen in media of any form. It’s a great idea, and Lyssa Kay Adams manages to write it in such a way that is heartfelt, but also incredibly witty, funny, and charming. Definitely a series that is moving up on my list of books that I love.

<- Isn’t It Bromantic?Courting the Countess ->

Image source: Booktopia

Touched by Fate by Preslaysa Williams

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Touched by Fate
Author: Preslaysa Williams
In: Worst Holiday Ever (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This was not the story that I was expecting at all. For starters, I thought there would be a whole lot romance in this story than there was. And I kind of loved the fact that there wasn’t. I mean, romance and particularly holiday romances are wonderful, but holiday stories about discovering yourself in spite of romance… that’s even better.

There are a thousand red flags in this story that make you ridiculously happy when Analyn doesn’t get married. Ones that kind of had me clenching the sides of my seat in the hopes that she would take damn notice of them. And then, instead of ending with a date (which I was expecting), it is all about her freedom. I don’t know if there is any better way to end a story – love is all well and good, but self-respect and freedom? Gorgeous.

Even though this was a short story about Analyn, it was the grandmothers that I fell in love with. They were a damn hoot. And had me laughing out loud. I couldn’t believe how much humour Williams was able to install in them in such a short amount of time. Yet another author to add to my shelves if she could have me laughing this much in such a short amount of time…

<- Stealing ChristmasRinging in the Reefer ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

The Thanksgiving Parade from Hell by R.L. Merrill

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Thanksgiving Parade from Hell
Author: R.L. Merrill
In: Worst Holiday Ever (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, LGBTQI
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Dalton and Orrie are a ridiculously cute couple. They are completely adorable and so damn sweet together. My heart definitely beat faster in the hope for their future. And because this was a wonderfully sweet and gorgeous story, they get it. Not without a lot of issues along the way though.

My husband and I decided a long time ago that Christmas would be about one event… no running around like headless chickens all day long. And that is just between two families. I can’t imagine jumping between four! That to start with just sounded and felt ridiculously difficult and complex. And, as it unfolded, it was even worse than I had anticipated.

This was a fun, chaotic story evolving into a beautiful ending. With the one family portion that the couple actually got along well with. I love that in the one day they not only run the gambit of their four families, but they also had to deal with their own insecurities. A brilliant holiday story.

<- Ringing in the ReeferThankful in Perdition ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Thankful in Perdition by Erin St. Charles

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Thankful in Perdition
Author: Erin St. Charles
In: Worst Holiday Ever (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

AJ and Jasmine are an incredibly sweet couple, the kind that is easy and enjoyable to read about in a short story, but maybe doesn’t have enough drama going on for a long tale. It’s a nice way to imagine a settled and happy couple getting through the insanity of the festive season (because there is ALWAYS insanity). St. Charles did a great job of telling you the background to this couple, without getting too bogged down in the details. Certainly an enjoyable holiday short story.

Although this is a simple and easy story, and you can tell from the first instant that the couple is very much in love, the moment that Jasmine realises she loves AJ is probably my favourite. That moment of somewhat everyday life when you just look at someone and know is fantastic. But, the humorousness of this moment was even better. Particularly since this entertaining, but still very sweet moment involves a frozen turkey and an axe…

This short story was one calamity after the other. It was seriously funny reading one chaotic moment after the other and waiting for the next thing to go seriously wrong. Had me giggling out loud quite a bit, and wanting to add a bit more of this fun flavour to my shelves.

<- The Thanksgiving Parade from HellFeliz Chanukah! ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Naughty Santa by Janelle Denison

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Naughty Santa
Author: Janelle Denison
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2016

Thoughts

This is a disgustingly yummy and drool-worthy office romance. The fact that it’s all instigated by Secret Santa is just all that much better. I mean, my gosh, I love a good office romance that is filled with lust and sex. But when it also takes into account a little bit of Christmas? That’s what dreams are made of… at least around Christmas time when sometimes it can be a bit hard to get into the Christmas theme around town…

I love how wonderfully buttoned up Amanda is and how she is so aware of the double standards in the world. The voices that she hears is a little bit concerning though. I mean a lot of us have the angel and devil on our shoulders bit because, well, conscience. But these ones took on a little bit too much of an intensity. It got kind of uncomfortable.

As I’ve come to expect from Denison, this is a great, light and easy read. One filled with lust and a lot of seduction. And seriously enjoyable in all of its simple glory.

<- Meet Me at MidnightSeducing Santa ->

Image source: Amazon

Nutcracker with Benefits by Liz Alden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Nutcracker with Benefits
Author: Liz Alden
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Wanderlust
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I’ve loved the nutcracker as a Christmas story in whatever version for as long as I can remember. So, of course when I saw that there was a novel retelling of it in a contemporary romance format… I was pretty keen to dive right in. And I most definitely was not disappointed! This was a wonderful Christmas story in and of itself, but as a reimagining of some of the themes throughout the Nutcracker? I really enjoyed it. This was one of those rare retellings that took the themes and some of the characterisations, but Alden was able to truly make it her own.

I love that throughout this story, Nash is just trying to show Clara what there is to love about their city and life with him. He might not be exactly subtle about some of it, but he is also obviously trying to make her see what there is to love about home. And also showing how much he truly knows her. Although it’s, admittedly, a little bit manipulative, it’s also incredibly sweet. Particularly the fact that everything he chooses shows Clara just how much he adores her and knows about her.

While reading this, I did think a lot about my little sister. She too has the wanderlust and need to travel. Itchy feet can lead to some pretty incredible adventures, and I love how Clara is able to harness that within her job. However, like my sister, there is a sense of fleeing in all of Clara’s actions. I really enjoy that at the end, she doesn’t have to give up her wanderlust and enjoyment of travel. But rather it’s about finding a better balance. Both in her life and Nash’s. But honestly, seriously the coolest job ever.

This was an incredibly Christmassy book. Not just in the fact that it’s actually set at Christmas and has the whole nutcracker retelling aspect. But also, in the fact that there is so much family involvement. For me, Christmas time is all about family and the chaos that is sure to follow with that kind of gathering. It’s about love and laughter. Alden highlights all of this really well in her story and makes you think of cozy nights with family around laughing and smiling.

<- More Liz AldenMore contemporary romance ->

Image source: Goodreads

Maybe This Christmas? by Jill Steeples

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Maybe This Christmas?
Author: Jill Steeples
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I did find Beth a little bit whiney in this story. In fact, at the beginning, I found her a little bit difficult to deal with. But, as the story unfolded, she kind of grew on me. Slowly but surely. And then, once I started to actually enjoy her as a character, it became a whole lot easier to enjoy this novel. Probably because once she grew on me she was also a little bit less whiney and a lot more relatable. Which for me is always important in a character.

I was expecting this to be a sunshine-grump trope romance. Beth was obviously the sunshine for all of her whininess – after all, she is still incredibly optimistic throughout the entire tale. Rocco on the other hand wasn’t quite the grump I expected him to be. He was still a total grump and not even remotely positive. But I kind of liked this really obvious vein of sweetness throughout his interactions with Beth. It made me enjoy reading this novel a lot more than I thought I would, like I said, it took me a while to respond to Beth, but I found it pretty easy to respond to Rocco.

Although this story is listed as a Christmas romance. I really didn’t find anything Christmassy about it at all. Other than the fact that it is based at Christmas time. Beyond that, there were no feelings of Christmas or the festive season throughout the story. Honestly, this tale could have taken place at any point in the year, and it still would’ve worked. An enjoyable romance, but not one that I would reread to get me into the festive spirit.

This might not have been one of my favourite novels, but it was very enjoyable. And I particularly liked how it all ended with all of the weddings and happiness and new beginnings in the air.

<- More contemporaryMore contemporary romance ->

Image source: Booktopia

Just Date and See by Portia MacIntosh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Just Date and See
Author: Portia MacIntosh
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This is an incredibly cute and laugh out loud kind of romcom story. It is filled with many, many moments of misunderstandings and confusions. Ones that I enjoyed ridiculously and have made me add a whole lot of MacIntosh to my TBR. The fact that this was a festive, Christmas story filled with family mayhem and stupidity just added to my enjoyment. It’s a silly, funny, and sweet tale that isn’t just about falling in love and romance. But also accepting your family and all of their chaos – particularly when some of that chaos stems from misunderstandings.

Rocco and Billie work incredibly well as a couple together. I love all of their shenanigans and high jinks throughout the group dating adventures that they go on. Actually, I love all of the shenanigans and high jinks that Billie manages to get herself into without Rocco. When he’s added to the mix, it’s even more hilarious. In particular, I loved the scone scene and how they were able to constantly orchestrate chaos. Both meaningfully and unintentionally. Add into the group dynamic Billie’s misunderstanding with Leila… and it was honestly comedy gold. I was smiling and grinning throughout this couple’s slow graduation to their happily ever after.

I can’t imagine my whole family showing up uninvited to stay over Christmas. I mean, I love them dearly, but I need to mentally prepare myself for extended periods of time with, well, anyone. The chaos of family where all boundaries are essentially removed? That’s a whole other level of emotional overstimulation. Billie just seems to fling herself from chaotic moment to chaotic moment throughout this. First with her mother, then her sister, then her father and stepmother… and then into the world of Rocco and Leila. I was actually expecting Billie to completely lose her mind and have a huge argument with her whole family, but it didn’t actually end up like that. It was far fuzzier and sweeter. Completely opposite to what I thought I wanted, but apparently EXACTLY what I needed for the happily ever after.

Again, most of the chaos and shenanigans in this story are kind of caused by Billie not thinking things through and the misconceptions that she has about other people. Some of these are boundaries, but other moments are just pure jumping to conclusions. And, as I mentioned before, I jumped to a few conclusions of my own as I thought I knew how this story would unfold. Which made the two twists with both Rocco and Kenny towards the end of the story even more brilliant. I didn’t see them coming, but I definitely enjoyed them, and it’s made me even more obsessed with MacIntosh.

<- It’s Not You, It’s ThemLife’s a Beach ->

Image source: Goodreads