Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

Best Served Hot by Amanda Elliot

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Best Served Hot
Author: Amanda Elliot
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Food
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I can’t say that the idea of Internet Influencers, or running my own page that brings in traffic as a career has ever been something that I’ve completely understood. It’s just a world that my introverted self doesn’t quite feel the need to enter. However, I absolutely loved reading a story about someone who puts their passions and loves out into the public eye through social media and the public eye. It was an entirely new viewpoint and one that I wasn’t really expecting. But, man, did I enjoy it.

One of the aspects that I loved about this romance is that it took the different modes of food reviewing and highlighting the pros and cons of each style. Julie is the grass roots internet influencer who is all about the hidden gems and is working out how to make her own footprint on the “scene” without much assistance. Bennett on the other hand is from a more privileged background and thus has a greater number of resources to begin with. He also has a different set of limitations to Julie, both have their unique niches that they slot into brilliantly, and, ultimately, neither of them is “better” than the other, rather, they are just two different sides of the same passionate coin.

Even though you know that Bennett and Julie are going to end up together (because romance), I love how well their chemistry reads from the very first moment. There are just sparks flying everywhere, and I couldn’t wait for them to dive in. Plus, the characters that I thought would stand in the way of their happily ever after actually support their attraction! I love that the entire story was a massive slow burn and they really don’t get together to fairly close to the end. Of course, there is that last minute spanner in the works that drives them apart again. But it was still nice to read a good, solid slow burn that had me speed reading through the pages to find when they finally decide to get together.

I must admit, that this is definitely a book I wouldn’t suggest people eat on an empty stomach. It is just filled with wonderful and delicious descriptions of food. Descriptions that, even as I’m writing this review, make me want to get in the kitchen and create something scrumptious. I’m actually not that talented in the kitchen, but it made me want to try. I love that, even when Julie is so dang obsessed with class / social circles, food ends up ultimately being the great equaliser. It’s a great mode in which her big chip on her shoulder is whittled down just a bit. We all enjoy food in our own unique ways, and, whilst our background can and will influence what we are drawn to, we are all drawn to food of some sort. At least, in my experience.

<- More Amanda ElliotLove You a Latke ->

Image source: Penguin

O Come All Ye Faithful by Amelia Wilde

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: O Come All ye Faithful
Author: Amelia Wilde
Series: Beast of Bishop’s Landing #3.5
In: Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Dark romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Starting the Meet Me Under the Mistletoe anthology is the story of Eva and Finn, but there are multiple mentions of Leo and Haley’s engagement and how it instigated a whole lot of change for their families. I love that the following story, O Come All Ye Faithful is all about Leo and Haley’s experiences of the Christmas party. As they’re a more settled couple, there was none of the will they / won’t they feelings. And there was a whole lot of contentment in their relationship. Which I seriously enjoyed.

There was a lot of the BDSM sexuality throughout this story, which I often find is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine. This is a quite intense tale, one that I absolutely adored. Even if it’s definitely the kind of story that I would prefer to read without witnesses and companions, like I said, a perfectly enjoyable guilty pleasure. Particularly as the sexuality of the story lends itself to telling more of Leo and his control impulses. It also creates a darker lens to this romance and Christmas party, one that I found dark and unforgettable.

I love that, although Haley and Leo are an established and settled couple in this story, they are still negotiating the changes in their public personas. Haley is constantly worried about how she is going to fit into Leo’s world. And I love that she figures out a way to play in his waters, helping to make his life a little easier. And honestly, just showing the depths of her love for the man.

<- HallelujahBaby, It’s Cold Outside ->

Image source: Amazon

Hallelujah by Skye Warren

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hallelujah
Author: Skye Warren
Series: One for the Money #0.5
In: Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2021

Thoughts

It’s been a bit of time since I last read a story by Skye Warren. And I kind of forgot how there tends to be a dark undertone to her romances. This feeling of so many secrets and horrors underlying the lust and potential romantic connections. It’s probably why she’s not an author I read constantly, but one I still like to have on my shelves. Sometimes you just need a darker story to fill your time and energy.

This short story acts as both a tale of the rich and famous at a Christmas gala, but also a beginning to the One for the Money series. It’s pretty intense and I’m absolutely intrigued by all of the drama and horrors that hide in people’s lives. I felt like the entire time I was reading these three chapters, my heart was in my throat and I was waiting for the next lot of insanity and nonsense to hit.

Finn might be a total alpha who has most likely left bodies in his wake. But it’s obvious that Eva has secrets too. And I doubt that she’s anywhere near as innocent as she comes across. This is unapologetically dark and I can’t wait to read One for the Money.

<- Meet Me Under the MistletoeO Come All Ye Faithful ->

Image source: Amazon

Tough Cookie by Talia Hunter

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Tough Cookie
Author: Talia Hunter & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Donner Bakery #3
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

Carla and Noah work wonderfully as an opposites-attract story. Noah is a stunt driver, with no hesitation in diving into a number of life-risking endeavours. Carla on the other hand, is a software developer who has a chronic health condition and isn’t able to just follow the impulses and dangers of Noah’s life. I love how different they are, and how they are able to make their relationship work. It’s a great reminder that different people with different needs and desires can still work wonderfully together. And, as is very much in evidence within Tough Cookie, support each other through the good and the bad.

I had a brief brush against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome when I was in high school, luckily for me, it was a short term experience. Honestly, reading about a woman with this condition was a big reminder of just how intense and terrifying this experience is. I’m always keen to read romances, or indeed, any story which features someone with a chronic condition, it reminds us that most people have some battle or other that they must face. Hunter is brilliant at highlighting that Carla is just a normal human with a whole lot less Teaspoons. And, honestly, a lot more will power and willingness to fight for what she wants than some other people if I’m being honest.

At the beginning when Noah is happy that Carla doesn’t really like him, because women just fall for him, I thought he was a bit of a fool. I mean, that’s a pretty big ego one has there and it felt kind of unrealistic. But then, you find out just why he fears someone developing feelings for him just for his natural charisma. It took a while, but that assumption became far less negatively judged after finding out more about Noah’s past. Then, there’s the fact that he completely respects Carla’s boundaries and needs. He might help push her outside of her comfort zone, but he does it with her permission and is constantly checking in to see how she’s coping with all of the changes in her life.

Hunter brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the character of Carla. A lot of illnesses, disabilities, chronic conditions, etc. are invisible. Which, in my experience, means that people don’t quite think that they exist. Carla’s family and her ex both act like this to varying degrees. Whilst her family is just trying to help, but not actually succeeding in so many ways. Her ex-fiancé on the other hand, could not deal with her illness. Whilst it’s understandable that some people can’t deal with having a sick partner, it’s also not painting him in the greatest light. The fact that the person he swore to love is exchangeable because they can’t act the way they once did. Loving someone means loving them through all of the twists and turns of life, not just the convenient and easy moments.

Noah as a male cookie maker and cake decorator is too adorable. I love that his passion started as a child helping out his mother. And then choosing to pursue it again as an adult. I love that it is a man in a female-dominated sphere (a rarity even in the books I read), and that he just embraces it. Plus, there’s the whole making cookies which suit all of Carla’s dietary restrictions. But making cookies which are still nice and don’t taste (and feel) like cardboard. I wish this recipes were here for me to try…

<- Dough You Love Me?Muffin But Trouble ->

Image source: Amazon

Best Fake Fiance by Roxie Noir

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Best Fake Fiance
Author: Roxie Noir
Series: Loveless Brothers #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: 2019

Thoughts

One of the things that I really enjoy about Roxie Noir’s writing is that she writes beautiful contemporary romances which also have an undercurrent of hefty issues and mental health challenges. It gives the story a little bit more nuance and higher stakes, whilst still having that happily ever after, ride off into the sunset enjoyable feeling that I adore. In the case of this story, it is Charlie and Daniel dealing with custody issues and feelings of self worth. Plus, they’re negotiating the friends-to-lovers trope, along with a fake relationship / engagement. So many things at risk, but a beautifully cute and enjoyable story that I just didn’t want to put down.

I spent the majority of this book concentrating on Daniel’s daughter Rusty. She is just adorable, and with her custody being a potential sticking point, the majority of my reading meant that I was really stressed that Rusty would end up going to Crystal. Particularly with some of the mistakes that Charlie makes and Daniel’s inability to be flexible. It did mean that Rusty was more than a bit of a show stealer, but I absolutely love when someone’s child does this in a romance. Plus, Crystal is actually kind of evil, and more often than I would like, evil people actually do win the day.

Daniel is a bit of a stick in the mud, and although I understand having to reign in some of our wilder tendencies when you have a child, he is a bit restrictive at times. I love that Charlie and her less-than-organised ways help to balance him out. Even though in some instances, her unorganisation takes her too far in the opposite direction and causes more chaos. I don’t overly love how Daniel constantly yells at Charlie for her mistakes, especially when some of it is through Rusty’s decisions, not hers. However, as a parent, I also get it – I tend to get particularly aggressive and yelley when I’m worried about the safety of my child. Whether it’s caused by their actions, my own, or someone else’s.

As someone who always has to be hyper-organised and on top of everything, I kind of loved experiencing the freedom of disorganisation through Charlie. I mean, some of it would be really difficult and hard to deal with. But, I also love that she is able to live in the moment a lot more than I can. Plus, it leads to some random hilarity. Particularly when she does things like accidentally leave her phone in the cereal isle. Or forgets the day of the week. Alright, I tend to forget the day of the week frequently, but I also then check my phone frequently so I don’t forget the things that I need to do.

Not only does Noir write great romances with truly flawed individuals, she also writes wonderful sibling relationships. Each of the Loveless Brothers might annoy the absolute heck out of each other, but they also have one another’s backs. I’m sure anyone who has a sibling can relate – my sister has annoyed me more than anyone in the world. But, if someone crosses either one of us, we’ve got each others’ backs and will not back down from supporting one another.

<- Enemies with BenefitsBreak the Rules ->

Image source: Goodreads

Rebel Yule by Kate Meader

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Rebel Yule
Author: Kate Meader
Series: Rookie Rebels #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This is the second book I’ve read in the Rookie Rebels series, and I absolutely love these sports romances. There is extra love for this story in that it is also a Christmas story. I may have read Rebel Yule way out of order, but there are honestly no regrets. It’s a fun and light read. One that I absolutely adored. And I look forward to reading more and more stories of the cinnamon roll alphas of the Rebels Hockey Team. Particularly the ones that are set around Christmas – because Christmas is always a favourite time of the year.

At first I thought that Casey’s frustration and annoyance at Erik was totally unfounded. Or at least, that it was about her attraction to him and inability to act upon it. The fact that she had a genuine reason to actually be annoyed with him? Brilliant. And the fact that Erik was actually a much better person than assumed – and that he had reasons for his behaviour, even better. Their past and the way that they move into the future together was really sweet. And I love that they are able to work past the misunderstandings from before to find a much better, and more enjoyable, life together.

I’ve actually heard of “face blindness” before, although I can’t for the life of me remember the technical term. I love that this unique condition was a really important part of the plot line. Plus, it gives Erik his insecurities and humanness. That, partnered with Casey’s need to overcorrect from the mistakes in her past relationship gave this story the perfect amount of drama and angst. I didn’t want to stop reading, and was really disappointed when the story was finished. I mean, we got the happily ever after (as expected), but I kind of wanted more of Casey and Erik, they had such amazing character journeys and I really enjoyed travelling along this path with them.

In amongst all of the fun drama and character development is the joys of Christmas. I love how all of Erik’s Swedish Christmas traditions are sprinkled throughout the story. That, and the feeling / need for family and loved ones at this season was really nice. I had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year, and reading Casey and Erik’s story with a whole heap of different traditions left me feeling a little bit more in the Christmas mood, ready to jump into the insane, I mean, festive season, both feet first.

<- Dear RoomieJock Wanted ->

Image source: Kate Meader

Rock Hard Cowboy by Christina Hovland

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Rock Hard Cowboy
Author: Christina Hovland
Series: Mile High Matched #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Celebrity romance, Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Tuck and Kenzie are the ultimate, dream power couple. But, aside from that fact, they are also just too damn cute. They have a great meeting that makes them think there might be more beyond the pomp of Hollywood. Then the media twists things around. Then the media twists things around again. Then they do the whole fake dating trope that ultimately leads to their happily ever after. Honestly, the whole thing was just a cute read, and when you add in that Rock Hard Cowboy takes place at Christmas… it was an absolutely adorable and just outright fun story.

I’ve read a lot of humorous starts to a romance, and whilst this start wasn’t exactly a Meet Cute. I love that they start this fake relationship story with Kenzie tripping and landing face first into Tuck’s lap. And being photographed. I can’t imagine living my life under a microscope, but I do love how much that wreaks havoc on their lives. The way that a simple mishap explodes into so much more left me smiling and laughing as I just inhaled page after page of this gorgeous little Christmas romance.

I’ve read plenty of romances which feature a couple who are part of the celebrity “A-List” world. But I haven’t read all that many about someone on the cusp of retiring from such a life. Although Tuck has it all perfectly planned out, I love that he chooses to replan and rethink his future just because Kenzie crash lands into his lap, I mean life. His ability to be flexible and truly think about what he wants out of life is really admirable, and I love that he doesn’t get bogged down in his own plans. Rather, he is willing to change what he wants to get the ultimate happily ever after. Plus, he does such a gorgeous grand gesture at the end of the story. One that I thought was just a bit too cute.

Kenzie being invited home to join Tucker’s family for Christmas and how well she fits in was just adorable. Particularly when she just… jumps in and rides along with all of the insanity that is his mother. I have a highly involved mother and I know how difficult my partner found that when he first joined the family. So the ease with which Kenzie is able to forge a relationship and deal with the overeager love is seriously enviable. Honestly, Tucker’s parents absolutely stole the show for me. And, as much as I loved his mother, it was his father that I absolutely adored. And kind of want more of if I’m being honest.

<- Going Down on One KneeBlow Me Away ->

Image source: Amazon

Away Game by Cathryn Fox

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Away Game (Rebels)
Author: Cathryn Fox
Series: Scotia Storms #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

Romance tropes are tropes for a reason, and I always love trying to pick which ones each story is going to fit. Away Game is a snowbound romance, with the star hockey player falling for the coaches’ daughter. Honestly, everything unfolds exactly as you would expect, but it does so in such a fun way and I couldn’t really put it down. I mean, I might pretty much be able to predict how a romantic trope is going to unfold, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy the journey to get there. Plus, Sawyer and Chase are just too damn cute and sweet.

I really like that in this romance, the man is the one who is the introvert and trying hard not to be recognised. Then, he finds himself a woman who loves to be on stage and has no issue with being the centre of attention. I love how opposite they are, but that in having totally different interests, they are able to perfectly complement each other. Having said that, Chase’s need to hide who he is and his family ties do almost lead to him destroying his relationship before it even starts. Not to mention, Sawyer has her own hang ups that provide wondrously delicious complications to the entire relationship.

Even though I really enjoyed this story, I did find that Sawyer was a little bit too quick to jump to conclusions. I mean, it’s understandable in the whole wanting to not date a hockey player saga, but the rest of it? It got a little bit repetitive and made her seem somehow less. Plus, she’s obviously got a great group of people around her (away from her dad’s hockey team), yet, she constantly thinks that she’s being overlooked. I kind of understand that insecurity, but it did feel a little like, “look at this amazing woman, but no one else notices her”. I’m really not a fan of that kind of trope.

This was definitely one of those romances that I read without witnesses. It’s got some pretty good and steamy on-page romance that had me smiling (a lot). But also, it wasn’t one that I necessarily wanted to be reading in public, or with someone looking over my shoulder. But, new author, new hockey team. There is so much that I’m excited for in my TBR now and this goes very happily into that list.

<- More Cathryn FoxWarm Up (Rebels) ->

Image source: Amazon

Protecting Piper by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Protecting Piper
Author: Cynthia Eden
Series: Wilde Ways #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I read One Hot Holiday before circling back and diving into Protecting Piper. And, honestly, I just loved both of the stories. It was fun to start this series (for me) with a Christmas romantic suspense, and then actually start this series with the first couple to fall in love – Piper and Eric. This was an incredibly fun journey and I honestly couldn’t put this book down. It was one of those unforgettable stories that was… high intensity and made my heart beat incredibly fast.

I always enjoy the trope of that forbidden love from afar finally finding fruition and leading to a happily ever after. Both Piper and Eric have always been attached to one another, and, in a weird way, there for one another. But, misunderstandings and assumptions (as always) led to a separation that neither wanted. It’s not quite a second chance romance, but it has that feel when they finally take the dive towards their happily ever after. Even amongst all of the mayhem and chaos that drives them together.

Even though Piper has moments where she feels as though she might be betraying Ben, I love that she eventually realises just how much she loves both Wilde boys. Just in entirely different ways. Piper ends up being a part of their trio in the most beautiful way – and it is so wonderful to think of the amount of affection and care that is present within these relationships. Eden is able to write realistic loves (of all kinds) that made me smile and my heart beat.

The intensity and horror of Piper’s stalker escalate insanely quickly, which is probably the biggest part of why I just couldn’t put this book down. I mean, the creepiness and possessiveness of multiple men in Piper’s life was horrible. The fact that made it all that much worse though? It was all completely believable. I even managed to guess who the villain was early on, but quickly revised my thoughts because I didn’t think he quite fit the bill… which is what tends to happen in real life too.

<- More Cynthia EdenGuarding Gwen ->

Image source: Kobo

Naughty-ish by L.B. Dunbar

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Naughty-ish
Author: L.B. Dunbar
Series: Holiday Hotties #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

One of the things that I enjoy most about L.B. Dunbar books is that they always feature couples who are that little bit older. For Nick and Holliday, they are next door neighbours who find their joy and happiness with each other at Christmas. Both have a whole lot of issues to get over, but I love how they come together as lovers fairly quickly. Plus, for both of them, their primary love language is gifts and acts of service. The courtship between them is slow and occurs through their willingness to give to each other. It’s really cute and sweet. But also build towards being able to communicate and just be together.

Nick’s willingness to join in with Holliday’s life and jump into being part of a family unit is really sweet. Rather than trying to take control, or not understanding the importance of Christmas, he tries to make Holliday’s life easier. I love that Dunbar doesn’t shy away from how difficult it can be for a Mum at Christmas time. Reading this at Christmas time with my first intense Christmas as a Mum of two (my second born was only 2 months for our first Christmas as a family of four, so this one was intense) made me feel so validated and seen. It highlighted the difficulties (and the joys) of what the Festive Season entails for mothers and the pressure we feel to make everything perfect.

Naughty-ish is the first romance that I’ve read in a while with an irritating ex who doesn’t actually get any kind of, well, anything. He doesn’t help Holliday out, he is selfish, and at the end of the story, all of his crappy decisions and their impact on his children are just… nothing. It’s kind of irritating, but then, it’s also so much more realistic than a lot of the romances that I read. I mean, most of the time the selfish fool doesn’t ever realise that they are a selfish fool. And Holliday does, after all, have to co-parent with Mitch for the rest of their lives.

As a mum of two little ones, I am absolutely dreading the idea of Elf on a Shelf when they get old enough. And Naughty-ish did nothing to change my mind. I’m seriously hoping I can come up with a good idea as to why we don’t do this tradition – it just adds to the stress and difficulties of Christmas time and the festive season. This was such an adorable Christmas romance, and I love that it featured a single mum who has to deal with all of the nonsense of magic this time “magical”.

<- Scrooge-ishGrouch-ish ->

Image source: The Reading Cafe