Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

Snow Angel by Kate Angell

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Snow Angel
Author: Kate Angell
In: Unwrapped (Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman & Kate Angell)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Considering this novella started with a “three years ago” prologue, I knew this was going to be a reunion story of some kind. And I knew that it was going to be incredibly cute and adorable. Because these stories always are. And it was in a collection with two other completely adorable Christmas romance novellas. But I was kind of surprised by just how cute this story was.

I’m not sure why, but there is something that is just ridiculously cute about snow. And Christmas. And snow when you’re inside by the fire and candlelight… having such a gorgeous backdrop to this novella heightened the romance of the moment. And, it rounded out the Unwrapped collection beautifully. Snow Angel was a very sweet and classically romantic story that left me smiling and feeling all warm and gooey inside.

Allied and Aiden are a fantastic couple. They’re both so damn sweet and accepting of each other. And I like that there is a bit of build up to getting to know one another. The instant attraction is there, but it’s the more they get to know each other, the more they fall for each other.

<- Santa in a KiltUnwrapped ->

Image source: Amazon

Blue Christmas by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Blue Christmas
Author: Erin McCarthy
In: Unwrapped (Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman & Kate Angell)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

I always love a good romance by Erin McCarthy. They’re always light, cute and just an incredibly easy read. This novella was no different. But with a lovely Christmas twist. I do love that the female was the grouchy, Christmas hater too. With a very happy and cheerful male lead instead.

I don’t always love the idea of a grouchy grinch lead. But something about Blue’s sass won me over from the very beginning. She was just pessimistic enough to be interesting, but not so much that I found her overbearing stereotypical and painful. Likewise, Christian was incredibly and almost painfully cheerful, but not quite over that line that made you want to smack him one. After all, pretty much no one is that damn happy.

Although I totally guessed how this novella would end, it still took a few extra twists that I didn’t quite expect. Plus, I loved that although this was a bit of an insta-love tale, it didn’t end with a declaration of love. Rather it was a declaration of intent and trying to make their relationship work. Far more tenable and realistic in my view.

<- UnwrappedSanta in a Kilt ->

Image source: Amazon

The Blind Date Diaries by Brenda St John Brown

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Blind Date Diaries
Author: Brenda St John Brown
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I downloaded this book on the suggestion of one of my favourite authors, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect. But it was most definitely a pleasant surprise. I mean, i actually seriously enjoyed this story. It was easy, light and fun. Very cute and just all round enjoyable.

I like how Jake and Angelina are at constant loggerheads from the beginning, all because of one simple misunderstanding. And a whole bunch of insecurities. It’s a great reminder of how first impressions always stick with us and are hard to change, no matter how incorrect they are. That, and sometimes jumping to assumptions is a huge mistake that could potentially cost you your future happiness.

It was kind of fun to live vicariously through Angelina on her blind dates. I’ve never actually been on a date, and have no dating horror stories, so I’m always love reading about the joys and pitfalls of this. Plus, the whole set up just gave this novel such a beautiful romcom vibe. That, and the fact that you are constantly questioning whether Jake’s mother knew of his feelings or not…

The Blind Date Diaries is a fantastic novel that transported me to a fun and easy world where love triumphs overall. It was funny and sassy, with enough heartfelt moments in it that your heart gets entangled. I absolutely adored the adorableness of this story and can’t wait to read more tales of romance and love from Brenda St John Brown.

<- More Brenda St John BrownMaid in England ->

Image source: Goodreads

Unwrapped by Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman & Kate Angell

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Unwrapped
Author: Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman & Kate Angell
In: Unwrapped (Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman & Kate Angell)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology, eBook
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This was a fantastic anthology of cutsie Christmas romances. All three novellas were fun and adorable, incredibly fun and ridiculously yummy. I loved the winter feeling of each of the stories and the imagery of snow falling around.

Each of these novellas were fun and light, with just enough drama to make them interesting. Plus, each and every one had a great little happy ending. One that left me with a happy smile on my face.

What a great collection of authors, old and new. I love a good Christmas romance, and the length of these novellas made it perfect to read just before bed without keeping me up too late.

<- Snow AngelBlue Christmas ->

Image source: Amazon

Touchstone by Karen Stivali

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Touchstone
Author: Karen Stivali, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Speakeasy Taproom #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I have to admit, having Sam as the male lead was incredibly yummy. And I’m not normally all that interested in reading about hipsters. Or just hipsters in general. But, he’s Wiccan, so the hipster thing was forgiven, and I actually enjoyed getting to know this so very yummy man a little bit better… there’s just something about not only his characterisation, but also the gorgeous relationship he has with his grandmother and great-aunt that had me smiling and digging further and further into this story.

Although I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary romances lately, I actually haven’t read many that feature the internet. I love that this tale actually uses the internet and our current obsession with memes to drive the storyline. It’s kind of a cruel beginning – memes drive a woman out of her life and thrust her into a whole new one. But I do love that it is something that generally happens these days. Plus, I seriously can’t get the idea of Phoebe with a huge hunk of meat flung over her shoulder, righteously marching off.

I’ve never been to America, let alone Vermont (where I think this is set). But I love the feeling of this setting. It actually kind of made me think of the tiny towns scattered throughout the Adelaide Hills. That sense of greenery and seclusion is so peaceful as you’re travelling through the region. It’s certainly the feeling that I get when I’m journeying into this tiny town. A feeling that I look forward to returning to with the reading of Heartwood.

Not only did I really enjoy both Phoebe and Sam independently and together, I also really loved all of the cooking and food throughout. I’m definitely developing an obsession with any kind of romance that features food and cooking. It’s just too delicious and… yummmm. So I had multiple reasons to drool while reading this fantastic romance.

<- More Karen StivaliHeartwood ->

Image source: Goodreads

Mad About Ewe by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Mad About Ewe
Author: Susannah Nix, SmartyPants Romance
Series: Common Threads #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I really like reading romances that feature an older couple. It definitely seems that the older I get, the older I want my protagonists to be (which makes total sense). Dawn and Mike might be a little bit older than I had kind of anticipated / desired, but they still fit that happy space in which I had older protagonists that made me happy. Plus, Dawn literally opens her own yarn store… something that I most definitely can see myself doing later in life.

There are a number of quite intense themes of moments throughout this novel. Starting with Dawn’s health scare and the crisis that she deals with. She may not have the best of responses to making sure that she gives those around her the benefit of the doubt, but I can also completely understand where she’s coming from. Spun throughout the romance that builds between her and Mike, it gives a far more realistic backdrop to the ways in which we have to negotiate romance in adulthood. Although, that may just be because health scares seem to be a fairly common occurrence within my life.

Mike is a pretty good lead. There is something to be said about people moving on from the past. High school is a weird time that seems to stick with all of us. But for some, it’s a time that they never move on from. I love how all throughout, Mike is kind of ashamed of who he was in high school (as I think we all are to some degree). But, the fact that he was a jock and popular doesn’t make him feel like revisiting his heyday. In fact, his past with Dawn is something that he actively regrets. It made me love him all that much more.

This is my second Susannah Nix book, and I must say, I am most definitely in love. Her characters are wonderfully relatable, and the story line just way too lovely and relatable. That, and the fact that the protagonists in this aren’t quite what fits the normal mould for romantic comedies that I’m used to. I’ll definitely continue to fill my shelves with her works, and keep smiling my goofy smile as I devour them…

<- More Smartypants RomanceGive Love a Chai ->

Image source: Goodreads

Fallen Star by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Fallen Star
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #2
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: 2019

Thoughts

This is the second book in an absolutely adorable series, and it’s just encouraging me to read more and more within this world. I mean, I’m absolutely falling in love with Nix’s writing, but I’m probably also just, in general, becoming more and more enamoured with the world created in the Starstruck series. Mostly because they’re all just so damn cute. And they wonderfully investigate issues of self worth, and the persona we show the world versus our actual self.

I love how a simple mistaken impression and prejudice completely derails a relationship from the very beginning of this story. A stupid comment made in a moment not only screws with the relationship between Scott and Grace. But it also pretty seriously messes with Scott. Not only is this story all about them both overcoming their initial impressions to find a way to work. But, it is also, very much, about Scott learning how to overcome his own nonsense.

Nix does a fantastic job of dealing with mental health and addiction. She does this in a way that is beautifully relatable and accessible. Scott’s battles are so heartbreaking in moments. Particularly later in the story when he acts as his own worst enemy. Recovering from addiction is a constant journey, one that takes an immense amount of willpower. Nix also reminds us that it is an ongoing battle. For some people, mental health never leaves, but is our constant companion. And that is okay.

This was a brilliant cover to cover read when I was having a bad night. Whilst it deals with some pretty serious issues, it’s also just incredibly cute and adorable. Honestly, an incredibly easy read. With just enough drama and emotion, without making me literally grip the edge of my seat. Seriously enjoyable.

<- Star BrightRising Star ->

Image source: Goodreads

Star Bright by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Star Bright
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #1
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: 2019

Thoughts

This is one of the few stories lately where I actually read the blurb. So I was wondering how the Meet Cute was going to work between the two leads. The fact that it started with a panic attack and just spiraled deliciously from there… it definitely left me with all of the happy feelings.

Kimberleigh was fun as a lead. She was incredibly neurotic and had so many issues. But she was also adorable and I fell completely in love with her throughout the whole story. I particularly liked joining her in her journey when she started to acknowledge and deal with her shit.

Spencer is also completely adorable. I love how he spends the whole time trying to find ways to support Kimberleigh. He does have a few horrible habits in his past, but he’s willing to change. I like how Kimberleigh’s comments make him stop and think about his actions and decisions. Particularly that hot topic of always asking female actors about their damn underwear!

This is my third Susannah Nix novel. And the third beginning to a new series on my shelves. And, as with the others, I fell completely in love. This was just too cute and a whole lot of fun.

<- More Susannah NixFallen Star ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Neighbor by Lorhainne Eckhart

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Neighbor
Author: Lorhainne Eckhart
Series: The O’Connells #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Whilst I seriously enjoyed this novel, it was nowhere near as suspenseful and romantic as I was expecting. I mean, I was expecting a whole lot of steam and action that you just couldn’t look away from. Instead, it was an unexpectedly sweet love story that had more darkness to it than anticipated. In fact, when I reflect on the story line, for me, this is very much a story about a dark and hidden past being moved on from and a happily ever after being found.

I love the fact that this novel was medium-paced, it was definitely hard to put down (because I wanted to know what was happening to Alison), it wasn’t impossible. And, the outcome of Alison’s going missing was nowhere near as dark as I was expecting. I mean, probably a bit hard to have a happily ever after, romantic ending in a story that ends the way my brain was expecting… but that probably says more about my brain than anything else (and let’s just not go there).

My favourite thing about this story was the O’Connell family. They’re such a great, tight-knit group. And, having only grown up with one sibling myself, what I always dreamt of in a family. I love the idea of the chaos that is inspired in every gathering of the clan. And the way that they rally together to ensure Alison is found and bought home safely? It’s just too damn adorable.

This is probably more of a psychological suspense novel than a physical one. Jenny’s abusive past and her ability to overcome it hold true to form. It’s not as if everything is magically fixed when Ryan decides to come into her life, but rather, it takes time. Plus, all of the crap that her ex hangs over their heads, even from the grave… wow. I had a bit of a sick feeling in my gut throughout reading this for that fact alone. Eckhart does such a brilliant job of giving you just enough information to make you feel seriously uncomfortable. Which makes me REALLY excited to read The Third Call.

<- More Lorhainne EckhartThe Third Call ->

Image source: Goodreads

Prose Before Bros by Cathy Yardley

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Prose Before Bros
Author: Cathy Yardley
Series: Green Valley Library #3, SmartyPants Romance
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: 2019

Thoughts

Drill is frequently mentioned throughout the Winston Brothers and other Smartypants Romance stories. He’s a fairly high up character in the Iron Wraiths. And, although I never found him scary, I certainly had no interest in liking him. And then I was introduced to Yardley’s writing. And I fell stupid in love. I mean, I know that many people who join gangs / find themselves in a criminal element are not necessarily doing it because of choice, but, more a lack of. But it was very different to read about someone with this history in such a cute romance.

Likewise, I never really got to feel overly involved in Old Man Blount. Just the knowledge of him as a supplier of some of Jen’s ingredients for her baking. I love how the Smartypants Romance world is so fully fleshed out with such a wide array of voices. I also love, that, again, there is a POC representation in this story. Thuy is of Vietnamese background, and although there are some darker moments throughout, it gives such a beautiful variety and flavour that left me smiling.

Thuy is quite potentially one of the toughest leads I’ve read in a while. She’s incredibly intimidating the more you get to know about her and her history in fact. And her loyalty… I have always felt loyal to my friends. But the level of Thuy’s loyalty is a whole other level. I’m not sure that I know many people who I would happily up the stakes of my whole life and just… start again. It all works out wonderfully in the end, but it’s still a bloody big leap.

There are so many aspects of this story that I absolutely loved. But I think, for me, my favourite was the way that Thuy was able to deal with the nonsense of strangers. For starters there’s the nosiness of the small-town-minded people. She has absolutely zero concerns about putting them in their place in a variety of ways. And, then, there’s the final confrontation with the Wraiths and Catfish. Again, Thuy is able to just take a whole load of nonsense, cut through it and deliver a fantastic ending. Definitely a book that I will be reading again and again.

<- Crime and PeriodicalsShelf Awareness ->

Image source: Goodreads