Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

A Merry Aussie Christmas by Stefanie London

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Merry Aussie Christmas
Author: Stefanie London
Series: Holidays in the Bluff #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves:Christmas, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I love that this is a Christmas story which features a couple playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I mean, Evie and Jasper are a great second chance romance, and a returning to home tale. I mean, it’s a beautiful romance in and of itself, but the fact that it’s all set against a backdrop of Christmas. I just adored this. Plus, it was an Australian Christmas that I recognised way too much. I mean, organising Christmas and trying to figure out what the temperature and weather is going to be… yeah, I completely recognise that. And, there’s all of the slang and sights which a small town, Australian Christmas entails. A beautiful story and one that helped me get into the Christmas spirit in a year when I’m finding that a little bit difficult.

Both Jasper and Evie are running from something in their pasts. And I really enjoyed that, although it puts complications in their relationship, they eventually find their way back to one another. It’s their love and acceptance of each other just as they are which help them both grow into better and greater people. For Jasper, he is running from his past and the judgement of small towns. Evie, on the other hand, is running from her health. Both are making decisions based on their fear of rejection and making decisions for others. We don’t get to choose who loves us, but we do get to choose to let others love us.

A Merry Aussie Christmas is a great romance which features both the positives and negatives of small towns. As someone who lives in a small town, I can tell you that London has it pretty spot on. There is so much support in such a space, but also, a lot of judgement. Plus, I love that everyone is just so up in each others’ business. Believe me, the gossip mill can be strong in small towns. And I love that this was neither portrayed as good or bad. It was just part of the community and negotiating the relationships in a tight knit community.

A Merry Aussie Christmas was merry, fun and joyful. It was a story that made me feel that inkling of a Christmas spirit in a time when I really needed it. It’s a simple and fun read, with just enough complexities to really keep you hooked. I will definitely read another London book in my future. There is just enough angst to be interesting, but not enough to make my heart hurt.

<- More Stefanie LondonDestined for Forever ->

Image source: Kobo

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend by Jackie Lau

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Grumpy Fake Boyfriend
Author: Jackie Lau
Series: Kwan Sisters #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I always enjoy Lau’s writing. It’s funny and upbeat, and just incredibly cute. Plus, her romances are generally a quick and easy read that is light hearted and a good departure from reality. In this case, Naomi and Will are a great opposites attract story. I love that Naomi is incredibly bubbly and sweet. She’s the eternal optimist without being naïve and annoying. It’s that strength of character that leads to a great story – someone who is strong and believes in herself. Plus, ultimately the way in which this story unfolds is somewhat her fault – she manages to manipulate and manoeuvre the situation she finds herself in to her liking.

Will is a great contrast to Naomi – where she is extroverted, bubbly and outgoing, he is seriously introverted. I definitely related to him way too much. I mean, he enjoys his time going out for the weekend with Naomi and her friends. But, he also has his moments when he just needs to disappear and hide from the world for a bit. I am also like this – I struggle to engage with others to a certain point. And I also had a family that, growing up, didn’t quite “get” my need for solitude. Even with the best intentions, like Will, I know how much it can smart to have people constantly push you to be more social when it’s just not something you are comfortable with.

Although Naomi and Will may be total opposites, they spend this entire story building one another up. Naomi supports and accepts Will’s need to be withdrawn at times. She even encourages his solitude when it’s necessary without having any expectations of him. Will on the other hand is able to build up Naomi’s self-esteem and encourage her to just be herself. Regardless of what he or anyone else wants. They spend the entire story getting to know one another and building each other up – exactly what should happen in a healthy relationship.

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend was a seriously cute and adorable romance. It’s filled with Lau’s humour and wit. I honestly adore her writing, and I can’t wait to read more of the books I have on my bookshelves by her. This was definitely an impossible to put away story and it gave me so much joy and optimism from the very first page.

<- More Jackie LauMr. Hotshot CEO ->

Image source: Kobo

Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells by Donna Kauffman

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells
Author: Donna Kauffman
Series: Hamilton Christmas #2
In: Kissing Santa Claus (Donna Kauffman, Jill Shalvis & HelenKay Dimon)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2009

Thoughts

It’s fairly obvious from the beginning of the story that Holly is kind of a grinch. Not in an overly aggressive way, but in a “I don’t actually like Christmas” way. I mean, if you had the name and the upbringing, the backstory that she does, it makes total sense. Living in a Christmas Wonderland full time just sounds absolutely exhausting. And to have your parents prioritise that over your own health and wellbeing, yeah, I completely get where she’s coming from. Which just means that having a story in which she is given her “inheritance” of a Christmas shop was an even more intriguing plot line.

I love that Sean Gallagher of the Gallagher clan was just as awkward and uncomfortable as every other teen. Even if he had an amazing and loving family behind him. And was all of those popular stereotypes that actually turn out to be kind of realistic. Yet, as with reality, our perceptions of people aren’t always true and I love that both Sean and Holly, in their teenage years made a whole lot of assumptions. But, as adults, Sean is finally brave enough to go for what and who he wants.

Holly spends the majority of this story trying to figure out what her future holds, whilst still holding onto and honouring her mother’s dream. It’s a fine line to walk. Particularly as Holly gets her inheritance when her mother is actually still alive. A lot of emotional turmoil and past secrets are revealed and dealt with throughout this Christmas novella. I’ll probably enjoy reading this again in the future.

<- Kissing Santa ClausBah, Handsome! ->

Image source: Amazon

Eye Candy by Jiffy Kate

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Eye Candy
Author: Jiffy Kate & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Fighting for Love #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Vali and Maggie are just too damn cute together. Maggie is kind of naïve and innocent, but with this amazing strength that I kind of wish I had. Then, there’s Vali. He’s a little bit more damaged and rough around the edges. But, he is able to be loving and kind and sweet. Rather than being a reformed playboy, he’s someone who really wants to make a life with someone and find his own happily ever after. Plus, I just loved how Maggie and Vali are so seamlessly able to fit into each others’ lives without too much thought or hard work. They are just too dang cute and I’m really disappointed that this story is over.

Whilst this is a romance, I love that Maggie is finding her wings in this story. Her parents, whilst kind of stifling her, aren’t actually the true restriction. Rather, it is her fear to dive into life without the barrier of her parents. Vali, rather than being the one to push her, acts as a bit of a catalyst for Maggie to truly find her wings. That, and her gorgeous pen pal who encourages her to take the plunge and live life on her own terms. I mean, we all need that reminder every now and again. Everyone lets themselves be stifled by something in their lives, but it is so fun going on this journey with Maggie as she decides to learn how to fly.

In his own way, Vali is also learning how to fly. He is recovering from a major betrayal and just… licking his wounds in private. I love that, even though he’s not confident in his ability to commit, he doesn’t entirely ignore the possibility either. Rather, he chooses to find his own way forwards in life. And, when the world throws Maggie in his path, he chooses happiness, not his own preconceived notions and plans for recovery. Plus, he gets this beautiful moment of closure when Chloe and her horribleness tries to walk back into his life. Something that I seriously and ridiculously enjoyed. There’s nothing like that moment of closure that never really happens in real life, but I do love to read about in a good book.

One of the things that I’ve really enjoyed about the Fighting for Love series is that it’s based around a group of brothers who all do MMA. There are a few discrepancies in how they fight in the cage, but I love how Jiffy Kate are able to capture the feeling of the crowd and the intensity of the sport. Plus, there’s the seriousness with which true MMA fighters take it – and the fact that they are all big teddy bears. A great little story that left me feeling happy, smiley, and content.

<- Beef CakeKnock Out ->

Image source: Jiffy Kate

Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Gimme Some Sugar
Author: Molly Harper
Series: Southern Eclectic #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Duffy and Lucy are such a cute friends to lovers, second chance romance. I love that they both had crushes on each other as children, but never acted upon them. But, as their lives built them and allowed them to grow, both decide that they still have feeling for one another. Plus, their decisions of the past led them both into not great marriages. And, even though they are traumatic and somewhat scarring, both Duffy and Lucy are able to find a way forwards and to move on from the horrors of the past. Plus, it adds such a great extra dimension of drama – personal traumas and ex-spouse drama. Brilliant.

For Lucy, the biggest complication from her ex comes from her in-laws. And I love that although she handles them with spine and a lot of confidence, she also does so with understanding and grace. Throughout this whole story, I was expecting Lucy to just completely blow up at her Mother-In-Law in particular. But, instead, she manages to handle her in a completely dignified manner. I can guarantee that I wouldn’t be able to be that calm and sane with somebody crossing that many boundaries with me and my kid. Plus, she is able to rebuild her life in a way that I can’t even begin to fathom.

Duffy’s entire family is amazing and adorable. They all come together to support one another, although they each have their own difficult and somewhat irritating quirks. I am absolutely in love with them, and, even though I’m sure it would be annoying at times, I kind of wish I had those close connections with my own family. To contrast, Duffy’s ex is kind of a complete and total psycho. Duffy might know that he’s being manipulated, but I still kind of found him incredibly frustrating and weak-willed where she’s concerned. I’m sure that these types of people actually exist. But I just can’t imagine it.

As much as I enjoyed the romance and the reconnecting of Duffy and Lucy, I think it was when they both stand up for themselves at the end which was truly beautiful. They might be able to stand by one another and up for each other. But, it’s when their relationship gives them both the confidence to actually stand up for themselves that is truly beautiful. It’s a great way to show their character growth, and highlight how healthy a relationship can be for somebody’s mental wellbeing.

<- Ain’t She a Peach?More Molly Harper ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist
Author: Codi Hall
Series: Mistletoe Romance #1
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: 2020

Thoughts

Nick and Noel are a wonderfully fun friends to lovers trope. I love that they find their way together because of a kiss which occurs to stick it to their exes. And this quickly leads to them both realising that they have feelings for one another. Although they might be kind of quick on the uptake internally, it’s the journey they both have to go on to actually realise their feelings out loud. Even though they both have a lot of growing to do, and they both have to figure out their own nonsense. It’s Noel’s growth and discovery that I truly love. I spent the whole time hoping for her happily ever after and Hall did not disappoint!

Amber is a total piece of work, and I can completely understand why Noel reaches her point of just being done with her nonsense. A crappy childhood and jealousy don’t excuse horrible behaviour. And honestly, if there is one flaw in the characters of this story – it’s that I honestly don’t understand how Nick continuously falls for her nonsense. I mean, dear god man, she’s actively manipulating you, you call her on it. And then you still believe her nonsense? It’s frustrating to read about, but also helps to drive the story and make me glad that I bought this book!

After reading Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist, I can’t wait to dive into Holly and Merry’s romances. They spent the majority of the story entertaining me and making me smile and laugh. Particularly as they harassed and tortured their poor brother (because what else are siblings for?). Plus, this whole romance and the next two siblings’ romances will all take place with a backdrop of a Christmas tree farm. There is nothing like a Christmas tree farm to really bring home that feeling of Christmas. And a Christmas playlist.

Honestly, this was one of those romances that I couldn’t put down. I read it from cover to cover, and barely putting it aside to be a responsible adult. I love a good romance, and the fact that Noel and Nick were able to grow as people alongside their romance. This was just too damn cute and wonderful for words. I loved the characters, I loved the music and I loved the Christmas theme. This was definitely one of my favourite Christmas reads of the year thus far.

<- More Codi HallThere’s Something About Merry ->

Image source: Harlequin Junkie

One Hot Holiday by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: One Hot Holiday
Author: Cynthia Eden
Series: Wilde Ways #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This is the first book in the Wilde Ways series that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. And possibly one of my first full-length Cynthia Eden books. And I absolutely adored it. A romantic suspense Christmas story that has an incredibly insane and creepy stalker. A woman running from her past. And the man who wanted to keep her safe. I honestly couldn’t put this book down – it was fast paced and intense. A story that I won’t be forgetting any time soon. Now I can’t wait to read more of Eden’s stories. I hope that they are all as intense and impossible to put down as this one!

I love that this story starts with elves on bicycles almost running Haley over. It was a fun little Meet Cute. Even if Haley is immediately scared, I like how it started the foundation for Haley and Spencer’s relationship. Plus, a town who celebrates Christmas by having a bunch of elves ride on bikes while playing music? It sounds incredibly off-kilter and a little bit different. Kind of got me in the Christmas mood from fairly early on, even if this was a Christmas romance with a whole heap of drama.

One Hot Holiday is a story that is not just filled with romance and drama, but has a whole lot of action peppered throughout. I’m not sure if it was my wish for Haley and Spencer to get together, or the hope that the bad guy was going to get caught that kept me reading. Honestly, this was maybe not the best book to read right before bed time – I ended up having to start a second, calmer book after reading this, just so I could sleep. Eden managed to balance the horrors of being hunted with the joys of falling in love perfectly.

This was an impossible book to put down, and one that I will look forward to reading again in the future. I can’t wait to read more about the men and women who work for Wilde and find out what other nonsense comes up in their lives. I mean, murder, mayhem and all sorts of chaos as a backdrop to falling in love? Definitely the kind of book that I enjoy reading and will read more of in the future!

<- Fighting For HerGhost of a Chance ->

Image source: Amazon

Grouch-ish by L.B. Dunbar

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Grouch-ish
Author: L.B. Dunbar
Series: Holiday Hotties #3
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: 2024

Thoughts

I absolutely adored that this is a Christmas romance which is based on the twelve days of Christmas. I didn’t know that the twelve days of Christmas are actually the twelve days after Christmas – the 26th December until the 6th January. Plus, each of Brock’s twelve tasks have a lingering echo of the Christmas carol. It was so much fun picking up all of those little echoes, as I fell more and more in love with Brock and Pear. This was a ridiculously fun and light read, and honestly, the only reason it took me so long to read is that it was on Kindle Unlimited, and I have to read that on my glitchy phone.

Grouch-ish is a great romance with a bit of an opposites attract couple. Pear is eternally optimistic, even when she’s been dealt a pretty crappy hand of cards. I mean, some of the tragedies in her past would make anyone collapse. The fact that he’s a grumpy, silver fox, fireman with children just makes it all that much more yummy. I mean, he eventually lets some of his issues slide and some of his grumpiness diminishes. It’s particularly nice that Pear’s joy of life and patience is what brings Brock around to being a calmer, better version of himself.

I love how Brock and Pear are both incredibly lonely, and build their relationship on getting to know one another. There is the instant attraction, but their romance is kind of slow-burn, they slowly increase the intensity of their attachment until it all implodes. I always enjoy a good story in which the couple take the time to get to know one another, and don’t rush into an insane relationship just based on lust and attraction. Their loneliness might be the instigator of some of their relationship, but it’s not just companionship that keeps them together. Rather, a mutual sense of admiration and joy in each other’s company.

Although this story technically takes place just after Christmas, it is still a beautiful Christmas story. It’s a reminder that sometimes, Christmas can be hard for some families around loss. But it can also be incredibly joyful and one of the most promising times of year. A time for fresh starts, forgiveness and joy in the little things. At least, that’s how I feel about Christmas, and I found that Grouch-ish reflected this perfectly.

<- Naughty-ishMore L.B. Dunbar ->

Image source: Lisa Loves Literature

Once Upon a Holiday by Claudia Burgoa

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Once Upon a Holiday
Author: Claudia Burgoa
Series: The Spearman Family #3, Chaotic Love #3
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: 2019

Thoughts

Once Upon a Holiday is a great romance set during Christmas time. It’s a reminder that, even though many of us love being around our family at this time of year, sometimes it can get a wee bit stifling. Plus, Christmas is the time of change and growth. Something that June embraces whole heartedly, and Sterling eventually embraces. It was a perfect Christmas story with just enough drama and angst to make me not want to put it down. As with the other Burgoa books I’ve read recently, I was entirely enraptured by this story and can’t wait to read about how the Spearman brothers all fell in love.

I love that June, when she hasn’t had life turn out quite the way she wants, decides to grab fate with her own two hands. She knows what she wants for her own life, and rather than waiting and wishing on a star, she just takes control. Rather than conforming to what is expected of a woman in her late twenties / early thirties, she does what she actually wants. But, she also manages to work on her future in a completely logical and well-thought out manner. I absolutely adore how she is able to take charge of her own life and stick to her decisions, without listening to her somewhat overbearing brothers.

Finding out about Sterling’s history, it’s easy to understand how and why he’s withdrawn from society and the world around him. Yet, rather than run away like I had assumed he would, he actually stepped up to the plate really quickly. I love that he was so willing to protect and support June from fairly early on in the story. And, even if he isn’t quite aware that he’s doing it, he is immediately trying to protect her from the costs of being with him. I mean, it must be hard being with a celebrity, but the insane fans? I can’t even imagine, and I love that Sterling quickly makes sure that she has her own security detail to keep her safe and protected.

From the very first page, this has all the feels of beginning and renewal, perfect themes for a Christmas story. I mean, it was obvious from the title that Once Upon a Holiday was going to be a pleasurable tale of love and family. The fact that it’s got a surprise pregnancy, a secluded couple, and a snowy backdrop. Honestly, I seriously enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read more about both the Spearman and the Ahrens brothers.

<- Then He HappenedAlmost Perfect ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

Loved You Once by Claudia Burgoa

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Loved You Once
Author: Claudia Burgoa
Series: The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #1
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: 2020

Thoughts

I’m not always the best at reading books in order, particularly as I’ve been picking up random romances from boxsets and with a Christmas theme lately. Which meant that I ended up reading Loved You Once, the first in the Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers series third. And you know what? I actually kind of liked my reading order. Pierce and Leyla, Henry and Sofia are such powerful and dynamic couples, and I loved reading about them. Particularly as their stories unfold alongside Hayes and Blair’s. It’s just that Hayes and Blair seem to reach the happily ever after portion of their tale so much quicker.

I love how forgiving both Blair and Hayes are. Their second chance romance is built on a pair who have felt betrayed by each other in the past. I did feel like Blair was incredibly beautiful and forgiving with her decision to move forwards with Hayes. Whilst I also understood how Hayes lashed out, it was Blair’s forgiveness that I found stunning. I don’t know if I’d have the strength of character to forgive someone who hurt me that badly that quickly. And I love that Blair was able to be this kind and giving in her heart.

Carter and his death are a horrible backdrop for the six brothers featured in this series. It’s part of what tears them all apart, and for Hayes, the one who got to grow up with him, it was absolutely tragic. I love that Blair was a true friend right until the end, and when her part in all of their shared history is revealed, she’s not the villain everyone believes her to be. Plus, it’s also a great way for Blair to be welcomed back into the fold and insanity of the Baker’s Creek Brothers all over again. Now I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series entails… with each of the brothers moving on from the scars of the past.

Hayes is wonderfully smart in recognising his flaws and how he’s shut himself off from the world. I love that he is the first of the brothers to realise that his scars have led him to remove himself from the world. And in doing so, he may end up exactly like his father – alone, scarred and dying all by himself. It was a great reminder for me that you can’t take money and possessions with you, but you will always be loved and remembered by your family.

<- More Claudia BurgoaA Moment Like You ->

Image source: Claudia Burgoa