Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

Enemies with Benefits by Roxie Noir

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Enemies with Benefits
Author: Roxie Noir
Series: Loveless 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: 2019

Thoughts

This was a bit of an enemies to lovers trope of a romance, but with a whole lot less hate and vitriol than I would expect from such a story. It was a lot of fun and definitely a story that I absolutely adored, but I actually could have done with a little bit more angst, and less… childish aggravation towards each other. Plus, Eli and Violet never quite work on their past issues, they just… lust their way out of them. It was a great novel, and I can’t wait to read more. And I love that the background to Eli and Violet’s antagonism of each other is explored in their own motivations. I would just love to have read a little bit more about them talking through their differences.

Eli is a little bit cocky right off the bat, I don’t mind the cockiness to a degree, but I honestly wish that he figured out a way to communicate much better than he did. It just seems to be a bit of a universal issues with some of the men in reality and literature, they are not quite able or willing to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Half of the issues that Violet and Eli face in this story stem from the fact that he doesn’t actually tell her where he stands and just assumes that he can manage it on his own, or Violet will figure it out. A little painful to read about, but also thoroughly enjoyable. It means that the couple getting together is not quite so simple, and their challenges aren’t due to any wrongdoing on their behalf, but really just a lack of talking things through.

To compound Eli’s inability to communicate properly, Violet was just a little too trigger happy in believing the worst of Eli. Her assumptions about his motives and willingness to judge to a negative conclusion became a little frustrating throughout this. it might be understandable with her and Eli’s history, but it as frustrating at moments. Probably because it’s a flaw I share, so reading about someone who is just as likely to shoot herself in the foot with assumptions had me shaking my head in sympathy. It was also, again, a great point of conflict between the couple to exacerbate the other moments throughout which puts pressure onto their relationship.

Whilst I loved Eli and Violet and their journey to finding a happily ever after, I also loved to shake my head at their boss. He was honestly a total fool throughout the entire thing. And their coworker who was constantly sabotaging people? Frustrating and, truthfully, he made their boss look even more like an absolute fool. Then, there’s the cast of the rest of the Loveless Brothers. They are all a little quirky and fun in their own right, and I can’t wait to read more of their stories!

<- More Roxie NoirBest Fake Fiance ->

Image source: Goodreads

Dirty Pucking Player by Gwyn McNamee

Book Review, ,

Title: Dirty Pucking Player
Author: Gwyn McNamee
Series: The Fury Family #1
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

I spent the majority of this story not entirely sure if I actually like it. Yet, there was something about it that made me not want to put it down. I normally like my lead males to be a little bit more cinnamon role-like than arrogant. And I just found that Bash’s inability to move beyond his douche-level antics a bit difficult. I mean, he really didn’t change and was definitely one of my least favourite male leads in a long time. And yet, I did enjoy this for some unknown reason (can you tell I’m conflicted about my enjoyment) and I will most definitely be reading more of McNamee’s writing.

I think one of the things that I found hardest to read about in this was just how focused Bash was on himself. There was literally no give or ability to think of anyone but himself throughout the whole story. And, even when he does eventually apologise and give some of himself to Greer, it was still done on his terms. There was a little bit of growth. But for all of the nonsense that she put up with, I don’t think quite enough. Yet, obviously, it was enough that I’m kind of hanging to read more of McNamee’s brand of romance. The heat in it was definitely a part of that enjoyment if I’m being honest.

On the one hand, I really enjoyed Greer’s strength and independence. But again, I felt like she should’ve given Bash just a little more pushback. I mean, strong and independent woman. Act like it. Give some back. And dear god, do not act like a sex starved fool throughout your entire relationship. It was nice that she constantly acknowledged the weakness within this, but seriously – strong woman, have a brain! It was just so incredibly frustrating to read this at times. And yet, other moments were so very, very rewarding.

Obviously, I had some pretty significant issues with this story. But, there was something about the writing and characters that made me want more. Somehow, even though knowing that I found the relationship dynamic problematic, I still loved this story. And now I can’t wait to read more set in this world!

<- More Gwyn McNameeFabulous Filthy Friend ->

Image source: Kobo

Field Rules by Carla Luna

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Field Rules
Author: Carla Luna
Series: Romancing the Ruins #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that this is a contemporary romance which takes place on an archaeology dig. And that it has a lot of the politics of academia and the nuances of working within the system as its backbone. The setting alone would make me want to dive into this story more. Plus, it was a completely unique setting that I wanted to keep knowing more about. I loved finding out more about what it is like to live and work on an archaeology dig. That, and what actually goes into being a budding archaeologist.

This second chance romance is built on a relationship that was destroyed by misunderstandings and immaturity. It’s a fairly common set of mistakes, and I really enjoyed how the couple were able to figure out how to work their way back to one another. Plus, I just enjoy how the two leads were able to talk through their past and difficulties. It’s also interesting how one mistake as a barely adult so drastically shapes both of their lives. And all of the decisions that they make in the interim. One choice and one moment in the past can be enough to shape an entire future, and that was certainly true beyond the relationship foibles within this story.

I love that, second chances aside, it is a shared passion and drive to find out the mysteries of the past that bring them back together. Both Olivia and Rick are passionate archaeologists, yet, they show two different sides of a fascinating field. Olivia’s drive to pursue academia in her research and understandings is phenomenal. Rick on the other hand is more practical in his archaeological pursuits, and I love that both are completely valid in their pursuits. I honestly don’t know if I enjoyed the archaeology deep dive or the romance more throughout Field Rules.

This is a wonderfully feel good and adorable story. It had little conflict, and a lot of the pressure comes from external forces. There is even some poetic justice for the villains throughout this story that just want to stop Rick and Olivia from acting like consenting adults. I honestly loved everything about this story. It was a feel good and light story that I didn’t want to stop reading, even after I turned that final page.

<- More Carla LunaLost and Found in Mexico ->

Image source: Goodreads

Game Changer by Piper Lawson

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Game Changer
Author: Piper Lawson
Series: King of the Court #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I didn’t know that Game Changer was going to be a cliffhanger, I thought it was going to be yet another HEA sports romance. So I did, originally find this a little bit irritating. And yet, as time went on, it’s just made me more and more keen to read Shot Taker. I want to know how Nova and Clay’s relationship is going to progress. Plus, there’s Nova’s new Brother-in-Law and the way that he has been involved in the breakdown of their relationship. The ending of Game Changer left me with a whole lot of questions, ones that make me keen to read the next story in the series!

Nova is so much fun and I love that throughout this whole story, she’s trying to get on her own feet. I mean, she’s obviously had troubles in the past, but it’s annoying the way that her sister treats her. And the dismissive nature of their relationship is particularly hard. I mean, Nova literally spends the whole time bending over backwards to try and help her sister. And she just… dismisses her. And cracks it at her every time something goes a little wrong. I may have a sister who lives elsewhere, but damn, I wouldn’t blame her for things the way Nova’s does.

Clay building the relationship with Nova was actually really cute. The care which he takes of her and the way he connects with her is kind of beautiful. Even if he then throws up walls and barriers almost immediately. He is the typical man with too many barriers and an inability to trust. But, I do love how his time with Nova helps to soften some of those edges. And that, although he isn’t completely intelligent at the end, he is beginning to understand that those barriers, walls and priorities might be just a little bit skewed.

There are so many loose ends at the end of this story that I want to get to the bottom of. I loved all of the character growth throughout and the way that the ending of Game Changer perfectly leads into Shot Taker. For all that I was irritated that this was a cliffhanger, I also really and seriously enjoyed this. I can’t wait to read more stories by Piper Lawson and find out what happens next!!!

<- More Piper LawsonShot Taker ->

Image source: Kobo

Fluffy by Julia Kent

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Fluffy
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Do-Over #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I love that this story starts with a total misunderstanding. About what a fluffer is. Honestly, I probably would’ve made a similar mistake and misunderstanding to Mallory. And I actually know what a fluffer in porn is. And from there, honestly, it just got funnier and funnier. I mean, the misunderstanding leads to Mallory’s re-Meet Cute with Will. And it involves lots of yelling, insanity and the filming of a porn-o. Kent is incredibly gifted at creating humorous meetings with unforgettable beginnings. And this one is no different.

This isn’t quite a second chance romance, but one that does have that kind of flavour. Mallory and Will went to school together, and have a bit of a history. I love that they both had a thing for each other, but a total lacking of maturity to act upon it. Plus, they’re from vastly different social circles, and that is still a point of contention, even as they find their way to one another. I love that they do find a way to get over the social expectations and find a way to move forwards.

The school reunion scene in this was great. I actually missed my ten year reunion due to COVID, but I can imagine that it would be all too easy to fall back into those patterns. Regardless of how much time passes. But, I love that, although both Will and Mallory fall into those patterns at moments, they do find a way to move beyond that. Primarily Will, who apologises for his place of privilege in the social hierarchy and owns his mistakes (yay for a man who is capable of apologising).

Not only was this a wonderfully fun contemporary romance, one that I couldn’t put down. I just wanted to see what was going to happen next for Mallory and Will. Plus, then there’s Mallory’s two friends, Perky and Feisty. The epilogue for Fluffy leads perfectly into the next in this series, Perky. And now I can’t wait to dive right in!

<- Little Miss PerfectPerky ->

Image source: That Artsy Reader Girl

Breaking His Code by Patricia D. Eddy

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Breaking His Code
Author: Patricia D. Eddy
Series: Away from Keyboard #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

This was one of those novels that is currently sitting in the box sets that I have. So I had absolutely no idea what to expect from it. And I really didn’t know whether I was going to like it or not (it’s always hit and miss finding books in this way). Well, this is one of those stories that I absolutely loved. And I’m so grateful that I’ve now got a whole new author and series to add to my shelves. Plus, it’s a romantic suspense, and I don’t really have many of them on my shelves.

There is just enough suspense in this romance to keep in interesting and quite intense, but not so much that I felt uncomfortable while reading it. I mean, ultimately, I was reading this story for the romance aspect, not the suspense and fear aspect. The suspense just lent itself to me not being able to put this book down, because as well as wishing Cam and West were going to find their happily ever after, I was also really hoping that they would find out just who was doing the wrong thing behind the scenes. It wasn’t quite who I suspected initially, and for that I am glad.

West and Cam are such a gorgeous couple. I really love how they connect online, and eventually work together to get over their issues. Plus, they are both veterans, so lots of common ground. I love that West is incredibly patient with Cam and just slowly lets her see that what they have is real and worth trusting in. Yet, he’s not blindly allowing her to run the show and runaway, it’s a beautiful balancing act that I think a lot of people have to trial to form a solid relationship with those of us with issues.

Throughout a lot of this story, I was curious as to why Cam was originally disowned and what the root of her trust issues was going to be. It honestly wasn’t what I expected. And, the amount of shame that she carries felt incredibly intense for something that was a whole lot less awful than anticipated. It was really heartbreaking how making a mistake in her teenage years led to a lifetime of being alone. And now I’m excited to get into In Her Sights with two characters I’ve already met and felt intrigued by.

<- More Patricia D. EddyIn Her Sights ->

Image source: Fnac

Defying Our Forever by Claudia Burgoa

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Defying Our Forever
Author: Claudia Burgoa
Series: The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

After reading A Moment Like You, I couldn’t wait to get into Leyla and Pierce’s story. There is so much set up and hints of what they are to each other, and it made it impossible not to dive straight into this when I got my grubby little e-hands on it. However, I didn’t expect quite so much history to their story. I thought we’d dive right into the rest of the Baker’s Creek timeline, but instead, about a third of this book covered their history and their mistakes. At first I found it a bit frustrating and wanted to charge forwards. But, as mistake after misunderstanding piled on top of one another, I realised that their story was just that much better for having their history so thoroughly included as well.

From the start of this series, you know that all of the boys have a fairly horrific father (although, I’m convinced that there will be a bit of a redemptive arc for him throughout). Yet, finding out more about the matriarchal side of Pierce’s family is somehow even worse. His family truly and deeply sucks and their manipulations of him from the very beginning are just cringeworthy. It just shows that no matter how strong and intelligent a person is, they are able to be manipulated by those in their lives. Particularly the “family” that has been around since the beginning – abuse and conformity become the new norm. Yet, I love that, in removing him from his family’s influence, the evil deceased father is able to remove their influence and finally let Pierce (who is very arguably a victim of abuse) to see the depths of their depravity and move away from that nonsense.

Leyla has one of the most tragic pasts I’ve read in a romance in a long time. Honestly, it almost bought tears to my eyes it was just that dang sad. And then, on top of her tragic backstory, she manages to fall for a man who is just too stubborn to realise that he’s broken and damaged too. I mean, just one of those things alone would be a tragedy, but both of them together? There are moments when I had to put the book down just because of the amount of emotional angst. Yet, I still found myself hoping for the couple to figure out their drama. Even in the multitude of moments when Pierce demonstrated his own trauma and inability to negotiate. Luckily, this tragic background for Leyla gave a huge amount of character growth (it did for Pierce too, but I liked Leyla’s more). I love that this is actually based a little on the backstory of a real person, and Burgoa just wanted to give her the happily ever after that she deserved…

Defying Our Forever was a love story filled with abuse and tragic histories, with breaking the mold and finding a happily ever after through forced proximity (yay for the evil Baker’s Creek father) and a willingness to change. I love that Leyla and Pierce are eventually able to find their way back to one another, even in the most difficult of circumstances. And that, eventually they are able to actually find an ending that is healthy and suited. There was a lot of emotional turmoil, but man did it make the reward at the end worth it. Now the plot continues to thicken, and I can’t wait to dive into more of Burgoa’s books.

<- A Moment Like YouCall You Mine ->

Image source: Kobo

Chasing Alys by Morgana Bevan

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Chasing Alys
Author: Morgana Bevan
Series: True Platinum #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Rockstar romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this story, and honestly, I loved this far more than I had anticipated. I actually completely adored this rockstar romance. It was so difficult to put down and now I want more of Ryan’s bandmates’ romances. And Emily’s. I mean, the main couple is absolutely adorable, but so are the secondary characters. All in all, this was a fantastic story that hit me in many of the emotional points. And one that I would like to read again in the future (after I’ve finished the rest of the True Platinum series).

I love that it’s Alys who is the person reluctant to fall in love. Too often it’s normalised that the men are the reluctant ones for a relationship. So it was incredibly nice to have that switched to a woman who is reluctant and the man who is all in from the beginning. Plus, it’s such great character growth for Alys to finally decide to take the plunge and actually try to invest within herself and her happily ever after.

I think one of the most poignant things about reading this novel was the time in which I read it. Alys carries a lot of guilt for not doing enough for her father, and finds it difficult to associate with him sometimes because of this. But, ultimately, he understands that she has other commitments and loves her for the time she is able to give – it’s all about quality, not quantity! Plus, Alys’ father is 100% in her corner, whilst still pushing her to be better and challenge herself. A great father-daughter relationship that I really appreciated!

I loved this romance. It was a rockstar romance with just enough angst to make it interesting, but, ultimately it was just super cute. Plus, there’s the fact that Ryan is really sweet. I always fixate on the woman’s growth and being, but I also loved how Ryan was able to grow throughout this. Admittedly, some of his behaviour could’ve had some serious stalker vibes, but he managed to skirt that line. Somehow, instead of being creepy, he ended up being cute. Overall, I thought this was a seriously adorable romance, one that left me with all of the happy, bright feelings.

<- More Morgana BevanCharming Daphne ->

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Cyclone by Carina Alyce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Cyclone
Author: Carina Alyce
Series: MetroGen After Hours #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2024

Thoughts

What a brilliant way to start a new story and introduce me to a new author. I absolutely loved this story, it was intense and kind of brilliant. I loved that it was a romance featuring two people who work in high adrenaline fields. Particularly that the woman is about to begin her career as a First Responder / Fire Fighter. Then, there’s the fact that the majority of the action takes place in a cyclone.

Cyclone is a very cute second chances romance with the added drama of a cyclone and the couple finally getting together (after saving someone’s life of course). This novella contains many reminders of the past. I love that both points of view of actions and misunderstandings in both of their pasts are told differently. It’s always fun to have two different points of view of activities as a reminder of just how differently we can all view the same moments in our lives.

I honestly absolutely adored this high pace story, and the fact that this is centred around a female firefighter. I also love that it has an open ending, which I’m assuming (hoping) will be concluded a lot better in one of the MetroGen After Hours novels. I mean, she literally runs away like her pants are on fire (for good reason). And I really want to know how this happens next.

Honestly, the end of this was actually felt as somewhat of a physical blow. I mean, I spent this whole story rooting for the characters in this, and wanting them to succeed. Particularly after they save a woman’s life in the middle of a cyclone. And yet, I actually love how it ended! It’s got me drawn in.

<- More Carina AlyceVolatile ->

Image source: Goodreads

Shelter from the Storm by Louisa Burton

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of hot romance book cover

Title: Shelter from the Storm
Author: Louisa Burton
In: The Mammoth Book of Hot Romance (Sonia Florens)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This short story was very cute and lustful. It was just an easy, fun and pleasant read. One that wasn’t necessarily ground shattering in its emotive nature. But definitely a fun and easy read. I love reading short stories that are simply an enjoyable diversion from the world, not something with a lot of intensity. And Shelter from the Storm fit this bill perfectly.

I love that this is a bit of a mistaken identity romance. A school teacher on the rebound, being mistaken for a prostitute. And they somehow fall in love. I mean, it’s not exactly the kind of story that I want to read again and again, but I enjoyed it. This was a tale that drew me in from the very beginning and I love that the mistaken identity is left to stand.

Yet, the misunderstandings are only a superficial way to keep this couple apart. Eventually, they get the happily ever after you want. They are adorable and cute, and it was just such a nice diversion reading Shelter from the Storm.

<- Hell’s FuryWe Were Lovers Once ->

Image source: London Borough of Bexley