Tag Archives: Contemporary

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Love and Other Words
Author: Christina Lauren
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: 2018

Thoughts

This novel, whilst being a romance and seriously sweet, also completely broke my heart and made me cry. There are so many moments of tragedy throughout that make your breath catch and your heart fragment just a little. But, luckily there is a happy ending, so it was totally and utterly worth reading. Plus, you know that the authors are good when they are able to totally shatter your heart and make you fall that in love with characters and hopeful for a happy ending.

I love that you realise fairly early on that both Elliot and Macey have made mistakes in their past that tore them apart. But, as you read more and more of the story, you realise that the fuck ups were just compounded by total accidents of fate. And honestly, it was that which was really tragic. I mean, everyone makes mistakes, but the past shows that sometimes fate just stops you from being able to heal from them. And honestly, that was the bit that was the most heartbreaking for me.

I love that this story is written with two different timelines, both from Macey’s point of view. It lets you find out more and more about the tragic past of the couple, as you hope for a beautiful future. Honestly, mostly I found myself spending most of this story just hoping for a really good happily ever after. Plus, having the two timelines means that you get to find out more about Elliot and Macey as they grow up together and turn from childhood friends to romantic soul mates. It was just too damn cute and sweet.

There was something about Sean and Macey’s weird relationship with him that made me seriously want to hate him. I mean, after all, he’s one of the obstacles in the way of the couple’s happily ever after. However, there was something about him that meant that I actually couldn’t hate him. I didn’t necessarily like or love him, but there was no hate. It was just this whole awkward bundle that worked as an excellent symptom for Macey’s heartbreak.

This is my second ever Christina Lauren novel, and I have seriously fallen in love with this writing team. The romances are beautiful and heartfelt, but there is so much more angst and challenges to overcome than some other romances. But, honestly, they have moved to the top of my TBR pile. And I can’t wait to read more of their novels!

<- Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not DatingMy Favourite Half-Night Stand ->

Image source: Amazon

Doggy Style by Tracey Pedersen

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Doggy Style
Author: Tracey Pedersen
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

The Meet Cute in this short story was kind of funny – I mean, it’s two people who’ve ended up with borrowed dogs meeting at a dog park. And then said dogs decide to go at it… doggy style. I mean, serious awkwardness would ensue. And I don’t necessarily think much of people who don’t desex their dogs and then take them to dog parks. But, as a story, this was quite a funny way to begin.

As someone who has taken people to dog parks as a way to socialise, I totally get that both Viv and Cooper are kind of using their close ones’ dogs to do so. The way that they connect quickly is kind of fun and cute in a short story too. Although, unlike some of my favourite short stories, I was quite content when this finished. It was a fun tale, but not one that I ended up super connected to. It was pleasant, but not memorable.

I think that my favourite part of this story and journey was the fact that this is written by an Australian author. And, the fact that it was based in Melbourne. I might be across the border in SA, but it was still so familiar to me. I love that familiarity in reading, and I’m glad that I got to go on this little adventure.

<- The Howliday ContractRescued Beats ->

Image source: Goodreads

Code of Matrimony by April White

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Code of Matrimony
Author: April White, SmartyPants Romance
Series: Cipher Security #2.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

It’s been a long time since I read Code of Honor, and I kept meaning to pick up this novella. I mean, it’s a wedding between Anna and Darius (giving them the ultimate happily ever after). But it’s also about her twin finding her own partner and fairy tale ending. It might have taken me a little while to get to this, but now that I’ve dived back into the SmartyPants Romance world, and Cipher Security, I’m trying to remember why I left in the first place.

So far in my readings of April White and the Cipher Security series, I’ve liked that the point of view is from between the two main leads. Yet, since this novella deals with two couples, it has three different points of view. It was fun to read the same storyline and flicker between the different perspectives. It was also nice to see that each of the characters have ulterior motives for throwing a party. Yet, all three (Darius, Anna and Colette) are motives which are inspired by their love for one another.

Although I loved finding out that Colette gets her own happily ever after moment, my favourite aspect of this was the wedding of Anna and Darius. Namely, the gift that they are given from all of their loved ones. It literally bought a tear to my eye, the idea of everyone sharing something from their lives and themselves. And then sharing these stories. It has got to be the single coolest gift and idea that I’ve read in a long while.

<- Code of HonorCode of Ethics ->

Image source: Amazon

Kilt to Order by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Kilt to Order
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Kilt Trip #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: 2023

Thoughts

I loved, loved, loved this book! Which is no surprise because I have thus far loved all of the Susannah Nix books that I’ve read. This was a great, fun friends to lovers romance. The fact that the catalyst is Casey trying to lose her virginity and the pair of them making a somewhat unconventional pact made it all that much more enjoyable.

There was something kind of simple about this story while also being a little bit complicated. It’s a pretty easy read. But it still has such great character development that I wouldn’t call it a bland storyline. I mean, there’s a reason I’ve been loving Nix, and the very sweetness and predictableness of this storyline is EXACTLY why.

Normally I find stories that feature a virgin and discussions about virginity to be a little bit painful. But, again, Nix touches upon this wonderfully. Casey’s obsession with the concept is kind for frustrating. But in the way that it’s sucky that there is such a focus on the concept within society as a general rule. It was also nice that although their relationship started put with Casey being the vulnerable one, she manages to find her own confidence. And then she ends up being the one who is protective towards Gareth.

Quite often I find the male in a contemporary romance to be a bit of a bone head. Because, well, men can sometimes be incredibly dumb. But, where I would normally find Gareth’s ‘good guy’ hangups to be frustrating, I actually found myself liking him even more. Yeah, there’s still some wilful ignorance, but it’s kind of endearing.

I loved that this was a start to a new series. And I can’t wait to see who else of the amazing Highland Games cast will fall next. Now I just have to wait until Nix actually writes the next book!

<- More Susannah NixTBC ->

Image source: Amazon

All This Time by Annabelle McCormack

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: All This Time
Author: Annabelle McCormack
Series: Brandywood #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I’m a bit of the fence about how much I liked this story. I actually almost DNF’d it about a third of the way through. I liked the characters and could kind of see where this was going. But it was taking a bit too long to get to any action and drama… at about the halfway point there was FINALLY enough drama to actually hook me. So it was definitely worth reading, I just wish that there was less lead up.

I have to admit, Garrett and Sam’s interconnectivness was a little bit cringe factor for me. I mean, they’ve each been HEAVILY involved with each other’s best friends. Alright, it turns out that both of those ‘friends’ are kind of knobs. But still, I can’t even imagine doing that to someone I care deeply about. Because both Eli and Katie turn out to be kind of knob-like, you eventually lose the cringe factor. But honestly, that was another reason why I almost DNF’d this.

Katie turns out to be my favourite character in this. Not in the I like her way, but that love to hate you should always have with a good villain. She’s obviously a manipulative, self-centred creature from the very get go. And I like that Sam is immediately uncomfortable with a lot of her actions. Honestly, until that halfway point when I really got invested, I was mostly reading this, waiting for Katie to get her poetic justice…

All in all, though I’ve probably highlighted the flaws of this book more than what I liked about it, I did really enjoy this read. It was a nice little Christmas story. And by the end, I was completely rooting for Sam and Garrett. There was also the added bonus of Christmas cookies, which is always a lovely bonus in my books…

<- More Annabelle McCormackI’ll Carry You ->

Image source: Amazon

The Tip-Off by Rebecca Jenshak

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Tip-Off
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Smart Jocks #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I knew that Zeke and Gabby were going to end up together from their first meeting in The Assist. They had immediate chemistry, and Jenshak made no secret of how they are likely to end up as a couple. Yet, even knowing that they were going to end up together, I enjoyed the journey. Also, the discoveries of the people’s personalities and strength along the way. A nice, easy adventure that left me smiling.

I honestly thought that there would be more about Gabby’s scarring. I mean, it’s obviously mentioned, but in reality, her character journey was more about what it means to experience college. The misconceptions, enjoyments and milestones that are associated. I love that Gabby’s idea of what she wants to experience is kind of off-kilter, and involves her doing some pretty random things. All of which Zeke just goes along with. None of which were things that I experienced at my university… but it’s interesting how the American collegiate system can be seen through others’ eyes (I’m Australian, I have no idea how it works in America).

As is typical, it takes Zeke takes a little bit to actually realise he has feelings for Gabby. The lust and the attraction is there from the very beginning – for both of them. But actually realising that you have emotions for someone and acting on them, it takes just a little while. In fact, it does take a bit for both of them to recognise that what they have is real. Introducing that nice conflict that made me want to rush to the end. When they realise that preconceived notions aren’t always correct. And if it’s the right person, then they’ll fit into your plans.

So far, this is the only one of this series to end with any ideas of matrimony. It makes sense, Zeke and Gabby are definitely the most mature couple of the series. And their journey is about the idea that permanency and falling in love can happen to anyone at anytime. Regardless of whether or not you think that it’s the “right time”.

<- The FadeawayThe Fake ->

Image source: Amazon

The Catch by Rebecca Jenshak

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Catch
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Smart Jocks #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I knew Vanessa and Mario had a simple origin story compared to the others. But it was still incredibly sweet. And I seriously enjoyed reading it. As I’ve been slowly making my way through the series, I’ve wanted to get to know the original couple just that little bit more. And, finally I signed up for this free novella. And I was NOT disappointed.

I love that throughout this story, Mario works hard at earning Vanessa’s trust. Not by doing anything over the top and insane, but by charging through all of her time objections and just spending time with her. He doesn’t push Vanessa, just let’s her come around to him in her own time.

The Meet Cute of Mario and Vanessa was also brilliant. I love how it’s just a simple misunderstanding that is quite memorable. It also perfectly sets up the tone for the rest of the story… both Vanessa and Mario have memorable first impressions and work hard at finding space in their lives for one another.

Not only is this a fun novella, it provides hints to Blair’s challenges. It’s a great introduction to the series with a lot of tantalising hints about the basketball boys. Definitely a great romance series all about smart jocks.

<- More Rebecca JenshakThe Assist ->

Image source: Instagram

The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Run Around
Author: Bernadette Franklin
Series: Holiday Fun #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I didn’t realise that this was technically the last book in the Holiday Fun series when I picked it up. I got about 2 chapters in before I realised that this was the case, and by that point I was already completely hooked and didn’t want to put this down. I mean, it starts off with a wedding with a runaway bride. Although, I’m going to use the term thoroughbride henceforth because I think that that’s a brilliant name! Which, considering this kind of stands on its own anyway, just means I have four other contemporary romances to jump into… ain’t life tough?

Everyone has their breaking point, within any relationship in their life. And, speaking from experience, that breaking point with family often comes much, much later than anyone else. But, I love that where this story starts with organising a wedding with a thoroughbride, it very quickly careens into the unknown. Hope reaches her breaking point with her brother, and rather than just getting annoyed with everyone, she just yells ‘f**k it’ and leaves behind literally everything. I can’t even imagine the bravery and strength it takes to completely start afresh, and I love that Hope does this with as much sass and attitude as possible.

There might be a great love interest and a beautiful period where the two love interests get to know one another before falling for one another. But, my favourite aspect of their relationship is their two dogs and cat. I’m a sucker for animals, and the fact that their relationship kind of starts to gain traction because of Hope’s obsession with Rick’s dog is beautiful. And totally understandable, I would be friends with someone just because of their adorable dog. Hope definitely says and does a lot of the things that I would want to do when striking up a new friendship, but I’m never quite confident enough to do so…

I love that Hope is an accountant who somehow gets wrangled into being a wedding planner. I found both aspects of her to be fascinating. I love the idea of being a forensic accountant, particularly when some of that involves male prostitutes, but I digress. Then there’s her ability to organise the wedding from hell, times two. Because both weddings she organises are completely insane. I honestly spent most of this story laughing and grinning. It is cute and funny. And definitely a story that I look forward to reading again… now I just have to go back to the beginning of the series…

<- Ginger SnappedMore Bernadette Franklin ->

Image source: Amazon

Unmoor by Mark Oshiro

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: Unmoor
Author: Mark Oshiro
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Mental health, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

This was such a bittersweet short story. I liked the premise, and I totally understand the need. But it was also kind of sad. I love the idea of having memories unmoored from a location. Rather than just obliterating the memory of someone, removing it from its attachment so that you can still enjoy a place is kind of beautiful. It turns the hurts of the past to something that can be recalled as needed.

The end of this short story makes this whole tale feel like a bit of a misunderstanding. I mean, Felix might be continuing to go ahead with his decision to become unmoored. But, there is a moment when you wonder if he really should carry through with his plans. And whether or not untethering yourself is really worth all of the pain.

Saying goodbye to someone you love is always difficult. Which left me feeling a little bit heartsick at the end of this story. It was painful and a reminder that its sometimes more difficult for us to say goodbye than we would otherwise like.

<- The WeightThe Coldest Spot in the Universe ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Real Deal
Author: Lauren Blakely
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary romance, although I didn’t find it as difficult to put down as I’ve found others of this genre. Or even the one other Blakely book that I’ve had the privilege to read. It was fun and easy to read. A light-hearted romance with some great character development. But it also didn’t get my heart racing like some of the other books I’ve had the privilege to read.

April’s job was one of those that really intrigued me. I mean, I suppose you need body painters for adds and shows and things that I’ve seen. But it wasn’t something I ever considered in depth. I love how Blakely describes this career. And the passion and artistry that goes into it. I know a few people who make their living through art, and I love how this creativity just jumps off the pages.

All the way through this story, it was obvious that Theo’s omitting of the truth was going to be the bump in the road for April and Theo. But I really like how it came about. That, and how parts of Theo’s history only get teased out slowly for the reader. It’s not all dealt out in one large splash. Not only do Theo and April manage to overcome some of this, but I also love that Theo finds some solutions to his own drama.

One of my favourite things that got me a little flustered in this romance was the fantasy Theo and April structure. The way they engage with each other and spin tales that make your toes curl was brilliant. It just goes to show the power of the written word (and spoken) can have to curl one’s toes…

<- My Favorite HolidateA Real Good Bad Thing ->

Image source: Amazon