Tag Archives: Contemporary

Overnight Sensation by Sarina Bowen

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Overnight Sensation
Author: Sarina Bowen
Series: Brooklyn Bruisers #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I love that even the name Castro implies a bit of a womaniser / ladies’ man. But, as his story unfolds, and you begin to understand just why he is not really interested in a relationship, it becomes a little less light and funny. Yet, there are still many heart lifting moments throughout this romance, that even with the sad backstory, you’ll still have a smile on your lips throughout the majority of this story.

One of my pet peeves throughout the romance tropes and frustrations is when a character makes decisions for another person. In this case, when Castro just decides for Heidi that she shouldn’t put up with his drama, past, and nonsense. I love that Castro’s friends actually call him on this and remind him that it’s actually not a unilateral decision. There are always two people in a relationship, so they both should have a damn say in how that relationship takes sense.

At the beginning of Brooklynaire, I found Heidi a wee bit too chipper. Probably because that was Bec’s original impression, and it’s written in her point of view. Yet, from the moment she enters the storyline in Overnight Sensation, I was kind of in love. The chipper, bubbly front isn’t everything that she is, although, she is still one of the most optimistic characters I’ve read in a long time.

I love that while Castro is working through his emotions and past, Heidi is going through her own dramas and challenges. And, regardless of what her father and the universe throw at her, she manages to come out on top. She is constantly having some serious obstacles to overcome, and yet she finds a way to not just deal with it, bit to thrive. In fact, I was so damn proud of how much Heidi thrives throughout this tale that I was kind of disappointed attending. I wanted an epic showdown and a reclaiming of independence with her father, instead it was very anticlimactic. But still good enough to read again and again.

<- BountifulSuperfan ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Bromance Book Club
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams
Series: Bromance Book Club #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I actually read the first book in this series after reading the fifth book, because Christmas. So I did already know that the premise was that there is a Bromance Book Club that helps men to connect with the women in their lives. And, also, just lets men connect in whatever way they need to. It also meant that I already knew I was going to enjoy this because I enjoyed A Very Merry Bromance so much. Having said that, I actually think that I enjoyed this even more. For starters, it was wonderfully refreshing that this is a romance that actually starts in the middle of a marriage. That point when there is no more communication and the two leads are just struggling to figure out how to get back to who they were. Not just as a couple, but to find who they are as individuals as well. Of course, the complications and stressors of children made it all that much more volatile and difficult. I loved reading about not that moment of falling in love, but how you fall back in love with your significant other after life impacts you.

Although you can see how drastically Thea and Gavin could’ve gotten off track, I definitely I felt like Gavin was the one with his head further up his arse. His unwillingness to give up on his marriage is ultimately a good thing, and this stubbornness gives him an edge when others might have given up. But this same stubbornness is kind of what lands him in trouble in the first place – an inability to see past his own hurt and nonsense and actually listen to his wife gets his butt kicked to the curb. I do love though how is friends in the BBC (Bromance Book Club) consistently kick his butt and make him see reality. And that his hurts aren’t all about him, sometimes your hurts bleed over to others and you need to just stop and deal with your shit. In fact, that seems to be the underlying theme of not only this book, but the book they read within the book – backstory is everything and if we understand just what the backstory is, we can understand the hurts of today.

There are a few moments throughout this novel that had me grinning like a damn Cheshire cat – but two stand out in particular. Firstly, the moment when Gavin just yells “Backstory!” at Thea and storms out. Not only is it a great reminder that it took both of them to break up their marriage, but he also has been able to learn what the damn bromance has been pushing at him. Then, there’s the moment where Thea finally manages to regain some of her strength and independence – she not only shuts down the other, horrible women who are attached to the players. But, she also owns her relationship with her husband. “He stutters in bed, and it’s fucking amazing”. Quite possibly one of my favourite mic drop moments that I’ve read in a very long time.

There are so many brilliant moments throughout this novel. Ones that I look forward to revisiting again and again. Not just in Gavin and Thea’s romance. But also in Courting his Countess, the novel that Gavin is actually reading. I love that it looks like Adams has actually written this in entirety, because honestly, that’s a book that I actually want to read as well…

<- More Lyssa Kay AdamsUndercover Bromance ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Unmatchmakers by Jackie Lau

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Unmatchmakers
Author: Jackie Lau
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

There are so many laugh out loud moments in this witty contemporary romance. As in literal laugh out loud moments. I’m kind of glad that I read this novel late at night when no one else was home… I would have looked a little bit unhinged while reading this to casual observers. (Alright, that happens more often than not, but I digress). Lau is able to carve out not only a fun romance, but one that is distinctly humorous and incredibly witty. I love how Neil and Leora have parents who go against pretty much every stereotype that you read about in books. The many, many funny moments also drive them to decide to finally stand up for themselves and carve out a relationship with their respective mothers that actually works and feels accepting and healthy.

There are obviously a lot of stereotypes about Asian mothers running rampant in our media. The fact that this novel uses those and then willingly goes against them was very brilliantly done. The loud yelling and chaos made me fall in love with both of the mothers, even as they are driving their children completely insane. I also thoroughly enjoyed how the three mothers are all a pretty cohesive unit. One that bands together in their unmatchmaking ways. But also, when they have a rupture in their plans, finds a way back to each other. It’s that friendship that I would love to have in my old age – women I have raised children with and experienced the world with, still by my side. Still causing shenanigans and chaos.

Neil and Leora are such a wonderfully cute couple. I love that their whole story is a slow-burn romance. Although there’s that instant moment of connection and sexual tension, the time it takes for them to actually consummate their relationship? It’s definitely a serious build up. One that Lau is able to reward you for fully. I got to a point pretty quickly where I was turning each page really quickly and ripping through this book – just because I wanted to see the slow burn pay off! Of course, it’s totally rewarded, but it took a whole lot longer to get to that moment. And it’s not quite as graphic as some of the romances that I’ve read recently, another thing that I actually found paid off beautifully.

This was such a beautiful contemporary romance. It had wonderful summer feels, with the fantastic setting. But it was also about two people finding their own happiness and path in life. Then owning that with parents who are sometimes a little bit overzealous with ensuring their offspring’s happiness. I’m most definitely a Jackie Lau fan now and can’t wait to dig into more of her books!

<- Not Your ValentineMore Jackie Lau ->

Image source: Goodreads

Trust Fund by Skye Warren

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Trust Fund
Author: Skye Warren
Series: Trust Fund Duet #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow,
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This novella might be a prologue to the Trust Fund Duology, but wow, is there a lot of emotion in such a short number of pages. It is filled with emotion, intrigue, and drama. And honestly, it was such an amazing read all on its own. Now I can’t wait to see how the characters are going to develop in the two full-length novels within this series.

From the very beginning both Harper and Christopher have such a complex relationship. There’s kind of a bit of instant connection, and a bit of a nice Meet Cute moment, but it is so embroiled in political drama and nonsense. You get the feeling that anything they could potentially have is pretty much doomed from the beginning. Which, of course is what makes you root for them from the get-go.

There are so many hidden family dramas for Harper. So many that kind of break your heart. I am completely intrigued as to how these are going to develop in the greater storyline and destroy many of Harper’s potential chances at happiness. It’s definitely going to be a somewhat tragic love story in there, and I can’t wait to see how this is going to evolve…

<- More Skye WarrenSurvival of the Richest ->

Image source: Goodreads

Smart Mouth by Emma Lee Jayne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Smart Mouth
Author: Emma Lee Jayne, SmartyPants Romance
Series: Work For It #4
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: 2022

Thoughts

Growing up, I always wanted to have a twin – there is something that seems so fun about twin shenanigans. And now I get to read an incredibly fun story about a twin mistaken identity. Alright, that mistaken identity lasted for only a very small handful of chapters, because Tom eventually does correct Gwen’s assumption. But, still, it is a great way to start a story. Especially since this moment of mistaken identity is what finally lets Tom spend time with the girl he is somewhat unhealthily obsessed with… it gets healthier when they actually converse and communicate, but still.

I really loved Gwen in Heart Smart, she was a nice counterpoint to some of Max’s grumpiness. And I love how she ends up actually being quite a good friend to Holly. The fact that she got to go on to get her own novel was just beautiful. And glorious. And gave me all of the happy feelings. Having said that, she was honestly kind of a scaredy cat. Kind of painfully at moments if I’m being honest. But, after getting a well-deserved kick up the backside, she actually finds her bravery. The final scene where she takes charge and show her brave was painful even through the pages of a novel, but so damn good.

I love how Max and Holly are able to make another appearance in this novel. They were such a wonderful couple, and seeing how they’re going later on in life was incredibly fun and brilliant. I also love how Max absolutely demolishes Gwen at one point and makes her actually stop and look at herself and reflect. Both Max and Holly are just a wonderful couple, and their brief cameo made me so incredibly happy. As did the mention of the 50’s list from Book Smart.

Tom might be a lovely and kind of puppy-adorable character, but his constant feelings of guilt do get to be a bit much throughout this story. I kind of get where they stem from, but honestly, if it wasn’t for his damn twin being such a knob, he’d realise that things that happen when you’re a kid aren’t really your fault. His infatuation is kind of sweet, and I do love how he starts to actually make moves towards fixing his relationships, rather than just feeling guilty for moments of the past that aren’t exactly his fault.

This was just a too damn cute story. Not only was it a fantastic getting to know you, removing misconceptions story, it was just all round cute. I love every dive I take into the SmartyPants Romance world, but there is something a little bit extra lovely about Emma Lee Jayne – probably because she features those who are neurotypical (ADHD).

<- Book SmartPlay Smart ->

Image source: Goodreads

Book Smart by Amanda Pennington

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Book Smart
Author: Amanda Pennington, SmartyPants Romance
Series: Work For It #3
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: 2022

Thoughts

This novel is definitely one of my favourite friends-to-lovers stories. There is something wonderful about Melanie and Cameron, you are hoping for their eventual get-together from pretty much the first page. But it also has all of those wonderful moments and complications that you kind of expect from this trope. And they’re both just so damn cute about their crushes on one another, even if they are also both kind of oblivious to each other’s indicators…

Melanie is a complete kook in this book and kind of self-centred. Which is her hurdle to overcome in realising how much Cameron means to her. But anyway, I love that even though she’s a little self-centred, she’s also incredibly kind and giving. A fun little dichotomy throughout. The fact that it’s her idea to follow a 50’s list to meet men that acts as the catalyst… priceless. Actually, pretty much every moment in which Melanie tries to follow the list and just epically fails is completely priceless. And had me laughing out loud a few times throughout my read through.

Cameron, although adorable is kind of a dope. Many of the moments and confusions throughout this would have been completely solved if he had’ve stepped forwards and actually said something. Instead of relying on some weird, arbitrary expectations of interest-indication. But I also love that although I got a bit frustrated with him throughout, Pennington still made him so completely dorky and loveable. The way Cameron is also able to begin to truly come to terms with and find closure after his stroke was also incredibly fun. In fact, it introduced me to another side character that I would love to experience more of – his best friend. Maybe there will be a future SmartyPants Romance book featuring him…?

The shenanigans and mishaps throughout this book make a beautiful romance sassy and funny. There is the moment when Melanie is escorted by a security guide (I smirked a whole lot when this happened) and then there’s the whole almost killing a workmate fiasco. I would most definitely read a book written by someone who tried to use the 50’s list to meet men today – especially if there were as many mishaps as happened in this beautiful romance.

<- Heart SmartSmart Mouth ->

Image source: Goodreads

Tis the Season by Jill Sanders

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Tis the Season
Author: Jill Sanders
Series: Pride, Oregon #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

When I first started reading this story, I didn’t actually realise that Matthew was the child from Finding Pride. Mostly because I didn’t really think things through for a little while. And then it all clicked, and I immediately loved this even more. I mean, I loved the first part of this was enjoyable anyway, but when I started realising the connections and putting all of the pieces together… it made me much, much happier. Although, when it comes to a well written book that is a nice, easy read, it doesn’t take much to make me an incredibly happy woman.

Blake’s disappearance from Matthew’s life is a bit of a mystery throughout much of the book. But I did love that when the truth is revealed, it might be a little bit about love, but mostly it was just totally unrelated to Matthew at all. The fact that they both kind of subconsciously pined for each other in the two year interim… it made the quick jump from calm to steamy in their relationship a whole lot more understandable… and palatable. It was also nice to read about their Meet Cute before the sparks even start to fly.

This was a fun Christmas story, but the part of it that I enjoyed the most was the fact that it is a Christmas story set in a haunted house. That added mystery built alongside the story of Matthew and Blake’s relationship. Again, making this a very difficult book to put down. Or aside, or just forget about in any way, shape or form. There’s something about haunted houses that make me very happy, and the fact that it’s a haunted house at Christmas?

Although I enjoyed this novel, it’s probably the house that I will dream about. It had this amazing old school charm, ghosts, history and just… it felt like the vibes of my dream home. So now I shall go and dream about it in my own time…

<- Season of LoveDare to Love ->

Image source: Amazon

A Pride Christmas by Jill Sanders

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Pride Christmas
Author: Jill Sanders
Series: The Pride #10
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This was a very fun and short Christmas novella. One that transports you back to Pride, Oregon. It’s made me want to dig into yet another one of these contemporary romance series set in small towns. Just too cute and sweet to be real. But a whole lot of fun to read about. The fact that it was set during Christmas time was all that much better. And the fact that although it took place in Pride, it wasn’t actually about one of the couples from this town.

I always love a good childhood friends to lovers kind of trope. Particularly when they’ve always felt that way but been unable to act on their emotions. It’s this great jump from friendship to lovers that show that they know everything about one another. Probably my favourite trope because they genuinely know where each other’s skeletons are buried but choose to fall in love anyway.

Alice and Eric are an incredibly cute and sweet couple. They’re the kind of couple that I love to read about. And the backdrop of a winter storm along a beach at a bed and breakfast? Just ridiculously wonderful and enjoyable. I love the beach, but now I have a ridiculous urge to go and see it in the winter. At Christmas. With the man I love hunkered down into the cottage with me…

<- Rescue MeMore Jill Sanders ->

Image source: Amazon

Red Hot Christmas by Jill Sanders

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Red Hot Christmas
Author: Jill Sanders
Series: The Pride #7
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

This is my first every Jill Sanders book, and I’m definitely feeling like I’m a convert after reading this. Sanders has tones of Robyn Carr, not quite as impossible to put down, but still that great feeling of simplicity and joy that I’ve come to associate with her novels. The small town romances are definitely a catnip for me, one that I love to settle into and drift away with. The fact that this is also a Christmas story, set in the snow was also seriously enjoyable. Even though this started partway through the Pride series, and I was definitely missing a few bits of information, this was a wonderful contemporary romance that had me smiling and just generally enjoying the feeling of falling in love in a tiny town, covered in snow.

There were a few sad moments through this that helped to contrast with the happy feeling of falling in love and finding your happily ever after. For starters, there is Luke’s gran – she is such an integral part of his life, and her loss is definitely a tragic one. I love that Amber is happy to take the moment and let him process his grief without the complications of a new relationship. Plus, he also buys a beagle puppy which made me incredibly happy. I love that as part of the grieving process for Luke, he has the whole town banding behind him as support. This is the dream of a community – one that is there when you most need them without judgement.

There is also Amber’s backstory. At least Luke’s is filled with love, I can’t fathom the difficulties that she goes through and how callous and horrible her parents are. I thought they would be a bigger challenge to the blossoming relationship between Amber and Luke that they were though. I also love that when this knowledge comes to light in the town, the people automatically and unquestioningly band behind Amber in support. Shutting down gossipers and those who are too far into their own delusions to see reality. Both Amber and Luke have negative family moments throughout this story that they are able to support each other through. But, they also are moments which show how loyal and supportive the town of Pride is.

As an introduction to the Pride series, I found this fantastic and overwhelmingly beautiful. The Christmas aspect made it even more enjoyable. And, even though it is a story that takes partway through a established series, I still enjoyed being swept away. Now I just need to find out more about the rest of the characters and fall in love bit by bit with this tiny little Christmas town.

<- My Sweet ValentineReturn to Me ->

Image source: Amazon

Finding Pride by Jill Sanders

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Finding Pride
Author: Jill Sanders
Series: The Pride #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This novel was a little bit predictable, but still very sweet. I mean, it’s a small-town romance – out of towner comes to escape an unpleasant past, finds a dreamy local and falls madly in love. It’s a tale filled with beautiful, happy, small-town vibes. But, sometimes that’s exactly what I’m in the mood for – a completely predictable romance that is a lot of fun and a pleasant departure from the real world.

Although Megan and Todd are the leads in this novel, I do love Lacey and can’t wait for her story. She’s an absolute firecracker and I love how she is able to just control those around her with the force of her personality. She was a bit of a show stealer, and it’ll be interesting when she is the one who falls head over heels. But, I digress, that’s a story that I look forward to delving into in the future. For now, Finding Pride was a fantastic beginning to a new-to-me series by an author I think I’m going to thoroughly enjoy.

Megan’s domestic violence background is not as well written as some of the other characters that I’ve had in my shelves, but it was still well done. I do love how she eventually stands up for herself. And the way in which she is constantly growing into her own independence and regaining that sense of self. The fact that this happens following the loss of her brother is kind of sad and tragic though. I spent the whole book lamenting the fact that Matthew wasn’t there to see Megan’s growth and the way she finds her new home in Pride. Which is probably the way Sanders wanted it to be.

There is tragedy in Todd’s background as well – the loss of a wife. I felt like this could have been used a little more for character development, it was barely touched upon. Even though it was mentioned that he never truly loved her, it just felt like a completely unnecessary and underutilised detail that didn’t need to be there. The death of his father though was a much better point of character development in this tale. Again, it wasn’t as well structured as some of the other stories I’ve read. But it was still well done. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I’m looking forward to reading the next tale in the Pride series.

<- More Jill SandersDiscovering Pride ->

Image source: Goodreads