Tag Archives: Contemporary

Birthday Suit by Lauren Blakely

December 20, 2024Book ReviewContemporary, Contemporary romance, Lauren Blakely, The Guys Who Got Awayskyebjenner

Title: Birthday Suit
Author: Lauren Blakely
Series: The Guys Who Got Away #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

I’ve been really wanting to dive into this series since reading Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend. But, sadly, I’ve always read on the kobo and it’s been sitting in Kindle Unlimited. Which, ultimately has meant that I pulled the trigger and decided to get KU as well as Kobo Plus. On this book alone, there are no regrets for that decision. Birthday Suit was a wonderful book and I couldn’t put it down from the very first page. It was everything that I loved in a really good romance, the angst, the characters and all of my joy.

I love that even though Birthday Suit is a second chance romance, but not really of the typical kind. Rather, instead of having a romantic history that they both stuffed up, it’s all about Leo’s unrequited love and Lulu’s ability to move into a whole new future. The complications of their past and the tangled webs of Tripp are kind of intense at times. And then, to keep up with the emotional rollercoaster that Blakely takes you on, there’s one tiny insight into Tripp’s views on Leo and Lulu. And it just… honestly destroyed me.

All of the tangled web that is Leo and Lulu’s relationship turned this into a wonderfully, enjoyably intense romance. I love that it’s a combination of Leo’s guilt for coveting his best friend’s wife for years. And Lulu’s confusion about her sudden feelings and moving forward with her life. Rather than glossing over these details and the emotional confusion that turning from a trio to a duo inflicts upon Leo and Lulu, Blakely is able to highlight this as part of their character journey. The very angst that is experienced is what makes the two so relatable and wonderful.

As with all heroines that I love, Lulu is ridiculously strong and independent. I love that the strength she shows doesn’t involve suppressing or hiding her feelings. But, rather, she revels in them. It’s a reminder that committing to love and embracing how you feel isn’t a sign of weakness, rather, it is a strength in and of itself. I also love that Lulu was historically able to away from relationships that weren’t healthy for her. And pursue her own desires and needs.

<- More Lauren Blakely

Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma

December 4, 2024Book ReviewContemporary, Contemporary romance, If Shakespeare Was an Auntie, Nisha Sharmaskyebjenner

Title: Dating Dr. Dil
Author: Nisha Sharma
Series: If Shakespeare Was an Auntie #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: 2022

Not only was this a fantastically fun and cute contemporary romance, but I also loved the insight it gave into the immigrant experience of South East Asians in the Northern Hemisphere. Which meant that I got to enjoy not only a great romance full of humour and wit, but also, I got to learn a whole lot more about the ways in which other people live and experience the world – a win win in my books. Sharma not only constructed a wonderful romance, but she also highlighted some of the unique challenges experienced by those who have a different cultural background / come from an immigrant family within western worlds. And how these things can clash with the way that the world is perceived and people grow up. A topic that I, honestly, find endlessly fascinating.

I love that this story discussed love marriages as opposed to arranged marriages, why both points of view are such an integral part of different cultures. Plus, there’s the whole idea of how arranged marriages actually occur in our modern society – it’s not as forceful as I once may have believed. But, rather, a negotiation in which the couple is able to meet and get to know each other before taking that plunge. I mean, we all live longer today, so it’s nice to know that this is a relationship that is still built on two people getting to know one another, just with vastly different expectations than what I expect from a marriage. Which, again, I loved getting this point of view in my life. I couldn’t put it down and found it quite unforgettable.

Honestly, I was kind of expecting Dr. Dil to be more of a pain in the bum, and unlikeable male lead. Particularly after reading some of the reviews for Dating Dr. Dil. I mean, he’s kind of pushy and keeps on pursuing something that has the huge potential to hurt Kareena. Even when he acknowledges the potential for fall out, he continues to pursue the relationship because of his own benefits. This shouldn’t have made for a likeable character. And yet, somehow, he was incredibly wonderful. There was just something about him, that, even in spite of his nonsense, makes you like him. Not judge him quite so likely for his nonsense with Kareena and somewhat poor decision making. Plus, the problematic behaviour at the beginning leads to some great character development throughout the story.

Kareena is my absolute favourite. I mean, she’s loyal to her family and loves them, even when they are somewhat toxic. But, she’s also strong, independent and able to stand on her own two feet. I love that even though she is trying to conform to society’s and her family’s expectations, she’s also doing it in her own way, under her own steam. Plus, eventually, she manages to make a little bit more separation from the toxicity of her family, even if it isn’t a total separation (which I don’t ever believe is the answer either). I love that in the end, there are acknowledgements of the faults in the dynamic, and a way to start moving forward.

<- More Nisha Sharma

Takes Like Shakkar ->

Image source: Harper Collins

Cyclone by Carina Alyce

November 10, 2024Book ReviewCarina Alyce, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, MetroGen After Hours, Romantic Suspenseskyebjenner

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

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 Alyce

Volatile ->

Image source: Goodreads

Tempting Talk by Sara Whitney

October 21, 2024Book ReviewCinnamon Roll Alphas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sara Whitneyskyebjenner

Title: Tempting Talk
Author: Sara Whitney
Series: Cinnamon Roll Alphas #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Jake and Mabel are a great couple who work really well together – they both feel a connection from the beginning. And, although they are instantly attracted to one another, they work on building a friendship before diving into bed with one another. I’m always a big fan of a relationship that starts as a friendship and evolves into something more – the instalove, whilst cute isn’t always for me.

There was enough drama in this story to make me not want to put it down, but not enough that my emotions got heavily toyed with. I loved the simplicity of this story, and the enjoyment I got every time I turned the page. It’s also nice to read a story that is a pleasant read sometimes – life can get hectic, and I love that reading Whitney’s stories give me a nice diversion from the insanity of daily life.

Jake’s demisexualtiy was an interesting part of his person – I don’t actually think that I’ve read a book that features a demisexual. And I even had to look up what that term meant. I love when a story gives me a bit of an education about someone else’s lived experience, and the term demisexuality definitely did that for me. Yet, the fact that Jake was demisexual helped to add to the story, instead of interrupting the flow.

In continuing with the trend of different aspects to a character that I wasn’t expecting – I’ve never read a story which features a radio host. I mean, I grew up listening to morning radio in the car, and I never really gave any thought to what it was like to work in the field. The fact that Whitney worked as a morning radio host for a short time made learning the ins and outs of this career all that much more interesting and realistic. I absolutely loved this, again, new learning experiences always make me happy.

Mabel’s friendships with Dave and ultimately Thea were absolutely fantastic. I love good, strong, healthy friendships in stories – and it was Mabel’s that really helped to not only bolster her, but also the rest of the story. Particularly her friendship with Dave – they are the ultimate best friends and were really quite adorable.

<- Tempting Taste

Tempting Lies ->

Image source: Kobo

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos

October 19, 2024Book ReviewContemporary, Contemporary romance, Kathy Strobos, New York Sparkskyebjenner

Title: My Book Boyfriend
Author: Kathy Strobos
Series: New York Spark #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

My Book Boyfriend was a really quick, easy and sweet read. It was kind of predictable, but had just enough of a surprise throughout that I couldn’t put it down. Plus, I like it when the story is simple and pleasant sometimes – it makes me happy and content. And it’s always nice to read about a happily ever after when the kids are driving you nuts and you have to be a responsible adult.

I was expecting a little more conflict between Lily and Rupert – after all, they are on opposing sides, and it would make complete sense for them to act against each other. Instead, even if they are on opposing sides of a political and social battle, they make it work with each other. And they don’t actually actively go against one another. I don’t know how it worked, but whilst they were fighting a battle, they were able to not fight at all. It was damn clever and adorable.

Lily’s group of friends are absolutely adorable and exactly what I love to read about in a group of girlfriends. I want to read more about each of them as they find their happily ever afters, which I’m hoping (and assuming) is down the track in this series. Plus, it’s great to read about a group of people rallying behind their community to support one another. I loved that this was all about a community garden and how important such a space was to people of all ages and genders.

Rupert’s grandfather was a bit of a piece of work, and I thought he was going to end up being far more evil than he was. I like that, ultimately, he may have been misguided, but was actually 100% supportive. Plus, it also meant that Rupert’s cousin wasn’t quite pitted against him as I had anticipated. Again, something that came as a pleasant surprise. I thought that Rupert’s role in corporate and his family would be far greater obstacles to his happiness. And I’m kind of glad that they weren’t, ultimately he got the girl and the love of his family as he wanted.

This might have been a thoroughly enjoyable romance that I look forward to reading again. And a great book to pull me into the world of Strobos, but it was also a great reminder of the importance of community and community spaces. It was a great reminder that community, in whatever shape or form it takes is incredibly important, and integral to all of our sanity and social / mental health. Even if it’s not quite what one would expect. And a great reminder to dive back into your own local community spaces.

<- More Kathy Strobos

Love is an Art ->

Image source: Kathy Strobos

Love is Ale You Need by Gia Stevens

October 18, 2024Book ReviewBrews & Flings, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Gia Stevensskyebjenner

Title: Love is Ale You Need
Author: Gia Stevens
Series: Brews & Flings #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

This was a really cute, sweet and fun novel. It was pretty of those rash romances to read, but with enough going on that it wasn’t quite a simple story. I honestly was loathe to put it down at any point, because I just needed to know what was going to happen next!

I honestly thought that there’d be a lot more internal difficulties between Rylee and Trey. I thought they’d both have a whole lot more drama and angst to committing to each other. Yet, I kind of love that the conflicts and difficulties are far more external.

I knew Rylee’s ex was going to be a bit horrible – I mean, it’s why she has hangups from the beginning. But he was far more of an issue than I had anticipated. And an absolute piece of work. As was Chad with his attitude problems. I liked that they were an external point of contention that threatened the happiness of the couple, without overwhelming the potential happiness of the story.

The list and sex scenes in this are wonderful, and I loved the palpable tension throughout this whole story. Yet, even with that to make my toes curl, it’s the emotional connection and relationship that had me grinning like a fool throughout. I absolutely adored this story and look forward to reading my next tale by Gia Stevens.

<- More Gia Stevens

Make My Heart Malt ->

Image source: Gia Stevens

Repeat by Kylie Scott

October 6, 2024Book ReviewContemporary, Contemporary romance, Kylie Scott, Larsen Brothersskyebjenner

Title: Repeat
Author: Kylie Scott
Series: Larsen Brothers #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

For the majority of this novel, I liked it, but honestly really didn’t want to. I mean, I don’t mind the idea of amnesia as a trope to give the couple a second chance, but to the extent when you are NEVER able to remember any aspect of your past… I just found that uncomfortable and a little too tragic. Yet, in spite of that, I absolutely loved Repeat, and can’t wait to read more writing by Kylie Scott as a result.

One of the big drivers for me within this story was the fact that you get to unravel Clem’s past and the break down not long before her attack alongside her. There were hints of foreshadowing in the style of writing, but nothing was truly given away. This tactic was probably also one of the biggest reasons why I actually found this book almost impossible to put down. And had one too many late nights reading…

The aspect of Clem’s amnesia that I found most uncomfortable was actually Ed. Where you understand how Clem falls back in love and her motives, Ed’s are a little more uncomfortable. I mean, he has to not only come to terms with the drastic changes that Clem has been through, but also find a way to heal from their pretty explosive breakup. There’s part of me that needs more of Ed’s point of view to make me more comfortable with this aspect of the plot line.

I love that amongst the second chance romance and storyline, there is the romantic suspense flavour. It doesn’t quite have enough action and mayhem to tip it into that genre for me, but in moments it was close. I must admit, I did ultimately predict just who the villain was going to be. However, their involvement in Clem’s tragedies and the entire storyline was far more insidious than even I had anticipated. Which is probably what ultimately left this book lingering in my mind’s eye.

<- More Kylie Scott

Pause ->

Image source: Lovely Books

Something Like Hate by Piper Rayne

October 5, 2024Book ReviewChicago Grizzlies, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Piper Rayne, Sports romanceskyebjenner

Title: Something Like Hate
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Chicago Grizzlies #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

After reading On the Defense, I couldn’t wait to dive into Something Like Hate, Bryce and Miles’ story. I mean, they are fantastic and filled with conflict from the beginning. And they’re definitely a couple that I want to work out from the very beginning. But, they do take a little bit of time to find their feet and find their way to one another. And then, when they do and you realise that there is a whole lot more story to come… it’s definitely a bit of a battle to put the book down.

This was a fairly typical sports romance, which is what I kind of loved about it if I’m being honest. There is something easy and enjoyable about reading a sports romance, particularly when the male leads are hockey players. There is something so appealing about the sport, and I love that they encompass all of the “alpha” male traits that I enjoy without the toxicity of real life. Plus, the predictability of a good sports romance is one of the reasons it is a pleasant diversion from real life. However, Piper Rayne still managed to throw in enough curveballs to stop it from being boring, and make it hard to put down.

The biggest spicing up of this story is the conflict of interest that Bryce experiences with work. It makes it hard to figure out just how Miles and Bryce are going to make things work and have a future together. Plus, it makes the double cross at the end even more frustrating and sad. I mean, it was obvious that there was going to be something thrown up, but just what it would be was a surprise. Luckily, as with all good romances, this is resolved fairly nicely, but it still leads to some uncomfortable and worrying moments.

I absolutely adored this story, and now I can’t wait to read the next two books in this series – Miles’ two friends both deserve their own happy endings, and I really want to read their stories. Plus, there’s a whole interrelated universe with a number of romances to dive into. A whole new world of happiness and happily ever afters to dive into.

<- On the Defense

Something Like Lust ->

Image source: Amazon

On the Defense by Piper Rayne

October 4, 2024Book ReviewChicago Grizzlies, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Piper Rayne, Sports romanceskyebjenner

Title: On the Defense
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Chicago Grizzlies #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

I normally enjoy a good prequel novel, but the fact that this one is the prequel to the three different romances in this series? Absolutely brilliant. As a hint to the rest of the story, and a prequel for a whole series, this is brilliant. I mean, it made me incredibly keen to dive straight into the series and find out just how each of the three couples find their happily ever after moments.

Even though there are a number of open endings and hints at the greater story throughout this, I did get particularly fixated on Miles and Bryce. Probably because they are the first story in the series and they are the ones that are right on the cusp of action. I love that it’s a hate to love dynamic with a whole heap of unexplained history. How could I not be intrigued and drawn in immediately?

This novel is filled with open endings and potential. I think that Piper Rayne is brilliant in that they are able to set up three prequels in the one storyline. And make you just want to dive right into the series without a second thought.

<- More Piper Rayne

Something Like Hate ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

The One Month Boyfriend by Roxie Noir

October 3, 2024Book ReviewContemporary, Contemporary romance, Roxie Noir, Wildwood Societyskyebjenner

Title: The One Month Boyfriend
Author: Roxie Noir
Series: Wildwood Society #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: 2022

Kat and Silas are one of my more enjoyable couples of the past many, many romances that I’ve read. Probably because they are both kind of vindictive and more than a little damaged. In different ways, but they are seriously enjoyable to read about. And, the fact that they own their damage and try to become better when they realise their mistakes… adorable.

Noir did a great job of representing social anxiety and the difficulties of managing such a condition. She also did great justice to the description of PTSD and describing panic attacks. Rather than romanticising or idealising having such debilitating conditions, Noir is able to describe it in a way that both drives home how frustrating it is to live in such a way, but also the challenges that one can face. As someone who suffers from panic attacks and anxiety, I can attest that Noir does a brilliant job at describing these moments, and most poignantly, the aftermath of what these attacks can be like.

Fake relationships are always an interesting trope, and one that can have somewhat awkward beginnings. However, this was probably one of the more vindictive beginnings to a fake relationship. And I loved it. I’m not exactly sweet and innocent, and I definitely have a vindictive streak. So I can entirely understand both Kat and Silas’ motives. Predominantly Kat in the beginning. I did love though, that Kat eventually realises how cruel her actions actually are, and just… begins to move on.

From the very first page, I completely fell in love with Noir’s writing and the world that she has created. I can’t wait to dive further into her writing and be swept away with these slightly off-kilter romances. They are just beautifully written and a great departure from reality.

<- Textual Relations

The Two Week Roommate ->