Tag Archives: Heart Eyes Press

Slapshot by Rebecca Jenshak

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Slapshot
Author: Rebecca Jenshak, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Moo U #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This is my first Rebecca Jenshak novel – and I will most definitely be reading more. I fell in love with both Kaitlin and Lex from the very beginning. They were relatable and interesting, without being too overwhelming with their flaws. It was also one of those wonderful stories in which you can most definitely predict what’s going to happen, without it being a boring story. Honestly, one of my favourite things about reading a contemporary romance.

Kaitlin is a bit of an overindulged and spoilt girl, but I love that she’s actually aware of that fact. Plus, although there is the drama that led to her being at Moo U, she’s actually kind of innocent. Plus, alongside all of her flaws and spoilt ways, she’s wonderfully perky. Not in that, dear god no more kind of way, but the hopefully optimistic about the world around her. Which, of course balances out all of her thorns and trust issues perfectly.

Lex makes the perfect partner to work through Kaitlin’s trust issues. He is cockily confident, but beneath that he’s overwhelmingly kind. He also knows from the very beginning that Kaitlin (and I’m not even sure I’m spelling that right) has a whole lot of walls that he’s going to have to break down. Yet, he’s determined to show her that she is actually worth it. Alright, not necessarily the most realistic aspect of this romance, but it’s such a nice idea that someone is going to look at all of your thorns, and decide that you’re worth it anyway. There’s a reason I’ll be reading Jenshak again, and it’s those little moments of ooooooh that do it.

I most definitely predicted how the last minute hurdle was going to work out – not the exact details, but I knew it would have something to do with Kaitlin’s trust issues and her dad. But, I love how it was all resolved. I also love how Lex works on helping Kaitlin restore her relationship with her father, rather than just his relationship with her. Such an amazing novel, and I can’t wait to read not only more Jenshak stories, but more tales of the Moo U hockey team.

<- BlindsidedHoldout ->

Image source: Amazon

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Sideways by Lisa Hughey

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sideways
Author: Lisa Hughey, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Speakeasy Taproom #4
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: 2021

Thoughts

I found the society girl meets cute chef a really fun angle to this story. Particularly since cute chef immediately judges the society girl for wanting to alter the menu. Which she does because she has dietary concerns, not because she’s a princess and pain in the butt. It was definitely a really fun and wonderful approach to a very unique pairing. In fact, Tracey and Colton are some of my favourite Heart Eyes Press couples so far. Although, admittedly that may change when I read the next book in this world…

There is just something about a good food romance that makes me particularly happy. Probably because I love food and I love cooking, so it hits me right in all of my sweet spots. The fact that Colton manages to find his mojo for cooking again as this story unfolds. In a tiny, picturesque cottage… at some points I didn’t even need the romance. Just the cooking. I’m admittedly a little bit food obsessed at times. I love that this story also highlights all of the ways in which sometimes the hospitality culture can be kind of toxic. I used to work in hospitality – it wasn’t abnormal for someone to do a ten hour shift on a broken foot (not even kidding). Colton’s issues with alcohol and the ways in which such a high pressure environment really hit a cord with me. Again, having worked in front of house and kitchens myself – I know a whole lot of chefs and kitchen staff who had some very questionable addictions. Colton’s strength in recognising his problems and staying away from them was wonderful.

Although Tracey starts out as incredibly naïve at the beginning of this story, I love how she is able to grow throughout. She manages to consistently learn from her mistakes. And, although most of these mistakes come from a place of privilege, she’s able to admit to these flaws and find a way to be better. In fact, by understanding more of her privilege, she’s actually able to completely overhaul other aspects of her life to better suit those who aren’t quite so privileged. The personal growth of both Colton and Tracey is wonderful in this, but I particularly enjoyed and respected how much Tracey is able to grow throughout.

Tracey’s friends in the BBC (Billionaire’s Breakfast Club) are wonderful, and all the time that I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think that I wanted more of them. Which, made me incredibly happy when I realised that Hughey actually wrote this as a series… just some more wonderful books to add to my ever expanding TBR…

<- HomecomingWildflower ->

Image source: Amazon

Blindsided by Victoria Denault

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Blindsided
Author: Victoria Denault, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Moo U #2
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: 2021

Thoughts

This is a wonderful enemies to lovers story. But almost one that’s been supercharged – I mean, enemies to lovers is one thing. But enemies to lovers when their very families are feuding? That’s a whole other level of scary and difficult. One that I seriously appreciated and enjoyed. I mean, it was also a great new adult romance with all of the growing and feelings involved, but with that whole Romeo and Juliet vibe. And none of the dying (which is always a great benefit).

Tate is wonderfully yummy, and gorgeous. I love that his role as a man maid is what kind of lands him in hot water… honestly, there is nothing sexier than a topless man cleaning your house for you while you put your feet up. He also has a wonderful attitude. Although, as seems to be the case with many of the male leads in the romances I read – he seriously needs to work on his conflict resolution. There are so many points throughout this that would be far less horrible if he just opened his mouth and COMMUNICATED. But, then, it would probably have been a much shorter story.

I love how sweet and kind of adorable Maggie is in this. Yet, she has a strength of steel when she’s challenged. She’s able to put her family first, find ways to help the farm and just be an all around wonderful woman. Her relationship with her sister and housemates was all that much more adorable. But, mostly I just love how she is able to use her brain to help her family’s business and also work towards a better future for everyone involved. The image of her green thumb and balcony garden are forever imprinted on my mind. Maybe because I’m somewhat jealous of the fact that she can actually grow things.

Although the situation and the conflict between the families is the main point of difficulty between Tate and Maggie getting together, when you discover the root of the feud, you start to understand who the real villains are. Which makes sense, the couple are bought together by Clyde and George’s immaturity, and it’s their villain-like ways that eventually helps both of the families to heal. I love the moment when the past is revealed and the truth about the grandmothers comes out. What a beautiful way to end a fantastic story.

<- BoyfriendSlapshot ->

Image source: Kobo

Cowboy by L.B. Dunbar

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Cowboy
Author: L.B. Dunbar, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Busy Bean #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I like that this novel had a little bit of gender flipping in that it is Bull who is the serial dumpee. And Scarlet is the one who isn’t entirely sure of how much she wants to commit. The fact that these two meet and anticipate a one-night stand as a bit of a palate cleanser for both of them, and then can’t quite move on is also gorgeous. And then they get their gorgeous surprise. I might not be a huge fan of pregnancy as a driver to keep a couple together, but it really worked for this story. After all, it’s made very clear that these two really want to be together from the get-go. Which makes the pregnancy a convenient excuse, not a point of pressure.

Scarlett is an incredibly feisty pregnant woman, and this made me ridiculously happy. I don’t actually know many women who were totally mellow in their pregnancies (although my husband is convinced that I was actually the calmest I’d ever been). The final scene when she gives birth is actually my favourite of the whole book. I mean, everything in this is fantastic. But her feistiness and willingness to yell at just about everyone in that moment had me genuinely laughing out loud. It makes me wonder if Dunbar has had experience with feisty pregnant women in her history – she writes passionate and strong women with a heavy dose of sass so well.

I love that Bull completely lives up to his name in this book. There’s a few more sexually charged “living up to the name” aspects. But it was his bullheadedness that made me smile. Instead of confronting Scarlett head on and trying to gently sway her to his way of thinking, he just continues to silently work on her. This stubbornness is brilliant and a lot of fun to read. I seriously enjoyed how he is able to be patient and work with Scarlett’s insecurities and issues. Plus, when her ex appears, he continues to be kind of steadfast in his commitment to Scarlett. I also love that although the ex is sinister and causes a whole heap of uncomfortable issues, it ends up being Bull who really gets in his own damn way. There’s nothing like a character who makes silly decisions and ends up (sometimes hilariously) harming his own plans.

This was a fantastic read. It was fun, light and easy. But there was also just enough angst and trouble that it was impossible to put down. I had a lot of fun reading this. And the many sneaky cow / pregnant woman comparisons had me giggling. Since I’ve recently been through all of the joys of pregnancy, I was able to find this even more relevant and entertaining – a lot of laughter and smiles throughout this very sweet and cute romance.

<- SweetheartCakewalk ->

Image source: Goodreads

Homecoming by Rebecca Norinne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Homecoming
Author: Rebecca Norinne, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Speakeasy Taproom #2
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: 2021

Thoughts

Rosalie and Preston have the cutest falling in love with the boy next door vibe. It’s such a pleasant little trope, one that was enjoyable to go along for the ride with. The fact that it’s not even a neighbour, but the guy who’s renting a granny flat across the driveway? It just became all that much cuter and more convenient. Rosalie and Preston also just work together beautifully in that they start out seeking each other’s companionship, which then blossoms into something more.

Rosalie’s interfering mother is kind of hilarious. She has more game than I could ever hope to have. And such a great joy of life. I honestly could not stop giggling right the way through. I mean, we’ve probably all had that awkward moment of a friend or family trying to “help” in our romantic endeavours. I don’t know how many would go full out with Marvin Gaye and candles under a starlit sky…

Rosalie’s ex on the other hand, is terrifying in his manipulations. Where her mother is doing all of her nonsense out of the good of her heart, her ex is just horrifying. The bullying, controlling attitude is bad enough. But the way he tries to manipulate things to not only destroy Rosalie’s happiness, but extort money from it? That’s bad enough. The potential for financial and legal, ruin just capped it all off.

Like certain people in Rosalie’s past, Preston’s family truly sucks. Except for his sister. Like, I believable levels of not okay behaviour going on there. Yet, for someone so strong and happy to encourage Rosalie to take back her own life, he puts up with a lot of nonsense. Yet, eventually, he figures out how to stick up for himself. Something I greatly appreciated and loved. Enough to make me look, forward to reading more Rebecca Norinne books.

<- HeartwoodSideways ->

Image source: Goodreads

Heartwood by J.H. Croix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Heartwood
Author: J.H. Croix, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Speakeasy Taproom #2
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: 2021

Thoughts

Belle and Ty are a fun couple, and I found this to be a wonderful, easy contemporary romance. Plus, Phoebe, Audrey, Zara and so many others were constantly reappearing in this story. Heartwood was great and introduced me to a wonderful new author who has now been added to my shelves.

I loved that throughout this story, Croix constantly highlights that we all have our crap. That everyone is bringing some complexities and difficulties to the table. And that fact doesn’t make us unlovable. Although on the surface Belle’s issues are pretty full on, it’s actually Ty’s which almost torpedo their whole relationship. Again, everyone has their own nonsense and it’s sometimes just a little bit difficult moving through it.

I think this is my first book that features someone with bipolar disorder. I did absolutely love that fact. However, it was a very brief and broad mention. Yes, it’s Belle’s biggest challenge throughout the book. But it was more of a challenge in the fact that it made her rethink her life and thought she was letting down her loved ones. The people I’ve known living with bipolar (and there’s been many) take years to figure out their new baseline, and years to figure out their medications. On one hand, I loved that Belle’s story was so happy, but on the other, I think it oversimplified things a little.

All in all, Heartwood was a fantastic romance with a great happily ever after (as they all do). I love that mostly it’s about two people figuring out how to accept themselves and that they are worthy of love. It’s sweet and an easy read, with some really great issues at its heart. I’m definitely looking forward to reading some more J.H. Croix in the future.

<- TouchstoneHomecoming ->

Image source: Amazon

Boyfriend by Sarina Bowen

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Boyfriend
Author: Sarina Bowen, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Moo U #1
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: 2021

Thoughts

Oh man, Abbi and Weston are just too damn cute. And sweet. And all of the warm, happy, rainbows and puppies feelings. I mean, there’s a level of sweetness in every romance story’s couple, but for whatever reason, I found this couple even more adorable than usual. Or maybe it’s just the whole “fake romance” trope that sucked me right into all of the happy feels.

One of the standout moments in this story for me is the way that Abbi is able to completely hand it to Weston’s dad. I’ve never understood people who wallow and moan. I mean, life is too damn short and there is always a silver lining to be found. So, when Abbi gets up the father to tell him to enjoy what he has, I wanted to do a standing ovation. I wish I had the guts to stand up to people like this and tell them to find the joy in life. Gah! So much frustration.

Admittedly, alongside the amazingness of Abbi and Weston falling for one another, I loved all of the family dynamics. Particularly the moment when Weston highlights to Dalton how truly moronic he is. I feel like there tend to be 2 camps of men at times – those who are the creep/bastard/predators, and those who are kind of naive about the first camp. Dalton, whilst a well-meaning man, is firmly in the second camp. An absolute moron, but still a well-meaning one.

For those early morning baby feeds, I’m loving sinking into a good, easy book. And diving into the world of Sarina Bowen at the moment is incredibly rewarding. Boyfriend is yet another joyful step into that world. One that I look forward to repeating again and again.

<- More Heart Eyes PressBlindsided ->

Image source: Kobo

Sweetheart by Sarah Mayberry

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sweetheart
Author: Sarah Mayberry, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Busy Bean #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: 2021

Thoughts

I was admittedly a little bit leery about reading this, after all, the blurb said that it’s a relationship between a woman and her sister’s ex. That just seems all kinds of wrong to me. But then I read it, and there is no wrong, just beautiful sweetness. I totally get why this story was called Sweetheart. It is honestly just too damn cute!!!

I found the personification of Jess to be really interesting and unique in this tale. For Beck, she’s the nightmare ex who totally messed him up, abused him and just shattered some of his sanity. In a normal story, she’d be the villain throwing a spanner in the works of the relationship going forwards. And it did do that, a lot. But then you see her through Haley’s eyes, and it’s impossible to hate her. Because although Jess has done some truly horrible things, she’s still Haley’s sister. And we tend to love and adore our families, even when they’re seriously difficult.

I also loved how Haley’s family dynamic was structured. From experience, I know that sometimes if there is a child with issues, the other one gets swept under the rug. And sometimes being the passive, easy-going one means that people can forget about your own needs and desires. Again, instead of just villainising the parents and having them as the “bad guys”, Mayberry is able to show how those dynamics can happen. Even when we love, we make mistakes and sometimes fudge things up a little.

I absolutely adored this book. The relationship between Haley and Beck was completely swoon worthy and adorable. Actually, it was just downright cute. But Mayberry was also able to deal with a whole heap of pretty intense and complex issues in Haley’s family dynamic. And provide a great reminder that even when we love each other (familial, romantic, platonic…), we still make mistakes. We just have to be open to fixing them.

<- More Heart Eyes PressCowboy ->

Image source: Goodreads

Touchstone by Karen Stivali

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Touchstone
Author: Karen Stivali, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Speakeasy Taproom #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I have to admit, having Sam as the male lead was incredibly yummy. And I’m not normally all that interested in reading about hipsters. Or just hipsters in general. But, he’s Wiccan, so the hipster thing was forgiven, and I actually enjoyed getting to know this so very yummy man a little bit better… there’s just something about not only his characterisation, but also the gorgeous relationship he has with his grandmother and great-aunt that had me smiling and digging further and further into this story.

Although I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary romances lately, I actually haven’t read many that feature the internet. I love that this tale actually uses the internet and our current obsession with memes to drive the storyline. It’s kind of a cruel beginning – memes drive a woman out of her life and thrust her into a whole new one. But I do love that it is something that generally happens these days. Plus, I seriously can’t get the idea of Phoebe with a huge hunk of meat flung over her shoulder, righteously marching off.

I’ve never been to America, let alone Vermont (where I think this is set). But I love the feeling of this setting. It actually kind of made me think of the tiny towns scattered throughout the Adelaide Hills. That sense of greenery and seclusion is so peaceful as you’re travelling through the region. It’s certainly the feeling that I get when I’m journeying into this tiny town. A feeling that I look forward to returning to with the reading of Heartwood.

Not only did I really enjoy both Phoebe and Sam independently and together, I also really loved all of the cooking and food throughout. I’m definitely developing an obsession with any kind of romance that features food and cooking. It’s just too delicious and… yummmm. So I had multiple reasons to drool while reading this fantastic romance.

<- More Karen StivaliHeartwood ->

Image source: Goodreads