Tag Archives: Small town romance

Truth or Beard ReRead by Penny Reid

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Truth or Beard ReRead
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Winston 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: 2015

Thoughts

I’m always a fan of rereading a well-loved series – and this was my first reread of the Winston Brothers series. Or at least the start of my first reread. And I honestly loved revisiting Duane and Jessica and all of the nonsense that leads up to their happily ever after. Plus, Duane is the first of the Winston Brothers to finally find his happily ever after. What a great way to revisit a well loved series and a great start to a fun and dynamic contemporary romance. Now I can’t wait to get into more of the Winston Brothers series.

As someone who can be somewhat impulsive, I don’t truly understand Duane’s drive to plan absolutely everything in his life. I found it really frustrating to read about someone potentially sabotaging a future relationship, future happiness because he couldn’t plan out the entirety of the future. The whole idea that the future must be so heavily prepared for that Duane almost misses out on all of the present…. Something I definitely am not inclined towards and really struggled to understand myself.

Like Duane, I really don’t quite understand Jessica’s drives either. I’m somewhat of a homebody and somebody who tends to live in the moment. Jessica is also inordinately fixated towards the future. But where Duane wants a plan, she just wants to leave and keep moving. Again, I don’t have that feeling of wanderlust and that need to constantly run. I love having my roots firmly in the ground, and I can’t imagine being willing to say goodbye to pretty much every aspect of my life just for a new experience. And yet, because of the way that Reid is able to construct her characters – I felt like I gained some insight into these two very different personality types and personal drivers.

The presence of the Iron Wraiths, and Razor in particular still absolutely freaks me out. For good reason to be honest. This level of evil having a foot hold in any part of society is terrifying. And, sadly, it’s not a far fetched idea. I love that I get to now read this series knowing that they will ultimately be safe from the horrors of the Iron Wraiths, but I also know that there’s going to be a whole lot of horribleness and drama occurring before that happens… which I now get to seriously, happily and with great joy look forward to.

<- Beauty and the Mustache ReReadGrin and Beard It ReRead ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

The Issue with bad Boy Roommates by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Lake Starlight #2
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: 2023

Thoughts

Going on a journey with Brinley and Van as they go from flirtation to roommates to lovers was ridiculously fun. I also like how they both have their own character growth and development to go through. This isn’t the first book in the Lake Starlight series, and now I want to read more about not only the Lake Starlight romances, but I also want to dive into the Baileys series. I get the feeling that the Baileys is a precursor to the couples that occur in the Lake Starlight books and I must read them all now.

I spent most of this story waiting for the conflict, the other shoe to drop. However, what I did not expect was the way in which this occurred. I thought that the conflict would be a point of internal concern that would make either Van or Brin basically run away from their connection. Which, it kind of was. But, mostly, it was a point of conflict that was completely enmeshed in their pasts. It was a total twist, that up until right before the reveal, I honesty didn’t see coming. Which, of course, I absolutely loved.

Brin being widowed at a young age was a really interesting and somewhat intense concept. I love how preceding her meeting Van for the first time, Brin has very obviously worked through the different stages of grief. As someone who is going through grief, I love that Piper Rayne deals with the length of time it takes to deal with this and the different aspects of ongoing grief so well. Brin’s strength at finally breaking free of the slightly toxic cycle of overprotection was also completely emotional and empowering. Moving forward from this cycle and the grief is an amazing moment and part of why I loved this story so much.

This was one of those contemporary romances that I just didn’t want to put down. The backgrounds of both the characters was brilliant. And I loved the growth that they both go through to find their happily ever afters. Brinley and Van are a wonderful couple, their ability to support and love one another made me all happy inside. And now I want to read more about the rest of the Bailey clan as they all find their happily ever afters.

<- The Problem with Second ChancesThe Trouble with Runaway Brides ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

Fall in Kentbury by Claudia Burgoa

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Fall in Kentbury
Author: Claudia Burgoa
Series: Kentbury Tales #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

McKay and Bishop, as with many of the romance books that I enjoy, have a really nice Meet Cute. She’s drunk, he’s hoping for a hookup (and then does the non-creepy thing and takes care of her), then she overshares. Which, of course, leads to all sorts of nonsense when they reconnect a little while later. And misconceptions and misunderstandings. All of which, I, of course, thoroughly enjoy. I did read Fall in Kentbury a little out of order, so I can’t wait to go back and read Christmas in Kentbury – getting myself up to date with some of the different characters that fill this small town.

There is something I really love about a small town romance, and the Kentbury Tales ticks all my boxes for this genre – it’s a gorgeous small town, everyone knows everyone and cares. And it’s just such a quaint and picturesque setting. One in which people are able to slow down and enjoy the everyday joys of their lives without the hustle and bustle of a capitalist society. I mean, it might not be the actual reality of living in a small town, but I like that this is the way it is sometimes depicted. It’s all just a little bit cute.

Whilst this wasn’t a long novel (not like some of the other Burgoa books I’ve read), I did also read it in one sitting. Partly because it was a shorter length than some of the other Burgoa books on my shelves. But, mostly, it was because it was just too good of a book. Honestly, I was reading it in an instant when I really didn’t feel like parenting, and this was the greatest way to escape from my responsibilities. Plus, I’m always a sucker for a good small town romance, they’re just really cute and sweet. This also had a little less angst than some of the other romances that I’ve been devouring lately.

The character development for McKay in this story was brilliant. She figures out how to break free of her controlling family. But, rather than settling immediately into a new relationship, she decides to spread her wings. Rather, Bishop actively encourages her to go and explore the world. To discover who and what she is. And then, when all is said and done, she is able to return to what she knows will make her happy, not what could potentially make her happy.

<- Christmas in KentburyLove in Kentbury ->

Image source: What Is That Book About

Tough Cookie by Talia Hunter

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Tough Cookie
Author: Talia Hunter & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Donner Bakery #3
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: 2023

Thoughts

Carla and Noah work wonderfully as an opposites-attract story. Noah is a stunt driver, with no hesitation in diving into a number of life-risking endeavours. Carla on the other hand, is a software developer who has a chronic health condition and isn’t able to just follow the impulses and dangers of Noah’s life. I love how different they are, and how they are able to make their relationship work. It’s a great reminder that different people with different needs and desires can still work wonderfully together. And, as is very much in evidence within Tough Cookie, support each other through the good and the bad.

I had a brief brush against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome when I was in high school, luckily for me, it was a short term experience. Honestly, reading about a woman with this condition was a big reminder of just how intense and terrifying this experience is. I’m always keen to read romances, or indeed, any story which features someone with a chronic condition, it reminds us that most people have some battle or other that they must face. Hunter is brilliant at highlighting that Carla is just a normal human with a whole lot less Teaspoons. And, honestly, a lot more will power and willingness to fight for what she wants than some other people if I’m being honest.

At the beginning when Noah is happy that Carla doesn’t really like him, because women just fall for him, I thought he was a bit of a fool. I mean, that’s a pretty big ego one has there and it felt kind of unrealistic. But then, you find out just why he fears someone developing feelings for him just for his natural charisma. It took a while, but that assumption became far less negatively judged after finding out more about Noah’s past. Then, there’s the fact that he completely respects Carla’s boundaries and needs. He might help push her outside of her comfort zone, but he does it with her permission and is constantly checking in to see how she’s coping with all of the changes in her life.

Hunter brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the character of Carla. A lot of illnesses, disabilities, chronic conditions, etc. are invisible. Which, in my experience, means that people don’t quite think that they exist. Carla’s family and her ex both act like this to varying degrees. Whilst her family is just trying to help, but not actually succeeding in so many ways. Her ex-fiancé on the other hand, could not deal with her illness. Whilst it’s understandable that some people can’t deal with having a sick partner, it’s also not painting him in the greatest light. The fact that the person he swore to love is exchangeable because they can’t act the way they once did. Loving someone means loving them through all of the twists and turns of life, not just the convenient and easy moments.

Noah as a male cookie maker and cake decorator is too adorable. I love that his passion started as a child helping out his mother. And then choosing to pursue it again as an adult. I love that it is a man in a female-dominated sphere (a rarity even in the books I read), and that he just embraces it. Plus, there’s the whole making cookies which suit all of Carla’s dietary restrictions. But making cookies which are still nice and don’t taste (and feel) like cardboard. I wish this recipes were here for me to try…

<- Dough You Love Me?Muffin But Trouble ->

Image source: Amazon

Best Fake Fiance by Roxie Noir

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Best Fake Fiance
Author: Roxie Noir
Series: Loveless Brothers #2
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

One of the things that I really enjoy about Roxie Noir’s writing is that she writes beautiful contemporary romances which also have an undercurrent of hefty issues and mental health challenges. It gives the story a little bit more nuance and higher stakes, whilst still having that happily ever after, ride off into the sunset enjoyable feeling that I adore. In the case of this story, it is Charlie and Daniel dealing with custody issues and feelings of self worth. Plus, they’re negotiating the friends-to-lovers trope, along with a fake relationship / engagement. So many things at risk, but a beautifully cute and enjoyable story that I just didn’t want to put down.

I spent the majority of this book concentrating on Daniel’s daughter Rusty. She is just adorable, and with her custody being a potential sticking point, the majority of my reading meant that I was really stressed that Rusty would end up going to Crystal. Particularly with some of the mistakes that Charlie makes and Daniel’s inability to be flexible. It did mean that Rusty was more than a bit of a show stealer, but I absolutely love when someone’s child does this in a romance. Plus, Crystal is actually kind of evil, and more often than I would like, evil people actually do win the day.

Daniel is a bit of a stick in the mud, and although I understand having to reign in some of our wilder tendencies when you have a child, he is a bit restrictive at times. I love that Charlie and her less-than-organised ways help to balance him out. Even though in some instances, her unorganisation takes her too far in the opposite direction and causes more chaos. I don’t overly love how Daniel constantly yells at Charlie for her mistakes, especially when some of it is through Rusty’s decisions, not hers. However, as a parent, I also get it – I tend to get particularly aggressive and yelley when I’m worried about the safety of my child. Whether it’s caused by their actions, my own, or someone else’s.

As someone who always has to be hyper-organised and on top of everything, I kind of loved experiencing the freedom of disorganisation through Charlie. I mean, some of it would be really difficult and hard to deal with. But, I also love that she is able to live in the moment a lot more than I can. Plus, it leads to some random hilarity. Particularly when she does things like accidentally leave her phone in the cereal isle. Or forgets the day of the week. Alright, I tend to forget the day of the week frequently, but I also then check my phone frequently so I don’t forget the things that I need to do.

Not only does Noir write great romances with truly flawed individuals, she also writes wonderful sibling relationships. Each of the Loveless Brothers might annoy the absolute heck out of each other, but they also have one another’s backs. I’m sure anyone who has a sibling can relate – my sister has annoyed me more than anyone in the world. But, if someone crosses either one of us, we’ve got each others’ backs and will not back down from supporting one another.

<- Enemies with BenefitsBreak the Rules ->

Image source: Goodreads

Dough You Love Me? by Stacy Travis

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dough You Love Me?
Author: Stacy Travis & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Donner Bakery #2
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: 2023

Thoughts

This is my first every Stacy Travis story, but not my first SmartyPants Romance book. I love how dives into this world inevitably lead to a new author to obsess over… and add to my overgrowing TBR. In this revisit to Green Valley, Julia and Shane are able to get their second chance at a first chance to be together. It’s a really cute story in which they are able to revisit and forgive the past, and recognise the mistakes of stupidity and youth. I love that this second chance romance isn’t really about two people who have managed to couple up before. Rather, they missed their shot the first time around, and are trying to figure out what they want and how to go forwards this time.

As teenagers, we’re all insecure. I mean, I think as adults, we’re all insecure about something. But, as teenagers, this sense of lacking self-confidence is even more severe. I love that Stacy Travis writes a story in which the biggest mistake of the past is that they let their insecurities get the better of them. Yet, these mistakes are exactly what encourage both Julia and Shane to grasp their lives with both hands and gain control. It helps them to grow into who they need to become, before happily and lovingly committing to one another and finding their happily ever after.

Although this was a romance, I really enjoyed that it was a story about finding one’s happy place. For some, this is the value of money and, for a long time, that was the case for Julia. To build her empire and to create a legacy that she could be proud of. Rather than this never being her dream, it is just one dream of many. I love that Shane helps her to try and find a new dream to aim for. Plus, whilst accomplishments are wonderful and something to be proud of, it’s not about the accolades and being known, but about what we have to say goodbye to. It’s about the friends, the family and enjoying every day. However, Travis writes this in such a way that you also know that to live everyday for those around you, you actually have to have the money and the means to do so.

As with every book I’ve had the pleasure of reading in the SmartyPants Romance Universe, I absolutely adored this book. It was fun and light, and revisited characters that I absolutely adore (it’s also inspired me to go back and read the original Penny Reid books). Plus, alongside the romance and the soul searching that I honestly couldn’t get enough of was food. The making and baking of bread. The love and joy that goes into making food and sharing it with others. I was not only hungry reading this, but pleasantly happy with the idea of two people finding their happily ever after together.

<- No Whisk No RewardTough Cookie ->

Image source: Goodreads

A Merry Aussie Christmas by Stefanie London

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Merry Aussie Christmas
Author: Stefanie London
Series: Holidays in the Bluff #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves:Christmas, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I love that this is a Christmas story which features a couple playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I mean, Evie and Jasper are a great second chance romance, and a returning to home tale. I mean, it’s a beautiful romance in and of itself, but the fact that it’s all set against a backdrop of Christmas. I just adored this. Plus, it was an Australian Christmas that I recognised way too much. I mean, organising Christmas and trying to figure out what the temperature and weather is going to be… yeah, I completely recognise that. And, there’s all of the slang and sights which a small town, Australian Christmas entails. A beautiful story and one that helped me get into the Christmas spirit in a year when I’m finding that a little bit difficult.

Both Jasper and Evie are running from something in their pasts. And I really enjoyed that, although it puts complications in their relationship, they eventually find their way back to one another. It’s their love and acceptance of each other just as they are which help them both grow into better and greater people. For Jasper, he is running from his past and the judgement of small towns. Evie, on the other hand, is running from her health. Both are making decisions based on their fear of rejection and making decisions for others. We don’t get to choose who loves us, but we do get to choose to let others love us.

A Merry Aussie Christmas is a great romance which features both the positives and negatives of small towns. As someone who lives in a small town, I can tell you that London has it pretty spot on. There is so much support in such a space, but also, a lot of judgement. Plus, I love that everyone is just so up in each others’ business. Believe me, the gossip mill can be strong in small towns. And I love that this was neither portrayed as good or bad. It was just part of the community and negotiating the relationships in a tight knit community.

A Merry Aussie Christmas was merry, fun and joyful. It was a story that made me feel that inkling of a Christmas spirit in a time when I really needed it. It’s a simple and fun read, with just enough complexities to really keep you hooked. I will definitely read another London book in my future. There is just enough angst to be interesting, but not enough to make my heart hurt.

<- More Stefanie LondonDestined for Forever ->

Image source: Kobo

Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells by Donna Kauffman

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells
Author: Donna Kauffman
Series: Hamilton Christmas #2
In: Kissing Santa Claus (Donna Kauffman, Jill Shalvis & HelenKay Dimon)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2009

Thoughts

It’s fairly obvious from the beginning of the story that Holly is kind of a grinch. Not in an overly aggressive way, but in a “I don’t actually like Christmas” way. I mean, if you had the name and the upbringing, the backstory that she does, it makes total sense. Living in a Christmas Wonderland full time just sounds absolutely exhausting. And to have your parents prioritise that over your own health and wellbeing, yeah, I completely get where she’s coming from. Which just means that having a story in which she is given her “inheritance” of a Christmas shop was an even more intriguing plot line.

I love that Sean Gallagher of the Gallagher clan was just as awkward and uncomfortable as every other teen. Even if he had an amazing and loving family behind him. And was all of those popular stereotypes that actually turn out to be kind of realistic. Yet, as with reality, our perceptions of people aren’t always true and I love that both Sean and Holly, in their teenage years made a whole lot of assumptions. But, as adults, Sean is finally brave enough to go for what and who he wants.

Holly spends the majority of this story trying to figure out what her future holds, whilst still holding onto and honouring her mother’s dream. It’s a fine line to walk. Particularly as Holly gets her inheritance when her mother is actually still alive. A lot of emotional turmoil and past secrets are revealed and dealt with throughout this Christmas novella. I’ll probably enjoy reading this again in the future.

<- Kissing Santa ClausBah, Handsome! ->

Image source: Amazon

Loved You Once by Claudia Burgoa

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Loved You Once
Author: Claudia Burgoa
Series: The Baker’s Creek Billionaire 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: 2020

Thoughts

I’m not always the best at reading books in order, particularly as I’ve been picking up random romances from boxsets and with a Christmas theme lately. Which meant that I ended up reading Loved You Once, the first in the Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers series third. And you know what? I actually kind of liked my reading order. Pierce and Leyla, Henry and Sofia are such powerful and dynamic couples, and I loved reading about them. Particularly as their stories unfold alongside Hayes and Blair’s. It’s just that Hayes and Blair seem to reach the happily ever after portion of their tale so much quicker.

I love how forgiving both Blair and Hayes are. Their second chance romance is built on a pair who have felt betrayed by each other in the past. I did feel like Blair was incredibly beautiful and forgiving with her decision to move forwards with Hayes. Whilst I also understood how Hayes lashed out, it was Blair’s forgiveness that I found stunning. I don’t know if I’d have the strength of character to forgive someone who hurt me that badly that quickly. And I love that Blair was able to be this kind and giving in her heart.

Carter and his death are a horrible backdrop for the six brothers featured in this series. It’s part of what tears them all apart, and for Hayes, the one who got to grow up with him, it was absolutely tragic. I love that Blair was a true friend right until the end, and when her part in all of their shared history is revealed, she’s not the villain everyone believes her to be. Plus, it’s also a great way for Blair to be welcomed back into the fold and insanity of the Baker’s Creek Brothers all over again. Now I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series entails… with each of the brothers moving on from the scars of the past.

Hayes is wonderfully smart in recognising his flaws and how he’s shut himself off from the world. I love that he is the first of the brothers to realise that his scars have led him to remove himself from the world. And in doing so, he may end up exactly like his father – alone, scarred and dying all by himself. It was a great reminder for me that you can’t take money and possessions with you, but you will always be loved and remembered by your family.

<- More Claudia BurgoaA Moment Like You ->

Image source: Claudia Burgoa

Kisses at Candy Cane Lane by Laramie Briscoe

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Kisses at Candy Cane Lane
Author: Laramie Briscoe
Series: Blizzard Bluff #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

What a cute little Christmas novel. One in which a woman named Noelle (and a man named Cal) fall in love at her inn. With a great little happily ever after. It was a really nice and cute story that made me feel like dipping my toe into this season. And I’m definitely keen to read more in the world of Briscoe and Blizzard Bluff. Particularly since this is the last Christmas story in this little Christmas trilogy.

I like that Cal and Noelle have always had feelings for each other, and take forever to act upon them. The fact that they grew up a little first, and gave each other the space to grow into who they wanted to be made me like this all that much more. Of course, this initial getting together leads to the whole accidental pregnancy thing. I love that, rather than any kind of push back, it’s all about support and being there for one another.

Kisses at Candy Cane Lane is a very quick, easy and sweet Christmas read. I loved the simplicity of it all. And I also loved the characters, their development and the emotion behind all of their relationship. This was a fun way to start to get into the Christmas spirit and I look forward to more of this enjoyment in the other Blizzard Bluff books.

<- Christmas at Candy Cane LaneMore Laramie Briscoe ->

Image source: Kobo