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Book reviews for books read November 1st - 7th

 


Happy weekend! It has been a busy week or so. I am traveling to help my daughter get moved into her first house. Reading time is limited but I did read 2 ARCs the first week of the month. Max Monroe's new release is a wonderful spin on the You've Got Mail premise with some twists. Lauren Blakely's first holiday romance knocked it out of the park. They were both fun reads that left me smiling.

I am off to clean and paint some walls. Until next week, happy reading!


Meet Me At Midnight by Max Monroe

ARC: Release Date-11/08/2024

#BestFriendsBrother #SecretIdentity #SecretRomance #Workplace #ARC

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this standalone ends in a HEA. Set in Miami, these characters are wealthy, and their lifestyle reflects that.

Beau is developing a marketing campaign for the new app, Midnight. Juniper is an intern at the firm and uses the new app to communicate anonymously with Beau.  I love a good texting romance, and this had all the fun banter that one offers. I adored how it allowed Beau to get to know Juni as an adult and not just the girl who has always been attached to his sister. I really wanted to see more of their romance as it developed, but a lot is left off the page.  Once Juni’s identity is revealed, they quickly move to a secret romance where they are sneaking around to get it on. There are a few open-door scenes, but I was left wanting more.

Juniper’s relationship with Avery was interesting. Avery is a character that is very self-involved, and Juni loves her unconditionally. She certainly marches to her own beat and her family accepts that readily. I was happy once they got through their rough patch and their friendship was okay. There are some villains in the story that were amusing. I adored how Beau takes the high road when it came to workplace drama. I loved the found-family relationship with Juni and the Banks parents. There were a few funny moments and a whole lot of pining before things take off. This was an enjoyable read and if you like a best friend’s sibling romance, make sure you grab this one.



My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely

ARC: Release Date- 11/12/2024

#Billionaire #FakeRelationship #Holiday #OneBed #SingleDad #Workplace #ARC

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

Wilder is Fable’s billionaire boss. He has been mooning over Fable quietly for a long time. He has resisted because she is his employee. His hyperawareness of her, and his desire to be free of being set up over the holidays, lead him to a fake romance with her.

I absolutely loved how Wilder is with Fable. She mesmerizes him. He is incredibly giving with her. Though he doesn’t initially believe that love and relationships are for him, he.  just. can’t. stop. when it comes to Fable. Fable feels like she is cursed when it comes to relationships. A fake relationship to her sister’s wedding seems ideal. She ends up falling hard for Wilder as they share secrets and vulnerabilities. I love her protective nature over Wilder. I adored the relationship she formed with his 11-year-old daughter. I appreciated that Wilder and his ex can coparent well as good friends with no drama.

This was a fun romp of a Christmas read and it would make a fab movie. It is open door and steamy so it may have to be edited a little for film. I especially appreciated the use of Christmas carol titles and staples as euphemisms sprinkled throughout the story. I giggled, smiled, and cheered when everything came together at the end. This is a feel-good holiday read you won’t want to miss.



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