June has been a crazy month. This last week I have been able to read an ARC, a book I had to pass on the ARC in April, two books from my TBR, and a reread of one of my favorites through read & listen.
I honestly loved them all for different reasons. One of the best things about romance is that there are so many sub-genres, tropes, and now micro tropes, that I never fail to find exactly what I need. This week I also read two new-to-me authors. One has been on my list for a while. The other was an impulse and a novella that came at the perfect time. Check out my reviews and add these to your list today.
Until next time, happy reading.
Somehow You Knew (Carrington Cove #5)
by Harlow James
ARC: Release Date- 07/10/2025
#MoC #ForcedProximity #SmallTown #ARC
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving
an advance reader copy of the book. Written in first person from an alternating
dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. I can promise
though that if you start here, you will go back and read through this series. This
final book in the series tied the whole thing together in the most perfect way.
I am seriously impressed with the planning that must have gone into making
these 5 books so cohesive in message and tone.
Hazel Sheppard is the youngest in her family. At 29, she has
three protective older brothers who are always in her business. This family
captured me in book one, and I was so happy to see Hazel finally get her happy
ending. Gage is broody, with a bad boy vibe that hides his vulnerabilities and
fears. Brought together through shared grief and a will stipulation, Hazel and
Gage tackle a marriage of convenience. They have amazing chemistry that
blossoms into a friendship then finally more. I loved the heat between them. I
loved that they work up to where they had fun with each other, both in and out
of the bedroom. Hazel is stronger and fiercer than she realizes, and she gives
Gage what he never thought he would have- a forever love.
I love the role of letters in this book and the planning
that went into making it possible for Gage and Hazel to get past the tough
times by those who loved them but have passed.
This whole series tackles the way grief affects the characters and the
lives they choose after that experience. This author continues to blow me away
with every series. I can’t wait for what comes next.
Nashville Lights (Music City Lovers #4) by Julie Capulet
#SingleDad #BrothersBestFriend #BestFriendsBrother
#FriendsToLovers #InstaLove
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this
can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. Readers may find the most
enjoyment by reading the other books in the series first so they can find the
full enjoyment in where those couples are in this book,
Roxie (23) is determined, smart, and driven. Nate (28) is
also all of those things. He is also the sudden guardian of a beautiful
6-year-old girl after her parents are suddenly taken in a car accident. He is
floundering a bit when Roxie comes back into his life after about 8 years
apart.
This author does an excellent job with OTT, insta-love
stories and this is no exception. The characters are rich, despite their young
ages. The characters have extravagant lifestyles which are a fantastical
escape. I love the “It’s always been you’” microtrope and this book delivers.
Smexy times, explicit scenes, and a love whose time has come make this a book
that was as enjoyable as any dessert. Low angst, OTT romance made this a
perfect escape from reality.
Love Is Ale You Need (Brews & Flings #1) by Gia Stevens
#SingleMom #SurprisePregnancy #Fling
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this
can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. This was my first book by this
author, and it has been on my TBR since its release in 2024. I met the author
at a signing, and she was kind enough to give this book to me. I am so glad I
finally got to read it. I love the surprise pregnancy trope, and this book
delivered everything I love about it. That first doctor appointment is pure
gold.
Trey has lived a playboy lifestyle full of rules to stay
single. He has his reasons for his commitment to bachelorhood. Unfortunately
for him, Rylee makes him want to break all his rules. And he does. Rylee is a
single mom of an adorable six-year-old daughter. She is a bartender and has a
rotten ex-husband and a wonderful next-door neighbor. I want to shout out to
neighbor Marcie here- she is life goals for me. Rylee is resistant to Trey’s
advances. However, once she gives in one time her resistance becomes so much
harder to maintain. Trey ups the ante and delivers some swoon-worthy romantic
pursuit of the harried single mom. They have amazing chemistry, hilarious
banter, and truly romantic moments. This was a 100% enjoyable read and now I
want to read the rest of this author’s books. Grab it today for a low-angst,
funny, steamy read.
#AgeGap #Forbidden #BestFriendsDad #SurprisePregnancy
#Novella
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this standalone
ends with a HEA. I saw a quote from this book in the Wild and Windy West
attendee group where they announced this author would be attending. I immediately
pulled up the book in KU and downloaded it. As it was fairly short, I was able
to squeeze it in as an evening read between arcs.
Is revenge sex sweeter? Peyton seems to think so. I have to
admit that I went into this one just wanting a light, smutty read and it
delivers. Peyton is in her senior year of college (21-22) when she meets her
best friend’s dad for the first time. Owen was young when his daughter was
born, so I estimate his age at 39-40 based on context. Neither character’s age
is confirmed in the book. Personally, I like age gap romance, and I love the
surprise pregnancy trope, so this was a win for me. Smoking hot scenes where
they can’t keep their hands off each other made this a steamy, fun escape read.
I love having found a new author to turn to when I need a book like this. It
was just the palette cleanser I needed.
Wife By Wednesday (Weekday Brides #1)
by Catherine Bybee
#MoC #SurprisePregnancy #Reread
I first read this book between 2016 and 2018. Then, I was
just starting to rate books and not writing reviews yet. This series was the one
that got me back into reading romance at a very difficult time in my life. My
mom had early-onset advanced Alzheimer’s and was in a memory unit. I had just
moved from Alaska to Pennsylvania to be closer to her and my dad in West
Virginia. I really needed the HEA that romance delivers. This author was in my
local library, and I was hooked. I binged everything I could get my hands on at
that time and ended up subscribing to KU because of her. Originally, not yet
knowing how I would end up rating over 200 reads a year, I rated this book 4
stars. Now that I review everything I read and have really defined what makes a
five-star read for me, this is without question a five-star comfort read of
mine. As a matter of fact, one of my reading goals for 2025 is to reread this
whole series.
Samantha is a survivor with a determination and feisty will
to succeed in a world set against her. Blake is a duke reaching for his
inheritance through hoops in his father’s will. Together, this book is the
beginning of Alliance and a fantastic bride for hire series. I love how
Samantha stands up to Blake when she needs to. I love how fast Blake falls for
Samantha when it is the very last thing he expects. I love that they end up with
a very bright future, despite the beginning. I am super-excited to see them
again as I reread this whole series.
I tackled this reread as a read and listen, because of
course I own the eBooks and the audiobooks of all of them. Tanya Eby does a
fantastic job as a single narrator and is able to convey all of the character voices
in a believable manner. The story itself was everything I needed. Steamy,
romantic (horse ride, anyone?) and a side of karma for the one who deserves it.
I think I love this series ven more now.
Written in third person from an alternating dual POV this
can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
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