Adult Romance Review: The Lodge

 

Alix is ghost-writing a memoir for a famous member of a boy band. 

Sebastian was in one of the biggest boy bands. He was the Golden Boy. But he clashed with another band member - the Bad Boy (Jett). They hated each other. Everything broke down after Jett disappeared. It's the biggest mystery in musical history.

Since Alix's sister moved in with her, she's been having a hard time writing. Sebastian puts her up in a ski resort in Vermont. The book starts writing itself - thanks to all the voice recordings he's given her. As the secrets start coming out, Alix has questions. But it's not easy to get a hold of Sebastian. So, Alix starting having a little fun on her writing retreat - where she meets a ski instructor named Tyler who seems a little too good to be true...

My Thoughts: This was such a fun read; I didn't want to put it down. I loved how the chapters were interspersed with interviews and things about the band. I loved reading about the band's secrets. I loved the description of food and drinks. I loved the folks at the resort - they seemed really nice. I confess this book made me want to drink hot chocolate. I found the ghost-writing moments to be fascinating. The ending was a little rushed. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Learned about: I heard about this book on social media - it sounded fun.

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection. 

Review: Summer Romance

 

Ali's mom died, sending her into a grieving spiral. Her husband decided he couldn't handle it and asked for a divorce. Ali was devastated. She' taking care of their three kids and attempting to piece her life back together. 

She meets a man at the dog park. Her dog pees on him and he's not mad about it. Ali becomes intrigued. She starts putting on real pants again and goes back the next day looking for him. He's not there but she does bump into him again.

Could this be the start of a summer romance? Sure, the rest of her life is a hot mess, but she deserves a little fun too.

My Thoughts: This was a fun read. I loved how Ali was into organizing but her own home was a hot mess. That makes sense to me. I also just wanted to give her a giant hug. Her husband was such a jerk, but I appreciate how he started getting better. The kids were super cute. I do wish there had been more friendship moments. I felt terrible for Ethan too - how everyone looked at him, especially his parents. I loved Ethan's lawyer moments - those were funny! Ethan is so supportive and opposite from Ali's ex-husband. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great book for your romance collection - highly recommended.

Romance Review: Practice Makes Perfect

* Book 2 in the Rome series *

Annie's the sweet sister - the good girl. And she's tired of that identity. She's tired of hiding her true feelings from her siblings. She has a gaping hole in her heart and she has decided to find a husband to fill that hole.

But the date she goes on is a disaster of epic proportions. The one saving grace is a friend who happens to be there. Will is Amelia's bodyguard, but he's also kind. Plus, he's been on so many dates. He reluctantly agrees to coach Annie in dating. 

But the whole town thinks that Will and Annie are dating. Annie starts to fall for Will. How can she escape this relationship without getting her heart broken?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved Annie - how she had layers and secrets she didn't share with her siblings. I loved her secret love of romance novels. I loved watching her become more confident and come into her own. Of course, the moments with the siblings and Amelia are always fun. I loved that baseball date. Lots of humor here, but don't let that fool you, there's plenty of feelings here to work through. I can't wait to see which sibling is up next, I have a feeling....

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection!

Top Ten Tuesday: Romance Books

This week - with Valentine's Day - it's a romance freebie. I'm a HUGE reader of romance books. Mostly I stick to Regency Romances and Contemporary Romances.

I'm sharing some graphics I made for romance books - both adult and teen. 

If you like the Bridgerton series

If you like royals and duke romances part 1

If you like royals and duke romances part 2

If you like royal romances

If you like famous romances - YA

If you like bookish romances - YA

If you like travel romances - YA part 1

If you like travel romances - YA part 2

If you like travel romances - YA part 3

If you like princesses - YA

If you like strong female characters - YA

Review: Nora Goes Off Script

 

Nora's husband left her, and she felt...relief. As a screenwriter, she normally writes Hallmark type movies. But instead, she writes a screenplay about her life. Instead of a TV channel, the script sells to a big time Hollywood producer. And they want to use her house for a few days.

Nora can't believe this is her life - at least for a few days. When a Hollywood Hunk shows up on her doorstep, she almost faints. She knows that Leo is playing the lead role in her movie but meeting him is a whole different level.  He seems to like her house as he doesn't leave when the rest of the movie people leave.

Instead, he asks to stay for a week. He lives Nora's kids, running errands with Nora, and having a normal life. Nora can't quite get over it. She might be falling for him. And he might be falling for her. But it's going to end in disaster, right?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - I couldn't put it down. I loved Nora's kids. I loved the Hollywood moments in the book. I enjoyed the odd moments between Leo and Nora. I really loved the moments between Leo and the town.  I really loved Leo's assistant. I wanted to be there watching the sunrise with them all. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

 Library Recommendation: A must have book for your romance collection.

Adult Review: The Worst Best Man

Lina's own wedding day didn't go as planned when her fiancé's brother (Max) told her, the groom wasn't going to attend the wedding. Now Lina makes sure other people weddings go off without a hitch. When one of the weddings she manages catches the eye of a powerful woman in need of a wedding/event planner for her hotel, Lina has the opportunity of a lifetime.

Until she walks into the conference room and sees her ex-fiancé and his brother as the marketing team. Of course she does what any woman would do and pretends to have just met them. She's not interested in walking down memory lane.

But she will have to work closely with Max. Can she put aside her feelings and be a professional without trying to kill him - or kiss him?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. It was funny and sweet. It would make the perfect Hallmark or Netflix movie. I loved Lina and her family. I loved the banter between Lina and Max - and how they played a few pranks on each other before talking out their issues from the past. I like how they broke down the walls between them. I enjoyed them working together and seeing them bounce ideas off each other. A lot of great moments - I loved the couples therapy weekend. I loved how Lina stood up for herself when talking about her emotions and how as a woman of color, she wasn't allowed to be angry or emotional. And of course that changes a person. This would make a great Hallmark or Netflix movie. A fantastic enemies to lovers story. 

Cover Thoughts: Awesome
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have for your public library's romance collection.

Romance Review: Blitzed

* Book 3 in the Playbook series *

Brynn's been around the Lady Mustangs enough to become friends with several of the women. It helps that they and some of the team players frequent her bar - including Maxwell.

Brynn's been crushing on him for a while - until one night his anger destroyed part of her bar. Of course he paid for the damages without being asked. But Brynn's no longer interested.

Maxwell comes to apologize. He can't tell her the details, but he's more sorry than she'll ever know. He's been wanting to date Brynn for months. He realizes this changes everything, but he'll do what it takes to win back her trust, her friendship, and maybe her heart.

My Thoughts: I love this series. I didn't want to put this book down. And I want to hang out with at Hers and grab a drink. Also I love the Lady Mustangs. I love the friendship in this series and how the women support each other. I love the moments at the game where the kids run wild and the women talk, but everyone comes together to watch football. I loved Maxwell and his slow approach, his banter, and his manners. I love how Brynn hooked him on Parks and Rec. Another great addition to this series and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next installment. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for your public library's romance collection.

Review: Boyfriend Project

Samiah never imagined that the man she's dating would be a cheater, nor would she be in a video that goes viral when she discovers his deception. However, she does become friends with the two other women in his life. Together they make a pact to work on themselves and their goals before finding another man to date.

For Samiah, that means finally working on the app she's been thinking about for years. With some free time, she just might be able to develop the proto-type.

That is if she can keep her mind off her new sexy co-worker.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I didn't want to put it down and was almost late for work because I had to finish it. I loved the blossoming friendship between these women. I loved that Samiah was working towards her dream. I loved her work ethic, her determination, and her giving back mentality. I felt terrible for her as she described the pressure to be better because of both her race and her gender. I did enjoy the work place moments; the company she works for seems great. I loved her flirty moments in the office with Daniel. And there are two more books coming! I can't wait to read them!!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A must have for your public library's romance collection.

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer Vibes

This week's topic is all about the summer vibe. So I'm picking books that I would love to sit by the pool/beach and read this summer. Especially with a big glass of lemonade.

Here we go:

And I would have included this one:

But I've already read it. Read why I loved it!

Review: Would Like to Meet

Evie's spent the last seven years working as an assistant. But she's been ready for more. Her boss tasks her with getting their only superstar client to write the pages of his contract. Up until now, he hasn't been writing anything.

He seems to be uninspired by the rom-com genre. Ezra doesn't believe rom-coms could happen in real life. When Evie's boss tells her she will be fired if those pages do not get written and delivered, she makes a deal with the devil.

Evie will spend the next two months creating meet-cutes in order to meet someone whom she could potentially love. And Ezra will write the pages. Evie delivers her side of the bargain, mostly through terrible disastrous stories that sometimes compromise her friendships and her job. But it will be worth in the end, right?

My Thoughts: I really really enjoyed this novel. I loved the rom-com mentions. I loved how Evie acted so many of them out. They added so much humor to the story. I love how in doing so, she began to find her confidence. I enjoyed her meetings with Ben and Anette - they made me smile. I loved that in writing up her "Dates", Evie found her writing voice again. I didn't want this book to end, it was just the book I needed. An impressive debut, can't wait to see what comes next from this author.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A really fun read for your romance collection - particularly your new adult romance collection.

On Your Radar: Paris is Always a Good Idea (39)

Title: Paris is Always a Good Idea

Author: Jenn McKinlay

Publisher: Berkley Books

Publication Date: July 21, 2020

Why It Should be On Your Radar

* Ireland

* Paris

* Italy

* Food

* Traveling in the feet of younger self

* Chasing down feelings from youth

* Enemies to Lovers

* Work Drama

* Emotionally Closed off

* Family

* Re-evaluating Life

* Finding that Work/Life Balance

* Funny

** In truth, this would make an excellent Hallmark movie.

*** ARC given for review

Review: Well Met

Emily didn't know what she was getting into when she escaped form her own life to help her sister heal from her injury. She never imagines her summer would include participating in the local Renaissance Faire. But when her niece needs a parent volunteer, she's happy to help out.

Although she didn't imagine that she'd be trading barbs with a pirate who runs the faire and refused to listen to her ideas on how to make it better. She also didn't imagine she's being bound to him for the summer in a fake wedding ceremony.

She also never imagined kissing him would make her so happy - even if it is only fake kissing. Could this town grow on her and make her want to put down roots?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved the banter between Simon and Emily - both in character and in real life. Of course I loved the tension between Emily and Simon - and those kisses!I loved learning more about a Renaissance Faire, especially about the behind the scenes. I loved how Emily struggled to find her way after life hit her hard, but also how she found herself a home and her self worth. This is one heck of a debut novel and I can't wait to read what Jen writes next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library's romance section! Highly Recommended. 

Review: Accidental Beauty Queen

Charlotte's excited to spend her vacation with her twin sister, who is attempting to win a beauty pageant crown their mother once won. It's the last year that Ginny will be eligible. Charlotte can't wait to read by the pool and visit the Harry Potter Park.

When Ginny has an allergic reaction the night before the pageant begins, she begins Charlotte to take her place in the preliminary rounds. They both know that Ginny's a shoo-in for the top twenty.

Against her better judgement and against her desire, Charlotte agrees knowing how much this crown means to her sister. But she's never been the pretty one and she's never walked a runway in stilettos. They have a lot of work to do. Can they pull this off?

My Thoughts: Of course I enjoyed this book - it's a feminist take on beauty pageants starring a Children's librarian who adores Harry Potter. This book was written for me. I loved the bookish moments and the books mentioned. I loved the romance - and how that started. I loved the sisterly moments. I loved how Charlotte gained confidence and looked at herself differently because of the pageant and because of the ladies competing with her. I enjoyed their friendships and their moments together from the small talk, to rooting for each other, to helping each other. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your romance collections.

Fresh Fiction Review: The Promise of Us

I reviewed Jamie Beck's new book:

"Another heartwarming tale from Jamie Beck!"

You can read my full review here.

Top Ten Review: The Good Ones

A romance bookstore owner finds her own happily ever after with a single dad in a new romance series from the New York Times bestselling author of Every Dog Has His Day. - from the publisher

I flipping loved this book so hard.

Here are the Top Ten Reasons why:

1. Romance Bookstore

2. Chatting about Romance books

3. Taking a chance on your dreams

4. Friendships

5. Perry

6. Prince George

7. Spreading Kindness

8. Turrets

9. Banter between Maisy and Ryder

10. Secret Rooms

If you're a romance reader, grab this one. It's super good! I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Library Read

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collections

Romance Review: Playing For Keeps

* Book 7 in the Heartbreaker Bay series *

Of course Sadie's seen Suits around before; he always seems uptight. But the night she finds him outside the shop in the middle of a storm trying to rescue a dog, she knows something different is happening. She helps him bring the dog inside and together they fall in love - with the dog.

She names the pup Lollipop. While they barely know each other, they decide to share the rescued pup since neither of them have the time required to give her.

Suits (Caleb) doesn't like emotions; he blocks himself off from them. It works well for his business, but not so well for his personal life. But Lollipop worms her way into his heart. One look at her face and he melts. Sadie's always fascinated him, the more time he spends with her, the more she breaks down his walls.

My Thoughts: Another great book in this addictive series. I must say that Lollipop stole the book for me. She had me laughing at her antics and hugging my own dogs tight. I loved seeing this group of friends again and peeking in on favorite characters. I loved the awkward moments between Sadie and Caleb from their growing friendship, to fighting their attraction for each other, and to finally doing something about it. I liked learning about Sadie's past and how it made her stronger. I loved her co-workers in the tattoo parlor and how they had her back. I liked Caleb's sisters and wouldn't mind getting to know them a little bit better. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: If Jill Shalvis isn't an auto-buy author for your library's romance section, you're missing out.

Romance Review: Something Like That

* Book 1 in a series *

With work being done in her home, Cameron (Assistant US Attorney) picks the wrong hotel room. First - there's all the noise. Second - there's a murder next door.

Cameron might have been the only witness. But the FBI agent she'll have to tell about her night is the same agent who blames her for ruining his career three years ago. He's suddenly back in town and not at all happy to see her.

Together they must untangle a web of lies and secrets all while thwarting danger.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - I loved the banter between the two. I liked the dual perspectives and figuring out the real story three years ago. I really liked how Cameron interacted with her bodyguards besides Jack. A fun hate to love romance with tension, danger, and laughter. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Book gifted from OTSPsecretsister

Romance Review: As Good as the First Time

* First Book in the Sugar Lake series * 

When Olivia gets the wind knocked out of her after she loses both her job and her boyfriend in the same day, she's more than happy to help out her aunt. She and her sister travel back to the place that once upon the time stole her heart. 

She grew up in Sugar Lake with her extended family, the bakery, and the boy next door. She discovers upon her return that not much has changed. The small town has changed but the bakery is still the same. Drea (Olivia's sister) has plans for improvement. Together both sisters help their aunt while gaining insight into their troubled relationship. Olivia works on figuring out her future while making peace with her past. Could her past be the key to her future?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. My mouth watered almost the entire time I was reading and I had a desperate urge to bake something. I enjoyed the second chance love story. I loved how Olivia had to go home and face her past in order to move forward with her future. I love how the sisters ended up, but it was hard reading them fight with each other in the beginning. I'm so looking forward to reading more about this small town and this family.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A mouth-watering read that's perfect for your romance collection

Romance Review: A Duke by Default

* Book 2 in the Reluctant Royals series *

Portia's hit rock bottom - she knows that she's got to pull herself together. So she creates a list of new rules - no drinking and no men. She also accepts an internship in Scotland. Of course her parents think it's just another scheme, but she's excited about the possibilities. Even after she meets her boss - the sexy grouchy sword maker who doesn't want her around. She's not about to let him stop new Portia from rocking her internship - especially when she discovers information that could change his life.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved how Portia started paying attention to herself and her needs - even as she got sucked into more drama. I liked how started to understand the chemistry of her brain and used tips to help her. I love how she empathized and supported people. I admired how she took over her internship - even when Tav was being a jerk. I like how he came around and realized he as being a jerk. I also loved his interaction with kids and how he supported the community and gave back. I loved learning about swords. I enjoyed watching Tav attempt to navigate through society and learn all the rules. A great slow burn romance that leaves me waiting for the next book!

Cover Thoughts: Adore it

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have for public library romance collections

Top Ten Tuesdays: Pool Side Books

This week's topic is pool side books. I have two minds here: historical romance and contemporary romance books. So I'll share five of each I'll be reading this summer (not by a pool because sadly we don't have one).

I'll pretend this is my pool:

photo credit: www.sangopoolandspa.com

- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

Contemporary Romance

Historical Romance

What types of books to you read by the pool?