Tag: Genre: Contemporary

Book List 2023 · Reviews

Hedging Your Bets by Jayne Denker

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Title: Hedging Your Bets
Author: Jayne Denker
Source: Netgalley. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers.
Trigger Warnings: Fatphobia, Divorce, Toxic Relationships and Body Shaming.
Explicit? No, this is a closed door romance.
Summary: Opposites attract in this enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy of feuding neighbors and dueling hearts from Jayne Denker, the author of The Rom-Com Agenda.

When small-town neighbors go head-to-head, better start Hedging Your Bets .

Gillian has been happily divorced for several years and, after trying a few dating apps, prefers to stay that way. Navigating her way through dates with fat shamers and lackluster men has left her with no desire to do anything other than work in her garden in her spare time. Who needs rude comments and awkward first-date conversation when soft roses and vibrant tulips are so much better?

Noah West has just moved to Willow Cove. After a rough breakup that leaves him looking to get far away, he relocates to the same small town he spent summers in as a teen―and moves right next door to Gillian. A big believer in minimalist design and that the best kind of plants are non-flowering, he knows as soon as he meets his neighbor that they are going to clash on just about everything. Now if only he could keep his eyes off her too. That might be helpful.

When a gardening contest brings out the competition in Gillian and Noah, dueling plant arrangements and fiery banter ensues. But is it possible that beneath all their differences, they might just be perfect for each other?

Continue reading “Hedging Your Bets by Jayne Denker” →
Reviews

This Spells Love by Kate Robb

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Title: This Spells Love
Author: Kate Robb
Source: Netgalley. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: Romance
Trigger Warnings: None I can think of.
Spice Level: Low-to-mid
Summary: Reeling from a recent breakup, a young woman tries to heal heartbreak with a spell–only to wake up in an alternate reality where she’s lost more than she wished for–in this witty, whimsical friends-to-lovers debut rom-com.

“Once lovers, now enemies, soon to be strangers with some memories, this love cleanse will rid you of your woes.”

When Gemma Wilde gets dumped by her long-term boyfriend, she reacts the way any reasonable twenty-eight-year-old would: by getting drunk with her sister, kooky aunt, and best friend, Dax, and performing a love cleansing spell to forget all about her ex. Sure, it sounds a little crazy, but nothing else has worked, so why not try it? They follow the instructions, complete with an absolutely platonic kiss from Dax to seal the deal, and Gemma falls asleep in a margarita haze, thinking nothing of it.

But when she wakes up, she realizes that this silly spell has worked. Not only has she never dated her ex; her life looks completely different –and spoiler alert, the grass is not greener in the alternate reality. The worst part of all: Dax has no idea who she is.

To get back to her old life, Gemma must reverse the spell before the next full moon. That means she has one month to convince a now near-stranger, Dax, to become friends with her in order to get his kiss. But as Gemma carries out her plans, she finds herself falling for him, and begins to wonder whether she even wants to go back to the way things were…

Continue reading “This Spells Love by Kate Robb” →
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Some of Us Are Looking by Carlene O’Connor – out October 24, 2023

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Title: Some of Us Are Looking
Author: Carlene O’Connor
Series: County Kerry Mysteries.
Source: Netgalley. Received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: Mystery.
Trigger Warnings: Animal cruelty, torture.
Explicit? Not in a sexy way but there are semi-graphic depictions of both animals and people being hurt.
Summary: In late summer, the Dingle peninsula is thronged with tourists drawn to County Kerry’s dark mountains and deep, lush valleys. For Irish vet Dimpna Wilde, who has returned to run her family’s practice after years away, home is a beautiful but complicated place—especially when it becomes the setting for a brutal murder . . . 

In Dimpna Wilde’s veterinary practice, an imminent meteor shower has elevated the usual gossip to include talk of shooting stars and the watch parties that are planned all over Dingle. But there are also matters nearer at hand to discuss—including the ragtag caravan of young people selling wares by the roadside, and the shocking death of Chris Henderson, an elderly local, in a hit-and-run.

Just hours before his death, Henderson had stormed into the Garda Station, complaining loudly about the caravan’s occupants causing noise and disruption. One of their members is a beautiful young woman named Brigid Sweeney, and Dimpna is shocked when Brigid later turns up at her practice, her clothing splattered in blood and an injured hare tucked into her shirt.

Brigid claims that a mysterious stranger has been trying to obtain a lucky rabbit’s foot. Dimpna is incensed at the thought of anyone mutilating animals, but there is far worse in store. On the night of the meteor shower, Dimpna finds Brigid’s body tied to a tree, her left hand severed. She has bled to death. Wrapped around her wrist is a rabbit’s foot.

Brigid had amassed plenty of admirers, and there were tangled relationships within the group. But perhaps there is something more complex than jealousy at play. The rabbit’s foot, the severed hand, the coinciding meteor shower—the deeper Dimpna and Detective Sargeant Cormac O’Brien investigate, the more ominous the signs seem to be, laced with a warning that Dimpna fears it will prove fatal to overlook.

Continue reading “Some of Us Are Looking by Carlene O’Connor – out October 24, 2023” →
Book List 2023 · Reviews

Review: The Worst Darcy by Robyn Gynne

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Title: The Worst Darcy
Author: Robyn Gynne
Source: Netgalley. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: Romance.
Trigger Warnings: Low self-worth/esteem, parental neglect/abuse. Further content warnings found on the author’s website here.
Spicy? It is.
Summary:

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Brodie Bishop is the worst.

Vivian Trent is desperate. Her family doesn’t approve of her life as a single mom and the small town of Austen still won’t accept her as one of their own four years later. Playing Elizabeth Bennet at the annual Jane Austen Festival is the perfect way to win over the locals and prove that she’s thriving. But when Austen’s favourite festival hero is replaced by his tattooed, metalhead brother, how is she supposed to achieve perfection with such a bad boy playing Mr. Darcy? He’s never read the book. He’s brash and unpolished. He’s… blond?!

You must allow me to tell you how ardently I dislike you.

Brodie’s used to being the town disappointment, so when Vivian turns her nose up at him, he’s not surprised. Hot librarian or not, she’s way too uptight. But once the festival gets underway, they see new sides of each other. When he finds out her dark secret, suddenly she’s much more endearing. She’s vulnerable, but strong. And the way she looks in that gown only blurs the lines between playing the part and falling for her for real.

But when her goal is within reach, can Vivian go off-book and choose Brodie, if it means risking everything she thought she wanted?

Read more: Review: The Worst Darcy by Robyn Gynne

Brodie is not the worst. Brodie is my new book boyfriend, I love him, his angst, his tattoos, his piercings and his love for his heavy metal bandmates. I adore him. Seriously. Fell in love from the first word about him.

He is my type.

So is Vivian.

A librarian obsessed with Austin who wants to consider herself Lizzy? Yes please. Though the people pleasing? I’ve kind of gotten over that part.

This book was so good, I don’t even fully have the words to explain how much I loved it, and how glad I was to get an ARC of iit. I’ve been ruminating about it for weeks, re-reading some of my favourite parts and saving up to buy my very own copy. I’ve recommended it at the two libraries I belong to, and to a complete stranger in Chapters who was dawdling in front of a different book I was there to pick up in the romance section (sadly a present for someone else.)

I love Pride and Prejudice, it is one of the stories I consider to be almost perfect. (Nothing is ever completely perfect).

This book? Also almost perfect, absolutely just what I needed to read in the moment I read it, and I found myself hugging it to my chest.

This book has angst, romance, family, found family, just everything. This author is one who I will keep my eye on for future releases, and not just because she’s Canadian.

Book List 2023 · Reviews

Fun Lessons by Leanne Treese

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Title: Fun Lessons
Author: Leanne Treese
Source: Netgalley. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Spice Level? Not a ton but lots of cotton candy
Summary: Rebecca Chapman, a singer passionate about her craft, has never felt appreciated by her uber-professional family. When she’s selected to try out for a new reality singing show, it’s her chance to prove she can make it in the music world. All she has to do is get chosen by the network. Problem is, she needs to play an instrument for the audition in two months. And she can’t play a thing.

Amazingly, the solution seems to lie with Ian Ledger, the ultra-annoying co-worker she’s been at odds with since day one. Turns out Ian’s a skilled guitar player. He’s willing to teach her, but there’s a catch. He wants to win back his girlfriend at his sister’s wedding. And he wants Rebecca to help him.

Seems like a perfect solution. She gets the music lessons needed to secure her spot on the show; he wins back the girl destined to be his bride. Easy peasy. Except, during the series of ridiculous “fun” lessons and hours of arduous music practice, Rebecca’s feelings for Ian shift.

As the wedding nears, Rebecca doesn’t want Ian to succeed in his quest for love. But a deal is a deal. They both have dreams to chase. And a dream come true is everything.

Isn’t it?

Continue reading “Fun Lessons by Leanne Treese” →
Book List 2023 · Reviews

You & I, Rewritten by Chip Pons

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Title: You & I, Rewritten
Author: Chip Pons
Source: Kindle
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Trigger Warnings: Parental Abuse, Parental Death, Alcoholism.
Explicit? Yes.
Summary: Not to jinx it or anything, but the stars seem to finally be aligning for Will Cowen. After accepting a dream promotion at one of New York City’s most renowned publishing houses and moving in with his oldest friend, he’s ready to dive headfirst into this new chapter and take the literary world by storm – that is, until he crosses paths with Graham Austin.

No matter how hard he tries, he can’t help but put the wrong foot forward in front of the all-business and inconveniently gorgeous heir to the publishing empire.

So, when a heartbreakingly beautiful manuscript lands on his desk, Will seizes the opportunity for a win. Could this prized new author be his big break or, his downfall?

Will’s confidence and hope for his professional future is obliterated when the author ghosts him at an important publishing event. Fueled by insecurity and an open bar, he finds himself in need of comfort, which comes from the least likely person, the normally cold and distant Graham. This small glimpse behind Graham’s icy exterior is the spark that sweeps these two up in an epic and unforeseen romance.

As his author’s manuscript begins to take shape, the words that initially brought them together become more and more tangled, making it painfully obvious to Will that despite your best efforts, there is truly no hiding from the past.

But can it be rewritten?

Continue reading “You & I, Rewritten by Chip Pons” →
Book List 2023 · Reviews

A Little too Late by Sarina Bowen

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Title: A Little Too Late
Author: Sarina Bowen
Source: Kindle
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trigger Warnings: Miscarriage, Parental Death, Alcoholism
Explicit? Yep.
Summary: How to behave when the guy who broke your heart two thousand miles away turns up in your office:

One: Don’t drop your lucky coffee cup in shock, even though it’s been ten years.

Two: Don’t get defensive when he asks how you ended up working his family’s ski mountain… and why you kept it a secret.

Three: Give him the worst room in the resort. He deserves it for suddenly waltzing back in like he owns the place. (Which he kind of does.)

Four, five, six, seven, eight and nine: Do not kiss him in the hot tub.

Ten: Try to keep your heart intact after you break all of your rules.

Because Reed is leaving again. Hate can’t turn back into love. And it’s a little too late…

Continue reading “A Little too Late by Sarina Bowen” →
Book List 2023 · Reviews

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

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Title: Boyfriend Material
Author: Alexis Hall
Source: My shelves.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Fake Dating, Found family
Trigger Warnings: Parental abandonment, homophobia and verbal abuse.
Explicit? Yep
Summary: Wanted:
One (fake) boyfriend
Practically perfect in every way

Luc O’Donnell is tangentially–and reluctantly–famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he’s never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad’s making a comeback, Luc’s back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.

To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship…and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He’s a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he’s never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.

But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that’s when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don’t ever want to let them go.

Continue reading “Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall” →
Book List 2023 · Reviews

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

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Title: Red, White and Royal Blue
Author: Casey McQuiston
Source: My own shelf.
Genre: Contemporary Romance.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, secret relationship.
Trigger Warnings: Internalized homophobia, forced outing.
Explicit? Yes, yes it is.
Summary: First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations.

The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. Alex is busy enough handling his mother’s bloodthirsty opponents and his own political ambitions without an uptight royal slowing him down. But beneath Henry’s Prince Charming veneer, there’s a soft-hearted eccentric with a dry sense of humor and more than one ghost haunting him.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. And Henry throws everything into question for Alex, an impulsive, charming guy who thought he knew everything: What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

Continue reading “Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston” →
Reviews

On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe

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Title: On the Plus Side
Author: Jenny L Howe
Source: Netgalley. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Reality TV Romance, Grumpy Lumbersexual x Actual Sunshine.
Trigger Warnings: Fatphobia, online bullying, emotionally abusive parents.
Explicit? Skirting the edges, it does get spicy.
Summary: Everly Winters is perfectly happy to navigate life like a good neutral paint color: appreciated but unnoticed. That’s why she’s still a receptionist instead of exploring a career in art, why she lurks but never posts on the forums for her favorite makeover show, On the Plus Side, and why she’s crushing so hard on her forever-unattainable co-worker. When no one notices you, they can’t reject you or insist you’re too much.

This plan is working perfectly until someone secretly nominates Everly for the next season of On the Plus Side. Overwhelmed by the show’s extremely extroverted hosts and how much time she’ll have to spend on screen, she finds comfort in a surprising friendship with the grumpy but kind cameraman, Logan. Soon Everly realizes that he’s someone she doesn’t mind being noticed by. In fact, she might even like it.

But when their growing connection is caught on camera, it sends the show’s ratings into a frenzy. Learning to embrace all of herself on national TV is hard enough; can Everly risk heartbreak with the whole world watching?

Continue reading “On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe” →