See You Next Year
Monday, December 2, 2019
The Rebel King by Kennedy Ryan
Monday, November 18, 2019
THE REBEL KING
by Kennedy Ryan
Series: All the King's Men Duet #2
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: November 17th 2019
Source: Bought
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷1/2
CW (highlight to see): Violent deaths, Assault, Torture
After the absolutely brutal cliffhanger ending of the first book, The Kingmaker, I couldn't wait to get this book into my eyeballs as soon as it released. In fact, the day it was set to release (which was yesterday), I couldn't sleep because this book kept haunting me. So I did what any bookworm would do and started reading it at 3.30 am and read it in one-sitting. Kennedy Ryan ran me over with an emotional train with this book. It was not easy on my poor little heart, but man did I devour every minute of it.
Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
Monday, November 11, 2019
GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN
by Talia Hibbert
Series: The Brown Sisters #1
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: November 5th 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷✷
The Bookseller And The Earl by Callie Hutton & Everything's Better With Kimberly by Lucy Eden
Thursday, November 7, 2019
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
Monday, November 4, 2019
THE BROMANCE BOOK CLUB
by Lyssa Kay Adams
Series: Bromance Book Club #1
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Publication Date: November 5th 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷1/2
I haven't had this much fun with a book in a very long time! The Bromance Book Club is the sort of book that has you laughing your butt off, but also trying to gather yourself after you've crumbled into a puddle because of all the swooning. Lyssa Kay Adams' debut novel was one of my most anticipated romance debuts of the year and she leaves no stone unturned with this amazing story!
The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan
Monday, October 28, 2019
THE KINGMAKER
by Kennedy Ryan
Series: All the King's Men Duet #1
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: October 7th 2019
Source: Bought
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷1/2
First of all Ms. Kennedy Ryan, how dare you! Second of all, HOW DARE YOU?! Oh my goodness!!! I have been really pumped for The Kingmaker and the All the King's Men Duet since the cover and summary were revealed. I've read a couple of books by Kennedy Ryan and I knew I was in for an emotional treat with this duet too. The minute the book released, I picked it up and then finished it in like half a day, which is almost UNHEARD of for me these days. This book completely wrecked my emotions and after I finished, I spent a solid half an hour in bed staring at the ceiling wondering how the heck I was going to wait THREE WHOLE WEEKS for the sequel, because HOT DAMN, was this good and I NEEDED MORE!!
The Play by Elle Kennedy & Lush Money by Angelina M. Lopez
Monday, October 21, 2019
THE PLAY
by Elle Kennedy
Series: Briar U #3
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, NA
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: October 7th 2019
Source: Bought
Star Quotient: ★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷
... And I'm out, folks! What a disastrous wreck this was! I've loved Elle Kennedy's the Off-Campus series, but this spin-off is just not as enjoyable. I wasn't planning on picking up The Play but then the reviews rolled in and I decided, what the heck, I'd give the book a try too. I had to see what all the fuss was all about. Well, that was a colossal mistake.
Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews
Monday, October 14, 2019
SAPPHIRE FLAMES
by Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacies #4
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: August 27th 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
I've been sitting on this review since May. I wasn't quite sure how to put my thoughts into words. I am a big fan of this series. There's so much going on with these books and the characters are some of my all-time favorites. This fourth installment, and first full-length spinoff story featuring Catalina, was an equally fun addition to this excellent series.
Waiting on Wednesday (10): The Trouble With Hating You by Sajni Patel & The Marriage Game by Sara Desai
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Island Fling with the Tycoon by Therese Beharrie
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
ISLAND FLING WITH THE TYCOON
by Therese Beharrie
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Harlequin Romance
Publication Date: September 1st 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
A Greek setting and Therese Beharrie? I was so in! Everyone already knows how much I adore this author and her angsty (in a very good way) stories. I was quick to dive into the book (and very late to review it as usual).
Faker by Sarah Smith
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
FAKER
by Sarah Smith
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Publication Date: October 8th 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
If books received awards like at the MTV Movie Awards, Faker would be awarded the title of "Hottest Kisses". Does that entice you enough? No? How about an enemies-to-lovers office romance? Yes, you read that right! Faker has two of my favorite tropes and Sarah Smith's spin on them were fantastic. I had a lot of fun reading this one and I think others will too.
The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett
Monday, September 30, 2019
THE LADY ROGUE
by Jenn Bennett
Genres: Historical, Romance, YA
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: September 3rd 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
I've been a fan of Jenn Bennett's books for a long time now and she still somehow manages to impress me with every release. With The Lady Rogue, she takes a different path, writing an adventurous historical with a teeny bit of magic. If you enjoy adventures with sassy leads, The Lady Rogue will be just the book for you.
Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne
Monday, September 23, 2019
LOVE ON LEXINGTON AVENUE
by Lauren Layne
Series: Central Park Pact #2
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Gallery
Publication Date: September 3rd 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
The Central Park Pact series is not my favorite series from Lauren Layne, mainly because I don't feel like they are as romance-driven as her other books, but it's still a series that I'm finding myself enjoying. There's just something about her writing that lures me in with her signature charm and wit. As far as a second book in a series goes, Love on Lexington Avenue, which can be read as a standalone, is a superior romance than Passion on Park Avenue. That's probably because it has my favorite kind hero: a grumpy hero! ;)
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE
by Evie Dunmore
Series: A League of Extraordinary Women #1
Genres: Historical, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Publication Date: September 3rd 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
It's no secret that I love historical romances, but frankly, I can be quite picky about them. I've been eager to read Bringing Down the Duke ever since I heard that the book was centered around the British suffrage movement. I was undeniably hyped diving into this book and I'm pleased to conclude that Evie Dunmore delivered on a clever and swoon-worthy romantic debut that is sure to charm all readers of this genre.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Monday, September 9, 2019
SERPENT & DOVE
by Shelby Mahurin
Series: Serpent & Dove #1
Genres: Historical, Paranormal, Romance, New Adult
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: September 3rd 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Oh, this was mind-blowing, friends! I picked up Serpent & Dove when, out of the blue, I felt an intense craving for a YA paranormal/fantasy book. This book could not have fallen under my radar at a better time. It was everything I was hoping it would be, and far more. Serpent & Dove is a sexy page-turner that left me feeling breathless for more.
Well Met by Jen DeLuca
Thursday, September 5, 2019
WELL MET
by Jen DeLuca
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Publication Date: September 3rd 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Adorable does not even begin to describe this book! I first heard about it from Brighton Walsh. When I found out about the Renaissance faire setting and it had a hate-to-love romance, I knew in my soul that Well Met and I would get along swimmingly. I've read the book twice since I first picked it up in May and I have to say, my second experience with the book was even better than the first. Well Met was just the loveliest and sweetest romance novel that is sure to leave readers with a smile on their faces.
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL
by Stacey Lee
Genres: Historical, YA
Publisher: Penguin Teen
Publication Date: August 13th 2019
Source: Bought
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Dalliances & Devotion by Felicia Grossman
Monday, September 2, 2019
DALLIANCES & DEVOTION
by Felicia Grossman
Series: The Truitts #2
Genres: Historical, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: August 26th 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Stealing Home by Becky Wallace
Thursday, August 29, 2019
STEALING HOME
by Becky Wallace
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, YA
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Publication Date: July 9th 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷
A couple of my blogging friends loved Stealing Home, and I had previously enjoyed Becky Wallace's fantasy duology, so I thought this book would be a perfect fit for me. It also is a sports romance and everyone knows that even though I am the least sporty person you'll probably ever meet, I devour any book with sports at the center. Stealing Home was exactly what I was hoping it would be: a cozy, fun, and fluffy read with a lot of depth to it!
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
SPIN THE DAWN
by Elizabeth Lim
Series: The Blood of Stars #1
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, YA
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: July 9th 2019
Source: Bought
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
What a creative and captivating tale Spin the Dawn was! I have to thank Heidi for putting this book on my radar with her very convincing review. I took my sweet time reading this book, but it was because I truly wanted to savor every word of the story. I haven't read a YA fantasy novel this enjoyable in a very long time.
The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare
Monday, August 26, 2019
THE WALLFLOWER WAGER
by Tessa Dare
Series: Girl Meets Duke #3
Genres: Historical, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: August 13th 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷1/2
Tessa Dare and her books always deliver on stories that leave me in a warm and fuzzy cocoon. It's no wonder that she is one of my favorite authors with how much she makes me laugh and swoon. You can't ask for more from a book. The Wallflower Wager is another success for this talented author. I loved every minute it and I've already re-read it twice.
The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory & Husband Material by Emily Belden
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
THE WEDDING PARTY
by Jasmine Guillory
Series: The Wedding Date #3
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Publication Date: July 16th 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷
I was looking forward to reading The Wedding Party since I enjoy Jasmine Guillory's writing style. However, I was let down by the book. I managed to finish it, but it was mostly out of frustration, if that makes any sense. If you've read The Wedding Date or The Proposal, you've read The Wedding Party. Guillory offers nothing new in terms of tropes and content. Here again, we have a relationship that begins as a casual no-strings attached relationship between Theo and Maddie, just as the first two books. Personally, it's not one of my favorite tropes, so perhaps that's why I was so over it in this one. Speaking of tropes, I thought The Wedding Party was supposed to be an enemies-to-lovers story, but I would not call it that. Sure the two of them disliked each other initially, but there weren't any strong enemies-to-lovers vibes. It was sorely lacking in that intensity and chemistry. I generally had a hard time feeling anything for Maddie and Theo's relationship. I did not think they shared any chemistry and I found their relationship rather bland. All they do is have sex and eat pizza (seriously, so much freaking pizza it's actually repulsive). There was no build up to an emotional connection which made it very hard to care for this relationship. I don't think I liked the characters all that much either, if I'm being honest. I found Maddie to be quick to judge at times, and Theo was rather flat. It's a shame because I think these characters had potential, but they weren't for me. What I did enjoy The Wedding Party was the friendship between Maddie and Alexa. It was actually so good that I almost wish the book focused on their friendship instead of the lackluster romance. Ultimately, The Wedding Party was a bit of a disappointment. I unfortunately think Guillory's romances are too surface-level for me so I'm unlikely to pick up more books from her in the future.
***
HUSBAND MATERIAL
by Emily Belden
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: December 30th 2019
Source: ARC Received for Review
Star Quotient: DNF
The premise of Husband Material sounded pure bonkers and soap-opera level drama, so of course I was intrigued by it. I mean a book that's about a woman whose ex-husband's ashes show up out of the blue at her door step and secrets being revealed in the process? I was so down for it! Unfortunately, this book was quite lackluster. It had all the ingredients for a good romance novel, but the execution felt flat for me. I think a major reason why I didn't click as much as I would have liked for Husband Material was my boredom towards the main character, Charlotte. I'm not sure what it was, but I felt like she was rather one-dimensional, as were the other characters in the book, including the potential love interest. As a result, I just did not care enough about this story to want to progress with it. I also could not care less for Charlotte's evil ex-mother-in-law, who seemed to be out to get Charlotte for some reason. I believe I got about halfway through this one before I decided to call it quits. It's sad, but Husband Material was just not my cup of tea. Others, however, might have better luck with it.
What are some disappointing books you've read this year?
Let me know in the comments below!
Once Upon A Bad Boy by Melonie Johnson
Monday, August 19, 2019
ONCE UPON A BAD BOY
by Melonie Johnson
Series: Sometimes in Love #3
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: June 25th 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Sometimes an unexpected book comes along that has you dropping all of your duties to read. Once Upon a Bad Boy was one of those books for me. I knew it was going to be enjoyable having read the first two books in the Sometimes in Love series, but I didn't realize just how consumed I would be with this story.
I Loved These Grumpy Babies: One Day to Fall by Therese Beharrie
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
ONE DAY TO FALL
by Therese Beharrie
Series: One Day to Forever #2
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: August 12th 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷1/2
Amazon - The Book Depository
One Day to Fall was another incredible and emotionally-satisfying love story from one of my favorite authors. I always seem to say this about Therese Beharrie's books, but damn can this woman get me attached to the characters and their one-day romances so fast. You can't even tell that One Day to Fall takes place in one day because there is so much going on in terms of events and character growths. Truly, this was an exceptional book and I'm going to want all of you to pick it up.
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
Monday, August 12, 2019
THE RIGHT SWIPE
by Alisha Rai
Series: Modern Love #1
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: August 6th 2019
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷
Alisha Rai's The Forbidden Hearts series is one of my all-time favorite series. It's the perfect blend of angsty, sexy, and touching romance. I was excited to read The Right Swipe and I will say that I went in expecting something similar in tone to The Forbidden Hearts books as it's a spin-off. However, the cover should have clued me in. That's not to say I didn't enjoy The Right Swipe. I did. A lot. But I feel like I should warn fans of Rai not to expect anything close to The Forbidden Hearts series.
I will come out right away and say it: The Right Swipe has a romantic thread and a HEA, but the romance was not at the forefront. This is a book that tackles a lot of social issues and has lots of commentary, so if that's not your jam, you might not like this book as much as I did. I enjoyed it because I'm not opposed to the idea and I love when a book forces me to think. The lead heroine, Rhiannon, is a ruthless business-savvy young woman who was not afraid to go after what she wanted. Her current goal: a rival dating app that she wants to merge with her own company. I've read several reviews from readers that seemed to dislike Rhiannon and her tough exterior. I understand where they were coming from, but I had no such trouble with this heroine. She was certainly tough as balls and very much closed off emotionally, for reasons that, for me, were understandable. I enjoyed her drive and ambition and found myself easily rooting for her success. She faced a lot of obstacles in her career thanks to gross men because she was a woman and a woman of color at that. Her handling of everything that came her way was so inspiring. You just want to cheer for her wholeheartedly! We see a lot of emotional growth from Rhiannon throughout The Right Swipe and her working through her issues on her own was very satisfying for this reader.
Samson was a character that I was ready to be mad at because after he and Rhiannon shared a passionate night after meeting through a dating-app, he ghosted her. We find out soon enough that Samson had a legitimate reason for his actions, so I was very quick to get over my annoyance towards him. He was such a sweetheart of a hero. I loved him so so much. He was this big rugged football player, but was one gentle bear on the inside. He was patient, loving, and respectful of everyone around him, especially Rhiannon. With how much he had gone through including a career-ending injury and his father and uncle's deaths, he had so much sunshine and positivity to him. He obviously had a lot to work through too and as with Rhiannon's arc, it was very rewarding to watch him process everything on his path to his HEA. I found it very insightful that Alisha Rai highlighted the impact of CTE on players and the people around them. It was food for thought and I liked that it got me researching more on the condition. With all that the book tackled and Rhi's hesitancy towards love, the romance did take a backseat here. The scenes that Rhiannon and Samson did share were very emotionally fulfilling and full of chemistry. I enjoyed watching Samson shower her with love and all sorts of yummy food. He was very thoughtful! Fair warning though that it did take some time for Rhiannon's shell to crack and to let him in.
All in all, The Right Swipe was very captivating. It may not have been the usual steamy romance-driven book I've come to expect from Alisha Rai, but it was incredible in its own way. I didn't get a chance to speak about the secondary characters in this book, but let me just wrap up this review by saying just how much I am looking forward to the next two books. They are going to be great!
Have you read any latest romance novels that tackle more than just the romance?
Let me know in the comments below!
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