Listen! I'm not one to romanticize women's labor, and nanny/ single dad romances tend to give me the4 ⭐️ The nanny trope but make it work!
ARC review!
Listen! I'm not one to romanticize women's labor, and nanny/ single dad romances tend to give me the ick for obvious reasons. It takes a special kind of story to make it work. And sometimes, not often, I find it.
This felt like a bit of an in between. Archer never tried all that hard to be likable, which in turn made me kind of like him as a character, even if I was not really rooting for him as a father. Iris was all over the place and I absolutely loved her for it! Olive was adorable and I wanted to give her all the snuggles and cuddles.
The romance was there, but surprisingly it wasn't the driving force that kept me reading. Usually, I want the characters to get together, live happily ever after and whatever. In this book I really was just enjoying the ride. Seeing where the author decided to take us. Including when she decided to give me a heart attack in a strawberry field!
This is not the first book I read from this series and it will most definitely not be the last! ...more
3 ⭐️ Not what I expected? First of all, a huge thank you to Net Galley for the eARC! I adore getting early copies of books and even though I'm so busy3 ⭐️ Not what I expected? First of all, a huge thank you to Net Galley for the eARC! I adore getting early copies of books and even though I'm so busy irl I could start crying, books are always a safe haven to come back to.
This book gave be whiplash, but in what felt like a slightly more emotianlly mature way than I expected. It's reverse age-gap, which translates to inmidiate extra brownie points in my book, and the whole surprise pregnancy... is it really a surprise if it's in the title?
Anyway, I had a fun couple of days reading this book, but Theo... I think if he wasn't part of this book, I may think about bumping it up to 4 stars. Seriously, I kind of hate the guy. This would've been a lovely MMF book without him in it lol.
It's steamy as hell, and Vivian has a lot on her mind, and a lot of choices to make. The writing wasn't my favourite and I think there were sections that could benefit from some editing. Overall, good but not great. ...more
4.5 ⭐️ I want to live in every world Katee Roberts writes.
And, sure, they are all unhinged and borderline insane, but so it's this one!? Listen, I do4.5 ⭐️ I want to live in every world Katee Roberts writes.
And, sure, they are all unhinged and borderline insane, but so it's this one!? Listen, I don't make the rules. If I did we'd all be kinder to each other... or else lol.
This is a Red Riding Hood retelling and we see the daughter of Isabelle, Gaeton and Beast get herself her own f*ck up little love story. And I loved every second. I've read the entire Wicked Villains Series so this was really just a treat! Wolf was something else, and even if I saw the 'twist' coming from the beginning, I still liked it.
**spoiler alert** 4.25 ⭐️ Jess Everlee does it again everyone! *Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!*
And by does it again, I mean make me cry, obvs. Jk, b**spoiler alert** 4.25 ⭐️ Jess Everlee does it again everyone! *Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!*
And by does it again, I mean make me cry, obvs. Jk, but like, not really. I have made it no secret how obssessed I have been with this series since I got my very first ARC for The Gentleman's Book of Vices. It was one of my first ARCs EVER and I was so, so excited! And then, when I started reading and it only got better and better, and sweeter and harder and more painful and more real but also dreamier and lovier by the minute... I knew I'd found a dimond amongs pearls. All ARCs are shinny and apealling, but that book had a mix of queer history + romance + absolute lovely characters... I couldn't help but fall head over heels in love with this world.
This lovely instalment brings us another pair of unlikely lovers that are lucky enough to just find themselves under the right circumstances. Warren was the opposite of what you'd expect of a romance book main character, but that only made it more interesting. Matty was interesting, but didn't quite get my attention at first. Then, the more he got into the artist life, the more we got into his psyche and personality, and the more I wanted to get into his mind and his story.
I never really was all that invested into the Art School QuasiScam thing, but I ended up enjoying it. As always, Jess Everlee knows how to paint queer love in such a beautiful, terrifiying, yet romantic light that brings together the time, the characters, the genre and the life of the book itself. It's like it breaths on its own at times.
I could continue to gush about it, or you could just read it for yourself! I truly do not know how I have gotten lucky enough to recieve early copies of the books in this series, but I hope it never stops happening!! Wait... Am I the lucky lover here? Cause I think I might be lol. ...more
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!!! 4 ⭐️ I am sooooo in love with this series—it’s INSANE!
This book completely blew me away, and I can’t believe it’s the author’ HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!!! 4 ⭐️ I am sooooo in love with this series—it’s INSANE!
This book completely blew me away, and I can’t believe it’s the author’s very first traditionally published book. It wasn’t until I reached the dedications at the very end that I realized this, and it made me so happy to see an indie author absolutely crushing it and making the publishing industry their b*tch. Let’s be honest, the industry's needed a new domme for a while now lol.
The story itself is everything I could have hoped for this second time around the lovely Isle of Skye. The characters are vibrant and unforgettable, the world-building is rich and immersive, - and realistic! The romance is equal parts tender and hard, both frozen and scorching hot. It’s the kind of book that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go until you’ve devoured every last word. The emotional depth, the witty banter, and the sheer unadulterated need for these two to just admit their own feelings and get together! The plot comes together at the end to create something truly special, and after the roller coaster that is Callum and Juniper, I really needed it to be.
I’m so glad I got the chance to read this as an eARC because it’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. If you’re looking for a series that’s bold, fresh, and unapologetically addictive, trust me, this is it. The author has knocked it out of the park, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
4⭐️ What Happens in Vegas... Might Just Be Forever!
This book has the whole 'wake up with a hangover, only to discover you've accidentally married your4⭐️ What Happens in Vegas... Might Just Be Forever!
This book has the whole 'wake up with a hangover, only to discover you've accidentally married your longtime friend in Vegas' trope. Is that a trope? Idk, but the thing is that our FMC here... she kind of likes it. In this third installment of the Silver Pines Ranch series, and since I've already read books 1 & 1, I can tell you with complete certainty that this one is even better! With the chaotic charm of surprise nuptials, small-town secrets, and a slow-burn romance that hits all the soft spots, this book really takes this little world to the next level!!
Cole Ashby is our classic cowboy with a twist—single dad, newly minted sheriff, and trying really hard to prove he’s not just the safe choice, but the right choice for the job. Ginger Danforth? She’s the picture of public poise with a rebellious streak she tries -and often fails- to keep under wraps. Together, they’re a match made in accidental??-Vegas-wedding heaven.
The chemistry between them was insane and it felt so genuine, with a lot of sweet moments—especially when Ginger starts helping out with Cole’s daughter for the summer. Watching them both try to resist the emotional pull while basically playing house? A+ romantic tension. The story balanced humor, heartfelt, painful moments, and enough “uh-oh, I think we’re catching feelings” moments to keep me flipping pages
There were a few points where the pacing dipped, especially when the characters circled the same emotional conflict a little too long (yes, we get it, reputations are fragile, you're dad kind of a d!ck, and being a dad can be scary), but it wasn’t enough to dull the sparkle of the romance or just-married glow.
Okay, let me just say—this book completely won me over, and I’m not even usually a fan of second-chance romances. Bu4 ⭐️ I am so happy I got this ARC!
Okay, let me just say—this book completely won me over, and I’m not even usually a fan of second-chance romances. But Denny and Blair? They’re THE way to do a second-chance romance right. Their story is messy, heartfelt, and so beautifully written that I couldn’t help but root for them every step of the way... except maybe a little bit at the beginning cause Denny felt like a player (and eww). The way their past is woven into the story, into their present, with all the pain, longing, and unresolved feelings, made their journey feel authentic and deeply satisfying.
The story itself feels complete in the best way possible. It’s long, but not in a dragging, “when will this end?” kind of way—more like an “I never want this to end” kind of way. There’s so much depth to the plot, with layers of family drama, personal growth, and emotional healing that it’s impossible not to get invested. And the family dynamics?! They’re heartbreaking in the most beautiful way. The relationships between the characters are so real and raw that they’ll stick with you long after you’ve finished reading.
This book is my first dip into this world, but I can already tell it won’t be my last. I’m so curious about the other characters and their stories, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into this universe. The author has created something truly special here, and I’m officially hooked.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the eARC! Getting to read this early was such a treat, and I’m so glad I took the chance on it. If you’re looking for a second-chance romance that’s emotional, steamy, and utterly unforgettable, this is it. Denny and Blair’s story is one you won’t want to miss.
3.5 ⭐️ This book was fine, but it didn’t blow me away.
Let me start by saying that I think the author genuinely had the best intentions here. You can t3.5 ⭐️ This book was fine, but it didn’t blow me away.
Let me start by saying that I think the author genuinely had the best intentions here. You can tell they care deeply about the topic, and that they want to provide support and guidance for people navigating an incredibly tough situation.
It’s been a couple of days since I finished this, and I’ve been trying to figure out exactly why I didn’t connect with it as much as I hoped. I think the biggest issue for me is that it felt so preachy at times. Thb, it often felt like I was being lectured. And let me tell you, nothing takes me out of a book faster than that "listen to me, I know best" tone. I should've known better before picking it up! But oh. well...
Another thing that bothered me was how not-inclusive it felt. I don't know how else to explain this feeling, so bear with me here. This is such a personal and diverse topic, but the book tried to reflect that, but I'm not sure it managed. It was very focused on one perspective, and if your experience doesn’t fit into that box, it’s easy to feel left out. I liked that it the author took time to explain certain things, that they made sure to say that there's no one answer, or a one way to do recovery, to do life after cancer.
I didn't love it but, it’s not at all a bad time! I just didn't find it groundbreaking or as universally relatable as it could be. I read this as a family-member of someone who has experienced this, and I was interested in knowing if there was something I could learn or see in these pages that could help me be better/more there for them.
If you’re looking for a resource on breast cancer that’s straightforward and a bit on the nose about how to take care of yourself and move forward, this might work for you. It's an empathetic read, even with all the “do it my way” stuff! That said, if you’re a breast cancer survivor looking for a gentle nudge toward better habits, this could be a solid starting point. Just go in knowing that it’s more surface-level motivation than deep, inclusive guidance. It’s not bad, but I think it could’ve been so much more....more
2.5 ⭐️ The Kiss Lottery: how to get some after a decade of... pinning?*
Okay, let’s talk about The Kiss Lottery by Ilsa Madden-Mills. I wanted to love 2.5 ⭐️ The Kiss Lottery: how to get some after a decade of... pinning?*
Okay, let’s talk about The Kiss Lottery by Ilsa Madden-Mills. I wanted to love this one—small-town romance, second-chance vibes, a quirky Kiss Lottery twist—it sounded like a fun read. But sadly, it fell flat for me in almost every way.
First, the writing. It felt underdeveloped, like a draft that needed a few more rounds of editing. The dialogue was often clunky, and the pacing dragged in places, making it hard to stay engaged. The small-town setting had potential, but it ended up feeling generic and forgettable, lacking the charm I was hoping for.
Now, the romance. The tension between the main characters was practically non-existent. What was supposed to be a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic felt more like two people stuck in a loop of petty arguments and miscommunication. And the grand romantic gestures? Let’s just say they missed the mark for me, coming off as more cringe than swoon-worthy.
The Kiss Lottery itself was a cute idea, but it wasn’t enough to carry the story. The lack of meaningful character development made it hard to root for the couple, and the closed-door romance didn’t help. For a book that needed some spark, it felt like the emotional and physical chemistry was left on the cutting room floor.
Overall, this one was a miss for me. If you’re into low-stakes, fluffy romances with minimal drama, you might enjoy it. But if you’re looking for depth, tension, or a fresh take on the genre, this probably isn’t it.
I'm officially giving up on this book. I just realised that Ben is supposed to be the MMC. This horrible, awful, sexist assh*le is not redeDNF at 23%
I'm officially giving up on this book. I just realised that Ben is supposed to be the MMC. This horrible, awful, sexist assh*le is not redeemable, I can tell you that one for free.
I tried - I really tried since this is an ARC and I hate not giving a fully informed review, but I truly cannot bring myself to keep reading. Gemma, the FMC, is an absolute doormat and I really hope she finds a backbone at some point in the story... I'm just not going to be there to read it....more
4.75 ⭐️ Rounded up because of f**king course I'm rounding this one up to a full five stars!
First, a huge thank you to Net Galley and Kaylie Smith's 4.75 ⭐️ Rounded up because of f**king course I'm rounding this one up to a full five stars!
First, a huge thank you to Net Galley and Kaylie Smith's team for providing me with an eARC for this book. I have no words. Seriously...It is 2 am, I literally just finished this book, and I'm... speechless, I think? In love, maybe. Obsessed for sure! Omg I'm not sleeping tonight, am I?
I cannot begin to describe how much I love the Wicked Games universe, the world, and the atmosphere Kaylie Smith is able to bring to life. It's so amazing, and with such a unique and specific vibe that I find myself having trouble describing the feeling of it all. Old-school gothic-chic, perhaps? Romantic, and dramatic, and heavy, and mesmerising in a dark and sensual way. Truly just outstanding.
This second book follows Genevieve - Ophelia's sister - to Italy, where she ends up trapped in yet another haunted house and tangled in yet another wickedly murderous game -and much like her sister in book #1, she finds herself saddled with an unexpected but not totally terrible partner. Rowin, our MMC, is a Wraith, and his family has been trapped by a Knox, an absolute DILP (Devil I'd Like to Punch)*Patent Pending lol* in Enchantra, their state and mansion, where they're bound to kill and torture each other for eternity. Except Rowin hasn't given up and still believes there's an ending to it all. And with Genevieve by his side, he might just have a chance this time...
Listen, I'm not one to tell other people what to do. I hate it when people tell me what to do? Demand avoidance? She's my middle name, best friend and social security number. But seriously... just read this book. If you're reading this review and you're like mmm... I'm still on the fence about it, is this book really worth my time, and my money? (both very valuable currencies atm, I get it) THE ANSWER IS YES! Yes it is. No, you will not regret it. And I know you're thinking "tf do you know, girl, you don't know me!?" and honestly: valid. But also, I'm right and you're wrong. Sorry.
Edit from the next morning: Is it me or does sleep deprivation make me aggressive but in a very respectful and calm way? Like what was I on?...
Am I claiming that this book is perfect? NO. By no stretch of the imagination. The perfect book probably exists but it lives in the spaces where my mind is shaped in one way or another, when I'm thinking and feeling one thing or another. Myself from tomorrow's favourite book is not myself from today's favourite book. And there are some great books out there. I would know, I've read a bunch of them. This one included.
There were things I would change, perhaps, but every uncomfortable or slightly askew aspect in this novel serves a purpose. Every painful page or every stab of longing made for a better story, and I really do believe that.
I don't tend to give 5-star reviews. I just think excellence is something that comes very, very rarely and should therefore be reserved for the absolute best of the best. And this book didn't fully reach that peak, but only because I am nitpicky af, and like I said, sh!t got painful there in some moments! Still, what. a. ride.
I truly cannot wait for Book #3. Also, is it just me, or is someone else getting "Luci as the next FMC" vibes?
3.75 ⭐️ ARC review! - I love unconventional romances.
This book is a Reverse Age Gap book, meaning the FMC is older than the MMC... and I always eat t3.75 ⭐️ ARC review! - I love unconventional romances.
This book is a Reverse Age Gap book, meaning the FMC is older than the MMC... and I always eat these kinds of stories up like they are dipped in chocolate. I might be Raph age irl -and can therefore attest to just how odd I would find it to date someone about 15 years my senior- but I loved this story. Lana's character was a bit of a mess emotionally speaking, and I don't necessarily think she was a person to imitate when it comes to maintaining a healthy relationship, but I suppose that is the point of the story.
All relationships are unfair and unbalanced at most times. Navigating that takes some true strength of character. One which Lana did not have, all while Raph seemed to have some sadistic positivity-on-shrooms kind of kumbaya view of life, which seemed to border on manic behaviour at times. And as much as I wanted to believe his character could be possible and real -I am aware that this is a FICTION book and a romance to boot -still, I cannot suspend my disbelief quite this much. He is the 'manic pixie dream girl' version tailored to the suburban housewife, a fact that the book doesn't really try to hide, and even pokes fun at itself for it a couple of times. It was entertaining to see and heartbreaking to experience both characters breaking their own heart by trying not to damage the other's. It's a HFN ending, though, so there's nothing to worry about that.
It's a lovely Reverse Age Gap, and Reverse Nanny Romance I can definitely recommend it if those are something you like. The aspect of Raph being the nanny was, in my opinion, severely underdeveloped, but we get a good handful of scenes where he's basically falling in love with Lana's daughters, Nova and Aurora. This is a story where instalust and instalove take a very prominent role in the plot, so beware.
The ending, which I will not go into detail describing or say too much about, was both expected and unexpected in some ways. I enjoyed it, but thought it could've used a bit more info about how their lives are playing out.
4.5 ⭐️ The perfect Xmas MMF romance! Thank you so much Net Galley for providing me this Audio ARC!!
When Kayla Groose writes holiday books, it's no jok4.5 ⭐️ The perfect Xmas MMF romance! Thank you so much Net Galley for providing me this Audio ARC!!
When Kayla Groose writes holiday books, it's no joke. She already has the most amazing duo of Xmas/Valentine's Day novellas, but now she's coming back with a full-length smutty romance novel, and what can I say - I'm obsessed. And the fact that I got to listen to this on audiobook, and there are three amazing narrators to fully delve into the three different characters' POVs on each chapter!?! It's unreal how much fun this was to listen to!
This book starts with Nathan realising that he's no longer able to live the way that he has been living... well, working. Because that's all he's been doing. Prioritising work over anything else. So, there he is, alone in the office with his insufferable manager who's not letting him leave after, yet again, thankless, unpaid overtime when he was supposed to take his holiday leave hours ago! Before he can truly process it, he's on his feet, and the words "I quit" rush out of his lips before getting in his car and taking the mountain road straight to the small town his sister's just moved into, and a massive snowy storm raging outside. New chains in tyres make him overtly confident, to the point where he barely registers the shock of his accident when he finds himself on the snowy forest floor, alone in the middle of nowhere with a bleeding head wound and nothing but regrets swirling around in his mind. Morgan and Fox did not expect to find an almost unconscious man in a snowstorm while they were out on their tree-seeking / game excursion. But maybe it was all fate bringing them together...
I have read just one other full-length book from this author and honestly, I didn't really love it. This one, however, takes that other book and wipes the floor with it. This book is very spicy, sort of instalove and very instalust. All things I personally love. There's a very heavy BDSM dynamic, and it is, of course, a poly romance - so if these things aren't to your liking, you will not like this book. I, however, could not get enough of it. I feel like I need three or four more epilogues! I need more of the Wolf, the Fox and the Lamb!!
I seriously cannot recommend this book (and the audiobook) enough! I have a feeling I may reread/ listen to it again at some point this Xmas lol.
The thing is, I'm fairly certain it wasn't bad, but also I know it wasn't great so I think a three is 3 ⭐️ I'm not sure how I feel about this book...
The thing is, I'm fairly certain it wasn't bad, but also I know it wasn't great so I think a three is a more than fair in between. This is a very heavy book, even if it has a lot of rom-com-y elements to it. The main plot of the book focuses on Maddie's grief surrounding her brother's death. He was her only sibling and the only family member she truly cared for and loved. After her brother's battle with cancer, she finds out during his funeral that he left letters to everyone in his close family/friend circle, including her. Except for hers, there were a couple of stipulations to meet. First, every single one of her letters was addressed to both her and his brother's best friend, Dom - the only guy Maddie has ever loved (in secret) and now hated (very publicly). Her confusion and feelings are all part of the journey, and it takes a while for us to settle into such a difficult story and dynamic, especially when there seems to be no clarification for the greater part of the book.
I think part of my problem with this book is that the whole thing was just a big, massive, huge miscommunication after the other... all paired with making slightly f**cked up choices all in the name of being a good person. The 'big explanations' we wait until the very end of the book to hear are so obvious from the beginning when we're given just a hint of how everything played out all of those years ago, that the angst just feels idiotic and convoluted for no reason, and it was more frustrating than anything else.
Still, grief and pain are very heavy topics, and I always applaud authors who do not shy away from them and respect the ever-changing nature of it all. It might not have been my favourite book, but it may be worth a read if heartbreak and grief are something you wish to explore or understand a bit better.
Listen, this book was a trip and a half and I was sat for every single f··king second of it! I'm sort of pissed of4 ⭐️ Absolute, massive chef's kiss!
Listen, this book was a trip and a half and I was sat for every single f··king second of it! I'm sort of pissed off at myself for delving into this book first and not picking up book #1 to begin from there. Now I've spoiled myself so much! I would definitely recommend you pick up these books in order (Unlike me! Learn from my mistakes while you can!)
Now, what to say about this book that won't spoil anything and still convey how absolutely massively heartbreaking and angsty and awesome this book was... So there's the cutest little sl·t you've ever seen, and then they meet another cute, little sl·t at a party, and then it takes them years to get together... and a lot of sh·t happens in the meantime. Bad, horrible, abusive stuff. THIS IS A HEA THOUGH! I would never recommend this book otherwise. But, yeah, there's so much trauma to wade through here, it got almost overwhelming at times.
My favourite part of this entire book is something that needs to be talked about, and it's a staple in all my favourite romance books: emotionally intelligent and cautious MCs. Both main characters here have lived through some extreme experiences that make them look at themselves and the way they fit into the world in a very askew, distorted way. Unfortunately, that is what abuse and trauma tend to do. These two, however, not only fight for one another, but they fight for themselves and to protect their lives and connections to the people that matter to them. And it was so incredibly beautiful.
There is a lot of OM and OW stuff here since for about half of the book, the MCs are just friends and have a tutor (F)/student (M) relationship, and the FMC is still in a committed romantic relationship with some OM. Still, this book works! I don't know how cause usually I don't really like books with OM/OW stuff in them, but this one was amazing and it only added to the angst and slow burn of it all.