The Enchanting Nanny has some of my favourite tropes: Single Parent, Age gap, Cute kid, but it was a miss for me. Overall, it was an okay read and thaThe Enchanting Nanny has some of my favourite tropes: Single Parent, Age gap, Cute kid, but it was a miss for me. Overall, it was an okay read and that was mainly down to June for me.
Grouses: 1. So boring, like I dunno what the vibe should've been but it didn’t vibe with me. 2. The age gap was big yo. 3. Who describes shoe heels in millimeters (mm)?! 4. Sometimes Agnes is being serious and Penny plays too much, like girl come on you’re an adult. 5. I wish there was a clearer distinction when they were having flashbacks. 6. I’m not saying billionaires are natural, but Penny bashing rich people at every turn was a big turn off for me. Anyway, not a rich people apologist, (view spoiler)[but come on Penny, questioning your dead mom’s choices for falling for a rich guy was harsh. (hide spoiler)] 7. “Everyone’s going to think I sold out” you’re a grown adult Penny stfu. 8. (view spoiler)[Dash basically stalking Gavin because he likes him and going through what he threw in the trash was weird asf. (hide spoiler)]
But if you’re looking for a Contemporary Romance with an Age Gap and Family Relationships that plays up the Rich girl/Poor girl and Parent/Caregiver archetypes then I’d definitely give this one a try. ...more
That was a wild ride. Tereze never disappoints. Bex and Ellis were top tier!
Content Warnings: (view spoiler)[Stalking and ex-partner abuse and lies abThat was a wild ride. Tereze never disappoints. Bex and Ellis were top tier!
Content Warnings: (view spoiler)[Stalking and ex-partner abuse and lies about assault. Mention of parentage by rape. Family abandonment basically. (hide spoiler)]...more
Age gap, 3rd times the charm romance with cute kids. This felt unnecessarily angsty as there was problem after problem after problem. I did l3.5 stars
Age gap, 3rd times the charm romance with cute kids. This felt unnecessarily angsty as there was problem after problem after problem. I did like the MCs dynamic however so that's a plus. (view spoiler)[The men in this story (not Ty) are garbage, like honest garbage, and Lauren’s brother is like the biggest dickhead. (hide spoiler)]...more
Finally Loved was a beautiful novel that had emotional but humourous main characters. The novel is a slow-burn that tackles self-acceptance and self-dFinally Loved was a beautiful novel that had emotional but humourous main characters. The novel is a slow-burn that tackles self-acceptance and self-discovery with consideration for being on the ace spectrum. It also has a wealth of emotional intimacy alongside the fear of being unlovable as a prevalent theme.
One of the novel’s highest points is how much care it takes to address the representation of asexuality. Neve’s struggles—her self-doubt and worry that she isn’t "enough" for a partner—are explored with remarkable sensitivity. The book excels in its emotional depth. The early chapters immerse you in Neve’s heartbreak, making her journey toward accepting and choosing herself pretty real and fulfilling. The chemistry between the protagonists is built through witty banter, heartfelt conversations, and small but powerful moments of connection. While there are no steamy scenes, the emotional intimacy is more than enough to make their romance compelling.
Some aspects of the storyline that could be stronger— - I know the MCs are adults, but I don't know anything about their jobs or their day-to-day activities - Sometimes, it felt like conversations happened off-page and then were resolved for the reader on-page, but you weren’t able to “see the full picture” - I didn’t know Neve was in therapy till like the last quarter of the book, and I mean, with everything going on, that seemed relevant info - Sometimes, the internal monologues went on foreverrrrrr
Other Thoughts: Roxanne’s character is a piece of work, and I wish her pillow is always hot on both sides. (view spoiler)[Fuck Charlie! I hated her character, and Alice was complicit as hell. I am glad that Neve distanced herself, eventually moved out and found herself with a set of people who didn’t personalize her sexuality and appreciated her for all that she offered. (hide spoiler)]
Overall, Finally Loved was a touching story, and while it had some narrative hiccups, its heartfelt character development, authentic emotions, and beautiful exploration of love beyond conventional expectations made it a pretty good read for me personally....more
Ice Cream Wars was a crack romance novella. The rivalry (all in Juliana’s head) between Cherry & Juliana was ridiculous and I thought Juliana was an aIce Cream Wars was a crack romance novella. The rivalry (all in Juliana’s head) between Cherry & Juliana was ridiculous and I thought Juliana was an asshole honestly. I mean I get that she viewed Cherry as competition for sales and customers, but be a decent human being huh? Like that conversation she had with Herbert (view spoiler)[in order to sabotage Cherry’s ice cream trike was real mean and not women supporting women at all. (hide spoiler)] After this the rivalry actually starts heating up because Cherry now takes a shot, but why wouldn’t she.
I know this is supposed to be fun and light-hearted, but I couldn’t help being upset every time they interacted, (view spoiler)[ like WTF was that scene with the sofa truck and crushing the trike?! (hide spoiler)]. Also Colin Greene though, ewww, and (view spoiler)[Juliana making accusations about Cherry sleeping with him didn’t sit right with me, (hide spoiler)].
If it wasn’t for the Sapphic Book Bingo, I dunno if I’d have finished this novella. The Ice queen trope isn’t really for me, nor is romanticizing that type of behaviour, even if “they find a way forward in the end.” Anyway, I can see why people would enjoy this trope, it just isn’t my flavour ice cream. ...more
I enjoyed this immensely. Two single moms. Seemingly different personal paths, but then they were in each other's orbit so much they developed a genuiI enjoyed this immensely. Two single moms. Seemingly different personal paths, but then they were in each other's orbit so much they developed a genuine friendship which then further developed. It was cute. I also loved the inclusion of their kids and other members of the softball team into the story. ...more
You know, maybe I don’t love Age Gap fiction, because 20 years is too much, lol. I do like however, that the characters themselves never made a big deYou know, maybe I don’t love Age Gap fiction, because 20 years is too much, lol. I do like however, that the characters themselves never made a big deal about age, cuz ultimately everyone here is grown and working and making their own money and living their real adult lives.
I didn’t care about the rowing, like I needed none of those details lol, but I’m glad the author was able to write about their passion.
Maddie was a chill character, and I loved how she loved her family.
The chemistry was real between the MCs, like ricocheting off the pages real. Like if horny was every letter of the alphabet, lol. I loved the pretty chill vibe of the novel; no one was miscommunicating for fun, and overall they were both just trying to align their lives as best as possible....more
Rey Luca’s The Cupcake Conundrum is a cozy, low-angst, delightful, heartwarming story that blends sweet treats with support, friendships and romance aRey Luca’s The Cupcake Conundrum is a cozy, low-angst, delightful, heartwarming story that blends sweet treats with support, friendships and romance along the way.
Luna, a dedicated cafe owner, is on the hunt for the perfect new hire—someone experienced, confident, and skilled in the kitchen. Instead, she gets Scarlett, a shy former actuary with zero baking experience but an undeniable charm that quickly starts to melt Luna’s well-guarded heart. The MCs chemistry is evident from the get go and even though Scarlett comes off as odd to Luna it doesn’t take away from her innate charm and the curiosity that Luna feels. Their dynamic is non-judgemental and endearing with heaps of awkward yet cute interactions.
Rey Luca writes the way I want to read - warm, inviting and playful. This is my second book by this author and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters felt like real people and while the plot felt familiar the chemistry of the MCs felt fresh and satisfying.
If you like foodie romances with a cozy vibe and light angst, The Cupcake Conundrum will definitely satisfy.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**...more