Tag: contemporary romance

Book Review: Kiss and Tell (Creekville Kisses #3) by Melanie Jacobson

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 220 pages
Author: Melanie Jacobson
Publisher: Four Petal Press
Release Date: August 12th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

He’s back to hold her to a marriage pact they made ten years ago . . .

Tabitha Winters, glamorous celebrity chef, loves her life and growing empire in New York. But when her best friends buy the old summer camp where they worked as counselors, she can’t turn down their invitation to appear at the opening week fundraising gala . . . even if it means confronting the memories of her first love and its disastrous ending.

But she soon discovers someone is playing an elaborate prank on her as she catches glimpses of Sawyer Reed, the heartbreaker who has no business being at Camp Oak Crest. When she uncovers the truth with a well-crafted counter prank campaign, it’s wilder than she could have guessed: even though she hasn’t seen Sawyer since he broke her heart, he’s there to collect on a marriage pact they made when they were still dumb kids.

Tabitha could never resist a dare, and when Sawyer double dares her to give him a week to prove that they still have their old magic, she’s all in to prove that he’s wrong: they’ve been over since the day he walked away ten years ago.

Only she didn’t count on him knowing her better than he has a right to, or having the perfect dates to wear down her resistance. And she definitely didn’t plan on their attraction still burning hotter than the end-of-camp bonfire. In this summer camp setting, can Tabitha resist the pull of past memories while Sawyer’s knee-buckling kisses try to convince her of their future?

JUST WHAT I NEEDED.

Oh this book caught me at the right time, I LOVED IT.

I got major People We Meet on Vacation vibes. The summer camp theme was perfect and this couple? OFF THE CHARTS.

The use of flashback chapters worked effortlessly here. It gave me the necessary background to understand Tabitha and Sawyer’s past and really building up that angst in the present chapters. I loved all of the pranks (which actually made me laugh) and really feeling like I was out at camp with the rest of them.

There’s a lot of great themes in here, one being, therapy. I liked the positive connotation surrounding it and the way that multiple parties learned to express emotions and concerns in a safe and genuine way. I love seeing characters grow and it wasn’t only Tabitha that showed some needed change.

I LOVED SAWYER. Good heavens he was the perfect love interest. Super swoony (those kiss scenes? FIRE). I appreciated that he could admit his wrongs and speak his truths too. The way he tried to show Tabitha just how much he cared, and also listening to her when she needed to communicate to? ALL HERE FOR IT.

Fantastic romance. Perfect for summertime.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: The Friend Zone (End of the Line #1) by Sariah Wilson

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ☆☆1/2
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 300 pages
Author: Sariah Wilson
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Release Date: June 11th, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

From the bestselling author of the #Lovestruck novels comes a rousing romance about following your dreams, second chances, and playing the game of love.

Disgraced college quarterback Logan Hunt was on his way to NFL stardom when he messed up big-time. Now the Texas star player with a bad temper has a new option: Seattle’s EOL College—as in End of the Line, to his fellow misfit recruits. It’s Logan’s last chance. If he can follow the rules. No parties, no fighting, no swearing, and oh, no dating the coach’s daughter, Jess. Simple. Yeah, right. For Logan, there has never been a rule he’s more tempted to break.

The deal is “just friends.” The pretty, confident, and fiercely smart math whiz is fine with pizza, tutoring, and keeping Logan in line. But the closer Jess gets, the more receptive she is to his warm heart and spirit—not to mention his irresistible off-field passes. With defenses down, they’re both heading into the danger zone.

It’s more than thrilling. It’s love. It’s also a game changer that could sideline Logan’s NFL goals—and more important, a future with Jess. But dreams are worth fighting for, right?

A BIT CRINGEY.

That’s the biggest thought I have. How ultimately, a lot of this romance had me cringing.

I liked the initial premise and set-up. A down on his luck QB, trying to make a new start and building a better future. He meets the coaches daughter and sparks fly. It was a bit insta-lovey, but not enough to make me want to stop right then. Half of the time I really did enjoy the chemistry between Logan and Jess.

Personally felt victimized by the forceful nature of emotions it was trying to make me feel. Filling it with many, many dark backgrounds for characters involved that just didn’t fit the rest of the vibes of the book. I don’t mind such things, they need to work together for the story, not opposing.

The ending was sweet and I liked how that played out (minus the over the top dramatic flair). Cute epilogue. Won’t be continuing this series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: heated make-outs
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: abusive and alcoholic father, substance abuse (Mom), loss of a loved one with terminal illness, attempted rape and sexual assault, nonconsensual drugging, loss of a parent by a car accident

Instagram || Goodreads

ARC Book Review: When in Rome by Sarah Adams

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 336 pages
Author: Sarah Adams
Publisher: Dell
Release Date: September 20th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Opposites certainly attract for the stranded pop star and small-town baker in this charming slice of romance from the author of the TikTok sensationThe Cheat Sheet.

Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her “princess of pop” image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome . . . Rome, Kentucky, that is.

When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn’t have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He’s too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room–but only until her car is fixed–then she’s on her own.

Then Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose–she’s Amelia: kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. He can’t help but get close to her. Soon she’ll have to return to her glamorous life on tour, but until then, Noah will show Amelia all the charming small-town experiences she’s been missing, and she’ll help him open his heart to more.

Amelia can’t resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.

SARAH ADAMS DOES IT AGAIN.

I will never get tired of reading Sarah Adams’ books. They are EVERYTHING I love about contemporary romances and her unique and joyful spins on each story make me love every written word. I once again devoured another of her stories in a day and can easily add this to the list of romances I’d recommend you must read.

This story took some deep turns between Amelia and Noah. There was a lot of exploration of self and finding stable ground to move forward. Their meet-cute had me chuckling and all of the antics put a smile on my face. From learning to make pancakes, wearing matching pajamas, and meeting friends turned family, there’s much goodness to be had here.

The plot is a mix of fast and slow and I am so happy that all necessary resolutions were solved by the end. I love a happy ending that’s filled with everything needed to truly be HAPPY. This smile inducing story will just make you feel good.

I really loved the way Amelia and Noah found ways to love each other. The longing looks and subtle touches. And oh my goodness, the endlessly swoony and passionate kisses. Melt my heart perfection. I fell in love with this tiny town myself and all of the characters that I ran across. I BEG of someone to please provide stories for the other siblings (MUST HAVE) because Rome, Kentucky has plenty more to give.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: a little
  • Romance: closed door
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents (off page but discussed), a grandparent with Alzheimer’s, mental health discussions, past cheating

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: Tattered Stars (Tattered & Torn #1) by Catherine Cowles

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 320 pages
Author: Catherine Cowles
Publisher: PageSmith LLC
Release Date: February 1st, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Be brave. Just for sixty seconds. Twenty breaths.

It took every ounce of my courage to return to the small town I fled all those years ago. But I should’ve known he’d hate me. How could he not when my father’s blood still runs through my veins?

Yet here I am, desperate for a chance to make things right. Even if it means facing the family my father almost destroyed and the boy with the dark eyes—now grown—who still haunts my dreams.

I never expected just how explosive things would turn between us. He’s the last person I should want. Yet, somehow, I keep drawing closer—so close I know I’ll end up burned.

But Hayes is a good man, a noble one. Someone who channeled his pain into a career spent protecting those around him. So, when the threats begin, he steps in to keep me safe. And we discover that maybe neither of us knew the other at all.

As the sparks between us ignite into something deeper, someone watches. And they’ll do anything to tear it all apart.

I’M HOOKED.

Oh wow. This book took over my entire day and I would like to thank it for that. It’s been a bit dramatic, but y’all. TRUST ME. Lean into the drama of this small town romance with a great dash of suspense and let it woo you like it did me.

I adored this romance. The dynamic is perfectly plotted. A small dash of enemies to lovers with character growth and communication for days. Hayes and Everly were so dang sweet on each other that you couldn’t help but cheer them on.

The family dynamics are loving and complicated. I like this whole group so much and look forward to the future relationships that are sprouting from this book.

The suspense portion had me in alllll the feels. I was anxious to know what would happen next and surprised by the final details. Even when I think I have it nailed there’s always a bit more that weaves it’s way out.

Overall audience notes:

  • Romantic Suspense
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: three brief open door
  • Violence: med/high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: a father with mental health issues, kidnapping, PTSD, domestic abuse (recounted), assault, gun violence

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph