Monday, December 16, 2024

Review of Royally Matched (Royally Kissed #2) by Kate O'Keeffe

 


I’ve got 99 problems, and picking the wrong guy might be all of them.

I've always had my royal checklist: Attend the Husband Hunting Ball? Check. Find the perfect match for a princess like me? Check. Feel zero sparks with Mr. Right (aka Enzo Revera)? Sadly, double check.

But then I meet Marco, Enzo's charming and rugged brother. He's everything I shouldn't want, especially since I've planned my life to avoid the messiness of love.

When a twist of fate puts Marco at my side, I can't deny our chemistry, even if he's all wrong for a princess like me. Thrown together by royal duties and an ancient riddle, Marco and I embark on a crazy adventure that leads us to hidden clues.

As we unravel a secret that changes everything, I’m faced with a choice between duty and desire. Can I defy expectations and claim both the throne I’ve always wanted and my true love?


In this dizzyingly romantic modern royal romcom for grown-ups, find out what happens when a cinnamon roll hero meets a princess who follows ALL the rules... Royally Matched is a closed-door romance with all the sizzle but without the spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s Book 2 in the brand new series, Royally Kissed.

If you enjoyed "The Selection" by Kiera Cass, the "Modern Royals" series by Aven Ellis, or Emma St. Clair's "Sweet Royal Romcom" series you'll love this modern royal romance.


(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Royally Kissed series!


**My thoughts**
I think I liked this second installment of the Royally Kissed series more than the first one! Amelia is the princess who is completely dedicated to following all of the rules, maintaining decorum, and keeping up appearances. She would rather sacrifice her own happiness in love than break the rules. OK, and then there is also that broken heart in the past that she would really prefer to not revisit.

But honey, a spreadsheet? The perfect man on paper? I remember those days, too, I guess. I had a written list of my perfect man - and the guy who checked off all the boxes definitely wasn't him. And then I got older and wiser. Amelia has some learning to do. But if she didn't have this learning to do, we wouldn't have a story to read.

Marco and Enzo are polar opposites in spite of being brothers. And neither one of them is really who he appears to be at first - at least not in Amelia's eyes. I'm 100% Team Marco from day one and would love to find one of him for myself!

What I loved the most about this one was Amelia learning about herself and coming into her own. Marco even learns a lot about himself and what his life is supposed to be. They perfectly complement each other and are frankly more magical than Maddie and Alex. I truly adored this one.

Now I want the next installment to hurry up and come out!

I received a requested ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of The Backup Princess (Royally Kissed #1) by Kate O'Keeffe

 


When a Texas gal punches a prince instead of curtsying, you know this isn't your grandmother's fairy tale.

Taking the bull by the horns is child's play compared to ruling Malveaux. Yet here I am, a Texas girl turned princess, swapping tacos for a tiara.

Then I meet Europe’s most eligible bachelor, the irritatingly handsome Prince Alexander, and accidentally deck him instead of curtsying.

Oops.

I’d feel bad if he wasn’t such a self-satisfied jerk.

Now, I'm racing against a royal clock that ticks with the urgency of a preening peacock, trying not to let down my newfound country or my own wild heart. Alexander? He's a walking contradiction, with a smirk that heats my blood and eyes that tell tales of a depth I didn't expect.

Decisions aren't exactly my rodeo, but this time, my choice could cost me my new crown—or lead to a love story that rewrites my happily ever after.

Will this Texas girl rise to the royal challenge, or is this one fairytale destined to end with the slipper never found?



MEDAL WINNER AT THE READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS



The Princess Diaries meets The Hating Game in this in this dizzyingly romantic modern royal romcom for grown-ups, where an American girl's unexpected ascent to royalty collides with a fiery romance with a hot neighboring prince. The Backup Princess is a closed-door romance with all the sizzle but without the spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s Book 1 in the brand new series, Royally Kissed.

If you enjoyed "The Selection" by Kiera Cass, the "Modern Royals" series by Aven Ellis, or Emma St. Clair's "Sweet Royal Romcom" series you'll love this modern royal romance.


(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Royally Kissed series!


**My thoughts**
I can always count on Kate O'Keeffe to pen a unique take on a common trope that keeps me completely engaged and wanting more. I'm madly in love with this series, which hooked me from that opening line in the book description. I loved the nod to The Princess Diaries when Maddie discovers her royal heritage and has to decide whether or not to take the crown when it is her time. (And there are also some other little moments that fellow Princess Diaries book fans will pick up on.) I felt nods to the real royal family saga with abdication and untrue gossip and stereotypes of the hottie princes. And yet, Maddie and Alex are their own characters with their own story. 

It's a classic enemies-to-lovers trope as well, because Maddie can't stand Alex when she meets him. And while their nations are friendly, they are also in competition. They even admit that they are attracted to each other, but aren't sold on getting together at first. And then the attraction takes over.

I also love Alex's sisters, though Amelia can be a bit uptight. You know there are plenty of stories to come. This new chapter in the histories of Ledonia and Malveaux are just getting started, and I'm here for the ride!

Review of Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel

 


Second Chance in Paradise

Doctoral student Holland Reeves may have aced every class she’s ever taken, but when it comes to life outside her lab, she’s beginning to realize she doesn’t have one. In fact, she has more meaningful relationships with test tubes and pipettes than with people. Wishing to change that, she reluctantly agrees to attend an old friend’s wedding. The only problem is, it means she has to return to Paradise. The small coastal town that once upon a time lived up to its name, that was, until he—Porter Clairborne—left her without even saying goodbye. It’s fine, it’s all fine. She has better things to do than be ridiculously happy and in love. Things like finding a cure for heart disease.

But when she returns to Paradise, she gets way more than she bargained for. Porter, the prodigal son, has returned—unbeknownst to her—and he has more on his mind than just helping his family’s business, the Clairborne Resort. He’s determined to win back the woman who captured his heart several summers ago. Lucky for him, Holland has a little mishap that forces her to stay in Paradise a lot longer than she expected.

Now together, Holland and Porter must decide if first love deserves a second chance. Will Paradise once again live up to its name? Or will it remain a town of broken dreams?

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel presents a beautiful second chance romance full of sizzling kisses and heart-tugging moments. It’s the perfect beach read.


Buy on Amazon
(affiliate link included)


**My thoughts**
I admit that it took me a couple of tries to get through this one. When I first started reading it, I was somehow confused by the characters and their relationships and who was whom. [But I think that was more of a ME thing than a writing thing. No idea what was going on in my mind then.] And then it took me a little bit to get used to Holland and her way of thinking and looking at the world. I saw her as a neurodivergent character, which I love seeing more of in books. She even had me trying to see how much of the periodic table I could remember from my chemistry days.

I recognized bits of myself in her, especially the high anxiety causing her to tunnel in on her scientific work and needing a push from others to engage in the outer world. I felt the awkwardness of having someone take you under their wing as their surrogate child and not feeling like you quite deserve that much unconditional love from outside the family. I was very proud of her for giving in and going to her friend's wedding and then letting Porter and his family take care of her.

And then there is Porter. I would love to have a Porter in my life. He fully embraces Holland for who she is and loves her quirks. He's determined to show her who she really is and to rectify what went wrong in their past. To be honest, I don't think they would have worked out as well had they just stayed together in the first place. They clearly needed some time apart to become the best version of their coupledom. And how can you not when in a place like Paradise?

Holland and Porter aren't the only second chance story happening in this book. And the other one truly had me in tears. Worth the read once I was able to get into it.

Review of All the Christmas Vibes by Melissa Baldwin

 


All the Christmas Vibes

'Tis the season for a spontaneous holiday getaway and an unexpected connection. Will the magic of Christmas offer a new chance at love?

Sophie

It’s Christmas, and I can’t help but believe that magic happens around this time of year—or at least, I really hope it does. I’ve always been obsessed with the holidays, and the best part? I can binge-watch all the Hallmark movies I want. Secretly, I might be hoping for my own love story to play out just like in the movies. It’s possible, right? I mean, it happened for my friend.

A girls' trip to Tennessee seems like the perfect way to unwind. Then, I meet Jake—the coach of the Tennessee Wolves. Our connection is instant, and I find myself wanting to get to know him better. But there’s one small issue… I don’t know if he’s available.

That’s when I get my reality check—life isn’t a Hallmark movie, and love? It’s complicated.

Jake
This Christmas feels different, like everything is a bit out of place. I guess that’s what an unexpected breakup will do to you. At least I have my career to keep me focused—coaching a professional hockey team is no walk in the park, but it definitely keeps my mind occupied.

The last thing I need is to get involved with someone new. Then Sophie walks into my life—fun, spontaneous, and not afraid to take chances. They say opposites attract, but I’m not sure if I’m ready for that.

To complicate things even more, my ex has started coming around again. I don’t know if it’s easier to stay with what’s familiar or take a chance on something new.


Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the related Love on Thin Ice multiauthor series!


**My thoughts**

This latest offering from Melissa Baldwin is a spinoff from the Love on Thin Ice series that Melissa worked on with many of her author friends (and some of my other favorites to read). I am ashamed to admit that I am behind on that series, though I'm dying to sink my teeth in it. But I didn't feel like was missing anything in this book having not yet read that series. Melissa's book in that series was about Blair, Sophie's best friend, and her relationship with Cooper, Jake's teammate. Having met them in this book, I can't wait to go back and read their story! And I love that there are enough characters for the story of this hockey team to continue with spinoffs.


Sophie gets to do something I have always wanted to do - takes off on an adventure to Tennessee and ends up finding herself a good man. For someone who loves those cheesy holiday Hallmark movies - I'm referring to both myself and to Sophie - it's the perfect trip and setting!


You can tell that Sophie is comfortable in her life in Texas, but she's also kind of stuck. She's at one of those turning points where she could keep on keeping on, but then if the right path diverges, she can easily choose to follow that one. Jake may be coming off of a long-term relationship, but he has clearly moved on.


Jake's sister Julia is a little intense in the beginning. I did soften toward her as the book went on, thoug, because she's just intense to protect her brother.


And then we have the ex, Traci. OY! I had all of the flashbacks to some catty women in my younger years! Good riddance to her and kudos to Sophie for being able to stay strong.


I admit that the chemistry didn't jump off the page for me the way that I expected it to. But it's there and it burns at a respectable pace. We come to a satisfying stopping point in the story of Sophie and Jake, but you know there's a lot more to come. I'm hoping that this world continues so that we can see what happens!

Review of Swoony Moon (Crescent Moon Ranch #2) by Tess Thompson

 


Swoony Moon


As children, they’d made a pact to marry until a mutual family tragedy ripped them apart. Can a Christmas miracle bring them back together in this clean and wholesome, small-town romance, or will the cruel demons of the past ruin their second chance?

Atticus
Annie Armstrong was my best friend growing up. When betrayal brought heartbreak to both our lives, she and her father moved away from Bluefern, Montana.
As the years went by, we tried to stay in touch through letters but eventually our correspondence dwindled to an occasional text. Now, she’s a big Hollywood star I see on my television screen every week. I’m just a boring tech nerd turned billionaire. Our lives could not be further apart, especially since I’ve returned to my family’s Montana ranch to run my charity work from home.

But then, Annie shows up, broken and in need of a good hiding place. Will the decades since our last tearful goodbye prove too much for a second chance?

Annie
Atticus Moon was the finest boy I’d ever known. Although the years had distanced us, I never stopped thinking about him or wishing we could have remained close
. Was it simply time and distance that separated us? Or had the selfish choice my mother made when we were children ruined any chance of a relationship with Atticus or his family? I’d not stopped running from the past long enough to know the answer.


However, when the unthinkable happens and I’m left alone, publicly humiliated and in possible danger, I head to Bluefern and Atticus. Will he take me in after all this time and be the friend I so desperately need or will he disappoint me like all the other men in my life?

Opposites attract in this sweet, emotional family saga starring the Moon brothers. Grab it today for a cozy, happy-ever-after by USA Today bestselling author, Tess Thompson.


Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Crescent Moon Ranch series!


**My thoughts**

I fell in love with the Moon boys in the introductory book in this series, Mama Moon. I had a special soft spot for Atticus and Annie. Even as children, you knew that they shared the same soul and were destined for each other. But of course, fate had to step in and make a temporary mess of things. Sure, it's been a long time since they have seen each other. They are opposites in a lot of ways. But they are also perfect for each other in so many ways. I mean, where did Annie turn when she needed help? She knows that Atticus is her home.


Swoony Moon definitely lives up to its name as this twosome figures out who they are now - both apart and together - and fall in love all over again. It's going to be hard for one of the other brothers to top this one for me! But we shall see. I'm looking forward to all of them finding their happily ever after.

Review of Mama Moon (Crescent Moon Ranch #1) by Tess Thompson

 


Mama Moon
When her world is shattered, a single mother must summon every ounce of strength and determination to rebuild a future for herself and her five precious boys. Can she save her Montana ranch and protect her babies?


Stella

I’m a mother above all else. My boys are my life and my heart. When I’m suddenly raising them alone, I must face the possibility of selling the ranch that’s been in my family for generations.


The last thing on my mind is finding a second chance at love. Yet, when a buttoned-up banker offers his assistance, I can’t help but say yes. Will the man in a suit and leather loafers be the key to my next chapter?

Jasper
When I agreed to open a bank branch in a small town in western Montana, I had no idea how much I would love life in a sleepy community full of cowboys and cowgirls
. Things get even more interesting when I meet Stella. She’s a mother of five adorable boys with the prettiest brown eyes I’ve ever seen. She also has a rundown ranch in desperate need of repair.


I’m only a city boy in a suit with no business on a ranch. Yet, Stella and her boys feel like home. Can I convince her I’m the one to repair her broken heart and her ranch?

This clean and wholesome series starter from USA Today Bestselling author Tess Thompson will warm hearts as Stella and Jasper make a family from the broken parts of trampled dreams in this opposites-attract, contemporary romance.


Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Crescent Moon Ranch series!


**My thoughts**

Sweet, innocent Stella. She gets caught up in Rex's web, and understandably so. Those rodeo men can be quite delicious with their charisma and bravery. She thinks she has everything that she wants, because he gives her five sons. But happiness is in the eye of the beholder, and his eyes have gone elsewhere. Tragedy strikes and secrets are revealed, shattering Stella's world and leaving her all on her own with her boys. Life looks tough, but those boys are gonna give their mama what she needs to persevere. And I mean a MAMA, not just a mother. If you haven't fallen in love with these kids by the end of this first book, I don't know what to tell you. Just wait until you get to know them better. Each one of them does right by their mama and tugs at your heartstrings.


And then there's Jasper, the new man in town who becomes a sort of knight in shining armor without taking away from any of Stella's strength. If anything, he helps her find it again. We could all use someone like him to help us to be our best. I also love him for being able to look past her hurt and awkwardness as she tries to move on. And bless him for taking on such an enormous responsibility! Life works in mysterious ways sometimes.


And SLURFPIG FTW! IYKYK. Yes, all the acronyms. [And I believe you can actually buy a SLURFPIG now!]


I love Tess Thompson's small town settings. Crescent Moon Ranch is 100% a place that I would love to visit. I also love how she manages to create these beautiful families who face adversity and then come back stronger than ever. Each character and family member is completely their authentic selves, showing us how wonderful the dynamic family can be and how we need a variety of people to make this world go 'round. Mama Moon lays a strong foundation for the upcoming books in this series, and I'm here for every single one of them.



Review of Unexpected Gifts (Sugarville Grove #2) by Tess Thompson


Unexpected Gifts 


Abigail Parker just wants to get through the holidays, but fate has other plans...

After a year of unexpected twists, Abigail finds herself in the small town of Sugarville Grove, Vermont, as the guardian of her late cousin’s two young children.
Leaving behind her bustling city life and dream job at a veterinary practice, Abigail’s only goal is to adjust to her new responsibilities and figure out how to be the mother they need. Falling for her rugged, no-nonsense neighbor is definitely not part of the plan.

Luke Hayes has his hands full raising his lively four-year-old daughter, Lily, while managing his family’s maple syrup farm. With his heart still scarred from being abandoned by Lily’s mother, Luke has sworn off romance. But when a broken fence and a mischievous dog bring Abigail into his life, he starts to wonder if maybe love isn’t as far out of reach as he thought.

As the holiday lights sparkle and the snow falls, Abigail and Luke find themselves drawn together, despite their differences. But with Abigail adjusting to her new life and Luke determined to protect his heart, it will take more than a little Christmas magic to bring them together.

Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where holiday charm, second chances, and unexpected romance are always in the air. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to check out the rest of the series!


(affiliate links included)



**My thoughts**
It's classic Tess Thompson at Christmas, tugging at the heartstrings with a festive backdrop. Small towns are her specialty. I felt Abigail's deep angst as she came to the rescue of her cousin's orphaned children. I felt Luke's loneliness while raising his daughter without her mother. We're taken deep into their thoughts and inner conflict as they both try to navigate new life situations. And while it may be an instant attraction, it's a nice slow burn of a love story that feels real. 

This book is the second installment of a four-book series penned by Tess Thompson and Clara Pines, taking place in Sugarville Grove. The two books are independent of each other in the sense that you don't have to read one to understand the other. But you will have nods to characters in Clara's book. And in another classic Tess Thompson move, there are links to other towns in her other series - a sort of Tess multiverse, if you will. I always love stumbling upon the Easter eggs.

So overall, this is another feel-good, clean love story that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. You may even shed a little tear here and there - in a good way! 

Each author has one more book planned for this series, coming out in a couple of months. I can't wait to see what else unfolds in Sugarville Grove! 

I received a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 




Read my review of book 1: Sweet Surprises by Clara Pines


Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Review of Sweet Surprises (Sugarville Grove #1) by Clara Pines

 


Sweet Surprises


All this single dad wants is a quiet Christmas, but he’s in for a sweet surprise…

Charlotte Kendrick is thrilled when her best friend invites her to run the family ice cream shop in small-town Sugarville Grove. She’s had a rough year with a bad break-up and a terrible loss. But Charlotte isn’t going to let that dampen her spirits. She’s determined to have fun, finish the things she starts, and avoid falling for another guy – especially her best friend’s grumpy, gorgeous older brother.

Tag Lawrence has buried himself in his work on the family dairy farm and his fierce love for his kids ever since losing his wife years ago. People might say he’s a grump, but he’d rather focus on his energetic five-year-old son and increasingly reserved thirteen-year-old daughter than worry about the world outside Lawrence Farm.

But when an early freeze and a burst pipe leave the pretty new manager of the dairy’s ice cream shop out in the cold, Tag feels obliged to offer her a home for the holidays. The upbeat young woman connects with his kids in a way that makes his chest ache, but Tag knows he will never allow himself to fall in love again. And he definitely can’t even think about getting involved with his little sister’s best friend, no matter how much her smiles make him feel like something is awakening in his heart.

Nothing short of a Christmas miracle could bring these two together. It’s a good thing they’re in Sugarville Grove this holiday season.

Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where clean & wholesome small-town romance awaits you on every corner. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to read the whole series!


Available on Amazon
(affiliate links included)

Check out the whole Sugarville Grove series!


**My thoughts**
I admit that I hadn't heard of Clara Pines before this series came out. I was brought to her and this book because Sugarville Grove is a series that she is doing with author Tess Thompson, and I've been a fan of Tess Thompson's since the beginning of her writing career. So naturally, I had to give this one a shot! And I fell totally in love with the book and the characters.

Charlotte has had a rough go in life and is starting all over again by helping her best friend's family resurrect the family ice cream business. This cannot be an easy feat in a small Vermont town in the middle of winter! And yet, Charlotte is filled with great ideas and has a strong desire to learn as much as she can. It doesn't hurt that her best friend's older brother is easy on the eyes and has a grumpy nature that almost begs for someone to break through it.

Tag has also had a bit of a rough go, now raising his two children on his own. Chance was a mere toddler when he lost his mom and is now a four-year-old bundle of energy. I recognize and embrace his boisterous spirit, found in many of my favorite students over the years. Olivia is a teenager who still cannot wrap her head around not having her mom anymore. Her sullen nature makes her a tough nut to crack, but the right person will be able to penetrate that shell.

No one expected the level of healing that Charlotte's presence is able to bring - not just to Tag and his children, but also his family and other people in the town. That's the magic found in these small town stories at Christmastime. I could feel the magic all around them while I was reading this book and felt inspired to try to be a better person, like Charlotte. My only issue was the happy ending felt a bit rushed, considering where these two started in their emotional states.

Nevertheless, I am glad that I was introduced to this series and am looking forward to seeing how these two authors weave their characters and tales together in this new small town and continue the Christmas magic. And I am definitely going to check out Clara's other books!

I received a requested ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


Read my review of book 2: Unexpected Gifts by Tess Thompson.

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Review of Only Santas in the Building (Under the Mistletoe #5) by Alexis Daria

 


Only Santas in the Building


It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially for a comic book illustrator whose late-night naughty fantasies become real in a festive and spicy short story by bestselling author Alexis Daria.

All Evie Cruz wants for Christmas is a nap. And maybe some ornaments for her naked Christmas tree. And while she’s making a list, she wouldn’t mind unwrapping her sexy upstairs neighbor like a present. Luckily, the building’s Santa-themed party and a surprise sprig of mistletoe give her just the opening she needs to make all her wishes come true.

Alexis Daria’s Only Santas in the Building is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.


(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!



**My thoughts**
This final installment in the Under the Mistletoe series was another great addition! Evie works from home as a comic illustrator and is often pressured to really dig in to make her deadlines. This leaves her little social time and definitely not enough time to dig out the holiday decorations for celebration. This has not gone unnoticed! Someone is leaving her cute little ornaments, but it's not who she thinks it is. (And seriously, this is not a spoiler. If you don't know who it is from the start, I don't know what to tell you.) And she is such a sweetheart for wanting to return the favor.

She also has a super hottie for an upstairs neighbor, who is all too eager to help her out whenever she is in need. And it feels like some others are also conspiring to help her with her needs. 

I love it when a geeky girl is able to discover her true inner beauty and can embrace it and get what she really wants. Christmastime is the perfect time to do this. This series ending had me wishing I could do some neighborly baking, too! I would love to have updates in their lives! 


Saturday, November 30, 2024

Review of Merriment and Mayhem (Under the Mistletoe #4) by Alexandria Bellefleur

 


Merriment and Mayhem


This Christmas, a hot fireman makes a holiday rescue and sparks fly in this sizzling holiday short story by bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur.

When Everleigh Dangerfield’s baking disaster necessitates a call to 911, firefighter Griffin Brantley douses the flames in the kitchen, but the ones he stokes in Everleigh are an entirely different story. Unfortunately, Everleigh’s only visiting and doesn’t do casual hookups, no matter how smoldering the temptation. But Everleigh’s holiday mishaps have just begun. And Griffin is seemingly always on call. If Everleigh is game for a change of plans, he can give her the merriest Christmas of her life.

Alexandria Bellefleur’s Merriment and Mayhem is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.


(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!



**My thoughts**
Now we're on to the 4th installment of this series and my favorite one so far. I completely relate to Everleigh and her accident-prone ways. If I haven't done one of her mishaps yet, it's quite likely that I would if I were ever in that situation. And seriously, who hasn't had fantasies of the hottie firefighter coming to her rescue? This was a short story that actually came together quite well in spite of it being short. You knew enough of where you were coming from and had pretty clear direction where the story was going to go, even after "The End." The supplementary characters added to the story. I loved their banter. I would absolutely love to visit this couple and this town again in the future!