Emily

I started this book back in December, and I for the life of me can't remember why I stopped. Regardless, I finally picked it back up a few days ago to finish, and it was so damn good! I cannot wait to read the other books that the author writes for this series, especially after meeting all of the amazing side characters. Icebreaker is a new adult romance that follows Anastasia, a collegiate figure skater with an Olympic dream, and Nate, a collegiate hockey team captain who would do anything for his team. After one of the practice rinks is taken out of commission, the figure skating and hockey teams are forced to share their time on the ice. Anastasia has extremely negative feelings about this at first, but quickly changes her mind when she gets to know Nate a little better. The banter in this book is some of the best I've ever read—like ever! We get some spicy bits pretty quickly into the story, but there is still amazing tension and payoff

Holy smokes, Elsie! How is it that each book gets better and better?! I don't know how I will ever pick a favorite, but so many moments from Powerless will be living rent-free in my head for a while! This book is the third installment in the Chestnut Springs Series, and it follows Jasper, the Eaton's “adopted” brother with a tough exterior, and Sloane, their cousin, a ballerina with a tender heart. Jasper and Sloane have always been friends and kept in touch, but after discovering some things about the man she is due to marry, she decides she needs an escape. Both of them have been carrying a torch for each other for a long time but haven't acted on their feelings for different reasons. Once they finally express these feelings, things really take off! And y'all, I mean they really take off! This book was so hot, and Jasper and Sloane could not be more perfect for each other. Powerless is a childhood friends to lovers story with spicy romance and a few heavier themes. The banter between the characters, including the side characters, is always one of my favorite things that Elsie writes. I know I won't be able to stop thinking about Powerless for a while so definitely preorder this book releasing February 10! This is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content and themes.

Kandi Steiner what have you done to me?! I mean, Leo Hernandez— swoon! I loved this book so damn much! Hail Mary is the fourth installment in the Red Zone Rivals series, and it did not disappoint. This book follows Leo, a cocky football player, and Mary, a sexy and confident woman whose dream is to be a tattoo artist. Mary and Leo have history, but Leo doesn't realize that she's the girl from his past. After Mary's house turns into a mess and needs tons of repairs, Leo offers The Pit as a place for her to stay. This is forced proximity at its finest y'all! The tension is sublime, and don't get me started on the spice— it. Is. Hot. Leo is everything and honestly, so is Mary! I love a second chance romance, and this was no exception. I'm sad it's over, and I love the glimpses of the other characters from the series and their lives. Thankful for friends who peer pressure me to read amazing books! This is an new adult romance, 18+ for sexual content and themes

This was not a book I planned on reading today but I picked it up and could not stop! Alice Hoffman has a way with words that is so beautiful and unique. I went into this book absolutely blind. I bought a physical copy a few months ago because the cover grabbed my attention. The Invisible Hour is the story of Mia, a young woman looking for a way out of a cult called the Community that she and her mother are a part of. She finds solace inside of a book she stole from the library and clings to it as if her life depends on it. The Scarlet Letter is that book and its story feels very familiar to Mia. I don't want to give away too many details because going in blind was so fun! There is a romantic subplot, but this definitely is not a romance novel. The Invisible Hour is adult literary fiction, 16+ for themes, mild sexual content.

Spoiler-Free Review:

Kicking off Spooky Season with another fun novella from Jack Whtiney. This is a Bloody Mary inspired erotic novella, and y'all she's a spicy one! Jack has a very thorough warnings/kinks page which I appreciate as a reader. Damon, a demon hunter, summons Mary to kill, but instead they spend an evening worshiping each other's bodies. This is a dark erotic novella, 18+ for sexual content and language. If you want a story with plot, then this may not be for you. Break the Glass releases 10/14/22

Am I sad that I have read every book from this series that's available? Yes! I am, however, very happy that the next book, and one that I am excited for, comes out in December. Simply Mine is the fourth installment in the Honey Mountain Series, and it follows Charlotte and Ledger. Ledger is Charlotte's friend, Jilly's, brother, and the tension and attraction between he and Charlotte has always been there. When Ledger comes into town to get ready for his sister's wedding, sparks flare between him and Charlotte. We still get so many bits from our favorite family of Thomas girls and get to see what's going on in their lives, which I love! This is a best friend's brother/friends with benefits romance with so much tension. This entire series has me craving a getaway to a lake in the mountains. Simply Mine is an adult small-town romance, 18+ for sexual content and language.

N.S. Perkins has my heart in her hands right now. What a beautiful freaking story! The tears in my eyes haven't fully dried yet, but I have to talk about this book! Where Time Stands Still follows the story of Aaron, a man working hard to help his family in any way he can, and Wren, a lawyer running from a genetic predisposition to a disease she may or may not inherit. Aaron's family hires Wren to handle a medical malpractice suit involving his father's medical care. Wren becomes connected to the family and eventually feelings develop. Wren fights an internal battle every day on whether or not to allow herself to experience things, including love. There is so much tension in this story, and the eventual pay off is so good! I love N.S. Perkins's writing, and her stories always tug at my heartstrings. I also love the implementation and proper execution of medical practice and facts. It felt well researched and well representative of the realities of this illness. I love Aaron so much. He is just so tender and patient with Wren throughout the book. I know I won't be able to stop thinking about this story for a while, I absolutely devoured it! Thank you so much, N.S. Perkins for the ARC of such a special story. This is an adult contemporary romance, 18+ for themes and sexual content. Please check trigger warnings. This book releases 11/08/2022 and is available for preorder.

When I saw this book on a friend's story, I got excited because I loved Faking with Benefits by this author. This book, however, missed the mark a bit for me. This story follow Beth who is an unemployed single woman who has been eyeing one of her neighbors. One day she gets an interesting visit from one of the guys and ends up being their nanny (for a baby that got dropped off at their door step with a note stating it was one of theirs). The guys: Jack, Cyrus, and Sebastian all have skeletons in their closets, but they find themselves with a common interest: Bethany. There was so much miscommunication between the group, I felt like no one ever openly talked to the FMC about what she was feeling or how she felt about things. There was also a fair bit of drama and some of it felt so forced and unnecessary. The spice was okay but definitely not up to par with Faking with Benefits. The ending was sweet and I appreciated the resolution and epilogue but it didn't make up for all the unnecessary miscommunication and drama. The guys each had some endearing qualities as did Bethany, but for the other reasons, I took off 2 stars. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it

Merged review:

When I saw this book on a friend's story, I got excited because I loved Faking with Benefits by this author. This book, however, missed the mark a bit for me. This story follow Beth who is an unemployed single woman who has been eyeing one of her neighbors. One day she gets an interesting visit from one of the guys and ends up being their nanny (for a baby that got dropped off at their door step with a note stating it was one of theirs). The guys: Jack, Cyrus, and Sebastian all have skeletons in their closets, but they find themselves with a common interest: Bethany. There was so much miscommunication between the group, I felt like no one ever openly talked to the FMC about what she was feeling or how she felt about things. There was also a fair bit of drama and some of it felt so forced and unnecessary. The spice was okay but definitely not up to par with Faking with Benefits. The ending was sweet and I appreciated the resolution and epilogue but it didn't make up for all the unnecessary miscommunication and drama. The guys each had some endearing qualities as did Bethany, but for the other reasons, I took off 2 stars. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it

I'm entering back into my audio era as life just seems to get busier and busier. I saw this on my library's app with no hold and immediately said yes based on the description. The Roommate Pact is a romcom about roommates Claire, an ER nurse, and Graham, a firefighter. This book is full of tension and forced proximity goodness. It's friends with benefits but there were also moments that made me kind of emotional. Overall I really loved it and it was a quick read while doing things around the house. It is single narration, and while I prefer dual or multi narration, I still thought this was well done. The Roommate Pact is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content.

Every time I think I can't fall more in love with the characters that @Jackwhitneywriter writes, she writes another story that completely melts my heart. Axel and Des are everything. The banter between them in absolutely amazing, and the romance is

Possible Spoilers If You Haven't Read Book 1:

This book, y'all, this. Freaking. Book! Summoning of the Siren was everything a second book in a fantasy series should be. This book follows after the events of Legend of the Huntress, and we see Skylahr navigating her roll as the Huntress's Chosen with the help of Gaelon and her friends. I love being in Skylahr's head, even though her thoughts are sometimes dark or sad, the way K. Godin writes her inner monologue is truly beautiful. The depth of her character and the layers we get to see in this book were all done so well. I fell in love with the side characters; their banter, personalities, and relationship with Skylahr really added so much to the book. Now to the story... After Gaelon has a dangerous experience at sea, Skylahr and her friends must journey to where they believe the source of the problem to be. Along the way, Skylahr is unexpectedly reunited with some familiar faces, and despite his betrayal in Legend of the Huntress, Skylahr and Kalian find themselves unable to stay away from each other. The revelations at the end of the book have me absolutely starving for the next book in the series— Like, I NEED it! Skylahr is no stranger to tragedy, and that is no different in this book. I was brought to tears a few times and my heart truly ached for her. Summoning of the Siren is jam-packed with some of my favorite things— adventure and quest elements, battles that had my heart racing, romance and spice, strong world building, dual POV

I absolutely loved this book! I would have loved to devour it but work was a little bit crazy this weekend and it took me a little longer than normal. It was no less loved because y'all these characters are so damn lovable and their stories are addicting. Play With Me follows Jennie and Garrett, who we met in book 1. This is forced proximity, friends with benefits, brothers best friend amazingness filled with tension and spice. The inner monologues that the characters have and the banter between them is so funny and witty. Jennie's character arc and growth is so well-written, it definitely pulled on my heartstrings. Garrett is so incredibly tender with her, which I love, and their romance is so sweet, spicy, and fun. We still get so much Carter, Olivia, and the other amazing side characters, and I absolutely love that! Play With Me is an adult sports romance, 18+ for sexual content and themes.

This was such a fun and sweet novella. It was originally published in an anthology, and I'm so glad she decided to publish it on its own! I loved Celestia and Aura's story, and as usually my only complaint is that I wish there was more! This is a sapphic mermaid/human romance that gave me little mermaid vibes with a touch of betrayal and mystery. There isn't any spice, but it's got tension. I don't feel like this novella needed the spice though as the romance was great on its own. This is an adult romance novella, 16+ for violence/gore.

If you're looking for a book to get you in the mood for all things summer—including a summer fling— look no further! The Summer Girl is the third installment in the Avalon Bay series, and it follows Cassie and Tate. Cassie is a young woman on summer break from Briar University (I may have squealed a bit when I read this) visiting her grandmother in Avalon Bay. She is determined to have a memorable summer by finding the perfect summer fling. Tate is no stranger with the ladies, but he has such a good heart. And he happens to be staying next door to Cassie's grandmother. Mild forced proximity vibes for sure! I overall really enjoyed this book. It was so great being back in Avalon Bay with a new set of characters, and as always, we got a glimpse of our favorites from past books as well. The book missed the mark for me a little with the FMC. Maybe it was her age (she starts the book at 20) but I found her constantly fixating on her insecurities. Her overall character development was good and growth was definitely there, but I just found it harder to connect with her in the first bit on the book. Overall though a great summer read filled with tension and romantic pay off. The Summer Girl is a New Adult Romance, 18+ for content and themes. Possible triggers so DM me or look them up.

Spoiler-Free (ish) Review:

Jessa Hastings, what have you done to me?! I am so in love with this world and these characters. I need the next Magnolia book like right now! The saga of Magnolia Parks and Bj continues in this book. The banter continues to be top tier, but I found this book to be heavy on the emotions. I got emotional at so many parts, and I just need more. I am absolutely feral for the next installment in this series. Dual storyline cliffhangers— my heart can't take it. I loved Magnolia's journey in this book— the healing that took place for both her and BJ warmed my heart. The last 20% of the book has me on the edge of my seat and unable to stop reading. Ugh I love this series so much, it is definitely going on my mental book shelf of favorites (and probably my physical one too) This is a New Adult Romance, 18+ for language, sexual content, and themes.

After seeing this book around for months, and resisting reading it because of the hype, I finally gave in. It. Is. Worth. The. Hype! I'm not sure I even know where to begin with my review. It has truly been such a long time since a book has made me feel like this. The level of excitement when finishing and all the questions and realizations, the way my heart was racing and the way I absolutely blew up my friend's phone with thoughts and theories. The Fourth Wing follows Violet, daughter of a decorated military general for Navarre. After her mother forces her to enter the military college, she is faced with challenges she never thought she would experience, and her eyes are opened to a world of new possibilities. There she meets Xaden, son of a rebel leader who is forced to attend the college as penance for his father's crimes, and it all takes off from there! Xaden is dark and mysterious, and Violet finds herself drawn to him. Their medium-burn romance is one for the scribes to write about! It is hot and forbidden and did I say hot? Because

This book has me so deep in my feels— I loved it so much! I questioned whether or not I would jump into this book after not caring for Garnet Flats so much, but I am so glad I did! Jasper Vale is the fourth installment in The Edens series and it follows Eloise and Jasper. Eloise is an Eden who manages the hotel, The Eloise, and we got to meet Jasper, Foster's trainer, in Garnet Flats. Eloise is a tender hearted woman whose main goal is to prove to her family that she is worthy of owning the hotel. Jasper is a man with a hard exterior after the way he was raised and his life experiences. After a drunken night in Vegas leads to their marriage, the two agree to pretend to make it work for a while for different reasons. This book kind of gave “fake marriage” vibes even though they were really married. Romance sparks and feelings develop and y'all the romance is so sweet and so sexy. Jasper is so tender with Eloise but hard with everyone else, and he just makes me melt. I think this book is more spicy than the others both in frequency and explicitness, and I definitely didn't mind it. If you haven't started The Edens yet, do not pass go do not collect 200 dollars, just go start it right now! Jasper Vale is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content

Elsie Silver never ceases to amaze me, and every book I read from her gets better and better! Cade Eaton, y'all! Cade freaking Eaton! Every time I think the men Elsie writes can't get more dreamy, I fall in love with another one. This book is the second installment in the Chestnut Springs series and follows Cade Eaton (Rhett's brother) and Willa (Summer's best friend). Cade needs a nanny for his son and when Summer suggests Willa, they agree to give it a try. This is a single dad romance with forced proximity, age gap, amazing sexual tension, and all the steam and spice! This book had me cackling at moments because the banter is top tier— some of the best I've read! Cade is such a grump, and he has hardened his heart because of his past. Willa is a sassy and confident younger woman who turns his world upside down. This was such a fun read! I loved every bit of it— the story, the romance, the banter, the characters— all of it. This book is an adult small town romance, 18+ for sexual content and themes.

Spoiler-Free Review:

Holden. Freaking. Moore. I have had such a soft spot for Holden since book 1, Fair Catch, and his book did not disappoint. I'm not sure how I'll ever be able to decide on a favorite at this point. Not me wondering how Kandi Steiner functions with these amazing characters in her head! Quarterback Sneak is the third installment in the Red Zone Rivals series, and it follows Holden, quarterback and captain of the football team, and Julep, the new head coach's daughter. Can you say forbidden romance? Because, yes please! Both Holden and Julep have pretty traumatic pasts, but they process their grief differently. Julep has an extremely hard exterior, and only when she begins working with Holden on shoulder rehab do we see her tough shell crack a bit. Julep's character arc is one of my favorites I've read in this series. This book definitely pulled at my heartstrings a bit more than the others, and I cried quite a few times. The romance between Julep and Holden is so sweet but also so spicy! This is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content and themes.

Possible Series Spoilers (but I'll try to be spoiler free):

It was so nice to be back with Auren and the other characters from this series. I missed them and it had been so long since I read Glow. As always I love that this series is multi pov. I think it really helps round out the plot seeing it from multiple sides. This book was full of trials and challenges for all of our characters. I also found myself rooting for a previous enemy from the other books. New faces emerged and new mysteries were born. The story kept me engaged and wanting to read, however for the series as a whole, and Auren's journey, I felt like this was lots of filler. Still loved it, but I just wanted more plot development for the main story. Gold, and the Plated Prisoner series, is an adult fantasy series, 18+ for sexual content and themes

Potentially spoilery review if you haven't read DNGD:

Wow, @allison Carr Waechter that ending! The last 20% of this book had be in an absolute chokehold! This story picks up where Dark Night Golden Dawn left off, and continues telling Harlow's story. The romance and spice in this book is so good! I love the journey that Finn and Harlow go on in this book, both together as a couple and individually. Finn and Harlow had some absolutely swoon worthy moments. I love how the author weaves modern day issues into this story. There is an amazing cast of fun side characters that play big roles in the story. This story is full of so many secrets and surprising betrayals. I cannot wait for the third installment of this trilogy to see how it all plays out. This is an adult modern fantasy, 18+ for sexual content and themes. I'd like to thank the author for sending me an ARC of this book. Beneath the Alabaster Spire will release 10/18/22 and is available for preorder now.

Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth was such a fun read! I binged it all in one night and ate up every bit of what she was serving in this seasonal novel. I say seasonal, but it very mildly holiday and I think it could be enjoyed any time of year. This book follows Abigail and Damien. Y'all— Damien

Y'all... I loved this book so much. I can't deny that I was skeptical of it taking place at a boarding school. As a 30 year old, I was worried it would be too young for me, but I absolutely devoured it. Misfit gave me Gossip Girl vibes which made it kind of nostalgic for me. This book takes place at Sandover Prep, an all boys boarding school for “troubled” teens. There are 5 POVs, but this book mainly focuses on RJ and Sloane. RJ is a self-proclaimed misfit who keeps to himself and prefers it that way. Sloane is the headmaster's headstrong daughter, so naturally the two find themselves attracted to each other. This book has so much delicious tension with amazing pay-off. I would equate the spice level to that of the Off-Campus series. There is an element of mystery and an ending that has me needing book 2 right now. There are a few different sub-plots happening in some of the other POVs, and I am eager to see where those character's stories are going. Another win from @ellekennedy and I can't wait for more from this world and these characters. This is an adult romance, 18+ for language, sexual content, and themes.

Spoiler-Free Review:

This was such a fun read and I can't thank @bookish.teresa enough for the recommendation. It was such a fun book, and it offered so much more than the reverse harems that I've read in the past. I've only read a few RH books and many of those were on the darker themed end of the spectrum. Faking with Benefits different as it was a romantic comedy RH, and both the romance and the comedy were so well done. This book follows Layla, a lingerie designer with a bit of a troubled past that has her extremely odd her dating game. She is a type A woman who thrives by lists and plans (I feel seen

Ahhhh another win by Laura Pavlov! I'm seriously loving this small town romance rabbit hole. Ever Mine is the second installment in the Honey Mountain series, and it follows Everly and Hawk. Everly is Vivian's older sister and a sports therapist, and Hawk is a professional hockey player and Everly's ex. When their worlds collide, feelings start to redevelop. Both of them have to overcome roadblocks to find their way back to each other. This book is a second-chance romance with some amazing tension! And y'all, Hawk is