March is the third instalment in the New Orleans book series for the year.
I really enjoyed the concept of Bryce and Sophie having this amazing meetingMarch is the third instalment in the New Orleans book series for the year.
I really enjoyed the concept of Bryce and Sophie having this amazing meeting before being separated without exchanging numbers or last names to be able to find each other until a year later - the yearning!
I also found the side characters stole my heart just as much in this story, as we followed along with them in the sidelines.
The low-angst was just what the doctor ordered for this one. Here’s to April out soon!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
It was great to get back into a Nicole Pyland book series, even though I hadn’t read January yet, it’s fine as a standalone too.
While I think I personIt was great to get back into a Nicole Pyland book series, even though I hadn’t read January yet, it’s fine as a standalone too.
While I think I personally didn’t click with Bridgette as a character, I liked the banter and relationship that grew between her and Monica. It was good to get a bit of a feel for New Orleans too, and man do I want to try more hot sauces after reading!
Looking forward to the rest of the series - I feel Nicole has spoilt us all this year with a new book coming out each month.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
Another great read from Nicole Pyland. I've been enjoying the holiday theme between the 6 friends, and was excited to know more about Talon's stories Another great read from Nicole Pyland. I've been enjoying the holiday theme between the 6 friends, and was excited to know more about Talon's stories after the hints we got from book 1 in The Writing On The Wall. Talon and Emerson definitely bring the sizzle to this one!
Loved the setting as a mainly office based tale, and working out a developing relationship in a corporate setting.
My only (minor) gripe, was I'd just finished Book 1 before starting this, which ended up being both a blessing and a curse. It was great because the characters and storylines were all fresh in my mind, however, the first four(ish) chapters in Book 2 repeated scenes almost word for word from Book 1, but told from Talon's POV. I found myself speed reading past a few sections, as the conversations were so fresh in my mind, but once I was past that I was able to settle in and really enjoy the rest of their story. This won't be an issue if it's been a while between books.
Can't wait for the next one!
Merged review:
Another great read from Nicole Pyland. I've been enjoying the holiday theme between the 6 friends, and was excited to know more about Talon's stories after the hints we got from book 1 in The Writing On The Wall. Talon and Emerson definitely bring the sizzle to this one!
Loved the setting as a mainly office based tale, and working out a developing relationship in a corporate setting.
My only (minor) gripe, was I'd just finished Book 1 before starting this, which ended up being both a blessing and a curse. It was great because the characters and storylines were all fresh in my mind, however, the first four(ish) chapters in Book 2 repeated scenes almost word for word from Book 1, but told from Talon's POV. I found myself speed reading past a few sections, as the conversations were so fresh in my mind, but once I was past that I was able to settle in and really enjoy the rest of their story. This won't be an issue if it's been a while between books.
I needed a good book, and this completely delivered. I think this is my new favourite from Ashley Herring Blake.
It follows Charlotte and Brighton, twoI needed a good book, and this completely delivered. I think this is my new favourite from Ashley Herring Blake.
It follows Charlotte and Brighton, two exes who find themselves together for a Christmas vacation with friends. You know it's going to be interesting when exes are involved and no one else knows about their history.
This was an enjoyable read, perfect for the holidays. The side characters were great, in particular I enjoyed Adele and Sloane.
While there was some angst and lack of communication, I got it. It made sense, and it wasn't cringeworthy.
Would recommend, so pick this up for a great weekend read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
I’m always keen to read a new Rachel Lacey novel, and this was no exception.
I love hiking and outdoors, and was immediately intrigued by this4.5 Stars
I’m always keen to read a new Rachel Lacey novel, and this was no exception.
I love hiking and outdoors, and was immediately intrigued by this small town romance. The sweetness of the setting was a nice contrast to the spice level it also dished out! Diana and Emily definitely had the chemistry down pat.
There were also a couple of stand out side characters for me - Carter was very cute, and it was great seeing his relationship with Diana. If we do get to see more of Crescent Falls, I’d also love to know more about Alex.
The only thing that felt a little unfinished or rushed to me was the side story with Harrison, it would’ve been nice to have that tied up a little more.
All in all, another great sapphic romance to add to your collection. Well done Rachel!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
This was a cute weekend read. It had all the good summer vibes of a small town by the beach.
The characters were well written and believable, I enjoyedThis was a cute weekend read. It had all the good summer vibes of a small town by the beach.
The characters were well written and believable, I enjoyed getting to know Emerson and Alice, and would've loved a POV from Alice too. It was still good to have some Aussie representation in the novel and it came across pretty good, not toooo stereotypical.
I actually found Payton to be a great side character as well, and I'm glad how all that played out wasn't cringeworthy.
Overall, a nice read that gives you warm feels. Would recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
It’s always good when you've got a new Brayden book in your hands. This was an interesting take on the trope “girl likes her babysitter�, but then we It’s always good when you've got a new Brayden book in your hands. This was an interesting take on the trope “girl likes her babysitter�, but then we fast forward 10 years to when they're both at university for their reconnection. It was done well, and done right.
I loved the relationship between Taryn and Charlie, both when they were younger, and getting to know each other again as young adults. I felt Taryn’s friends were more interesting than Charlie’s, and would’ve liked to see them featured an extra time or two in the second half of the book.
Where the book lost me slightly was the inevitable conflict. It did feel a little rushed with a lack of communication between main characters where they’d been really good just chapters before - it didn’t quite line up for me.
Otherwise, still a good read, but the first half was definitely my favourite.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
This was such a great read. I thoroughly enjoy Gerri Hill as an author, and this book was no different.
The Apple Diaries is a unique story that followThis was such a great read. I thoroughly enjoy Gerri Hill as an author, and this book was no different.
The Apple Diaries is a unique story that follows Madilyn Marak, an heiress staying with her grandfather who discovers an old diary from about her great-grandmother Isabel’s affair with another woman called Lorah. From the journal, she’s excited to bring the apple orchard back to life for Isabel. It’s here she meets Dylan Hayes, who she hires to help with the orchard.
Like all of Hill’s books, this story is well written with such good communication between the characters, even with both suffering with grief, it never weighed the story down. I even enjoyed reading about the side characters as much as I did with the main two.
Highly recommended sapphic romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
I do love getting stuck into a new Melissa Brayden book. Having read almost all her novels, I appreciate how unique each story is that she weaves togeI do love getting stuck into a new Melissa Brayden book. Having read almost all her novels, I appreciate how unique each story is that she weaves together and this one was no different.
Set in New York, we meet Jamie Tolliver, owner of Bordeauxnuts coffee and wine bar (with doughnuts!), and Leighton Morrow, who works for the family business - Carrington's Department Store (hello flashback to Strawberry Summer!).
While their paths meet and sparks fly at Jamie’s cafe, the reason Leighton is there in the first place is to scout the location and make way for a new department store - unbeknownst to Jamie.
Repercussions are predictably abound, but the time jump was a little jarring and quite unexpected for me. I was almost looking forward to the fallout and getting into the nitty gritty of how they'd work things out together. Despite that, it did end up making more sense as the story progressed. I think overall the story did start to drag a little, especially with the events towards the end, but we got there!
This is a great book with such a well thought out coffee shop (if only it really existed!) and two very likeable characters who did have great chemistry. Good, quick rom com read, would recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
This was a cute small town read, perfect for cozying up on the couch over a weekend.
Liz is recently unemployed, single and just moved back with home This was a cute small town read, perfect for cozying up on the couch over a weekend.
Liz is recently unemployed, single and just moved back with home with her mum and sister in Crimson Valley. It’s here her path crosses with Cori, local candlemaker and small biz owner, who’d gone to high school with Liz and had a secret crush on her. They find themselves in a fake relationship together, so Liz can pretend to her ex, Justin, that she has her life together.
There were aspects of the story I loved, but there were also a few cringey moments too. I found Liz to be annoying at times, and the drama a little frustrating to read through with the family issues going on with both characters.
Otherwise, still a good book for a quick read, but definitely not Beers� best. 3.5 stars for this one. Still love her writing, she’s one of my favourite authors, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting her next book. You can’t win them all!
I received a copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
Rachel Lacey is one author that keeps blowing me away with every new release, and Cover Story is no exception.
After meeting Taylor in Stars Collide, IRachel Lacey is one author that keeps blowing me away with every new release, and Cover Story is no exception.
After meeting Taylor in Stars Collide, I was super excited for her to get her own story, and it did not disappoint.
Taylor Vaughn is a bodyguard assigned undercover to pose as a girlfriend to Hollywood actress Natalie Keane. I thoroughly enjoyed both their own storylines and their relationship together. Plus, who doesn’t love a good fake dating trope! The story had great communication between characters, vulnerability, slow burn and a little suspense thrown in too.
Highly recommend this book, and while it could be read as a stand alone, I do recommend reading Stars Collide first, as they're both great books and you do get a little extra back story on Taylor's world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Pyland is shaking things up again, this time diving into her new sci-fi/dystopian novel - SoulMatch - a standaFast, action packed - but still romance!
Pyland is shaking things up again, this time diving into her new sci-fi/dystopian novel - SoulMatch - a standalone set in the TruLove universe.
With romance still at the core, this book is set in a futuristic world where we meet Theodora and Avalon. Theo and Ava were both made in test tubes and brought up to be the perfect partners for their paid "soulmates" at a company called SoulMatch. Their whole lives they are raised to believe they are the perfect match for their partners in the outside world. It's only when Theo and Ava start truly questioning everything they thought they knew that things start to really gear up - both for how they feel about each other, and what to do about SoulMatch.
This is definitely the most action packed novel I've read from Pyland. I enjoyed the adventure, danger and suspenseful aspects of the storyline, where the romance wasn't always at the forefront, but still threaded all the way through. Pyland created a somewhat scarily believable future world in some parts and definitely had you on the edge of your seat.
While sci-fi is not usually my go-to genre, it was an interesting change of pace and enjoyable read. It definitely has Brave New World vibes, for anyone that has read Aldous Huxley. Would recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Awaiting is the fourth and final instalment of Nicole Pyland's Royalty Series.
It follows Alexandria, who goes by Alex, the next in line to be Queen ofAwaiting is the fourth and final instalment of Nicole Pyland's Royalty Series.
It follows Alexandria, who goes by Alex, the next in line to be Queen of the UK, and Bexley, a speech therapist in Kansas and best friend of Alice (Queen of Kleinland from Arriving).
While we had a hint at this pairing in Arriving (Book 3), the timing wasn't right. Alex had a crush on Bexley, but Bexley had a girlfriend.
Now, with Bexley newly single in Kleinland for work and helping out Alice and Nora, it's the perfect opportunity for Alex to come visit and spend time with Bexley.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching their friendship and slow burn romance develop. As always, Pyland's dialogue is so good, with the character's communication well thought out, caring and engaging.
Awaiting is the perfect finish to the Royal series. Can be read as a stand alone, but best read in order to get all the references and back story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
The third book in Nicole Pyland's Royalty Series is Arriving, where we meet Alice Smith - an unassuming school teacher who has no idea she's a royal. The third book in Nicole Pyland's Royalty Series is Arriving, where we meet Alice Smith - an unassuming school teacher who has no idea she's a royal. Taking us from America to Kleinland we discover, along with Alice, what it takes to step into the shoes of royalty and represent your country.
At her side is Major Nora Bakker, her protector and guard, chosen to bring her to Kleinland and keep her safe. Kleinland is a small country that's been in political turmoil with the hopes that raising the monarchy will once again bring peace and power to the people. In comparison to other Pyland books, this saw a little more action and serious themes throughout.
The bond between Nora and Alice was a true slow burn with so much care, communication and growth with each other and their own inner demons.
While it was still a good read, it’s not my favourite in this series. Though to be fair, Pyland sets herself to a very high standard in my opinion. This book series can be read as stand alone but I do still recommend reading the Royalty Series in order to get the most out of them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
What a great read from McCallan. So happy for this latest release from one of my favourite authors.
Nora is a woman who's shut herself out from the worWhat a great read from McCallan. So happy for this latest release from one of my favourite authors.
Nora is a woman who's shut herself out from the world. Focused on her work and forgetting the past, she's not ready for when Gray starts inching into her life. Gray and Nora are both real estate agents, who both end up winning a holiday to Bermuda courtesy of their work. It’s there that Gray, the polar opposite in personality to Nora, starts to crack through Nora’s walls.
Gray and Nora were both so interesting to get to know throughout the story, with so many layers that were carefully peeled back as we began to get to know each character. Both the personal and relationship development was well handled, realistic and very enjoyable. It was refreshing to read people getting their s**t together with good communication, growth and understanding from both sides without the cringeworthy factor!
Another great book from McCallan, looking forward to seeing what’s next. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Merged review:
What a great read from McCallan. So happy for this latest release from one of my favourite authors.
Nora is a woman who's shut herself out from the world. Focused on her work and forgetting the past, she's not ready for when Gray starts inching into her life. Gray and Nora are both real estate agents, who both end up winning a holiday to Bermuda courtesy of their work. It’s there that Gray, the polar opposite in personality to Nora, starts to crack through Nora’s walls.
Gray and Nora were both so interesting to get to know throughout the story, with so many layers that were carefully peeled back as we began to get to know each character. Both the personal and relationship development was well handled, realistic and very enjoyable. It was refreshing to read people getting their s**t together with good communication, growth and understanding from both sides without the cringeworthy factor!
Another great book from McCallan, looking forward to seeing what’s next. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Get ready to meet Chelsea, a chef who’s finally landed her own cooking show and moves back to her small home town in Duchesne to shoot it. It’s here sGet ready to meet Chelsea, a chef who’s finally landed her own cooking show and moves back to her small home town in Duchesne to shoot it. It’s here she runs into Bryce, a trans guy she’d known of from high school who is an academic advisor at the local college.
I was so excited for the premise of the story - both with the food focus, and having great representation with a trans inclusive relationship.
I think for me, however, the book fell a little flat. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Rey’s previous books, but something about this storyline just didn’t grab me. Everything felt a little easy with Chelsea and Bryce’s relationship - they kind of got together quick and that was that for the most part. Of course there was a little of the usual relationship drama, but it still felt a little lacking, and Bryce was a little bit of a super Mr. Nice Guy, on the edge of boring.
Also, I have to address the cover. I loved that this book featured a proud curvy chef; perhaps if the cover embraced the traits of the main character as well, it would enhance the message even further and feel more cohesive to the story.
Not a win for me, but a quick read none-the-less if you want a “quick and cosy�.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Appointing is the second book in Nicole Pyland's Royalty Series, but can also be read as a standalone.
It follows Elin, a princess of Norway, and her Appointing is the second book in Nicole Pyland's Royalty Series, but can also be read as a standalone.
It follows Elin, a princess of Norway, and her private secretary, Ingrid, on Elin's journey being appointed Queen of the country. It's a position Elin surprisingly finds herself in after her father retires and her twin brother abdicates, choosing to instead focus on the military.
Elin and Ingrid have to be one of the cutest couples I've read recently. They were so thoughtful of each other, the clumsiness was adorable and I loved their cooking adventures in the kitchen.
I have to state again, while I’m not usually a fan of royal romances, something about Pyland's writing gets me every. single. time. The characters, story and small details are always so well thought out, cleverly written and very engaging. This book is no different.
If you're not on the Pyland bandwagon yet, this is a great book to get you started.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
Scottie is a hairdresser, who starts dance lessons to help out a best friend but ends up needing to be partnered and taught by new teacher, 3.5 stars!
Scottie is a hairdresser, who starts dance lessons to help out a best friend but ends up needing to be partnered and taught by new teacher, Marisa, someone Scottie knows of from her past which makes things very interesting.
Marisa seems like a great person I would've loved to get to know and see more of. I feel we only get a glimpse of her character as it's in Scottie's first person POV. Noted as a reader, I definitely prefer both sides of the story, but if you like first person POV, you’ll enjoy it more.
I found it difficult to connect with Scottie, with her thoughts and actions coming across as a little immature in certain situations for her age.
The story itself was nice and made for a quick weekend read, although this was one of the more predictable books I've read of late. While Georgia Beers is one of my favourite authors, I didn’t enjoy it as much as her others....more
This is the first book in the new Royalty Series. I must confess I'm not usually one for royalty themed romances, but when it's written by Pyland, it'This is the first book in the new Royalty Series. I must confess I'm not usually one for royalty themed romances, but when it's written by Pyland, it's a different story.
Ascending is set around a European monarchy in the fictional country of St Rais. The country was described in such great detail, it deserves its own mention - and I wish I could go visit it!
Princess Elizabeth (Lizzy) is fifth in line for the throne when a terrible tragedy leaves only her and her younger sister, Victoria. Elizabeth is then thrust into the new and unexpected position of being Queen.
Meanwhile, Palmer Honeycutt is a US reporter holidaying in St Rais when everything happens - and her boss wants her to stay and grab the story.
Get ready for a great slow burn between Lizzy and Palmer. From their very first meeting, the chemistry is Just. So. Good. I liked the slower pace, and it never once felt like it was dragging. It was just a really sweet journey to following along with.
What I also loved with this book was every character had such strong personalities that shone through - no matter how small their part in the book.
Highly recommend this cosy read. If you're like me, you'll zoom through it in a couple of days!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
This was something a little different from the usual Pyland books. Having the addition of a little sci fi with the time travel element was refreshing This was something a little different from the usual Pyland books. Having the addition of a little sci fi with the time travel element was refreshing and exciting. I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out, which made it even more interesting.
Carter is in an unhappy marriage, questioning life and travelling for work when she runs into Ryder, who tells her she’s her future wife.
Ryder is the inventor of the first working time machine, and she’ll do anything to make sure her and Carter get the life they’re meant to have.
Get ready to keep track and ride in the past, present and future!
There were so many little details included and well thought out when it came to the time travel in the book - such as repercussions or “ripples�, which really helped to elevate and craft such a rich storyline.
Great read, super interesting and highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
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