en-US Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:34:03 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 41880609 On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read. Written when the speaker, Little Dog, is in his late twenties, the letter unearths a family's history that began before he was born �� a history whose epicenter is rooted in Vietnam �� and serves as a doorway into parts of his life his mother has never known, all of it leading to an unforgettable revelation. At once a witness to the fraught yet undeniable love between a single mother and her son, it is also a brutally honest exploration of race, class, and masculinity. Asking questions central to our American moment, immersed as we are in addiction, violence, and trauma, but undergirded by compassion and tenderness, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is as much about the power of telling one's own story as it is about the obliterating silence of not being heard.

With stunning urgency and grace, Ocean Vuong writes of people caught between disparate worlds, and asks how we heal and rescue one another without forsaking who we are. The question of how to survive, and how to make of it a kind of joy, powers the most important debut novel of many years.]]> 246 Ocean Vuong 0525562028 Mia 3 4.05 2019
author: Ocean Vuong
name: Mia
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/09
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves:
review:

]]> 209220944
But Sarah has begun to wonder... Who is she without her other half?

When she decides to take on a project of her own, a fundraising gala in memoriam of her late mother, Sarah wants nothing more than to prove to herself—and to everyone else—that she doesn’t need Caleb’s help to succeed. She’s still her mother’s daughter, after all. Independent and capable.

That is until the event fails and Caleb uninvitedly steps in to save the day.

The rift that follows unearths a decade of grievances between them and doubts begin to grow. Are they truly the same people they were when they got married at nineteen? Are they supposed to be?

In a desperate attempt to fix what they fear is near breaking, Sarah and Caleb make the spontaneous decision to join a grueling hiking trip intended to guide couples through rough patches.

What follows is a life-affirming comedy of errors as two nature-averse people fight their way out of the woods in order to find their way back to their roots.]]> 336 Hannah Bonam-Young 0593871863 Mia 0 currently-reading 4.02 2025
author: Hannah Bonam-Young
name: Mia
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 217500852 From the bestselling author of Fractured comes a moving, heart-mending and uplifting novel of love, hope and second chances.

�ճ�����

On the eve of her wedding to Adam, Lily’s best friend Josh unexpectedly walked out of her life, and she hasn’t seen him since.

Lily and Adam are blissfully happy, until he falls ill. As she cares for him in his final hours, Adam asks her to make a mysterious promise: to find Josh—and forgive them both.

This winter��

Tracking Josh down isn’t easy, but fate seems determined to bring them together. Cut off in his remote Scottish cabin by a fierce snowstorm, Lily and Josh explore their tangled feelings for each other, stretching back over the decades. But when she discovers the shocking reason behind Adam’s unexpected last wish, she’ll need to trust her heart completely��

Can Lily and Josh choose love—and find forgiveness and lasting happiness together?

Always You and Me asks: Do you choose love? Or does love choose you?]]> 394 Dani Atkins 1662527497 Mia 0 to-read 4.41 2025
author: Dani Atkins
name: Mia
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 212806619 A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis.

Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A Junior at Stanford and a student-athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from the injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships—at least, that’s what she tells herself.

Swim captain, world champion, all-around aquatics golden boy, Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It’s how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus, with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes.

So they start an arrangement. And as the pressure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes that her heart might be treading into dangerous water...]]> 446 Ali Hazelwood 0593641051 Mia 3
Not her best work; not her worst either. Was okay. Initially liked Lukas but he was a little too needy - more like Jonathan than Adam but really they’re all just versions of the same person. Speaking of which, the much talked about olive/adam cameos were really just blips of existence. No real scene per se like in love theoretically. Anyway, it was fine. Could have done w/o the girl drama. But there had to be some drama I suppose. The whole focus on Dom/sub relationships was also so tame in some ways. Not my fav. by a long shot but I do like how Ali writes so there is that. Def better than Not In Love.]]> 3.91 2025
author: Ali Hazelwood
name: Mia
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves:
review:
3⭐️��

Not her best work; not her worst either. Was okay. Initially liked Lukas but he was a little too needy - more like Jonathan than Adam but really they’re all just versions of the same person. Speaking of which, the much talked about olive/adam cameos were really just blips of existence. No real scene per se like in love theoretically. Anyway, it was fine. Could have done w/o the girl drama. But there had to be some drama I suppose. The whole focus on Dom/sub relationships was also so tame in some ways. Not my fav. by a long shot but I do like how Ali writes so there is that. Def better than Not In Love.
]]> 223437615 a single dad/nanny age gap romance!

Rowan Kincaid hasn’t dated in over a year.
Not since the mother of his children unexpectedly passed away leaving him to parent their three children alone.
Exhausted, overworked and feeling like he’s failing at every turn he’s desperate for help.
The help that shows up?
A gorgeous woman almost twenty years younger than him.
She’s compassionate and charming and the kids fall for her instantly.
And despite the fact that she should be off limits,
he falls for her too.]]> Q.B. Tyler Mia 0 to-read 4.24
author: Q.B. Tyler
name: Mia
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 214537790 ����dz���Pulitzer finalist, MacArthur Fellowship recipient, and bestselling author of Swamplandia! and Vampires in the Lemon Grove. A gripping Dust Bowl epic about five characters whose fates become entangled after a storm ravages their small Nebraskan town

The Antidote opens on Black Sunday, as a historic dust storm ravages the fictional town of Uz, Nebraska. But Uz is already collapsing—not just under the weight of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl drought, but beneath its own violent histories. The Antidote follows a "Prairie Witch," whose body serves as a bank vault for peoples�� memories and secrets; a Polish wheat farmer who learns how quickly a hoarded blessing can become a curse; his orphan niece, a basketball star and witch’s apprentice in furious flight from her grief; a voluble scarecrow; and a New Deal photographer whose time-traveling camera threatens to reveal both the town’s secrets and its fate.

Russell's novel is above all a reckoning with a nation’s forgetting—enacting the settler amnesia and willful omissions passed down from generation to generation, and unearthing not only horrors but shimmering possibilities. The Antidote echoes with urgent warnings for our own climate emergency, challenging readers with a vision of what might have been—and what still could be.]]> 432 Karen Russell 059380225X Mia 0 currently-reading 4.03 2025
author: Karen Russell
name: Mia
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 215499881
I’m the girl who got away, the woman who said no one would ever own me. I’m strong and brave and fiercely independent.

So how did I end up claimed by the cruelest don in the world?

The only man who can save me is the captain of the Irish Mob. But his help comes with a terrible price: Absolute submission.

Mafia or Mob? Either way, I’m ruined.

Content Note: This book may not be suitable for all readers. A complete trigger warning can be found on the author's website.

The Diamond Ring Dark Romances include:

The Irish Mob Trilogy

Irish Brute
Irish Vice
Irish Reign

The Kidnapped Series

Diamond Solitaire
Rough Diamond
Conflict Diamond
Priceless Diamond

Each series can be read on its own, but the books within each series should be read in order for the best heart-throbbing experience.

If your favorite dark romance tropes are alpha male, angst, billionaire, forced proximity, gothic, Jane Eyre retelling, Irish mob, Mafia, marriage of convenience, organized crime, strong woman, or tortured hero then this is the book for you!]]> 291 Alix Key Mia 0 to-read 4.06
author: Alix Key
name: Mia
average rating: 4.06
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 32822135
Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love.]]> 377 Mia Sheridan 1538727374 Mia 4
An unusual pair of characters, Arthur and Bree, with interesting (but dark) backstories that come together in this tender small town romance set in Maine. The story itself is pretty predictable but the characters and the way they come together is just so lovely. There is a lot of steam (bordering too much) but there is also a very real story so it’s not steam for nothing. How Arthur is so “normal�� after all he’s been through is probably the most unbelievable part of this book��. But that’s fiction for you.

So why not 5 stars? I think I didn’t really enjoy the way the individual stories were resolved…the story was so well paced for most of the book, but then it felt rushed. Also, I really don’t get why Bree didn’t fly home (he friend could have used her miles) rather than the friends flying and driving back. Made zero sense. I know why bc of a few things that happened but there could have been a more compelling reason to drive 16 hours both ways�� maybe she needed to pack her things?? Stuff like this really irritates me. ]]> 4.14 2014
author: Mia Sheridan
name: Mia
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/03/18
shelves: 2023, disability-representation, heavy-topics, steamy, bonus-chapter-available
review:
4⭐️��

An unusual pair of characters, Arthur and Bree, with interesting (but dark) backstories that come together in this tender small town romance set in Maine. The story itself is pretty predictable but the characters and the way they come together is just so lovely. There is a lot of steam (bordering too much) but there is also a very real story so it’s not steam for nothing. How Arthur is so “normal�� after all he’s been through is probably the most unbelievable part of this book��. But that’s fiction for you.

So why not 5 stars? I think I didn’t really enjoy the way the individual stories were resolved…the story was so well paced for most of the book, but then it felt rushed. Also, I really don’t get why Bree didn’t fly home (he friend could have used her miles) rather than the friends flying and driving back. Made zero sense. I know why bc of a few things that happened but there could have been a more compelling reason to drive 16 hours both ways�� maybe she needed to pack her things?? Stuff like this really irritates me.
]]> 216469080 There once was a man who loved me, until he forgot every memory we've ever shared��

Gabriel Sinclair would forever be my first. My first best friend, my first kiss, my first love…and my first heartbreak. The accident that nearly took his life ripped the memory of me from his grasp—and for the last decades, I've let the guilt of that one terrible night keep us apart.

It took me years to make peace with the fact that he would no longer be in my life, so when he shows up as the architect for my new home, my world's tossed upside down. Now, I'm trapped in a loveless marriage, raising a child, while Gabriel stirs up feelings I thought long buried. It feels like my soul is waking up after years of being in a deep slumber—and my controlling husband will do whatever it takes to keep us apart.

I know I should push Gabriel away to protect him from the shadows surrounding me. Yet, I can't deny the hope that blooms whenever he's near—the chance that he might remember me, that we could reclaim the chapters of our story that we've lost. 

Nothing good could come from us, but I can't help but wonder what would happen if this time...he stayed. 

There once was a man who loved me�� And now he's my only hope for tomorrow.]]> 397 Brittainy C. Cherry 1728297168 Mia 0 to-read 4.48
author: Brittainy C. Cherry
name: Mia
average rating: 4.48
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222060314
Rule one of the Bachelor Pact is Never fall in love.

Temporarily returning home to Cedar Falls comes with mixed emotions. But having to work alongside the distractingly beautiful Pia, hired by my father before his unexpected death to run and restore my family’s inn, is a test I could do without. I don’t need help, especially from a stranger whose delectable body is inviting me to forget the most important rule of the Bachelor Pact.

I learned early on to avoid attachments, and Pia is completely off-limits. I’m technically her boss. Working together to renovate the crumbling inn, I try to shield my heart and ignore my body’s traitorous responses. But Pia's laughter fills the dusty halls, melting my defences and testing my iron-clad resolve. But as each day passes, the thought of returning to my old life as a cop in the city and leaving Pia becomes more and more difficult. Now, with my future and an age-old promise on the line, I'm left wondering if I should finally crack open the door to love I sealed so long ago.]]> 298 Cissy Mecca 1836562497 Mia 0 to-read 4.30
author: Cissy Mecca
name: Mia
average rating: 4.30
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 30753987
With his mother gone, eleven-year-old Deming is left with no one to care for him. He is eventually adopted by two white college professors who move him from the Bronx to a small town upstate. They rename him Daniel Wilkinson in their efforts to make him over into their version of an “all-American boy.�� But far away from all he’s ever known, Daniel struggles to reconcile his new life with his mother’s disappearance and the memories of the family and community he left behind.

Set in New York and China, The Leavers is a vivid and moving examination of borders and belonging. It’s the story of how one boy comes into his own when everything he’s loved has been taken away--and how a mother learns to live with the mistakes of her past.

This powerful debut is the winner of the 2016 PEN/Bellwether Prize for fiction, awarded by Barbara Kingsolver for a novel that addresses issues of social justice.]]> 396 Lisa Ko 1616206888 Mia 4
This is a particularly hard but insightful book to read esp in the current moment where the attacks on immigrants and - esp. undocumented ones - is more aggressive than usual. I promise that you will never look at you manicurist the same way after reading this book.

I had written a more useful review but it got deleted inadvertently so can’t remember what I wanted to say except that the book is beautifully written and yet, it isn’t the most riveting book. Still, it’s an important one, covering themes of migration - forced and voluntary; family - both lost and found, blood and non-blood; identity, the importance of names and place; friendship, forgiveness, kinship, and motherhood. It’s about reinventing yourself. It’s about existing and surviving in liminal spaces.

Told in dual perspective, I enjoyed the parts from Polly/Peiln’s POV (first person) far more than David/Deming’s (third person).

Highly recommend - esp in this politically fraught moment. Escapism it is not. You have been warned.]]> 3.85 2017
author: Lisa Ko
name: Mia
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/10
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: 2025, heavy-topics, made-me-think, women-s-fiction
review:
4⭐️

This is a particularly hard but insightful book to read esp in the current moment where the attacks on immigrants and - esp. undocumented ones - is more aggressive than usual. I promise that you will never look at you manicurist the same way after reading this book.

I had written a more useful review but it got deleted inadvertently so can’t remember what I wanted to say except that the book is beautifully written and yet, it isn’t the most riveting book. Still, it’s an important one, covering themes of migration - forced and voluntary; family - both lost and found, blood and non-blood; identity, the importance of names and place; friendship, forgiveness, kinship, and motherhood. It’s about reinventing yourself. It’s about existing and surviving in liminal spaces.

Told in dual perspective, I enjoyed the parts from Polly/Peiln’s POV (first person) far more than David/Deming’s (third person).

Highly recommend - esp in this politically fraught moment. Escapism it is not. You have been warned.
]]> 217262692
If he can prove he loved her then, and he loves her still, this time might be different.

Ten years after one of the most heartbreaking nights of her life, Melody Woods is back in her small hometown of Oakwood Bay, broke, jaded, and unceremoniously dumped by her big-city boyfriend. To top it all off, her twin brother, Parker, is pushing her to take his spot on a camping trip with the one guy she’s spent a decade avoiding.

For college football coach Zac Porter, his best friend’s twin sister, Melody, has always been off-limits. And after fumbling his chance ten years ago, a devastated Zac was sure he’d lost Melody for good. So, when Melody shows up at the campsite instead of Parker, Zac realizes that now is the time to prove to her that they were always meant to be, no matter how long it takes to make up for his teenage self’s mistake.

Reeling from the truth of her last relationship, Melody plans to stay in town just long enough to get back on her feet. Then, she’s gone again. Meanwhile, Zac is facing an uphill battle to coach his team to its first winning game in years, to show Melody how she deserves to be loved, and to keep Parker from ever finding out. Maybe then, being with her will be more than just a dream.]]> 432 Ellie K. Wilde 1668093162 Mia 0 to-read 3.92 2025
author: Ellie K. Wilde
name: Mia
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 203505095 Off Limits.

She’s too young for me.

Too nice for me.

And she’s my little brother’s ex-girlfriend.

So why can’t I keep my hands, and my heart, to myself?

Lila Webster is my temporary assistant. That’s it. But I’m distracted by her gorgeous face, her sharp mind, and the sunshiny smile that burns straight into my grumpy soul.

I’m determined to keep my head down and my hands off. In a few weeks, I’ll head back to my life in Boston and leave behind the moose, the lumberjacks, and the crazy small-town gossip.

But between the thefts, break-ins, and constant danger, my family is counting on me to clean up the mess my criminal father left behind. And she’s the only person I trust to help. Our late nights, road trips, and inside jokes bring us too close and make it difficult to stay away.

And soon, I can’t stop myself from taking what’s not mine.

We’ve both been burned by the small-town rumor mill, so we agree to sneak around. But things don’t stay secrets in Lovewell for long, and it’s only a matter of time before we get caught in the act.

I know that when I go, I’ll be forced to leave my heart behind. Because no matter how badly I want her, she can never truly be mine.



Author’s Caught in the Axe is a standalone small-town romance featuring a nerdy, grumpy lumberjack with a heart of gold hidden under his flannel shirt and a sunshine ex-beauty queen who loves to challenge him. If you enjoy flirty banter, wood chopping, moose shenanigans, and possessive mountain men, then take a trip to Lovewell and meet the Maine Lumberjacks.



Welcome to Lovewell, Maine, where the moose outnumber the people and you can’t swing an axe without hitting a hot, grumpy lumberjack. The Maine Lumberjacks Series are ALL standalones but are most fun when read in order!]]> 512 Daphne Elliot Mia 2
Started off promising and then went downhill real fast The characters and setting are fine, even better than fine. Lila is a strong FMC and I like that she knows what she wants. But the whole thing with Cole (the brother she used to date) was SO flat.

The real problem is that the writing. So repetitive and kind of boring. Ended up skimming the 2nd half b/c there was not much to miss. That being said, it IS an intriguing set up for the series and I am SO curious about Book 2 but not entirely sure I'll read it as I'm worried it's not goin to deliver like this one. ]]> 3.88
author: Daphne Elliot
name: Mia
average rating: 3.88
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/08/13
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: 2024, kindle-unlimited, open-door-romance, steamy, bonus-chapter-available
review:
2⭐️��

Started off promising and then went downhill real fast The characters and setting are fine, even better than fine. Lila is a strong FMC and I like that she knows what she wants. But the whole thing with Cole (the brother she used to date) was SO flat.

The real problem is that the writing. So repetitive and kind of boring. Ended up skimming the 2nd half b/c there was not much to miss. That being said, it IS an intriguing set up for the series and I am SO curious about Book 2 but not entirely sure I'll read it as I'm worried it's not goin to deliver like this one.
]]> 86508519
Carson Stinger doesn't play by any rules except his own. Working in the adult entertainment industry, he doesn't care what others think of his choices, and takes each day as it comes. No direction, no plan. He knows what women want from him, and in his eyes, it's all he has to offer�� until her.

When unexpected circumstances force them together, Grace and Carson are swept up into the electric chemistry between them, surrendering to a steamy weekend in each other's arms. But for two people whose worlds could never coexist, they know their time is short.

That is, until their hearts get involved without their permission…]]> 432 Mia Sheridan 1728285054 Mia 3 2024 3.92 2013
author: Mia Sheridan
name: Mia
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> 216597267 A second chance with a first love and a home town...

Kelly Long drove away from Anthracite Springs, West Virginia the day of his high school graduation, leaving everything behind �� his accent, his group of friends, and his first love. After fifteen years building a career in California, he’s called back to where he swore he would never return. The reason? His beloved uncle’s farmhouse that Kelly swears he’ll never live in. Just as soon as he can flip it, he’s hightailing it back to a real city where things actually happen.

Sam Burns sprinted back home to Anthracite Springs the second she had her college degree, determined to use her big-city education to make her small town better. Sure, the mills are shut down, the coal mines aren’t producing, and most visitors are journalists who write sob stories about poor Appalachians. Sure, she’ll have to work two jobs to do so. But she believes in her town, unlike some people—most notably her high school sweetheart, Kelly, who ditched her and their town the minute he graduated.

Kelly’s quick flip turns out to be more complicated when he finds the residents of Anthracite Springs don’t trust him �� he’s an outsider now. Sam should hate him, but she’s never been able to resist an underdog. A deal is struck �� in exchange for much-needed advice on a downtown redevelopment plan, Sam will help Kelly’s reputation. Through their work, Kelly reconsiders his prejudice towards the town and Sam reconsiders her grudge towards Kelly. As their lives intertwine further, Kelly finds himself falling in love with more than just Anthracite Springs and Sam finds herself falling in love with the idea of a future that involves Kelly. But Kelly made his feelings on staying in Anthracite Springs clear and Sam’s future has to include her town…]]> 346 Nellie Wilson Mia 4
I really liked it. It was thoughtful, sweet, and felt a little more realistic in some of the clumsy steamy scenes. I liked the authors politics too - liberally sprinkled throughout. It’s also a love letter to places to write off too easily. Sure, the whole revitalization focus does feel a bit forced but i still enjoyed it. What I didn’t care for was the way the break up happened. That felt a bit off. But overall, thought this was well written, interesting, and just an overall lovely read.]]> 4.29
author: Nellie Wilson
name: Mia
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/18
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: 2025, kindle-unlimited, neurodiversity-representation, steamy
review:
4.5⭐️

I really liked it. It was thoughtful, sweet, and felt a little more realistic in some of the clumsy steamy scenes. I liked the authors politics too - liberally sprinkled throughout. It’s also a love letter to places to write off too easily. Sure, the whole revitalization focus does feel a bit forced but i still enjoyed it. What I didn’t care for was the way the break up happened. That felt a bit off. But overall, thought this was well written, interesting, and just an overall lovely read.
]]> 214883975 Destined to fall in love.
Bound to fall apart.

In Julia Waters’s world, everything is easily explained. Simple, uncomplicated, logical. Until she meets JP Chapman on a cross-country flight, the handsome kindergarten teacher charms her with his wit, humor, and irresistible smile. While spending a magical night wandering the streets of Seattle, the two stumble upon a fortune teller who predicts their futures will forever be entwined.

But sometimes the road to love isn’t a straight line. Over the span of five years, careers, different cities, and missed chances stand in the way of them being together. It isn’t until she starts listening to the advice of her late grandmother, who visits her dreams since that first night in Seattle, does Julia realize not everything about love is straightforward.

If she hopes to discover why an invisible string continues to pull her back to him, she must trust her grandmother’s advice and, ultimately, herself.]]> 344 Caitlin Moss Mia 5 Loved it. RTC. Maybe. 4.43
author: Caitlin Moss
name: Mia
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/12
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: 2025, favorites, kindle-unlimited, steamy, heavy-topics
review:
Loved it. RTC. Maybe.
]]> 215819823 ����dz���New York Times bestselling author Sarah Jio comes an escapist timeslip novel following a young woman stuck in a “time loop�� of one-day relationships with romantic partners from her past.

“An ingenious and heartfelt love story. I absolutely adored this novel!�� —Emily Giffin, #1 New York Times bestselling author

What if you could have a second chance to say “yes�� to the one who got away?

Lena Westbrook, a perfectionist and workaholic, has carefully planned and orchestrated every detail of her life. So when her boyfriend of two years breaks up with her on the night she expects him to propose, she’s heartbroken and confused. Lena flees to her beloved aunt’s home on Seattle’s picturesque Bainbridge Island to lick her wounds and recalibrate. That night, she falls asleep in the guest house. But when she awakens the next morning, she’s no longer in a cottage nestled on the Puget Sound, but rather in a chic Parisian apartment—wearing an expensive silk nightgown in bed with a handsome French man who seems to think that Lena is his wife.

From the elegant neighborhoods of Paris to the charming landscape of Kinsale, Ireland, to the sparkling skyline of New York City, and many other unexpected destinations in between, each time Lena awakens, she finds herself somewhere else with ���dz���DzԱ���else. In each experience, she’s given a glimpse of what life might have looked like had she chosen the “road not taken.�� And as she becomes more clear-sighted about her past decisions, Lena begins to wonder, were any of these former romantic encounters actually...significant?

Marrying the wish-fulfilling romance of Emily in Paris with the high-concept premise of Groundhog Day,��Insignificant Others is a lively, surprising, and enchanting novel that explores the relatable and resonant “what ifs�� of life, but most especially,��love.]]> 304 Sarah Jio 0063371154 Mia 0 to-read 3.91 2025
author: Sarah Jio
name: Mia
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220370100
Except, she never factored in an encounter with a biker who kisses better than anyone she’s ever met.

Maverick is a Wild Stallion and far from Jenna’s type. While she can’t deny he’s easy on the eyes, to even consider him an option seems outrageous. He’s in a notorious motorcycle club—which, among many things, means he’s an outlaw. But he’s also got a way of challenging how she thinks, causing her to wonder if she hasn’t found the one because she’s more close-minded than she realizes.

There’s no way their chemistry is sustainable, but a date with someone new might not be a bad idea. She can live one night on the wild side.

Or so she thinks.]]> 331 Annie Winston Mia 0 to-read 4.35
author: Annie Winston
name: Mia
average rating: 4.35
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 205465812 When Gemma Briggs moves in with her brother’s friend, the only thing harder than keeping the arrangement a secret is resisting the explosive chemistry she has with her new roommate—hot NFL player, Noah London.
After a workplace one-night stand leaves her high and dry with a baby on the way, Gemma Briggs is forced to leave her job as a college figure skating coach. While it isn't challenging for her to land a new gig at a nearby Boston skating club, it comes with a a significant pay cut that means she'll have to move out of her well-loved apartment. And that's not all, either. Working at the new club results in a surprise visit from Noah London, the wildly popular NFL player who is also her brother's former college teammate... and the uncle of one of her skating students. Noah may have a solidified playboy reputation, but he also has a new puppy at home and a single-mom for a sister who relies on him to babysit when she's busy saving lives as a doctor. The problem? Football season is quickly approaching, and Noah's worried who will fill his shoes when he's out of town winning games. The solution? Asking Gemma Briggs to move in with him. But what happens when the temporary arrangement becomes something they both want to make permanent?]]> 468 Amelie Rhys Mia 0 to-read 4.16
author: Amelie Rhys
name: Mia
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217443065
**

After finishing his cardiology fellowship, Blake London moves to Boston with a single hope: fix as many hearts as he possibly can…including his own. Considering the one woman he's ever loved—his best friend from medical school—got engaged to another man, he needs to move on.

But that’s easier said than done, and Delaney proves harder to escape than he expected.

��

Delaney Delacroix's fiancé has fallen in love with another woman. Since love was never part of their arrangement, Delaney isn't upset about it. But it does mean she can't access her inheritance until finding a replacement husband, and she must put off her dreams of founding a specialty heart clinic for patients like her brother.

In the meantime, Delaney returns home to the East coast where she stumbles into Blake, whose abrupt cross-country move had devastated her. Their unexpected reunion is shocking, as is the reveal of Delaney’s broken engagement—her fake, broken engagement. But nothing stuns as much as Blake’s reaction: he promptly steps up to the plate. Or rather, the altar.

Their decade-long friendship can survive a year of playing husband and wife…right?]]> 463 Amelie Rhys Mia 0 to-read 4.15
author: Amelie Rhys
name: Mia
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 218460257 Rivalry and romance spark when two bookstore managers who are opposites in every way find themselves competing for the same promotion.

Despite managing bookstores on the same Boston street, Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson have never interacted much—Josie’s store focuses on serious literature, and Ryan’s sells romance only. But when the new owner of both stores decides to combine them, the two are thrust into direct competition. Only one manager will be left standing, decided by who turns the most profit over the summer. 

Efficient and detail-oriented Josie instantly clashes with easygoing and disorganized Ryan. Their competing events and contrasting styles lead to more than just frustration—the sparks between them might just set the whole store on fire. Their only solace during this chaos is the friendship they’ve each struck up with an anonymous friend in an online book forum. Little do they know they’re actually chatting with each other.  

As their rivalry heats up in real life, their online relationship grows, and when the walls between their stores come tumbling down, Josie and Ryan realize not all’s fair in love and war. And maybe, if they’re lucky, happily ever afters aren’t just for the books.]]> 432 Ali Brady 0593640845 Mia 0 to-read 4.48 2025
author: Ali Brady
name: Mia
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 214986181 Don't miss the next hilarious and gorgeously romantic romcom from Carlie Walker - out March 2025!
________

Two exes. One mission. A trip she'll never forget...

Max is just your average girl. She works odd jobs, has a soul-crushing amount of debt and just happens to have an uncanny resemblance to Europe's youngest female prime minister, Sofia Christensen . . .

So when the prime minister receives a credible death threat, the CIA approaches Max with a a life-changing amount of money if she pretends to be Sofia on the prime minister's annual Italian trip.

It would be a dream if it weren't for those pesky assassins and Flynn, Max's ridiculously hot handler - the man who broke her heart years and years ago.

With her life now on the line, Max knows she has no choice but to lose herself in the role. But losing her heart to Flynn again? Now that's a risk that she isn't willing to take . . .

Red, White and Royal Blue meets Emily Henry in this opposites-attract, fake-dating romcom. Perfect for fans of Katherine Center and Ali Hazelwood.]]> 320 Carlie Walker 0593640411 Mia 0 to-read 3.91
author: Carlie Walker
name: Mia
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217245608 Falling in love with your husband is anything but convenient in this steamy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Business or Pleasure.

Dani Dorfman has somehow made it to her thirties without knowing what she wants to do with her life. So when an office romance ends poorly and gets her fired, she applies for a job in Amsterdam, idly dreaming of escaping the mess she’s created, but never imagining she'll actually get it.

Except she does. By the end of her first week in Amsterdam, she’s never felt more adrift or alone. Then she crashes her bike into her high school ex-boyfriend—and suddenly life is blooming with new opportunities.

Wouter van Leeuwen was a Dutch exchange student Dani’s family hosted, a forbidden love that ended in a painful breakup. Years later, there’s still sizzling chemistry between them, and okay, maybe a little animosity. More importantly, Wouter needs to be married to inherit a gorgeous family home on a canal—and when Dani's job falls apart, she needs a visa. As the marriage of convenience pushes them together in unexpected ways, Dani must decide whether her new life is yet another mistake—or if it's worth taking a risk on a second chance.]]> 384 Rachel Lynn Solomon 0593548558 Mia 0 to-read 4.09 2025
author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
name: Mia
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 224082605 In this steamy and emotional small-town romance, a disgraced ex-musician and a local handyman try to resist their growing attraction for each other—until a broken-down house forces them together—from the author of How to Fake It in Hollywood and Will They or Won't They

It’s been a decade since Merritt Valentine’s peak as a celebrated singer-songwriter�� and her subsequent career-ending mental breakdown. Since then, she’s abandoned the glitz of Los Angeles to move in with her sister, Olivia, in the sleepy Colorado ski town of Crested Peak, hoping to heal her lingering emotional wounds of the spotlight.

Life in Crested Peak would be uncomplicated if not for Merritt’s inconvenient crush on the local contractor and handyman, Nikolaos Petrakis. Niko is disarmingly handsome and too kind-hearted to ever be right for the complex and prickly Merritt. Though tempting, a fling with Niko would only bring the kind of drama Merritt has vowed to leave behind.

After his last heartbreak, Niko is done dating his fellow townies. Still, he can’t shake his fascination with the brilliant Merritt, even as he heeds their mutual friends�� warnings to steer clear of her chaos. But when Merritt needs help fixing up a house of her own, Niko is glad to be the only man for the job.

As the two spend more time together, their mutual attraction sparking a deeper connection than either one expects, they’re forced to confront the idea that they may have underestimated each other�� and themselves.]]> 416 Ava Wilder 0593871693 Mia 0 to-read 4.54 2025
author: Ava Wilder
name: Mia
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217885191 Find out how Maddy and Doug met in this sweet and hilarious short story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

Travel nurse Maddy doesn't have time for a relationship, not even with the ruggedly handsome farmer who she feels a spark of attraction to.

Doug is a walking green flag. After a run in with Maddy thanks to the Wakan town mascot, Kevin Bacon the pig, he can't help but feel the spark too.

Even though she doesn't plan on staying in Minnesota forever, Maddy believes she and Doug can still have a fling�� or maybe they’ll just find themselves in a situationship. 

“The Situationship��was originally published as a bonus chapter in the Target exclusive edition of Just for the Summer. This ebook original also includes a first look at Abby’s new release, Say You’ll Remember Me.]]> 37 Abby Jimenez 1538773724 Mia 3 3.96 2024
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Mia
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves:
review:
It was fine. Mostly I had to rack my brain and try to remember the book this was a bonus chapter for��.
]]> 223688351 Would you defend your husband if he was accused of killing his mistress?

Sarah Morgan is a successful and powerful defense attorney in Washington D.C. At 33 years old, she is a named partner at her firm and life is going exactly how she planned.

The same cannot be said for her husband, Adam. He is a struggling writer who has had little success in his career. He begins to tire of his and Sarah’s relationship as she is constantly working.

Out in the secluded woods, at Adam and Sarah’s second home, Adam engages in a passionate affair with Kelly Summers.

Then, one morning everything changes. Adam is arrested for Kelly’s murder. She had been found stabbed to death in Adam and Sarah’s second home.

Sarah soon finds herself playing the defender for her own husband, a man accused of murdering his mistress.

But is Adam guilty or is he innocent?]]> 352 Jeneva Rose Mia 0 to-read 4.00 2020
author: Jeneva Rose
name: Mia
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222520092 In motherhood and marriage, is anything ever really simple?June Cannon has spent the last seventeen years of her life as a devoted mom and wife, but when her husband, Camp, doesn’t come home for dinner—again—and her teenage daughter calls her simple, she’s had enough. Inspired by a podcast, her way forward becomes get a divorce, get a job, and show her kids she’s anything but simple.

As soon as she tells Camp she wants a divorce, he becomes the husband he hasn’t been for years, blurring the lines between what’s real and what’s pretend for the sake of their kids.

She quickly realizes that nothing—including her life, no matter what her kids think—is simple. As June catapults herself into the world at age forty to build a life outside of her family’s needs, a romantic interest from the past returns to town, giving her the attention she’s missed.

When the unhealed wounds of kept secrets and loss are reopened, June must decide between the wild and free life she thinks she wants and the seemingly simple one she already has.

This title contains explicit language and romance scenes.]]> 362 Ashley Manley Mia 0 to-read 4.63
author: Ashley Manley
name: Mia
average rating: 4.63
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217231774
Having the same genetic mutation that took both her mother and grandmother, Birdie Rose Hawkins meets her thirty-seventh birthday with the grim belief that this year will also be her last. While she normally spends her days living by lists, rules, and routines—alone—she starts her final year doing something she never does: having a one-night stand.

When the stranger fatefully reappears in her life, this time carrying baggage of his own, it’s with an offer of friendship. Rather than doing what she thinks will keep her safe, he, along with the few people she has in her life, teach her how to lean into the things that scare her.

But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes for them to ignore the connection they’ve had since that very first night. When a secret is exposed and threatens to destroy everything they’ve built, Birdie has to decide if she wants to survive like she always has or trust in the unknown that comes with truly living.]]> 412 Ashley Manley Mia 0 to-read 4.53
author: Ashley Manley
name: Mia
average rating: 4.53
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 213953832
Penelope ‘Nel�� Crawford is stuck. At least that’s what her family tells her. A year after losing her husband of seventeen years, she’s still so deep in her grief that she’s barely hanging on, let alone living. She hardly recognizes her teenage kids and finds no joy in doing the things she once loved.

Her solution? An attempt to heal herself and the relationship with her kids with a summer road trip. From one destination to the next, Nel not only has to navigate life on the road, but the trials and tribulations of motherhood after loss.

When a detour leads her to a flirtatious restaurant owner she’s been emailing off and on for months, she starts to remember that life—no matter how unpredictable—is made for living. And the heart, even if broken, finds ways to love again.

Every Beautiful Mile will make readers laugh, cry, and remind them of the healing powers of nature, family, and love itself.]]> 392 Ashley Manley Mia 5
So much love, heartbreak and humor in this book. A beautiful story about a middle aged widow who tries to start living her life again. The MVPs of the book are the two kids - esp Marin - who feature prominently in the first half of the book (and then conveniently disappear in the last part, which I was not a fan of). It’s really a lovely book and I expected the author to write a note to relay how this was her own experience or that of someone she was close to but turns out, it’s a story based on a brief encounter with a stranger on the road. The grief is palpable throughout, though I think Penelope (nel) comes out of the darkness faster than one might expect (that’s the part that hinted this wasn’t the author’s experience bc a love like that is hard to let go and even though nel struggles with it, it felt realllly fast. The kids too�� that part was just not believable).

Ethan was such a great character bc he wasn’t your typical green flag. He’s a major flirt with a string of “relationships�� and sometimes even an ass. Nel was interesting in her own right. I mostly loved her character and really “saw her�� (I could identify with how she can’t keep her feelings off her face and said all sorts of embarrassing things).

The one part of her I didn’t care for is how she was so insecure around Ethan. I mean, I get the insecurity but it was not endearing at all. Can’t quite explain what I mean but while I mostly loved her unhinged outbursts, the ones related to Ethan’s “women�� made me cringe. Perhaps that was the point.

I’m still a bit confused with the epilogue, esp when it comes to the kids but I suppose they were side characters. Btw, Poppy, Nel’s mom, is a hoot and a half.

Overall, i loved this book. A terrific debut. Reminds me a lot of Caitlin Moss, Jewel E. Ann’s and maybe even a bit of Carley fortune’s style of writing. ]]> 4.40
author: Ashley Manley
name: Mia
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/27
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves: 2025, favorites, heavy-topics, kindle-unlimited, open-door-romance, steamy, women-s-fiction
review:
5⭐️��

So much love, heartbreak and humor in this book. A beautiful story about a middle aged widow who tries to start living her life again. The MVPs of the book are the two kids - esp Marin - who feature prominently in the first half of the book (and then conveniently disappear in the last part, which I was not a fan of). It’s really a lovely book and I expected the author to write a note to relay how this was her own experience or that of someone she was close to but turns out, it’s a story based on a brief encounter with a stranger on the road. The grief is palpable throughout, though I think Penelope (nel) comes out of the darkness faster than one might expect (that’s the part that hinted this wasn’t the author’s experience bc a love like that is hard to let go and even though nel struggles with it, it felt realllly fast. The kids too�� that part was just not believable).

Ethan was such a great character bc he wasn’t your typical green flag. He’s a major flirt with a string of “relationships�� and sometimes even an ass. Nel was interesting in her own right. I mostly loved her character and really “saw her�� (I could identify with how she can’t keep her feelings off her face and said all sorts of embarrassing things).

The one part of her I didn’t care for is how she was so insecure around Ethan. I mean, I get the insecurity but it was not endearing at all. Can’t quite explain what I mean but while I mostly loved her unhinged outbursts, the ones related to Ethan’s “women�� made me cringe. Perhaps that was the point.

I’m still a bit confused with the epilogue, esp when it comes to the kids but I suppose they were side characters. Btw, Poppy, Nel’s mom, is a hoot and a half.

Overall, i loved this book. A terrific debut. Reminds me a lot of Caitlin Moss, Jewel E. Ann’s and maybe even a bit of Carley fortune’s style of writing.
]]> 213651279 A steamy chance encounter between a professional hockey player and the manic pixie dream girl he just can’t seem to forget takes a turn when the pair realize that their parents are engaged—in an all-new rom-com by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier’s car breaks down and his phone dies, he treks into a posh private country club to call a tow truck, where he encounters the alluring Chloe Clifford, the manic pixie dream girl who captivates him immediately with her sense of adventure and penchant for stealing champagne.

Sparks fly during a moonlight kiss and the enamored pair can’t wait to see each other again, but when Sig finally arrives to meet his dad’s new girlfriend over dinner, Chloe is confusingly also there. Turns out the girlfriend is Chloe’s mother. Oh, and they’re engaged.

Sig’s dream girl is his future stepsister.

Though the pair is now wary of being involved romantically, Chloe, a sheltered harp prodigy, yearns to escape her controlling mother. Sig promises to teach her the ins and outs of independence in Boston—but not inside his bedroom. They both know there can never be more than friendship between a famous hockey player and his high-society, soon-to-be stepsister. But keeping their relationship platonic grows harder amid the developing family drama, especially knowing they were meant for so much more��


]]> 320 Tessa Bailey 0063424797 Mia 4
This is basically the reincarnation of Piper and Brandon from It happed One Summer (which I loved). Slightly different plot which, btw, isn’t nearly as taboo as it’s made out to be. Weird yes, taboo, no.

Anyway, it is pure escapism and silliness and a welcome respite from the absolute insanity in the world right now, particularly here home in the USA.

I do think the resolution was not particularly good and I’m not really sure how really made the difference so that annoyed me a bit (can’t say much without spoiling the “plot).

But, Sig was just so ridiculously smitten, and something about that made me happy.

Is this really a four star book? Probably not, but it was the escape I needed. ]]> 3.57 2025
author: Tessa Bailey
name: Mia
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/26
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves:
review:
4⭐️�� (not really��. See review)

This is basically the reincarnation of Piper and Brandon from It happed One Summer (which I loved). Slightly different plot which, btw, isn’t nearly as taboo as it’s made out to be. Weird yes, taboo, no.

Anyway, it is pure escapism and silliness and a welcome respite from the absolute insanity in the world right now, particularly here home in the USA.

I do think the resolution was not particularly good and I’m not really sure how really made the difference so that annoyed me a bit (can’t say much without spoiling the “plot).

But, Sig was just so ridiculously smitten, and something about that made me happy.

Is this really a four star book? Probably not, but it was the escape I needed.
]]> 195791408 A debut about a rom-com screenwriter who doesn't believe in love and a divorce attorney who does, forced together at their high school reunion fifteen years after their breakup

Molly Marks writes Hollywood rom-coms for a living—which is how she knows “romance�� is a racket. The one and only time she was naive enough to fall in love was with her high school boyfriend, Seth—who she ghosted on the eve of graduation and hasn’t seen in fifteen years.

Seth Rubinstein believes in love, the grand, fated kind, despite his job as, well…one of Chicago’s most successful divorce attorneys. Over the last decade, he’s sought “the one�� in countless bad dates and rushed relationships. He knows his soulmate is out there. But so far, no one can compare to Molly Marks, the first girl who broke his heart.

When Molly’s friends drag her to Florida for their fifteenth high school reunion, it is poetic justice that she’s forced to sit with Seth. Too many martinis and a drunken hookup later, they decide to make a bet: whoever can predict the fate of five couples before the next reunion must declare that the other is right about true love. The catch? The fifth couple is the two of them.

Molly assures Seth they are a tale of timeless heartbreak. Seth promises she’ll end up hopelessly in love with him. She thinks he’s delusional. He has five years to prove her wrong.

Wickedly funny, sexy, and brimming with laughs and heart like the best romantic comedies, Just Some Stupid Love Story is for everyone who believes in soulmates—even if they would never admit it.]]> 336 Katelyn Doyle 1250328098 Mia 0 to-read, 2024 3.61 2024
author: Katelyn Doyle
name: Mia
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves: to-read, 2024
review:

]]> 201627074 Two string players fight their attraction for each other as they compete for center stage in this spicy and emotional romance.

Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne are both musical prodigies, but each has had very different paths to success. Xander was born into classical music royalty, while Gwen had a natural ear for music that was nurtured by a kind shop owner.

After Gwen performs at his friend’s wedding, she’s mortified when she realizes Xander has no clue who she is—despite having worked together for a year at the Pops Orchestra. But she’s more furious that he arrogantly critiques her performance.

When Gwen is offered the role of First Chair of the orchestra, something Xander had secretly coveted for years, their existing hostility goes up a notch. But their respect for each other's music is undeniable, and their onstage chemistry off the scale. As they begin to explore their feelings for one another, suddenly they're box office dynamite and the fragile romance that's growing between them is in danger of being crushed beneath a publicity stunt...]]> 384 Julie Soto 1538740915 Mia 4 2025, steamy
As Dab already called it, this is fanfic of The Love Hypothesis. And I quite liked TLH so I liked this too... The common themes are actually astonishing - I didn't think it was possible but the evidence speaks for itself [spoilers removed] You'd have to read it to believe it.

Wasn't quite five stars b/c there was a bit too much overcompensation to "talk shop" about music... plus the thought of pop music covers performed by an orchestra just doesn't seem sexy at all... lol. The ending felt a bit abrupt too. What I did like - and this does set it apart some what from TLH (though maybe the chapter of Adam's POV inspired it) - are the little interludes told by Alex's perspective (the rest of the book is from Gwen's perspective). Def entertaining and good take on the enemies to lover trope. The first half has a lot of build up (and it gets a lot less uninteresting in the second half in some ways, which is quite steamy so there is that).

This doesn't sound like a great review but I liked this - def more than JS' first book (btw, Ava and Elliot do play a cameo here too).]]> 4.05 2024
author: Julie Soto
name: Mia
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves: 2025, steamy
review:
4⭐️��

As Dab already called it, this is fanfic of The Love Hypothesis. And I quite liked TLH so I liked this too... The common themes are actually astonishing - I didn't think it was possible but the evidence speaks for itself [spoilers removed] You'd have to read it to believe it.

Wasn't quite five stars b/c there was a bit too much overcompensation to "talk shop" about music... plus the thought of pop music covers performed by an orchestra just doesn't seem sexy at all... lol. The ending felt a bit abrupt too. What I did like - and this does set it apart some what from TLH (though maybe the chapter of Adam's POV inspired it) - are the little interludes told by Alex's perspective (the rest of the book is from Gwen's perspective). Def entertaining and good take on the enemies to lover trope. The first half has a lot of build up (and it gets a lot less uninteresting in the second half in some ways, which is quite steamy so there is that).

This doesn't sound like a great review but I liked this - def more than JS' first book (btw, Ava and Elliot do play a cameo here too).
]]> 220645834 I’m Caleb Baumgarten, the “bad boy�� drummer of Red Card Riot. The world knows me as C-Bomb, but I assure you, it’s Lil Miss Rule Follower, Aubrey Capshaw, who’s the human equivalent of an atomic bomb.

After tragedy strikes and the toddler with half my DNA inside her loses her beloved mommy, I get the bright idea to hire my daughter’s remaining lifeline, her “Auntie Aubbey,�� as my live-in nanny. Also, embarrassingly, as my sobriety coach, so I can fulfill the terms of mandatory rehab.

Going into my forced living arrangement with Aubrey in her small town, I’m determined not to give in to my growing, thumping, white-hot attraction to her. There’s only a month before the custody hearing that will decide my fate as a father, and I’ll need Aubrey to testify on my behalf. Well, you know what they say about best laid plans, right? Yeah. My bad.

I expected Aubrey and me to scorch the walls of my bedroom, once I got her into my bed. What I didn’t expect, though, was that Aubrey would become the center of my universe, along with my small daughter. My family. My home. Which is why, when danger threatens, I don’t hesitate to protect what’s mine.

Finding Home is a standalone, small town, single dad rockstar romance with suspense, deep feels, spice, no cheating, no third act breakup, and a happily ever after. No prior reading required.

Please check content warnings on Lauren Rowe’s website.]]> 408 Lauren Rowe 1964868084 Mia 0 to-read 4.32
author: Lauren Rowe
name: Mia
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 199797869 A divorcee embarks on her “year of yes�� and crosses paths with a shy but sensitive birdwatcher who changes her life in this charming rom-com that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Ali Hazelwood.

Newly divorced, almost-empty-nester Celeste is finally seeking adventure and putting herself first, cliches be damned. So when a friend asks Celeste to “partner�� with his buddy John for an event, Celeste throws herself into the role of his temporary girlfriend. But quiet cinnamon roll John isn’t looking for love, just birds—he needs a partner for Tucson’s biggest bird-watching contest if he’s ever going to launch his own guiding business. By the time they untangle their crossed signals, they’ve become teammates…and thanks to his meddling friends, a fake couple.

Celeste can’t tell a sparrow from a swallow, but John is a great teacher, and the hours they spend hiking in the Arizona wilderness feed Celeste’s hunger for new adventures while giving John a chance to practice his dream job. As the two spend more time together, they end up watching more than just the birds, and their chemistry becomes undeniable. Since they’re both committed to the single life, Celeste suggests a status upgrade: birders with benefits, just until the contest is done. But as the bird count goes up and their time together ticks down, John and Celeste will have to decide if their benefits can last a lifetime, or if this love affair is for the birds.]]> 336 Sarah T. Dubb 1668037831 Mia 4 2025, steamy, women-s-fiction
Is this the best book I've ever read? No
Did I get annoyed by the FMC? Absolutely
Did I enjoy this anyway? Yes.
Do I want to become a birder? Possibly.

Aside from the fact it was hard to believe our girl Celeste is 42 and a mother of an almost 18 year old (her midlife crisis felt very in your 40s but her overall behavior felt like she was 21 and directionaless), this was pretty good. I liked the focus on the fact that this was very much a book about hitting your 40s and needing to rediscover yourself (def in the realm of "women's fiction"), I just didn't quite buy her flighty, annoying personality. Which is funny b/c her being "too much" was a running theme in the book. She is also a lovely person but just behaved like a 21 year old more often than not and, well, that was too much.

John was very sweet on the outside and apparently a sex God on the inside. But I'm not sure we really get to know him either.

In her author note, Dubb writes that she hopes the birders who pick up this book become romance readers, and the romance readers want to at least try birding... I'm not quite sure she achieved that given the rewiews - lol. The romance readers thought there was too much birding (there was not) and I'm sure the birding readers were wondering how they ended up with a book about the birds and the bees, so to speak (the sex is plentiful though enough of it does fade to black so aside from 1-2 longer scenes, it's not quite as smutty as people have made it out to be).

Overall, I enjoyed it. Was a laid back read and a good reminder that sometimes, we need to be still and at other times, we need to grab what we want. Good banter, some fabulous kisses and flirtation, and a fair amount of steam too. Plus, it was different than most romances for a host of reasons but also pretty familiar in other ways (we did not need the 3rd act break up, for example). Again, I enjoyed it but it's not earth shattering in any way.]]> 3.58 2024
author: Sarah T. Dubb
name: Mia
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/18
date added: 2025/02/19
shelves: 2025, steamy, women-s-fiction
review:
3.75 ⭐️s

Is this the best book I've ever read? No
Did I get annoyed by the FMC? Absolutely
Did I enjoy this anyway? Yes.
Do I want to become a birder? Possibly.

Aside from the fact it was hard to believe our girl Celeste is 42 and a mother of an almost 18 year old (her midlife crisis felt very in your 40s but her overall behavior felt like she was 21 and directionaless), this was pretty good. I liked the focus on the fact that this was very much a book about hitting your 40s and needing to rediscover yourself (def in the realm of "women's fiction"), I just didn't quite buy her flighty, annoying personality. Which is funny b/c her being "too much" was a running theme in the book. She is also a lovely person but just behaved like a 21 year old more often than not and, well, that was too much.

John was very sweet on the outside and apparently a sex God on the inside. But I'm not sure we really get to know him either.

In her author note, Dubb writes that she hopes the birders who pick up this book become romance readers, and the romance readers want to at least try birding... I'm not quite sure she achieved that given the rewiews - lol. The romance readers thought there was too much birding (there was not) and I'm sure the birding readers were wondering how they ended up with a book about the birds and the bees, so to speak (the sex is plentiful though enough of it does fade to black so aside from 1-2 longer scenes, it's not quite as smutty as people have made it out to be).

Overall, I enjoyed it. Was a laid back read and a good reminder that sometimes, we need to be still and at other times, we need to grab what we want. Good banter, some fabulous kisses and flirtation, and a fair amount of steam too. Plus, it was different than most romances for a host of reasons but also pretty familiar in other ways (we did not need the 3rd act break up, for example). Again, I enjoyed it but it's not earth shattering in any way.
]]> 218736105 'Compulsively readable, Love Sick is equal parts sexy and angsty' JULIE SOTO

'Heartfelt and smart, Love Sick is just what the doctor ordered' EMILY WIBBERLEY and AUSTIN SIEGEMUND-BROKA

'Bursting with laughter, the joy of found family and spicy will-they-or-won't they tension . . . the perfect book for Grey's Anatomy fans' ASHLEY WINSTEAD

Grey's Anatomy meets The Hating Game by way of Ali Hazelwood in this fiery enemies-to-lovers debut rom-com.

First year of residency is hell, and Grace Rose, a brilliant new OB-GYN resident, starts off in the deepest circle. Her social anxiety is on high alert after she discovers she's battling a rumour that she slept her way into the program.

Um. False.

Grace sets the record straight by putting on her devil-red lipstick and putting her rude - and frustratingly handsome - co-resident, Julian Santini, in his place. But rumours take on a life of their own, and no amount of studiousness, or support from her co-residents, can course-correct her reputation. Ironic, given Grace hasn't been physical with anyone since her ex broke her heart in med school.

Julian is exhausted from years of studying. Despite that, he's determined to prove he deserves the residency position he narrowly landed. If only he could buckle down and concentrate. Instead, he's preoccupied by the judgy girl grappling with an absurd rumour - a woman he unintentionally offended on day one.

Yeah, he put his foot in his mouth. But he has no interest in participating in the hospital's frat house culture that continues to slut-shame Grace.

Stuck together as residents, Grace and Julian begrudgingly set aside their mutual hatred to focus on training, and as their attraction grows, the cracks in the thin ice between love and hate start to appear.]]> Deidra Duncan 1529442109 Mia 0 to-read 3.99
author: Deidra Duncan
name: Mia
average rating: 3.99
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 221582700 Jake Talbot focused on the darkness for six years, but now, he’s trying his best to focus on the light. He’s finally cleaning out his mother’s house getting it ready to sell, when he finds an old pair of trousers in the corner of his bedroom. It’s the pair of pants he wore at his mother’s funeral, and in the pocket he finds a folded slip of a paper with an address. An address of a girl he hasn’t thought about in six years. Now, he can’t stop thinking about her.

So he sits down to write her a letter.

Please Be Mine is a story of healing and reconciliation between two former friends who find one another after years apart. Between personal tragedies, heartbreaks, cross country moves, and battling mental illness, these two marching band nerds are reacquainted with joy…and possibly something more. But while sharing your heart in a letter can seem easy, moving it off the page is a completely different story.]]> 73 K. Sinko Mia 0 to-read 4.20
author: K. Sinko
name: Mia
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 31951080
Dr. Elle McCray has a plan. Work hard. Be the best. And do it alone. After her ex-husband’s betrayal, she’s learned being feared is a hell of a lot easier than being humiliated. So when trouble personified, Lane Cannon, dares to flirt with her, she shuts him down cold. Too gorgeous. Too cocky. And his job as The Grove’s sexual surrogate is to sleep with patients. No, thank you.

Former escort Lane Cannon has spent enough years with people looking down on him. Stupid. Trailer trash. Rent boy. He’s heard it all. He’s worked too hard to shed his past to let some haughty doctor cut him down. But something about Elle’s ice queen act has his dominant instincts perking up and his body taking notice. He can’t walk away.

After an evening of verbal sparring turns into a night of steamy hate sex, Lane’s ready for round two. But Elle proposes a business deal. How better to keep things strictly physical than to pay him for his services?

Lane wants her, not her money. But he’ll play along in exchange for one thing—all the control. It’s only supposed to be a dirty little fling between colleagues, but these two are about to learn a lesson in love…by the hour.]]> 384 Roni Loren Mia 4
Character driven but plotless smut, with a side focus on neurodiversity and ptsd. An engaging, sexy read. Some problems with some of the rep (esp around dyslexia) but this is hardly a read about learning differences so I’m gonna let it slide. ]]> 4.01 2017
author: Roni Loren
name: Mia
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves:
review:
4⭐️��

Character driven but plotless smut, with a side focus on neurodiversity and ptsd. An engaging, sexy read. Some problems with some of the rep (esp around dyslexia) but this is hardly a read about learning differences so I’m gonna let it slide.
]]> 208894884
Columnist Anna Appleby has left her love life behind after a painful divorce. Who needs a man when she has two kids, a cat, and uncontested control of the TV remote? Besides, she’d rather be single than subject herself to the hell of online dating. But her office rival is vying for her column, and no column means no stable source of income. In a desperate attempt to keep her job, Anna finds herself pitching a unique angle: seven dates, all found offline, chosen by her children.

From awkward encounters to unexpected connections, Anna gamely begins to put herself out there, asking out waiters, the mailman, and even her celebrity crush. But when a romantic connection appears where she least expected it, will she be brave enough to take another chance on love?]]> 368 Sophie Cousens 0593718909 Mia 0 to-read 4.11 2024
author: Sophie Cousens
name: Mia
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 199417231
Phoebe Graves grew up in a family where deception and seduction are as commonplace as breathing. The Graves and her best friend Hailey’s family have been on the run their whole lives, but after a high-stakes con job goes south, Phoebe and Hailey decide to run away and start over. The small Connecticut town they settle in seems too good to be true.

The biggest flaw in their plan is Hailey’s frustratingly handsome brother, Rocky, who insists on coming with them. Living honestly isn’t in his DNA, and his past with Phoebe is downright messy. He’s everything she wants, but nothing she can have. 

Phoebe worries that Rocky will tempt them back into their old ways, where lying is second nature.  She doesn’t want Rocky to mess up the new life she’s begun for herself. The longer she stays in town, the more she realizes what it means to have a reputation—and what a normal life with the man she loves could look like.]]> 464 Krista Ritchie 0593549554 Mia 0 to-read 3.76 2024
author: Krista Ritchie
name: Mia
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 223439654
Our first meeting? He stood me up.
Our second chance encounter? I told him exactly what I thought of him.
Our third? It came with a bet (he lost) and an understanding that we’re stuck with one another.

It doesn’t matter that he’s Alexander Hardy—British soccer star extraordinaire, world-famous in every way, and a certified sex symbol. We come from two different worlds and live in two different realities. But all we need is one month.

The bet: Help him rehab his reputation to the media and the masses, and in exchange, he’ll help my soccer academy and the underprivileged kids who idolize him.

That doesn’t mean I have to like him. Not his delicious accent, his sexy smirk or those storm cloud gray eyes. Not his incredibly fit body or his sinfully dirty mouth. Not even the way he shows up day after day for the kids or the way he looks at me like he wants to devour me.

He looks at time spent in my world as a penance, while I look at it as a way to leverage his star power to help my academy survive.

But as the days turn to weeks, it seems we’re not as different as I once thought. The man who cares about no one, has fixed his sights on me. With his time at my academy up and his obligations back home calling, do we have a lucky shot of working out?]]> 400 K. Bromberg Mia 0 to-read 4.22
author: K. Bromberg
name: Mia
average rating: 4.22
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220341757 She lies to survive. He’s a natural skeptic. Will their chemistry burn through every resistance or trigger a deadly failsafe?

Georgia-May Williams is still an optimist. Hiding her identity to avoid the clutches of a power-hungry former employer, the twenty-six-year-old programming prodigy brainstorms ways to earn money for her baby’s medical needs. And when she visits a billion-dollar yachting company to negotiate the sale of a navigation system, she’s captivated by the studly chauffeur assigned as her escort.

Simon Blake is a master chameleon. Loyal only to the men who risked giving him a second chance, the quick-witted PI refuses to trust the beautiful young woman who’s constantly looking over her shoulder. And though he can tell that he’s falling for the hardworking single mom, the suspicious ex-cop is determined to dig up her secrets before acting on his attraction.

Longing to lean on his strong shoulders, Georgia-May pours out a confession of the dangerous game she’s been playing. But while Blake kicks his guardian nature into full gear, their emotional connection has him feeling deeply vulnerable.

Will ruthless foes tear them apart or launch them into an unbreakable love?

Embrace Me Forever is the gritty third book in the Hartley Brothers romantic suspense series. If you like captivating characters, push-and-pull chemistry, and steamy scenes, then you’ll adore Alessa Kelly’s hi-tech tension.

This book can be enjoyed as a standalone, with no cliff-hangers.

Buy Embrace Me Forever to write an algorithm for love today!]]> 314 Alessa Kelly 1922363375 Mia 0 to-read 4.90
author: Alessa Kelly
name: Mia
average rating: 4.90
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 63209519
MAEVE

I've heard a lot of things about Weston Cole. He’s popular. Conceited. Obnoxious. Most importantly, he’s spent the past three years steadily dismantling my family’s football legacy. I should hate him. And I did. Until I encountered him freshman year and discovered he’s also troubled. Captivating. Considerate. When our paths cross again senior year, that knowledge becomes even more dangerous than his suggestive smirk. Hating him was easy. Before I met him.

WESTON

No girl in Glenmont is more untouchable than Maeve Stevens. She lives across enemy lines. Her father is Glenmont’s head football coach. Her twin brother is their quarterback. My latest problem? One conversation with Maeve makes me forget about the decades long rivalry between our two towns. Makes me forget there’s a team of guys relying on me to lead them to victory against our main rival. A few forbidden kisses, and there’s only one thing I want to fight for. Her.]]> 306 C.W. Farnsworth Mia 0 to-read 3.94
author: C.W. Farnsworth
name: Mia
average rating: 3.94
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 25361857 FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE LOVING ON THE EDGE NOVELS, THE FIRST IN A SENSUAL NEW SERIES

Overtime has never felt so good��

Marin Rush loves studying sex. Doing it? That’s another story. In the research lab, Marin’s lack of practical knowledge didn’t matter, but now that she’s landed a job at The Grove, a high-end, experimental sex therapy institute, she can’t ignore the fact that the person most in need of sexual healing may be her. 

Dr. Donovan West, her new hotshot colleague, couldn’t agree more. Donovan knows that Marin’s clients are going to eat her alive unless she gets some hands-on experience. And if she fails at the job, he can say goodbye to a promotion, so he assigns her a list of R-rated tasks to prepare her for the wild clientele of The Grove’s X-wing.

But some of those tasks are built for two, and when he finds Marin searching for a candidate to help her check off her list, Donovan decides there’s only one man for the job—him. As long as they keep their erotic, off-the-clock activities strictly confidential and without strings, no one will get fired—or worse, get attached��

Exclusive to this edition only—a bonus short story]]> 432 Roni Loren 0425278549 Mia 0 2024, steamy
I think I enjoyed it but who really knows. ]]> 4.01 2016
author: Roni Loren
name: Mia
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/12
shelves: 2024, steamy
review:
So I know I read this but for the life of me, can’t remember what I thought of it…how helpful is that???? (Not very).

I think I enjoyed it but who really knows.
]]> 227112222 384 Karla Sorensen Mia 3
I've quite enjoyed the Wilder Family but the actual series has been kind of lackluster. It feels like the same story told again and again. I keep reading more to see what's going on with the family than the focused person so that should say something.

I thought Parker's story had the potential of being really different and it kind of just wasn't. Don't get me wrong, I read the whole thing but at some point, there was a lot of eye rolling. The whole baby storyline was especially worthy of major eye rolls (I really hate it when children are essentially used a props). Anyway, it was fine but nothing to write home about.

I did enjoy the cameos from Ward sister series (overall, that's the better family series than the Wilder fam).]]> 4.23
author: Karla Sorensen
name: Mia
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/10
date added: 2025/02/10
shelves: 2025, kindle-unlimited, steamy
review:
3⭐️��

I've quite enjoyed the Wilder Family but the actual series has been kind of lackluster. It feels like the same story told again and again. I keep reading more to see what's going on with the family than the focused person so that should say something.

I thought Parker's story had the potential of being really different and it kind of just wasn't. Don't get me wrong, I read the whole thing but at some point, there was a lot of eye rolling. The whole baby storyline was especially worthy of major eye rolls (I really hate it when children are essentially used a props). Anyway, it was fine but nothing to write home about.

I did enjoy the cameos from Ward sister series (overall, that's the better family series than the Wilder fam).
]]> 211798857 Grey’s Anatomy meets a gender-swapped Wedding Crashers in this spicy rom-com about a one-night stand with The One, walking the tightrope of love and workplace ethics, and knowing which rules are worth breaking.

Every summer, superstar surgeon Whitney Aldritch crashes weddings with her best friend. The first one was an accident though after a decade of dropping in uninvited, they’re masters of their craft. They keep the rules simple and they never go to bed alone. 

Then there’s Henry Hazlette, best man and the best one-night stand of Whit’s summer. She never imagined she’d see him again but now he’s one of her new surgical residents—and completely off-limits.

Whitney has staked her reputation on leading the hospital’s new ethics initiative. While Henry is under her supervision, they have to keep it professional. But it doesn’t help that she can’t turn around without running face-first into his offensively broad chest or rubbing up against him in crammed elevators. Also not helping: the way he smiles at her like he can hear her every not-safe-for-work thought.

All they have to do is survive this residency—and the accidental tarot card readings that hit too close to home, a few uninvited houseguests, and the hospital’s hyperactive rumor mill—but only if they’re prepared to bend some rules as the feelings go from just for tonight to get it out of our systems to mine.]]> 426 Kate Canterbary 1946352640 Mia 0 to-read 3.88 2024
author: Kate Canterbary
name: Mia
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220983386 A city girl fleeing an abusive marriage suddenly finds herself working on a cattle ranch with a sexy but grumpy rancher as her boss in this spicy cowboy romance from the author of Seeing Red and Change of Hart.

He’s worried she won’t stay. She’s worried she will.

City girl Cecily Kennedy never expected to step foot on a cattle ranch, but when her already strained marriage takes a violent turn, a kind friend offers her a job and refuge at Wells Ranch.

Ranch life is hard enough without her new boss, Austin Wells, sending mixed signals about whether he wants her or hates her. But Cecily can’t risk getting involved with her grumpy yet alluring employer—she has nowhere else to go, and getting over her ex by getting under Austin isn’t worth the potential fallout.

As far as Austin’s concerned, Cecily won’t be sticking around for long. He’s learned the hard way that nobody ever stays, and the indent on her ring finger makes him certain the sexy city gal is no exception.

But when Cecily’s troubled past threatens her safe haven, Austin realizes that somewhere between their trail rides and late night talks, she’s branded herself on his heart. He desperately wants her to stay, and whether or not she feels the same, he’ll be damned if he lets anyone or anything hurt her under his watch.

Don’t miss any of Bailey Hannah’s steamy Wells Ranch
ALIVE AND WELLS �� SEEING RED �� CHANGE OF HART]]> 311 Bailey Hannah Mia 0 to-read 3.91
author: Bailey Hannah
name: Mia
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 218698978 A marriage of convenience might save his ranch, but will it break her heart?

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love Rhett Walker, which is complicated since he’s ten years older and my brother’s best friend. After a falling out, we didn’t speak for years—until today, when he found me sleeping in my car, threw me over his shoulder, and dragged me “to safety.��

He’s grumpy and overprotective and even more handsome than I remembered. I’m shocked to learn he’s in trouble. Someone is sabotaging his ranch, which is thirty days from foreclosure. He needs a loan from a friend who won’t extend the funds unless he’s married. Only Rhett’s now a single dad with no plans to fall in love again.

When his brother suggests I marry Rhett for health insurance so I can rehab an injury, my first reaction is hell no. I can’t afford to catch feelings for someone who won’t see me that way.

But spending time at the ranch reminds me how much is at stake—the family business, the welfare of Rhett’s children, and the happiness of a man I’ve always longed for.

Rhett says we’ll keep things platonic in private, even though I’ll be sleeping in his bed. He refuses to mix business with pleasure.

Except when the lights go out in his bedroom, our chemistry is too explosive to contain.

Would it be so bad to fall for Rhett? Or will he steal my heart all over again?

One thing’s for sure—the clock is ticking on our divorce.

Stealing Hearts is an age gap, marriage of convenience, single dad romance. If you enjoy grumpy cowboys, sweet but sassy heroines, a family of rowdy brothers, and secretive small towns, this book is for you!]]> 356 Lex Martin 1950554244 Mia 3
This was just so cheesy. It had potential - the pacing was different from a lot of these fake marriage plot lines, but it was also incredibly unoriginal and felt like a mashup of several popular contemporary cowboy romances. And the writing was just okay. It's entertaining enough and has its moments but it's def not a great read. It has a fair amount of spice and I did appreciate that things got real for them sooner rather than later but it is also what made the book kind of boring. A fair amount of steam (early on too) but not nearly enough angst and a whole lot of stupid behavior instead. Somehow, the writing manages to get worse with time and the storyline borders the absurd. ]]> 4.08
author: Lex Martin
name: Mia
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/02/08
shelves: 2025, bonus-chapter-available, kindle-unlimited, open-door-romance, steamy
review:
2.5/3ish stars

This was just so cheesy. It had potential - the pacing was different from a lot of these fake marriage plot lines, but it was also incredibly unoriginal and felt like a mashup of several popular contemporary cowboy romances. And the writing was just okay. It's entertaining enough and has its moments but it's def not a great read. It has a fair amount of spice and I did appreciate that things got real for them sooner rather than later but it is also what made the book kind of boring. A fair amount of steam (early on too) but not nearly enough angst and a whole lot of stupid behavior instead. Somehow, the writing manages to get worse with time and the storyline borders the absurd.
]]> 55423823
True love is on the line in this charming, laugh-out-loud rom-com—created specifically for the audio format!

Paint your toes. Pick up the wrong coffee and bagel order. Drive from Brooklyn to Jersey in traffic so slow you want to tear your hair out. It’s amazing all the useless things I can accomplish while on hold for three hours with customer service. Three hours when I should be getting the Date-in-a-Box website ready to launch at the big business expo in a few days. Except my shiny new website is glitching, and my inner rage-monster is ready to scorch some earth�� when he finally picks up. Not the robot voice I expected but a real live human named Cal. He’s surprisingly helpful and really knows his stuff, even if he’s a little awkward��. in an adorable way.

And suddenly I’m flirting with him? And I think he’s flirting back.
And suddenly it’s been hours, and we’re still on the phone talking and ordering each other takeout while he trouble shoots my website.
And suddenly we’re exchanging numbers and sending texts and DMs every day, leaving voice mails (who even does that anymore?!).
And suddenly I’m wondering if it’s possible for two people fall in love at first talk.

Because I’m falling�� hard.]]> 6 Cara Bastone Mia 3
Anyway, it’s sweet and predictable (except for the random dad storyline) and sadly very closed door. Not even a kiss!!!! I’d say stick to audio for this one.]]> 3.96 2020
author: Cara Bastone
name: Mia
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:
So somehow I read the written version of what would make so much more sense as an audio book bc apparently that’s actually what it is. I’m sure this is a great audio book (can’t even find the written book on ŷ������).

Anyway, it’s sweet and predictable (except for the random dad storyline) and sadly very closed door. Not even a kiss!!!! I’d say stick to audio for this one.
]]> 154462768
Eve Hatch is pretty content with her life. Her apartment in Brooklyn is cozy and close to her childhood best friend Willa, but far from her midwestern, traditional family who never really understood her. While her job is only dream- adjacent , she’s hoping her passion and hard work will soon help her land a more glamorous role. And sure, her most recent romantic history has consisted of not one but two disappointing men named Derek. At least she always knows what to expect…until she finds herself expecting after an uncharacteristic one-night stand.

The unplanned pregnancy cracks open all the relationships in her life. Eve's loyal friendship with Willa is feeling off , right when she needs her most. And it’s Willa’s steadfast older brother, Shep, who steps up to help. He has always been friendly, but now he’s checking in, ordering her surprise lunches, listening to all her complaints, and is�� suddenly kinda hot? Then there’s the baby's father, who is supportive but conflicted. Before long, Eve is rethinking everything she thought she knew about herself and her world.

Over the course of nine months, as Eve struggles to figure out the next right step in her expanding reality, she begins to realize that family and love, in all forms, can sneak up on you when you least expect it.]]> 400 Cara Bastone 0593595718 Mia 5 3.97 2024
author: Cara Bastone
name: Mia
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/26
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: 2025, favorites, heavy-topics, made-me-think, open-door-romance
review:
It’s hard to find a book in the romance genre that is both funny and romantic and kinda real but somehow, Cara Bastone manages that in this incredibly sweet, funny, tender romance. Friendship and grief (or many different kinds) both also play a big role in this fantastic book. It’s the ultimate slow burn but somehow incredibly worth it. I’d rate it opendoor rather than steamy though I will say when we finally get to “the scene��, it’s hilarious and awkward and just kind of how you’d expect it to be given the circumstances (while somehow also being sexy). There is just so much goodness in this book. The only issue with shep is his name (seriously, what kind of name is that?). And though there were times when I wanted to slap some sense into Ethan, he was also not a bad guy. They were almost too good but then you read the authors note and it all kind of make sense. Anyway, this was fabulous. Loved Eve, Willa, and even Nurse Blank/Loise. Was my first CB book but certainly not my last. Highly recommend.
]]> 214055631 Jo Watson returns with a hilarious and spicy second-chance rom-com!

Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Beth O'Leary, Paige Toon and Christina Lauren.

'Delicious romcom . . . I loved this book' GAIL SCHIMMEL

'Perfectly encapsulates what romance readers love most about the that everyone deserves the joy and beauty of falling in love. What a gem!' THERESE BEHARRIE
........................

It's been thirteen years since Ash's sex life went down in very unsexy flames, and she's been - quite frankly - sexually cursed ever since.

But now Ash has met someone who she thinks might be able to break that curse - and they are going to break it over, and over, and over again . . .
........................

What fans say about Jo's books!

'If this doesn't speak romcom perfection I don't know what does!'
�� �� �� �� ��

'Wow! This book would make THE most amazing romantic movie'
�� �� �� �� ��

'OMG!!! I absolutely love, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely gorgeous book!!! I must say it has got to be one of the best romances I have ever read!!'
�� �� �� �� ��

'A laugh-out-loud novel with unique and realistic characters'
�� �� �� �� ��

'Why haven't I heard of Jo Watson before?!! Such a brilliant read and one that totally and utterly broke my star rating system!'
�� �� �� �� ��]]> 416 Jo Watson 1035400502 Mia 0 to-read 3.98
author: Jo Watson
name: Mia
average rating: 3.98
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 212422435
Brooke Sinclair’s dream of being a published author derailed when she was expelled from the University of Edinburgh seven years ago. Now a ghostwriter, she sticks to other people’s stories. But when her college mentor, Mhairi McCallister, needs a cowriter for her memoir about Scotland’s most challenging trek, Brooke will do anything for the opportunity—including agreeing to hike the rugged Skye Trail for authenticity’s sake. What she doesn't know is that the nature photographer who’ll join her is Jack Sutherland, the teaching assistant who shattered Brooke’s writing career—and her heart.

Between falling for a student despite university rules and walking away from his family’s tour-guiding business to follow his photography dreams, Jack is desperate to prove he didn’t disappoint everyone for nothing. And he can’t ignore his aunt Mhairi’s final wishes for her memoir. Even if it means acting as guide and storyteller for the one who got away. Even if it means keeping secrets about Mhairi’s health.

As Jack and Brooke head into the solitude of the sweeping Scottish landscape, they’re forced to confront old feelings that haven’t disappeared with time. But can two weeks and eighty miles heal years of unspoken hurt and offer a second chance at the end of the trail?]]> 332 Alexandra Kiley Mia 0 to-read 3.97 2025
author: Alexandra Kiley
name: Mia
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220155637
Declan is a busy man, working his way up at Hathaway Holdings. Which is why he’s never met the woman who cleans his penthouse every week.

Abi needs a place to stay, and Declan is out of town, so the solution seems simple and, crucially, free.

When Declan’s parents tell him they met his girlfriend at his apartment, he's surprised to say the least. But it is nice to have them off his back about being single for a change. . .

Declan finds out who Abi really is, and decides to makes her a pretend to date him, and he’ll provide everything she needs.

What could go wrong? It’s business, not pleasure. Right?

Fake DatingForced Proximity]]> Lynn Painter 1405959908 Mia 0 to-read 3.90 2025
author: Lynn Painter
name: Mia
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 214269328 Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or Not

Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Her best friend, Lou, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and her death has left Lenny feeling completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with Lou, and the list of things she’s supposed to do to help her live again. The only thing she can do is temporary babysitting gigs, and luckily, she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. It’s not perfect: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of... a huge jerk. But if Lenny acts like she has it all together, maybe no one will notice she’s falling apart.

Miles sees right through her though. Turns out, he knows a lot about grief and, surprisingly, he offers her a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again�� list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Lenny doubts anything can fill the Lou has left behind, but she begins to spend more time with Miles, Lenny is surprised to discover that, sometimes, losing everything is only the first step to finding yourself, and love, again.]]> 416 Cara Bastone 0593595734 Mia 0 to-read 4.28 2025
author: Cara Bastone
name: Mia
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 219848320 Two divorce lawyers determined to share only beds but not hearts discover that love is something that can’t be overruled in this steamy contemporary romance by Lana Ferguson, USA Today bestselling author of The Game Changer.

Danica Pierce has one great love in her life: work. As one of the top divorce lawyers in Austin, Danica lets her caseload keep her warm at night and has no problem being married to her job, not when love only ends in hurt. When the biggest case of her career gives her a shot at making partner, it seems like nothing could possibly stand in her way...except for her infuriating secret: she's sleeping with the enemy.

Ezra Hart is known for charming his way in and out of a courtroom. In the matter of winning Danica Pierce's heart, however, he's been far less successful. With her verdict to keep things purely physical with no chance of appeal, Ezra struggles to show Danica he's more than the insufferable playboy she's pegged him to be--especially since they find themselves on opposing sides of Danica's most important case to date.

While Dani and Ezra battle it out in the courtroom, the real trial is the one happening between them. When Dani realizes that everything she knows of Ezra might be hearsay--and that she's not the only one with emotional baggage--she must choose between her fear of trusting again and the feelings blossoming between her and the man she thought was her worst enemy.]]> 432 Lana Ferguson 0593549392 Mia 0 to-read 4.27 2025
author: Lana Ferguson
name: Mia
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 121376298 0 Talia Hibbert Mia 0 to-read 4.86 2025
author: Talia Hibbert
name: Mia
average rating: 4.86
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217245639
I never anticipated Charlie Florek.

Good things happen at the lake. That’s what Alice’s grandmother says, and it’s true. Alice spent just one summer at a cottage with Nan when she was seventeen—it’s where she took that photo, the one of three grinning teenagers in a yellow speedboat, the image that changed her life.

Now Alice lives behind a lens. As a photographer, she’s most comfortable on the sidelines, letting other people shine. Lately though, she’s been itching for something more, and when Nan falls and breaks her hip, Alice comes up with a plan for them both: another summer in that magical place, Barry’s Bay. But as soon as they settle in, their peace is disrupted by the roar of a familiar yellow boat, and the man driving it.

Charlie Florek was nineteen when Alice took his photo from afar. Now he’s all grown up—a shameless flirt, who manages to make Nan laugh and Alice long to be seventeen again, when life was simpler, when taking pictures was just for fun. Sun-slanted days and warm nights out on the lake with Charlie are a balm for Alice’s soul, but when she looks up and sees his piercing green gaze directly on her, she begins to worry for her heart.

Because Alice sees people—that’s why she is so good at what she does—but she’s never met someone who looks and sees her right back.]]> 400 Carley Fortune 0593638913 Mia 0 to-read 4.46 2025
author: Carley Fortune
name: Mia
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217388096 An emotional, spicy, second-chance romance from USA Today bestselling author Tarah DeWitt.

This time, they'll get it right.

Wren and Ellis Byrd fell in love as kids, had their son Sam when they were only teenagers, and built a life together in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon. They were made for one another…until they fell apart.

Now divorced and in their 30s, Wren runs the bakery in town, while Ellis works as a firefighter. They live separate lives, though they are hardly off each other’s minds.

When Sam gets accepted into college and the pair help him move in together, Ellis convinces Wren to take an extended road trip back to Spunes with him to see if they can give their relationship one last chance. Amid the gorgeous scenery of the California coastline, dreamy destinations, and a great deal of long-yearned-for proximity, Wren starts to think it just might be possible. But the two still have to contend with their tumultuous past in order to move forward. And when spoken words fail, sometimes the written word must bridge the gap.
Will they make the most of what’s left of forever? Or will they let each other go for good?

Brimming with big feelings and packed with steam, Left of Forever is bestseller Tarah DeWitt at the top of her game.]]> 336 Tarah DeWitt 1250329442 Mia 0 to-read 4.61 2025
author: Tarah DeWitt
name: Mia
average rating: 4.61
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 219301810 A hitmaking songwriter and a bitter musician share a startling and inexplicable connection that they’ll do anything to shake, in the next sparkling, magical book from Ashley Poston.

Joni Lark is living the dream. She’s one of the most coveted songwriters in LA…and she can’t seem to write. There’s an emptiness inside her, and nothing seems to fill it.

When she returns to her hometown of Vienna Shores, North Carolina, she hopes that the sand, the surf, and the concerts at The Revelry, her family’s music venue, will spark her inspiration. But when she gets there, nothing is how she left it. Her best friend is avoiding her, her mother’s memories are fading fast, and The Revelry is closing.

How can she think about writing her next song when everything is changing without her?

Until she hears it. A melody in her head, lyric-less and half-formed, and an alluring and addictive voice to go with it—belonging, apparently, to a wry musician with hangups of his own.

Surely, he’s a figment of her overworked imagination.

But then the very real man attached to the voice shows up in Vienna Shores. He’s aggravating and gruff on the outside—nothing like the sweet, funny voice in Joni’s head—and he has a plan:

They’ll finish the song haunting them both, break their connection, and hope they don’t risk their hearts in the process.

Because that song stuck in their heads? Maybe it’s there for a reason.]]> Ashley Poston 0593641019 Mia 0 to-read 4.27 2025
author: Ashley Poston
name: Mia
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 213650748 She’s the one that got away. He’s the one that never let her go.

From the bestselling author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance in which past lovers get a second chance to rediscover what they lost.

Camille Ashwood had always loved a plan. Her latest was her best yet. She was going to get married so she could secure her daughter’s future, get her overbearing parents off her back, and finally start building her own life in small town Meadowlark, Wyoming. Easy, right?

But when her groom doesn’t show up to the wedding, Cam’s life is turned upside down—she doesn’t even have a place to live. That is, until she finds out the house she’s loved since high school is available to rent. There’s only one problem: the neighbor.

Dusty Tucker has spent nearly all of his adult life running. Running from what, though? More like who: Cam Ashwood. But ever since he returned home last year, the girl who was his first, well, everything has become a woman seemingly determined to keep him at arm’s length. And he was okay with that—at least, that’s what he kept telling himself. She was getting married, after all. But now she’s single and living next door. Dusty wants to show her that they can be friends, and that he can stay put.

Despite her best attempts to stay far away from Dusty Tucker, Cam realizes that being close to him is like slipping on her favorite jeans. Easy. Comfortable. That is until past wounds start to open and feelings—both old and new—wreak havoc. Nearly ten years after they first met, Dusty and Cam begin to wonder if their first love can also be their last. And this time, will it be forever?]]> Lyla Sage Mia 0 to-read 4.29 2025
author: Lyla Sage
name: Mia
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217465190
But when my nephew’s guardianship is contested, I decide I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him in Rose Hill. Even if it means marrying the enemy.

Rhys Dupris.

A man who is secretive, broody, and completely infuriating. A man whose work takes him away for weeks on end and brings him back covered in mysterious bruises—ones he won’t talk about. In fact, we barely talk at all.

Which would be fine, except when he’s not talking, he’s staring. And the way he looks at me is borderline indecent.

The tension between us has always been palpable. But living under the same roof is a dangerous temptation.

I swore I would never forgive him. But that was before I knew the man behind the mask. The one who’s fierce and protective. The one who’s gentle and patient. The one who shows up for us when we need him most.

He’s not at all who I thought he was.

And that makes hating my husband so much harder�� and loving him just a little too easy.]]> 466 Elsie Silver Mia 0 to-read 4.29 2025
author: Elsie Silver
name: Mia
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 216156650
When I was eleven, my family moved next door to his.
When I was thirteen, he was my first crush.
When I was sixteen, we fell for each other.
And when I was nineteen, we broke each other’s hearts.

Six years later, I’ve landed an internship with a big-name interior designer in a new city. Unfortunately, that city just so happens to be the one he plays hockey for.

I thought Chicago was big enough to avoid him, until I get the surprise of a lifetime and unknowingly move in right next door. Even worse? The renovation project I’m assigned to in hopes of turning that internship into my full-time dream job...

It’s 𝘩𝘪𝘴 house.

But how am I supposed to update his bachelor pad into a family home when we can’t even stand to be in the same room?

I may have loved Rio DeLuca once, but I’m not that same girl anymore.

𝑹𝒊𝒐

I never thought I’d be the only single one left in my friend group. But after years of trying to find love, I’ve concluded it may not exist for me anymore.

That is, until I accidentally hire Hallie Hart to renovate my house and our jaded history has me rewinding memories I’ve kept secret for years.

You see, there’s something that my friends don’t know.

That connection I’ve been looking for since I moved to Chicago, that one person some search their entire lives to find... I had already found her when I was twelve years old.

And now the only girl I’ve ever loved is moving into the house next door.

Again.]]> Liz Tomforde Mia 0 to-read 4.67 2025
author: Liz Tomforde
name: Mia
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 212294418 Star-crossed lovers learn that practicing romance leads to the perfect happy ending in this steamy reimagining of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

Since heartbreak entered the scene, Juliet Wilmot, once a hopeless romantic, has sworn off love. But when she's presented with the chance to revisit romance-purely for practice-with the gorgeous, off-limits guy she keeps serendipitously running into, it feels like a sign from the universe.

Quiet, shy Will Orsino knows happily-ever-after isn't on his horizon. Problem is, for the sake of the family business, marriage is. Resigned to the inevitable, but with no confidence he can woo a wife, he can hardly say no when fate hands him the alluring, unattainable woman he keeps crossing paths with, offering to help him learn the ropes of romance.

Neither of them looking for love, Jules and Will agree they're the perfect pair to practice romance. Except that practicing to perfection leads to an irresistible attraction. Their once smitten hearts, though still twice shy, might have happily-ever-after written in the stars for them, after all.]]> 384 Chloe Liese 0593441540 Mia 2
Honestly, it was kind of meh. I like Juliette and Will enough as characters... but the whole charade just didn't work for me. Also, I'm all for representing chronic illness and neurodiversity in the romance genre but sometimes CL make it more about the illness than about a person who happens to have a chronic condition. I can't say I know anything specific about either character aside from their illness or neuroatypicality (is that a word?).

It's a sloooow burn until it's not but TBH, I was kind of bored by it all and skimmed the last 15%. That said, the first kiss was pretty great. ]]> 3.79 2025
author: Chloe Liese
name: Mia
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2025
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: 2025, disability-representation, neurodiversity-representation, open-door-romance, steamy
review:
2, maybe 2.5⭐️��

Honestly, it was kind of meh. I like Juliette and Will enough as characters... but the whole charade just didn't work for me. Also, I'm all for representing chronic illness and neurodiversity in the romance genre but sometimes CL make it more about the illness than about a person who happens to have a chronic condition. I can't say I know anything specific about either character aside from their illness or neuroatypicality (is that a word?).

It's a sloooow burn until it's not but TBH, I was kind of bored by it all and skimmed the last 15%. That said, the first kiss was pretty great.
]]> 217387810 It’s a thin line between love and love-hating.

Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past—now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch�� Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West.

The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim—but fakes it that she can.

Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. And they don’t get along. Next stop paradise!

But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good looking man she has ever seen . . . but also a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.

Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue—along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.]]> 320 Katherine Center 1250283825 Mia 0 to-read 4.03 2025
author: Katherine Center
name: Mia
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220004546 As seen on BookTok! A spicy opposites-attract romance with humor and heart, just like your favorite 90s romcom.

Their marriage of convenience was supposed to exist on paper. Can these strangers act convincingly in love when the pressure’s on?

Piper Paulson’s life is finally on the upswing. She has a new job, a BFF roommate, and a commitment to avoid dating after an ex cost her her peace—and her former career. She may not have two nickels to spare, but that’s another day’s problem.

James Newhouse doesn’t have time or energy to deal with�� well, anything. A hotshot banker with a complicated family, he’s determined to keep people at arm’s length. His attraction to Piper isn’t part of the plan, and neither is adding her to a Family Fares commuter pass as his “wife�� to save her money on train fare.

Too bad their judgment is speeding away faster than their shared train.

Thrown together by chance (and a handful of Elvis impersonators), James and Piper find themselves witnesses to an incident on their commute—“married�� witnesses, who may be asked to testify if the crime goes to trial.

Can they keep up the charade to avoid being outed for their lie? And perhaps more importantly, can they protect their hearts in the process?

Exploring the journey to build a future when the path you planned no longer exists, SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE is a heartfelt opposites-attract spicy romance with a guaranteed happily ever after.]]> 302 Mallory Thomas Mia 4
A refreshing take on the fake marriage trope (which really barely features). Enjoyed it up until about 80% in. It felt like a different book in the last part - almost rushed. Also while they were both likeable, they were also too into their heads. Still, a sweet novel with a bit of steam. Pretty good for a debut. ]]> 4.04
author: Mallory Thomas
name: Mia
average rating: 4.04
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves: 2025, kindle-unlimited, open-door-romance, steamy
review:
4⭐️��

A refreshing take on the fake marriage trope (which really barely features). Enjoyed it up until about 80% in. It felt like a different book in the last part - almost rushed. Also while they were both likeable, they were also too into their heads. Still, a sweet novel with a bit of steam. Pretty good for a debut.
]]> 221647648 An emotional, steamy, why choose romance from bestselling author Abby Millsaps.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

Spence swore he had a plan. He assured us he had everything under control. He promised we could trust him. What he forgot to mention?

His so-called plan was actually an emotional bombshell with enough force behind it to destroy us all.

Technically, his plan worked—my mother and stepfather have ended their campaign to convince me to be a living organ donor.

But the emotional damage and mental load of his big announcement has created a ripple effect throughout our cohort.

Greedy is haunted and despondent.
Levi is initially shocked, then filled with shame.
Sione is simply annoyed, because he knows this is all a ruse.
Spence is stoic but more determined than ever to ensure our safety.

As for me?

I feel it all. Every sorrowful reaction and warranted frustration thrums through my veins. But there’s something else there, A sense of longing. A deep-seated desire I’ve never allowed myself to admit.

After running the gamut of emotions, I finally land on a surprising I want a baby.

For real.
Right now.
With all of them.

This is it.

I’m ready to claim the happily ever after I deserve with all four of my men by my side. I just have to convince them to go along with my plan and hope like hell that my mother leaves us alone once and for all.


So Right is the fourth and final book in the Boys of South Chapel series. A full list of tropes and triggers can be found on the author’s website.
]]> 346 Abby Millsaps Mia 0 to-read 4.19
author: Abby Millsaps
name: Mia
average rating: 4.19
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 223199392 Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.]]> 82 Abby Jimenez 1662529082 Mia 0 to-read 4.12 2025
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Mia
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 53024322
Calla Fletcher returns to Toronto a different person, struggling to find direction and still very much in love with the rugged bush pilot she left behind. When Jonah arrives on her doorstep with a proposition she can’t dismiss, she takes the leap and rushes back to Alaska to begin their exciting future together.

But Calla soon learns that even the best intentions can lead to broken promises, and that compromise comes with a hefty price—a log cabin in interior rural Alaska that feels as isolating as the western tundra.

With Jonah gone more than he’s home, one neighbor who insists on transforming her into a true Alaskan, and another who seems more likely to shoot her than come to her aid, Calla grapples with forging her own path. In a world with roaming wildlife that has her constantly watching over her shoulder and harsh conditions that stretch far beyond the cold, dark, winter months, just stepping outside her front door can be daunting.

This is not the future Calla had in mind, leaving her to fear that perhaps she is doomed to follow in her mother’s fleeing footsteps after all.]]> 472 K.A. Tucker Mia 1
Jonah is an ass. ]]> 4.12 2020
author: K.A. Tucker
name: Mia
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2020
rating: 1
read at: 2025/01/31
date added: 2025/01/31
shelves: 2025, dnf, kindle-unlimited, smut
review:
DNF 30% (of which I skimmed 10).

Jonah is an ass.
]]> 223224292
Eve has just graduated from high school, but she doesn’t know what’s next aside from working at the local motel, spying on Kyle, her neighbor, and stealing apples from his orchard. If she doesn’t figure things out soon, she’ll be stuck at home and treated like a child forever.

Kyle is a single dad and the new football coach who needs a babysitter for his adorable son. When he meets Eve, there’s an instant connection because she reminds him of someone—himself. But Eve is the preacher’s daughter, off-limits, and Kyle has already had his heart trampled by his ex.

After earning his son’s affection with her homemade apple sauce and youthful spirit, Eve asks Kyle to teach her things like driving his fishing boat and shooting his hunting bow. Despite his better judgment, he agrees, but swears Eve to secrecy so no one gets the wrong idea about them.

Their playful banter and innocent flirting crosses a line, and Kyle misses the heartbreaking secret Eve’s hidden in plain sight.

When tragedy strikes, can they find their way back to each other?]]> 392 Jewel E. Ann 1955520577 Mia 3
The last 25% of the book made up for the somewhat lackluster first 75%. I would have liked the attraction between Eve and Kyle to have been developed a little more rather than go from instalust to instalove (which I kind of get from Eve's perspective given she's 18 and essentially on a parental leash, but struggled to understand it from Kyle's perspective) While most of the book is told from Eve's POV, we do get a bit of Kyle too - just maybe not nuanced enough. Felt too much of an add on as if the editor said, "we need Kyle's perspective". That said, I really liked the last 25% (which involved a sort of 3rd act break up that ACTUALLY made sense). I enjoyed Eve and Kyle as characters but felt more could have been done at the outset. It honestly did NOT read like a Jewel E Ann book till that last part. So in the end, a solid read but actually not my favorite JEA book.

PS Would have liked a little more update on Sara. She does appear in this book but you don't have to have read book 1 to appreciate this at all bc she hardly plays a role. For the record, I LOVED Sunday Morning, which is the first book in the series. Am looking forward to Gabby's book too... And I want an extended epilogue or novella with updates from all of them!]]> 4.17 2025
author: Jewel E. Ann
name: Mia
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/01/30
shelves:
review:
3.5⭐️��

The last 25% of the book made up for the somewhat lackluster first 75%. I would have liked the attraction between Eve and Kyle to have been developed a little more rather than go from instalust to instalove (which I kind of get from Eve's perspective given she's 18 and essentially on a parental leash, but struggled to understand it from Kyle's perspective) While most of the book is told from Eve's POV, we do get a bit of Kyle too - just maybe not nuanced enough. Felt too much of an add on as if the editor said, "we need Kyle's perspective". That said, I really liked the last 25% (which involved a sort of 3rd act break up that ACTUALLY made sense). I enjoyed Eve and Kyle as characters but felt more could have been done at the outset. It honestly did NOT read like a Jewel E Ann book till that last part. So in the end, a solid read but actually not my favorite JEA book.

PS Would have liked a little more update on Sara. She does appear in this book but you don't have to have read book 1 to appreciate this at all bc she hardly plays a role. For the record, I LOVED Sunday Morning, which is the first book in the series. Am looking forward to Gabby's book too... And I want an extended epilogue or novella with updates from all of them!
]]> 213870083 A funny, fiercely intelligent, and moving collection exploring marriage, friendship, fame, and artistic ambition—including a story that revisits the main character from Curtis Sittenfeld’s iconic novel Prep—from the New York Times bestselling author of Eligible and Romantic Comedy

In her second story collection, Sittenfeld shows why she’s as beloved for her short fiction as she is for her novels. In these dazzling stories, she conjures up characters so real that they seem like old friends, laying bare the moments when their long held beliefs are overturned.

In “The Patron Saints of Middle Age,�� a woman visits two friends she hasn’t seen since her divorce. In “A for Alone,�� a married artist embarks on a creative project intended to disprove the so-called Mike Pence Rule, which suggests that women and men can’t spend time alone together without lusting after each other. And in “Lost but Not Forgotten,�� Sittenfeld gives readers of her novel Prep a window into the world of her beloved character Lee Fiora, decades later, when Lee attends an alumni reunion at her boarding school.

Hilarious, thought-provoking, and full of tenderness for her characters, Sittenfeld’s stories peel back layer after layer of our inner lives, keeping us riveted to the page with her utterly distinctive voice.]]> 320 Curtis Sittenfeld 0593446739 Mia 0 to-read 3.97 2025
author: Curtis Sittenfeld
name: Mia
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217387757
Forced to confront Rylie on a live episode of Sausage Talk, he offers Eva a deal: allow him to take her on a series of dates to make up for his toxic behavior, then debrief them on his channel to show he’s changed. Eva refuses to play nice, but agrees to the scheme to advance her own career and continue defaming Rylie’s good name. When these manufactured dates start to feel real, Eva has to wonder if the boy that broke her heart has become the man that might heal it.]]> 384 Mazey Eddings 1250333318 Mia 0 to-read 4.01 2025
author: Mazey Eddings
name: Mia
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 221251782 From the beloved author of Four Weekends and a Funeral, a nostalgic, heartwarming romance about a Type-A woman who road trips through the Minnesotan woods with her non-committal childhood best friend . . . only for their long-suppressed sparks to burn like wildfire.

Twenty-nine year old Charley Beekman is thriving. Is she financially strapped, languishing in her legal career, and very likely the youngest divorcee at the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse on a Friday night? Yes. But, now that she's accepted the inherent flaws that lie in all romantic relationships, she finally has life all figured out! She's definitely due for an upswing.

So when her free-spirited sister announces her plan to elope with her messy on-again-off-again childhood sweetheart, Charley knows she has to stop the wedding, even if it means road-tripping into the northern woods of Minnesota in a camper van with her childhood best friend, Ethan, who’s as gorgeous as he is chronically unreliable.

But when their cozy journey ignites a spark she's tried to ignore for years, Charley tries to write off her feelings as fleeting. Because after failing at marriage so spectacularly with the most responsible man she's ever known, Charley definitely shouldn't risk it all for her non-committal, nomadic, musician best friend . . . right?]]> 368 Ellie Palmer 0593714326 Mia 0 to-read 4.21
author: Ellie Palmer
name: Mia
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 36373564 City girl Calla Fletcher attempts to reconnect with her estranged father, and unwittingly finds herself torn between her desire to return to the bustle of Toronto and a budding relationship with a rugged Alaskan pilot in this masterful new romance from acclaimed author K.A. Tucker.

Calla Fletcher was two when her mother took her and fled the Alaskan wild, unable to handle the isolation of the extreme, rural lifestyle, leaving behind Calla’s father, Wren Fletcher, in the process. Calla never looked back, and at twenty-six, a busy life in Toronto is all she knows. But when her father reaches out to inform her that his days are numbered, Calla knows that it’s time to make the long trip back to the remote frontier town where she was born.

She braves the roaming wildlife, the odd daylight hours, the exorbitant prices, and even the occasional—dear God—outhouse, all for the chance to connect with her father: a man who, despite his many faults, she can’t help but care for. While she struggles to adjust to this new subarctic environment, Jonah—the quiet, brooding, and proud Alaskan pilot who keeps her father’s charter plane company operational—can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. And he’s clearly waiting with one hand on the throttle to fly this city girl back to where she belongs, convinced that she’s too pampered to handle the wild.

Jonah is probably right, but Calla is determined to prove him wrong. As time passes, she unexpectedly finds herself forming a bond with the burly pilot. As his undercurrent of disapproval dwindles, it’s replaced by friendship—or perhaps something deeper? But Calla is not in Alaska to stay and Jonah will never leave. It would be foolish of her to kindle a romance, to take the same path her parents tried—and failed at—years ago.

It’s a simple truth that turns out to be not so simple after all.]]> 390 K.A. Tucker 1501133438 Mia 4
The problem with this book are the characters. I just didn’t quite like any of them�� except maybe Simon (the step dad) and Mabel (next door neighbor kid).

I did enjoy the book and I was hooked and am continuing to read the series bc it is a continuation of the story but I’m really not convinced of the romance. In fact, the start of the second book pretty much gets to my concern with the romance: the fact they seem to be connected by traumatic loss rather than anything else��. Well, maybe lust and sexual attraction. Jonah is kinda a dick even if he apparently has a heart of gold. And I don’t even want to waste words on Calla - seriously, who goes running with full on makeup? She just seems exactly how Jonah sees her - spoiled and shallow. And then there’s Susan, her mom, who seems like a pretty awful person too - I get why she left Alaska but she plays a role in her daughters estranged relationship with her ex husband. So it’s hard to love a book when you don’t like the characters very much. I like flawed characters bc that makes them real but I had a hard time being convinced by the goodness of these characters except maybe Wren. Still, it’s an engaging read. Once might even say it’s the serious version of Tessa Baily’s hilarious It Happend One Summer. ]]> 4.27 2018
author: K.A. Tucker
name: Mia
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/01/28
shelves:
review:
Somewhere between 3.5 and 4⭐️S

The problem with this book are the characters. I just didn’t quite like any of them�� except maybe Simon (the step dad) and Mabel (next door neighbor kid).

I did enjoy the book and I was hooked and am continuing to read the series bc it is a continuation of the story but I’m really not convinced of the romance. In fact, the start of the second book pretty much gets to my concern with the romance: the fact they seem to be connected by traumatic loss rather than anything else��. Well, maybe lust and sexual attraction. Jonah is kinda a dick even if he apparently has a heart of gold. And I don’t even want to waste words on Calla - seriously, who goes running with full on makeup? She just seems exactly how Jonah sees her - spoiled and shallow. And then there’s Susan, her mom, who seems like a pretty awful person too - I get why she left Alaska but she plays a role in her daughters estranged relationship with her ex husband. So it’s hard to love a book when you don’t like the characters very much. I like flawed characters bc that makes them real but I had a hard time being convinced by the goodness of these characters except maybe Wren. Still, it’s an engaging read. Once might even say it’s the serious version of Tessa Baily’s hilarious It Happend One Summer.
]]> 22607787 THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby’s brand new series, five best friends open a hot new restaurant, but one of them gets much more than she bargained for when a sexy former rock star walks through the doors—and into her heart.

Seduction is quickly becoming the hottest new restaurant in Portland, and Addison Wade is proud to claim 1/5 of the credit. She’s determined to make it a success and can’t think of a better way to bring in new customers than live music. But when former rock star Jake Keller swaggers through the doors to apply for the weekend gig, she knows she’s in trouble. Addie instantly recognizes him—his posters were plastered all over her bedroom walls in high school—he’s all bad boy...exactly her type and exactly what she doesn’t need.

Jake Keller walked away from the limelight five years ago and yearns to return to what’s always driven him: the music. If he gets to work for a smart-mouthed, funny-as-hell bombshell, all the better. But talking Addie into giving him the job is far easier than persuading her that he wants more than a romp in her bed. Just when she begins to drop her walls, Jake’s past finally catches up with him.

Will Addie be torn apart once again or will Jake be able to convince her to drown out her doubts and listen to her heart?]]> 317 Kristen Proby Mia 0 to-read 4.03 2016
author: Kristen Proby
name: Mia
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 206673322 She thrives in chaos. He prefers routine. The only thing they have in common? How much they hate each other. From the author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the highly anticipated next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance featuring enemies to lovers and forced proximity.

Teddy Andersen doesn't have a plan. She's never needed one before. She's always been more of a go with the flow type of girl, but for some reason, the flow doesn't seem to be going her way this time. Her favorite vintage suede jacket has a hole in it, her sewing machine is broken, and her best friend just got engaged. Suddenly, everything feels like it's starting to change. Teddy's used to being a leader, but now she feels like she's getting left behind, wondering if the life she lives in the small town she loves is enough for her anymore.

Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He doesn't know what's taking care of his family's 8,000 acre ranch, or parenting his spunky six-year-old daughter, who is staying with him for the summer. Gus has always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he slips up, and he has to admit that he can't manage everything on his own. He needs help. His little sister's best friend, the woman he can't stand, is not who he had in mind. But when no one else can step in, Teddy's the only option he's got. Teddy decides to use the summer to try and figure out what she wants out of life. Gus, on the other hand, starts to worry that he'll never find what he needs. Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. As new feelings start to simmer below the surface, they must decide whether or not to act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned?]]> 368 Lyla Sage 1529436729 Mia 2
Disappointing though again, the authors note does help make sense of things and I suspect it was a really hard book to write, esp with the weight of expectations. ]]> 4.19 2024
author: Lyla Sage
name: Mia
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2025/01/26
shelves: 2025, bonus-chapter-available, steamy
review:
Underdeveloped. Maybe even rushed? It all makes sense when you read the author’s note but otherwise, this was such a letdown. I was SO looking forward to Teddy and Gus�� story and it kinda was just so boring and flat. It has its moments esp at the beginning but then all of a sudden they go from hate to love in the blink of an eye. There’s no real angst or buildup. Most disappointing is that teddy is potentially such an interesting character but we see zero character development. It really felt way too much like Elsie Silver’s Heartless (Cade and Willa’s story) but not nearly as good.

Disappointing though again, the authors note does help make sense of things and I suspect it was a really hard book to write, esp with the weight of expectations.
]]> 215805795 Two strangers find themselves stranded at sea together in this epic new love story by bestselling author Beth O’Leary.

What if you were lost at sea…with your one-night stand?

Zeke and Lexi thought it would just be a night of fun. They had no intentions of seeing each other again. Zeke is only in town for the weekend to buy back his late father’s houseboat. Lexi has no time for dating when she needs to help take care of her best friend's daughter.

Going back home with a stranger seems like a perfect escape from their problems. But a miscommunication in the dark, foggy night means no one tied the houseboat to the dock. The next morning, Zeke and Lexi realize all they can see is miles and miles of water.

With just a few provisions on the idle boat, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back home. But aside from their survival, they’re facing another challenge. Because when you’re stuck together for days on end, it gives you a lot of time to get to know someone—and to fall in love with them.]]> 384 Beth O'Leary 0593640144 Mia 0 to-read 3.72 2025
author: Beth O'Leary
name: Mia
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 175371869 She's searching for a new future.
Their journeys are about to collide.

When an injury overturns her ballet career, Isabella decides to move to a new city so she can start fresh and discover who she is without dance. The last person she expects to meet is the angry MMA fighter living next door.

Kane has spent his entire life putting up walls to keep people out, and he's never had any problem doing it—until Isabella. Because the second the sweet ballerina appears in his life, it becomes apparent that his short fuse and brazen rudeness are not going to be enough to keep her away. And suddenly, that doesn't seem like the worst thing in the world.

While Isabella searches for a new identity for herself, Kane has to decide if he's willing to take a chance on someone for the first time in his life.

Can Kane and Isabella help each other to find their new paths in life? Or will Kane's ugly past keep them from their happy ending?]]> 378 Nikki Castle Mia 2
She’s a rich girl with a broken dream.
He’s a (formerly) poor boy who is kind of broken.
They have a lot of sex in all sorts of places and this apparently heals them both. The end.

It did start out promising but just didn’t go anywhere for me. I honestly do not grt the high ratings. Was so boring. And yes, there is such a thing as too much sex bc once they start, they keep at it like rabbits. ]]> 4.24
author: Nikki Castle
name: Mia
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: 2025, kindle-unlimited, smut, steamy, bonus-chapter-available
review:
2⭐️��

She’s a rich girl with a broken dream.
He’s a (formerly) poor boy who is kind of broken.
They have a lot of sex in all sorts of places and this apparently heals them both. The end.

It did start out promising but just didn’t go anywhere for me. I honestly do not grt the high ratings. Was so boring. And yes, there is such a thing as too much sex bc once they start, they keep at it like rabbits.
]]> 62329307 A badass photojournalist that treats every day as a new adventure.
A friends with benefits relationship.

When Aiden and Dani meet on his college campus, their playful banter and physical chemistry immediately draws them to each other. It's easy for one accidental meet-cute to become a standing date, and for a certain understanding to develop between them. Because neither one of them has any interest in anything serious.

Over time, their physical relationship blossoms into an actual friendship. Before long, they're texting for no reason, meeting each other's friends, and spending nights together that don't end between the sheets. But the closer they get, the more both of their apprehension toward relationships becomes an obstacle between them.

While Aiden struggles to balance his feelings for Dani with his long-term fear of abandonment, Dani is forced to reexamine her past and her reasons for not wanting to get close to anyone.

Will Aiden and Dani be able to get past their relationship fears and let themselves fall in love? Or will their mistrust of love keep them from their happy ending?


��3 Count features strong language and explicit sexual scenes. Reader discretion is advised.]]> 293 Nikki Castle Mia 3 4.17
author: Nikki Castle
name: Mia
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves:
review:

]]> 210670779 Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Jewel E. Ann parachutes into the burning, hazardous heart of love in a sexy yet dramatic romance set in Big Sky country.

When Jamie Andrews moves in with a house full of firefighters, things start heating up fast. Battling the wilderness of rural Montana, these guys are always charging into danger—for a living, for duty, for the rush—and since Jamie is a psychiatric nurse, they fascinate her analytic mind. She can’t help but fixate on Calvin, a grumpy, enigmatic smoke jumper ten years her senior. She makes playfully tormenting him her pet project, trying to get him to open up. It turns out he gives as good as he gets.

When something smoldering between them sparks, they’ll have to keep it quiet, which makes Jamie start to wonder about �䲹��������’s secret, the one he won’t explain. She’ll learn more after life pulls them apart. But as she follows the truth like a trail of flame into the dark, will it lead her to hearth and home with Calvin…or will it all go up in a blaze?
]]> 328 Jewel E. Ann 1662523688 Mia 3
In terms of ratings, this was quite the rollercoaster ride. As one would expect from a Jewel E Ann book, it’s well written, engaging, interesting�� there was a bit of an age gap but nothing too shocking (10 years). It’s definitely not your typical romance and honestly felt like two books in one bc the second half really just throws everything into chaos (which I guess is the point). I just didn’t love it. Was a bit too Coleen Hoover Nov 9 for me. And that book scarred me for life. Not saying this is in the same league but def made it a harder sell for me. The second half also felt way too underdeveloped. In fact, the whole falling in love part sort of came out of nowhere. I guess a lot of time does pass. The first few “will they won’t they�� moments were probably the best. 5 star worthy, but the rest was kind of okay.

I also toggled between the audio and kindle versions and I’m generally not an audio person - the narrators almost always feel wrong to me and that was the case here too. Jaymes was far too “breathy�� and Calvin just too vanilla (in terms of voices).

Also keep in mind it has some pretty heavy themes (and a fair amount of steam). While I def will keep reading the series, I’m not entirely sold on this one. ]]> 4.26 2024
author: Jewel E. Ann
name: Mia
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves: 2025, heavy-topics, kindle-unlimited, steamy
review:
If this is your first book by the author, I suggest you put it down and read one of her others first. This is not her best work.

In terms of ratings, this was quite the rollercoaster ride. As one would expect from a Jewel E Ann book, it’s well written, engaging, interesting�� there was a bit of an age gap but nothing too shocking (10 years). It’s definitely not your typical romance and honestly felt like two books in one bc the second half really just throws everything into chaos (which I guess is the point). I just didn’t love it. Was a bit too Coleen Hoover Nov 9 for me. And that book scarred me for life. Not saying this is in the same league but def made it a harder sell for me. The second half also felt way too underdeveloped. In fact, the whole falling in love part sort of came out of nowhere. I guess a lot of time does pass. The first few “will they won’t they�� moments were probably the best. 5 star worthy, but the rest was kind of okay.

I also toggled between the audio and kindle versions and I’m generally not an audio person - the narrators almost always feel wrong to me and that was the case here too. Jaymes was far too “breathy�� and Calvin just too vanilla (in terms of voices).

Also keep in mind it has some pretty heavy themes (and a fair amount of steam). While I def will keep reading the series, I’m not entirely sold on this one.
]]> 208662056
Thanks to an overprotective family, he’s ignored me for years, but still, I can’t get his grumpy a** out of my head. And in a wine-fueled, post-bad date funk, I make another terrible decision: show up at his cabin to ask why he’s never given me a chance.

The storm that got me stuck there overnight was a total fluke, but I’m no fool. While Jax is perfectly clear about not wanting a family or love or any of the happily-ever-afters I’ve dreamed of, what’s the harm in asking for just one night? The worst thing he can say is no.

He doesn’t though, and I was saying yes, yes, yes a whole lot after that.

Best. Decision. Ever.

One night is enough to feel like I can move on, and we agree to let it be a secret kept safe between us.
But you know what makes it hard to keep a one-night secret about my not-so-secret crush?

A positive pregnancy test.

Oh baby, things are about to get interesting.]]> 404 Karla Sorensen Mia 3 4.37 2024
author: Karla Sorensen
name: Mia
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: 2025, kindle-unlimited, steamy
review:
I just can’t remember what I thought of this but it was at least 3 stars
]]> 199204742
It’s been over a decade since I’ve seen him, but when I return to my hometown after years away, Ian’s exactly the man I remembered. The same guy who gave me his coat on a playground when we were kids and promised he’d take care of me forever. I need a quiet place to work with this deadline looming. I need a place where my daughter can unwind. Enter Ian with an offer I can’t refuse: his spare bedroom.

It’s an easy yes. Except now the problem is I can’t stop thinking about him, and these thoughts? They’re wandering out of the friend zone. I keep imagining very creative ways to rip off his clothes. And Ian starts giving me looks of his own, the kind that make my heart race.

One night, we cross a line we can’t uncross. The lines have blurred, and our friendship is hanging by a thread.

Imagine this: a woman falling for her best friend. And she has no idea if he feels the same.]]> 394 Karla Sorensen Mia 4 4.30 2024
author: Karla Sorensen
name: Mia
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: 2025, kindle-unlimited, steamy
review:
It’s been a minute since I finished this one. Was dreading it bc I’d read some not so great reviews but I quite enjoyed it. Though cannot remember details. I just remembered that I liked it more than I thought i would.
]]> 209669041
Reid Cohen prefers a quiet life of working in his shop and hiking with his dog. He tries not to get too attached to anyone, and definitely doesn’t have space in his life to fall in love again. But when he begins spending time with the beautiful woman next door, his heart says otherwise.

Instead of acting on their mutual attraction, Reid and Busy settle into a friendship they didn’t know they needed. Casual dinners at home, short hikes into the mountains, swimming in the lake…every day is wonderful when you’re spending time with someone you care about.

But true love is once in a lifetime, and despite their best efforts, the two fall hard and fast. When Busy finds out that Reid is harboring a painful secret, she’ll need to prove her love can weather any storm, and that the depth of what they share will last forever.

___________________________________________

The Downside to Forever is book five in the Cedar Point series, a series of interconnected standalone romance novels following five siblings as they find their happily-ever-afters in a lakeside small town in the mountains. While the books can be read in any order, readers will receive tidbits throughout the series about other couples. For the best, spoiler-free experience, it's encouraged to read the series in order.]]> 332 Jillian Liota 1952549434 Mia 2 2025, steamy 4.19 2024
author: Jillian Liota
name: Mia
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: 2025, steamy
review:
Boring characters. That’s the problem with this series. Aside from the first installment that I recall being good (though now I’m questioning myself), the characters in this series - ESP the women, are so flat and uninteresting. There is nothing about them to endear them to the reader. There was so much potential for Busy but there is ZERO character development. And in this particular installment, there is also no drama, no angst, no “banter��. Yes, there’s a lot of attraction and pining and the story itself is sweet enough but it bored me to tears. Even the little kid wasn’t all that interesting. Maybe the dog was the most interesting character. I’m sad to say this b/c I think the series started off pretty well��
]]> 75361333 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

More than ONE MILLION copies sold

A TODAY Show Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

A New York Times Notable Book, and Chosen by Oprah Daily, Time, NPR, The Washington Post, Bill Gates and Barack Obama as a Best Book of the Year

"Wise and wildly entertaining . . . permeated with light, wit, youth." --The New York Times Book Review

"A classic that we will read for years to come." --Jenna Bush Hager, Read with Jenna book club

"A real joyride . . . elegantly constructed and compulsively readable." - NPR

The bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow and Rules of Civility and master of absorbing, sophisticated fiction returns with a stylish and propulsive novel set in 1950s America

In June, 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm where he has just served fifteen months for involuntary manslaughter. His mother long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett's intention is to pick up his eight-year-old brother, Billy, and head to California where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden's car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett's future, one that will take them all on a fateful journey in the opposite direction--to the City of New York.

Spanning just ten days and told from multiple points of view, Towles's third novel will satisfy fans of his multi-layered literary styling while providing them an array of new and richly imagined settings, characters, and themes. "Once again, I was wowed by Towles's writing--especially because The Lincoln Highway is so different from A Gentleman in Moscow in terms of setting, plot, and themes. Towles is not a one-trick pony. Like all the best storytellers, he has range. He takes inspiration from famous hero's journeys, including The Iliad, The Odyssey, Hamlet, Huckleberry Finn, and Of Mice and Men. He seems to be saying that our personal journeys are never as linear or predictable as an interstate highway. But, he suggests, when something (or someone) tries to steer us off course, it is possible to take the wheel." - Bill Gates]]> 576 Amor Towles 0735222363 Mia 4 favorites 4.20 2021
author: Amor Towles
name: Mia
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/01/15
shelves: favorites
review:

]]> 123244793 Austin Buckley

Yes, I’m a single dad who needs a nanny for the summer.

But hire the stranded runaway bride who shows up on my doorstep in a wedding gown with no references, no skills, and no experience?

No one is that desperate.

Except within twenty-four hours, down-on-her-luck Veronica Sutton manages to charm my kids, my family, and half the population of Cherry Tree Harbor into believing she’s perfect for the job.

And for me.

It’s not that I can’t see the appeal–those baby blue eyes? The endless legs? That mouth made for trouble? But I’ve got enough on my plate, raising two kids on my own and keeping the family business alive. I don’t have the time or the inclination to fall for an outspoken city girl.

So I should have kept my hands to myself.

Holding her in my arms was a big mistake. Even worse? Spending the night together. She ignites a possessive fire in me that I’m finding hard to snuff out.

But the most unforgivable? Growing attached to the sound of her laugh, the scent of her skin, and the way her body wraps around mine in the dark.

At the end of the summer, she’ll be gone.
And if I’m not careful, she might run away with my heart.]]> 402 Melanie Harlow Mia 1 DNF at 14%. Enough said. 4.06 2023
author: Melanie Harlow
name: Mia
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2023
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2025/01/15
shelves:
review:
DNF at 14%. Enough said.
]]> 86508524
Grayson Hawthorn is losing hope. A convicted felon with limited capital and dwindling resources, his vow to resurrect his family's struggling vineyard seems destined to fail. That is, until a young woman enters his office with an outlandish proposal―a win-win business marriage he can't refuse. But what begins as a temporary arrangement soon threatens to become more, as vibrant, spirited Kira challenges detached, arrogant Grayson to want more from life. To want more for himself.

As their wills clash and fiery passion ignites, the two realize that sometimes the past creates walls too difficult to climb, and lies and deception rarely precede a happily ever after.

A marriage-of-convenience spicy standalone romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Archer's Voice.]]> 416 Mia Sheridan 1728285089 Mia 2
Plus, once again, a white author feels the need to bring “Africa�� into the storyline - granted tangentially but still (she does eventually zone in on Kenya but doesn’t paint a particularly flattering picture). The way these writers flatten the largest continent - that has over 50 countries within it - into convenient stereotypes is kind of infuriating. ]]> 3.85 2015
author: Mia Sheridan
name: Mia
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2025/01/14
shelves: 2025, kindle-unlimited, steamy
review:
The cheesiest Mia Sheridan book I’ve read. Entertaining enough and started off strong but just gets a bit annoying.

Plus, once again, a white author feels the need to bring “Africa�� into the storyline - granted tangentially but still (she does eventually zone in on Kenya but doesn’t paint a particularly flattering picture). The way these writers flatten the largest continent - that has over 50 countries within it - into convenient stereotypes is kind of infuriating.
]]> 221473129 A sizzling exes-to-lovers second- chance romance from the author of Morbidly Yours, the “sweet, spicy, and fabulous�� (Abby Jimenez, #1 New York Times bestselling author) TikTok sensation

She doesn’t do second chances. But he's not done writing their song.

Cielo “Lo�� Valdez doesn’t believe in second chances. Surviving cancer taught her life is too short to spend time on someone who wronged you. But Aidan O’Toole is determined to show her life is best spent together.

When the tough-as-nails Texan moved to Galway for medical school, she wasn’t looking for love. Aidan, a gorgeous, tattooed, mandolin-playing lawyer, slipped past her defenses. They each fell hard and fast. But when Aidan was given the opportunity of a lifetime—to move to London and record an album—he took it, breaking Lo's heart. Yet more than two years and a successful album later, every song he writes is still about her, the one he let get away. And every time Lo hears his voice on the radio singing about love, it’s an arrow straight to her soul.

Now they’re on a collision course as maid of honor and best man at a weekend-long Irish castle wedding. Are some mistakes worth forgiving? Can Aidan convince Lo their song wasn’t meant to end?]]> Ivy Fairbanks 0593851897 Mia 0 to-read 3.97
author: Ivy Fairbanks
name: Mia
average rating: 3.97
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 219368803
Ben—Stealer of Clients, Evicter of Homeless Women, Nemesis. Sitting across from me every damn Monday with his lovely, smug smile and his too-perfect teeth, the living symbol of everything I hate.

It’s been my policy to avoid him, but when a case comes into the firm—one that could change his career and mine—I make an exception. It means weekends and evenings by his side. It means enduring his smirk and his smart mouth and never taking the bait.

Until the night Ben says, “Beg.��
And that devil on my shoulder decides to make a few demands of her own.]]> 298 Elizabeth O'Roark Mia 2 2025
This one was a lot like the hating game for a good chunk of it but then has some original streaks. It was entertaining enough but I will say that Ben is the creepiest MC I’ve read in a while - and you don’t get the depth of that till the end. I would def have run (away) once I got to his house (and I saw that one coming but stilll��.)

If this series is your first encounter with this author, I swear her prior Summer (5 books) and Waking Olivia (2 books) series is a lot better than this.]]> 3.99 2022
author: Elizabeth O'Roark
name: Mia
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves: 2025
review:
I’m pleased to report that no country was maligned or misrepresented in this book (see my reviews of the previous 2 installments)

This one was a lot like the hating game for a good chunk of it but then has some original streaks. It was entertaining enough but I will say that Ben is the creepiest MC I’ve read in a while - and you don’t get the depth of that till the end. I would def have run (away) once I got to his house (and I saw that one coming but stilll��.)

If this series is your first encounter with this author, I swear her prior Summer (5 books) and Waking Olivia (2 books) series is a lot better than this.
]]> 219368678 You don’t really know a guy until you’ve vacationed with him��

When Drew Wilson’s ex-boyfriend Joel “Six�� Bailey asks her to go on his family trip to Hawaii with him just as her life is falling apart, she decides it's the perfect time to give him another chance.

The hitch? The Bailey family includes Six’s rude older brother, Joshua—a hot-nerd doctor who has hated Drew since the moment they met and once suggested she’d steal the family silver.

Drew is determined to win the Baileys over and give this thing with Six a fair shot…but Joshua is making that difficult. Not simply because he is in her way at every turn, but because—as one tropical adventure leads to the next—she’s beginning to wonder if obnoxious, odious Joshua might be the brother she actually belongs with.]]> 318 Elizabeth O'Roark Mia 1
What’s more troubling is the complete omission of external factors, like the U.S.’s role in inciting conflict and displacement through drone strikes, military interventions, and proxy wars. This has created a massive refugee and IDP crisis, yet the U.S. has taken in relatively few Somali refugees. I get that this is suppose to be a romance but if you’re going to bring in outer countries, then at least give some care to their representation. Reducing Somalia’s complexities to a setting of violence and despair perpetuates harmful stereotypes and ignores the broader geopolitical context. Somalia, like Rwanda, deserves more thoughtful and accurate storytelling.]]> 3.99
author: Elizabeth O'Roark
name: Mia
average rating: 3.99
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2025/01/04
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves:
review:
I can forgive an author I generally like for the occasional lackluster plot - as is the case here. But what I can’t forgive her for is the reductive portrayal of Somalia. Much like the first installment in this series, which perpetuated harmful stereotypes about Rwanda (esp in the bonus download), the depiction here is uninformed and careless. An American doctor working in a ‘refugee camp�� speaking French? Not only is French irrelevant in Somalia, where Somali and Arabic are the official languages, but it’s also more likely the setting would be an IDP camp, given Somalia’s displacement crisis is predominantly internal.

What’s more troubling is the complete omission of external factors, like the U.S.’s role in inciting conflict and displacement through drone strikes, military interventions, and proxy wars. This has created a massive refugee and IDP crisis, yet the U.S. has taken in relatively few Somali refugees. I get that this is suppose to be a romance but if you’re going to bring in outer countries, then at least give some care to their representation. Reducing Somalia’s complexities to a setting of violence and despair perpetuates harmful stereotypes and ignores the broader geopolitical context. Somalia, like Rwanda, deserves more thoughtful and accurate storytelling.
]]> 53627576 We are all, for better or worse, doomed to love each other until death do us part. My heart belongs to Proserpina and St. Sebastian—even if he no longer wants it. Even if she has left it behind to follow him.
Delphine’s fled back home, and Becket’s holy calling is in peril.
And now only Rebecca and I remain at Thornchapel to face the unknown.
The door is open. The door that shouldn’t exist; the door that people have died to close. I don’t feel like the lord of the manor...I don’t feel like a king or a wild god. I am a friend and a boyfriend and a brother—and a failure at being all of these things. But the door doesn’t care about my guilt. It only cares about the sacrifice I’ll make to close it.
As the bruising dark of Samhain approaches, so does the fate of our circle, of Thornchapel and the village and the valley beyond it. And I must don the crown, because one thing is still true, even if I must face it alone.
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐥, 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐞.]]> 486 Sierra Simone Mia 4 2024, lgbtqi, smut, steamy
Ending reminded me a lot of the Song of Achilles but not in the way you might imagine.

Great co conclusion to a really fascinating series (but felt this one also exposed a lot of holes in the whole plot) ]]> 4.21 2020
author: Sierra Simone
name: Mia
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/30
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves: 2024, lgbtqi, smut, steamy
review:
We’re at a totally different place from where this series started.

Ending reminded me a lot of the Song of Achilles but not in the way you might imagine.

Great co conclusion to a really fascinating series (but felt this one also exposed a lot of holes in the whole plot)
]]> 44451017
But then we grew up.
Then we came back.

Delphine Dansey carries her heart on the outside of her body; she’s looking for love and chasing dreams. She’s spoiled and selfish, the kind of beautiful that’s made for money and fame. But somehow she’s ended up in my keeping: a pretty submissive I can’t seem to resist, a lover who obsesses and tempts me.

I thought I’d locked my heart away a long time ago, along with all my other weaknesses. But some doors won't stay closed, no matter how hard I fight to keep them shut. She unravels me, just like our friends are unraveling, just like Thornchapel itself is unraveling.

All year long, we’ve been sowing lust and jealousy and pain, heedless of the consequences. But a harvest is inevitable, and so now we must reap our sorrows.

And our sighs.]]> 454 Sierra Simone Mia 3 2024, lgbtqi, smut, steamy 4.03 2020
author: Sierra Simone
name: Mia
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/28
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves: 2024, lgbtqi, smut, steamy
review:
Not sure this installment was necessary.
]]> 44434266
But then she came back—the girl I once kissed in a thorn-covered chapel in the woods. She came back, and I could no more resist her than I could pry out my own heart. And by some trick of fate, she wants me as much as I want her. The only problem? She also wants the man who owns Thornchapel, Auden Guest.

And so do I.

Eight years ago, I did something to Auden, something terrible. He hurt me back the only way he knew how, and so here we are: our hatred seasoned with pain and my loneliness seasoned with longing. The only thing we can agree on is Proserpina Markham, and she wants us to find a way to be together—all three of us.

If Auden wants to earn her as his submissive, then he has to earn me as well.

But with the discovery of bones behind the altar and the carnal revel of Beltane fast approaching, it’s becoming clear that Thornchapel’s secrets are much deeper and older than any of us could have ever guessed. And no matter how bright and merry a feast of sparks may be, it’s always followed by ashes.

And darkness.

*Feast of Sparks is Book Two in the Thornchapel series.*]]> 408 Sierra Simone Mia 4 2024, smut, steamy 3.77 2019
author: Sierra Simone
name: Mia
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/25
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves: 2024, smut, steamy
review:
Interesting continuation of the story. Focuses mostly on the male characters.
]]> 44552089
As Poe begins uncovering the house’s secrets, both new and old, she’s also pulled into the seductive, elegant world of Auden and his friends—and drawn to Auden’s worst enemy, the beautiful and brooding St. Sebastian. And as Thornchapel slowly tightens its coil of truths and lies around them, Poe, Auden and St. Sebastian start unravelling into filthy, holy pleasure and pain. Together, they awaken a fate that will either anoint them or leave them in ashes��
***
From the author of the USA Today bestselling New Camelot series comes an original fairy tale full of ancient mysteries, lantern-lit rituals, jealousy, money, murder, sacred torment, and obsessions that last for lifetimes...

***A Lesson in Thorns is the first of four books in the Thornchapel series.***
]]> 358 Sierra Simone Mia 5 2024, lgbtqi, smut, steamy 3.84 2019
author: Sierra Simone
name: Mia
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/18
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves: 2024, lgbtqi, smut, steamy
review:
Full RTC but I will say that if you read this, you’re basically committing to reading all four books and it’s definitely not for everyone. (Very smutty but there is an actual plot too)
]]> 75250129 He might not be the devil, but working under him for six weeks is my idea of hell.

Hayes Flynn is an arrogant jerk known best for his scotch habit and the way he spreads his British “charm�� all over Hollywood, never with the same woman twice.

He’s the last person I want to work for, except he has a face I can’t look away from, and the longer we’re together, the harder he is to hate. Because under that smug exterior is a heart he doesn’t want to show—one that was badly broken a decade earlier.

A part of me wants to fix it for him before I leave…but can I do it without breaking my own in the process?]]> 300 Elizabeth O'Roark Mia 3
***

Original rating before I read the extended epilogue: 4.5⭐️��

I had minimal expectations and perhaps that’s what was so surprising. This was delightful. While it was also predictable and I hated the reference to “not wanting to live in third world counties�� (so bloody racist�� plus, people with money always have an even better time in many countries with a low GDP) it was also a really fun read. There are some heavy elements for sure, but overall, I laughed out loud several times. The banter is fantastic, making this slow burn quite worth it. A solid start to 2025!
]]> 4.12 2021
author: Elizabeth O'Roark
name: Mia
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/01/04
shelves: kindle-unlimited, open-door-romance, 2025
review:
The extended epilogue just pissed me off. It’s related to how Rwanda is depicted. And it gets worse in book 2 (much worse) as Somalia features quite a bit. But I’ve been banned from updating my review on book 2 as I called the author to do better, which is unfortunate. I generally like EO as a writer; I just wish she understood the complexities of these countries that she is featuring in this series, that’s all.

***

Original rating before I read the extended epilogue: 4.5⭐️��

I had minimal expectations and perhaps that’s what was so surprising. This was delightful. While it was also predictable and I hated the reference to “not wanting to live in third world counties�� (so bloody racist�� plus, people with money always have an even better time in many countries with a low GDP) it was also a really fun read. There are some heavy elements for sure, but overall, I laughed out loud several times. The banter is fantastic, making this slow burn quite worth it. A solid start to 2025!

]]> 219744112
1. It was hands down the best sex of her life
2. He keeps popping up

Garrett Adler had spent the last two years thinking about the woman he picked up at a wedding bar and kicking himself for never getting her name. So when his blind date turns out to be the same woman from that night, he’s determined to do things right this time around. Only, she wants nothing to do with him.

But when trouble finds its way to Cory’s tattoo shop, Garrett might be the only one who can help her get to the bottom of it. That is, if she’ll let him.]]> 290 Amanda Pinkerman Mia 0 to-read 3.98
author: Amanda Pinkerman
name: Mia
average rating: 3.98
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220389457
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 stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.]]> 58 Alexandria Bellefleur 1662529341 Mia 3
Of all the books in this collection, this is probably the best one - which sadly is not a high bare. But it was at least funny and silly and made for a good quick read. ]]> 3.28 2024
author: Alexandria Bellefleur
name: Mia
average rating: 3.28
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/01/02
shelves: 2025, kindle-unlimited, open-door-romance
review:
3.5⭐️��

Of all the books in this collection, this is probably the best one - which sadly is not a high bare. But it was at least funny and silly and made for a good quick read.
]]> 59567857 From the author of THE BERGMAN BROTHERS series comes a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers holiday romance, perfect for fans of THE HATING GAME and YOU'VE GOT MAIL.

He loathes the holidays. She loves them. She’s full of festive cheer. He’s brimming with Bah, Humbugs. Besides unreasonably seasonable names, the only thing Jonathan Frost and Gabriella Di Natale have in common is a healthy dose of mutual contempt. Well, that and the same place of employment at the city’s most beloved independent bookstore, Bailey’s Bookshop. But when the store’s owners confess its dire financial state, Jonathan and Gabby discover another unfortunate commonality: the imminent threat of unemployment.

With the Baileys�� requests to minimize expenses, win new customers, and make record sales dancing in their heads, Jonathan and Gabby conclude—barring a financial Christmas miracle—one of them will soon be cut from the payroll. Neither are willing to step down from their position, so they strike a bargain: whoever has more sales in December gets to stay on in the new year; the loser will resign. With a lifetime's worth of festive tricks up her sleeve, Gabby should easily outsell her nemesis, except the unreadable Mr. Frost’s every move seems purely designed to throw her off her game.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Gabby's deceptive ex won't quit pursuing her, and her anonymous online friend suggests they take a break. Worst of all, as the pressure mounts to save the bookshop and her job, Gabby meets a new, tender side of Jonathan. Is this the same man she's called her cold-hearted enemy?

Maybe he’s got a motive she just can’t figure out—or maybe Jonathan Frost isn’t as chilly as she once thought. Maybe Jonathan and Gabby already know—and love—each other in ways they never thought possible.

This is an #OwnVoices story for its portrayal of autism by an autistic author.]]> 185 Chloe Liese 1774536781 Mia 3
It’s your typical holiday romance novella, with a-typical representation (autism, type-1 diabetes, demisexuality). It’s sweet if a little uninspired. So 3 stars but a boost for representation of folks we don’t typically see in romances. Read it one sitting. Open door but not particularly steamy.
]]> 3.78 2021
author: Chloe Liese
name: Mia
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2024/01/06
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: 2024, neurodiversity-representation, open-door-romance
review:
3-4⭐️��

It’s your typical holiday romance novella, with a-typical representation (autism, type-1 diabetes, demisexuality). It’s sweet if a little uninspired. So 3 stars but a boost for representation of folks we don’t typically see in romances. Read it one sitting. Open door but not particularly steamy.

]]> 55346090
After four kids and an unfortunate but fateful end to her twenty-two-year marriage, Elsie Smith meets the new guy in town.

Kael Hendricks is �� a little younger, a lot sexy, and too confident for his own good. He also doesn’t believe in marriage and all that goes with it.

And ��

He’s just opened a new business that threatens the livelihood of Elsie’s family’s store—just in time for the holidays.

The problem?

There’s an undeniable attraction that leads to out of control situations, a loss of inhibitions, and a lot of small town gossip.

As Elsie tries to redefine herself and convince her family she isn’t having a midlife crisis, she’s forced to answer the biggest question of all ��

Can she love an enemy who will never surrender?]]> 342 Jewel E. Ann 1734518294 Mia 5
I particularly liked this one with its focused on a 42 year old woman who has a relationship with a younger man. And while I didn’t love Elsie and ]]> 4.10 2020
author: Jewel E. Ann
name: Mia
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/12/31
shelves: 2024, heavy-topics, kindle-unlimited, open-door-romance, women-s-fiction, favorites
review:
Jewel E Ann is just an incredibly talented author. Sure, there are some themes that run through all of her books but they’re always so much more complex than you might expect from the back cover.

I particularly liked this one with its focused on a 42 year old woman who has a relationship with a younger man. And while I didn’t love Elsie and
]]> 203578799 In Erin Hahn's latest cozy, swoony romance, Maren Laughlin has been fishing her whole life, but she’s finally ready to be caught.

At thirty-three, Maren Laughlin's just turned down her boyfriend’s proposal, walked away from her decade-long position as a park ranger, and returned to her childhood playground in Northern Wisconsin to accept her inheritance: a decrepit waterfront bait shop. After a lifetime of letting things happen to her, she’s ready to start making her own moves, even if everyone else thinks she’s making the wrong ones. Well, not everyone—at least the local heartstopper and resort owner is on her side.

Josiah Cole has made some missteps in his life, but he’s proud of what he has: two awesome kids and the keys to the kind of getaway spot that has families coming back every summer�� their up north home away from home. After his marriage dissolved, leaving him a single dad, he feels he’s the last person to judge Maren for her recent transformation (even if his best friend, her brother, wants him to feel otherwise). Besides, he genuinely likes having her around. She’s a breath of fresh air, his kids adore her (not to mention her dog, Rogers), and it doesn’t hurt that she’s beautiful.

Things between Maren and Joe are easy. So easy, they’re fully immersed in the middle before they even decide to begin. It’s not a question of should they, but rather can they make it last? Are things too easy, or is this just how real love works? In Erin Hahn’s heartwarmingly sexy Catch and Keep, Maren and Joe have to be brave enough to find out.]]> 320 Erin Hahn 1250827132 Mia 1
There are a couple of problems with this one.
1) it’s kind of boring. Even the attempts to make it interesting (the autistic child, the stalker, the awful ex wife, the over protective big brother) was all incredibly flat.
2) I really take issue with books that focus on former military people who were killing “terrorists somewhere in the Middle East��. This pissed me off with good reason. The people in these unnamed countries didn’t ask for war. And while at some point Afghanistan was mentioned, especially with what we know about that war makes the callous way in which the actual people who live there are made invisible or reduced to being terrorists is incredibly problematic. And while that was a very minor part of the story, it has to be said. This is yet another book that very subtly reduces a huge region of the world into a dangerous stereotype while celebrating American jingoism.
3) all the references to Joe being like her brother and mare being like his sister was just too much. Esp since they went from sibling love to love love in no time.

So yeah, sorry, this one was no good. I’m sure many will find it sweet and cosy but it was just boring and predictable to me. ]]> 4.07 2024
author: Erin Hahn
name: Mia
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2024
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2024/12/29
shelves:
review:
1⭐️

There are a couple of problems with this one.
1) it’s kind of boring. Even the attempts to make it interesting (the autistic child, the stalker, the awful ex wife, the over protective big brother) was all incredibly flat.
2) I really take issue with books that focus on former military people who were killing “terrorists somewhere in the Middle East��. This pissed me off with good reason. The people in these unnamed countries didn’t ask for war. And while at some point Afghanistan was mentioned, especially with what we know about that war makes the callous way in which the actual people who live there are made invisible or reduced to being terrorists is incredibly problematic. And while that was a very minor part of the story, it has to be said. This is yet another book that very subtly reduces a huge region of the world into a dangerous stereotype while celebrating American jingoism.
3) all the references to Joe being like her brother and mare being like his sister was just too much. Esp since they went from sibling love to love love in no time.

So yeah, sorry, this one was no good. I’m sure many will find it sweet and cosy but it was just boring and predictable to me.
]]> 199798015
She wants three things. He isn’t one of them...

Dumped by her cheating ex, fired from her dream job, and about to lose her Clementine Monroe is not having a good day. So when her sisters get her drunk and suggest reviving a childhood ritual called the Breakup Spell, she doesn’t see the harm in it.

But now Clemmie has accidentally ruined a funeral, had her first one-night stand, and she’s stuck with a new job she definitely doesn’t want—spending six weeks alone with the gorgeous and very-off-limits rock star, Theo Eliott.

He’s the most famous man on the planet. Her life’s a disaster. As their summer together turns into its own kind of magic, is Clemmie cursed to repeat the mistakes of her past—or will her future see all her wishes come true?]]> 352 Laura Wood 1668051907 Mia 5 4.11 2024
author: Laura Wood
name: Mia
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/12/25
shelves: 2024, kindle-unlimited, open-door-romance
review:
This was pure fun. Typical British humor meets romantic comedy - and this genuinely had many laugh out loud moments. The whole storyline about the three sisters is so ridiculous it’s almost believable. An unexpectedly delightful read. And while I’d say it’s open door, it’s not really steamy.
]]> 216237946
Because Brendan isn’t just her nemesis…He’s also her fiance’s best friend.]]> 346 Elizabeth O'Roark Mia 2
This one just didn’t do it for me. Erin is so so different from book 1 (this really can be read as stand alone) where she was a side but important character. The metamorphosis of Brandon was a lot more believable though I thought the Gabi storyline was overkill. I didn’t like Rob, I didn’t get Brandon’s bizarre feelings for Erin, and I just didn’t feel myself caring for Erin.

The book is mostly told in the present from Erin’s POV with Brandon’s POV starting 4 years earlier and slowly making its way to the present. It’s entertaining enough but not nearly as good as Book 1, which I thought was very good ]]> 3.77 2017
author: Elizabeth O'Roark
name: Mia
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2017
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2024/12/25
shelves: 2024, bonus-chapter-available, heavy-topics, kindle-unlimited, open-door-romance
review:
2.5⭐️��

This one just didn’t do it for me. Erin is so so different from book 1 (this really can be read as stand alone) where she was a side but important character. The metamorphosis of Brandon was a lot more believable though I thought the Gabi storyline was overkill. I didn’t like Rob, I didn’t get Brandon’s bizarre feelings for Erin, and I just didn’t feel myself caring for Erin.

The book is mostly told in the present from Erin’s POV with Brandon’s POV starting 4 years earlier and slowly making its way to the present. It’s entertaining enough but not nearly as good as Book 1, which I thought was very good
]]> 29103642 And the last thing I need right now is more trouble."

A failing farm.
His father’s debt.
And a struggling college track team.
Will Langstrom has too many responsibilities, and the last thing he needs is Olivia Finnegan, a beautiful but troubled new transfer student.

A smart mouth.
A strong right hook.
And a secret that could destroy her.
Olivia is her own worst enemy, with a past she can’t seem to escape, and the last person she wants help from is a cocky track coach she can never seem to please.
Refusing to be pushed away, Will is determined to save her.
And determined to resist an attraction that could destroy them both.]]> 378 Elizabeth O'Roark 098981355X Mia 5 2024, heavy-topics, steamy
So very good�� just last few chapters were a lot faster than the first half of the book so pacing was off. But this is a really good book. Very typical of ER - heavy topics, extremely damaged people, hunger is a major theme. This one also has an element of forbidden (he’s the coach - not much older than her but still a coach and she’s a student). A few major holes in the plot and some unresolved issues but overall, excellent storytelling. Couldn’t put it down. ]]> 4.03 2016
author: Elizabeth O'Roark
name: Mia
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves: 2024, heavy-topics, steamy
review:
4.5⭐️��

So very good�� just last few chapters were a lot faster than the first half of the book so pacing was off. But this is a really good book. Very typical of ER - heavy topics, extremely damaged people, hunger is a major theme. This one also has an element of forbidden (he’s the coach - not much older than her but still a coach and she’s a student). A few major holes in the plot and some unresolved issues but overall, excellent storytelling. Couldn’t put it down.
]]>