en-US Thu, 01 May 2025 06:22:47 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 231118029 West Calloway is rich, arrogant, and my brother’s best friend. Now we’re faking a relationship in public�� while he gives me dating lessons in private.

When a stalker forces me out of my apartment, my brother insists I stay somewhere safe—in his best friend’s legendary estate. With the tall, handsome, frustrating man I once had a silly crush on, while he never liked me.

But then West suggests we fake date to send a message: I’m taken and well protected. I agree on one condition�� he helps me practice real dating.

I don’t know how to date, and West doesn’t do love. It’s perfect. Soon, we’re practicing it all in secret. Dates. Kissing. Sleeping in the same bed. The only rule? My brother can never find out.

West learns what I like, buys me gifts, praises me, and helps me to stop people-pleasing. Maybe I’ll even ask him to help with my virginity, too...

But the way he’s looking at me now? It’s not part of any lesson. And when he touches me, it feels like he’s forgotten this is just practice...]]> Olivia Hayle Anila 0 to-read 5.00 2025
author: Olivia Hayle
name: Anila
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 210825471 He had everything he could’ve wanted…except her.

Dangerous. Powerful. Reclusive.
��
Vuk Markovic is notorious for shunning human interactions. The scarred billionaire rarely talks, and he has no interest in relationships outside his small but trusted circle.
��
His only exception? Her . The beauty to his beast, the object of his obsession.
��
He saw her first. He wanted her first. But now, she’s engaged to his oldest friend—and the closer the wedding looms, the more he’s torn between loyalty and desire.
��
She should be his…and he might just risk it all to have her.
��
***
Beautiful. Successful. Glamorous.
��
To the world, supermodel Ayana Kidane leads the perfect life. Her career has skyrocketed, and she’s engaged to one of New York’s most eligible bachelors.
��
What people don't know is that the engagement is only a business arrangement. He gets his inheritance when they marry; she gets the money she needs to leave her abusive agency.
��
Pretending to be in love should be easy—until she finds herself increasingly drawn to her fiancé’s enigmatic best man.
��
Vuk thrills and terrifies her in equal measure. She knows she should stay away, but when her wedding is thrown into chaos, he’s the only person she finds comfort in��
��
Until his past catches up with them and threatens everything they love.]]> 530 Ana Huang Anila 0 currently-reading 4.21 2025
author: Ana Huang
name: Anila
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/29
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 214037674 Dirty dancing leads to a chance at forever in this sizzling single parent, found family, small town romance by Jessica Peterson.

As a recently divorced single mom, I have zero interest in flirting with guys while on a rare girls�� weekend away with my sisters. I just want to have fun, celebrate my new job, and listen to live music at a honky tonk.

But when I literally stumble into the most gorgeous guy ever on the dance floor, those plans go up in smoke. Growing up on the barrel racing circuit, I’m not immune to the charms of a cowboy. But this particular one is hot as hell: Sawyer’s got a mustache, some sexy tattoos, and a very filthy mouth.

Needless to say, we end up naked in his swanky hotel room. It’s the best sex of my life. And the way Sawyer treats me like a queen? Let’s just say a girl could get addicted to that kind of adoration.

Good thing he’ll always be just a one night stand I can look back on with a smile. I’m rebuilding our life from scratch, and I need to focus on my three-year-old daughter and the dream job I just landed.

Imagine my surprise, then, when I move to Hartsville and run into a tattooed cowboy with an endearing daughter of his own. Now Sawyer wants more than the occasional playdates between our girls. But the closer we become, the more determined this sexy single dad is to keep me forever.

As much as I am falling for Sawyer, I’m terrified. I’ve been down this road before with my ex, and I wonder if I can trust this cowboy. Will he rope the moon for me? Or is my heart destined to be trampled all over again?

SAWYER is a standalone book in the interconnected Lucky River Ranch Series. ]]> 362 Jessica Peterson Anila 3
Look, I like smut, but I found it to be excessive at times in this book. I mean there were like 7 chapters in a row of smut just for their one-night stand. For context, this book only has 34 chapters. I get that Sawyer and Ava’s romance is insta-lovey, but I still wanted the author to spend more time developing their emotional connection on top of their physical one.

I adored Sawyer. He was sweet and caring and probably the main thing I enjoyed about this book. However, I had trouble connecting with the female lead and it’s why I didn’t end up fully appreciating the romance between them.

I also found that the author does a lot of telling rather than showing. I mean Sawyer is described as being a caretaker who always looks out for his family, but I felt like it was Sawyer’s siblings who was making Sawyer’s load lighter and not the other way around. With Ava, she is described as a free-spirit who can’t be tamed, but the author doesn’t really do anything that affirms that. All of Ava’s talk about not being a lady-like wife and needing to be free was a bit cringey and weird too. The development of her character did not make sense to me honestly.

All in all, there is nothing groundbreaking about this series, but it satisfies my need for cowboy romances when it hits.]]> 4.19 2025
author: Jessica Peterson
name: Anila
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/27
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves:
review:
I struggled with writing this review. There wasn’t anything that I could think of that I really loved about this book, but I didn’t it hate either. It was just okay. So, we’re sticking with three stars.

Look, I like smut, but I found it to be excessive at times in this book. I mean there were like 7 chapters in a row of smut just for their one-night stand. For context, this book only has 34 chapters. I get that Sawyer and Ava’s romance is insta-lovey, but I still wanted the author to spend more time developing their emotional connection on top of their physical one.

I adored Sawyer. He was sweet and caring and probably the main thing I enjoyed about this book. However, I had trouble connecting with the female lead and it’s why I didn’t end up fully appreciating the romance between them.

I also found that the author does a lot of telling rather than showing. I mean Sawyer is described as being a caretaker who always looks out for his family, but I felt like it was Sawyer’s siblings who was making Sawyer’s load lighter and not the other way around. With Ava, she is described as a free-spirit who can’t be tamed, but the author doesn’t really do anything that affirms that. All of Ava’s talk about not being a lady-like wife and needing to be free was a bit cringey and weird too. The development of her character did not make sense to me honestly.

All in all, there is nothing groundbreaking about this series, but it satisfies my need for cowboy romances when it hits.
]]> 218111691
Since then, Tweetie Sorenson has embraced the professional hockey player bachelor lifestyle—his social media is a highlight reel of clubs, friends, and a never-ending stream of different women.

It’s hard to believe he’s the same man who stole my heart the very night we met. With him, everything felt wild, spontaneous, and absolutely perfect. I thought he was my forever.

Then, he broke my heart. Or maybe we broke each other’s. Either way, it was over.

I’ve moved on—new city, dream job—until my boss throws me back into Tweetie’s world. I’m sent to Chicago to manage the Falcons�� social media, which means working alongside the one man I never truly let go of. FML.]]> 402 Piper Rayne Anila 1
The leads are supposed to be the oldest in the group (mid-thirties ish), but they were acting like children. I get that they didn’t end on good terms, but I couldn’t stand their behaviour, especially Tedi. She was a terrible female lead with how unlikeable she was. I hated how she was basically threatening Decker to be her fake boyfriend to get back at Tweetie. It was stupid and mean. Decker deserved better because Tedi treated him like crap and didn’t care about his feelings at all. She was so nonchalant and it annoyed me because Decker was getting injured left and right and she couldn’t even bring herself to care about him. She only worried how it might ruin her whole fake boyfriend charade.

Another problem I had with the romance is that I don’t think the author did a good job addressing the reasons why Tedi and Tweedie’s relationship fell apart. Tedi and Tweedie don’t talk about their breakup or why their relationship would work this time around, besides the fact that they love for each other. But obviously, love wasn’t enough before so it didn’t make sense to me. I felt like the characters hadn’t matured enough to be able to overcome their previous issues. They experienced no growth and it wasn’t believable to me that they could make their relationship work a second time. Once they get back together, they hardly talk about anything meaningful either and it was just them lusting after each other.

Also, the author used journal entries rather than flashbacks, but they were odd. I mean who writes dialogue in their journal entries? The author should have stuck with either journal entries or flashbacks and not this weird combination of the two. The journal entries are about how their relationship fell apart, but they didn’t even explain how these two met and fell in love so they felt kind of pointless. Their backstory just wasn’t fleshed out properly. I know they appear in some of the author’s other series, but I should still be able to understand what is going on without having to read those books and that wasn’t the case here. The journal entries were also really cringey and juvenile.

Overall, this was a complete miss for me. Only giving the one star for poor Decker, honestly hoping he gets his own book.]]> 4.36 2025
author: Piper Rayne
name: Anila
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2025
rating: 1
read at: 2025/04/24
date added: 2025/04/24
shelves:
review:
I think this beats book 2 as my least favorite of the series.

The leads are supposed to be the oldest in the group (mid-thirties ish), but they were acting like children. I get that they didn’t end on good terms, but I couldn’t stand their behaviour, especially Tedi. She was a terrible female lead with how unlikeable she was. I hated how she was basically threatening Decker to be her fake boyfriend to get back at Tweetie. It was stupid and mean. Decker deserved better because Tedi treated him like crap and didn’t care about his feelings at all. She was so nonchalant and it annoyed me because Decker was getting injured left and right and she couldn’t even bring herself to care about him. She only worried how it might ruin her whole fake boyfriend charade.

Another problem I had with the romance is that I don’t think the author did a good job addressing the reasons why Tedi and Tweedie’s relationship fell apart. Tedi and Tweedie don’t talk about their breakup or why their relationship would work this time around, besides the fact that they love for each other. But obviously, love wasn’t enough before so it didn’t make sense to me. I felt like the characters hadn’t matured enough to be able to overcome their previous issues. They experienced no growth and it wasn’t believable to me that they could make their relationship work a second time. Once they get back together, they hardly talk about anything meaningful either and it was just them lusting after each other.

Also, the author used journal entries rather than flashbacks, but they were odd. I mean who writes dialogue in their journal entries? The author should have stuck with either journal entries or flashbacks and not this weird combination of the two. The journal entries are about how their relationship fell apart, but they didn’t even explain how these two met and fell in love so they felt kind of pointless. Their backstory just wasn’t fleshed out properly. I know they appear in some of the author’s other series, but I should still be able to understand what is going on without having to read those books and that wasn’t the case here. The journal entries were also really cringey and juvenile.

Overall, this was a complete miss for me. Only giving the one star for poor Decker, honestly hoping he gets his own book.
]]> 231095746 Cover and blurb coming soon. Piper Rayne Anila 0 to-read 0.0
author: Piper Rayne
name: Anila
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 223448538 Saddle up for love��

Fans of Lyla Sage, Paisley Hope and Elsie Silver will devour this perfect small town cowboy romance. Preorder now!

Saddle up for love��

Caroline swears she’s done with love. Fleeing her Scottish homeland with a broken heart for fresh start in Oklahoma is supposed to be smooth riding �� until a whisky-soaked night at a local bar leads to a smouldering kiss with a devastatingly handsome cowboy. Hunter’s charm stirs something wild in her, awakening desires she thought she’d buried for good after her divorce.

Hunter has no time for distractions. With his family’s ranch on the line, he has enough on his plate. But then he meets Caroline, a sultry, sharp-tongued, whip-smart doctor. Their chemistry is electric, their connection undeniable �� and that kiss? Unforgettable.

As their worlds collide, Caroline and Hunter find themselves drawn together in a whirlwind of passion and longing. But both are tied to the past and neither is ready to let go.

Can they hold the reins steady, or will they call it quits before the dust settles?]]> Maggie Eckersley 0008770387 Anila 0 to-read, arcs 3.57
author: Maggie Eckersley
name: Anila
average rating: 3.57
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/24
shelves: to-read, arcs
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 Anila 4
Ever since the ending of book three, I have been itching for Cam and Dusty’s story and the author delivered. I absolutely fell in love with them. The pining and yearning from Dusty was so good and the flashbacks were a nice touch as well. They were just such a good couple and fit together perfectly. I’m so happy that they were finally able to get there happily ever after.

The supporting characters were great as always, but the romance between Cam and Dusty really stole the show for me. The reason I couldn’t rate it higher is because I struggled at times to understand Cam. She could be quite meek and I hated the whole thing with her parents and Graham. The third act breakup was unnecessary and executed clumsily as well.

But all in all, I had a fun time reading this book. While I hate to say goodbye to these characters, I’m excited to see what books the author puts out next.]]> 4.04 2025
author: Lyla Sage
name: Anila
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/20
date added: 2025/04/20
shelves:
review:
I’m so sad that this series is over, but what a way to end it.

Ever since the ending of book three, I have been itching for Cam and Dusty’s story and the author delivered. I absolutely fell in love with them. The pining and yearning from Dusty was so good and the flashbacks were a nice touch as well. They were just such a good couple and fit together perfectly. I’m so happy that they were finally able to get there happily ever after.

The supporting characters were great as always, but the romance between Cam and Dusty really stole the show for me. The reason I couldn’t rate it higher is because I struggled at times to understand Cam. She could be quite meek and I hated the whole thing with her parents and Graham. The third act breakup was unnecessary and executed clumsily as well.

But all in all, I had a fun time reading this book. While I hate to say goodbye to these characters, I’m excited to see what books the author puts out next.
]]> 228147388 He’s her neighbor…her enemy…so why has she told everyone he’s her boyfriend?

Sky Williams has a neighbor from hell. Every day, Becket finds a new way to torture her. Sometimes it involves cutting trees on her property line; other days—most days—it includes using an annoying nickname he knows she hates. It’s safe to say she can’t stand the guy. So why then, when her parents persistently try to set her up with one of their church friends, does she find herself blurting out that she’s dating Becket?

Retired Navy SEAL Becket Hayes has a great life. His family is amazing, he’s the fire chief of Amber Ridge—a job he loves. And more recently, he’s found unexpected joy in fighting with his cute but easily riled neighbor. She seems to take offense in his very existence. So when she publicly declares Becket as her boyfriend, he’s intrigued enough to play along. It’s just meant to be for show, but the longer they “date��, the less fake it feels.

When a string of seemingly unconnected incidents occur, putting Sky’s life in danger, Becket suddenly has even more reason to remain close. It appears there are parts of her past that refuse to be left behind. And someone determined to ensure Sky has no future—with or without Becket.

A Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Fake Relationship, Romantic Suspense from Bestselling Author Nyssa Kathryn.]]> Nyssa Kathryn Anila 0 to-read 5.00
author: Nyssa Kathryn
name: Anila
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 214037675 Roping horses leads to riding cowboys in this sexy friends-to-lovers, fake-dating, lessons-in-seduction romance by Jessica Peterson.

Wyatt Rivers is the perfect no-strings hookup—a cowboy Casanova who rocks a Stetson, looks smokin�� hot in his Wranglers, and never rests his head on the same pillow twice.

He’s exactly what I’m looking for. If only Wyatt wasn’t also my best friend��

I’m back in my hometown of Harstville, Texas, for a few months while I wait for my dream job to start thousands of miles away. While I’m here, I hope to end an epic dry spell in the bedroom, preferably with a local cowboy. If the rumors are true, they really do ride harder and stay on longer.

Wyatt and I have been best friends since second grade, and I’ve been in love with him for almost as long. But he’s as wild and untamed as a colt that can’t be broken—not to mention, totally out of my league with his good looks and heartbreaker reputation.

Then I get to thinking: since Wyatt is such an expert, why doesn’t he teach me the ropes of how to find a hookup? He begrudgingly agrees, and a little fake flirting suddenly leads to fake dating, which leads to real kissing, which leads to real…well, everything else.

And let me just say, the rumors are absolutely true.

Now, I want so badly to be Wyatt’s last rodeo. But I’m leaving town, and even if I wasn’t, I’m not sure Wyatt would ever change his playboy ways.

I know cowboys can’t be tamed. Apparently, neither can hearts��

WYATT is an interconnected standalone novel in the Lucky River Ranch series.]]> 362 Jessica Peterson Anila 3
I don’t know if it’s because I had a busy week and was reading this book over several days, but I did not enjoy this as much as the first book.

At the start, I wasn’t a fan of Wyatt. He claims that he has been in love with Sally for years, but he also sleeps around enough to be considered a playboy by everyone in their town. And he smokes which is not a turn on for me. However, as the story progresses, I got to see how much Wyatt actually cares for Sally and how much he has been yearning for her. And so, little by little, he did win me over by the end.

Sally was a fine female lead. I felt like she acted a bit younger than her age at times, especially when it came to her father. She is okay with having him live his dreams through her and it took her so long to stand up for herself and her wants. Her dad was so overbearing too and I couldn’t stand how he acted and treated Wyatt and Sally throughout the book.

There was also a lot of internal monologue which made the story feel so slow and boring. There was way too much smut in the second half as well. I was struggling at certain parts of this book and was skimming by the end.

Not a terrible read but I wasn’t as invested in the story as much as I would have liked.]]> 4.06 2024
author: Jessica Peterson
name: Anila
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/18
date added: 2025/04/18
shelves:
review:
Rating: 2.5⭐️

I don’t know if it’s because I had a busy week and was reading this book over several days, but I did not enjoy this as much as the first book.

At the start, I wasn’t a fan of Wyatt. He claims that he has been in love with Sally for years, but he also sleeps around enough to be considered a playboy by everyone in their town. And he smokes which is not a turn on for me. However, as the story progresses, I got to see how much Wyatt actually cares for Sally and how much he has been yearning for her. And so, little by little, he did win me over by the end.

Sally was a fine female lead. I felt like she acted a bit younger than her age at times, especially when it came to her father. She is okay with having him live his dreams through her and it took her so long to stand up for herself and her wants. Her dad was so overbearing too and I couldn’t stand how he acted and treated Wyatt and Sally throughout the book.

There was also a lot of internal monologue which made the story feel so slow and boring. There was way too much smut in the second half as well. I was struggling at certain parts of this book and was skimming by the end.

Not a terrible read but I wasn’t as invested in the story as much as I would have liked.
]]> 220633851 She hates him. He needs her. Can they survive when all they have is each other?

Zander Rune was the darling of Hollywood until he fell from glory and was labelled a problematic bad boy. His public image needs fixing��fast��or he’ll lose the role of a lifetime, and all his dreams with it.

Charlie Hart is a regular teenage girl who despises everything Zander represents. But thanks to her scheming best friend and an ill-timed social media competition, Charlie finds herself pretending to be Zander’s biggest fan on a four-day reality TV adventure led by renowned survivalist Rykon Hawke.

When their trip goes horribly wrong, Charlie and Zander are left stranded in the wilderness. No Rykon, no film crew, no rescue. The only way they’ll survive is if they trust each other. But in order to do so, both will have to let go of the ghosts of their pasts, and just maybe find themselves��and one another��in the process.]]> 330 Lynette Noni Anila 4 arcs
I really liked how the relationship developed between Charlie and Zander. The forced proximity worked very well to bring these two together. They comforted and protected each other while they were in the wilderness. They became allies against all the crazy things the show was making them do and learned to trust and open up their hearts again. I couldn’t get enough of them.

I also adored the friendship between Ember and Charlie. They were each other’s ride or die and I wished we got to see more of Ember in the book. She really only appears at the start and end of the book. Same thing with Zander’s friends as well.

I had a few issues with the book though. There were some slow sections and a few of the tasks felt a bit repetitive. The ending was also rushed and I would have wanted more pages to resolve certain character arcs. And where is my epilogue!? I wanted to see Zander and Charlie happy together as a couple after surviving in the wild and I didn’t get that.

But overall, I had a fun time reading this book and I would recommend if you’re looking for an adventure-filled romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!]]> 4.19 2025
author: Lynette Noni
name: Anila
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/13
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves: arcs
review:
I was not expecting a genre shift from Lynette Noni, but her contemporary romance Wandering Wild is just as good as her fantasy books.

I really liked how the relationship developed between Charlie and Zander. The forced proximity worked very well to bring these two together. They comforted and protected each other while they were in the wilderness. They became allies against all the crazy things the show was making them do and learned to trust and open up their hearts again. I couldn’t get enough of them.

I also adored the friendship between Ember and Charlie. They were each other’s ride or die and I wished we got to see more of Ember in the book. She really only appears at the start and end of the book. Same thing with Zander’s friends as well.

I had a few issues with the book though. There were some slow sections and a few of the tasks felt a bit repetitive. The ending was also rushed and I would have wanted more pages to resolve certain character arcs. And where is my epilogue!? I wanted to see Zander and Charlie happy together as a couple after surviving in the wild and I didn’t get that.

But overall, I had a fun time reading this book and I would recommend if you’re looking for an adventure-filled romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
]]> 203237161
If your twenties are supposed to be the best years of your life, Bennet Taylor is failing miserably . . . with a big emphasis on the miserable. Where’s that zest she keeps hearing about? She’s a temp worker in New York City with no direction, no future, and no social life. And at the painful center of this listlessness is grief over the death of her first love.

When Bennet runs into Henry Adams just hours after standing him up for a first date, she makes an alcohol-fueled confession: She’s not ready to date. In fact, it’s been years since she felt passion for something. Not even pottery, or organized sports—not anything. Rather than leaving her to ruminate, Henry jumps at the opportunity for adventure: Bennet needs to find a passion for life, and Henry will help her find it. Every Saturday, they’ll try something new in New York City. As friends, of course.

As their “passion project�� continues, the pair tackle everything from carpentry to tattooing to rappelling off skyscrapers, and Bennet feels her guarded exterior ebbing away. But as secrets surface, Bennet has to decide what she wants, and if she’s truly ready to move on. With emotional resonance and sparkling banter, Passion Project is a fun, flirty, thoughtful story of finding a spark—and igniting happiness.]]> 368 London Sperry 0143138561 Anila 3
Bennett’s journey of growth and healing was depicted very well. I understood where she was coming from and why she was acting the way she was. Well, at least until we got to the last few chapters. I mean it made sense how she would feel uncomfortable bringing her new boyfriend to her dead ex-boyfriend’s sister’s wedding. However, she should have been upfront with Henry about how she felt instead of making him go along with all the lies she wanted to tell and then being disappointed when he couldn’t keep up with the charade. I was not a fan of how she treated him. She was even embarrassed by how they met and all the memories they made together during the summer. She just felt like a different person.

Obviously I’m obsessed with Henry! He was just so sweet, charming and endearing. I can’t get enough of him. He did everything right in this book and nobody can convince me otherwise. Even when he was upset or angry with Bennet, he always tried his best to see things from her perspective and support her.

I also really enjoyed all the adventures they went on as part of their passion project. The author did a great job of building up their friendship and trust before they started developing feelings with each other.

I haven’t been to NYC in years, but this book made me want to revisit the city. Despite my issues with the third act conflict, this was still a solid debut and I had a good time reading it. ]]> 3.95 2025
author: London Sperry
name: Anila
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/11
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves:
review:
This would have honestly been a four star read for me if not for the whole wedding debacle.

Bennett’s journey of growth and healing was depicted very well. I understood where she was coming from and why she was acting the way she was. Well, at least until we got to the last few chapters. I mean it made sense how she would feel uncomfortable bringing her new boyfriend to her dead ex-boyfriend’s sister’s wedding. However, she should have been upfront with Henry about how she felt instead of making him go along with all the lies she wanted to tell and then being disappointed when he couldn’t keep up with the charade. I was not a fan of how she treated him. She was even embarrassed by how they met and all the memories they made together during the summer. She just felt like a different person.

Obviously I’m obsessed with Henry! He was just so sweet, charming and endearing. I can’t get enough of him. He did everything right in this book and nobody can convince me otherwise. Even when he was upset or angry with Bennet, he always tried his best to see things from her perspective and support her.

I also really enjoyed all the adventures they went on as part of their passion project. The author did a great job of building up their friendship and trust before they started developing feelings with each other.

I haven’t been to NYC in years, but this book made me want to revisit the city. Despite my issues with the third act conflict, this was still a solid debut and I had a good time reading it.
]]> 230926478 Liz Tomforde Anila 0 to-read 0.0
author: Liz Tomforde
name: Anila
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 211081102 Return to the world of The Bridge Kingdom in this sensuous fantasy full of romance and intrigue that is perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Silver Flames.

A soldier raised as heir to an empire, Zarrah is motivated by two truths. The first is that the Veliant family murdered her mother. And the second is that her pursuit of vengeance will put every last one of them in their graves.

The Endless War between Maridrina and Valcotta has raged for generations, leaving thousands of Zarrah’s people dead and countless more orphaned. So when she’s given command of the contested city of Nerastis, Zarrah is prepared to do whatever it takes to destroy the Maridrinian forces who oppose her. And to kill the Veliant prince who leads them.

Yet a chance encounter with an anonymous, and handsome, Maridrinian causes Zarrah to question whether the violence she’s perpetrated is justice or a crime. And as she continues to meet the nameless man each night, she finds common ground - and fiery passion - in his arms.

But when identities are revealed, Zarrah must decide whether to embrace a chance at peace…or march to the drums of war.]]> 673 Danielle L. Jensen 0593975243 Anila 0 to-read 4.06 2022
author: Danielle L. Jensen
name: Anila
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 211081101
The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom enriches itself and deprives its rivals, including Lara's homeland. So when she’s sent as a bride under the guise of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture its impenetrable defenses. And the defenses of its king.

Yet as she infiltrates her new home and gains a deeper understanding of the war to possess the bridge, Lara begins to question whether she’s the hero or the villain. And as her feelings for Aren transform from frosty hostility to fierce passion, Lara must choose which kingdom she’ll save�� and which kingdom she’ll destroy.

Passionate and violent, The Bridge Kingdom is a seductive fantasy perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses.]]> 430 Danielle L. Jensen 0593975189 Anila 0 to-read 4.01 2018
author: Danielle L. Jensen
name: Anila
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 216437557 disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong��

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.]]> 416 Abby Jimenez 0349442827 Anila 3
I could not connect with the characters and I was not invested in the romance. Sam and Xavier had no chemistry and their conversations were so dry. I was indifferent to them and didn’t even care if they ended up together, which in a romance book, is a pretty big issue. Their relationship developed way too fast and it didn’t make sense to me how quickly they became obsessed with each other.

There were also some genuinely funny moments and then there were moments where I thought the author was trying too hard to make things funny. I mean she would use the same jokes multiple times and so they just lost their charm. It happened more often in the first half, but the author dialled it down for the rest of the book. I don’t even want to get into the whole thing with the dad.

What did I like then? I liked how caring and attentive Xavier was. He was a sweet boyfriend. I also adored Xavier’s friends. They were so wholesome and supportive and I wished they were in the book more. Also, Tristan. He was the only person thinking and speaking clearly about the situation with his dad.

Overall, this was an okay read. Not my favourite of hers.

]]> 4.12 2025
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Anila
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/09
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves:
review:
Before picking up this book, I had read both positive and negative reviews which helped me manage my expectations. I didn’t end up hating this book, but I didn’t love it either. It was just meh.

I could not connect with the characters and I was not invested in the romance. Sam and Xavier had no chemistry and their conversations were so dry. I was indifferent to them and didn’t even care if they ended up together, which in a romance book, is a pretty big issue. Their relationship developed way too fast and it didn’t make sense to me how quickly they became obsessed with each other.

There were also some genuinely funny moments and then there were moments where I thought the author was trying too hard to make things funny. I mean she would use the same jokes multiple times and so they just lost their charm. It happened more often in the first half, but the author dialled it down for the rest of the book. I don’t even want to get into the whole thing with the dad.

What did I like then? I liked how caring and attentive Xavier was. He was a sweet boyfriend. I also adored Xavier’s friends. They were so wholesome and supportive and I wished they were in the book more. Also, Tristan. He was the only person thinking and speaking clearly about the situation with his dad.

Overall, this was an okay read. Not my favourite of hers.


]]> 214151426 A bestselling romance author flees to Alaska to reinvent herself and write her first murder mystery, but the rugged resort proprietor soon has her fearing she’s living in a rom-com plot instead in this earnestly spectacular debut by a stunning new voice.

Beloved romance author Margot Bradley has a dark secret: she doesn’t believe in Happily Ever Afters. Not for herself, not for her readers, and not even for her characters, for whom she secretly writes alternate endings that swap weddings and babies for divorce papers and the occasional slashed tire. When her Happily Never After document is hacked and released to the public, she finds herself canceled by her readers and dropped by her publisher.

Desperate to find a way to continue supporting her chronically ill sister, Savannah, Margot decides to trade meet-cutes for murder. The fictional kind. Probably. But when Savannah books Margot a six-week stay in a remote Alaskan resort to pen her first murder mystery, Margot finds herself running from a moose and leaping into the arms of the handsome proprietor, making her fear she’s just landed in a romance novel instead.

The last thing Dr. Forrest Wakefield ever expected was to leave his dream job as a cancer researcher to become a glorified bellhop. What he’s really doing at his family’s resort is caring for his stubborn, ailing father, and his puzzle-loving mind is slowly freezing over—until Margot shows up. But Forrest doesn’t have any room in his life for another person he could lose, especially one with a checkout date.

As long snowy nights and one unlikely trope after another draw Margot and Forrest together, they’ll each have to learn to overcome their fears and set their aside assumptions before Margot leaves—or risk becoming a Happily Never After story themselves.]]> 336 Victoria Lavine 1668079275 Anila 3
This book was advertised as enemies to lovers, but I didn’t really get that vibe because Margot and Forrest definitely had a connection as soon as they meet. It was not insta-love, but there was an attraction for sure and the male lead was already getting super jealous about 20% into the book. And so, if you’re going into this story expecting enemies to lovers, you might be slightly disappointed like me. At most, they had one or two heated arguments, but I wouldn’t say they were enemies.

On top of the romance developing rather quickly, I didn’t like the OM drama with Ollie. I get Margot is afraid to open up and fall in love again, but I could have done without it. It just created unnecessary drama. Once Margot and Forrest actually got together, they did have some cute moments and I was finally able to root for them as a couple.

I did really like the characters though, especially the supporting characters. They kind of overshadowed the leads for me. Margot’s sister Savannah wrote the sweetest letters and she was just such a supportive little sister. Forrest’s dad and Jo were also great and I loved how much they shipped Margot and Forrest together. It made for some really funny moments.

Overall, this book had a fun premise and I enjoyed it, but the romance did fall a little flat for me especially in the first half.]]> 4.04 2025
author: Victoria Lavine
name: Anila
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves:
review:
I had a good time reading this book, but there were some issues that stopped me from fully loving it and rating it higher.

This book was advertised as enemies to lovers, but I didn’t really get that vibe because Margot and Forrest definitely had a connection as soon as they meet. It was not insta-love, but there was an attraction for sure and the male lead was already getting super jealous about 20% into the book. And so, if you’re going into this story expecting enemies to lovers, you might be slightly disappointed like me. At most, they had one or two heated arguments, but I wouldn’t say they were enemies.

On top of the romance developing rather quickly, I didn’t like the OM drama with Ollie. I get Margot is afraid to open up and fall in love again, but I could have done without it. It just created unnecessary drama. Once Margot and Forrest actually got together, they did have some cute moments and I was finally able to root for them as a couple.

I did really like the characters though, especially the supporting characters. They kind of overshadowed the leads for me. Margot’s sister Savannah wrote the sweetest letters and she was just such a supportive little sister. Forrest’s dad and Jo were also great and I loved how much they shipped Margot and Forrest together. It made for some really funny moments.

Overall, this book had a fun premise and I enjoyed it, but the romance did fall a little flat for me especially in the first half.
]]> 216269037 A funny and heartwarming debut romance about two exes forced to reunite when a plane crash leaves them stranded on a deserted island.

Piper Adams is totally, one hundred percent, completely over Wyatt, the former love of her life. After he broke her heart, she stopped taking risks and focused instead on building a perfect—and perfectly safe—life. Bumping into him at the airport on the way to her best friend’s destination wedding wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was a canceled flight nor Wyatt’s offer of a ride on the tiny plane he’s flying to attend the same wedding. Desperate to make it on time she accepts his offer, but things go from awkward to full-blown nightmare when their plane crashes in the Caribbean, stranding Piper on a deserted island with the last person she ever wanted to see again.��

At first, rule-following Piper clashes with adventure-driven Wyatt, but as the days tick by, she begrudgingly admits that the boy she once knew has grown into a man. A man who makes her laugh, knows his way around a fire, and is annoyingly hot shirtless. As the chemistry still simmering between them boils over, Piper begins wishing Wyatt could be more than just a survival partner. But for their love to survive a second chance, she’ll have to not only trust Wyatt again, but also learn to trust herself and find the courage to let go of her carefully curated life for the chance at something far greater—if they survive the island long enough for rescue.]]> 304 Annie McQuaid 0063374862 Anila 1
The blurb really drew me in. I mean two exes stranded on an island? It is not something you typically see in romance books so I was very curious to see how everything would unfold. However, the plot was very slow and dull and the dual timeline didn’t add much to the story. There was also some really weird dialogue and phrases that did not work for me. It just didn’t feel natural and realistic.

As for the characters, the leads came off as flat and underdeveloped. I honestly couldn’t tell sometimes whether we were in the past or the present because the characters didn’t seem to have matured at all. They still read as young kids. I also didn’t feel any chemistry between Piper and Wyatt either. They were just so boring together. There was no spark or banter. I was struggling to find something to be invested in.

Overall, this was a miss for me. It had potential, but the delivery wasn’t there. ]]> 3.58 2025
author: Annie McQuaid
name: Anila
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2025
rating: 1
read at: 2025/04/03
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves:
review:
I cannot get over how gorgeous the cover of this book is. Unfortunately, the story itself wasn’t as good.

The blurb really drew me in. I mean two exes stranded on an island? It is not something you typically see in romance books so I was very curious to see how everything would unfold. However, the plot was very slow and dull and the dual timeline didn’t add much to the story. There was also some really weird dialogue and phrases that did not work for me. It just didn’t feel natural and realistic.

As for the characters, the leads came off as flat and underdeveloped. I honestly couldn’t tell sometimes whether we were in the past or the present because the characters didn’t seem to have matured at all. They still read as young kids. I also didn’t feel any chemistry between Piper and Wyatt either. They were just so boring together. There was no spark or banter. I was struggling to find something to be invested in.

Overall, this was a miss for me. It had potential, but the delivery wasn’t there.
]]> 216734941 Butting heads leads to knocking boots in this wildly sexy enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, small town cowboy romance by Jessica Peterson.

My dad and I have been estranged for years. But as his only living relative, it’s no surprise I inherit his massive cattle ranch when he dies. Something that is a surprise? The stipulation in his will, which requires me to live on the ranch and actively manage it for a year before I can access my inheritance money.

I haven’t stepped foot in Hartsville, Texas, population one thousand, since my parents split when I was six. Now a city girl through and through, I never imagined having to move back to cowboy country. But I need the money to invest in my company, and a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

There’s just one giant roadblock to my plan: the ranch’s foreman, grumpy cowboy Cash Rivers. I don’t care how good he looks in his Wranglers and chaps. He’s rude, he’s growly, and he wants me gone. I’d fire him in a heartbeat, but I need this cowboy to teach me the ropes of running a ranch.

We’re enemies from the get-go. But turns out, Cash is really good at this ranch thing. He’s got strong hands, an intelligent mind, and let’s just say everything really is bigger in Texas. Working alongside him leads to conversations beneath the stars. Throw in some cheek-to-cheek dancing at the local dive bar, and it all feels so right that I start to fall in love with life on the ranch. And maybe with him, too.

But my stay in Hartsville is only temporary. And you know what they say about cowboys: they may break horses, but they also break hearts. If only Cash hadn’t already lassoed mine��

CASH is the first standalone book in the brand new steamy, interconnected Lucky River Ranch Series.]]> 423 Jessica Peterson Anila 4
Yes! A cowboy book was exactly what I needed to get out of the slump I was in]]> 4.00 2024
author: Jessica Peterson
name: Anila
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/01
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves:
review:
Rating: 3.5⭐️

Yes! A cowboy book was exactly what I needed to get out of the slump I was in
]]> 168409530 My brother’s teammates know not to touch me �� but that doesn’t stop me from daring Jaxson Brittain to be the first to break the rule.

After one steamy night in Austin, I’m all too aware of the hot, broody defenseman with icy blue eyes and ink sprawling his muscular arms. He was the one my brother assigned to keep me safe �� and I had far too much fun tempting him to be the one to put me in danger.

It was just one night of tip-toeing the line, of teasing and flirting and messing around knowing nothing would ever come of it.

But when the universe throws me back into his lap two weeks later and we end up on a secret road trip together, all bets are off.

I can’t help but touch him. I can’t help but pray for him to touch me. And I can’t resist the temptation to test him at every turn.

Jaxson is smart and doesn’t have a death wish. So, like a gentleman, he keeps his hands to himself�� the jerk.

But the closer we get on the road and the farther we get from reality, the less those warning signs from my brother seem to deter him.

When we started this road trip, we set a boundary. We promised to keep all arms and legs safely in the friend zone.

Now, miles and miles away from all the reasons we shouldn’t, all I can hear is my heart thumping out the resounding reason we should.

And the way those heated blue eyes watch me, I know I’m not the only one.]]> 407 Kandi Steiner Anila 0 dnf
Okay, I don’t think Kandi Steiner’s books are for me. I DNFed the first book, but decided to give the second one a try. Well, I couldn’t finish it either. I tried really hard, but I found myself never wanting to pick this book up. It has been over 3 days since I started reading it and I’m not even a quarter of the way through.

The characters were just so immature and whiny. The plot was also really boring. I couldn’t connect to anything honestly. So yeah I’m mad at myself for DNFing three books in a row]]> 4.11 2023
author: Kandi Steiner
name: Anila
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves: dnf
review:
DNF at 22%

Okay, I don’t think Kandi Steiner’s books are for me. I DNFed the first book, but decided to give the second one a try. Well, I couldn’t finish it either. I tried really hard, but I found myself never wanting to pick this book up. It has been over 3 days since I started reading it and I’m not even a quarter of the way through.

The characters were just so immature and whiny. The plot was also really boring. I couldn’t connect to anything honestly. So yeah I’m mad at myself for DNFing three books in a row
]]> 210493954 In my defense, I had no idea the tattooed, glasses-wearing, soulful hottie I spent one perfect day—and one unforgettable night—with was a hockey star on my father’s team.
And Miles didn’t know I was the coach’s daughter.
That’s the point of a “no-work-talk�� date.
But now? He's as forbidden to me as I am to him.
When I land a new gig as the team photographer, we vow to keep it professional. We mostly succeed…except for that time after a game when he couldn’t keep his talented hands off me. And, okay, maybe that other time before a road trip. But I swear, it won’t happen again.
Too much is at stake—I can’t risk my heart or my father’s team.
But when I’m asked to dog-sit Miles’s pack of rescue pups for a few weeks, I discover there’s more to him than I ever imagined—a man who’s genuine, thoughtful, and irresistibly real.
He looks at me like he can’t believe his luck. Touches me like he never wants to let go. And listens to my hopes and fears.
My heart’s getting dangerously attached. But if I follow it�� am I putting everyone’s dreams on the line?


Tropes: coach’s daughter, the one who got away, starts with a bang, second chance vibes, age gap, forbidden hockey romance, forced proximity, workplace romance,]]> Lauren Blakely Anila 0 dnf 4.12
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Anila
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves: dnf
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 Anila 4
I initially wasn’t a fan of Tabitha. She was very combative and aggressive. It’s the opposite of who I am and how I handle tough situations so I wasn’t able to connect and relate to her. As the story progresses, I warmed up to her and understood where she was coming for. She was hurting and grieving and hurt people hurt others. By the end, I really came to respect and appreciate her as a character, especially when it came to her loyalty. She defended and protected her friends and family so fiercely. She is probably my favourite female lead of the series so far.

Meanwhile, I liked Rhys from the start. He would take all the hits and blows Tabitha threw his way and never retaliated back because he knew how much she was hurting already. He was just so kind and thoughtful. Also, his moments with Milo were absolutely heartwarming. I couldn’t get enough of their moments together as a family of three.

The plot was very addicting as well. I was flying through this book and I wanted to keep reading and find out how Tabitha and Rhys would get their HEA. And so, even though this book started off a bit rough for me, I really enjoyed it by the end and that’s mainly because of the amazing characters.

Also, the next book is ex-boyfriend’s dad?!? I don’t like that trope but in Elsie Silver we trust I guess?]]> 4.27 2025
author: Elsie Silver
name: Anila
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/24
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves:
review:
I’m honestly not sure whether Wild Eyes or Wild Side is my favourite at this point. This book was so much fun!

I initially wasn’t a fan of Tabitha. She was very combative and aggressive. It’s the opposite of who I am and how I handle tough situations so I wasn’t able to connect and relate to her. As the story progresses, I warmed up to her and understood where she was coming for. She was hurting and grieving and hurt people hurt others. By the end, I really came to respect and appreciate her as a character, especially when it came to her loyalty. She defended and protected her friends and family so fiercely. She is probably my favourite female lead of the series so far.

Meanwhile, I liked Rhys from the start. He would take all the hits and blows Tabitha threw his way and never retaliated back because he knew how much she was hurting already. He was just so kind and thoughtful. Also, his moments with Milo were absolutely heartwarming. I couldn’t get enough of their moments together as a family of three.

The plot was very addicting as well. I was flying through this book and I wanted to keep reading and find out how Tabitha and Rhys would get their HEA. And so, even though this book started off a bit rough for me, I really enjoyed it by the end and that’s mainly because of the amazing characters.

Also, the next book is ex-boyfriend’s dad?!? I don’t like that trope but in Elsie Silver we trust I guess?
]]> 122495892 One Month with Vince Tanev: Tampa’s Hotshot Rookie
Twenty-four-seven access on and off the ice.

The headline says it all, and my bosses are over the moon when the opportunity of a lifetime lands in my lap. Of course, they aren’t aware that I’ve already met Vince Cool at an all-star gala �� and that we were at each other’s throats the entire time.

It doesn’t matter that he’s the kind of hot that shows God has favorites �� messy brown hair, heated hazel eyes, the smirk of a rockstar, and a scar over his eyebrow that makes every woman particularly feral.

He’s a rich, cocky playboy �� a brand I’m all too familiar with, and one I’m determined to never be around again.

But after my coverage of the gala stirs up buzz, the team’s General Manager and my CEO strike a deal. To help fill the arena at home games, I’ll get up close and personal with Tampa’s new shiny toy. Whether he’s at practice, playing in a game, partying, or drinking coffee half-naked in his condo �� I’ll be there for all of it.

Vince gets under my skin like no one else. It isn’t long before that paper-thin line between hate and lust blurs, and being around him every waking minute of the day leaves no chance to escape his devilish stare.

The air crackles between us. The tension is hot enough to melt my inhibitions.

But I know the way this story ends. I’ve lived it once before.

As much as I work to guard my heart, my body is a traitor �� and if this man puts his hands on me, I know I’ll submit to desire.

I thought one month with Vince Tanev was a game I could win easily.
But I might have just met my match.]]> 368 Kandi Steiner Anila 0 dnf
I’ve only read one Kandi Steiner book and that was back in 2020. I remember enjoying it and I have been seeing this series on my ŷ������ a lot so I decided to give the first book a try.

It was a pretty generic hockey romance book tbh. The romance was insta-lusty. However, my biggest issue was the leads. They were so annoying. Maven was so judgemental and rude, while Vince was a playboy man whore. I couldn’t get over how immature they were.

I’m DNFing this one, but I might check out the rest of the series though as I heard it gets better.

]]> 3.98 2023
author: Kandi Steiner
name: Anila
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/25
shelves: dnf
review:
DNF at 37%

I’ve only read one Kandi Steiner book and that was back in 2020. I remember enjoying it and I have been seeing this series on my ŷ������ a lot so I decided to give the first book a try.

It was a pretty generic hockey romance book tbh. The romance was insta-lusty. However, my biggest issue was the leads. They were so annoying. Maven was so judgemental and rude, while Vince was a playboy man whore. I couldn’t get over how immature they were.

I’m DNFing this one, but I might check out the rest of the series though as I heard it gets better.


]]> 224082674 Past and present collide in this swoony romance when a girl searching for a sense of belonging may have found it in an unexpected—and undeniably charming—visitor from the nineteenth century.

Delaney Carmichael's final year of boarding school at Ivernia is not off to a great start. Losing her father has left her feeling completely unmoored—both emotionally and in terms of what she wants to do with her future. So when Delaney discovers that Ivernia—the one stable place in her life—is on the brink of shuttering its doors, it feels like the last straw. If life is measured in what she has to lose, then does anything matter?

Desperate for a solution, Delaney makes a wish—for a way to save Ivernia. The universe's response? Enter Lord William Cromwell of Dunbry, a tall, handsome, and woefully out-of-place-boy from nineteenth-century London. At first, Delaney thinks this charming English heartthrob might somehow be the answer to her problems, but when disastrous consequences begin to unfold at an alarming rate, she realizes that if she can't return William to where and when he belongs, the present could unravel completely. Much to Delaney's dismay, the only person capable of helping her is her brother's infuriating best friend, Sumner, a boy who seems dead-set on getting under her skin. With time quickly running out, can the two set things straight before the past begins messing with the present in irreversible ways?]]> 432 Farrah Penn 0593528336 Anila 0 to-read 4.33
author: Farrah Penn
name: Anila
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 229221067 With her brother’s grumpy best friend—and her longtime nemesis—as Beth’s flight instructor, her pilot lessons could be a plane disaster or their first-class ticket to forever.

Mayday. Mayday. Engine failure.

When flying with George Bunsen, the last thing Beth Lundberg wants is to be horny in the cockpit. But when her first ride-along dives toward disaster, the perpetually stoic George is forced to execute a skillful emergency landing, and Beth is horrified to find herself with an adrenaline-fueled crush on the pilot. She’s even more shocked when her brother’s best friend offers her discounted flight lessons—possibly out of guilt for almost killing them.

And despite George’s annoying habit of departing any room the moment Beth enters, she really wants to accept. No matter that it’s an egregiously expensive hobby, or that her waitressing wages go right toward her mother’s medical bills, or that she’s already in debt up to her eyebrows. Flying is Beth’s dream, and she could use her private license to earn real money.

The more time they spend navigating the sky, the more the turbulence between George and Beth dissipates. But Beth has seen the burning wreckage that comes from mixing business with pleasure—plus, she’s been keeping a secret that, once revealed, will send all her relationships into a tailspin. Can she really take a risk on romance when her pilot career isn’t even off the ground?]]> 400 Lauren Connolly 0593815688 Anila 0 to-read 0.0
author: Lauren Connolly
name: Anila
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 227948548 Sebastian Rousseau is a grumpy, hot as hell fire pilot who is too damn good with his hands.

It’s the perfect combination. But unfortunately for me, he’s also my ex-boyfriend’s dad.

A chance meeting brought us together and a missed connection has kept us apart.

One year later, a stroke of fate has us living under the same roof—which makes everything between us downright messy.

Because even after all this time, he’s still the man I think about when I fall asleep. The one I can’t get over no matter how hard I try.

He’s working on mending a fragile relationship with his son and we both know acting on these urges would be the ultimate betrayal.

But I see the heat in his eyes. That look of need that never fails to send a shiver down my spine.

The mutual longing is borderline unbearable and the simmering heat between us is downright palpable.

We both know there are rules when it comes to situations like this.

But then again…following the rules never has been my strong suit.]]> Elsie Silver 1464247862 Anila 0 to-read 4.23 2025
author: Elsie Silver
name: Anila
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 216004383
Lulu Sonnet is the bane of my existence.
She’s caused me more physical pain than any man should ever endure.
From an accidental throat punch to a near death by shovel��
Don’t even get me started on that vicious pool ball accident where she almost robbed me of my family jewels.
She’s a hot little heathen, and what’s worse?
She’s staying in my brother’s rental house while I’m temporarily living in the guest house.
And now she needs a favor.
A fake boyfriend.
I’ll dote on her for a few weeks, she’ll return the favor so my boss’s daughter will stop nagging me, and then we’ll part ways.
It seems simple enough.
Until we end up in the same shower.
And then the same bed.
The lines are blurring.
She’s beautiful and fierce and sexy all at the same time.
But Lulu isn’t staying in Rosewood River forever.
The place I call home is just a pitstop for her.
But suddenly everything I thought I wanted is no longer important to me.
My fake girlfriend has turned my world upside down.
And now nothing feels right without her.]]> 342 Laura Pavlov Anila 3
I really struggled with this book. From the snippets I’ve read, I had high hopes but this book ultimately ended up disappointing me.

The story moved so fast at the start that it made it hard for me to connect to the characters and to be invested in the plot. The whole book felt kind of superficial and I wanted some depth, especially from the characters. I also didn’t particularly like the leads. I found Lulu and Rafe to be very childish and annoying. I did not feel the chemistry between them.

All in all, not my favorite of hers.

]]> 4.40 2025
author: Laura Pavlov
name: Anila
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/21
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves:
review:
Rating: 2.5⭐️

I really struggled with this book. From the snippets I’ve read, I had high hopes but this book ultimately ended up disappointing me.

The story moved so fast at the start that it made it hard for me to connect to the characters and to be invested in the plot. The whole book felt kind of superficial and I wanted some depth, especially from the characters. I also didn’t particularly like the leads. I found Lulu and Rafe to be very childish and annoying. I did not feel the chemistry between them.

All in all, not my favorite of hers.


]]> 216004612 Laura Pavlov Anila 0 to-read 5.00 2025
author: Laura Pavlov
name: Anila
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 212469939
I’ve been running for most of my life, hiding away in a small town and hoping no one discovers who I truly am. The only problem is that I can never let anyone know the real me. Or at least that was true until my brother moved his best friend onto our shared property.

Now, I’m stuck trying to avoid the nosy billionaire’s probing questions and piercing stares. And it doesn’t help that I almost killed him the first time we met.

Oops.

But when all my carefully crafted lies come crashing down around me, it’s Linc stepping in to shield me. And when it looks like the person hunting me for all those years is back, Linc will do anything to keep me safe.

Only it’s not just my safety at risk. It’s my heart. Because when Linc touches me, I lose all sense. And when I truly get to know the broken billionaire, he’s so much more than a ruthless business tycoon. He’s the man showing me that it’s time to really live.

But I’m not the only one with secrets. Linc has them, too. And when the forces from our pasts emerge from the shadows, it’s with only one goal: to end the new life we’re building together. For good.]]> 402 Catherine Cowles 1951936655 Anila 4
The previous books in the series fell flat for me and I did not have high hopes for this one, but it ended up surprising me.

Arden was for sure my favourite FMC the author has written. She was sassy, kind and so strong, physically and mentally. She had a backbone and didn’t let people walk all over her. I loved being in her head and seeing her fall in love and find peace. While I loved Arden and Lincoln together, I wasn’t that big of a fan of Lincoln. He just didn’t do it for me as I found him to be kind of a boring male lead. The typical overprotective alpha male.

There were also definitely some moments that felt similar to the author’s previous books. This became more apparent in the second half and that’s when my enjoyment started to dim. Some other pet peeves that I had was the amount of times “darkness�� and “shadows�� was used. It just didn’t flow right and was kind of cringey. And the nicknames! I thought Vicious for Arden was cute and that I was saved from having to complain about the nicknames again but then Concon? Like why?

But anyway I did enjoy this book for the most part. Also, the author always does such a good job of leaving hints for the next book in the series and I’m honestly really excited.



]]> 4.38 2025
author: Catherine Cowles
name: Anila
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/20
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves:
review:
Rating: 3.5⭐️

The previous books in the series fell flat for me and I did not have high hopes for this one, but it ended up surprising me.

Arden was for sure my favourite FMC the author has written. She was sassy, kind and so strong, physically and mentally. She had a backbone and didn’t let people walk all over her. I loved being in her head and seeing her fall in love and find peace. While I loved Arden and Lincoln together, I wasn’t that big of a fan of Lincoln. He just didn’t do it for me as I found him to be kind of a boring male lead. The typical overprotective alpha male.

There were also definitely some moments that felt similar to the author’s previous books. This became more apparent in the second half and that’s when my enjoyment started to dim. Some other pet peeves that I had was the amount of times “darkness�� and “shadows�� was used. It just didn’t flow right and was kind of cringey. And the nicknames! I thought Vicious for Arden was cute and that I was saved from having to complain about the nicknames again but then Concon? Like why?

But anyway I did enjoy this book for the most part. Also, the author always does such a good job of leaving hints for the next book in the series and I’m honestly really excited.




]]> 221490963 *This limited deluxe edition comes with an ombre spine matching the rest of the series*

A love that couldn't be broken, except by the truth.

Lizzie Young has always felt she was too much everything. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a young age, she's never fit in with her family, her friends, her community. Lizzie wants to be accepted and understood, but with few family or friends in her corner, she's carries her burdens and her trauma on her own.

But when she meets a kind boy on the school bus, things start to look bright for the first time in her life��

Hugh Biggs has an old soul and the wisdom of someone far beyond his years. A young man with a sharp mind and a firm code of ethics, he sees something in Lizzie Young that he can't resist. He wants to be her everything and shoulder her burden. And Lizzie wants that too.

Lizzie and Hugh's bond seems unbreakable �� their chemistry is electric, their love is potent, and their connection is soul deep �� but even the truest love can be shaken by forces beyond control.]]> 768 Chloe Walsh 1464237239 Anila 0 to-read 3.16
author: Chloe Walsh
name: Anila
average rating: 3.16
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217245572 In the first book of a searing new dystopian trilogy, a young woman must conceal her psychic powers—and her attraction to her handsome, infuriating commanding officer—as she works undercover to take down a brutal government from within.

The world is divided. On the Continent, you’re either a Prime—immune to the biotoxin that nearly wiped out the Earth’s population 150 years ago—or a Modified, one who was enhanced by the toxin, developing powerful psychic gifts.

As conflict rages between the two sides, Wren Darlington lives in hiding. Occasionally running the odd op for the rebel Uprising against the Primes�� oppressive rule, she must keep a low profile. After all, if the enemy finds out that she is a Mod with a staggering four psychic abilities, she won’t just be sent to the labor camps. She’ll be executed—immediately and without trial.

When a careless mistake puts Wren in the crosshairs of the Continent’s military, she is taken captive and forced to join their most elite Silver Block. Unwittingly, they’ve handed her the perfect opportunity for the Uprising to strike a devastating blow from inside their ranks. That is, if she can keep her powers hidden, survive training, and prove herself to Cross Redden, her maddeningly cocky commanding officer.

Despite the explosive chemistry between them, Cross doesn’t trust her—even as he seems determined to destroy the remaining shreds of Wren’s self-control. Yet as the war between Primes and Mods escalates, and as Wren and Cross find themselves unable to stay away from each other, they must decide how far they’re willing to go for their secrets—and how much of the Continent is worth saving.]]> 528 Dani Francis 059387546X Anila 0 to-read 4.41 2025
author: Dani Francis
name: Anila
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 209568782
As a chart-topping country singer with a recent streak of bad press it’s hard to find any peace. But I find it in Rose Hill. With a little boy and a little girl who steal my heart just as thoroughly as their dad.

Weston Belmont.

The man is a shameless flirt. He oozes confidence and masculinity in a way that’s downright distracting. And in bed? He’s addictive.

Everything with him is wild and impulsive and I’m desperate to regain some control.

But no one has supported me like West does. And no one has ever made me feel as loved as he does either.

So, while my brain says settling down with a small-town horse trainer is impossible�� my heart says I’m right where I belong.

Still, my life as a celebrity haunts me. It has the power to pull us apart.

I can see in his eyes that wants me to stay. And I want that too.

But I know better than anyone that we don’t always get what we want.]]> 464 Elsie Silver 1464220824 Anila 4
Based off the first chapter, I thought I would struggle with the FMC Skylar. She just seemed rude and self-centred. However, as the story went on, we learn that she was dealing with a lot of trauma and anxiety from her career and her parents (they absolutely suck]]> 4.24 2024
author: Elsie Silver
name: Anila
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/17
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves:
review:
I had lukewarm feelings about Wild Love, but after seeing so many positive reviews about the two other books in the series, I decided to give Wild Eyes a try and I’m so glad I did.

Based off the first chapter, I thought I would struggle with the FMC Skylar. She just seemed rude and self-centred. However, as the story went on, we learn that she was dealing with a lot of trauma and anxiety from her career and her parents (they absolutely suck
]]> 218133388 I came here seeking sanctuary, I never meant to fall for the broody single dad next door.

I've spent my life hiding in plain sight, burying my past beneath layers of carefully constructed lies. Moving to Sparrow Falls was supposed to be a fresh start. A place to lay low. But when I end up living next door to the single dad who just happens to be one of my brother’s best friends, everything changes.

Trace Colson sees too much, asks too many questions, and his protectiveness is as infuriating as it is alluring.

And when danger comes calling, it’s Trace who stands between me and the darkness.

But being close to him is its own kind of risk. Because with every heated glance and every stolen touch, Trace tempts me to open my heart, to dream of a life I’d long since given up on. The only problem? Trace has his own demons, and when they collide with mine, the fallout could destroy us both.

Forever.]]> Catherine Cowles Anila 0 to-read 4.50 2025
author: Catherine Cowles
name: Anila
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 214537793 For fans of FIVE FEET APART, this emotional and romantic YA offers an unflinching look at not only the realities of heart failure, but at memory, grief, guilt, and what it means to live—in spite of another, because of another, for another. For yourself.

Sydney Wells��should have died. She was supposed to die.

She never expected, after years of waiting, to receive a heart transplant. Now, seventeen-year-old Sydney doesn’t know what to do with her life. Her daily routine consisted of staying indoors, eating heart-healthy foods, and posting about her transplant list experiences on TheWaitingList with her long-distance BFF (and heart failure buddy) Chloe.��

Now, Sydney latches onto the one thing that gives her learning as much as she can about the person whose heart she inherited. After finding the family of her likely-donor, Mia,��Sydney falls deep into her world—and may also be falling for Mia's best friend, Clayton.��

But��Sydney isn’t the only one hiding something. Mia’s brother Tanner won’t talk to Clayton, and Clayton won’t tell Mia why. And hundreds of miles away, Chloe’s health has taken a turn for the worse.��Sydney needs to face what’s in her heart—the truth, the guilt, and the future—before it’s too late.]]> 352 Erin Stewart 0593710665 Anila 5
This review won’t be long as I don’t think I could write anything that will do this book justice and how it made me feel. All I can say is that it absolutely moved me and wrecked me in the best way possible. I loved all the characters. From the protagonist Sydney who felt so many conflicting emotions at being able to survive at the expense of someone else’s life. From Clayton who was sweet and kind and grieving over the loss of his best friend. From Chloe who was desperately waiting for her own heart transplant. From Sydney’s parents who loved and protected their daughter so fiercely. From Tanner who wished for more time with his sister.

There were a lot of heavy topics in this book but the author did an amazing job of tackling them in a real and honest way. I also wished I was the type of person who annotates books because the amount of lines that I had to reread and that just brought me to tears were too many to count. I was just an emotional mess all through this book, especially in the last third.

All in all, I adored this story and now I’m just begging everyone to read her books]]> 4.12 2025
author: Erin Stewart
name: Anila
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/14
date added: 2025/03/15
shelves:
review:
Erin Stewart does it again and delivers a beautiful and heartbreaking read about grief and second chances.

This review won’t be long as I don’t think I could write anything that will do this book justice and how it made me feel. All I can say is that it absolutely moved me and wrecked me in the best way possible. I loved all the characters. From the protagonist Sydney who felt so many conflicting emotions at being able to survive at the expense of someone else’s life. From Clayton who was sweet and kind and grieving over the loss of his best friend. From Chloe who was desperately waiting for her own heart transplant. From Sydney’s parents who loved and protected their daughter so fiercely. From Tanner who wished for more time with his sister.

There were a lot of heavy topics in this book but the author did an amazing job of tackling them in a real and honest way. I also wished I was the type of person who annotates books because the amount of lines that I had to reread and that just brought me to tears were too many to count. I was just an emotional mess all through this book, especially in the last third.

All in all, I adored this story and now I’m just begging everyone to read her books
]]> 223534252 Grumpy meets sunshine in this charming and hilarious forbidden small town romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely!

I really don't need a bodyguard―I run a small-town lavender farm, for bee's sake! But I'm getting one anyway since my identical twin sister just booked the movie role of a lifetime and it's being shot in my hometown. And guess who my new broody, tattooed protector is? None other than the guy I had a one-night stand with last month.

he's the guy with the wicked mouth and heated eyes who ran out on me before the bang without so much as goodbye. And of course he arrives in my tiny hometown where the film is shooting right in the nick of time to save me from the paparazzi at the market. The coffee shop. The dress shop too. I'm trying hard to stay mad after the third time the sexy jerk rescues me.

To top it all off, he's staying in the cottage at my farm. With me. And there's only one bed.
Maybe just one night would relieve all this tension? But one night turns into another, and then into sharing hearts and secrets that are best locked up. Especially since he's leaving and I'm staying, and there's no way we can be more than a summer romance that ends far too soon.

Small town, rom com, grumpy/sunshine, bodyguard, mistaken identity, forbidden romance, only one bed]]> Lauren Blakely Anila 0 to-read 0.0
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Anila
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220233644 I really should stay far away from the single dad hockey star I work for...

Book 5 in the bestselling Love and Hockey series! This book will likely release in the summer of 2025!]]> Lauren Blakely Anila 0 to-read 5.00
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Anila
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220062186 A laugh-out-loud spicy adventure romcom. Perfect for fans of The Lost City, Lyla Sage and Christina Lauren.

A surprise gift is exactly what Adriana Jones needs to improve her vacation, and a bracelet with gems will do the trick.

Except once it’s on, she’s faced with two problems:

1. The bracelet is actually meant for Andrew Jones �� the renowned and utterly gorgeous archaeologist
2. It will not come off, no matter how hard she tries��

Andrew Jones needs this bracelet if he wants to find an ancient lost treasure deep in the jungles of Colombia. And there’s no way he’s letting Adriana’s mistake cost him his career.

There’s only one solution: Adriana must accompany him on his quest. Trekking through jungles and crawling through crypts wasn’t on Adriana’s vacation agenda, but an adventure with the very sexy Dr Jones might just be the treasure she’s been seeking��

Tropes:

Forced Proximity
Opposites Attract
Fish out of Water
Destination romcom
Spicy]]> 384 Olivia Jackson 0008729646 Anila 4 arcs
The cover on this book is absolutely gorgeous and the blurb definitely piqued my interest so thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

It took me a while to get into the story as the writing and dialogue were a bit too quirky for me. It was like the author was trying very hard to make the inner monologue of the protagonist comedic, but it came off more annoying. The FMC Adriana and her brother William were also very immature and childish. I couldn’t stand them at times. The romance was between Adriana and Andrew was rushed as well. They developed feelings so fast.

However, once I hit the 50% mark, the story kind of clicked for me. Adriana and William became more bearable characters and I found myself rooting for the romance between Adriana and Andrew. It helped they had a lot of cute and steamy moments in the second half. Andrew was a great love interest. He was broody, sweet and protective. He was without a doubt my favourite character. The treasure hunting was also really interesting and probably the strongest part of the book for me. I was itching to see how everything would play out.

All in all, despite the bumpy start, I ended up having a lot of fun with this book.
]]> 3.63
author: Olivia Jackson
name: Anila
average rating: 3.63
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/11
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves: arcs
review:
Rating: 3.5⭐️

The cover on this book is absolutely gorgeous and the blurb definitely piqued my interest so thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

It took me a while to get into the story as the writing and dialogue were a bit too quirky for me. It was like the author was trying very hard to make the inner monologue of the protagonist comedic, but it came off more annoying. The FMC Adriana and her brother William were also very immature and childish. I couldn’t stand them at times. The romance was between Adriana and Andrew was rushed as well. They developed feelings so fast.

However, once I hit the 50% mark, the story kind of clicked for me. Adriana and William became more bearable characters and I found myself rooting for the romance between Adriana and Andrew. It helped they had a lot of cute and steamy moments in the second half. Andrew was a great love interest. He was broody, sweet and protective. He was without a doubt my favourite character. The treasure hunting was also really interesting and probably the strongest part of the book for me. I was itching to see how everything would play out.

All in all, despite the bumpy start, I ended up having a lot of fun with this book.

]]> 214490432 A whirlwind romance inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off about four friends whose hearts are broken and mended over the course of an epic senior skip day—from the bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules!

Grace, Isa, and Everett used to be an inseparable trio before their love lives became a tangled mess. For starters, Grace is secretly in love with Everett, who used to go out with Isa before breaking her heart in the infamous Freshman Year Fracture. And, oh yeah, no one knows that Isa has been hanging out with James, Grace’s brother—and if Grace finds out, it could ruin their friendship.

With graduation fast approaching, Grace decides an unsanctioned senior skip day in Philadelphia might be just what they need to fix things. All she has to do is convince Isa to help her kidnap Everett and outmaneuver James, who’s certain his sister is up to something.

In an epic day that includes racing up the famous Rocky steps, taste-testing Philly's finest cheesesteaks, and even crashing a wedding, their secrets are bound to collide. But can their hearts withstand the wreckage?]]> 384 K.L. Walther 0593813952 Anila 3
I was really excited about having another KLW book to read this year, but this was not my favorite of hers.

I have never seen Ferris Bueller so I have no idea how similar/different this was from the movie. On paper, the whole idea of ditching school and going on adventures with your friends sounds like a lot of fun, but I just didn’t get that vibe while reading this book. All of the activities they did were boring in my opinion. The entire story spans only one day which made the pacing very slow as well. There were quite a few flashbacks but the way they were weaved into the story was clunky and not very seamless. The ending was abrupt and the storylines didn’t get any sort of closure which was annoying too.

It also doesn’t help that the reason for all the drama in the book is simply miscommunication or actually a lack of communication between the characters. I just wanted them to talk and resolve things, but it doesn’t happen until the very end. The characters were also too stereotypical and they didn’t have much depth to them. This is a multi-POV book which didn’t leave enough time to really delve into each character and give them a chance to shine. They all just sort of blurred together. There are two romance storylines, but everyone already has feelings for each other and I didn’t understand why. It felt like the author just skipped over that part and it’s all about having the characters overcome certain obstacles in order to be together.

All in all, this book was fine but maybe a little bit of a letdown for me.]]> 3.66 2025
author: K.L. Walther
name: Anila
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/09
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves:
review:
Rating: 2.5⭐️

I was really excited about having another KLW book to read this year, but this was not my favorite of hers.

I have never seen Ferris Bueller so I have no idea how similar/different this was from the movie. On paper, the whole idea of ditching school and going on adventures with your friends sounds like a lot of fun, but I just didn’t get that vibe while reading this book. All of the activities they did were boring in my opinion. The entire story spans only one day which made the pacing very slow as well. There were quite a few flashbacks but the way they were weaved into the story was clunky and not very seamless. The ending was abrupt and the storylines didn’t get any sort of closure which was annoying too.

It also doesn’t help that the reason for all the drama in the book is simply miscommunication or actually a lack of communication between the characters. I just wanted them to talk and resolve things, but it doesn’t happen until the very end. The characters were also too stereotypical and they didn’t have much depth to them. This is a multi-POV book which didn’t leave enough time to really delve into each character and give them a chance to shine. They all just sort of blurred together. There are two romance storylines, but everyone already has feelings for each other and I didn’t understand why. It felt like the author just skipped over that part and it’s all about having the characters overcome certain obstacles in order to be together.

All in all, this book was fine but maybe a little bit of a letdown for me.
]]> 209522179 From USA Today Bestselling Author Holly Renee, comes the second book in the scorching romantasy series with enthralling secrets, impassioned enemies, and luring tension.

Verena was the lost princess of Marmoris, the very thing we had spent our entire lives looking for, and I had let her go.

The lingering taste of her mixed with the deep ache in my chest over her betrayal haunted my days and nights. I knew she was hiding something, but her secrets were far more treacherous than I could have imagined.

Though I wished my own betrayal hadn’t been so bitter on my tongue.

Now my dreams are haunted with the way her deep blue eyes looked up at me in shock when I revealed I knew her truth.

The way I crave for her to look at me now as I hunt for her.

Me, along with half of the rebellion.

If my father finds her before me, there is no telling what he will do to her.

And even though she’s the little traitor I’d always thought she was, I couldn’t allow him to find her.

But his orders were clear. The princess is to be taken by the rebellion or she would be taken by the gods. I don’t know which is worse.

She is the heir to our kingdom, the daughter of the cruel king who was responsible for my mother’s death, and the key to winning our rebellion.

I vowed to my father that I would find her, the one person I wish I didn’t have to.

Verena is the hunted heir. But more than anything, she is mine.]]> 242 Holly Renee Anila 0 dnf
This book is only around 240 pages, but it’s just not remotely interesting to me. Maybe I’ll revisit it in the future, but right now I’m so bored with the book and couldn’t care less about what’s going on. ]]> 3.48 2024
author: Holly Renee
name: Anila
average rating: 3.48
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/04
shelves: dnf
review:
DNF at 37%

This book is only around 240 pages, but it’s just not remotely interesting to me. Maybe I’ll revisit it in the future, but right now I’m so bored with the book and couldn’t care less about what’s going on.
]]> 204624472 A scorching new fantasy romance that ignites the pages with relentless danger, forbidden passion, and the intoxicating allure of enemies to lovers.

Fleeing my father's cruelty, the wicked king who robbed me of a future, I face death in the streets, caught between a rebellion and a tyrant's reign.

Captured by those sworn to kill me, the rebels remain blind to my true identity—the missing daughter of the despised king. Faced with an impossible choice, I stand before them: join the rebels or face their blades.

Yet, Dacre, the son of the ruthless rebellion commander, becomes torn between suspicion and a desire that mirrors my own. He allows no one to touch me, tries to protect me, yet threatens me at every turn.

As secrets are weaved beyond our hidden realm, a fierce battle unfolds within me. As I get closer to the rebels, and their cause, my loyalty to my kingdom clashes with my undeniable devotion to Dacre and the burning connection between us.

In a world where love and hate are two edges of the same blade, I find myself caught in a delicate dance between forbidden desire and my looming destiny.]]> 364 Holly Renee Anila 3
The romance between Dacre and Nyra was good too. It helps that I found the leads to be likeable characters. There was angst, banter and tension. Basically all the things I love in a romance. However, I did feel that their relationship was mostly physical. I was hoping for some more emotional depth between Dacre and Nyra, but the spice kind of made up for it]]> 3.83 2024
author: Holly Renee
name: Anila
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves:
review:
It’s been a while since I’ve ever read a fantasy book and this was the perfect book to help me get back into the genre. It was on the shorter side and the plot was fast-paced and full of action. The world-building was pretty easy to follow as well.

The romance between Dacre and Nyra was good too. It helps that I found the leads to be likeable characters. There was angst, banter and tension. Basically all the things I love in a romance. However, I did feel that their relationship was mostly physical. I was hoping for some more emotional depth between Dacre and Nyra, but the spice kind of made up for it
]]> 22609310
For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is hiding a huge secret. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything Auburn loves most, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it—but can she do it?]]> 306 Colleen Hoover 1476791457 Anila 0 4.14 2015
author: Colleen Hoover
name: Anila
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at: 2015/07/06
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves:
review:

]]> 218109166
At least, that’s what I thought—until I met Conor Nilsen. In truth, I didn’t know he was the goalie for the Chicago Falcons when he struck up a conversation the night of my bachelorette party.

He proved he wasn’t just some hot guy looking to score when he helped me get my drunk bridesmaid safely back to our hotel. That’s when he discovered my 30-before-30 bucket list—a list I hadn’t managed to check a single item off.

What was meant to be a night of stargazing turned into so much more. The chemistry between us was undeniable, and after one innocent night together, I started to question everything—especially my upcoming wedding to a man I wasn’t sure loved me.

Fast forward to my wedding day, and just as I’m standing at the altar, Conor bursts through the church doors to object. And now, somehow, I’m his roommate. Yikes.]]> 355 Piper Rayne Anila 4
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a “stop the wedding�� trope, but it was so much fun. Of course, nothing can beat the iconic moment on Grey’s Anatomy, but this was close. There was just so much chaos and craziness going on and I absolutely loved it. I honestly couldn’t put the book down.

I knew going into this that there would be love at first sight, but it somehow didn’t feel that insta-lovey. I think it helped that the authors had Eloise and Connor acknowledge that they have this connection/spark between them, but then they slowly worked on building their friendship first before they gave into their feelings. It made the romance more believable and allowed for some angsty and tension filled moments.

I also absolutely loved Conor! He’s probably my favourite male lead of the series. He was the sweetest with how he always supported and uplifted Eloise. I adored how he helped her complete her 30 under 30 list as well and how he never judged her for the things she put on it because there were honestly some weird ones.

All in all, I had the best time reading this book and I’m so sad their story is over]]> 4.23 2025
author: Piper Rayne
name: Anila
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/28
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves:
review:
Without a doubt, this was my favorite of the series so far!

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a “stop the wedding�� trope, but it was so much fun. Of course, nothing can beat the iconic moment on Grey’s Anatomy, but this was close. There was just so much chaos and craziness going on and I absolutely loved it. I honestly couldn’t put the book down.

I knew going into this that there would be love at first sight, but it somehow didn’t feel that insta-lovey. I think it helped that the authors had Eloise and Connor acknowledge that they have this connection/spark between them, but then they slowly worked on building their friendship first before they gave into their feelings. It made the romance more believable and allowed for some angsty and tension filled moments.

I also absolutely loved Conor! He’s probably my favourite male lead of the series. He was the sweetest with how he always supported and uplifted Eloise. I adored how he helped her complete her 30 under 30 list as well and how he never judged her for the things she put on it because there were honestly some weird ones.

All in all, I had the best time reading this book and I’m so sad their story is over
]]> 214282631 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.]]> Cara Bastone 0593595742 Anila 4 arcs
It was beautifully written and I was completely moved by the story. I thought the author did an amazing job of balancing the heavy topic of grief with the lighthearted moments. The book kept me interested from beginning to end.

As for the characters, I adored the protagonist Lenny. She puts on this sunshiny persona, but in reality, she is drowning in grief after the loss of her best friend. Her healing journey was depicted realistically. It was not linear and we got to see her experience good days and bad days after her loss. Every day she was trying her best and, little by little, she starts learning how to live again. And Miles! He reminded me so much of Jacob from Yours Truly. He was the sweetest and has the best intentions, but sometimes his actions and his words don’t come off that way because of his gruff exterior. He cares deeply for others and just needed some help in showcasing it better.

The romance was a slow burn for sure. It doesn’t really kick in until the last third of the book, but there were subtle hints here and there. It didn’t bother me too much because I loved reading about Lenny and Miles�� friendship. They understood and complemented each other so well.

All in all, this was a great read and I will definitely keep an eye out for the author’s next release.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!]]> 4.30 2025
author: Cara Bastone
name: Anila
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/14
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: arcs
review:
Wow, this book really deserves all the hype it has been getting so far!

It was beautifully written and I was completely moved by the story. I thought the author did an amazing job of balancing the heavy topic of grief with the lighthearted moments. The book kept me interested from beginning to end.

As for the characters, I adored the protagonist Lenny. She puts on this sunshiny persona, but in reality, she is drowning in grief after the loss of her best friend. Her healing journey was depicted realistically. It was not linear and we got to see her experience good days and bad days after her loss. Every day she was trying her best and, little by little, she starts learning how to live again. And Miles! He reminded me so much of Jacob from Yours Truly. He was the sweetest and has the best intentions, but sometimes his actions and his words don’t come off that way because of his gruff exterior. He cares deeply for others and just needed some help in showcasing it better.

The romance was a slow burn for sure. It doesn’t really kick in until the last third of the book, but there were subtle hints here and there. It didn’t bother me too much because I loved reading about Lenny and Miles�� friendship. They understood and complemented each other so well.

All in all, this was a great read and I will definitely keep an eye out for the author’s next release.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
]]> 198853583
During last year’s Frozen Four, the Waterfell University hockey captain, and NHL legacy, took a brutal hit that left him with a concussion and a new discomfort on the ice. Plagued by nightmares and panic attacks every time he attempt to skate, Rhys wonders if he’ll ever play again �� if he’ll ever want to.

Sadie Brown is staying focused this semester �� no matter what.

Currently drowning in debt, custody hearings for her younger brothers and skating practices, she's just trying to make it to the next day. A spitfire figure skater known for her bad attitude and frequent disappearing acts, she has a reputation on campus. And it’s not a pretty one.

When she accidentally witnesses one of the golden boy hockey captain’s panic attacks and attempts to help him, a strange sort of understanding strikes up between them.

No questions asked. Just comfort.

But Rhys finds himself drawn to Sadie. Where he feels empty, a shell of the man and player he was before, Sadie is so full of everything it bursts from her; every emotion she feels seems like it’s blasted at max. Rhys is desperate to feel anything, Sadie wants to stop feeling so much.

But healing doesn’t mix with secrets, and they’re both skating a thin line, unsteady .]]> 384 Peyton Corinne Anila 0 dnf 3.82 2023
author: Peyton Corinne
name: Anila
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/23
shelves: dnf
review:

]]> 221735272 From USA Today bestselling author Sophie Lark comes the first in a brand new arranged marriage series about a woman who has to marry a man from a rival family in order for them to secure their portion of an inheritance.

The wedding that never was��

Sadie Sparrow loves the beautiful overgrown winery of Sparrow and Vine. It's her family home, and she's willing to do anything to inherit it: even marry her worst enemy. It's the only possible solution. Or at least, Monroe Beaumont makes it seem that way when he corners Sadie with his offer. Intimidation is what Monroe does best for the pack of pirates he calls brothers. And after all…somebody has to get married to unlock the family trust.

Sadie's sisters are furious. They're sure that everything they love is about to be stolen from them by Beaumonts. But Sadie's the one who actually has to live with one of them. The biggest one…who smells like cinnamon and insists on sharing a bed�� Sadie's always known she'd have to fight for Sparrow and Vine. She just didn't know she'd be fighting her own husband...]]> 319 Sophie Lark 1464248958 Anila 4 arcs
This was such a fun read and a great start to a brand new series by Sophie Lark.

The FMC Sadie was such a bright and joyful character. She always had an optimistic view on things and a positive attitude. However, she struggled with self-confidence and was constantly doubting herself and her abilities. Her family is known for their artistic talents, but Sadie doesn’t shine as much as her sisters when it comes to that or anything really. She feels like there is nothing special about her. This changes when she marries the MMC Monroe. He was always there to uplift her and believe in her when no one else does. It was great to see her come into her own throughout the story.

I loved the relationship between Monroe and Sadie. They communicated so well and were a united front no matter what. They defended and protected each other, especially in front of their feuding families. They developed feelings rather fast, but I feel like this is a common thing in the author’s books so it didn’t bother me too much. Sadie and Monroe also had a good partnership and foundation as friends that made up for it.

I also really liked how different Sadie and Monroe’s siblings were. They all had very distinct personalities and the author sprinkled some hints here and there about some potential future storylines which makes me very excited. My only issue with the book is that everything was pretty smooth sailing. The leads are at risk of losing their family vineyard, but it didn’t come off as a big stake. I was also expecting more family drama than what we actually got. But maybe this will be explored in later books.

Overall, I had a great time with this book and would recommend checking it out, especially if you’re a fan of her Brutal Birthright series.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!]]> 3.69
author: Sophie Lark
name: Anila
average rating: 3.69
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/22
date added: 2025/02/22
shelves: arcs
review:
Rating: 3.5⭐️

This was such a fun read and a great start to a brand new series by Sophie Lark.

The FMC Sadie was such a bright and joyful character. She always had an optimistic view on things and a positive attitude. However, she struggled with self-confidence and was constantly doubting herself and her abilities. Her family is known for their artistic talents, but Sadie doesn’t shine as much as her sisters when it comes to that or anything really. She feels like there is nothing special about her. This changes when she marries the MMC Monroe. He was always there to uplift her and believe in her when no one else does. It was great to see her come into her own throughout the story.

I loved the relationship between Monroe and Sadie. They communicated so well and were a united front no matter what. They defended and protected each other, especially in front of their feuding families. They developed feelings rather fast, but I feel like this is a common thing in the author’s books so it didn’t bother me too much. Sadie and Monroe also had a good partnership and foundation as friends that made up for it.

I also really liked how different Sadie and Monroe’s siblings were. They all had very distinct personalities and the author sprinkled some hints here and there about some potential future storylines which makes me very excited. My only issue with the book is that everything was pretty smooth sailing. The leads are at risk of losing their family vineyard, but it didn’t come off as a big stake. I was also expecting more family drama than what we actually got. But maybe this will be explored in later books.

Overall, I had a great time with this book and would recommend checking it out, especially if you’re a fan of her Brutal Birthright series.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
]]> 199368721 She's been driving him wild for years . . . the good kind of wild.

The kind of wild that comes with wanting your best friend's little sister and knowing you can't have her.

Forbes may have labeled Ford Grant the World's Hottest Billionaire, but all he cares about is escaping the press and opening a recording studio in gorgeous small town Rose Hill. Something that comes to a screeching halt when he ends up face-to-face with a young girl who claims he's her biological father. Now, he spends his days balancing business with parenting a sullen twelve-year-old, all while trying desperately to keep his hands the hell off his best friend's sister, Rosie Belmont.

After living in the city, Rosie came blasting back into town like a storm. Beautiful, messy, and chaotic. And one wide-eyed, desperate plea for a job is all it takes for Ford to hire her. He vows to keep her at arm's length. Tries to stick to scowls and grumpy one-liners. But with her, verbal sparring is a type of foreplay―friction that soon turns to blistering heat.

Ford knows damn well he shouldn't cross this line. But shouldn't and can't are two very different things.

And the only thing he truly can't do is resist her.]]> 466 Elsie Silver 0349441626 Anila 3
My biggest complaint was how slow the entire story was. There wasn’t really a plot and the book mainly focused on the characters. Nothing wrong with that, but the characters are sort of boring and they barely developed throughout the book. The conversations were also kind of bland. Rosie and Ford were constantly teasing each other, but it just did not hit for me. It was more annoying than endearing. I also couldn’t feel the chemistry between these two. Sure, it’s cute how long Ford has been in love with Rosie, but I could not understand why these two didn’t get together at certain points in the book. I mean the opportunities were there. There were a few times where Ford had made it clear how he felt about her, but they still weren’t a couple and I honestly was left confused as to why. They were just giving each other mixed signals or something? But this man was confessing his feelings several times and nothing came of it. It was so frustrating.

Despite those issues, I still enjoyed this book. There were some sweet moments between the leads that I adored, mainly seeing Ford read the diary pages. The relationship that formed between Rosie and Cora was great as well. I also liked the author’s writing style and West was a great supporting character. I might check out the next book solely for him. He really saved Wild Love for me.

All in all, my first Elsie Silver book was okay, but I am open to reading more of her work and hopefully I can find one that I love.]]> 3.98 2024
author: Elsie Silver
name: Anila
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/19
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:
This was a cute read, but I wasn’t able to fall in love with this book the way I was hoping to.

My biggest complaint was how slow the entire story was. There wasn’t really a plot and the book mainly focused on the characters. Nothing wrong with that, but the characters are sort of boring and they barely developed throughout the book. The conversations were also kind of bland. Rosie and Ford were constantly teasing each other, but it just did not hit for me. It was more annoying than endearing. I also couldn’t feel the chemistry between these two. Sure, it’s cute how long Ford has been in love with Rosie, but I could not understand why these two didn’t get together at certain points in the book. I mean the opportunities were there. There were a few times where Ford had made it clear how he felt about her, but they still weren’t a couple and I honestly was left confused as to why. They were just giving each other mixed signals or something? But this man was confessing his feelings several times and nothing came of it. It was so frustrating.

Despite those issues, I still enjoyed this book. There were some sweet moments between the leads that I adored, mainly seeing Ford read the diary pages. The relationship that formed between Rosie and Cora was great as well. I also liked the author’s writing style and West was a great supporting character. I might check out the next book solely for him. He really saved Wild Love for me.

All in all, my first Elsie Silver book was okay, but I am open to reading more of her work and hopefully I can find one that I love.
]]> 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 Anila 3
It had all the tropes I love (small town, cowboy, mariage of convenience,��) and was just such a fun read. The author did a great job pulling off all these tropes. It wasn’t a perfect read, but it was addicting and that’s exactly what I needed to get back into reading.

I also liked that it was the FMC Paige who has been crushing on her brother’s best friend for years. This girl had it hard and it was kind of refreshing because I feel like I have been reading more books where it was the opposite situation. However, Paige could be really desperate and pathetic sometimes. I mean she would so easily give up things to be Rhett. I wished she had more of a backbone. Like the stereotypical redhead, she got pissed so quickly as well and it was really annoying.

Rhett was fine. I think he could have done a better job of showing Paige he cared for her though. I mean this man was doing the bare minimum and Paige would just be so grateful.

But all in all, I had a good time with this book. It was honestly a guilty pleasure type of read and I’m looking forward for book two.]]> 4.08
author: Lex Martin
name: Anila
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves:
review:
I’ve been in a bit of a slump and this was the right book to get me out of it.

It had all the tropes I love (small town, cowboy, mariage of convenience,��) and was just such a fun read. The author did a great job pulling off all these tropes. It wasn’t a perfect read, but it was addicting and that’s exactly what I needed to get back into reading.

I also liked that it was the FMC Paige who has been crushing on her brother’s best friend for years. This girl had it hard and it was kind of refreshing because I feel like I have been reading more books where it was the opposite situation. However, Paige could be really desperate and pathetic sometimes. I mean she would so easily give up things to be Rhett. I wished she had more of a backbone. Like the stereotypical redhead, she got pissed so quickly as well and it was really annoying.

Rhett was fine. I think he could have done a better job of showing Paige he cared for her though. I mean this man was doing the bare minimum and Paige would just be so grateful.

But all in all, I had a good time with this book. It was honestly a guilty pleasure type of read and I’m looking forward for book two.
]]> 223789658 Lex Martin 1950554287 Anila 0 to-read 0.0
author: Lex Martin
name: Anila
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 213243919 From the beloved author of Right on Cue and Lease on Love comes a whimsical new rom-com about a workaholic forced to aim for a goal she never thought she'd love.

Campbell Andrews despises exactly three things in incompetence, tardiness, and love stories. Making partner at her law firm at thirty-four, she has no time for anything or anyone else. And certainly no respect for those who choose love over work. That is, until she wakes up in Heart Springs—her own personal hell.��

The good news? She's not dead. She's been magically transported to a small town straight out the Hallmark channel, complete with a meddling mayor, seasonal festivals, and friendly townsfolk. Cam can't stand it, but in order to make it back to her real life, she has to fulfill three tasks . . . most importantly, she has to find true love. It seems impossible. But anything's possible with a Change of Heart.]]> 336 Falon Ballard 0593712927 Anila 3
My favourite Falon Ballard book was Just My Type. Unfortunately, all her other releases have completely missed the mark for me.

I could not connect with the FMC Cam, mainly because she was pretty unlikeable. She was just demeaning and rude and treated everyone around her like crap. She got better as the book went on, but I still struggled to root for her.

I liked Ben, but he was pretty two dimensional. The author doesn’t spend a lot of time fleshing him out and we don’t know much about him other than the fact that he’s basically perfect. The romance also moved way too fast and sort of came out of nowhere for me. The book was on the shorter side but I think the development of Cam and Ben’s relationship could have been better.

All in all, the premise of this book intrigued me, but I honestly had a hard time getting through this.]]> 3.37
author: Falon Ballard
name: Anila
average rating: 3.37
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/14
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves:
review:
Rating: 2.5⭐️

My favourite Falon Ballard book was Just My Type. Unfortunately, all her other releases have completely missed the mark for me.

I could not connect with the FMC Cam, mainly because she was pretty unlikeable. She was just demeaning and rude and treated everyone around her like crap. She got better as the book went on, but I still struggled to root for her.

I liked Ben, but he was pretty two dimensional. The author doesn’t spend a lot of time fleshing him out and we don’t know much about him other than the fact that he’s basically perfect. The romance also moved way too fast and sort of came out of nowhere for me. The book was on the shorter side but I think the development of Cam and Ben’s relationship could have been better.

All in all, the premise of this book intrigued me, but I honestly had a hard time getting through this.
]]> 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 Anila 2 3.91 2025
author: Ellie K. Wilde
name: Anila
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2025
rating: 2
read at: 2025/02/10
date added: 2025/02/10
shelves:
review:
When I learned the MMC’s name was Zac, I knew this book was kind of doomed from the start. I have personal issues with a guy with the same name and I could not stop picturing him whenever I saw the name in the book. I was reliving trauma that I did not sign up for
]]> 224004566 Jane Austen’s Persuasion meets the Big Apple in this swoon-worthy holiday romance from the authors of the “charming�� (Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author) Elizabeth of East Hampton and Emma of 83rd Street.

Eight years ago, Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart when she refused to give up her five-year plan for the sake of adventure. But despite big dreams, Anne, now thirty, is still living at home with hardly a plan in sight. Anne tries to be optimistic—she knows better than anyone that regret will get you nowhere—but that goes out when the window when, thanks to her father’s bad spending habits, her childhood apartment in is rented out to the very man still living in her head rent-free.

Freddie Wentworth never thought he would see Anne Elliot again after she dumped him for accepting a job overseas. He spent years trying to forget her, and he’s been mostly successful. So when a job opportunity takes him back to New York, he’s shocked to find out that Anne is not only his new neighbor, but also the former resident of his new Greenwich Village penthouse.

Nearly a decade after Anne and Freddie’s fateful romance, the only thing they still have in common is a desire to leave their relationship firmly in the past. But between a disastrous off-Broadway show and a drunken Thanksgiving dinner, nosey neighbors, and flirtatious friends, Anne and Freddie suddenly find their lives more intertwined than ever before. When old feelings start rising to the surface, they must decide whether to put their hearts on the line or walk away all over again.]]> 320 Audrey Bellezza 1668097656 Anila 0 to-read 0.0
author: Audrey Bellezza
name: Anila
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 216594948 From the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules comes a fun new coming-of-age romance full of dating disasters, powerful firsts, and the importance of family.

Madeline has always been extremely close to her family, so she is shocked when her older brother gets engaged without including them (or even giving them a heads up!). Mads has never been the biggest fan of his fiancée, Katie, so in order to remain one happy family, she is determined to bond with Katie before the big day, which includes reluctantly agreeing to be a bridesmaid.

During a late-night bridesmaids-only game of "Truth or Dare" Mads is cornered into revealing she has never been kissed or even been on a date, which spurs the other girls to unite on a quest to find Mads the perfect plus-one for the wedding. Next thing she knows she’s navigating a series of disastrous dates that include some major misunderstandings and mishaps.

All of a sudden Mads finds her heart tugged in different directions: to Connor, the boy next door who knows her best. To Marco Álvarez, the former classmate who knows how to push all her buttons. And to some of the new suitors who surprisingly aren’t all bad.

As the wedding draws nearer, Mads has to figure out who she wants most as a forever dance partner, while also making sure her brother isn't making the biggest mistake of his life.]]> 416 K.L. Walther 172826314X Anila 5 arcs
I missed not having a KLW book to read in 2024, but now I’m being blessed with two of her books in 2025 and I got an ARC of one of them! And I had the best time!

I was addicted from the start and could not put this down. The author always does such a good job of writing fun adventures for her characters to experience and this was no exception. I loved all the different dates that the protagonist Mads was going on and meeting all of her suitors. I also really just liked Mads as a lead in general. She was witty, smart and kind. I had a lot of fun being in her head.

I was also really invested in the family and wedding drama. I was super curious to see how everything would play out with her brother’s fiancée as well. There were so many heartfelt moments and I just found myself getting lost in the story. We got cameos/mentions of characters from previous KLW books too and I loved it so much! It really was the cherry on top.

As for the romance, there were a few love interests just based on the premise of the book, but there were really only two serious ones. In my eyes, there was an obvious winner. She just had the best chemistry with him. I won’t say who it is just to keep it spoiler free though. But they were super cute!

All in all, this was such a charming read and I would highly recommend if you’re looking for a new romance read.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!]]> 4.22 2025
author: K.L. Walther
name: Anila
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/08
shelves: arcs
review:
Rating: 4.5⭐️

I missed not having a KLW book to read in 2024, but now I’m being blessed with two of her books in 2025 and I got an ARC of one of them! And I had the best time!

I was addicted from the start and could not put this down. The author always does such a good job of writing fun adventures for her characters to experience and this was no exception. I loved all the different dates that the protagonist Mads was going on and meeting all of her suitors. I also really just liked Mads as a lead in general. She was witty, smart and kind. I had a lot of fun being in her head.

I was also really invested in the family and wedding drama. I was super curious to see how everything would play out with her brother’s fiancée as well. There were so many heartfelt moments and I just found myself getting lost in the story. We got cameos/mentions of characters from previous KLW books too and I loved it so much! It really was the cherry on top.

As for the romance, there were a few love interests just based on the premise of the book, but there were really only two serious ones. In my eyes, there was an obvious winner. She just had the best chemistry with him. I won’t say who it is just to keep it spoiler free though. But they were super cute!

All in all, this was such a charming read and I would highly recommend if you’re looking for a new romance read.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
]]> 217902152 My plan when I win a date in Vegas with my brother’s hockey star best friend? Poker and go to sleep early. Instead, I wake up with a ring on my finger and the sexy athlete naked in my bed.

But Asher’s my best friend too so we’ll get this annulled and laugh about this secret for years to come.

Trouble is our wedding pics went viral overnight.

Now everyone thinks we’re a real couple. We race back home, where I’ve just landed the big art commission of my dreams and he’s launching a sports charity so we need to look like we meant to tie the knot.

Easy enough. We’ll claim we’ve been secretly in love, while staying in separate rooms for the rest of the hockey season.

The last thing either one of us wants is to ruin a decade-long friendship by falling into bed again.

But I experience a new side of my husband at home. He cooks for me, encourages me…and buys me so many toys.

And, it’s more fun to share your toys with a friend.

We’re just enjoying temporary marital benefits.

Except, the more times he calls me his wife, the more I start to wonder if Asher was ever pretending?

And if my heart is ready to take the biggest risk of all.]]> 528 Lauren Blakely Anila 3
I enjoyed this one but it’s not my favorite of the series.

The author has always done a great job when it comes to the banter and chemistry between her characters and Maeve and Asher are no exception. I really liked that they had a strong foundation as friends first before they entered into a romantic relationship. However, I found myself wanting more from them. Maybe because they’re already good friends, but I don’t think they had many deep or important conversations until the last third of the book. The author kind of neglected that and focused more on the physical aspect of their relationship. It also took so long for them to confess their feelings. I was losing my mind with impatience.

My biggest issue was the pacing though. The story was unnecessarily long and I think the author could have shortened it a bit because the story was dragging a lot. It’s an issue I’ve had with the other books in the series and I hope it doesn’t continue with the next one. I’m not a fan of the coach’s daughter trope so not sure how I’ll feel about the next book. It also seems to be quite similar to the first book, but hopefully it can surprise me.

All in all, this was still a good read. I was just expecting a bit more from the romance.]]> 4.03
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Anila
average rating: 4.03
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/05
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:
Rating: 2.5⭐️

I enjoyed this one but it’s not my favorite of the series.

The author has always done a great job when it comes to the banter and chemistry between her characters and Maeve and Asher are no exception. I really liked that they had a strong foundation as friends first before they entered into a romantic relationship. However, I found myself wanting more from them. Maybe because they’re already good friends, but I don’t think they had many deep or important conversations until the last third of the book. The author kind of neglected that and focused more on the physical aspect of their relationship. It also took so long for them to confess their feelings. I was losing my mind with impatience.

My biggest issue was the pacing though. The story was unnecessarily long and I think the author could have shortened it a bit because the story was dragging a lot. It’s an issue I’ve had with the other books in the series and I hope it doesn’t continue with the next one. I’m not a fan of the coach’s daughter trope so not sure how I’ll feel about the next book. It also seems to be quite similar to the first book, but hopefully it can surprise me.

All in all, this was still a good read. I was just expecting a bit more from the romance.
]]> 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 Anila 3 4.11 2025
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Anila
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves:
review:

]]> 61374793
Now trapped inside Jessica’s body, with access to Jessica’s most private journals and secrets, Jenna soon discovers that being the top student at the elite, highly competitive Havenwood Private Academy isn’t quite what she imagined. Worse, as everyone—including her own parents—start having trouble remembering who Jenna Chen is, or if she ever even existed, Jenna must decide if playing the role of the perfect daughter and student is worth losing her true self forever.]]> 320 Ann Liang 133552312X Anila 3 4.08 2025
author: Ann Liang
name: Anila
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves:
review:
I can always count on Ann Liang to have the most beautiful covers
]]> 216375349 My brother’s best friend is such a jerk.

An imposing, handsome jerk who doesn’t trust me. And now we’re roommates.

He wanders around the apartment in nothing but gray sweatpants, looking like a broody, tattooed muscle god, and playing music that shakes the walls. I want to hate him for treating me like an intruder, but there’s something about the way he looks at me—like he’s trying to figure me out—that keeps pulling me in.

Archer Holland is loyal, caring, and protective—with everyone except me.

Every time I move around our apartment, I can feel his glare. And the worst part? It only makes me want him more.

Not that it matters.

He’s my brother’s best friend—the one guy I can never have. But after a late-night rescue, we go from sharing a wall to sharing a bed.

I’m not sure what my brother would do if he found out, but it doesn’t matter because Archer says it can’t happen again.

That imposing, handsome jerk is about to find out I’m done playing by his rules.

Comeback is a football romance with lots of spice, swoon, and a happily ever after. It’s the third book in the Holland Brothers series and can be read as a standalone.

Tropes:

- forced proximity / roommates
- broody tattooed football hero
- sneaking around
- ASL and chronic illness rep
- dual POV]]> 369 Rebecca Jenshak 1951815769 Anila 4
I adored Sabrina! She had such a good head on her shoulders and her positivity, kindness and enthusiasm just shined throughout this book. Archer was equally amazing. He was so caring, broody and protective. I loved how their relationship developed. It was so natural and seamless. The hate to love vibe at the start of the book was a nice touch as well.

If you have read my review of the second book, you would know I wasn’t a fan of Brogan, but my opinion of him really changed because of this book. He demonstrated so many things throughout the story how good of a boyfriend and brother he was. I loved how sweet he was towards Sabrina and how he put in so much effort to form a bond with her. I can now admit that he has finally won me over.

The only reason I didn’t rate it five stars is that it was a bit low stakes. Everything was just smooth sailing for Archer and Sabrina. We had a lot of sweet and fluffy moments, which I usually love, but I don’t know the story was missing some excitement for me. A crazy complaint but it is how I feel]]> 4.01 2025
author: Rebecca Jenshak
name: Anila
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves:
review:
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint.

I adored Sabrina! She had such a good head on her shoulders and her positivity, kindness and enthusiasm just shined throughout this book. Archer was equally amazing. He was so caring, broody and protective. I loved how their relationship developed. It was so natural and seamless. The hate to love vibe at the start of the book was a nice touch as well.

If you have read my review of the second book, you would know I wasn’t a fan of Brogan, but my opinion of him really changed because of this book. He demonstrated so many things throughout the story how good of a boyfriend and brother he was. I loved how sweet he was towards Sabrina and how he put in so much effort to form a bond with her. I can now admit that he has finally won me over.

The only reason I didn’t rate it five stars is that it was a bit low stakes. Everything was just smooth sailing for Archer and Sabrina. We had a lot of sweet and fluffy moments, which I usually love, but I don’t know the story was missing some excitement for me. A crazy complaint but it is how I feel
]]> 221381021 One night—that’s all it was supposed to be. No names. No complications.
And now? He’s everywhere.
In every trending video.
In all the news headlines.
On every freaking billboard.
Turns out, he’s not just some guy. He’s Flynn Holland, Lake City’s new hotshot pitcher. The one that’s supposed to end our team’s fifty-year championship drought (the same way I’ve fantasized about him ending mine).
As if that weren’t bad enough, my daughter loves him and he’s the poster boy for my rival bookstore.
Flynn’s perfect smile is plastered all over town, selling their books, like some kind of traitorous golden boy—while he’s over here giving me his best game.
Pass. I’ve had enough heartbreak for two lifetimes.
But then he looks at me, and I forget how to breathe.
Not to mention, he’s so good with my little girl, it’s downright unfair.
He’s maddeningly gorgeous, ridiculously persistent, and dragging me straight into his spotlight.
I need him to stay away—before I do something I’ll regret.]]> Rebecca Jenshak 1951815793 Anila 0 to-read 4.75
author: Rebecca Jenshak
name: Anila
average rating: 4.75
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 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.]]> 351 Deidra Duncan 1529442109 Anila 0 to-read 3.95
author: Deidra Duncan
name: Anila
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217068516 The first rule of handling PR for a hockey team? Never hook up with a player.

That shouldn’t be a problem since the last man on earth I want to give an image makeover to is our goalie. He’s infuriatingly hot, famously grumpy and lives to spar with me after every game.

But shining up his rough edges is my path to landing the promotion I desperately need, so I grit my teeth and do my job. No matter how hard he makes it (especially with that sexy smirk and cool blue eyes.) As we travel from pose-with-a-pet photo opps to cuddle-a-kitten fundraisers, we bicker like it’s foreplay.

Turns out it is.

Because as I get to know the man behind the broody iceman exterior, it’s me that melts �� right into his arms as he devastates me with a kiss that turns into the hottest, most forbidden night of my life.

Only once turns into every night as Max shows me how much he wants to take care of me. His possessive touch makes me feel adored for the first time in my life.

But the man is entirely off limits and I can’t risk my job for more of those soul-deep kisses.

Because the only thing worse than hooking up with a player is falling head over heels for him.


Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, player and publicist, forbidden romance, workplace romance, hockey romance, secret dates, hate to love]]> 498 Lauren Blakely 1964048184 Anila 4
I loved Max and Everly so much! They were great characters on their own, but together they just brought out the best in each other. It was beautiful how they understood each other so well and how they helped each other heal from their respective traumas. And their banter!! There were so flirty and the double meanings in everything they said had me dying.

My only complaint is that there were some slow parts in the second half of the story. But overall, I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next one!]]> 3.96
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Anila
average rating: 3.96
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/29
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves:
review:
This series just keeps getting better and better. I mean I enjoyed the first book, but there was something about Everly and Max that just hooked me in right from the start.

I loved Max and Everly so much! They were great characters on their own, but together they just brought out the best in each other. It was beautiful how they understood each other so well and how they helped each other heal from their respective traumas. And their banter!! There were so flirty and the double meanings in everything they said had me dying.

My only complaint is that there were some slow parts in the second half of the story. But overall, I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next one!
]]> 217420830
When rumors and gossip about Evie's housing predicament spread like wildfire, she decides the only way to survive is to lean into her questionable new reputation... but she's definitely going to require help. Her grumpy emo dorm mate Salem Grayson isn't exactly her first choice, but he does need her help to repair his relationship with his parents every bit as much as she needs his to learn how to be cool. And so they make a pact - he'll teach her how to be bad, if she teaches him how to be good.

It's a flawless plan, except while Salem thrives academically, even romantically, and - annoyingly enough - even physically, Evie's quest feels like one dead end after another, and the girl she's becoming certainly doesn't feel remotely cool. But when Evie realizes what she wants more than anything, she'll have to contend with her thrice-broken heart and figure out how to become someone capable of chasing happiness.

Dahlia Adler’s Come As You Are is about refusing to accept less than you deserve, and realizing that the best relationships are with people who know exactly who you are.]]> 320 Dahlia Adler 1250871697 Anila 4 arcs
The author did a great job with the main character Evie. She was relatable, witty and a big ball of sunshine. I just adored her energy so much! She is by no means perfect. I mean I think she could have handled the situation with Heather a bit better than she did, but that’s my only complaint. Otherwise, I liked her as a protagonist.

This book is very much a journey of self-discovery, but I loved the romance as well. The dynamic between Evie and Salem was the best! Whenever they were together, we would get to see another side to Evie. She was snarky and confident and it matched perfectly with Salem’s sarcasm. Their banter was one of my favourite parts of the book. The romance is very much a slow-burn, but once they got together, those two were just the cutest.

The supporting characters were equally amazing. They all brought something different to the story, but Matt and Sabrina were probably my favourites. They just had the best dynamic with Salem and Evie. I definitely wanted to join their friend group and honestly the school too.

Overall, this was exactly what I needed after a heavy fantasy read.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!]]> 3.79 2025
author: Dahlia Adler
name: Anila
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/26
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: arcs
review:
This was my first Dahlia Adler book, but it will most definitely not be my last. I had such a fun time! It was full of humour and chaos and I’m always a fan of a boarding school setting.

The author did a great job with the main character Evie. She was relatable, witty and a big ball of sunshine. I just adored her energy so much! She is by no means perfect. I mean I think she could have handled the situation with Heather a bit better than she did, but that’s my only complaint. Otherwise, I liked her as a protagonist.

This book is very much a journey of self-discovery, but I loved the romance as well. The dynamic between Evie and Salem was the best! Whenever they were together, we would get to see another side to Evie. She was snarky and confident and it matched perfectly with Salem’s sarcasm. Their banter was one of my favourite parts of the book. The romance is very much a slow-burn, but once they got together, those two were just the cutest.

The supporting characters were equally amazing. They all brought something different to the story, but Matt and Sabrina were probably my favourites. They just had the best dynamic with Salem and Evie. I definitely wanted to join their friend group and honestly the school too.

Overall, this was exactly what I needed after a heavy fantasy read.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
]]> 209439446
Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.]]> 527 Rebecca Yarros 1649374186 Anila 2
The romance between Violet and Xaden was the highlight for me in the previous books, but their relationship was so stagnant here. All of their romantic moments were carbon copies of each other. There was nothing new and exciting for me. I mean how many times do I have to relive Xaden entering a classroom and Violet going]]> 4.17 2025
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Anila
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/24
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves:
review:
I read FW and IF at the end of 2023 so it has been more than a year. The hype has died down for me and I was able to enter this book with zero expectations and I’m honestly so disappointed.

The romance between Violet and Xaden was the highlight for me in the previous books, but their relationship was so stagnant here. All of their romantic moments were carbon copies of each other. There was nothing new and exciting for me. I mean how many times do I have to relive Xaden entering a classroom and Violet going
]]> 222376533 DELUXE EDITION―a stunning hardcover edition featuring dark crimson sprayed edges

The Godfather meets The Magicians in the sweeping adult debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu. Perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab, Red City is a dark and deadly contemporary fantasy of magical warfare, star-crossed ambition, and the pursuit of perfection at any cost, set in a glittering alternate Los Angeles.

Alchemy is the hidden art of transformation. An exclusive power wielded by crime syndicates that market it to the world’s elites in the form of sand, a drug that enhances those who take it into a more perfect version of themselves: more beautiful, more charismatic, simply more.

Among the gleaming skyscrapers and rolling foothills of Angel City, alchemy is controlled by two rival syndicates. For years, Grand Central and Lumines have been balanced on a razor’s edge between polite negotiation and outright violence. But when two childhood friends step into that delicate equation, the city―and the paths of their lives―will be irrevocably transformed.

The daughter of a poor single mother, Sam would do anything to claw her way into the ranks of Grand Central in search of a better life. Plucked away from his family as a boy to become a Lumines apprentice, Ari is one of the syndicates' brightest rising stars. Once, they might have loved each other. But as the two alchemists face off across opposite sides of an ever-escalating conflict, ambition becomes power, loyalty becomes lies, and no transformation may be perfect enough for them both to survive the coming war.]]> 432 Marie Lu 1250885671 Anila 0 to-read 4.70 2025
author: Marie Lu
name: Anila
average rating: 4.70
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 215508008 A forbidden romance with my brother’s hockey-playing teammate wasn’t on my to-do list when I moved across the country.

Neither was getting locked out of a friend’s place wearing next to nothing.
Or spending the night with the sexy stranger who rescues me.
But I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone so getting out of the rest of my clothes with him seems like a good way to start.
In the morning, I learn the filthy-mouthed man with the talented hands is not only the hotshot new hockey player on my brother’s team: he’s also �� wait for it �� my brand new roommate.
I’m a good student turned good librarian. A rule-follower. I’m not the kind of girl who does complicated flings. So we agree to another rule: friends-only.
It’s not easy though. Wes is bossy, flirty and generous.
He gives me rides to work.
Pitches in at my library’s fundraiser.
Takes care of me when I get hurt.
And looks at me like I’m the only one.
Soon, I’m falling hard for my brother’s teammate.
Especially when Wes comes to my door and tells me exactly how he’d like to break our rules.
Every single one.]]> 496 Lauren Blakely 1964048079 Anila 4
From the start, the chemistry was on fire between the two leads, Josie and Wesley. Even though they just met, they were bantering like crazy and I was invested in them as a couple. Things also got really steamy and I’m not complaining.

I did feel that the writing was a tad cringey and juvenile at times, but it never annoyed me too much because it sort of added to the humour and romcom vibes the author was aiming for. The story did drag for me towards the end though. But besides that, I had a lot of fun with this book and plan on continuing the series.]]> 3.85 2024
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Anila
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/18
date added: 2025/01/19
shelves:
review:
I kind of picked this book on a whim and I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did.

From the start, the chemistry was on fire between the two leads, Josie and Wesley. Even though they just met, they were bantering like crazy and I was invested in them as a couple. Things also got really steamy and I’m not complaining.

I did feel that the writing was a tad cringey and juvenile at times, but it never annoyed me too much because it sort of added to the humour and romcom vibes the author was aiming for. The story did drag for me towards the end though. But besides that, I had a lot of fun with this book and plan on continuing the series.
]]> 218516937 “Fake dating + reality TV drama + murder mystery = an absolutely addictive read.”—Mia P. Manansala, author of the award-winning Arsenic and Adobo

In this sizzling rom-com perfect for fans of Dial A for Aunties and One to Watch, a reality show contestant must fake date her rival . . . while solving a murder mystery on set.

Alice Chen doesn’t believe in true love, but she does believe in cold, hard cash. Buckling under the weight of student debt and her mother’s medical bills, Alice will do anything to make bank–even star on Dawn Tay’s Inferno, the hot new reality TV show designed to push couples to their breaking point.

The show is Alice’s chance to sip cocktails on the beach and win a cash prize of a million dollars. But when her fiancé cheats on her with another contestant, Alice is faced with a go home in defeat or fake date the other newly single contestant—who just so happens to be her high school rival and sworn nemesis, Daniel Cho.

But all’s fair in love and reality TV, and Alice isn’t the only one who will do whatever it takes to win. When a dead body turns up, Alice and Daniel are faced with uncovering the secrets of the cast and crew to catch the killer–all while playing the loving couple on camera. As the show spirals out of control, Alice must crack the case and confront her true feelings if she wants to make it out alive.

Starring a murder mystery twist, plenty of reality show drama, and a thrilling romance, this debut by up-and-coming Asian American writer duo Kara Loo and Jennifer Young is the ultimate beach read.
]]> Kara Loo 1683694783 Anila 0 to-read 4.00
author: Kara Loo
name: Anila
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220175419 The #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers a fun romantic comedy about a woman reconnecting with her high school ex after writing him into her latest romance book.��
Gemma��hasn’t written in years, but post-divorce, she dove back into writing romance. When her proposal didn’t sell, she became convinced it was because no one wanted her nice-guy heroes and decided to write and absolute Mr. Wrong…based on her first crush, Mason Moretti, now a star hockey player. She’s sure no one will make the connection between her highland laird and an NHL enforcer. Of course, someone does, and her secret is out.��

Mason is going through some drama of his own��as an aging hockey player, and when his “reunion-cute�� with Gemma goes viral, he proposes some media-worthy fake dating��to help her book. Which is so sweet and not at all to help solve his own image problem.��Gemma reluctantly agrees.��Mason convinces Gemma to go away with him so she can finish her overdue second book while giving him anti-asshole lessons. And if he really just wants to get time away with her, that’s not an bad move, right? Or is it?��]]> 336 Kelley Armstrong 1538742764 Anila 0 to-read 4.16 2025
author: Kelley Armstrong
name: Anila
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222361681 Beloved author Kasie West's sparkling adult rom-com debut about a hopeless romantic falling for the one man she never expected

Can a swipe right turn into swept away?

Margot Hart is a hopeless romantic. That’s why she wants to be a literary agent—to help bring romance books to the world. It’s also why she hates dating apps with all her romance loving soul. She wants her own love story to be just as much fun as the books she reads—a mixed up coffee order, a mistaken identity. She’s not going to tell the story that she swiped right on future husband’s shirtless pic for the rest of her life.

The problem is that her most consistent relationship over the last several years is with Oliver, a guy she keeps rematching with on the apps. They’ve only been on one date and it was a disaster…well, until the make out session in the car before parting ways. But, she keeps reminding herself, a make out session does not a relationship make. And so there will not be a date two regardless of how witty their app banter is.

When Margot gets fired from her job on the same day she meets Oliver again, her life becomes a veritable shit show. Her dream career is dying right before her eyes, and Oliver thinks she’s interested in only one a repeat of the hot make out session they had three years ago so she can get him out of her system. And maybe that is all she wants from him, because she and Oliver are definitely not compatible—he doesn’t hit the snooze button, he runs five miles every morning, he reads nonfiction, and worst of all, she didn’t meet him in cute way! But in her scramble to keep her dream career alive, by opening her own agency, Oliver is there with his golden retriever energy, more steady and helpful than any man she’s ever dated. Just when she thinks she’s overcome her app bias, she realizes that maybe it’s not her who’s holding back, but him. And his reasons are more than she bargained for.

Kasie West's romantic adult debut is full of witty banter, meet cutes gone awry and, ultimately, true love.]]> Kasie West 125034915X Anila 0 to-read 4.05 2025
author: Kasie West
name: Anila
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222658358 #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey is back with an all-new enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating sports romance about a playboy hockey rookie and the disciplined softball pitcher completely immune to his charms.

Boston Bearcats rookie Robbie Corrigan is living the dream. He’s made it to the NHL, his best friend/teammate and fellow “orgasm donor�� is his roomie—and the women of Boston love them both. Life is sweet. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige, division 1 softball pitcher, girl least likely to take anyone’s bull…and the one member of the opposite sex immune to his charms. Robbie might be dazzled by the badass pitcher, but Skylar pegs him as a filthy player and wants nothing to do with him.

When he discovers she’s carrying a serious torch for her brother’s best friend, Robbie knows he should just go back to clubbing and whipped cream bikini parties, but he can’t seem to leave Skylar to flounder on her romantic quest to land another man. Nor can he miss out on the opportunity to spend time with her and hopefully redeem himself. Before Robbie knows it, he’s agreed to be Skylar’s fake boyfriend/love coach at an upcoming family wilderness competition where her crush will be in attendance. What could go wrong?

Through a series of contests that require them to trust each other, Robbie and Skylar grow closer and closer until their fake relationship starts to feel like the realest thing they’ve ever known and the sizzling lessons in sensuality burn out of control.

But it’s all just pretend…right?]]> 336 Tessa Bailey 0063380838 Anila 0 to-read 4.08 2025
author: Tessa Bailey
name: Anila
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 212924210 Summer camp just got a whole lot hotter in this enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for readers of Tessa Bailey and Lucy Score.

Teddy Knight’s band has just broken up in spectacular fashion after his longtime bandmate and—he’d thought—closest friend decides to go solo. So when he’s offered a last-minute gig��to fill in as an artist-in-residence at a summer arts camp—which��comes with a lake cabin and��lots of free time��to work��on a revenge album—he takes it. No matter that he knows nothing about nature, dislikes kids, and is generally a grump.

Gretchen Miller is having a mid-life crisis. Luckily, her summer job as the dance teacher at Wild Arts summer camp will allow her to drop out of society for a while. Having sworn off dating, she decides she’ll go into the woods and become a crone. She might skip the “luring innocent children to their death�� part of cronedom, but she’s all for the “curse men�� aspect.

Teddy and Gretchen clash from the get-go when he mistakes her for a fan, and she relegates him to the “entitled jerk�� ash heap. Despite their determination to dislike each other, a wary friendship blooms as the magic of the woods starts to unwind them, and they spend long hours by the campfire talking about art, being stuck, and the idea of starting over.��But woods are often filled with monsters, and Teddy and Gretchen will have to��face their fears if they want to start over together.]]> 368 Jenny Holiday 1538724952 Anila 0 dnf 3.66 2025
author: Jenny Holiday
name: Anila
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: dnf
review:

]]> 216004217
Henley Holloway is my boss’s daughter and I’ve been assigned to mentor her.
The problem is, I’m not looking to babysit anyone.
But I’m determined to make partner at the firm, and this is the final obstacle in my way.
So, I agree to take the little princess under my wing.
I’ll work her so hard, she’ll beg me to leave her alone.
But from the first day she walks into the office and spills scalding hot coffee on my chest—I’m
intrigued.
She’s a Harvard grad.
Her work ethic rivals mine.
She’s witty and funny and beautiful all at the same time.
I don’t want to like her.
I have a hard and fast rule about relationships, and I will not break it with my boss’s daughter.
That’s a hard no.
But she’s everywhere I turn, and I can’t seem to get enough.
Weren’t rules meant to be broken anyway?
From the moment we cross the line—I’m done for.
Henley Holloway has seeped her way into my heart, one that I didn’t even know still worked.
But sometimes loving someone isn’t enough.
I’m living proof of that.

**This is book 1 in the Rosewood River Series. Each one can be read as a complete standalone. A HEA is guaranteed!**
Rosewood River Series:
Steal My Heart
My Silver Lining
Over The Moon
Crazy In Love
In A Heartbeat
Whisper Sweet Nothings]]> 370 Laura Pavlov Anila 3
Henley and Easton had good banter and chemistry. I also loved how Henley would always call out Easton when he was being very hot and cold. He gave her whiplash and honestly it felt great to have her confirm that because he was driving me crazy at times too. They communicated well and talked to one another whenever something was bothering them. They never let any issues fester which I absolutely appreciated. I also think the author did a great job of portraying Easton’s mental health and his struggle with anxiety.

However, I do wish that the author had stretched their dislike phase over more than two chapters. They bonded rather quickly and I would have preferred for things to slow down, especially since I was still only in the early pages of the book.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read but not my favourite book the author has written. I am looking forward to the next one though because fake dating is one my favourite tropes]]> 4.13 2025
author: Laura Pavlov
name: Anila
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/13
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves:
review:
This was a good start to Laura Pavlov’s new romance series. I discovered her books last year and have always found them to be short and fun.

Henley and Easton had good banter and chemistry. I also loved how Henley would always call out Easton when he was being very hot and cold. He gave her whiplash and honestly it felt great to have her confirm that because he was driving me crazy at times too. They communicated well and talked to one another whenever something was bothering them. They never let any issues fester which I absolutely appreciated. I also think the author did a great job of portraying Easton’s mental health and his struggle with anxiety.

However, I do wish that the author had stretched their dislike phase over more than two chapters. They bonded rather quickly and I would have preferred for things to slow down, especially since I was still only in the early pages of the book.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read but not my favourite book the author has written. I am looking forward to the next one though because fake dating is one my favourite tropes
]]> 209997824 From the author of the nationally bestselling Dungeons and Drama comes another gaming romance that's sure to win you over!

Quinn Norton is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to making friends. The plan sounds even better when she’s invited into a group that includes Logan Weber, the cute and charming guy she met on her first day of class. But this isn’t your average D&D campaign�� this group livestreams their games and enforces strict rules: no phones allowed, and no dating other group members.

Quinn is willing to accept the rules, even if it makes Logan off-limits. And she quickly learns that doing so won’t be a problem, since Logan goes from charismatic to insufferable as soon as she agrees to join. As their bickering—and bantering—intensifies inside and outside the game, Quinn can’t help wondering: Is Logan’s infuriating behavior a smokescreen for hidden feelings? Quinn is risking it all, and the twenty-sided dice are rolling!]]> Kristy Boyce Anila 3
The plot showcased D&D a lot more than the previous book and as someone who isn’t into D&D, I found that to be the most interesting part of the book. It was fun to see the characters really get into it and to have some fantasy elements thrown in. Fantasy is one of my favourite genres so I enjoyed that a lot. The friendships that were formed were great as well.

However, the romance did not work for me. It was bland and way too insta-lovey. It also doesn’t help that I wasn’t really a fan of the MMC Logan. The D&D group has a no dating members rule and it causes Logan to start acting cold towards the FMC Quinn as soon as he learns she wants to join and all because he has feelings for her. It was too immature for me. I didn’t like his hot and cold attitude honestly.

All in all, I liked it for the most part but there were some things that irked me. It just didn’t have the same charm as the first book.]]> 4.02 2024
author: Kristy Boyce
name: Anila
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/10
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves:
review:
After surprisingly enjoying Dungeons and Drama last year, I decided to give the sequel a try. I don’t think I enjoyed this one as much as the first book, but it was still a cute and quick read.

The plot showcased D&D a lot more than the previous book and as someone who isn’t into D&D, I found that to be the most interesting part of the book. It was fun to see the characters really get into it and to have some fantasy elements thrown in. Fantasy is one of my favourite genres so I enjoyed that a lot. The friendships that were formed were great as well.

However, the romance did not work for me. It was bland and way too insta-lovey. It also doesn’t help that I wasn’t really a fan of the MMC Logan. The D&D group has a no dating members rule and it causes Logan to start acting cold towards the FMC Quinn as soon as he learns she wants to join and all because he has feelings for her. It was too immature for me. I didn’t like his hot and cold attitude honestly.

All in all, I liked it for the most part but there were some things that irked me. It just didn’t have the same charm as the first book.
]]> 213197107 A swoony new romance from the author of Sunkissed! When her football-player boyfriend and now ex lands the podcast job she’s been dreaming of, a girl takes matters into her own hands by enlisting the help of his nemesis to get revenge.

Seventeen-year-old��Finley has only ever had one to become a famous podcaster. This includes coming up with the perfect pitch to land her on her school's podcast team. But when her football-obsessed boyfriend, Jensen, decides to also try out—and uses her idea—she's left confused and betrayed.��

Determined to get back at him,��Finley and her friends try to find the perfect revenge scheme, but quickly discover that Jensen is almost-impossible to best. Keyword, almost.��

By chance,��Finley discovers a knack for kicking and decides to take Jensen's spot on the football team. To help her train, she recruits Jensen's cute but conceited nemeses, Theo. Soon the two discover that their connection runs deeper than football. But��Finley can't let herself get distracted, and Theo has secrets of his own. Is true love really better than the perfect revenge?]]> 320 Kasie West 0593643291 Anila 4
I really liked the FMC Finley. She goes through a lot in this book, but it was great to read about her maturing and developing into a better version of herself. All the moments that involved her plotting revenge on her douchebag ex-boyfriend was also so much fun. And the fact that she never lets her ex walk all over her is the best. She constantly unleashed her anger (rightfully deserved!) on him and it was absolutely satisfying.

As for the MMC Theo, I adored him. He was so charming and sweet. Finley and Theo had amazing chemistry and their banter was everything. I was giggling and smiling so much whenever they were together. They had such a sweet and cute romance which is what I’m looking for whenever I read a YA romance book.

All in all, I had a great time reading this book and it got me excited for the author’s next release!]]> 3.97 2024
author: Kasie West
name: Anila
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/07
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves:
review:
Kasie West’s last few releases had been a miss for me and I was starting to think I was outgrowing her books. However, Better Than Revenge changed my mind and KW is back to being one of my favorite YA authors! The vibes were so similar to her older books and I enjoyed it so much.

I really liked the FMC Finley. She goes through a lot in this book, but it was great to read about her maturing and developing into a better version of herself. All the moments that involved her plotting revenge on her douchebag ex-boyfriend was also so much fun. And the fact that she never lets her ex walk all over her is the best. She constantly unleashed her anger (rightfully deserved!) on him and it was absolutely satisfying.

As for the MMC Theo, I adored him. He was so charming and sweet. Finley and Theo had amazing chemistry and their banter was everything. I was giggling and smiling so much whenever they were together. They had such a sweet and cute romance which is what I’m looking for whenever I read a YA romance book.

All in all, I had a great time reading this book and it got me excited for the author’s next release!
]]> 218109148
To most people, he’s the Chicago Falcons starting right winger and hot single dad, but to me, he’s my first boyfriend, my first kiss, my first love.

Eight years ago, that all changed when our lives took us in two different directions. Our break-up almost broke me, so I kept my distance until our hometown called me back to where our story began.

I promised myself a quick visit to help my family out, and then I’d leave town before he even knew I was back, which should have been easy. He’s way too busy being a professional hockey player and raising his son to ever find out.

Of course, I’m only in town for a week before I run into him, and one thing is clear from our brief encounter—Henry wants to hash out our past, whereas I’d rather forget it.

But my plan really goes up in flames when I take a temporary substitute teaching job, and on day one, his son walks into my classroom. Boom.]]> 390 Piper Rayne Anila 2
The romance was not hitting for me either. It felt like they were having the same conversations over and over and I eventually got bored. And don’t even get me started on Henry’s nickname of “Daddy��. Jade and Henry’s relationship lacked depth as well. Whenever they talked, there would just be dirty jokes all the time. It honestly became uncomfortable. They rarely had any meaningful conversations.

Bodhi’s chapters were a nice surprise though and the found family aspect was just as good as in the first book. But overall, this was a disappointment and I’m hoping the next book is better.]]> 4.01 2024
author: Piper Rayne
name: Anila
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/05
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves:
review:
This book was so messy. I never understood the characters�� motivations and the author didn’t do a good job of explaining their thought processes. I mean I was confused about the journey the female lead Jade was supposed to go on. From the flashbacks, I thought it was pretty clear that Henry and Jade’s split was mutual, just a case of right person wrong time. They had things pulling them in different directions and needed to go their separate ways. However, once they reunite, people around Jade were saying she didn’t love herself enough and that was the reason they never got back together. It sort of came out of nowhere imo. It just felt like these two were creating unnecessary problems for themselves all throughout the story.

The romance was not hitting for me either. It felt like they were having the same conversations over and over and I eventually got bored. And don’t even get me started on Henry’s nickname of “Daddy��. Jade and Henry’s relationship lacked depth as well. Whenever they talked, there would just be dirty jokes all the time. It honestly became uncomfortable. They rarely had any meaningful conversations.

Bodhi’s chapters were a nice surprise though and the found family aspect was just as good as in the first book. But overall, this was a disappointment and I’m hoping the next book is better.
]]> 213695040
Frost Lake High's new soccer star, the team captain's ex-girlfriend, and a dare that changes everything.

When Austin Keller's family moves across the country for his chance to play with the prestigious Frost Lake soccer team, he's ready to seize the opportunity. But on his first night out with the team, a dare to kiss the team captain's ex-girlfriend sets in motion a rivalry that threatens his future.]]> 400 Rebecca Jenshak 1464230617 Anila 3 arcs
Okay, so this was not my favourite book the author has put out.

At the beginning, I really liked our two leads, Austin and Claire. However, they got on my nerves the more I read. My biggest issue was how they handled the whole situation with Claire’s ex-boyfriend, Vaughn. I wished Claire had more of a backbone and held her ground when it came to him. He treated her terribly by breaking up with her immediately after the injury that ended her figure skating career. But now all of sudden he wants her back and Claire never conveys how much he hurt her and just lets him continue claiming to everyone that they’ll eventually get back together.

As for Austin, it’s obvious from his POV that he has feelings for Claire, but he denies this when Vaughn asks him directly which leads to so much unnecessary drama. Miscommunication trope continues to be one of the worst tropes ever�� Claire and Austin constantly gave each other mixed signals. One moment they were into each other and the next they’re acting cold and avoiding each other. It was super frustrating.

I do think that their behaviour stems mainly from the YA genre. There were a lot of moments that felt childish and juvenile and that’s not something I usually see in the author’s new adult/adult romance books. I have read YA books where characters have more maturity, but I don’t know if this was the author’s way of differentiating between YA and adult. It didn’t really work for me though.

Despite those issues, I liked Austin and Claire’s meet cute. They also had good banter and chemistry. There was definitely some insta-love, but that wasn’t my biggest problem with the book. It honestly didn’t bother me as much here.

The supporting characters really elevated the story though. I loved the friendships that were shown throughout the book. Austin’s little brother Wyatt stole the spotlight every time he showed up as well. He was so freaking cute. I also appreciated how the author didn’t make Vaughn a major jerk. There was more to him. I still didn’t really like him, but he wasn’t one-dimensional. He might be the lead for the next book?

All in all, this was not a perfect book but there were some aspects I enjoyed and I’m interested to see what the author does with Vaughn’s book.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!]]> 3.81
author: Rebecca Jenshak
name: Anila
average rating: 3.81
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/02
date added: 2025/01/04
shelves: arcs
review:
Rating: 2.5⭐️

Okay, so this was not my favourite book the author has put out.

At the beginning, I really liked our two leads, Austin and Claire. However, they got on my nerves the more I read. My biggest issue was how they handled the whole situation with Claire’s ex-boyfriend, Vaughn. I wished Claire had more of a backbone and held her ground when it came to him. He treated her terribly by breaking up with her immediately after the injury that ended her figure skating career. But now all of sudden he wants her back and Claire never conveys how much he hurt her and just lets him continue claiming to everyone that they’ll eventually get back together.

As for Austin, it’s obvious from his POV that he has feelings for Claire, but he denies this when Vaughn asks him directly which leads to so much unnecessary drama. Miscommunication trope continues to be one of the worst tropes ever�� Claire and Austin constantly gave each other mixed signals. One moment they were into each other and the next they’re acting cold and avoiding each other. It was super frustrating.

I do think that their behaviour stems mainly from the YA genre. There were a lot of moments that felt childish and juvenile and that’s not something I usually see in the author’s new adult/adult romance books. I have read YA books where characters have more maturity, but I don’t know if this was the author’s way of differentiating between YA and adult. It didn’t really work for me though.

Despite those issues, I liked Austin and Claire’s meet cute. They also had good banter and chemistry. There was definitely some insta-love, but that wasn’t my biggest problem with the book. It honestly didn’t bother me as much here.

The supporting characters really elevated the story though. I loved the friendships that were shown throughout the book. Austin’s little brother Wyatt stole the spotlight every time he showed up as well. He was so freaking cute. I also appreciated how the author didn’t make Vaughn a major jerk. There was more to him. I still didn’t really like him, but he wasn’t one-dimensional. He might be the lead for the next book?

All in all, this was not a perfect book but there were some aspects I enjoyed and I’m interested to see what the author does with Vaughn’s book.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
]]> 137045553
My husband is dead, and I’m the prime suspect. It gets worse. The law requires I marry by the end of the season or give up��my throne.

I followed my heart once; I can't risk it��again.

An old tradition could help select our next king while protecting my broken��heart, but the last male I expect shows up to compete. Whether��he believes the rumors or not,��it’s clear someone wants him out of the competition and me off the throne.

Caught in a tangled web of political games and deadly secrets, I must choose between following my wounded heart and keeping my crown…before more end up dead.

The Bachelorette meets the Hunger Games in Once the Skies Fade,��the second��in a fantasy romance series of interconnected standalones. This tale of love after loss��and fated mates brings a morally grey queen with shadow magic��and the sarcastic general who could mend her heart…if he doesn’t put a dagger in it first.

Perfect for readers who love:

morally grey FMCs with shadow magic
sarcastic cinnamon roll MMCs
deadly trials... where the MEN compete
"who did this to you?" but SHE says it
grumpy/sunshine
fated mates
high stakes
dragon shifters
love after loss
tension-filled banter
spice with feeling
NO cliffhangers!!!!
guaranteed happily ever after]]> Vanessa Rasanen Anila 0 dnf 4.46
author: Vanessa Rasanen
name: Anila
average rating: 4.46
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/25
shelves: dnf
review:

]]> 135679765
He’s an Army Ranger.
She’s a baker.

He’s organized and rigid.
She’s messy and carefree.

He doesn’t do relationships.
She’s following her heart.

His family chat blows up his phone.
She just buried her last living relative.

The holiday season doesn’t seem so jolly as they venture from one mode of transportation to the next. But, they have to become friends and rely on each other if they’re going to survive all the obstacles thrown their way.

As the miles grow shorter, vulnerabilities are shared, and by the time they reach their destination, neither one of them is sure what they really want for Christmas anymore.]]> 272 Piper Rayne Anila 4
This was probably my favourite of the three Christmas novellas the author has put out so far! It might have been short (which I appreciated because I could read it in between festive activities with my family) but the pacing was not rushed at all. It was just so much fun! I loved the banter and the chemistry between Tessa and Tre right from the start. All the adventures and detours they experienced while trying to get to Portland were entertaining as well. All in all, this was such a good read for the holiday season!]]> 3.91 2023
author: Piper Rayne
name: Anila
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/24
date added: 2024/12/24
shelves:
review:
Rating: 3.5⭐️

This was probably my favourite of the three Christmas novellas the author has put out so far! It might have been short (which I appreciated because I could read it in between festive activities with my family) but the pacing was not rushed at all. It was just so much fun! I loved the banter and the chemistry between Tessa and Tre right from the start. All the adventures and detours they experienced while trying to get to Portland were entertaining as well. All in all, this was such a good read for the holiday season!
]]> 63113046
What started as a dumpster fire of a blind date turns into a deal.

In truth, it probably didn’t help that I showed up dressed like an elf but that’s a story for another time. Our start was rocky at best which is why it’s so frustrating that I can’t stop thinking about his sexy British accent. Or the way his chest and arms fill out his suit. Or his perfect hair with that single streak of grey at the front.

Santa likes lists and so do I, so here’s all the reasons why Andrew and I aren’t right for each other:

He’s my brother’s best friend
He’s the biggest grump I’ve ever met.
He hates Christmas.

That last one is big for a girl like me who thinks that the entire month of December should be a national holiday. So, when he calls for my help in planning his firm’s holiday party, I can’t pass up the opportunity to grow my small business. Bonus, we make a deal, and he agrees to attend three holiday events with me so I can make him fall in love with Christmas. As if I’d pass up an opportunity to make a Grinch’s heart grow three times its size.

It isn’t long until I discover Andrew has a very real reason to hate Christmas and I start to see him in a different light. That’s when the Christmas miracle begins.]]> 260 Piper Rayne Anila 2 3.59 2022
author: Piper Rayne
name: Anila
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/21
date added: 2024/12/21
shelves:
review:
This was not as fun and entertaining as Merry Kissmas. The Christmas vibes were there, but I had trouble connecting with the characters and I couldn’t get behind the romance. There was something about the MMC Andrew that just rubbed me the wrong way. He seemed arrogant and I don’t think he really developed throughout the story. The reason for the third act breakup was also very messy and uncomfortable.
]]> 217388041 New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Carissa Broadbent returns with a brand new novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk.

Mische made the ultimate sacrifice to save those she loves �� and plunged the world into an eternal night. Now, imprisoned by the gods and obsessed with revenge, Asar is desperate to find her again.

When a goddess offers them a final path to redemption �� and back to each other �� Asar and Mische embark on an extraordinary mission. Together, they must seize the power of the god of death so Asar may do the impossible: ascend to true divinity.

Their journey will take them through mortal and immortal realms, alongside both old friends and ruthless enemies. But as the underworld teeters on the brink of collapse and the gods prepare for a war, Asar and Mische must decide what they are willing to sacrifice for the power to defy death. In a game of vengeful gods and ancient betrayals, there are some debts that even love may not be able to repay.]]> 576 Carissa Broadbent 1250367816 Anila 0 to-read 4.31 2025
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Anila
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 175363191 Gemma thought she had The One, but now her Plus One is making her realise there’s more to life than just ‘good enough’��

Gemma Evans goes from being on the brink of everything she’s ever dreamed of, to the brink of a nervous breakdown when she’s passed over for a promotion and forced to watch her work nemesis, Ben McDonald, become the new Chief Editor at Peacock Press.

To add insult to injury, she’s got to attend a family wedding in Italy and her boyfriend can’t make it. No way is Gemma showing up alone so she asks a friend to help her secure a ‘date��. But Gemma’s blind date turns out to be her worst nightmare��

Ben is the last person Gemma wants to have to rely on but it’s too late to turn back now and as the wedding weekend unfolds, she’s surprised to realise he’s human after all and, dare she say it, a really nice guy? A really nice guy she’s suddenly developing very real feelings for��

What you can expect from Never Too Late��
�� Enemies-to-lovers
�� Fake dating
�� Destination romance
�� Workplace
�� Family dramas
�� Self-awareness

The must-read spicy romance for fans of Book Lovers, The Spanish Love Deception and The Love Hypothesis.]]> 303 Kate R. Mathieson 0008600554 Anila 2 arcs
One of my issues with this book is that I didn’t like either of the leads. The FMC Gemma was too judgemental and annoying for my liking and the MMC Ben was rather rude. I did not feel the chemistry between them at all either. It also bothered me that they kissed twice while fake dating. I mean Gemma has a BOYFRIEND. He might not be the most attentive partner but that was still so wrong. There were just a few too many inappropriate moments between them that made me uncomfortable because again Gemma is NOT single.

I also went into this book expecting a fun romantic comedy, but the book was a bit depressing. Gemma’s family treats her like crap. They honestly bully her at times and she just takes it. It was hard to read.
Overall, the book had a lot of tropes I typically enjoy, but the execution could have been better.

***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***]]> 3.74
author: Kate R. Mathieson
name: Anila
average rating: 3.74
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/18
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: arcs
review:
Well, this book was a miss for me��

One of my issues with this book is that I didn’t like either of the leads. The FMC Gemma was too judgemental and annoying for my liking and the MMC Ben was rather rude. I did not feel the chemistry between them at all either. It also bothered me that they kissed twice while fake dating. I mean Gemma has a BOYFRIEND. He might not be the most attentive partner but that was still so wrong. There were just a few too many inappropriate moments between them that made me uncomfortable because again Gemma is NOT single.

I also went into this book expecting a fun romantic comedy, but the book was a bit depressing. Gemma’s family treats her like crap. They honestly bully her at times and she just takes it. It was hard to read.
Overall, the book had a lot of tropes I typically enjoy, but the execution could have been better.

***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
]]> 207297940 Perfect for fans of Raven Kennedy and Thea Guanzon, Rebecca Robinson’s thrilling romantasy debut combines high-stakes political intrigue and a steamy, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance.

All her life, Vaasa Kozár has been sharpened into a blade.

After losing her mother—her only remaining parent—to a mysterious dark magic that has since awakened within her, Vaasa is certain death looms. So is her merciless brother, who aims to eliminate Vaasa as a threat to his crown. In one last political scheme, he marries her off to Reid of Mireh, a ruthless foreign ruler, in hopes that he can use her death as a rallying cry to finally invade Reid’s nation. All Vaasa has to do is die.

But she is desperate to live. Vaasa enters her new marriage with every intent to escape it, wielding the hard-won political prowess and combat abilities her late father instilled in her. But to her surprise, Reid offers her a deal: help him win the votes to rise in power, and she can walk free. In exchange, he will share his knowledge about the dark magic running through her veins—and help keep it at bay.

This proposal may be too good to refuse, yet Vaasa and Reid’s undeniable attraction threatens to break the rules of their arrangement. As her brother’s lethal machinations take form, everything is at stake: Vaasa must learn to trust her new husband, but how can she, especially when their perfect political marriage begins to feel like the real thing?]]> 352 Rebecca Robinson 1668052482 Anila 0 to-read 4.00 2024
author: Rebecca Robinson
name: Anila
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 216508021
I thought I was over him. That his good looks and British accent couldn’t affect me anymore. But the minute our eyes lock across the elevator, all those feelings come roaring back to life.

Then I find out we’re competing for the same job.

Next comes the realization that we have to spend a week together on a ski vacation because of some six-degree-of-separation nonsense.

The real kicker is when I find out the two of us have to share a villa. A very small, very cozy villa.

Needless to say, this Christmas getaway is starting off rockier than the mountains we’ll be skiing down.

I’ve stayed away for years, what’s one week? But I forgot how much easier it is to ignore him with an ocean separating us—especially when he’s determined to win me back.]]> 222 Piper Rayne Anila 3
Pierce and Brynn had good chemistry and I liked how Pierce was the one chasing after Brynn and trying to get her to give their relationship another try. The flashbacks that the author weaved into the story were a nice touch too. We got to see how they first met and the magical few days they spent together before it eventually fell apart. I did not expect this to be a second chance romance between a student and her TA but I think the author did a good job of explaining why the relationship didn’t work years ago. I usually don’t vibe with the student/professor trope but it worked for me here.

The family banter was great and it was so cute to see all the traditions and games they had. It really put me in the festive mood. All in all, I liked this one a lot. I believe the author has written other Christmas novellas and I will definitely check them out this year or save them for next Christmas. ]]> 3.63
author: Piper Rayne
name: Anila
average rating: 3.63
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/15
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves:
review:
This was another fun Christmas novella!

Pierce and Brynn had good chemistry and I liked how Pierce was the one chasing after Brynn and trying to get her to give their relationship another try. The flashbacks that the author weaved into the story were a nice touch too. We got to see how they first met and the magical few days they spent together before it eventually fell apart. I did not expect this to be a second chance romance between a student and her TA but I think the author did a good job of explaining why the relationship didn’t work years ago. I usually don’t vibe with the student/professor trope but it worked for me here.

The family banter was great and it was so cute to see all the traditions and games they had. It really put me in the festive mood. All in all, I liked this one a lot. I believe the author has written other Christmas novellas and I will definitely check them out this year or save them for next Christmas.
]]> 199070596 Julian
If I ever caught on fire, Dahlia Muñoz would fan the flames with a smile.
So, when she returns to Lake Wisteria, I fully intend to avoid the interior designer.
At least until my meddling mother exploits my savior complex.
The faster I help Dahlia find her creative spark, the sooner she will leave town.
But while I was busy getting rid of Dahlia, I overlooked one potential issue.
What happens if I want her to stay?

Dahlia
People say the devil has many faces, but I know only one.
Julian Lopez—my childhood rival and family frenemy.
I vow to steer clear of him while recovering from my broken engagement, but then the billionaire makes an irresistible offer.
Renovate a historic house together and triple our profits.
Our temporary truce becomes compromised as we face years�� worth of denied attraction and mixed emotions.
Giving into our desire is inevitable…but falling in love?
That isn’t part of the plan.

Love Redesigned is a steamy, small town romance about two family friends-turned-childhood rivals. It is the first book in the standalone Lakefront Billionaires series and has a happy ending.]]> 530 Lauren Asher Anila 0 to-read 4.00 2023
author: Lauren Asher
name: Anila
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 218137764 A small-town Christmas novella by the New York Times bestselling author of LAKEFRONT BILLIONAIRES series that will make you want to pack your bags and spend the holiday in Lake Wisteria.

Catalina
Playing the part of my sister’s maid of honor is easy even if she’s marrying my ex.
But playing nice with the best man? An impossible task given our history.
Sure, Luke Darling may be suspiciously kind, incredibly handsome, and stubborn to a fault, but regardless of how hard he tries to make me see otherwise, I’m not interested.
It’s on me to remind him that he’s my ex-boyfriend’s best friend.
And the one I’m secretly starting to wish I met first.

Luke
My job as the best man is a simple one, except for one minor issue.
I’ve spent so much time avoiding my best friend’s ex that I didn’t consider what could happen if I started craving Catalina Martinez’s company instead.
She is only in Lake Wisteria for the winter wedding, but her January departure date won’t stop me from pursuing her.
Getting her to date me would be nothing short of a Christmas miracle, but I’m determined to make her mine.
‘Tis the season to fall in love…even if I’m the only one taking the risk.

My December Darling is a 50,000 word, Christmas-themed romance between a grumpy maid of honor and an outgoing best man who chases after what he wants. ]]> 252 Lauren Asher 1964990025 Anila 3
With the book being on the shorter side, I’m honestly impressed by how well-paced the romance was. It never felt rushed at all. Both of the leads were also easily relatable and likeable too. I saw a lot of myself in each of them. I loved how Luke was the one to fall first and how he did everything he could to get Catalina to trust him. He was just the sweetest male lead.

All in all, this was such a wholesome and fun read. Also don’t be fooled by my rating, I never rate novellas very high because they’re so short but I did really enjoy this one. If you have any recommendations for which of the author’s series I should read next, I would really appreciate it]]> 3.72 2024
author: Lauren Asher
name: Anila
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/11
date added: 2024/12/11
shelves:
review:
I have been interested in reading a Lauren Asher book for a while now, but I have been too intimidated by the length to actually commit. And so, this novella was the perfect intro for me.

With the book being on the shorter side, I’m honestly impressed by how well-paced the romance was. It never felt rushed at all. Both of the leads were also easily relatable and likeable too. I saw a lot of myself in each of them. I loved how Luke was the one to fall first and how he did everything he could to get Catalina to trust him. He was just the sweetest male lead.

All in all, this was such a wholesome and fun read. Also don’t be fooled by my rating, I never rate novellas very high because they’re so short but I did really enjoy this one. If you have any recommendations for which of the author’s series I should read next, I would really appreciate it
]]> 42615225 You know those stories where the smart girl tutors the dumb jock? This isn't it.

Blair��
What's the probability of insulting the one guy on campus I need to help me pass statistics? If I knew, I wouldn't be standing in front of Wes Reynolds begging him to tutor me.

Basketball player, sexy, arrogant, always sleeping through class... these are the things I knew about him. What I didn't know is that he is a seriously smart jock.

Wes��
What's the best way to get rid of the peppy and unrelenting girl that keeps asking me to tutor her? If I knew, I wouldn't be staring at her tan legs and attempting to teach her statistics.

Sorority girl, fine as f**k, determined, ball buster... these are the things I knew about her. What I didn't know is that she is all the things I didn't realize I wanted or needed.

Or that one semester with her would change everything.]]> 270 Rebecca Jenshak Anila 3 3.90 2018
author: Rebecca Jenshak
name: Anila
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/09
date added: 2024/12/09
shelves:
review:
I don’t really have much to say about this book. It was a fun and easy read, which is exactly what I was looking for since the last book I read was super heavy. RJ is slowly becoming a go to author for me and I’m excited to revisit more of her older releases in the future.
]]> 209455843
Sure, Dom was Josh’s life-long best friend. He’s also the infuriating man who broke Maddie’s heart back when she was naïve enough to give it to him. But since Dom insists on following the rules and Josh didn’t leave much room for Maddie to argue the matter, they embark together on a farewell trip that spans thousands of miles, exploring new places and revisiting their complicated history along the way.

After a snowstorm leads to a shared bed, Maddie starts to wonder if her brother might be matchmaking from the grave. But when grief also reopens old wounds between them, Maddie will need more than Josh’s ghostly guidance to trust Dom again.]]> 432 Lauren Connolly Anila 5
For the first half, I had mixed feelings towards the FMC Maddie. I liked her, but she had a tendency to display childish and rude behaviour and I would just be annoyed by her. To be fair, it was always directed towards the MMC Dom who broke her heart, but it was really excessive at times, especially since the breakup happened years ago. Whenever the author touched on her grief was when I found her to be more relatable and real. This was no longer an issue in the second half though and I was able to appreciate and understand her more. I realized anger and sarcasm were her coping and defence mechanism. She goes through so much throughout the story and I really rooted and cared for her by the end.

And Dom! He was protective and a man of few words. He reminded me of Ryan from The Right Move with the quiet way in which he showed his love. Underneath that stoic exterior, he was kind and caring and I really liked him as a love interest. His bromance with Josh was also so sweet.

The romance between Dom and Maddie was great as well! They had good chemistry and banter. The emails they exchanged were hilarious. I also adored the friendship between Maddie and the twins Adam and Carter.

The author did an amazing job with tackling the heavy subject of grief. The story had a good balance of showing readers the characters�� sadness and pain from mourning Josh as well as the humour and second chance romance happening between Dom and Maddie. Even though we never get to meet Josh, I felt like I got a good grasp of who he was a person through his letters and the way the other characters talked about him. He was an amazing human being and that made his death even more painful. I was definitely teary eyed several times while reading this book.

All in all, I absolutely love this book and there were so many amazing and memorable moments. I did not expect to have another five star read for the year, but this was such a sweet surprise. Highly recommend picking up this book, but be prepared to be emotionally destroyed and then put back together]]> 4.06 2024
author: Lauren Connolly
name: Anila
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/07
date added: 2024/12/08
shelves:
review:
Those last couple chapters hit so hard and I was an emotional mess. I went into this with zero expectations and I ended up falling in love with this book.

For the first half, I had mixed feelings towards the FMC Maddie. I liked her, but she had a tendency to display childish and rude behaviour and I would just be annoyed by her. To be fair, it was always directed towards the MMC Dom who broke her heart, but it was really excessive at times, especially since the breakup happened years ago. Whenever the author touched on her grief was when I found her to be more relatable and real. This was no longer an issue in the second half though and I was able to appreciate and understand her more. I realized anger and sarcasm were her coping and defence mechanism. She goes through so much throughout the story and I really rooted and cared for her by the end.

And Dom! He was protective and a man of few words. He reminded me of Ryan from The Right Move with the quiet way in which he showed his love. Underneath that stoic exterior, he was kind and caring and I really liked him as a love interest. His bromance with Josh was also so sweet.

The romance between Dom and Maddie was great as well! They had good chemistry and banter. The emails they exchanged were hilarious. I also adored the friendship between Maddie and the twins Adam and Carter.

The author did an amazing job with tackling the heavy subject of grief. The story had a good balance of showing readers the characters�� sadness and pain from mourning Josh as well as the humour and second chance romance happening between Dom and Maddie. Even though we never get to meet Josh, I felt like I got a good grasp of who he was a person through his letters and the way the other characters talked about him. He was an amazing human being and that made his death even more painful. I was definitely teary eyed several times while reading this book.

All in all, I absolutely love this book and there were so many amazing and memorable moments. I did not expect to have another five star read for the year, but this was such a sweet surprise. Highly recommend picking up this book, but be prepared to be emotionally destroyed and then put back together
]]> 75513900 She is the very thing he’s spent his whole life hunting.
He is the very thing she’s spent her whole life pretending to be.

Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya—the exceptional, the empowered, the Elites.

The powers these Elites have possessed for decades were graciously gifted to them by the Plague, though not all were fortunate enough to both survive the sickness and reap the reward. Those born Ordinary are just that—ordinary. And when the king decreed that all Ordinaries be banished in order to preserve his Elite society, lacking an ability suddenly became a crime—making Paedyn Gray a felon by fate and a thief by necessity.

Surviving in the slums as an Ordinary is no simple task, and Paedyn knows this better than most. Having been trained by her father to be overly observant since she was a child, Paedyn poses as a Psychic in the crowded city, blending in with the Elites as best she can in order to stay alive and out of trouble. Easier said than done.

When Paeydn unsuspectingly saves one of Ilyas princes, she finds herself thrown into the Purging Trials. The brutal competition exists to showcase the Elites�� powers—the very thing Paedyn lacks. If the Trials and the opponents within them don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for certainly will if he discovers what she is—completely Ordinary.]]> 523 Lauren Roberts Anila 3
Paedyn reminded me a lot of Kazi from Dance of Theives. Both are perceptive and cunning thieves, which are such great qualities to have in a fantasy world. Paedyn was such a badass. She was competent and capable, but I enjoyed the softer side she showed at times too.

The MMC Kai was without a doubt the highlight of this book for me. I don’t think I’ve ever met a man as flirty as Kai. Paedyn was never the only one blushing when he opened his mouth. I also adored how hard he falls for Paedyn. He was so protective of her and willing to do anything to keep her alive.

The romance was great as well. The banter and angst was on point between Kai and Paedyn. However, I did not realize there would be a love triangle. It is my least favourite trope of all time and it was one of the reasons why I couldn’t give the book a higher rating. It was sort of one-sided though so that helped a bit.

Besides the love triangle, there were some other issues I had with the book such as the plot. I found it to be rather uninteresting (likely due to overused concept of this book). The trials and the resistance are all things I’ve read about in other books and I don’t think Powerless did a good enough job of keeping my interest. Everything about the Resistance was too simple and convenient as well. I mean Paedyn found them and trusted them so easily. The ending was also rather messy and I didn’t end up caring about any of the characters besides Kai and Paedyn and maybe Jax. It’s probably why I was so unfeeling with the death at the end.

All in all, it was the chemistry between Kai and Paedyn that saved this book for me. However, while I liked their relationship, I’m not sure I’m invested enough to continue with the rest of the series.]]> 4.17 2023
author: Lauren Roberts
name: Anila
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/04
date added: 2024/12/06
shelves:
review:
I’m feeling very conflicted about this book. Was the concept unique? No. Did that stop me from enjoying this book? No, not at all.

Paedyn reminded me a lot of Kazi from Dance of Theives. Both are perceptive and cunning thieves, which are such great qualities to have in a fantasy world. Paedyn was such a badass. She was competent and capable, but I enjoyed the softer side she showed at times too.

The MMC Kai was without a doubt the highlight of this book for me. I don’t think I’ve ever met a man as flirty as Kai. Paedyn was never the only one blushing when he opened his mouth. I also adored how hard he falls for Paedyn. He was so protective of her and willing to do anything to keep her alive.

The romance was great as well. The banter and angst was on point between Kai and Paedyn. However, I did not realize there would be a love triangle. It is my least favourite trope of all time and it was one of the reasons why I couldn’t give the book a higher rating. It was sort of one-sided though so that helped a bit.

Besides the love triangle, there were some other issues I had with the book such as the plot. I found it to be rather uninteresting (likely due to overused concept of this book). The trials and the resistance are all things I’ve read about in other books and I don’t think Powerless did a good enough job of keeping my interest. Everything about the Resistance was too simple and convenient as well. I mean Paedyn found them and trusted them so easily. The ending was also rather messy and I didn’t end up caring about any of the characters besides Kai and Paedyn and maybe Jax. It’s probably why I was so unfeeling with the death at the end.

All in all, it was the chemistry between Kai and Paedyn that saved this book for me. However, while I liked their relationship, I’m not sure I’m invested enough to continue with the rest of the series.
]]> 215806698 Two thieves vie for��dominance in the illegal dragon egg trade, putting both their lives and their hearts on the line in this scorching romantasy from New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle.

For Brynla Aihr, crime and survival have always gone hand in hand. Ever since she escaped the fanatical dragon-worshipping cult that controls her homeland, she’s had to carve out a life doing the stealing dragon eggs. Egg theft is illegal and, in most cases, fatal. To breach a dragon’s nest means a harrowing journey through the ancient wards spelled to keep the monstrous beasts confined. Dragons can’t get out and only those with a death wish can get in.
��
Despite the risks, dragon eggs are highly coveted for their magic. An illegal trade flourishes under competing criminal empires, and Brynla’s loyalty has always been to the highest bidder. Until she finds herself kidnapped and blackmailed by Lord Andor, a formidable lieutenant of House Kolbeck, and thrust into the dangerous political games of rivaling dynasties.
��
Brynla and Andor clash at every turn, sparking heat in ways Brynla’s never felt before. But in a world that’s prophesized to return to the dragons, and rife with betrayal and secrets at every turn…how close to the flames is she willing to stand?]]> Karina Halle 0593819837 Anila 0 to-read 4.15 2025
author: Karina Halle
name: Anila
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 221179150
Imogen Nel is in hiding. Hiding from a cruel kingdom that believes Sirens are monstrous, blood-hungry creatures. Hiding from a king and his captain who viciously hunt her kind. Hiding from her own alluring abilities. By keeping herself from the sea, Imogen’s bloodlust is dulled, and her black wings remain hidden beneath her skin.

When a neighboring king comes to visit, Imogen can no longer hide. He knows precisely what she is, and he believes she can save both their kingdoms from an even greater monster. But Imogen’s power threatens to violently reveal itself, and the two form a blood bond that protects them both. They flee the kingdom together, traversing waters teeming with the undead. As the lines between duty to their people and desire for each other begin to blur, Imogen worries her own ancestral powers may not be enough to kill what hunts her—the only way to defeat a monster may be to become one herself.]]> 384 Kalie Cassidy 0316587605 Anila 0 to-read 4.15 2025
author: Kalie Cassidy
name: Anila
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220981577 USA Today bestselling author Laura Pavlov delivers a spicy enemies-to-lovers romance about a billionaire developer and a small-town entrepreneur battling their desires in the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Myles St. James is tearing my world apart.

Wish I’d known that before I slept with him.

It was supposed to be a one-night stand.

Like I knew anything about those.

But I needed to blow off steam.

My ex had just gotten engaged.

My dry spell was nearing six months.

And my booming wedding planning business—the one I started with my bestie—was about to lose its favorite venue to some bulldozer-happy developer from New York.

The Seaside Inn is such a special place.

My second home.

And ever since that famous singer got married there, people are flocking to Blushing, Alaska, for their own weddings too.

Guess whose fling turns out to be the hotshot real estate guy?

But he isn’t what I expected.

And sleeping with the enemy doesn’t feel nearly as wrong as it should.

Because Myles St. James is rocking my world.

Too bad giving in to him could mean giving up my dreams.]]> 283 Laura Pavlov 1662525435 Anila 0 to-read 4.78 2025
author: Laura Pavlov
name: Anila
average rating: 4.78
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/03
shelves: to-read
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 Anila 2 4.25 2024
author: Jewel E. Ann
name: Anila
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2024/11/30
date added: 2024/12/02
shelves:
review:
My first JEA book and I had a lot of issues with it
]]> 59060468
Best of #Booktok

#1 in Historical Fantasy

#1 Greek and Roman Myth and Legend

Barnes and Noble Blog Top Five Indie Fave

Lady Lyriana Batavia is third in line to the Seat of Power in a position of wealth and privilege, but not safety. Bamaria falls under the rule of the Lumerian Empire, survivors of a celestial war whose island sank in the Drowning. Now all Lumerians submit to the Emperor and his strict laws about magic. He decides what magic can be practiced and what powers remain forbidden. He decides who will die for possession of forbidden magic.

Lyr's own cousin was executed for wielding the wrong kind. And for years, Lyr has sworn to protect her older sisters, helping them conceal their own illicit magic.

But when Lyr must participate in the ceremony that reveals her power, she uncovers something else entirely. Something that means banishment from the Empire.

Faced with death in exile, and leaving her sisters behind, Lyr has no choice but to accept a deadly contract. She has seven months to train as a warrior and pass the Emperor's brutal test of strength, without magic.

But when she's forced to train with Lord Rhyan Hart, the man she's secretly loved since she was a girl—a feared warrior in exile himself, forbidden to her in every way—she's in danger of losing far more than her family, life, and country.

Rebel forces, and an invading army, are destabilizing Bamaria, just as her family's secrets threaten to reveal themselves.

Surviving the training, and saving her sisters may mean sacrificing her own heart.]]> 454 Frankie Diane Mallis 1957014016 Anila 3
There was a lot of new words and phrases that were thrown at us in the first few chapters, and so it took me a while to grasp this new fantasy world. I mean the amount of titles that each person has was actually crazy. I just ended up rolling with it. There were some modern words that were used at certain points as well which was a little jarring for me. It just didn’t fit the fantasy genre.

The FMC Lyriana (Lyr for short) was likeable at the start but she got more annoying as the story went on. She was childish, reckless, arrogant and stupid. She could be very hypocritical too. I’m hoping we get to see her grow more into her role as a warrior in the future books because she is honestly still struggling right now in training. To be fair, she has only gotten a month of training so far. She is not perfect, but she has potential. I loved her relationship with her sisters. They bickered and fought like normal siblings, but they were also protective of each other.

And Rhyan!!! From his first appearance, no not even, his first line, I immediately loved him. He was snarky, protective, intelligent and caring. He was the absolute best! The romance was very much a slow burn and I can’t wait until Lyr and Rhyan actually kiss. Tristan, Lyr’s boyfriend, was in this book more than Rhyan and I’m praying that is flipped as the series goes on. He is basically Tamlin or Dain 2.0. I just wanted him to go away. He wasn’t terrible but he definitely got on my nerves. Lyr is basically using him and so their relationship is not one I’m rooting for.

I have seen a lot of people compare this to Fourth Wing and I can see some similarities, but it is very much its own thing. I might continue the series in the future but we’ll see]]> 3.81
author: Frankie Diane Mallis
name: Anila
average rating: 3.81
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/26
date added: 2024/11/27
shelves:
review:
This book has been on my TBR for a while and I decided to finally give it a go.

There was a lot of new words and phrases that were thrown at us in the first few chapters, and so it took me a while to grasp this new fantasy world. I mean the amount of titles that each person has was actually crazy. I just ended up rolling with it. There were some modern words that were used at certain points as well which was a little jarring for me. It just didn’t fit the fantasy genre.

The FMC Lyriana (Lyr for short) was likeable at the start but she got more annoying as the story went on. She was childish, reckless, arrogant and stupid. She could be very hypocritical too. I’m hoping we get to see her grow more into her role as a warrior in the future books because she is honestly still struggling right now in training. To be fair, she has only gotten a month of training so far. She is not perfect, but she has potential. I loved her relationship with her sisters. They bickered and fought like normal siblings, but they were also protective of each other.

And Rhyan!!! From his first appearance, no not even, his first line, I immediately loved him. He was snarky, protective, intelligent and caring. He was the absolute best! The romance was very much a slow burn and I can’t wait until Lyr and Rhyan actually kiss. Tristan, Lyr’s boyfriend, was in this book more than Rhyan and I’m praying that is flipped as the series goes on. He is basically Tamlin or Dain 2.0. I just wanted him to go away. He wasn’t terrible but he definitely got on my nerves. Lyr is basically using him and so their relationship is not one I’m rooting for.

I have seen a lot of people compare this to Fourth Wing and I can see some similarities, but it is very much its own thing. I might continue the series in the future but we’ll see
]]> 211968871 Fourth Wing meets Iron Widow in this enemies-to-lovers romantic fantasy by debut author Mikayla Bridge. The hottest must-read of the summer!

On an island built from ash and shrouded in fire, phoenix racing is as profitable as it is deadly.

Seventeen-year-old Kel Varra and her team of underdogs, the Crimson Howlers, are desperate to win the annual races and the fortune that comes with it. But the Howlers need a new rider, which leads Kel to join forces with Warren “Coup�� Coupers �� an arrogant rival she can’t get out of her head.

As tensions rise on and off the track, Kel's home is mistakenly burned down, and she’s forced to take a job from a mysterious tech mogul with an unsettling interest in her phoenix, Savita. This sets in motion a conspiracy that threatens everyone Kel cares for, especially Coup, for whom her embers of resentment are quickly igniting into something dangerously new.

Heart-pounding pages full of steamy romance, fiery confessions, political scheming, and volatile magic culminate in a final battle where no one is safe.]]> 417 Mikayla Bridge 1035057425 Anila 0 to-read 4.68 2025
author: Mikayla Bridge
name: Anila
average rating: 4.68
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 212469861
But Cope Colson is so much more.

The gentle way he makes sure we’re okay. The playful care he shows my son. The way he truly sees me.

When my life comes apart yet again, it’s Cope picking up the pieces. Now, we’re living in his house, eating his incredible, chef-worthy meals, and it’s not just my son who’s falling.

It’s me.

Because when Cope touches me, I lose all sense. I’m no longer thinking about staying safe, I’m thinking about how my skin ignites with every glance, how I come undone with the barest brush of his fingertips, and when we give into temptation…I’m lost.

But Cope has secrets and so do I. And when the forces from our pasts emerge from the shadows, there’s nothing they won’t do to end our happiness once and for all…]]> 403 Catherine Cowles Anila 3 4.30 2024
author: Catherine Cowles
name: Anila
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/23
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves:
review:
I believe this is the author’s first hockey romance and it was good. But I don’t think her books have really wowed me yet. They tend to follow all the same beats. This one honestly felt very similar to Delicate Escape with them having to live with each other because Sutton is down on her luck. The author’s characters sort of blur together over time and why does it have to the FMC who is always struggling financially?? The romance was insta-lovey. This has happened in all the books I’ve read of hers so I just don’t let it bother me at this point. But all in all, I still enjoy reading her releases because they’re fast paced and the author really pulls off the found family aspect.
]]> 210134467 New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Carissa Broadbent returns with a brand new novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, Songbird and the Heart of Stone, where A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Dante's Inferno, in an epic fantasy romance of love and treachery between mortals and gods. Features beautiful case art and a detailed map.

In the descent to the underworld, a bride of the sun must choose between the light of her redemption�� or a dark love that defies the gods themselves

Mische lost everything when she was forcibly Turned into a vampire �� her home, her humanity, and most devastating of all, the love of the sun god to whom she had devoted her life. Now, sentenced to death for murdering the vampire prince who Turned her, redemption feels impossible.

But when Mische is saved by Asar, the bastard prince of the House of Shadow with a past as brutal as his scars, she’s forced into a mission worse than execution: a journey to the underworld to resurrect the god of death himself.

Yet, Mische’s punishment may be the key to her salvation. In a secret meeting, her sun god commands her to help Asar in his mission, only to betray him�� by killing the very death god she’ll help resurrect.

Mische and Asar must travel the treacherous path to the underworld, facing trials, beasts, and the vengeful ghosts of their pasts. Yet, most dangerous of all is the alluring call of the darkness �� and her forbidden attraction to Asar, a burgeoning bond that risks invoking the wrath of gods.

As her betrayal looms, the underworld closes in and angry gods are growing restless. Mische will be forced to choose between the redemption of the sun or the damnation of the darkness.]]> 498 Carissa Broadbent Anila 3
Everything happens very quickly at the start. We’re thrown right into the action and so it took me a couple of chapters to get accustomed to the Nyaxia world again and these new characters. This was very much a plot driven story. Because of that, I felt like the characters really didn’t get to shine. Their personalities didn’t come through enough and they fell flat for me. The main plot is also about the characters�� journey to the underworld. I tend to prefer my fantasy books to be full of political intrigue so that didn’t help my enjoyment either.

As for the FMC, I adored Mische in the previous books, but I had trouble relating to her this time around. I just didn’t think she was as interesting as a lead as Oraya. I felt the same with the MMC Asar. The romance was bland too. The banter and chemistry, which the author is usually so good at was completely missing in the third book. They didn’t have any memorable moments as a couple. Their relationship just got overshadowed by the plot.

I really enjoyed the interludes between the different sections though. It allowed me to get glimpses of Mische’s past which I found super interesting. Also, Carissa Broadbent always knows how to end a book. I mean what was that ending!?! It honestly got me very hyped for book four.

My review is not very positive and I don’t want people to think that I hated this book because that isn’t the case. The book just didn’t offer up anything that I loved either. Overall, I’m pretty indifferent (maybe disappointed?)]]> 4.02 2024
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Anila
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/21
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves:
review:
I am a bit conflicted with how to rate this book. It was good but it didn’t have that addicting quality for me like with books 1 and 2.

Everything happens very quickly at the start. We’re thrown right into the action and so it took me a couple of chapters to get accustomed to the Nyaxia world again and these new characters. This was very much a plot driven story. Because of that, I felt like the characters really didn’t get to shine. Their personalities didn’t come through enough and they fell flat for me. The main plot is also about the characters�� journey to the underworld. I tend to prefer my fantasy books to be full of political intrigue so that didn’t help my enjoyment either.

As for the FMC, I adored Mische in the previous books, but I had trouble relating to her this time around. I just didn’t think she was as interesting as a lead as Oraya. I felt the same with the MMC Asar. The romance was bland too. The banter and chemistry, which the author is usually so good at was completely missing in the third book. They didn’t have any memorable moments as a couple. Their relationship just got overshadowed by the plot.

I really enjoyed the interludes between the different sections though. It allowed me to get glimpses of Mische’s past which I found super interesting. Also, Carissa Broadbent always knows how to end a book. I mean what was that ending!?! It honestly got me very hyped for book four.

My review is not very positive and I don’t want people to think that I hated this book because that isn’t the case. The book just didn’t offer up anything that I loved either. Overall, I’m pretty indifferent (maybe disappointed?)
]]> 217171544 Shield of Sparrows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros―where enemies become lovers, monsters stalk a cursed realm, and a forgotten princess finds the strength to tear off her crown and become the warrior she was never meant to be.

The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.

I’ve spent my life kneeling―to their will and to my father's. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.

Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him―bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not―a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?

And what if―for the first time―I reached for it?]]> 528 Devney Perry 1649378513 Anila 0 to-read 4.72 2025
author: Devney Perry
name: Anila
average rating: 4.72
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 201924207
One night with him might change my forever.

Inheriting a beach house in a small town you’ve never heard of is less than ideal.

Falling for the broody bar owner who hates me because he wants the house? Even worse.

I came to Carrington Cove for one reason—to renovate the home I knew nothing about, sell it, and get back to my life in D.C. and my multi-million dollar business.

There was nothing on the agenda about falling for Dallas, the sexy former Marine who chastises me about my manners and withholds how to fend off the murderous geese on my property.

Fighting with him becomes our own messed up form of foreplay. But his tongue?

Turns out it has other talents than just sparring with me verbally.

Our banter turns to moans in the dark, our arguments turn to learning more about each other, and the closer we get, the more I question whether I’m meant to stay here with the man I’m falling for.

Until one night, I realize that he and I share a connection neither one of us could have seen coming.

Would I leave this town feeling more lost in my life than ever before?

Or was it possible that I finally found somewhere I belong?]]> 365 Harlow James Anila 3
I don’t really have much to say. It was honestly just a filler read until the next book in the Nyaxia series releases on Tuesday]]> 4.13
author: Harlow James
name: Anila
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/17
date added: 2024/11/17
shelves:
review:
Rating: 2.5⭐️

I don’t really have much to say. It was honestly just a filler read until the next book in the Nyaxia series releases on Tuesday
]]> 141217639 From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Mary E. Pearson comes a thrilling romantic fantasy full of dangerous fae, dark secrets, and addictive romance-- the first book in a duology.

After losing both their parents, Bristol Keats and her sisters struggle to stay afloat in their small, quiet town of Bowskeep. When Bristol begins to receive letters from an “aunt�� she’s never heard of who promises she can help, she reluctantly agrees to meet―and discovers that everything she thought she knew about her family is a lie. Even her father might still be alive, not killed but kidnapped by terrifying creatures to a whole other realm―the one he is from.

Desperate to save her father and find the truth, Bristol journeys to a land of gods and fae and monsters. Pulled into a dangerous world of magic and intrigue, she makes a deadly bargain with the fae king, Tyghan. But what she doesn't know is that he's the one who drove her parents to live a life on the run. And he is just as determined as she is to find her father―dead or alive.]]> Mary E. Pearson 1035054019 Anila 2
The FMC Bristol was fine. I found her to be annoying for the most part which made it hard to really root for her. I didn’t trust her parents from the start just based on the other POVs we got. And so, in my eyes, Bristol came off as rather naive because she believed her parents could do no wrong. For an adult fantasy, Bristol could come off as rather childish too. The author’s female leads in her young adult books were probably more mature than Bristol. I can’t count the amount of times she would randomly throw at tantrum and act all high and mighty.

Tyghan was the typical broody MMC. I liked him, but I was uncomfortable with how much he manipulated and lied (by omission) to Bristol. He kept so much from her that it made it hard for me to really root for him either.

As for the romance, it started off great and I thought it was going to be a slow burn. However, at about the 40% mark, they just all of a sudden feel a connection and attraction towards each other. It made the romance too insta-lovey for me. Like where did all these feelings come from??

The plot had some interesting ideas. I enjoyed the training sessions and magic lessons, but we didn’t get enough of it imo. The pacing was also very slow and I was tempted to DNF at time because of how bored I was.

All in all, this was a complete miss for me and I don’t think I’m even invested enough in the characters or the story to want to read the sequel. ]]> 3.58 2024
author: Mary E. Pearson
name: Anila
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2024/11/14
date added: 2024/11/14
shelves:
review:
As a huge fan of Dance of Thieves and the Remnant Chronicles, I was super excited that the author was releasing another book. However, it turned out to be a rather disappointing read for me.

The FMC Bristol was fine. I found her to be annoying for the most part which made it hard to really root for her. I didn’t trust her parents from the start just based on the other POVs we got. And so, in my eyes, Bristol came off as rather naive because she believed her parents could do no wrong. For an adult fantasy, Bristol could come off as rather childish too. The author’s female leads in her young adult books were probably more mature than Bristol. I can’t count the amount of times she would randomly throw at tantrum and act all high and mighty.

Tyghan was the typical broody MMC. I liked him, but I was uncomfortable with how much he manipulated and lied (by omission) to Bristol. He kept so much from her that it made it hard for me to really root for him either.

As for the romance, it started off great and I thought it was going to be a slow burn. However, at about the 40% mark, they just all of a sudden feel a connection and attraction towards each other. It made the romance too insta-lovey for me. Like where did all these feelings come from??

The plot had some interesting ideas. I enjoyed the training sessions and magic lessons, but we didn’t get enough of it imo. The pacing was also very slow and I was tempted to DNF at time because of how bored I was.

All in all, this was a complete miss for me and I don’t think I’m even invested enough in the characters or the story to want to read the sequel.
]]> 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 Anila 0 to-read 3.92 2025
author: Lynn Painter
name: Anila
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220214966 Stealing from her rich family was supposed to be a fun winter getaway for teen mastermind Olivia Owens, but when a rival thief, a love triangle, and a murder suspect interfere, she’ll have to decide how far she’s willing to go for the vault full of gold—and for the boy she loves.

When teen heiress and heist leader Olivia Owens receives an invitation for her cold-hearted grandmother’s seventieth birthday at the family’s inherited Swiss castle, only one thing entices her to the vault full of gold waiting in the castle’s frigid dungeons. Assembling her old crew of high school criminals, now including her boyfriend Jackson, Olivia feels more prepared than ever for grand theft.
��
But not everything is what it seems when they arrive. For starters, the reunion turns out to be less of a party and more of a wake. Her grandmother announces that she’s dying �� and plans to be buried with her fortune. Suddenly the entire greedy Owens clan turns their eyes toward Olivia’s target. It’s hard enough to steal something everyone’s looking at, but an old backstabber, a new suitor, and an uninvited guest add fuel to the fire until Olivia is desperately trying to hold the pieces of her plan—and her crew—together.
��
As Olivia faces her family’s dark legacy of deceit, grift, and maybe even murder, she's forced to weigh how deeply she loves Jackson with how her love might destroy him. She didn’t choose her family, but now she has to choose—who she loves, who she trusts, and who she’s willing to risk to get what she wants. In a family of thieves, this might cost her everything.
��
Perfect for fans of��
�� The Inheritance Games
�� Jessica Goodman
�� Knives Out
�� Oceans 11
�� Succession
�� Gossip Girl
��
Don’t miss the revenge heist that started it Heiress Takes All.
��
Praise for Heiress Takes All
��
"A perfectly delicious tale of greed, family, vengeance, and revenge."��—Kathleen Glasgow,��New York Times��bestselling author of��Girl in Pieces��and��The Agathas

“Riveting, swoony, and so much fun.”��—Jessica Goodman,��New York Times��bestselling author of��The Legacies��and��The Counselors

“An��edge-of-your-seat thrill ride��the whole way through.”��—Rachel Griffin,��New York Times��bestselling author of��Bring Me Your Midnight]]> Emily Wibberley 0316566810 Anila 0 to-read 4.00
author: Emily Wibberley
name: Anila
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 211179727 From USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Jenshak comes a standalone fake dating sports romance. This steamy, grumpy / sunshine football romance delivers a swoony and emotional happily ever after.

Brogan Six’s fan mail has been filling my mailbox for weeks. With every lipstick covered letter I receive, my irritation with him grows. And let’s not talk about the time I accidentally opened one of the packages to find someone had sent him their panties. Gross.

When I come face-to-face with my new nemesis, I expect to give him a piece of my mind and we’ll go our separate ways. Me to an empty mailbox and him to sift through his panty collection.

That is not what happens.

I don’t know if it was the booze, his clever wit, or if I was tricked (I’m sure I was tricked), but now I’m fake dating the Mavericks�� hot new rookie.

And I might just be the next woman to lose her panties to Brogan Six.

Playbook is a standalone fake dating, grumpy/sunshine sports romance with banter, found family, spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after.]]> 460 Rebecca Jenshak 1951815742 Anila 3
Similar to the first book, I did not really like Brogan. While Knox was a jerk at the start of Burnout, Brogan was another level of asshole and he didn’t become better in my eyes. He was a playboy and there were random girls throwing themselves at him and he didn’t work very hard at setting boundaries. I never grew to care for him tbh. I also didn’t particularly like London either. I didn’t hate her, but I found her to be a bit of a doormat, especially when it came to her family.

The plot was not as interesting as the first book either. I usually love the fake dating trope but it didn’t hit as hard in Playbook. I only really cared about the Sabrina storyline. The found family aspect did continue to be the strongest and best part of these books though. I loved seeing Archer and Brogan’s relationship! This book just made me super excited for Archer’s story and I hope he ends up with Sabrina. The little we got of them has me intrigued.

All in all, three stars is not a bad rating in my eyes. I just had trouble connecting with the characters and the story the way I did in the first book, but I’m still excited for book three]]> 4.08
author: Rebecca Jenshak
name: Anila
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/11
date added: 2024/11/11
shelves:
review:
Not as good as Burnout imo, but still an entertaining and fun read.

Similar to the first book, I did not really like Brogan. While Knox was a jerk at the start of Burnout, Brogan was another level of asshole and he didn’t become better in my eyes. He was a playboy and there were random girls throwing themselves at him and he didn’t work very hard at setting boundaries. I never grew to care for him tbh. I also didn’t particularly like London either. I didn’t hate her, but I found her to be a bit of a doormat, especially when it came to her family.

The plot was not as interesting as the first book either. I usually love the fake dating trope but it didn’t hit as hard in Playbook. I only really cared about the Sabrina storyline. The found family aspect did continue to be the strongest and best part of these books though. I loved seeing Archer and Brogan’s relationship! This book just made me super excited for Archer’s story and I hope he ends up with Sabrina. The little we got of them has me intrigued.

All in all, three stars is not a bad rating in my eyes. I just had trouble connecting with the characters and the story the way I did in the first book, but I’m still excited for book three
]]> 212101795
The Maridrinians left Ithicana in ruins and its people impoverished. So when the wealthy kingdom of Harendell claims her as a bride for its crown prince, Ahnna is prepared to do whatever it takes to gain influence as the future queen. And to control the gold that comes with the throne.

Yet Ahnna swiftly discovers that beneath the beautiful surface of Harendell's court is a dark underbelly built upon schemes, duplicity, and the pursuit of power. The only individual who holds himself above the politics is not her future husband, but his infuriating half brother, James. And as she begins to question whether Harendell is the ally it claims to be, Ahnna finds herself drawn into a forbidden attraction to the wrong prince.

As deadly plots tighten around her, Ahnna must decide whether saving her people will be achieved as a bride...or as a blade.]]> Danielle L. Jensen Anila 0 to-read 4.24 2024
author: Danielle L. Jensen
name: Anila
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 210126473
Knox Holland is in a jam. After an incredible first year on the pro motocross circuit, he should be on top of the world. Instead, his bad reputation has landed him without a team. He’s untouchable and desperate to turn it around.

Which is how he ends up at my gym asking me to train him. As a college gymnast with two Olympic medals to my name, I know a thing or two about the pressure to succeed. Last season I choked and then injured myself before I could show the world that I’m not a twenty-year-old has-been.

Focused on the future, I can’t afford to get distracted. But I recognize the desperation in Knox’s eyes, and I can’t say no to him, either.

It should have been an easy task, but nothing about Knox is easy. One minute we’re arguing, and the next I’m enjoying his shirtless handstands a little too much.

Falling for him would be a mistake��

Burnout is a sports romance with a cocky bad boy, spice, banter, and a happily ever after.]]> 454 Rebecca Jenshak 1951815734 Anila 4
It was a bit of rough start because I had trouble being engaged in the story. However, once I got past the first 30%, the story picked up and I was hooked.

I really liked Avery. Her sass immediately won me over. As for Knox, I initially did not like him. He was an asshole to Avery and I wasn’t a fan of his attitude. It wasn’t until about halfway through the story that I started to warm up to him and really started to understand him and the type of person he was.

The romance between these two was so cute. They had great banter and chemistry. There were also so many fluffy moments which I adored. I did think that their feelings came out too abruptly though. They were just starting to move on from the hating each other phase and then she suddenly is just ready to kiss him. I don’t know, it wasn’t as gradual as I would have liked it to be, especially since the author was doing a good job of developing their relationship up until that point. The ILYs and the ending was a bit rushed too.

But overall, this was such a fun read and I’m excited to dive into book two!]]> 3.82 2024
author: Rebecca Jenshak
name: Anila
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/09
date added: 2024/11/09
shelves:
review:
My first Rebecca Jenshak and it will definitely not be my last.

It was a bit of rough start because I had trouble being engaged in the story. However, once I got past the first 30%, the story picked up and I was hooked.

I really liked Avery. Her sass immediately won me over. As for Knox, I initially did not like him. He was an asshole to Avery and I wasn’t a fan of his attitude. It wasn’t until about halfway through the story that I started to warm up to him and really started to understand him and the type of person he was.

The romance between these two was so cute. They had great banter and chemistry. There were also so many fluffy moments which I adored. I did think that their feelings came out too abruptly though. They were just starting to move on from the hating each other phase and then she suddenly is just ready to kiss him. I don’t know, it wasn’t as gradual as I would have liked it to be, especially since the author was doing a good job of developing their relationship up until that point. The ILYs and the ending was a bit rushed too.

But overall, this was such a fun read and I’m excited to dive into book two!
]]>