Tag: contemporary romance book

Monthly Features – October 2026

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Slow Burn by Erin Lynne

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Never hook-up with a woman from Landmere, and under no circumstances do you sleep with your best friend’s little sister.

Firefighter Elijah Barnett had easy rules when it came to women. Then Dr. Georgia Cross came home.

She’s sunshine wrapped in scrubs and managed to get under Elijah’s skin within five minutes of meeting him. She laughed at him. Called him out on his bad flirting. And somehow made the notoriously grumpy firefighter forget he didn’t smile.

Georgia has spent her entire life doing the responsible thing. From academics and residency, to becoming a doctor and building her dream career. Now she was ready to stop overthinking and start dating. Unfortunately, the infuriatingly sexy firefighter with navy blue eyes kept showing up everywhere she turned.

One heated argument turned into one unforgettable kiss.

One kiss turned into a whole lot of pretending they didn’t want each other. Until they couldn’t deny the spark.

The only problem?

Elijah knew exactly how this story should end. He has to walk away because he didn’t do love.

Too bad his heart didn’t get the memo.

Filled with crackling chemistry, laugh-out-loud banter, delicious tension, protective firefighter energy, found family, and a hero who falls so hard he never sees it coming. This spicy, contemporary romance is perfect for readers who love Lucy Score, Elsie Silver, and Meghan Quinn.

Summary: Slow Burn is the kind of romance that is easy to settle into when you’re looking for something fun, flirty, and spicy without a huge emotional commitment. This would be a good pick for readers who enjoy firefighter romances, brother’s best friend, hometown romance, strong career-focused heroines, commitment-averse heroes, lots of chemistry, and a fairly spicy contemporary romance that doesn’t take forever to get moving. 

See the full review here: Slow Burn
Purchase here

Christmas Catastrophe(s) by Heather Jopling

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: When freelance writer Charlie Jensen injures herself in a holiday DIY accident, she finds herself laid up with only ten days to prep for her annual Holiday Tea. Her cat Steve is useless at babysitting, but fortunately, her good friend, Dev Bhandari is willing to help.

Trauma doctor Dev Bhandari has been ordered to take his lieu time before year end. While he may have fantasized about his good friend Charlie over the years, Dev has never acted on those fantasies because #1 – they have never been single at the same time and # 2 – they’re friends. However, when Charlie is wheeled into the ER, Dev’s low-key attraction kicks into overdrive and he is desperate to leave the Friend Zone.

While in close proximity, it doesn’t take much time before long-suppressed attractions begin to stir between these old friends. Terrified that their desire for “more” might destroy their much-cherished friendship, Dev and Charlie must each find a way to be true to their own hearts, without creating a catastrophe.

Summary: Christmas Catastrophe(s) is a fun, chaotic, and heartwarming holiday romance with plenty of humor, a little spice, and a whole lot of Christmas spirit. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I think that is part of its charm. Readers who enjoy longtime friends discovering their feelings, caretaking romances, quirky characters, and holiday stories that really lean into the Christmas atmosphere will likely have a good time with this one.

See the full review here: Christmas Catastrophe(s)
Purchase here

 

Review: Christmas Catastrophe(s) by Heather Jopling

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

When freelance writer Charlie Jensen injures herself in a holiday DIY accident, she finds herself laid up with only ten days to prep for her annual Holiday Tea. Her cat Steve is useless at babysitting, but fortunately, her good friend, Dev Bhandari is willing to help.

Trauma doctor Dev Bhandari has been ordered to take his lieu time before year end. While he may have fantasized about his good friend Charlie over the years, Dev has never acted on those fantasies because #1 – they have never been single at the same time and # 2 – they’re friends. However, when Charlie is wheeled into the ER, Dev’s low-key attraction kicks into overdrive and he is desperate to leave the Friend Zone.

While in close proximity, it doesn’t take much time before long-suppressed attractions begin to stir between these old friends. Terrified that their desire for “more” might destroy their much-cherished friendship, Dev and Charlie must each find a way to be true to their own hearts, without creating a catastrophe.

Favorite Lines:

“She was really pale, which for Charlie, was saying something, given that she generally ran from fish-belly white to barely porcelain at the best of times. In the summer, when she freckled, she might get enough colour to be misconstrued as bisque.”

“You’re basing your recuperation time on an episode of Grey’s fucking Anatomy?”

“The knowledge that she had cheated death, sat Yoda-esque within Charlie’s bones.”

“You look like a neurotic sheepdog. You’re making me nervous.”

“As she looked at the wrapping, she noticed that all the pieces of tape were exactly the same length. She smiled. Their OCD matched. Their OCD matched!!“

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

If there is one thing Charlie Jensen knows how to do, it is Christmas. Between decorating, baking, and preparing for her annual holiday tea, she has everything planned down to the smallest detail. Unfortunately, a rather unfortunate DIY accident involving a pair of tin snips lands her in the hospital just days before Christmas, throwing all those carefully laid plans out the window.

Enter Dev Bhandari, an ER doctor and Charlie’s longtime best friend, who finds himself taking care of her while she recovers. Of course, being forced to spend so much time together brings some rather inconvenient feelings to the surface, especially when those feelings have been lurking in the background for longer than either of them would care to admit.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Charlie and Dev. Their friendship feels comfortable and lived in, and I liked that their relationship wasn’t built entirely around romantic tension. There is already so much history between them, and the little moments of teasing, bickering, and looking after one another make it easy to understand why they work so well together. Dev’s patience with Charlie’s stubborn determination to carry on with Christmas preparations, despite being injured, was particularly entertaining.

Charlie herself is quite the character. She’s independent, a little dramatic, and absolutely unwilling to let something as inconvenient as a hospital stay ruin her holiday plans. Her internal monologues and tendency to turn even the smallest situation into a production made for some funny moments, although I can also see how her personality might be a little much for some readers.

What I particularly liked was how much Christmas was actually incorporated into the story. Sometimes holiday romances feel like they could take place at any time of year with a Christmas tree thrown into the background, but that wasn’t the case here. Between the elaborate gingerbread construction, holiday baking, family gatherings, and one catastrophe after another, the Christmas festivities really are a big part of the plot. I also enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Charlie’s family, who bring their own humor and warmth to the story.

The humor is definitely a big part of this book’s personality. It is a little over the top at times, and there were moments when I felt the banter and comedic tangents could have been trimmed down to keep the story moving. Still, I appreciated that the author wasn’t afraid to embrace the ridiculousness of the situations Charlie and Dev find themselves in.

Underneath all the chaos, though, there is a surprisingly sweet story about friendship, vulnerability, and the fear of risking something good for the possibility of something even better. I liked that the romance had an emotional foundation rather than relying solely on physical attraction, and watching Charlie and Dev navigate the shift in their relationship was one of the more enjoyable parts of the book.

Summary:

Overall, Christmas Catastrophe(s) is a fun, chaotic, and heartwarming holiday romance with plenty of humor, a little spice, and a whole lot of Christmas spirit. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I think that is part of its charm. Readers who enjoy longtime friends discovering their feelings, caretaking romances, quirky characters, and holiday stories that really lean into the Christmas atmosphere will likely have a good time with this one. Happy reading!

Check out Christmas Catastrophe(s) here!

 

Review: Slow Burn by Erin Lynne

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

Never hook-up with a woman from Landmere, and under no circumstances do you sleep with your best friend’s little sister.

Firefighter Elijah Barnett had easy rules when it came to women. Then Dr. Georgia Cross came home.

She’s sunshine wrapped in scrubs and managed to get under Elijah’s skin within five minutes of meeting him. She laughed at him. Called him out on his bad flirting. And somehow made the notoriously grumpy firefighter forget he didn’t smile.

Georgia has spent her entire life doing the responsible thing. From academics and residency, to becoming a doctor and building her dream career. Now she was ready to stop overthinking and start dating. Unfortunately, the infuriatingly sexy firefighter with navy blue eyes kept showing up everywhere she turned.

One heated argument turned into one unforgettable kiss.

One kiss turned into a whole lot of pretending they didn’t want each other. Until they couldn’t deny the spark.

The only problem?

Elijah knew exactly how this story should end. He has to walk away because he didn’t do love.

Too bad his heart didn’t get the memo.

Filled with crackling chemistry, laugh-out-loud banter, delicious tension, protective firefighter energy, found family, and a hero who falls so hard he never sees it coming. This spicy, contemporary romance is perfect for readers who love Lucy Score, Elsie Silver, and Meghan Quinn.

Favorite Lines:

“Who hurt you? Give me his name, and we ride at dawn.”

“Of course he would carry her fireman style…”

“Whenever he thought about her, which was a fuck ton, he sent her a text if they weren’t together. And if they were together, he would find a way to touch her, whether just holding her hand or kissing her. Like he turned over a new leaf. He loved talking to her and making her smile. It was an addiction he had, to make Georgia happy.”

“I always say one more chapter, and the next thing I know, I’ve finished the book and it’s three a.m.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

There is something about a firefighter romance that just works, and Slow Burn definitely knows what kind of book it wants to be. Lynne gives us Georgia, a doctor who has finally returned home after spending years away working toward her career, and Elijah, her brother’s firefighter friend who has built his dating life around a pretty foolproof rule: keep things casual and, preferably, keep them out of town. Obviously, Georgia is about to make that rule a lot harder to follow.

I liked that Georgia comes back home with a life and career she has already built for herself. She isn’t returning because everything fell apart or because she needs someone to rescue her. She worked hard to become a doctor and there is a confidence to her that makes the attraction between her and Elijah feel pretty evenly matched. Their initial connection also happens before they fully put together who the other person is, which makes the whole brother’s best friend situation more fun once that realization hits.

Elijah was probably the more interesting half of the relationship for me because he is so determined to keep his life uncomplicated. He has created these very specific boundaries around dating, including his rather ridiculous zip code rule, and Georgia immediately becomes the exception he wasn’t planning for. A lot of the fun comes from watching him realize that his usual approach isn’t going to work here. The attraction is definitely physical from the beginning, but underneath that, you can see him becoming genuinely interested in her in a way he normally tries to avoid.

Despite the title, I wouldn’t go into this expecting an extremely drawn out slow burn where you’re waiting most of the book for something to happen. This is a quicker, steamier contemporary romance where the chemistry is established early and the real tension comes from what Georgia and Elijah are going to do about it. The firefighter setting, Georgia’s medical career, the hometown connections, and the fact that Elijah is close to her brother give the romance enough going on around it that it doesn’t feel like two attractive people existing in a vacuum.

Summary:.

Overall, Slow Burn is the kind of romance that is easy to settle into when you’re looking for something fun, flirty, and spicy without a huge emotional commitment. This would be a good pick for readers who enjoy firefighter romances, brother’s best friend, hometown romance, strong career-focused heroines, commitment-averse heroes, lots of chemistry, and a fairly spicy contemporary romance that doesn’t take forever to get moving. Happy reading!

Check out Slow Burn here!

 

Review: Her Lethal Crown Assassin by A P Von K’Ory

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

A MAFIA PRINCESS
DARK KNIGHT BRITISH ARISTOCRAT
WHO’D BURN DOWN THE PLANET FOR HER

When powerful Mafia fathers need to settle debts, even daughters become currency. But Ambrosia Gianovecci Derossa has never been anyone’s pawn—and at twenty-one, she’s done playing by her father’s rules.

Ambrosia

Kidnapped from my Swiss holiday by a lethally gorgeous knight and whisked off to London on his private jet, I should be terrified. Instead, I’m fascinated. My captor is a stone-cold Crown assassin with impeccable manners and a plan to use me as bait for my notorious father. What he doesn’t know? There’s no love lost between the Phantom and his rebellious daughter.

Enjoying my captivity baffles my royalty abductor. The twisted attraction crackling between us floors him. Mafia princess. Knighted British gentleman killer who’s honor-bound to treat me respectfully. Kryptonite. I plan to take full advantage and charm him out of his rigid self-control.

Unfortunately, he’s about as easily swayed as the Rock of Gibraltar.

Damien

The Crown tasks me with one mission: capture the Phantom, an American crime lord more powerful than the Vatican and twice as elusive. A Royal Marines Commando, I’m built for impossible missions. Kidnapping his daughter to smoke him out should have been simple.

Think again. Now I’m trapped in a London penthouse, playing bodyguard to a 21-year-old who’s pure temptation wrapped in designer silk. Any involvement violates every code of ethics in my profession and threatens my knighthood. She’s forbidden territory.

But she flirts without boundaries, pushing me toward something dark and possessive that has nothing to do with duty. She shatters my armour, makes my resistance chains disintegrate, and awakens a hunger I’ve never known. With her, sin looks so devastatingly beautiful. I need divine f*cking intervention.

And I’m starting to wonder if I even want that.

Favorite Lines:

“God, give me strength. And Devil, please rip it the fuck away.”

“The gods aren’t heroes, the assassins are. The villains aren’t monsters, the angels are. The titans shy away from cruelty, the heroes drink it to survive. Give the villain your heart and he’ll save it in anticipation of possible further use for it down the road. Give the hero your heart and he’ll crush it under his feet on his way to his heroic deeds. The bad boys are the ones who take and admit they’re doing so, take it or leave it. The good boys are the heart-stealers who slip silently into it and then away with it, never to be seen again, leaving you with an empty hollow in your chest.”

“In the darkness, I hold her close and wonder if healing can really be this simple— if love can truly be stronger than shame.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Within the first pages we get birthday betrayal, mafia politics, a controlling father known as The Phantom, and a daughter who is done being traded like hard currency. Ambrosia Giannovecci Derossa is not soft. She’s sharp. Angry. Wounded. Gothic. She walks into rooms like she’s both the bomb and the fuse.

And then we get Damien. 

Elite Royal Marine. Calm. Surgical. Tactical. The kind of man who runs chemical simulations for breakfast and treats kidnapping like a chess problem. His perspective shifts the tone from emotional rebellion to strategic surveillance. Where Ambrosia burns, Damien calculates.

What makes the book compelling is that it’s not just a romance — it’s a collision course. A mafia princess raised to be bartered. A British operative tasked with using her as bait. Neither of them fully what they appear. Both more dangerous than advertised.

The setting leans fully into excess — private jets, Swiss Alps penthouses, rooftop helipads, armored SUVs. But the luxury isn’t decorative. It’s part of the tension. Every opulent space is also a potential trap. Every high-end suite doubles as a battlefield.

The pacing feels cinematic. Surveillance scenes. Tactical planning. Chemical mixtures. Helicopter arrivals. You can practically hear the score swelling under it all. It reads like a blend of mafia dynasty drama and espionage thriller, layered with simmering attraction neither side wants to admit.

The writing is bold and unapologetic. It doesn’t whisper. It declares. Internal monologues can run long. Metaphors occasionally stretch. Dialogue sometimes leans theatrical rather than subtle. But there’s ambition here — big themes, big stakes, big power dynamics. It commits fully to its world.

At its core, this story is about control. Who has it. Who loses it. And what happens when two people who are used to operating at the highest levels of power find themselves circling each other. It’s intense. It’s dramatic. It’s morally gray.

Summary:

Overall, this story is a high-stakes collision between a furious mafia heiress and a calculating British operative tasked with kidnapping her. Set against a backdrop of extreme wealth and global power politics, the story blends dynasty drama with tactical espionage. The writing leans bold and sometimes theatrical, but the tension, scale, and cinematic ambition keep it gripping. If you enjoy morally gray characters, elite military strategy, mafia power struggles, and attraction layered over danger, this delivers intensity from start to finish. Happy reading!

Check out Her Lethal Crown Assassin here!

Review: Her Ravishing Heartless Prince by A P Von K’Ory

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

He’s a European prince with a thousand-year lineage—and he hates her as much as he craves her.

Alyssa:

Prince Carl-Theodor Frederick Maximillian Christoph Albert Maria Johann Anselm is as insufferable as his name is long. Arrogant, powerful, entitled—everything I despise wrapped in devastatingly gorgeous packaging.

So I do what I do best: verbally eviscerate him and his precious bloodline with razor-sharp insults. I avoid him like the plague.

But avoidance only delays the inevitable.

Soon he has me exactly where I’ve been secretly fantasizing—on my knees before him. The problem? I can’t tell if this is seduction or revenge. Prince Hot and Cold swings between arctic ice and molten lava, dragging me to the edge of beautiful insanity.

The real question: will I survive the fall?

Prince Carl-Theodor:

Alyssa obliterates my world like a derailed train the moment we meet. Her beauty blinds me—then her vicious tongue insults thirteen thousand years of noble bloodline.

No one has ever dared.

As Head and Defender of the House of Saxony-Bremer, I vow on my ancestors’ graves to make her pay. I’ll bend her. Break her. Make her beg until she drowns in regret.

But here’s the twisted irony that threatens everything: hurting her destroys me too.

I can watch her crumble, hear her wounded cries—but the moment she surrenders, something in my chest stops cold.
Have I sworn an oath that will damn us both? And why does her pain feel like my own destruction?

Favorite Lines:

“She emboldened, motivated, encouraged, and inspired me tirelessly over the months.”

“But above all else, I have half the entire planet’s butterflies residing merrily in my belly.”

“I love her like the devil loves sinners and God loves the devil for being capable of that.”

“For that, I’ll love him even after death and in every other entity form I become.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

There is something wildly unapologetic about this book. From the first chapter, Alyssa announces herself as messy, sexual, ambitious, and emotionally reactive in a way that feels both over-the-top and strangely honest. She is not a soft heroine. She is sharp-edged, proud, dramatic — and I kind of loved that about her.

Carl-Theodor, on the other hand, is less brooding prince and more simmering strategist. His inner monologue runs on discipline, revenge, family honor, and suppressed desire. The tension between them is not sweet. It’s combative. Competitive. Magnetic in a way that feels dangerous rather than tender.

What really drives this book is pride. Hurt pride. Family pride. Social pride. Romantic pride. The entire story pulses with ego clashes and misinterpretations that spiral into obsession. Their chemistry thrives on restraint and retaliation. Every conversation feels like a fencing match. Sometimes they wound each other deliberately. Sometimes they do it accidentally. Either way, sparks fly.

The world-building is lavish — castles, heiress empires, royal jewelry, elite universities, helicopter landings at Burj Al Arab. It leans hard into opulence. If you like billionaire/royalty romance that fully commits to excess, this delivers.

That said, this book is not subtle. It is dramatic in all caps. Characters monologue. Emotions explode. Internal thoughts can be theatrical. But there’s a sincerity to it that makes it compelling even when it’s chaotic.

At its core, this is a story about two powerful people who refuse to yield first. It’s ego vs ego. Attraction vs revenge. Control vs surrender. And honestly? Watching them circle each other is half the fun.

Summary:

Overall, this is a high-drama, ego-heavy royal romance where attraction and revenge walk hand in hand. If you enjoy dominant alpha tension, pride-fueled misunderstandings, and romance wrapped in luxury and lineage, this delivers an intense, indulgent ride. Happy reading!

Check out Her Ravishing Heartless Prince here!

 

Review: Hearing My Secrets by Julie L. James

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

At first glance, Marion Andrews would seem to have it all. She’s just been promoted at her job at the top home design magazine where she’s worked for a few years on the creative team, and she’s earned it, even after a few blunders. Her personality and work ethic have taken her far, but not everything is as it seems in her personal life.

Marion’s been hiding her biggest insecurity for years, and now that she’s working closer with her handsome and austere boss, Mr. Shaler, she’s never felt more unsure about whether or not she should reveal it. Mr. Shaler isn’t as intimidating as Marion thought and she never expected things between them to be quite so friendly.

During her transition in her new position, she meets Charlie, a stranger who insinuates he knows things about her past. Charlie keeps popping up in her life, revealing more each time, and getting closer to Marion in every way.

Caught between her tragic past and her dramatic present life, Marion realizes she doesn’t have control over everything and has to find a way to navigate how she can “have it all” without the unforeseen drama that comes with it.

Favorite Lines:

“Gratitude is always the best attitude.”

“‘What do you have against hot drinks?’ I asked. ‘The concept of soaking ground bits of vegetation in boiling hot water feels wrong to me,’ he explained.”

“I moved closer, resting my head on his chest, hearing his heart beneath me, and appreciating the sound of every single beat.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Julie L. James’s Hearing My Secrets is a heartfelt and quietly powerful novel that blends workplace drama, hidden disabilities, and unexpected romance into something utterly engaging. From the opening pages, we’re drawn into Marion’s world—a young editorial assistant at a glossy home design magazine who is trying to keep a tightly held secret: she wears hearing aids.

The strength of this book lies in its honesty. James doesn’t sugarcoat Marion’s insecurities, frustrations, or her deep desire to be seen for her talent, not her limitations. The writing is warm, often funny, and steeped in the little textures of life—fabric swatches, late-night train rides, whispered lobby secrets. There’s something incredibly comforting in how ordinary everything feels, even as major emotional shifts are happening.

The story evolves gently, but not without stakes. Between a blossoming workplace crush, office politics, and glimpses into Marion’s painful childhood accident, Hearing My Secrets keeps you hooked with emotional resonance rather than high drama. And when romance sparks, it’s the kind that feels earned—tender, tentative, and full of chemistry.

It’s rare to find a novel that explores disability, ambition, and love with this much grace. This is a quiet triumph of a story—one that champions sensitivity without sentimentality, and strength without loud declarations. You’ll be rooting for Marion from the first page to the last.

Summary:

Overall,  this book is full of warmth, wit, and an eye for every day beauty. It offers a slow-burning romance wrapped in emotional honesty, making it a refreshingly grounded and relatable read. If you like romance with a splash of comedy, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Hearing My Secrets here!

 

Monthly Features – January 2025

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Dear Pink by Michelle Angelle

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Do bears play polo? Can cats wear berets? Do happily ever afters exist? Often there are more questions than answers, and sometimes you find love on a bicycle.

Ever since Hannah caught her ex-boyfriend with another woman, she’s been stuck in a romance rut. When a hot guy in fancy bike gear corners her in the elevator, she lets him slip through her fingers, although his hard muscles and adorable grin never leave her thoughts.

Gabe is sick of plastic women who only see him as a piece of meat. Surprised by a funny woman in an elevator, he forgets to introduce himself and accidentally insults her instead. Convinced he’ll never see her again, he resigns himself to a life as a crazy cat man.

Will an unexpected bucket list change Hannah and Gabe’s life forever? Dear Pink is a romantic comedy where two lost souls collide with fate and find love in the most unlikely place.

Summary: If you like modern romances that are adorable with touches of humor this book would be for you. 

See the full review here: Dear Pink
Purchase here

 

 

Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Synopsis: Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

Summary: Wicked places us in a world where there is more than meets the eye and introduces us to the ship that is Ivy and Ren. I felt connections throughout the story in different ways, like how much Ivy likes variety in her cereal so much so that she has 12 boxes of cereal on hand at all times or like how despite having a job to support herself and a future seemingly laid out for her already, Ivy still strives to do more with her life; to be more.  The book takes you on an emotional roller coaster through the sad and the happy, through friendship and betrayal, uncertainty, and romance. I know it sounds cheesy and stereotypical, but I promise this book is definitely worth the read. All I can say is that I can’t wait to read the other two books in this series and that I will make no promises to not stay up until 4am to finish them.

See the full review here: Wicked
Purchase here

 

 

Review: Somewhere Along the Line by Mallory Thomas

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Synopsis:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exploring the journey to build a future when the path you planned no longer exists, SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE is a heartfelt strangers to lovers spicy romance with a guaranteed happily ever after.

Favorite Lines:

“Get it together. Can you act like a normal human for once? One with a brain and the ability to stop the words from spilling out of your mouth at sixty miles per hour, word vomiting on this specimen of a man who doesn’t have the time or desire for this interaction? The answer is no, it turns out. I cannot. The spew continues.”

“That’s why they make the people on The Bachelor do those bungee jumping dates, right? Getting through something scary with another person makes you feel bonded. Stupid dopamine response.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Anyone who knows me and/or has been following this blog knows that romance in any form is my favorite genre so of course I couldn’t turn away the opportunity to read and review this contemporary romance; and I am so glad that I did!

Mallory Thomas’ Somewhere Along the Line is a poignant exploration of life’s unpredictability and the strength found in embracing its chaos. The novel seamlessly weaves the personal and the universal through the lens of its vividly drawn protagonist. Set against a richly described backdrop, the story artfully captures themes of resilience, love, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate heartfelt narratives.

The book’s strength lies in its emotionally complex characters and the thoughtful pacing that allows their growth to feel authentic. Thomas paints scenes with carefully crafted detail, creating a setting that is both tangible and metaphorically reflective of the protagonist’s journey. While some moments may feel slightly predictable, the earnestness of the prose and the sincerity of its message ultimately leave a lasting impact.

As mentioned above, I thought a lot of the strength in this novel lies in its characters, particularly in Piper. Thomas does a fantastic job at taking us on Piper’s journey of self-discovery which I felt formed a beautiful, emotional core to the story. Her deep character development and the challenges she faced and how she overcame them felt entirely realistic and relatable, which I really enjoyed.

Thomas also delves into themes of human connection, exploring how relationships shape and redefine us over time. The novel’s supporting characters are as multifaceted as the protagonist, serving as mirrors, mentors, or challenges to their growth. These dynamics add complexity to the story, making it more than just a tale of personal evolution—it becomes a broader commentary on the interconnectedness of human experiences. The novel doesn’t shy away from addressing the messy realities of life, yet it does so with a sense of hope and optimism that leaves readers feeling uplifted.

While some aspects of the plot may feel familiar to fans of contemporary fiction, the sincerity of Thomas’ writing and the authenticity of her characters elevate the story beyond its premise. Thomas’ is also able to infuse this story with a sense of humor similar to my own that had me aggressively exhaling through my nose (you know what I mean) at a minimum of once per chapter which I think goes a long way at highlighting Thomas’ unique storytelling voice that truly lends itself to the story. 

Summary:

Overall, this was a fantastic contemporary romance and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in character-driven stories that balance introspection with hope. This book could be for anyone has ever felt lost and found themselves in unexpected places as this book offers a comforting reminder that growth often comes from the most surprising moments. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt dramas or simply looking for an engaging and meaningful read, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression. Happy reading!

Check out Somewhere Along the Line here!

 

Review: Rescue Me Twice by Melody Carson

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Bound by duty, torn by love—a cowboy’s struggle to choose between obligation and destiny.

I’m Clay, billionaire heir to a vast ranch, bound by an ironclad contract that requires my marriage by the tender age of thirty.

Josie’s gold-digging claws dig deep as the wedding chaos consumes me. Seeking some peace, I retreat into the wilderness, only for a riding accident to knock me out of the saddle and steal my memories.

Badly injured, found by Caitlin, a skilled Search and Rescue beauty, and her canine companion, Arro, I slowly recovered in the tranquility of her cabin. Robbed of my memory, I found a solace and love I didn’t know was possible. A searing love blooms, unknowingly putting Caitlin’s life in jeopardy.

But as my memory returns, so does the horror of the looming forced wedding, tearing at the seams of our newfound passion.

When the wedding bells toll, I’m forced to choose between honor and my heart. But who knew Arro would come to my rescue again? In an instant, he changed the course of our lives, exposing staggering deceit and reminding me that true love is worth risking it all.

Favorite Lines:

“As I sat there, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the unconditional love of my canine companion, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the moment. The world was filled with chaos and challenges, but here it was just me, my dog, and nature.”

“Not my circus. Not my monkeys.”

“I love you more every day.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Clay, the heir to his family’s ranch that may lose it all if he doesn’t marry by the time he turns 30 thanks to a stipulation that his dad had put in his will. Unfortunately for him, his choice in a bride, Josie, isn’t working out too well and as he tries to escapes the pre-wedding madness, he is in a riding accident that causes him to lose his memories. Rescued by Caitlin and her pup Arro, a search and rescue power duo, Clay recovers at Caitlin’s cabin with hopes that his memory will slowly come back. 

At 225 pages on my Kindle, this is a short and sweet contemporary romance that I read in one sitting. Carson’s storytelling tone is one that is easy to follow and how she manages to create an engaging plot in such a limited amount of time is always beyond me.

If I had to pick one thing that I wasn’t a huge fan of, I think Carson went a bit too hard at Clay’s opinion of Josie. I found that my eyes were glazing over a bit with the constant bashing of her character and I found it to be over done and unnecessary. However, despite this, I still found this to be an entertaining read and a nice palate cleanser from some of the denser books that I have been reading.

Summary:

Overall, this is an opposites attract, small town contemporary romance that features billionaire cowboys, mystery, love, and adorable canine companions. If you are a fan of any of those things then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Rescue Me Twice here!

 

Monthly Features – October

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Mr. Bingley: Just As A Gentlemen Ought To Be by Brandon Dragan

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: “Finally, a novel that reveals the true Bingley! Heartily recommend to all Bingley-philes!” — Crispin Bonham-Carter, Mr. Bingley in the BBC Miniseries, Pride & Prejudice

For centuries Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, has been dearly loved he world over. However, few people know the hidden truth about Mr. Darcy’s closest friend, the affable Mr. Bingley—who is much more than he appears on first impression.

Mr. Bingley: Just as a Gentleman Ought to Be is the previously untold story of a young man who unwittingly uncovers an evil cabal among the British Empire’s aristocracy. Bingley finds himself confronting an enterprise so nefarious, he cannot help but act to redress it, even if it costs him his own reputation and the love of his life, the angelic Miss Jane Bennet.

Follow Mr. Bingley down a rabbit hole of intrigue and corruption, as he fights to protect the country’s most vulnerable alongside friends old and new. Can he set things right before he loses Jane forever?

Summary: Overall, I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a creative and unique twist to the familiar Pride and Prejudice world. I would recommend to anyone who is a P&P fan who wants a new take on a familiar character, and even those who are less familiar with P&P but love literature set in the 19th century that feature action, mystery, comradery, and a touch of romance.

See the full review here: Mr. Bingley: Just As A Gentleman Ought To Be
Purchase here

 

Her Dark Promises by E.H. Raven

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Stuck in a dead-end job and unable to afford independence, Jamila’s dreams of success fade daily. Desperate, she agrees to an arranged marriage orchestrated by her father, but it backfires, deepening her depression. 

She finds solace in horror movies about demonic possession, leading her to research real-life cases. Discovering some achieve success through dark means, she decides to summon her demon, hoping to change her fate. Possession grants Jamila immense confidence and success, but the dark alliance exacts a steep price.

The demon consumes her sanity, blurring reality and nightmare.

Can Jamila escape the darkness she unleashed?

Summary: Overall, while this was my first book from Raven, I am confident that it won’t be my last. This was the perfect blend of creepy, thrilling, and addicting and I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of horror and psychological thrillers.

See the full review here: Her Dark Promises
Purchase here

 

The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search by Hazel Woods

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Step back in time for a classic experience with “The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search Large Print.” This nostalgic large-print word search book features amusing historical facts and timeless fashion trends, sure to bring back cherished childhood memories. Your Time Machine is Ready to Go!

Summary: Overall, this is a fun word search puzzle book full of nostalgic and interesting facts from the 1940s-1980s. While this would probably be more appreciated by the baby boomer generation, I think it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys word searches. 

See the full review here: The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search
Purchase here

 

Focused on Love by Melody Carson

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Rodeo nights and a city girl who’s all trouble. I must protect this damsel at all costs.

I’m Shane, a lonely cowboy and billionaire bronc rider with a memory I can’t shake.
Then enters Zoey, a sexy city fashion photographer, stirring up dust in my private world.
Sparks fly as we’re instantly drawn to each other.

But, then Zoey unknowingly captures a kidnapping on film
and our attraction takes a very dangerous turn.
I must protect her from the shadows as we unravel an unspeakable
crime that threatens everything.

I’m not only wrestling with broncs,
but I’m protecting the only woman who’s ever stolen my heart.
Together, we’ll face the evil in this small-town mystery that threatens to tear us apart.

This rodeo holds more than bronc riding –
it may just be the place where two hearts find their way home.

But, first, we must outsmart the danger and find our love amidst the chaos.

Summary: Overall, if you like contemporary romances featuring cowboys, small town love, action, suspense, intrigue, and of course romance, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Focused on Love
Purchase here

 

Lost Grove: Part One by Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: For fans of Twin Peaks and Stranger Things, Lost Grove is the first in a paranormal mystery duology that explores the twisted legends and mysteries in one small town.

In the eerie, enigmatic town of Lost Grove, where secrets whispered among the rustling pines are as thick as the fog rolling in from the sea, the discovery of Sarah Elizabeth Grahams’ lifeless body on the windswept beach is but the first note in a haunting symphony of mysteries.

Sergeant Seth Wolfe, the town’s tenacious lawman, penetrates the cryptic and labyrinthine secrets veiled beneath the town’s cheerful facade. A connection to Sarah Elizabeth, one he could never have fathomed, begins to take shape, blurring the lines between his own existence and the mysteries that enshroud the town. Suspects multiply like whispers in a haunted forest, but each lead unravels, and the mysteries of the case deepen.

Meanwhile, a group of local teenagers embark on their own harrowing mission, driven by a relentless desire to answer the riddle of their friend’s vanished brother and expose the sinister secrets harbored by an affluent institute nestled in the heart of Lost Grove. Further complicating matters, one teen’s father left town the morning Sarah Elizabeth’s body was found. With ties to a similar case seven years prior, he has become a prime suspect in the case.

As Seth dives deeper into the abyss of darkness gripping Lost Grove, an unsettling discovery threatens to derail his investigation and shatter the illusions of safety the town has harbored for far too long. A chilling web of malevolence begins to tighten its grip, ensnaring them all in a nightmarish dance that will test the limits of their resolve.

Readers who love the eerie, unsettling mystery of Stephen King’s The Outsider and the monstrous legends of Brian McGreevy’s Hemlock Grove will enjoy this twisty, taut thriller.

Summary: Full of horror elements, suspense, the paranormal, mystery, and much more, Lost Grove leaves no rock unturned while taking readers on an addicting dark and thrilling journey that will have them turning page after page desperate answers. If you’re a fan of Twin Peaks, and want to read something similar with a bit more of the supernatural and paranormal, then this book could be for you. 

See the full review here: Lost Grove: Part One
Purchase here

 

Cosmic American Rhapsody by Ray Sweatman

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Get ready for a wild ride as country-rock pioneer, Gram Parsons, struggles to survive, both physically and spiritually at the Lost Highway Motel. As his life flashes before him, several colorful characters try to help him find the meaning of life such as the ghosts of his parents, a strange policeman, a transcendentalist, and the animated animals from “Hee Haw.” With rich allusions to both popular and classical culture, it is at turns hilarious, poetic, tragic, and thought-provoking.

Summary: Overall. I can say this was an entirely unique biographical fiction and unlike anything I have read before. If you are interested in Gram Parsons, colorfully artistic writing, and/or biographical fictions, then this book could be for you. You can check out the book trailer here!

See the full review here: Cosmic American Rhapsody
Purchase here

 

We Meet Again: Book One by Brownell Landrum

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Separated by centuries… Reunited to change the world

Have you ever wondered if you met someone… before?
When she meets the Artist, his first words to her are, “We Meet Again.” Yet they hadn’t met before.
Or had they?

Brownell Landrum’s celebrated We Meet Again trilogy is an epic reincarnation mystery + love story about a famous couple from history reunited today to fulfill a prophecy that will change the world.
But is the world ready to change?
Follow the clues tracing back centuries, even millennia through this remarkable story of love, fate, and destiny against a backdrop of lifetimes from present day to 1930s Brazil, 1500s Renaissance Europe, the Middle Ages, and even ancient Greece.

In Book One, meet Marielle and Dante, a modern-day couple navigating a new relationship while re-living a previous lifetime as a nun and a priest in 1930s Brazil protecting a valuable artifact from a nefarious organization still on the hunt today.

Summary: Overall, this was an interesting reincarnation love story full of history, romance, and adventure. Part one of a trilogy, I am excited to see where Landrum takes the rest of this series. If you like romance, especially historical romances, adventure, mystery, suspense, and metaphysical fiction, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: We Meet Again: Book One
Purchase here

 

Watercolors and Tears by José Orlando Castañeda

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Manuel, a young Ecuadorian, sells medicinal herbs in the market and paints watercolors in his spare time. In search of a better life, he emigrates to Port Chester (New York). Elvira, his wife, intends to join him by sea, but she is shipwrecked. Her plans change after her rescue, and she ends up in Madrid, where she is employed as a nanny. Antonio, the father of the children in her care, discovers her secretly reading a novel from his antique books collection. He slyly labels a passage with a strip of paper, intending for her to read it. Intrigued, Elvira responds by indicating her own phrases in the book. That’s the beginning of an innocent exchange of literary quotes through which love quietly slips in. While Manuel takes refuge in his paintings and herbal remedies on the other side of the world, Elvira finds herself falling for Antonio. When her hopes are dashed through a casual blunder, she seeks to regain her marital home and travels to Port Chester to be with her husband. Confronted by an unexpected tragedy, she discovers the watercolors that Manuel has painted in his solitude. His brushstrokes cut deep into her heart.

Summary: Overall, this was a very beautiful and elegant story about the complexities of life that tackled very real topics surrounding the realities of emigration in the pursuit of a better life for you and your family. Full of rich descriptions, love, loss, sacrifice, tenacity, and family, this book could be for anyone who is interested in the deeply honest portrayal of what it means to be human in this world.

See the full review here: Watercolors and Tears
Purchase here

 

The Clock and the Candles by Anthony Dean

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Roland, the Keeper of the Clock, and Gwen, the former crown princess of the Lands, are separated by 46 feet of stone. After seizing the throne from her father, King Adolphus had the Prison Maximus constructed around Gwen. She lives in a cell with no door that measures eight feet on every side, and which is centered in a structure that measures a hundred feet on every side.

One day in the seventh year of Gwen’s imprisonment, Roland returns home from his duties tending the Ebony Clock to find that someone has entered his cabin and left an unsigned letter on his table. The letter reads:

Dear Roland,

Consider five statements. Three of them are true. Two of them are lies.

1. You are the last of your kind.

2. King Adolphus is an immortal being.

3. The creatures who walk the Lands after sunset serve no master.

4. Gwen’s prison was not constructed according to specifications.

5. The Ebony Clock is not connected to anything at all.

Sort the truth from the lies, and you will be free.

With the help of allies that come to include an old friend, an elderly chemist, two disgruntled members of Adolphus’ guard, and an elf, Roland tries to make use of the new information in the beginning of a new epic from Anthony Dean, author of the Voided Man series.

Summary: Overall, this was a refreshing and original plot, as all of Dean’s seem to be. He took some classic fantasy themes and made them uniquely his own for this story which I really enjoyed. Only book one in this new series, this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I am excited to see where Dean takes it next. If you like fantasy, mystery, action, and adventure, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: The Clock and the Candles
Purchase here