I feel more and more like I was made for you: LOVE IN FOCUS.

Love in Focus by Lyla Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a surprisingly good read--it was different and cute! I loved how it didn't follow all the predictable romance paths while still talking about tropes.

Gemma's boyfriend of seven years suddenly breaks up with her, just as she's assigned to write a story about modern love at the magazine where she works. Then she's paired with a photographer who just happens to be her ex-girlfriend, Celeste, who broke up with her college and disappeared without a word.

At first I thought this was going to be one of those annoying romances where our duo dances around their misunderstanding (the college breakup) without ever discussing what really happened. But, instead, these two actually talk to one another and resolve their miscommunication fairly quickly. It was very refreshing!

Celeste and Gemma have a crackling tension between them from the moment they reunite. The writing is pretty basic, but it's a sweet story. Not to mention, the representation is excellent: bisexual and lesbian characters, along with Asian rep. Both Celeste and Gemma are real people and neither are a jerk. Each have jobs, with their workplace depicted in fairly realistic terms. Yes, they have a backstory but it doesn't dominate the entire plot. Same with their emotional trauma, which doesn't fully overshadow everything. They have friends and believe in therapy. How lovely!

The story also alternates between Gemma (first person) and Celeste (third person) which is a nice twist and gives us a unique perspective into both women's thoughts.

Overall, this is a lovely second chance romance, brimming with great tension and two lovable characters!

I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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So go on and go and unroll every map: TASTE THE LOVE.

Taste the Love by Karelia Stetz-Waters
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This is a cute romance, but don't read it when you're hungry!

Sullivan and Kia are former culinary school rivals who meet again when Kia is planning to buy "the bois," a forest that borders Sullivan's house and restaurant; this beloved land has ties all the way back to her grandfather. Kia wants to turn it into a food truck community, much to the eco-friendly Sullivan's horror. But then the evil Mega Eats corporation swoops in and steals the land from both of them. Kia determines that marriage is the only way to save the forest.

Of course, Sullivan and Kia have always sort of loved each other and had chemistry since their culinary school days, and--of course--Mega Eats will soon demand that they prove their marriage is real, forcing the two into closer and closer confines.

Obstacles abound, too. Kia is a food truck girl with a massive social media following while Sullivan's ex burned her by loving social media attention more than her. Sullivan is cautious and environmentally conscious.

The two both have groups of good friends, giving us a wonderful, diverse set of side characters. The banter is lively, there's plenty of sexual tension, and oh the food references. So delicious! I wanted every delicacy Kia came up with via her truck!

This story is easy to read. It's funny while still covering serious moments. As always, Karelia and Fay give us a well-written and sweet tale. There's not too much miscommunication even though there's a variety of bad decisions made at times!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Forever in return for an unbiased review.


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And I will be that witness to your life: SAY YOU'LL REMEMBER ME.

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a touching and bittersweet love story between Samantha and Xavier, made all the more poignant because they spend so much of it apart. They meet just before Samantha is set to move from Minnesota to California to care for her mother, who is battling dementia. Their one unforgettable date—including an accidental lock-in at an escape room—ends with an agreement to part ways. But their connection proves too strong, and soon they find themselves navigating a long-distance relationship.

Unlike some of Abby Jimenez’s other novels, this one leans more into quiet emotion than witty banter or sizzling chemistry. It's a soulful, heartfelt romance that also pays tribute to the many forms of family—both the ones we’re born into and the ones we choose. Xavier, a devoted veterinarian, carries the weight of a difficult upbringing, while Samantha is surrounded by her large family as she puts her life on hold to care for her mother.

Animal lovers will appreciate the many furry friends featured throughout, thanks to Xavier’s profession and Samantha’s open heart. While there are charming, funny moments scattered throughout, this story is more tender than lighthearted. It’s beautifully written and emotionally resonant, but not quite the breezy, beachy read some may expect.

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There goes a modern fairy tale, I wish it could happen to me: UNROMANCE

Unromance by Erin Connor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

UNROMANCE was an absolute delight and a fantastic pick from my Aardvark book subscription!

This story leans wholeheartedly into classic romance tropes, as author Sawyer takes on the ambitious task of "ruining love" for actor Mason—using those very tropes against him. Sawyer is the quintessential "scared to love again" heroine, still reeling from a painful breakup, while Mason embodies the charming "hopeless romantic" who wears his heart on his sleeve and can’t help but fall fast.

After an unexpected one-night stand, their paths keep crossing, leading them to strike a deal: they’ll use romantic tropes to tackle their personal hang-ups and, in the process, reignite Sawyer’s passion for writing romance novels. Each chapter kicks off with a fun definition of a new trope, giving readers a preview of what’s to come. Even better, Mason and Sawyer actually take the time to connect and grow as individuals—no insta-love here—which makes their journey all the more satisfying.

On paper, nothing about UNROMANCE should work: the pact, the romance, or even the chemistry between Mason and Sawyer. Yet it all comes together seamlessly. Their banter is sharp, their sparks undeniable, and the meta angle—when their romance mirrors the plot of Sawyer’s novel-in-progress—is quite fun.

The story is fresh, fun, and brimming with charm, supported by a cast of quirky, lovable side characters. I also appreciated the thoughtful representation: Sawyer is bisexual, and the book offers a beautifully modern take on love. Most of all, it’s just a joy to read. I found myself smiling constantly, swept up in its warm embrace of the romance genre. Throw in a celebrity angle, and it’s everything I love in a rom-com.

A thoroughly entertaining read—4+ stars and highly recommended!

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But home is a feeling I buried in you: STARS IN YOUR EYES.

Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There's so much more than fake dating happening in STARS IN YOUR EYES, which is told in a back and forth point-of-view between its two main characters, both actors. Mattie is an up-and-coming actor, still sweet and shy, and dealing with shame from being gay thanks to a religious father. He's filming a new movie with the famous (or is it infamous) Logan, known for his bad boy antics. Logan hides his pain--much of it from being abused--behind a gruff exterior, where he pushes everyone away and acts out.

Filming a story about two gay authors that begin a romance, Mattie and Logan suddenly see their film life parallel real life when the producers force them to fake a romance to stir up interest in the movie (and cover up for some of Logan's bad behavior), and the two quickly realize they like each other. But nothing is simple when they each carry so much baggage--and they're under constant public scrutiny.

I really enjoyed hearing the story from both Logan and Mattie's sides and the way Callender interspersed their POVs with snippets from film magazines, blogs, social media, and more. It's a quick read, albeit a powerful one. STARS delves into serious territory including racism and bi-phobia and looks seriously at sexual assault (triggers for assault, rape, suicide idealization, and more). It's really a very tender story showing how love can occur between flawed people with pasts--not every romance is a straightforward, cheery one, as the book illustrates.

There's a bit of relationship and therapy speak that sometimes feels overdone, but overall I enjoyed this one. It's not a feel good story per se, but it's enjoyable, makes good points, and really lets you feel for the characters.


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Cause you have filled a space I never knew I had: SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.

Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

The second book in my "June Pride Reads," SATISFACTION GUARANTEED was absolutely delightful. Focusing on the theme of learning to appreciate yourself--especially through the eyes of others--this is such a feel-good romance. Reserved, practical Cade inherits her aunt's sex toy shop, thrusting her into the orbit of free-spirited Selena, who runs the shop and lives in the cottage behind Cade's aunt's home. Cade quickly realizes the shop is in financial trouble, and she has a short time to turn it around, or Selena loses her job and her home.

I loved that Cade and Selena felt instant attraction but not love-there's a big difference between the two-and it makes the story feel so much more realistic. They have time to develop stronger feelings, and have wonderful slow burn tension and chemistry. Selena's afraid of failure, worried she's a screw-up, and Cade feels she's a boring stick-in-the-mud with no romantic experience, and it's refreshing to see how, to one another, they are amazing. They are backed by a lovable, fun cast of diverse, queer characters and positive messages about appreciating female sexuality and knowing yourself.

Overall, this is a fun-spirited romance with some great messages. 4.5 stars.

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Stars all aligned and they intertwined: SECOND NIGHT STAND.

Second Night Stand by Karelia Stetz-Waters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Both Izzy Wells and Lillian Jackson feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. Izzy is trying to keep her local theater afloat, providing a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and a place for her burlesque troupe Velveteen Crush to practice. Lillian, the ballet master and choreographer for a ballet company, is doing everything she can to keep her own company afloat. When both Velveteen Crush and the Reed-Whitmer Ballet Company win coveted spots on the Great American Talent Show, both Lillian and Izzy have a chance to win enough money to solve all their problems. Only issue? Right before the show they had a very memorable one night stand...

Karelia and Fay Stetz-Waters, a lovely queer couple who has been married over 20 years, said they wrote this book to give an interracial lesbian couple the happy ending they deserve but that is so often sorely lacking in literature. The result is such a great book: it's funny, sexy, and touching. Izzy hides under her stage persona, Blue Lenox, so she can forget about a tough childhood and all the hearts she's broken. Lillian refuses to get attached to anyone, focusing only on ballet due to maternal (and internal) pressure. (Gosh, our childhoods really mess us up, don't they?)

Izzy and Lillian are flawed, real characters, and it's easy to fall for them right away. They even fall for each other immediately, though these two can't admit it without some help from their friends! They are surrounded by a cast of lovable, diverse characters, between Lillian's all-black ballet company and Izzy's troupe. It's such a loving book with an emphasis on found friendship. The two groups compete in a series of increasingly crazy challenges in the reality talent competition while we also watch Izzy and Lillian struggling with their burgeoning attraction.

Overall, I loved this book. Diverse characters! Sexy times and wonderful chemistry! Fun reality show challenges! Definitely worth a read.

I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in return for an unbiased review. Look for SECOND NIGHT STAND on 05/21/2024!!

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And maybe your resurgence is the greatest triumph that you'll know: JUST FOR THE SUMMER.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Justin's known for helping women find their soulmates--as in, after they break up with him, they find "the one." And thanks to Reddit, everyone knows his story. The same thing seems to happen to Emma, so she messages him on Reddit to relate. Before they know it, the two are formulating a plan: they'll date for a bit and then break up, thereby guaranteeing each will find their soulmate.

Suddenly, Emma, a travel nurse, is in Minnesota with her best friend Maddie, where they're living on a small, impractical island. Maddie is the only one who sees through Emma's unresolved trauma and baggage from her difficult childhood, so when Emma's mom shows up, Maddie wants to protect her friend. Justin, meanwhile, is trying to deal with the newfound stress of raising his three younger siblings.

SUMMER covers a bunch of serious topics, ranging from Emma's attachment issues and depression to Justin's siblings and their struggles, but does so in a funny and enjoyable way. Emma and Justin are flawed, sure, and you find yourself frustrated with them, but also able to forgive, because (gasp) these characters are real, with actual backstories, personalities, and foibles that give them reasons for their feelings. Suddenly, the "issues" that pop up in other romances seem like cardboard.

Justin and Emma's chemistry is off the charts, but thankfully there's no instalove here: they converse online first and spend plenty of time getting to know each other. It's impossible not to fall for Justin's sweet nature or root for Emma to settle down. Even better, there are some serious laugh-out-loud moments here, with both Emma and Justin, but also the side characters. Justin's mom and her best friend, for instance, crackle with energy and humor (one word: raccoons). This book just makes you feel happy.

It's impossible to truly sum up this novel, but it's a gorgeous love story steeped in humor and real life. Jimenez's writing is flawless. 4.5+ stars.

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Once I thought that love was something I could never do: HOW YOU GET THE GIRL.

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A queer romance with a basketball theme, be still my beating heart!

I am such a sucker for sports romances, and Kelly writes a great queer one about women's basketball, my favorite of all sports. Julie Parker coaches high school basketball, but isn't prepared when the team's newest addition, Vanessa, is picked up by her foster parent, Elle Cochran. Elle just happens to be one of the most famous college basketball players in their state of Tennessee, but hasn't been seen since she left the WNBA six years ago. Julie worshiped Elle growing up and feels completely awkward around her hero. Elle, meanwhile, is trying to adjust to be a foster parent to Vanessa, her niece.

This is such a fun read! I love that a queer basketball romance for adults exists. There are so many good sports tidbits here and the joy of Julie's team discovering themselves on the court. We get references and mentions of Elle's life at UT and in the WNBA... I just love all of this stuff, so I was in seventh heaven.

Of course, at its heart, this is a romance. Julie, we learn, is figuring out who she is and how she relates to others romantically and sexually. Does she believe in labels and do they even apply to her? More practically, does she want to be in a relationship, especially one with Elle? Elle is bringing up feelings Julie hasn't felt in a long time, maybe ever. And Elle herself is attracted to Julie, but finding it hard to come out of the safe cocoon she's made for herself. Kelly allows the characters to be raw and vulnerable, especially as they explore Elle's mental health struggles and Julie's fears and worries about her sexuality.

Elle volunteers to "fake date" Julie to help her learn about relationships and see if it's something she would like. The result is a slow burn romance with funny banter, excellent chemistry, and lots of exploration. The two women are often serious as they explore love, foster parenthood, and queer labels, but the story is really hilarious too. When Julie's cat Snoozles gets sick, for instance--a moment that should seem dire winds up being so amusing.

There are a few times where Julie pontificates a bit much for my taste and the book feels long. This is also the third book in a series. While it's one of those interconnected series where each book stands alone, there are a lot of references to the characters in the previous two books and it sometimes feels as if you're missing out on inside jokes by not reading the earlier books. Overall, though, this is an excellent story that explores queer romance through the prism of basketball and much more.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in return for an unbiased review.

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You gotta dance, like a symphony of joy: CHANGE OF PLANS.

Change of Plans by Dylan Newton
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I keep telling myself to stop requesting random ARCs, but I can't, and the reason is books like this. The premise sounded intriguing, and I adored this incredibly charming story. Chef Bryce Weatherford becomes guardian to her three nieces June, 12; Cecily, 8; and Addison, 5, after the death of her brother and sister-in-law. If suddenly leaving her job and moving to a small town to care for these spunky girls isn't enough, Bryce has to fight off guardianship overtures from the girls' maternal grandparents. She finds an unlikely ally in Ryker Matthews, who rescues the group at the grocery store. The former Marine is struggling with own demons, though.

This is a delightful romance filled with fun and serious moments. I'm a total sucker for stories with kids, and Bryce's nieces are silly but very touching as they grapple with the death of their parents. Ryker is a guarded Marine dealing with PTSD; he has a below-the-knee amputation and phantom pain from his missing limb. It's rare to read a book that handles the military, PTSD, and amputation so well--and with the respect these topics deserve. I adored the stoic Ryker and his introverted ways.

CHANGE is still a really funny and cute story even if it touches on some tough subjects. Both Ryker and Bryce have hang ups, between his PTSD and her trying to keep the girls and figure out her life, but the instant attraction between the two crackles. Their banter is witty and sexy. Bryce is a tough cookie, and both main characters are more unique than you see in your usual romance. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I didn't realize it when I read it, but it's the third in a series about the Matthews brothers, but can be read as a stand-alone. Looking forward to catching up on the first two! 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in return for an unbiased review.

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Someone said kiss her and so you did: YOURS TRULY.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 4.25 of 5 stars

Dr. Briana Ortiz is miserable. Her divorce from her cheating husband is just about to be finalized. She's living in her childhood home with her sick brother, Benny, who desperately needs a kidney donor just to stay alive. And the promotion she was just about guaranteed? It looks like she has competition from the new doctor, Jacob Maddox, who seems to be taking over her hospital.

"This year was going to be my villain origin story, I just knew it." ~Briana

As always, Abby Jimenez delivers a charming love story. Just when Briana thinks she cannot stand Jacob, he writes her an amazing letter. The two grow close and he even donates a kidney to Benny. In turn, she agrees to "fake date" him to prove that he's over the fact that his brother is dating his ex-girlfriend (not complicated at all, right)? I loved this book, though PART OF YOUR WORLD was just a tad better for me. TRULY dragged a bit with the miscommunication between Jacob and Briana; a few times, I wanted to shake her for being unable to talk to him and not trusting the world's best guy due to her past.

Because, seriously, Jacob was a dream. He is kind, loving, attentive, and sweet. He has anxiety, which was portrayed incredibly well and very realistically. Briana's inability to trust, though--oh my gosh. Just let this man love you! So, yes, our rocky road to HEA was a bit much sometimes. This meant it didn't always feel as witty as some other Jimenez books, though there are some moments with road kill (yup) that were pretty awesome. And Jacob's wonderfully crazy family. Plus we had some great cameos from Alexis and Daniel from WORLD! There's plenty of serious times here too, especially with Benny's illness and Jacob's anxiety. The ending to this one is excellent. 4.25 stars.



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I'm stronger than the monster beneath your bed: BEHIND THE SCENES.

Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters
My rating: 4+ of 5 stars

Filmmaker Ash Stewart went through a traumatic experience and a subsequent breakup with her ex that completely derailed her career. Now she's making commercials and is exiled from the film industry and all her former friends, except the loyal Emma. Business consultant Rose Josten has put everything into a job she does not really like just to take care of her sisters after their parents died. Now, thanks to Emma, Rose is helping Ash chase her filmmaking dream by pitching a new project to a famous producer. Rose should be concentrating on making partner at her firm and Ash should be focusing on her film, but the two of them can't help realizing how much they like each other...

I requested this ARC on a whim because I liked the synopsis and oh wow, I'm so glad I did! I love finding a new author, and this book was really good. It was really sweet, very funny, and often sexy. I completely enjoyed watching Rose and Ash fall for each other. Stetz-Waters wrote a story that is very true to the lesbian experience, and Ash and Rose felt like women that I would be friends with. They were easy to like, but also real and flawed. Ash is struggling after her breakup and being pushed out of the industry. She's scared to open up her heart again. Rose, meanwhile, has a lot of anxieties due to her parents' death and the pressure she's felt to care for her sisters. Neither woman felt like a cardboard character, but instead genuine and fully fleshed out. Honestly, I found both Ash and Rose to be badass and sexy! (Also, it's so great to have a lesbian romance with characters in their 30s and 40s.)

The supporting cast in this book is really fun--Rose's sisters are a trip as is Ash's team helping her film. There are places in this book that made me laugh out loud. (Rose's pugs are the best!) Every one supported each other and Ash's movie project, which just made for a feel-good read. There were occasional miscommunications (always my pet peeve) or kept secrets, but they never lasted long--therefore making this the ideal read for me.

Overall, this is an excellent, touching, and funny read. I loved the romance and story. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for BEHIND THE SCENES on 1/31/2023!

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I'm just asking if you feel the way I'm feeling: THE GODPARENT TRAP.

The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Colby is a free-spirited blogger, who travels the world and writes about the various food and experiences she tries. Rip is a straight-laced accountant and brother of Colby's best friend, Monica. Colby and Rip are united by only two things--their love of Monica and her husband, Brooks, and their children and their mutual hatred of each other, which has only increased since a disastrous date last year. But that all changes when Monica and Brooks are in an accident and Colby and Rip realize they were named co-guardians of their two young children. Suddenly they find themselves living together in Monica and Brooks' house, struggling to raise two broken-hearted kids while grieving themselves. Rip is appalled at Colby's lack of order and routine while Colby cannot believe he wants to put kids on the same tight schedule he abides by. But as time passes, the two realize they have to unite for pure survival.

"Everything about her bothered me, mainly because she was this force of nature that refused to follow any rules but her own. Rules kept people safe."

This book feels like Life As You Know It with Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel's roles reversed. Luckily I find that movie really cute in a very cheesy (and sad) way. Rip is the straight-laced one here, who is traumatized by the past death of his parents and raising his little sister and cannot handle a world where spontaneity (and the possibility of getting hurt) exists. Colby is the free spirit who loves traveling, not planning, and not being tied down to anything. She's also hurt by the fact that she tried to kiss Rip on their one awful date. We hear a lot about this terrible date, but it's still sometimes hard to buy Colby and Rip as a couple--there isn't a ton of character development and it does occasionally feel like they've been tossed together to magically like one another now. The tropes are also heavy with this one between uptight Rip and free loving Colby.

I won't lie, there's definitely some sad parts in this book. The loss of Monica and Brooks is hard, especially reading from a parent perspective. You have to sort of compartmentalize that piece, because romance is a little tough to focus on when you know two kids have lost their parents and Rip lost his sister.

Still, this is a cute story. There are some really funny moments (often involving a geriatric cat, Stu) and the kids are very adorable. Rip and Colby grew on me, and I did find myself rooting for them as time went on. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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