Review: My December Darling by Lauren Asher

About the Book

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.

Review

The romance between Catalina and Luke was the weakest part of this story. I won’t lie and say that they didn’t have any cute moments because they did. I adored that they both loved Legos and that that was something incorporated into their romance. However, other than that, I was not blown away by their spark. I felt that they would have done better as a supporting romance rather than the main romance.

What was more surprising to me about My December Darling was how Asher handled the trope of a sibling getting with the main character’s ex. It was refreshing to see no toxicity and read about how Catalina’s sister and ex, genuinely wanted her to be happy and pushed her towards Luke. I appreciated Catalina’s relationship with them both and loved her maid of honor speech. I thought it was nicely done. I also loved the growth of the relationship between Catalina and her mom. They were on rocky terms, and it was sweet that they could work that out.

Final Thoughts

The romance in My December Darling is the unfortunate weakest part of this novella. However, that should not discourage readers. It’s a sweet read. Despite the disappointing romance, Asher does deliver on several other things. The book provides a heartwarming family dynamic and also does really well with highlighting friendships. In addition, the book feels like the holiday season.

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Review: Love Unwritten (Lakefront Billionaires Book 2) by Lauren Asher

About the Book

Rafael

Ellie Sinclair is a hopeless romantic who writes love songs.

I’m a struggling workaholic who could inspire a hundred breakup albums.

On paper, we have nothing in common except for my son.

For eight months, I avoid her until our summer trip.

Fourteen days. Two islands. And one nanny I shouldn’t be attracted to.

Spending time with Ellie is expected, but enjoying her company?

That isn’t part of our travel plans.

After my divorce, I swore to protect my heart at all costs.

Even if it means breaking hers in the process.

Ellie

What’s worse than working for a grumpy single dad?

Admitting that I once had a secret crush on him in high school.

Thankfully, Rafael Lopez and I have changed since we graduated from Wisteria High.

He is a billionaire with a company to run and a child to take care of.

I’m an unemployed songwriter he hired to watch his son and teach music.

We coexist without any issues until a vacation changes everything.

Lines blur and old feelings for Rafael return with vengeance as I face a new dilemma.

Being his son’s nanny is one thing, but wishing for more?

Sounds like a heartbreak song waiting to be written.

Review

The Lakefront Billionaires series is shaping out to be Lauren Asher’s best series. I adored the first book, and I very quickly fell in love with Love Unwritten. As it stands, it is my favorite within the series. I only have one complaint with this book. More on that later. Right now, I want to gush about the book.

This is such a heartwarming story. It’s not just a romance, it’s a story about family relationships. Life experiences and a messy divorce have left Rafael with a struggling relationship with his son. He loves his son deeply and doesn’t know how to fix the situation. I loved Rafael’s character growth. He was imperfect and vulnerable and was willing to put in the work. He and Ellie were able to build the trust needed and open up about their childhood experiences.  

Ellie fits perfectly in Nico (Rafael’s son) and Rafael’s life. Like Rafael, she didn’t have a perfect childhood. She made tremendous growth in the past; however, she’s still affected. She was able to be vulnerable with him and work to further grow in her career. While also harboring a sweet relationship with his kid.

Nico was adorable and so lovable. I loved how he had depth and relationships with the characters in the book. He wasn’t just a plot point. It was also wonderful to see Dahila and Julian from the first book. Julian is so connected to Rafael’s story, and I loved their friendship.

My only complaint with this book is that I felt that the author got tired in the final stretch. This is a 600-page book. At the end, everything was told, instead of her painting this beautiful picture as she had previously done. It felt rushed, and I finished the story slightly disappointed. This could very well be me craving more of Ellie and Rafael.

Final Thoughts

Love Unwritten is another highlight in Asher’s career. Ellie and Rafael are beautiful characters that I hold so dearly to my heart. These are two deep and compelling characters who hold so much in. It’s a slow-burn romance, that works well for them as they create this deep connection with each other and build trust. They are special.  

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Review: Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher

About the Book

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.

Review

After a disappointing final installment with the Dreamland Billionaire series, Lauren Asher has regained my trust with Love Redesigned – the first book in her new series called Lakefront Billionaires. I’m not going to lie and say I wasn’t skeptical about this one at first. However, after reading I can say that I was entertained, and I enjoyed this one so much.

Dare I say that Julian is one of Lauren Asher’s best MMC? I’m certain that I’m willing to die on that hill. He might have a grumpy exterior, but he has a heart of gold and is sweet. And oh, so smitten with Dahlia, who is also a great FMC. Both of them have a healing journey, and it’s beautiful. Instead of running from their fears, they are forced to face them head on. It made for great character arcs.

Julian and Dahlia grew up together and have had this rivalry since childhood. From their pranks to their banter, and heartache, it was a great romance journey. I especially loved how their stories have major HGTV vibes.

Another thing that I loved about this story, was their family. Dahlia and Julian grew up together because their mothers are close. Their mothers are wonderful, and in fact, I love their entire family and their family dynamic. It felt warm and cozy.

Final Thoughts

Love Redesigned is a great introduction into this new series. Julian and Dahlia are the perfect leads, with a great and emotional love story built on second chances and childhood rivalry. The side characters shine bright, and it was exciting to see callbacks from Lauren’s other series. I can’t wait to read the next installment, and get glimpses into Julian and Dahlia’s life.

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