Review: Homebound by Meredith Trapp

About the Book

A sweet, slow-burn, childhood friends-to-lovers, small-town romance!

She’s Texas's toughest bull rider, and he’s determined to win her heart.

Dakota and Wyatt. Storm and sunshine. Growing up, they were as inseparable as a pair of cowboy boots. The best of friends—or so Dakota thought. Every summer, Wyatt would come home to his family’s flower farm in Granite Falls, Texas and they’d stargaze in the fields, pinkies brushing, laughter rumbling with the cicadas until one summer… he never came back.

Dakota Cutler hasn’t heard a peep from Wyatt Patterson in over three years, and a lot has changed. He’s the hockey world’s golden-boy, and she’s developed a reputation for riding bulls and leaving men with broken hearts. After a string of one-night stands, the last thing Dakota needs is a distraction, but when her oldest childhood friend waltzes back into town, begging to move into her barn with the most adorable baby girl on his hip, everything changes.

Wyatt Patterson’s back to get the girl he’s been obsessing over for years, and he’s doing everything to get her to see him as more than a friend—two-stepping at the rodeo, jumping into Cibolo Creek, even rendezvousing in outdoor showers. All Dakota wants is to keep her distance from her ex-friend, but when she learns the truth behind why Wyatt left, it turns out the scorching Texas sun might not be the only thing that burns them this summer.

Review

Homebound reminded me why I avoid friends-to-lovers. Before I air my grievances, I’ll talk about what I liked. I loved that despite Dakota and Wyatt being on rocky terms initially, she was still willing to assist him with Viv. I also enjoyed the moments of Viv and Dakota bonding. Tripp did a great job crafting a believable relationship with Viv and Dakota. That’s one of the most important things when having a single-parent romance story.

Now for what I disliked. The chemistry between Wyatt and Dakota was severely lacking to me. I understood why she had him in the friend zone for so long, and I would have supported her if she decided to not give him a chance. I don’t think Wyatt was the best choice for her. He was in the friend zone for fifteen years, and for me to be sold—there needs to be mutual longing on both parts. I didn’t feel that in Dakota’s POV.

On top of that, I found this book to be boring at times. For the most part, it was Wyatt determined to win over Dakota and waiting for her to realize that she loved him. I appreciated the moments between him and his daughter; however, other than that I didn’t find him to be interesting like Dakota.

Final Thoughts

Homebound unfortunately wasn’t a hit for me. Dakota is advertised as a “grumpy black cat” however, that can be debated. Wyatt has few qualities and the only one that makes him interesting is that he’s a single dad; however, that isn’t enough to carry him. There was no need for him to be a hockey player. In fact, I don’t think we got a clear closing on that chapter. The romance is boring, repetitive, and cheesy. Justice for Dakota. Everything would have worked better if Dakota and Wyatt stayed super best friends and got other love interests.

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Review: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

About the Book

NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. ―Mgmt

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat…er, out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs―Kingsley’s included―point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies...including their nemesis, the king.

Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.

It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so…so…delightfully fun.

But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?

Review

Hannah Nicole Maehrer is on a winning streak with this series. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this installment. Like the first, there’s so much humor, an entertaining plot, and witty banter. Of course, the slow-burn romance is to die for. The Villain and Evie do not get together yet; however, there is some development. Some squeal worthy and some were bound to make me cry if they didn’t figure it out. It’s safe to say that I do adore them both. I specifically loved Evie’s growth from assistant to apprentice. The title has certainly been earned.

As for the other characters, I’m pleased to report that we get more insight regarding them. A big theme that I noticed throughout this book was family. And I loved how all the characters through their families were connected in some way. It’s also worth mentioning that Lyssa—Evie’s younger sister—was delightful and a scene-stealer. As well as Becky. She and Evie had a sweet moment in the latter half of the book that I highly enjoyed.

Final Thoughts

Apprentice to the Villain is another hit. This is a perfect follow-up to the first book that beautifully expands this exciting universe. I am patiently waiting for the next book. I had loads of fun while reading this, and at times, the story really pulled at my heartstrings.  

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Review: Clean Point by Meg Jones

About the Book

Former tennis prodigy Scottie Sinclair is a cheat.

Or at least, that’s what the world thinks. After all, who would believe she was secretly drugged by her own father before winning the women’s singles title at Wimbledon?

The tabloids have called “Game, Set, Match” on Scottie’s career—but an offer at redemption, and more importantly revenge, may give her the chance at a clean serve.

Nico Kotas reigned the tennis world for almost a decade—until an injury took him from the baseline.

Now with a clean bill of health, he’s hungry for one last title. But his public image needs a new game plan—and according to his coach, his former rival’s daughter is the perfect advantage.

But with old enemies on the sidelines, scandal is seconds away.

Because, after all, revenge is best served Centre Court

Review

I enjoyed Clean Point. I found it to have a solid plot and thought that it was well-written. It’s about two competitive tennis players who have been thrown together to win Wimbledon. Nico is dealing with a botched knee surgery that’s slowing him down. And Scottie’s career has been ruined by her father’s actions. Coincidentally, the two of them have been connected for years. Nico’s victory over her father completely changed Scottie’s life. Things are rocky between them at first because of their perceptions of each other. However, they eventually come together to get revenge on her father and fall in love.

I want to give kudos for how Jones handled Scottie’s story. Scottie was very clearly abused by her father, and the author handled this story with care and did not blame her main character for what happened.

Final Thoughts

Clean Point was an amazing tennis story from an author who clearly adores and respects her characters. Scottie and Nico had a lot to overcome and learned that teamwork is beneficial—while also having an emotional and amazing love affair. I was hooked on them earlier on. Every time Scottie would steal Nico’s hat, or any cats would surround him I found myself smiling. My only complaint is that I wish he had picked another nickname for her. I don’t particularly find “cockroaches” endearing. It’s also worth mentioning that there was one specific character who surprised me. I can say that I’m happy the author took that route. 

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Review: The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

About the Book

Estranged exes must stick close together to save their best friend’s wedding after a string of disasters in this swoony and steamy second-chance romance from the USA Today bestselling author of You, with a View.

Georgia Woodward lives by her lists, none more so than the one about her ex, Eli Mora. It’s full of the ironclad dos and don’ts they’ve been following since she returned to the Bay Area after their cataclysmic breakup five years ago.

With the wedding of their mutual best friend, Adam, looming, and them about to step into their roles as best woman and man, Georgia’s never needed it more. She refuses to threaten their tight-knit friend group with her messy—and still very present—feelings. The rules on that list will keep her cool, calm, and compartmentalized.

What’s not on her list? Eli arriving from New York with a new rule-breaking attitude or the all-inclusive venue burning to the ground, leaving the bride and groom in dire straits. Nor does she anticipate Adam asking her and Eli to help him make a miracle happen. Together.

As Georgia and Eli rush up to Napa Valley to pull off the perfect wedding, their old chemistry comes back in technicolor. Somewhere between cake tastings gone wrong, disastrous DJ auditions, and Eli’s heated attention, Georgia starts recognizing the man she fell in love with before. And if she lets herself break her rules, she might find what they’re building isn’t the something old that ruined them—it’s a chance at something new.

Review

For the most part, I enjoyed The Ex Vows. Georgia was one of the most relatable main characters that I’ve read all year. She’s struggling with not wanting her friends to forget about her. I thought that Joyce wrote her story beautifully and raw. The book was the best when it was focused on Georgia. That isn’t said to discount the romance. I quite loved the romance between Georgia and Eli. Both Georgia and Eli went through a self-journey. And already, we never got Eli’s POV, his journey was well characterized through the lens of Georgia.

A major complaint that I had regarding this book was that I felt the flashbacks were weird. I wish they were weaved into the story differently. They took me out of the story for a second so that my brain could adapt. And I also wish there was more groveling.

Final Thoughts

The Ex Vows does seem similar to Emily Henry’s novel—Happy Place. Others might take issue with how similar; however, it didn’t bother me. I particularly enjoyed this one more and how it involved Georgia and Eli trying to save their friend’s wedding. Those scenes were emotional and funny at times. I also enjoyed Georgia’s story conclusion better with this one.

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Review: Business Casual by B.K. Borison

About the Book

Two opposites decide to test their chemistry with one steamy night together. But will once be enough?

Nova Porter isn’t looking for love, and she certainly has no explanation for her attraction to buttoned-up, three-piece-suit-wearing investment banker Charlie Milford. Maybe it’s his charm? Or maybe it’s his determination to help her fledgling business however he can. Either way, she’s distracted every time he’s around. With her new tattoo studio set to open in her hometown of Inglewild, she doesn’t have time for frivolous flirtations.

In an effort to get Charlie out of her system once and for all, Nova offers a proposition. One night. No strings. They’ll kick their uncomfortable attraction to the curb and return to their respective responsibilities. But their explosive night together scatters their expectations like fallen leaves. And with Charlie in town as the temporary head of Lovelight Farms, Nova can’t quite avoid him.

And Charlie? Well, Charlie knows a good investment when he sees one. He’s hoping he can convince Nova he’s worth some of her time.

Review

I’ve been waiting to read this book since B.K. Borison has posted the aesthetic on her social media. Despite not reading the previous books, I was determined to read this one. Business Casual was everything that I had hoped for and more. Borison wrote this story with love and admiration.

Nova and Charlie might seem like opposites at first glance; however, I wouldn’t say it is entirely true. Both are dealing with their insecurities and to their best to hide it. Nova from her big brother Beckett. He’s giving so much up for her, and she doesn’t want to disappoint him. This reasoning is why she works so hard and doesn’t want him to see her tattoo shop. Moreover, I loved Nova’s relationship with Beckett. It’s a top-tier sibling relationship and makes me want to go back to read his book to get more glimpses of it.

Charlie is hiding his insecurities from everyone in the town. He has a troubling relationship with his father, a job that he doesn’t enjoy very much. At the beginning of the book, Nova makes a very interesting statement. Internally, she said that for someone who lives out of State, Charlie spends a lot of time in her town. His reasoning for that is a heartbreaking reveal, and I related to his feelings. I hold him and Nova close to my heart. I loved the two of them a lot.

Nova and Charlie enter a one-time “arrangement”, which becomes a permanent one. Throughout the story, they learn acceptance and growth. They were encouraging and super sweet to each other. They had me giggling and kicking my feet.

Final Thoughts

Business Casual is a cozy, heartfelt, and wonderful story that I didn’t want to end. Nova and Charlie captured my entire heart and I clung to every word on the pages. I had not read the previous books; however, those who had will love the appearances of the other couples. They have sweet moments sprinkled in as well. 

Review: A Wilderness of Glass by Grace Draven

About the Book

The treacherous waters of the Gray have widowed many women in the village of Ancilar. But the sea gives back as well as takes away, something Brida Gazi discovers one bleak autumn morning while harvesting sea wrack on its storm-battered shore.

Wounded and stranded ashore, the merman Ahtin lies dying among the tidal pools until a land-walker woman, who can call forth magic with a mysterious flute, rescues him. Ahtin finds himself unable to resist Brida's allure - or her magic - despite the risk to himself and his people.

But Ahtin isn't alone in his fascination. Another, driven by bitterness and relentless purpose, seeks Brida and her unusual talent to manipulate for his own schemes, and neither Ahtin's devotion nor the sea's ancient sorcery will stop him from realizing those ambitions.

Review

I will admit that when I first started reading A Wilderness of Glass I considered DNF-ing. It took a few chapters for me to be completely sold. Even though I felt unsure about the story, I will say that Draven does write beautifully. This was my first book by her, and I loved her writing style. It felt magical and intimate and lifted this story.  

Once I got past the hurdle of the first few chapters, I started to understand why this story was highly recommended. It is a beautiful romance between two characters who feel grief. Draven gave her characters such depth and the writing felt extremely deep.

Final Thoughts

Draven created a magical and deep world with so few words. For anyone who wants to read a novella about mermaids and romance, this story is for them. For anyone who wants to read a story about grief, this is also for them. At the beginning, it might feel as if readers are thrown into this world unprepared; however, that feeling is quickly resolved. It’s also worth mentioning that this novella is part of a world already established within Draven’s Wraith King series. It can be read as a stand-alone; however, it could read better if it had prior knowledge about those other books.