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: Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett

Barely Even Friends is a fresh, modern retelling of the beloved, Beauty and the Beast. This steamy frenemies to lover novel will have you swooning as sparks fly with a twist that will keep you engaged to the end. The novel blends the charm of a classic fairy tale with a Succession twist.

Bellamy Price, a determined female contractor is commissioned to restore the Killington Estate. An opportunity of a lifetime, she is determined to make a name for herself in hopes of landing her dream job. Upon review of the estate, unlike her other projects, she was surprised to encounter her grump occupant, Oliver Killington. After receiving a deadline that seemed near impossible, she was determined to not only get this done but not let anything or anyone get in her way.

Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington enterprise, became reclusive after a traumatic car accident that took the lives of his parents and left him injured. Feeling guilty, he took refuge and retreated to the deteriorating mansion as caretaker to spare himself from the world. Until one day, he got shaken up with an unwelcome guest that he was determined not to let her disturb his peace.

With the deadline fast approaching, Bellamy has to find a way to break down the walls between her and Oliver to get things done. After she finds out what lingers behind his standoffishness, they agree to find a way to work together to reach the intended goal. As the project progresses, the house isn’t the only thing that moves along. The only problem is with her heart so protected and closed, could he be the one to open it.

I loved everything about this book. The dynamic between Bellamy and Oliver was a love hate magnet from the start. The banter between them kept those pages turning. His initial resistance to her being there and her persistent ambition created a tense environment that made you want to see where they were going to lead to. As the story goes on, it was nice to see these two characters come together. The emotional walls that each of them held onto slowly coming down, their transition from hating each other to their growing chemistry, makes you want to root for them as compared with our favorite classic. The book is filled with funny, emotional and steamy moments that collectively keep it engaging to the last page. This wonderful debut blends the mesmerism of one of our fairy tales with a contemporary message that you will fall in love with. 

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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.  

Review: Pity Parade by Whitney Dineen

The Pity Parade, the latest book in the Pity series by Whitney Dineen, follows Trina Blackwell. If you’ve been following the series, then you know Trina is a tv show host for a matchmaker show that brought Tim and Paige together in the last book.

For those new to the series, Trina has been a matchmaker on a hit tv show for awhile but most importantly for everyone but herself. Almost lucky, she met a guy at a charity event that had great potential but to her disappointment, he didn’t want a relationship.

Due to the circumstances that led to her show being canceled, she was given an ultimatum for redemption by putting herself out there to be the center of attention of a new upcoming show for eligible men to potentially date her. The idea has her running for the hills. Trying to find a way to get out of this situation, she comes up with a plan to find a guy but little did she know that someone from her past would come back showing the hand of fate that would give them the second chance they both needed.

I honestly couldn’t stand Trina before but found myself keeping an open mind going into this book. Getting to know her and her journey kept me engaged and wanted to see what was to come with her potential love interest. This had some really fun moments, heartwarming reflections and she became someone to root for. It was wonderful seeing familiar faces that added to the charm and the importance of friendship and love that made the book wonderful.

The series will conclude this fall with the upcoming, Pity Present. There aren’t any details yet but from what I read, we can assume from the ending someone else will get their hea in this sweet town, Elk Lake. Another wonderful book in this series and I can’t wait to see what’s to come in the next.

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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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