Review: "Bruno & Gloria and the Five Golden Rings" by Ellie Hall

Bruno & Gloria and the Five Golden Rings by Ellie Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After her engagement ends, Gloria Cardellini decides to make a fresh start in Hawk Ridge Hollow, the small town her late father loved as a child. The apartment she rented sight unseen turns out to be a little less than welcoming, but she's still hoping for good things from her new job. Unfortunately, when she arrives for her first day, she discovers that her new boss is the same man with whom she went on a blind date the night before, and his attitude has completely transformed from friendly to frosty.

Bruno Costa is also new in town, having moved to Hawk Ridge Hollow from New York City to help out with his family's new business. In an effort to keep his parents from nagging him about settling down, he'd joined a dating app to find a fake date for several upcoming family gatherings. He's just as stunned as Gloria to find out that they'll be working together, and even though they'd hit it off and talked for hours over dinner the night before, there's no way he can risk getting involved with someone at work. He'd tried that back in New York and the relationship ended badly; now, his sole focus is moving forward in his career. However, the more he tries to keep his distance from Gloria, the harder it seems to be. Can Gloria convince Bruno that there's more to life than work and that he should give love a chance?

This book was even better than the first one of the series! The way Bruno and Gloria bantered, teased, and played games in the office gave me major "Hating Games" vibes, and I loved it. Bruno was so sweet and protective when he finally started to let his guard down. Gloria really seemed to bring out the best in him and it was a joy to watch them fall in love.

Overall, I adored this funny, sweet story and highly recommend it for fans of the grumpy-sunshine trope. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "Kiss and Tell" by Melanie Jacobson

Kiss and Tell by Melanie Jacobson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Celebrity chef Tabitha Winters is both excited and nervous to be returning to Camp Oak Crest, where she spent some of the happiest summers of her life working as a counselor. Her old friends Natalie and Ben recently purchased the camp and have invited Tabitha to cook for their grand reopening gala. She accepts with the understanding that Sawyer Reed, the final member of their foursome from those long-ago summers, won't be in attendance. Sawyer was Tabitha's first love but they haven't spoken in the nine years since their breakup. He's still friends with Natalie and Ben, however, and it doesn't take long for Tabitha to figure out that they may not have been telling her the truth about Sawyer staying away. A series of old-school summer camp pranks brings Sawyer out of hiding, and Tabitha is surprised to learn that he's there to ask her for a chance to rebuild their friendship...and maybe something more thanks to the marriage pact she'd nearly forgotten.

I completely adored this laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and heartfelt second chance romance. Tabitha and Sawyer were such a cute couple and I loved their witty banter. It took some time for Tabitha to work through the lingering pain of their breakup and decide to give Sawyer another chance, but after learning exactly how Sawyer broke up with her, I completely understood why she was so hurt by his actions. That said, I could tell how sincere he was in his apology, and his efforts to rebuild their friendship were very sweet.

I highly recommend "Kiss and Tell" for all sweet contemporary and romantic comedy fans and look forward to whatever Melanie Jacobson writes next.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Royally Not Ready" by Meghan Quinn

Today, I'm excited to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Royally Not Ready" by Meghan Quinn.
 

Lilly Campbell lost her parents when she was only 17, and until the day Keller Fitzwilliam showed up at the mobile swimsuit shop she co-owned with her best friend, believed that she had no remaining relatives. She's shocked to learn that her mother was a princess and her grandfather, King Theodore, has requested Lilly's presence in the tiny island nation of Torskethorpe. The monarchy is in trouble and Lilly is the only person who might be able to save it. The very next morning, she's aboard a private jet on her way to meet her long-lost grandparents. Unfortunately, Lilly's safety is threatened when the press in Torskethorpe learns that a potential heir has been located, so Keller, who has been tasked with training Lilly to become the next queen, determines that a detour is in order. Instead of meeting her grandparents, Lilly ends up stuck with grumpy Keller and two bodyguards in an ancient, crumbling castle, enduring the world's most boring princess lessons. The only saving grace is her unlikely attraction to Keller, though he seems determined to resist her advances. After all, a servant has no business getting involved with a member of the royal family. Can Lilly tempt Keller into breaking the rules?

I really enjoyed this funny, emotional, and STEAMY story, though IMO it dragged a bit in the middle and there were a number of times I wanted to yell at both Lilly and Keller. Lilly was delightfully snarky and rebellious, and I loved the way she pushed Keller's buttons from the moment they met. However, it sometimes frustrated me that she was so pushy with him. She didn't seem to understand or care about the lines he'd drawn or why they were so important to him. As for Keller, I loved his loyalty to King Theo and dedication to doing what was best for his country, but it drove me crazy that he held onto his belief that he wasn't good enough for Lilly for so long. I might have been able to understand it if the king had disapproved of their relationship, but Theo was nothing but supportive. 
 

Despite those (relatively minor) frustrations, I'd recommend "Royally Not Ready" for all steamy contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans, especially the enemies-to-lovers and grumpy-sunshine tropes. I look forward to whatever Meghan Quinn writes next.

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

About "Royally Not Ready"

From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a fresh take on a royal romance with a twist. Laugh out loud funny and full of some of her steamiest scenes yet, Quinn takes you on an unexpected, sizzling fairytale journey.

So there I was selling bikinis out of my truck in South Beach Miami, getting ready to kick off a wet t-shirt contest when the world’s biggest grouch approached me - Keller Fitzwilliam.

The man had the sultriest British accent I've ever heard. And he looked like he just walked off a Viking boat and into a suit tailored specifically for his impressively muscular frame. Only problem is, he had the warmth of an ice pick and he kept telling me he was here to take me back to his home country.

Of course, I didn't follow him. I might be up for a good time, but I'm also educated enough to know leaving with a stranger isn't smart. Well, that's until he mentioned my mom's name. My mom who passed away several years ago.

So after some serious fact-checking, my bikini-clad bum went with him to a sub-arctic country I had never heard of just north of the British Isles, where I found out my grandpa was the king of said freezing country, and I was the one and only heir.

Desperate to learn more about my mom, I decided to give this princess thing a chance.

Good idea, right? Wrong.

Because Mr. Ice Pick was put to the task of training me and he’s not just cold as ice, he’s pompous, aggravating, and possessive. And did I mention we have to share a bathroom in a tiny castle?

We are oil and water every single day and even though he’s training me to be queen, I have this simmering desire to kneel before him.

 

Release Blitz + Review: "The Make Out Artist" by Sara Ney

I'm thrilled to take part in today's release blitz celebrating "The Make Out Artist" by Sara Ney, book #3 of the Accidentally in Love series. Characters from the previous books make brief appearances in this one, but it works well as a standalone.

 

When sports agent Elias Cohen meets Molly Summervale at a party and she perfectly shuts down a woman seeking an introduction to him, he realizes that she might just be the perfect person to help him win a bet with his client Jack's girlfriend Penelope. Eli's convinced that he'll never settle down, whereas Penelope is sure that love is right around the corner for him. The stakes are high, and Eli will do whatever it takes to win, even if that means persuading a reluctant Molly to help him. He just has to avoid falling in love with Molly in the process...

I very much enjoyed this super cute, funny, and sweet story, which featured endearing, relatable protagonists and hilarious banter. Neither Molly nor Eli was looking for a relationship, but they quickly bonded over their mutual workaholic tendencies and formed a genuine friendship on the way to falling in love. They fought their feelings because of trust issues from past romantic entanglements, but their fears were understandable and I appreciated that they didn't try to hide them from each other.

 

I highly recommend "The Make Out Artist" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to the next book in the series.  

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "The Make Out Artist"

From USA TODAY bestselling author Sara Ney comes a new series about strong, single girls falling in love: accidentally.

Love finds you when you least expect it.

That’s what my nan always said. Love? I wasn’t looking for it so how will I know when I’ve found it? I’m not romantic like she was—I’m realistic and practical. Quick with my wits and hilarious when I’m in the mood, it’ll take more than a handsome face to win my affection.

Speaking of handsome faces—Elias Cohen is nothing special (no offense); smug, arrogant. Too flirtatious for his own good.
He won't charm me with that crooked smile and dimple in his chin.

When Elias comes knocking on my office door during a house party after I play wingman for a friend, I'm tempted to slam the door in his face. But I don't.
Because if there's one thing I am, it's curious.
And wouldn’t you know it—Elias needs a favor. Begs for one, actually.

He might not be able to make me swoon, but he does need a wingwoman. 

 

Review: "Mending the Perfect Marriage" by Bella Ricks

Mending the Perfect Marriage by Bella Ricks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a big fan of "after the HEA" stories, and "Mending the Perfect Marriage" by Bella Ricks was one of the best ones I've ever read. Main character Candace Clark is so incredibly relatable, as are the issues she's facing in her nearly decade-long marriage to Fitz. The author did a fantastic job of presenting the subject with sympathy and humor, and the book's overall message was on point; marriage takes work, and communication with one's partner is key. While I wouldn't normally cheer for a couple to (temporarily) separate, Fitz clearly needed a wake-up call, and I loved his sweet efforts to show Candace not only that he was sorry, but that he would do better in the future.

I highly recommend this book for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. It was the first book I've read by Bella Ricks but definitely won't be the last.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

TW: pregnancy; infertility; miscarriage

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Review: "Farm to Mabel: The Complete Duet" by Krista Sandor

Farm to Mabel: The Complete Duet by Krista Sandor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm generally not a fan of duets (because cliffhangers), but Krista Sandor could re-write the phone book and I'd probably read (and love) it, so when I found out that she was re-releasing the Farm to Mabel duet as a single volume, I was all in! I'm so glad I gave this duet a chance because I absolutely adored it.

The first couple chapters of book 1, "Farm to Mabel," were honestly heartbreaking as protagonists Mabel Ruth Muldowney and Callan "Cal" Horner struggled to come to terms with the sudden death of Mabel's older brother Jamie, who had been Cal's best friend. Jamie was the only person who ever really understood and supported Mabel, and without him, life with her stoic farmer father in the tiny town of Elverna, Illinois was no longer bearable. When the story picks up four years later, Mabel has relocated to New York City and is trying to make it as a fashion and lifestyle influencer known as Bella Mae. Unfortunately, her dreams are shattered when she's outed as a fraud and she's forced to move back home to Elverna to regroup.

Meanwhile, Cal's been back in Illinois doing his best to implement his late best friend's plans to turn the town into an organic farming haven, but marketing efforts for their new farmer's market haven't exactly paid off with customers. When Mabel returns, she accidentally talks her way into a job developing a marketing and PR strategy for Elverna's farmers co-op. It's not exactly her dream job, but the money is her ticket out of town. The only problem is that she'll have to work closely with Cal, the head of the co-op, to develop and implement the plan. Mabel and Cal were close as kids but haven't gotten along since they were teenagers, when he pushed her away for some unknown reason. Can they overcome their animosity for the sake of the town?

The chemistry and tension between Mabel and Cal were fantastic from the start. I could practically see the sparks between them flying off the page! Once they stopped fighting each other and started working together, their relationship was ridiculously cute, and I found it very easy to root for them to overcome the obstacles that stood in the way of their eventual HEA. In addition, I loved how much each of their characters grew over the course of the two books, as well as the plot twists that kept me guessing until the very end.

In summary, Mabel and Cal's story gave me all the feels, and I highly recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait to get my hands on whatever Krista Sandor writes next.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Always You" by Claudia Burgoa

Today, I'm pleased to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Always You" by Claudia Burgoa, book #3 of the Luna Harbor series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it works well as a standalone.

Brianna Connolly and Fernando Cantu met when he was assigned to show her around and give her safety tips when she arrived for her freshman year at NYU, where he was a rising junior. They quickly became best friends and then roommates the following year. Their relationship was always platonic with the exception of a drunken kiss shortly after Nando's college graduation, but they mutually decided not to go any further because they didn't want to risk losing their friendship. Years later, Brianna has reluctantly settled into managing the chain of bed and breakfasts she inherited from her late mother, while Nando has become a famous relationship expert and temporarily relocated to his hometown of Luna Harbor. He's working with his siblings to manage their grandfather's businesses while he's in Seattle for cancer treatments, as well as to rehabilitate the struggling town. When they need an expert to consult on their plans for a new inn, Brianna is the natural person for them to ask for help. Unfortunately, arriving in Luna Harbor makes her realize just how far apart she and Nando have grown, and she wonders if their friendship can be saved. At the same time, he finally realizes that he's been in love with her since the day they met. Can he convince her to give him a chance?

Brianna and Nando were so cute together! They had more or less been a couple for years but each fought their feelings because they were scared of losing their friendship. Ironically, they almost lost their friendship anyway because they grew apart before they finally opened their eyes to what was right in front of them.  

 

Overall, I very much enjoyed "Always You" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans, particularly anyone who enjoys the friends-to-lovers trope. I look forward to the next book in the series. 

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

About "Always You"

From USA TODAY bestselling author Claudia Burgoa comes a new emotional friends-to-lovers, small-town love story.

He promises love for a living.
But does he believe in happily ever after?

Nando is a self-proclaimed love expert.
Women believe he’ll deliver Mr. Right, and for the right price, he will.
Then there are the women who throw themselves at him, thinking he’s the one.
Who wouldn’t? He’s tall, delicious, and handsomely wealthy.
They think he’s perfect.

I know better.

There’s more beneath his irresistible charm and good looks.
He’s the guy who’ll fly across the country when things get too hard for me to handle.
He’s not only my three a.m. call, he’s my voice of reason.
He’s also my best friend.

I know all his secrets—even the ones that torment his heart.
Being in Luna Harbor with his family is torture.
When he asks me to help his family in their plans to rebuild the town.
I immediately say yes.

In exchange, I ask him to give me some dating lessons.
One kiss. Two hot nights and I can’t seem to stop wanting him.
Suddenly our friendship and my heart are at risk.
Should I extinguish the fire between us or see where this will take us?