I had high hopes going into Of the Stars and Sea. As a lover of pirate romance and the enemies-to-lovers trope, the premise felt like it was tailor-made for me. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite deliver what I was hoping for. While the story had potential, I struggled to stay engaged. One of the main issues for me was the lack of strong world-building. For a story set in such a fantastical and adventurous setting, I found myself frequently confused about the world and the rules that governed it. Important elements seemed glossed over or underdeveloped, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the romance — which should have been a central highlight — felt rushed. The transition from enemies to lovers lacked the tension, growth, and emotional payoff that makes this trope so satisfying. Without enough buildup or believable conflict resolution, the romantic arc fell flat for me. That said, I can see how others might enjoy the fast-paced plot or t......
I went into The Seven Year Itch with high hopes. The premise instantly caught my attention—there’s something undeniably intriguing about the idea of rediscovering love and passion after a long-term relationship hits that infamous "seven-year" wall. I was excited to see how Amy Daws would explore such a relatable and emotionally charged topic. Unfortunately, the excitement faded quickly once I got into the story. I found myself struggling to connect with both main characters. Their personalities felt flat, and their chemistry didn’t pull me in the way I was hoping. Instead of being swept up in the emotional rollercoaster, I felt like a distant observer, waiting for something—anything—to spark. The pacing was another issue for me. The story dragged in parts, especially in the middle, and I found myself losing interest more often than not. I kept hoping for a turning point or a deeper emotional payoff, but it never quite arrived. That said, I do think Amy Daws has a strong wr......
When I started Everyone Is Watching , I was genuinely excited—I've read and enjoyed several of Heather Gudenkauf’s previous books, and I was hoping for another gripping read. The premise was intriguing, and it definitely had potential. However, once I got into the story, I found myself struggling to keep up with the many characters and shifting points of view. The frequent changes in perspective made it hard to stay engaged, and I found it difficult to connect with any one character. Unfortunately, that confusion led to a loss of interest, and I ended up skimming through most of the book just to see how it ended. While the writing was solid and the idea compelling, the execution just didn’t land for me this time. That said, I’m still a fan of Gudenkauf’s work and will continue to check out her future releases. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for my digital ARC via NetGalley . As always, my reviews are my own and unbiased opinions. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis : The Best Fri......
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren starts with an exciting and humorous premise that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Olive Torres, perpetually unlucky in life, braces herself to endure her twin sister’s wedding where her only goal is to survive 24 hours of awkward encounters and familial chaos. However, fate has other plans when a mass case of food poisoning hits the entire wedding party—except for Olive and her sworn enemy, Ethan Thomas. With a dream honeymoon in Hawaii suddenly up for grabs, the two reluctantly agree to take the trip, pretending to be a blissfully happy newlywed couple. What I Loved: The beginning of the novel is fast-paced, witty, and filled with sharp banter between Olive and Ethan. Their mutual dislike and sarcastic exchanges add a fun enemies-to-lovers dynamic that sets the stage for what promises to be a lighthearted and romantic adventure. Olive’s relatable and self-deprecating humor makes her an easy character to root for, and her evolving d......
Here and Now by Corinne Michaels is a heartfelt and steamy romance that seamlessly combines love, trust, and mystery. The second book in the Ember Falls series, this story centers on Miles Anderson and Penelope, two characters with complex pasts, slowly learning to let their guards down and embrace the possibility of love. Miles is everything you could want in a hero—persistent, understanding, and patient, but never overbearing. His determination to win Penelope's trust and get her to take a chance on a relationship is genuinely heartwarming. The slow-burn romance between them is beautifully done, with tension building from their first interaction to their eventual, explosive connection. Miles isn't just after her heart; he truly wants to be there for her and her son, making his pursuit feel authentic and emotionally grounded. Penelope, on the other hand, is a woman on the run, trying to protect her son and keep her life stable. Her fear of opening up to anyone is palpable, ......
This was my first read by Ivy Snow , and I was not disappointed! Right from page 1 my attention was caught, and I could not put it down until the very end. This book has enemies to lovers tension, a fake engagement, spice (lots of it!) and a whole lot of drama you will not want to miss. This is an age gap forbidden romance. I loved how Leah and Silas met in the opening chapters. When visiting Rome, there is an Earthquake, and Silas ends up saving Leah from the museum rumbles, and they share a passionate one night stand. The next morning, Silas leaves her broken hearted. Fast forward 5 years later, Leah takes a job as a CEO's assistant, and guess who it is? None other that her hot billionaire one night stand from Rome. Leah also learns that Silas is her estranged father's best friend, who will stop at nothing to end Leah and Silas's fake engagement. There are plot twists and drama to keep the reader's interest until the very end. If you enjoy spicy age gap romance, I hi......
It's no secret I've loved every book by Corinne since I discovered her last December. Her stories give me all the feels, just like a good Nicholas Sparks novel does. Since I read Forbidden Hearts last December and fell in love with her Whitlock family, I'm anxiously waiting for her next book, doing a crazy happy dance when I get the opportunity to read and review her new releases before the release date. Although I miss Sugarloaf, I think I love Ember Falls just as much, and I can't wait for Miles and Penelope's story! Ok, back to All Too Well. I read the entire book in 2 days. Seriously, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. That's how good it was! Lachlan and Ainsley were perfect for each other and Rose was the cutest little addition to the story. Watching them finally take a chance on their long standing feelings brought me all the joy. This is a book that will have your cheeks hurt by the end by how much you'll be smiling. The banter between Lachla......
I first heard about Corinne's books just before Christmas 2023 through a Tik Tok video from someone who shared about Forbidden Hearts, the first book in the Whitlock Family series, and I knew I had to read it. As soon as it came in the mail, I started reading and from page 1, I was hooked! I ordered the second book in the series the next day, and preordered the third as soon as it was available. I've since read the entire Whitlock series, and I started the Salvation series. Needless to say, from the moment I started reading Forbidden Hearts, I knew I would read every books published by Corinne Michaels, no matter the blurb. Each one of her books that I've read so far has given me all the feels. From big ass smiles to tears and everything in between. Every time you finish one of her books, you are left with a book hangover. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Corinne is the only other author that gives me intense feelings like when I'm reading a Nicholas ......
Forgotten Desires by Corinne Michaels is now live! He’s a billionaire in need of a wife … And I’m his ex who can’t say no to him. Ten years ago Carson Knight was my one great love, but he abandoned me without a trace. Now he’s a billionaire single-dad in need of a temporary wife. And he’s at my house on one knee with a proposal… Marry him, so he’s more likely to win full custody of his daughter, keeping her safe from her unstable mother. In return, he’ll take care of the medical expenses for a surgery my father needs to survive. Reluctantly, I agree to tie the knot, on one condition. Once those custody papers are signed, we go our separate ways. Because he’s even more gorgeous, charming, and sweeter than he was back then, and I don’t trust myself not to fall for my fake husband. Especially when I hear him say “my wife.” Or feel his hands on my skin. Taste his kiss or see the way he looks at me with those blue eyes and know that our carefully crafted rules will shatter. Right along......
This was my first K. A. Tucker book, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it. From the beginning, I loved how it was a dual timeline from when Piper and Kyle first fell in love, and when they reconnected years later. While they are both different people now, Piper’s feelings for Kyle are still the same. I loved how Piper was a strong female character fighting to prove she was just as capable as the males in the company. I loved the main characters as well as the people that Piper surrounded herself with. It reminded me of summer camps when I was younger. If you’re looking for a fun second chance read, this is it. Thank you to Atria Books and Simon & Schuster Canada for my digital ARCs via Netgalley . As always, my reviews are my own and unbiased opinions. Rating: 4 stars Synopsis : Life is a mixed bag for Piper Calloway. On the one hand, she’s a twenty-nine-year-old VP at her dad’s multibillion-dollar real estate developm......
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