A Not So Bollywood Meet Cute by Miya Malai
With such a cute title and cover, I could not wait to dive into A Not So Bollywood Meet Cute by Miya Malai. The concept was super cute, and it was a breezy read on its own, however I think it could’ve been so much better if it was more focused on building up the characters and their relationship with one another, instead of multiple relationships and outside plots.
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater is a very sweet and charming regency romance with just a bit of fantasy involved. The ending was satisfying, despite the small bumps it took to get there. I definitely think this would be a great read for young adult, and clean romance readers, especially those that love historical/regency period pieces.
The Valentine Inn by Jennifer Peel
Romance is romance, but this February, I wanted to specifically read Valentine themed romance. That’s how I ended up finding The Valentine Inn by Jennifer Peel. This was such a sweet romance and definitely out of the norm from what I usually read. This had me laughing, tearing up, and swooning all at the same time.
Here and Only Here by Christelle Dabos
Reading Here and Only Here by Christelle Dabos was a struggle. Despite its short length, the abundance of different points-of-view made it challenging to engage until around 40%. The translated nature felt clunky. As the story darkened, it became more compelling, but the scattered perspectives hindered overall enjoyment. Recommended for mature middle graders or high schoolers with a knack for navigating disjointed narratives.
No One Has To Know by Carin Hart
Despite the BookTok allure, “No One Has to Know” by Carin Hart left me disappointed. Pacing issues and an unexpected twist at the end undermined the dark romance narrative. The characters lacked depth, and the romantic elements felt uninspiring. Recommend skipping this one and trying Hart’s other works.
Alex by Sawyer Bennett
Starting my hockey romance journey with “Alex” by Sawyer Bennett was a delight. Despite some dated elements, the story felt fresh with characters Alex and Sutton bonding over genuine issues. It transcended the typical lust-driven narrative, offering a promising introduction to Bennett’s expansive hockey romance universe. Excited to explore more in the series!
Brooklyn Cupid by Lexi Ray
Brooklyn Cupid by Lexi Ray was a major bait and switch from BookTok hype. Lacking tension and suffering pacing issues, it felt unnecessarily long. Jace and Lu’s romance struggled amid distracting Wattpad story segments. Lu’s influencer backstory and Jace’s bounty hunter role lacked coherence. The sudden action in the last quarter couldn’t salvage the overall disappointment. A struggle to get through, it fell short of expectations.
American Midnight: Tales of the Dark
American Midnight is a collection of American gothic horror short stories curated by Laird Hunt. Most of the short stories ranged from interesting to good with only a few falling short.
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
I had seen the cover of The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones around for a while as friends and mutuals added the book to their TBRs. Each time I’d come across it, I’d think wow, I really should pick that up. It’s an absolute shame I didn’t pick it up until three years […]
A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab
“A Darker Shade of Magic” by VE Schwab, a fantasy masterpiece, captivates with intricate worldbuilding. Schwab crafts four distinct Londons, each with a unique essence. The plot, subtle and compelling, unfolds with well-placed foreshadowing. Pacing improves as the story snowballs, leading to an emotional journey. Memorable characters like Rhy and Kell shine, but Holland steals the spotlight. An unmissable entry in the fantasy genre. Pick it up and immerse yourself in this masterclass of new fantasy storytelling!
The Naughty List by Jade West
“The Naughty List” by Jade West pleasantly surprised me. It’s unabashed erotica, not a traditional romance. Holiday-themed, Ella’s journey into s*x work is a spicy escapade, progressing from vanilla to intense kinks. Diverse encounters and a satisfying ending make it an enjoyable erotic read. Check content warnings for a tailored experience.
Consider Me by Becka Mack
“Consider Me” by Becka Mack nails the pacing, avoiding instant love in favor of a gradual, earned connection. It delves into characters’ lives apart, providing a deep understanding. Olivia, determined and seeking true love, contrasts with Carter, an NHL playboy averse to love until Olivia makes him work for it. A quintessential hockey romance with the right blend of sport, romance, spice, and character development. Highly recommended for spicy hockey romance enthusiasts and romance lovers alike!
Final Offer by Lauren Asher
Avoiding the finale of what I love is a thing, so it took me a year to dive into Final Offer by Lauren Asher, concluding the Dreamland Billionaires series. Callahan Kane stole my heart as the ultimate favorite brother, struggling with self-love and trust. The narrative’s realistic portrayal of addiction and emotional battles resonated, making it a stand-out in romance. Highly recommended, even as a standalone.
Losing My Breath by J Rose Black
“Losing My Breath” by J Rose Black delivers a sweet contemporary romance where opposites attract. The lovely characters and real relationship make it a compelling read. Meridian, sweet and patient, offers hints of depth, but the narrative lacks a deep dive into her character. The standout is Callan, a former Marine clinging to routine, creating an internal conflict that sets this slow-burn romance apart. If you seek a heartfelt story with internal struggles, this is a must-read!
Prince Hudson by Lily Cahill
Prince Hudson by Lily Cahill was good but left me wanting more. The 150-page limit hindered relationship development. Insta-love felt rushed, but Kay showed promise. With more pages, her growth could shine. Spice was decent.