Wish You Were Mine: a slow burn professor-student hidden romance

Wish You Were Mine is the third book in the Kings of Eden Falls series by Judy Corry. Lucy Archibald is in her final semester at Eden Falls University. While balancing the pressure of being a Division 1 gymnast along with the heavier weight of her high-society family’s expectations. She is the good girl who never breaks the rules. However, during a snowy New Year’s Eve party in the Hamptons, Lucy is ready to lose a bit of that polish. She ends up kissing a handsome stranger in a hot tub. Feeling bold, she is ready to tackle her last semester. Until she walks into her chemistry class the following week and sees the handsome stranger standing at the front of the classroom. Professor Owen Park knows better than to get involved with a student. As a first year professor, he is currently applying for research grants with hopes of a promotion. However, he finds himself drawn to Lucy’s sharp wit and easy smile. They are determined to keep their relationship as professor-student; however, staying away from each other is something they cannot do. 

I love Judy Corry romances and I couldn’t wait for the newest addition to the series. However, when I heard that it was a professor-student forbidden romance, I was weary. Since I love Judy Corry’s stories and characters, I was willing to give it a chance. I am happy I did. It was a great slow burn romance with great stolen glances and secret touches. The banter was flirty and swoon worthy. Both Owen and Lucy are great characters who understand there is more at stake than their mutual attraction. The one aspect of the story I didn’t understand was the constant worry about their age gap which is about seven years. To me, a seven year age gap isn’t as concerning as some age gaps in other romances. However, Ms. Corry handled it wonderfully and Owen and Lucy were characters that I rooted for until the end when I cheered. Overall, I loved this story. There are no steamy scenes, just great romantic moments. I am looking forward to more stories in this series. I highly, highly recommend Wish You Were Mine. 

Wish You Were Mine is available in paperback and eBook

True North: a friends to lovers romance with plenty of emotions

True North is the first book in the North Brothers series by Amy Knupp. Cole North has always felt like the odd man out. With a high IQ, he falters when it comes to personal relationships. Years ago, he left his rightful position in the family business and began a successful career in construction instead. Cole is the foreman for Sierra Lowell, owner of Dunn and Lowell, a remodeling company. She is creative, hardworking and likes to think outside the box. She has one rule: do not mix business with pleasure. When a last minute break up leaves her without a date for her sister’s wedding. Cole surprises her and himself when he offers to be her fake date for the night. When their evening turns into a family emergency, Sierra sees a side of Cole she never knew and the line between boss and foreman becomes blurry. Can Cole go from her right hand man to the right man for her? 

True North is friends to lovers romance with lots of sweet moments, plenty of angst and filled with emotions. I enjoyed Sierra and Cole from the beginning and wondered what in Cole’s past left him determined to be a loner for the rest of his life. There is a moment when Cole comes to terms with a past he can’t change and words he cannot take back, I cried. I wasn’t expecting tears in this romance. It was a beautiful scene with great descriptions. I loved Sierra’s confidence, her ability to stand up for herself and call Cole out on his self-defeating behavior. I also loved the banter between Cole and his brothers. I enjoyed the sisterly bond between Sierra and her sister. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy a friends to lovers romance with lots of emotions, I highly recommend True North. 

True North is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Story of My Life: when you hit rock bottom what can you do but move to a small town and start over

Story of My Life is the first book in the Story Lake series by Lucy Score. Hazel Hart is at rock bottom. She is being forced from her apartment in the Upper East Side by her ex-husband and her publisher gives her a final warning: write and publish or be dropped. When she sees an article about a small town rallying around a neighbor in need and a house up for action, Hazel takes the plunge and buys the house sight unseen. Taking her agent and best friend, Zoey, along, Hazel moves to the rural Pennsylvania small town of Story Lake. She hopes she can rediscover her writing mojo in the small town life. Swoon worthy inspiration hits when she meets hot but grumpy contractor Campbell “Cam” Bishop. In the name of research, she begins to fully live the small town life and a fake relationship with Cam, what possibly could go wrong? 

As a fan of the Gilmore Girls, Story of My Life was recommended to me. And after reading the note from the author, “This series is my love letter to every reader who said they wanted to move to a fictional town . . .,” I had to take a chance on this book. Lucy Score is an author I have seen all over social media and BookTok; however, I have not read any of her books before. I am so glad that I picked up Story of My Life. There was fun banter, sweet emotional scenes and spicy scenes with plenty of angst and grand gestures. At first, l didn’t like Hazel but once she arrived in Story Lake and goes head-to-head with Cam and the town, she grew on me. I loved Cam and the whole Bishop family. Their interactions were so fun. Overall, I loved this story and I am eagerly looking forward to future books in this series. I highly, highly recommend Story of My Life. 

Story of My Life is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Tarnished Crown: a blood debt, a hidden enemy and a love triangle

Tarnished Crown is the second book in the Lochlann Feuds by Robin D Mahle and Elle Madison. Rowan felt she was finally doing something right. Marry Theo from Clan Elk for love and keep her kingdom safe. Until Evander, from Clan Bear and the most feared man in Socair, claims a blood debt under an archaic law to enslave her. When she arrives at the Clan Bear fortress, she finds more enemies in unexpected places and being Evander’s property is the only thing protecting her. Rowan learns she has allies in unexpected places and she finds herself caught between duty and her heart. When the opportunity comes to leave, she hesitates. Does she follow her heart and marry Theo? Or does fulfilling her blood debt even if it means she loses Theo forever? 

Tarnished Crown picks up immediately after the ending of Scarlet Princess as Rowan and Evander are on the road to the Clan Bear estate. The banter between Rowan and Evander was fun and intriguing. I loved the cat and mouse aspect of their relationship. I usually don’t like love triangles; however, the one involving Rowan, Theo and Evander added to the drama and mystery. In Scarlet Princess, Evander is the villain, the one to throw the monkey wrench into Rowan and Theo’s story; however, in Tarnished Crown, there was a deeper look into Evander’s character and I enjoyed it. And the hidden enemy was a great reveal that left my jaw on the floor. I am loving this series and I can’t wait to dive into the next book. I highly, highly recommend Tarnished Crown. 

Tarnished Crown is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A True Gentleman: a clean Regency romance with banter, heart stopping moments and drama

True Gentleman is the first book in The Ashbrooks series by M.A. Nichols. Ten years ago, Tabby Russell married the man of her dreams, convinced he had left his wayward ways behind. Now he has returned to his old ways, leaving them penniless and desperate. Tabby is left with no other choice but to find employment. She finds a job as a housekeeper and nurse to an injured and overbearing sea captain. Captain Graham Ashbrook’s whole life has been the navy; but a French cannonball ends it all. Now he feels trapped in a body that is slowly healing and at the mercy of his new housekeeper. As Tabby and Graham interact, he starts to envision a life on land; however, what can he do when the lady keeps him at arm’s length?  As their lives change, can they have their hearts’ desires? Or will they be trapped by their circumstances? 

I usually do not read Regency romances; however, I was intrigued by A True Gentleman. As the story started off a bit slow; I wasn’t sure if it was the book I thought it was; however, once Captain Ashbrook and Tabby interacted, the story sped up and I couldn’t put it down!  I loved Tabby as a woman who recognizes the reality of her life and is determined to do what she can to survive. I loved the grumpy captain who is used to barking orders, instead of taking them. The two are like oil and water until that magic moment. The banter between Ashbrook and Tabby was entertaining and there were great heartfelt moments between them as well. Overall, I enjoyed A True Gentleman. It is a clean romance with plenty of drama and heart stopping moments. I will be continuing the series. If you enjoy clean Regency romances, I recommend A True Gentleman. 

A True Gentleman is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Scarlet Princess: a medieval enemies-to-lovers romance with drama and witty banter

Scarlet Princess is the first book in the Lochlann Feuds series by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison. Rowan, princess of the Lochlann Kingdom only wanted adventures, she never meant to start a war. When she and her cousin attempt to smuggle vodka from Socair, an enemy kingdom, she finds herself at the mercy of the very people she has been taught to hate. Her only ally seems to be Lord Theodore, the brother of the Duke of Clan Elk, who is not the barbarian she expected. Now she must face The Summit, the gathering of the other clans, to decide what to do about her crime. Rowan knows she must find a way to smooth things over without causing another war, especially now that she and Theo have gotten close. Can her mistake cost her everything and bring war to their two kingdoms? 

Scarlet Princess sat on my To-Be-Read list for three years and I am so sorry that I waited so long. From the open chapter to the closing pages, with a medieval setting with a bit of supernatural magical abilities, I was hooked!! The world building was great. I loved Rowan and Theo. Their banter was great and their romance was sweet and steamy. While there are no spicy scenes, it is a great enemies-to-lovers romance with forced proximity. Even the side characters were intriguing. The story does end with a bit of a cliffhanger, and usually a cliffhanger would upset me; however, I was so invested in Rowan and Theo’s story that I immediately got the second book and will be reading it soon. There is drama and laughs. If you enjoy an enemies-to-lovers romance with a medieval supernatural twist, I highly recommend Scarlet Princess. 

Scarlett Princess is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Catching Quinn: a enemies to lovers, sport romance

Catching Quinn by Jennifer Bonds is the second book of the Waverley Wildcats series. Quinn Mowery is determined to lose her virginity. She is on a mission and focused. What she didn’t account for was Copper DeLaurentis, a teammate and friend of her brother’s. With his misguided sense of bro code, he is constantly putting an end to her possible hookups. He seems to think it is his mission to keep her from hers. As Waverly’s star wide receiver, Cooper is also the most notorious player on campus. He’s arrogant and sexy as hell. However, Quinn is no pushover and two can play this game. As the two go toe to toe, they become friends and learn about each other's dreams, hurts and plans for the future. Neither factored in falling in love. 

Catching Quinn is a fun, sweet romance with dramatic heartbreaking moments and heartwarming scenes. The events of this story occur alongside with the events of the first book, Claiming Carter (which I highly recommend). I love Quinn as a quirky college student who is trying to find herself and sense of purpose. Cooper is dealing with a painful past and a family dynamic that he hides from the rest of the world. Cooper shows Quinn that she is worth more than just random, meaningless hookups. Quinn shows Cooper that he is not doomed to repeat the patterns of the past. There was great banter, tearful moments and a great grand gesture. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy enemies to lovers, sports romance, I highly recommend Catching Quinn. 

Catching Quinn is available in paperback and eBook

Twisted Games: a slow burn, bodyguard royal romance

Twisted Games by Ana Huang is the second book in the Twisted romance series. Rhys Larsen is ex-Navy Seal and an elite bodyguard who lives by two rules. One, protect his clients at all costs and two, do not become emotionally involved. He has never broken those rules. That is until her. Bridget von Ascheberg is a princess with a stubborn streak a mile wide and a fire that would turn anyone into ash. Even a stoic bodyguard. As they spend time together, Rhys’ defenses begin to fade and they begin a mutual friendship as they ignore the growing desires flaring between them. When Bridget’s older brother abdicates the throne, she realizes she faces a loveless, politically motivated marriage and a role she never expect to have. Now she is thrust into the minefield of politics and she must hide her desire for a man she cannot have. 

I loved Twisted Love and eagerly looked forward to continuing the series. Twisted Games is a slow burn, at first, then to an inferno as Rhys and Bridget eventually give in to their desires. I loved this story much more than Twisted Love, and I loved Twisted Love! Rhys is a man with a deeply painful past. Despite her confident facade, Bridget carries her own painful scars. I loved every minute of these two together as bodyguard/client, friends and then eventually lovers. There were plenty of moments of great banter, swoon worthy flirty moments and spicy scenes. While technically you do not need to read Twisted Love before reading Twisted Games; however, I highly recommend it. There is some overlap and references that make great Easter eggs but not necessary to enjoy Rhys and Bridget’s love story. If you love a slow burn romance, I highly recommend Twisted Games. 

Twisted Games is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Twisted Love, book 1, is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Sugarcoated: a brother's best friend romance

Sugarcoated by Erin Nicholas is the first book in the Hot Cakes series. Aiden Anderson and Zoe McCaffery practically grew up together. Everything was fine between them until she showed up in his bedroom in lingerie and asked him to take her V-card. It surprised him that she asked and it surprised her when he refused. Embarrassed and humiliated, Zoe threw herself into the family’s bakery business, determined to forgive Aiden and the whole incident. Now five months later, he is back in town, realizing his mistake and determined to tell her he has fallen in love with her and wants to make her his forever. However, there is a snag in his plan. He also has to tell her that he bought her biggest competitor. Aiden realizes he has his work cut for him. 

Sugarcoated is my first book by Erin Nicholas. It is a fun brother’s best friend romance. It was a fun and fast read. Zoe is spunky and sassy. Aiden is sweet and sexy. Their banter and flirting was fun to read. When it came to their spicy, sexy moments, it wasn’t as sexy. I literally skimmed over that part. Their flirtation was much better. The issue of Aiden buying her competitor and it’s revelation to Zoe was slowly built, yet over and forgiven a little too quickly. I enjoyed the secondary characters and their interactions with Aiden and Zoe. The story gives hints as to who pairs off in future stories in the series. Overall, I enjoyed it and wouldn’t mind picking up the rest of the series. If you enjoy fun romance, I recommend Sugarcoated. 

Sugarcoated is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Make Me Wilder: a fun, sweet, sexy romance

Make Me Wilder by Serena Bell is the first book in the Wilder Adventures series. In the small town of Rush Creek, Oregon, Gabe Wilder and his brothers operate the Wilder Adventures. Offering everything from fishing, hiking, survival camping and more, they have done well. That is until new businesses came to town and the new tourists have no interest in getting dirty in the woods. Enter Lucy Spiro, a city girl  sticks out like a sore thumb. She has been hired to give Wilder Adventures a bit of a makeover and help the family business thrive once again. Gabe and Lucy have an instant connection and while they are on the opposite ends of the ideas for the business, they cannot fight their attraction. Lucy is there to do a job and go back to New York City. Can Gabe show her that life in a small town with him would be worth it? 

Serena Bell is a new author to me. Make Me Wilder is a fun, sweet, sexy romance. I could not put it down. The banter and head butting between Lucy and Gabe had me smiling and the grand romantic gesture at the end made me sigh. I loved Gabe as the strong, older brother who felt a duty to take care of the family and the family business. I loved Lucy as a woman out of her element and yet willing to prove she can be as rough and tumble as the small town. Their banter and spicy moments were wonderful. I also enjoyed the secondary characters and look forward to reading their own stories. Every character felt real as their strengths, flaws and fears were relatable. If you enjoy easy to read, page turner romances with great banter, I highly recommend Make Me Wilder. 

Make Me Wilder is available in paperback and eBook

Miles and Miles of You: road trip adventures and romance

Miles and Miles of You by Jennifer Bonds is the first book in The Harts series. Lucy Gonzalez had had enough! She quits her job as a personal assistant to Miles Hart. She’s decided to take the jump and hit the road as a travel influencer. She hitches up her grandma’s vintage Airstream and takes a trip along Route 66 as @SoSavvyTraveler! Her plan is to show the best places to see and eat on a shoestring budget in two weeks. What she didn't plan on was company. Miles Hart shows up, determined to bring her back to Triada, his company with his brothers. He is also determined to prove to her that she can’t make it as a travel influencer. They make a bet. If Miles wins, Lucy will give up the influencer plan and come back to Triada. If Lucy wins, he will never bother her again. 

I actually read the second book in the series, Not Today, Cupid, last year and immediately placed Miles and Miles of You on my TBR list. Miles and Miles of You is a great story with fun banter, road trip adventures and a bit of spice. Lucy and Miles are great characters with personal past hurts that they struggle with and this trip helps bring them forth and works toward growth. Lucy’s grandma, Celeste, was a great source of laughs as she interacts with Lucy’s Instagram posts. While I did not enjoy Miles and Miles of You as much as I did Not Today, Cupid, I enjoyed this story. I laughed. I smiled. I closed the book with happiness and eagerness for the third brother’s story. If you enjoy a road trip romance with fun banter and great adventures, I highly recommend Miles and Miles of You. 

Miles and Miles of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

My Lucky #13: a spicy sports romance with witty, flirty moments

My Lucky #13 is the first book in the Hockey Hotties series by Piper Rayne. Aiden Drake has been lucky his entire career. He didn’t believe in luck. It’s why he wears #13. He never needed a superstition to help his game. That is until his game spiraled downward and now he faces a trade. After an eventful New Year’s Eve with an amazing woman who threw a drink in his face, he had a great game with three goals! Aiden is convinced it was the drink in his face and he needs to track down the woman so she can do it again before every game. Saige Fowler runs a social media business for athletes and other high profile individuals. Imagine her surprise when Aiden Drake walks into her office with a bottle of wine and a proposition. She thinks it’s ridiculous but can’t seem to turn him down. As they spend time together, it gets harder and harder to deny the spark between them. 

After reading about the New Year’s Eve moments between Aiden and Saige in the prequel novella, Countdown to a Kiss, I jumped My Lucky #13 up on my TBR list and it did not disappoint! Piper Rayne is my new go-to author for spicy sports romance! I’m not even a hockey fan but I might just start watching games after this book! My Lucky #13 is so good! It was flirty. It was witty. It had great banter and awesome spicy moments and even so romantic moments that will make any reader swoon! There were moments when the smile never left my face! I loved Aiden and Saige as individuals and as a couple. I even enjoyed their supporting cast of characters! I am looking forward to the rest of the series. My Lucky #13 is a book I will return to and read again and again. If you enjoy fun, spicy romance, even if you don’t like sports, I highly, highly recommend My Lucky #13. 

My Lucky #13 is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Countdown to a Kiss: a prequel novella introducing a new series

Countdown to a Kiss by Piper Rayne is a prequel novella introducing the Hockey Hotties series. Three professional hockey players from the Florida Fury attend a New Year’s Eve party given by the team’s owner. Each man comes across a woman who sparks their interest. As the countdown to midnight begins, each man is hoping to start the new year right with a kiss. What’s the harm? They aren’t going to see these women again, right? 

Countdown to a Kiss is twelve short chapters and yet, it is such an engaging read that I immediately put the first book of the series higher on my TBR list. I can’t wait to read what happens with the first couple of the series. They are talented men with chips on their shoulders and the women they meet aren’t swayed by their status as professional hockey players. The banter between each man and woman is fun, flirty and so electric. If you love quick, engaging stories, I highly recommend Countdown to a Kiss. 

Countdown to a Kiss is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A Simple Wedding: when a wedding is anything but simple

A Simple Wedding is the first book in the Heart’s Landing series by Leigh Duncan. Jenny Longley always dreamed of getting married at Heart’s Landing. When her cousin, movie star Karolyn Karter gets engaged and wants a wedding at Heart’s Landing, she wants Jenny to go ahead to Heart’s Landing to make the wedding arrangements for her. There’s one catch, in order to keep the event a secret and avoid a media circus, Jenny needs to pretend she’s the one getting married. Nick Bell, baker and owner of I Do Cakes, is intrigued by Jenny. As Jenny deals with her cousin’s ever-changing demands, the wedding becomes more and more complicated and Nick and the other residents of Heart’s Landing start to become irritated at the changing details. What will happen once the truth finally comes to light? 

A Simple Wedding is from Hallmark publishing and it is a sweet love story you would expect from Hallmark. The town really embraces their wedding reputation with street names and business names that are all wedding themed. The townspeople take great pride in creating a once in a lifetime wedding for every bride. That pride will be tested when Jenny comes to town. I enjoyed Nick and Jenny from the beginning. Their accidental meeting was hilarious which fuels their banter later. As Nick and Jenny get closer and the cracks begin to show in her cover story, it was like waiting and asking “when will the shoe drop?” If you enjoy Hallmark movies and sweet romances, A Simple Wedding is the book for you and I highly recommend it. 

A Simple Wedding is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook