_thebookishintrovert_'s reviews
51 reviews

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Do you like cinnamon rolls in the streets but bossy in the sheets? If so, l'd like to introduce you to Caleb Alvarez. This was my first read in the Lovelight series and boy did this not disappoint. These two were so dang cute, it drove me crazy.

Both Layla and Caleb have not had the best track record with dating so they come up with a simple proposition: date for one month, no strings attached. Layla will rate Caleb's dating game while Caleb shows Layla how a man should treat her. But what happens when things start to heat up and the month comes closer to an end?

Although this is book three in the series, I would say it could be read as a standalone. However, you will encounter spoilers from the first two books. I will DEFINITELY be going back to read the first two because I need more of this series!

Quotes:

"Why are you giving these guys your time? Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?"

"You're bossier than you let on." His laugh is a dark, wicked thing-warm air against my neck as he leans over me. "You have no idea."

"I think I've been falling in love with you for a while, Layla. One butter croissant at a time."

Content Warnings

Caught Up by Liz Tomforde

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Liz Tomforde has done it again and given me a new book boyfriend (and baseball daddy): Kai Rhodes. Kai is the starting pitcher for Chicago's MLB team and a single dad who is having a difficult time balancing the two. After firing another nanny, his coach comes up with a solution. Enter Miller Montgomery: professional pastry chef and Max's new nanny. Oh, and she also happens to be the coach's daughter.

I'm a sucker for forced proximity and a single dad/nanny trope and this book did not disappoint! I enjoyed the banter between Kai and Miller as well as the precious moments with Max (who is also the cutest and sweetest little boy ever).

Seeing their bond grow over the course of the summer and Kai's love for Max and Miller was just 🥹 This has become

one of my favorite books and I cannot wait for the next installment of the series!

There are cameos from the previous two books so if you're wanting to read this as a standalone I would keep that in mind for spoilers. I highly recommend the entire series though if you haven't already read it!

Quotes:

"I like to see pretty girls in my jersey. Like to take it off them too.“

"You promised to help me find my balance in life. I thought I'd try to help you find your joy."

"Because when life or work gets too stressful, too overwhelming for me, l'm able to see who matters most. And that's you, Miller.”

Content Warnings

The Right Move by Liz Tomforde

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

If I could give it all the stars, I would!!

Two words: Ryan. Shay. I mean come on, this man is now in the top-tier of book boyfriends for me. This was my first read in the Windy City series, and yes I know here I am starting a series not at book one, but when I saw the tropes I could not NOT read it okay? From best friend's brother to roommates to fake dating? Yes, yes, and so much yes!! Ryan and Indy balanced each other so well and I adored how much they paid attention to one another. There is plenty of banter, a delicious slow burn into spice, and the character development was so well done.

Although this is part of a series, it could be read as a standalone, but there will be spoilers from Mile High. If you're a fan of sport romances, I would definitely check this series out!

Favorite Quote:

"I just need your quiet love because those moments are the loudest declarations l've ever heard."

Content Warnings

Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

For the last ten years, Andrew and Molly have taken the same flight to visit their family back in Ireland. What had started as an awkward encounter turned into an annual tradition and a priceless friendship. However, a massive snowstorm cancels their would be ten year anniversary flight. No matter the travel fiasco, Molly is determined to get Andrew home in time for Christmas. What happens when you toss in some mistletoe and forced proximity?

This book was such a cute friends to lovers romance!! It was my very first holiday read (like ever) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the flashbacks we get from their very first flight leading up to present day and seeing how their relationship evolved over the years. Their chemistry was evident and the banter was so good! If you're looking for a holiday read with a Hallmark romcom vibe, be sure to check it out!

Content Warnings

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I went into reading this completely blind and knot really having any knowledge of the omegaverse. Let me tell you, I ATE THIS UP!! Boy did I learn a thing or two about alphas/omegas from this (ahem knotting) and then to toss in fake dating? Yes please!! Mix in the audiobook with Joe Arden? Say no more, just take my money. This book was funny, cute, and spicy. If you're wanting to try a shifter romance, I would definitely check this one out!

Content Warnings

Caught on Camera by Chelsea Curto

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I legit devoured this!! I am so glad I found this book on KU because it was such a fun read! I love me a fake dating trope and factor in the fact that they’re friends and it’s sprinkled with plenty of banter? Count me in! If you’re looking for a fun, spicy romance definitely check this out!

Content Warnings

The Pucking Wrong Number by C.R. Jane

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dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

I really wanted to DNF, but I kept reading in the hopes it would get better. Needless to say, it didn’t and this was not for me.

Content Warnings

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

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adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was my second audio book I have ever listened to and it has raised the bar exponentially. I honestly didn't think I could get hooked from the trigger warnings alone, but I did. Joe Arden and Lucy Rivers did a phenomenal job bringing Rowan and Sloane to life. As for the spice? HOLY. CHILI. PEPPERS (and hello serial daddy). My poker face was tested while listening to this and unlocked a new fear of my AirPods dying (iykyk). This was unlike anything l've ever read before in all the best ways. The dark comedy and internal monologues? Brilliant. The banter? It was EVERYTHING. I loved seeing how the relationship between Sloane and Rowan evolved over the course of the book and how they balanced each other so well.

There is an extensive list of trigger warnings, so please be sure to check that out beforehand. However, if you do make it past them and your interest has been piked, buckle up buttercup because it’s a wicked good time!!

*I did also re-read with a physical copy and it was still just as good! Lol

Content Warnings

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book had been on my TBR since for quite some time and y'all, please tell me why I have waited so long to read this?! I literally DEVOURED it! Right off the bat, I was fully immersed into the magical world Rebecca created. The writing was transcendent and it has been a long time since l've read anything that's moved me as much as Iris and Roman's story. From the very beginning with their workplace rivalry at the Oath Gazette to the front lines of battle, these two have stolen my heart.

Content Warnings

Christmas in Coconut Creek by Karissa Kinword

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Y'all, talk about a fun and spicy read! I absolutely loved the meet cute between Ophelia and Frankie and it immediately made me invested in their relationship. Their chemistry was off the charts and their witty banter was so good. Two words: butterfly date. Oh, and the mouth on Frankie? Hot damn, that man is good. He knows what he wants and is not shy to voice it. While this does have a Christmas theme, it’s not a huge focus and could honestly be read at any point during the year. If you’re looking for a romcom with Hallmark vibes, this is definitely worth checking out!

Content Warnings

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_thebookishintrovert_'s reviews 51 reviews

_thebookishintrovert_'s reviews
51 reviews