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enchantingreads_rosyreviews's reviews
101 reviews
What It Means to be Brave by Andrea Andersen
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Meaningful relationships could absolutely have an expiration date. Just because a relationship didn’t end happily ever after, doesn’t mean that it was a wasted experience. My soul craved Joshua Madey, as more than just a fake boyfriend and more than a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am situation. I wanted something real with him. Even if it had a deadline.”
🎤
If her previous book felt a little emotional for you, then Andrea delivers this one that’s pure fun. Of course, ASL/disability and mental health are represented in this story too. But Courtney is a wild one, unapologetically so, and Josh's nerdy, rockstar confidence really seems to complement her outgoing self.
As individuals, I LOVE these characters: Court is that blunt friend that every introverted person needs & adores; while Josh is that nerd who turned hot, but remained nerdy on the inside... and he’s bisexual, so he talks about how sexy Logan is (like everyone else agrees). Their infatuation with one another is hilarious to watch as their feelings unfold… and even more hilarious when she finds out he had the biggest crush on her in high school (trust me, that scene WILL have you laughing out loud).
The addition of the band/side characters makes this book so much fun because, man, this is a GROUP! Everyone elevates their get-togethers in hilarious ways... the towel scene... read the book and you'll get it. 😏 It’s incredibly adorable how both of them can’t believe the other actually chose them, even if it takes acts of bravery on both of their parts to get to that point. This story had me laughing, clutching my heart saying “aww!,” and even took me by surprise (I guarantee, you won’t predict exactly how this one ends). Plus, I mean, who doesn’t want to live in a rockstar fantasy world for a little bit? This book felt like a movie as the “rockstar” element added a sparkly quality to this realistic world I totally enjoyed. It’s just pure entertainment. I loved it!
If her previous book felt a little emotional for you, then Andrea delivers this one that’s pure fun. Of course, ASL/disability and mental health are represented in this story too. But Courtney is a wild one, unapologetically so, and Josh's nerdy, rockstar confidence really seems to complement her outgoing self.
As individuals, I LOVE these characters: Court is that blunt friend that every introverted person needs & adores; while Josh is that nerd who turned hot, but remained nerdy on the inside... and he’s bisexual, so he talks about how sexy Logan is (like everyone else agrees). Their infatuation with one another is hilarious to watch as their feelings unfold… and even more hilarious when she finds out he had the biggest crush on her in high school (trust me, that scene WILL have you laughing out loud).
The addition of the band/side characters makes this book so much fun because, man, this is a GROUP! Everyone elevates their get-togethers in hilarious ways... the towel scene... read the book and you'll get it. 😏 It’s incredibly adorable how both of them can’t believe the other actually chose them, even if it takes acts of bravery on both of their parts to get to that point. This story had me laughing, clutching my heart saying “aww!,” and even took me by surprise (I guarantee, you won’t predict exactly how this one ends). Plus, I mean, who doesn’t want to live in a rockstar fantasy world for a little bit? This book felt like a movie as the “rockstar” element added a sparkly quality to this realistic world I totally enjoyed. It’s just pure entertainment. I loved it!
"I am never leaving you. You’ll always have me... How do you still not know for a fact that I am completely, painfully in love with you?... because whether or not we get married, I’m yours. Fully, completely yours. I’ll be the most stable thing you’ve ever had. Whether or not I’m on tour couldn’t possibly change that, because we already know that almost a decade of separation didn’t... I just need you to be brave, love."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Ableism, Drug use, and Sexism
Although both of our main characters do not have disabilities, there are side characters who require communication through ASL (American Sign Language). There is a scene where ASL accommodations fail, leaving characters unable to enjoy an event, until our female main character steps in to interpret. This opens larger conversations about accessibility, especially among the deaf & hard of hearing community.
What It Means To Be Whole by Andrea Andersen
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“’I really like you.’
‘Oh—thank fuck!’ Adam exhaled with a small smile...
‘Yeah, I—wait, what?’ I asked, smiling at his sudden relief...
Adam continued speaking into the safety of my skin, ‘I thought you were going to say something like, ‘We shouldn’t be doing this’ or ‘This was a mistake’. I would have died.’”
🌊
I have to hand it to Andrea, she truly created a one-of-a-kind world with her debut novel and series. I just can’t get enough. Not only does she represent typically underrepresented communities (like the deaf/hard of hearing community, the non-binary community, and the feminist male community), but she approaches these characters in realistic and beautiful ways. Her world is where characters are beautifully flawed, loved, and accepted by those closest to them. However, there's still plenty of tension between difficult parents who only see the world through a narrow scope, secret slow-burn pining that makes you want to throw the book across the room while at the same time knowing you would wrestle anyone who dared interrupt your reading because you simply can’t part with these characters for something so trivial as sleep or a conversation with a real human.
I also felt like the disability representation, while distinctive in the contemporary romance space, was approached with care and understanding to give the reader education and make them feel compassion. Have you ever seen a Dan Fogelman project (like his popular television series This Is Us)? Andrea’s characters are like Dan’s. They aren’t just one thing. Beck isn’t just hard of hearing. She’s complex: she’s confident, yet totally nervous around her crush, smart, compassionate, and brave (even if she’s scared to be). Adam isn’t just the shy, hot love interest in this story. He battles depression, bears the weight of others’ expectations, and is an unapologetic feminist. Life is never about one thing. We are constantly pulled in a million different directions and rarely, if ever, do our anxieties wait for us to have our shit together before they decided to crash the party.
Mixing in her special New Girl/Schitt’s Creek brand of comedy, Andrea gives us an entertaining story while commenting on inequalities and double-standards in our society. But we are also treated to quirky and memorable characters that everyone can relate to or can someone in their life to. Intimacy was approached realistically (even somewhat hilariously) while still delivering the spice adding to the overall comedic and quirky nature of the entire cast of characters to make this a very entertaining read. I am such a fan of this author and I can’t wait for more people to discover her incredibly uplifting, embarrassing, funny, and one-of-a-kind world. Don't sleep on this author or series!
I have to hand it to Andrea, she truly created a one-of-a-kind world with her debut novel and series. I just can’t get enough. Not only does she represent typically underrepresented communities (like the deaf/hard of hearing community, the non-binary community, and the feminist male community), but she approaches these characters in realistic and beautiful ways. Her world is where characters are beautifully flawed, loved, and accepted by those closest to them. However, there's still plenty of tension between difficult parents who only see the world through a narrow scope, secret slow-burn pining that makes you want to throw the book across the room while at the same time knowing you would wrestle anyone who dared interrupt your reading because you simply can’t part with these characters for something so trivial as sleep or a conversation with a real human.
I also felt like the disability representation, while distinctive in the contemporary romance space, was approached with care and understanding to give the reader education and make them feel compassion. Have you ever seen a Dan Fogelman project (like his popular television series This Is Us)? Andrea’s characters are like Dan’s. They aren’t just one thing. Beck isn’t just hard of hearing. She’s complex: she’s confident, yet totally nervous around her crush, smart, compassionate, and brave (even if she’s scared to be). Adam isn’t just the shy, hot love interest in this story. He battles depression, bears the weight of others’ expectations, and is an unapologetic feminist. Life is never about one thing. We are constantly pulled in a million different directions and rarely, if ever, do our anxieties wait for us to have our shit together before they decided to crash the party.
Mixing in her special New Girl/Schitt’s Creek brand of comedy, Andrea gives us an entertaining story while commenting on inequalities and double-standards in our society. But we are also treated to quirky and memorable characters that everyone can relate to or can someone in their life to. Intimacy was approached realistically (even somewhat hilariously) while still delivering the spice adding to the overall comedic and quirky nature of the entire cast of characters to make this a very entertaining read. I am such a fan of this author and I can’t wait for more people to discover her incredibly uplifting, embarrassing, funny, and one-of-a-kind world. Don't sleep on this author or series!
"'You don’t feel like your other half is out there somewhere?' Eloise pressed... 'We are all complete, individual people. There isn’t another half of us floating around out there, waiting to meet us, so that we can somehow become fulfilled... find someone who can elevate your life. Who can hold your hand along the way... I just think that the idea of needing someone is desperate and doomed to fail, whereas wanting someone is thoughtful and generally lasting.'"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Cursing, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
The female main character (and a side character) are hard of hearing and use hearing aids to communicate verbally with those around them. However, once their hearing aids are out or the batteries die, they rely on ASL (American Sign Language) as the preferred method of communication. This book tackles various forms of ableism and disability struggles in an ableist society, but this is one of the main iterations of that commentary.
Flexible Standards by Irene Bahrd
The only other thing I will add is just how much bookish fun this novella because I really was laughing through it. If you're looking for an entertaining, quick read... with a little bit of... spice (over plot). Then this one is for you!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
"I glance at her e-reader. 'I’d hardly call that a romantic comedy.'
'Are you book-shaming me?' she asks with an exaggerated gasp.
'Not at all. You could be reading paranormal erotica, a mafia romance, or even a nonfiction title, and I wouldn’t judge.' She shudders at the last suggestion. 'Now who’s judging?'
'I would never,' she feigns insult."
This is an unbelievably cute novella that was such a joy to read. Ditching your friend’s bachelorette party because Vegas can get to be “too much” and reading your book at a bar, sounds like my kind of evening. {And, if you’re a fan of Irene Bahrd, like I am, then you’ll pick up on a reference to a certain “hungry” gentleman completely head over heels for his Becca (hint, hint: it’s from the Love at all Cost series!)} But, to be discovered by a handsome man with a British accent, and asked to go back to his place to change into comfy PJs to continue reading in peace? That’s my kind of meet-cute! I loved the performance scene and bookish talk.
"This will either be an amazing adventure… or the biggest mistake of my life."
The only other thing I will add is just how much bookish fun this novella because I really was laughing through it. If you're looking for an entertaining, quick read... with a little bit of... spice (over plot). Then this one is for you!
"The sexy librarian and the Vegas performer. Quite the perfect pair, if you ask me."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Infidelity and Alcohol
Mine with Extra Lime by Irene Bahrd
(The Dedication)
“To anyone who ever felt like they were not enough. You are extraordinary, magnificent, exquisite, and will change the world. Your goals might take longer than expected, but whatever you do, don’t give up. You’ll get there.”
🍋🟩
Irene knows how to write “hungry,” devoted, swoon-y male main characters and Dylan is no exception. To balance out this energy, Irene always writes strong, independent female main characters who own their desires and work hard to never settle less than their worth. Emma is the epitome of that character and I loved her. Plus, as is typical with an Irene book (which apparently began with her debut), there is tons of comedy, specifically troupe-centered comedy. It’s hilarious and I love it! In this case, Dylan’s oblivious to terms like “golden retriever energy” and the “one bed troupe,” which makes me giggle.
What started as a fairytale romance, resulted in him ghosting her after a blissful (almost) year of dating… sixteen years later, they’re back in each other’s lives. But can heartbreak from the past keep them from a future together? When Dylan and Emma reunite, he goes after her HARD, desperately trying to prove he’s always been in love with her and he would never leave her again. And, whew, does this man know how to sweep a woman off her feet. It’s hard to dislike him for his past mistakes and not root for their second chance. If you’re a fan of true second chance romances, this one’s for you because you’ll instantly fall in love with both main characters and their families.
This book is sweet, spicy, and everything in between. Having started with her second series, Love at all Cost, it’s so much fun to meet characters I know post-happily ever afters, before falling in love with their people. It feels like traveling back in time. So, whether you read the other series, are new to Irene Bahrd, or are just looking for a fun, yet satisfying, romance you should read Mine with Extra Lime!
🍋🟩
Irene knows how to write “hungry,” devoted, swoon-y male main characters and Dylan is no exception. To balance out this energy, Irene always writes strong, independent female main characters who own their desires and work hard to never settle less than their worth. Emma is the epitome of that character and I loved her. Plus, as is typical with an Irene book (which apparently began with her debut), there is tons of comedy, specifically troupe-centered comedy. It’s hilarious and I love it! In this case, Dylan’s oblivious to terms like “golden retriever energy” and the “one bed troupe,” which makes me giggle.
What started as a fairytale romance, resulted in him ghosting her after a blissful (almost) year of dating… sixteen years later, they’re back in each other’s lives. But can heartbreak from the past keep them from a future together? When Dylan and Emma reunite, he goes after her HARD, desperately trying to prove he’s always been in love with her and he would never leave her again. And, whew, does this man know how to sweep a woman off her feet. It’s hard to dislike him for his past mistakes and not root for their second chance. If you’re a fan of true second chance romances, this one’s for you because you’ll instantly fall in love with both main characters and their families.
This book is sweet, spicy, and everything in between. Having started with her second series, Love at all Cost, it’s so much fun to meet characters I know post-happily ever afters, before falling in love with their people. It feels like traveling back in time. So, whether you read the other series, are new to Irene Bahrd, or are just looking for a fun, yet satisfying, romance you should read Mine with Extra Lime!
🍋🟩
"... You were always enough. I was just too young and dumb to see that what I had was absolute perfection... I want to prove to you that I’m a different man, a better man—one that deserves you.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Abandonment and Alcohol
There are a couple of characters with neurodivergence (autism) that is described in detail on the page.
Falling the Old Fashioned Way by Irene Bahrd, Irene Bahrd
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I don’t care if the engagement part is fake, I feel like I’m... hers. I want to do all of the comfy boyfriend-girlfriend crap that I normally hate. Yes, I know it’s basically day one, and one of us will probably do something stupid to royally screw this up, but I plan to enjoy every minute until we do.
🎤
Ethan, oh Ethan. I really could go off about how much I like this character, but I’ll let you draw your own conclusions. I can completely understand why he’s Irene’s favorite (shh, don’t tell her other fictional men). I really liked this story about career-driven, independent people falling in love with their perfect match. Both characters compliment each other so well, it’s easy to root for their relationship. No, there’s not even a single part of me who’s jealous of a fictional woman who gets to spend the rest of her life with a wonderful fictional man... not one part... ok... maybe a little piece of me might be a teensy bit jealous, wishing I had my own Ethan.
Jokes aside, I really liked this book and its handful of troupes that shouldn’t work together, but Irene makes it work. Plus, her iconic comedic parody-style will have you laughing your way through this fun, entertaining read. Melanie goes through a journey in this book: has a hot night with a sexy man, creates a fake engagement with said man so she can get a promotion at her job (her bosses are super sexist), confronts & is threatened by her ex who doesn’t know no means no, actually starts dating her fake fiancé (who’s totally obsessed with her), starts her own business like the boss babe she is, and finally gets her happily ever after. (Yes, I “spoiled” the ending, but, c’mon, if you didn’t know this had a nice ending, then do you even know how fun romcoms work?)
Leave it to Irene to create a story that’s both a fake engagement AND a second chance romance, but she did! Plus, she may have invented a new troupe: brother’s wife’s best friend (and yes, it would sell TONS of books). Even though I completely fell in love with Ethan during his introduction in Mine with Extra Lime, I found myself loving him even more. I mean, who doesn’t love an honest, confident, sexy, tattooed, sarcastic, caring man with a smooth singing voice and the skills to worship his partner? Can’t we all just have our own Ethan?! But I’m happy Melanie gets to have him because they perfectly balance each other out. There’s a LOT of spicy time in this book, but it’s got heart and will leave you adding Ethan to your ever-growing list of book boyfriends.
🎤
Ethan, oh Ethan. I really could go off about how much I like this character, but I’ll let you draw your own conclusions. I can completely understand why he’s Irene’s favorite (shh, don’t tell her other fictional men). I really liked this story about career-driven, independent people falling in love with their perfect match. Both characters compliment each other so well, it’s easy to root for their relationship. No, there’s not even a single part of me who’s jealous of a fictional woman who gets to spend the rest of her life with a wonderful fictional man... not one part... ok... maybe a little piece of me might be a teensy bit jealous, wishing I had my own Ethan.
Jokes aside, I really liked this book and its handful of troupes that shouldn’t work together, but Irene makes it work. Plus, her iconic comedic parody-style will have you laughing your way through this fun, entertaining read. Melanie goes through a journey in this book: has a hot night with a sexy man, creates a fake engagement with said man so she can get a promotion at her job (her bosses are super sexist), confronts & is threatened by her ex who doesn’t know no means no, actually starts dating her fake fiancé (who’s totally obsessed with her), starts her own business like the boss babe she is, and finally gets her happily ever after. (Yes, I “spoiled” the ending, but, c’mon, if you didn’t know this had a nice ending, then do you even know how fun romcoms work?)
Leave it to Irene to create a story that’s both a fake engagement AND a second chance romance, but she did! Plus, she may have invented a new troupe: brother’s wife’s best friend (and yes, it would sell TONS of books). Even though I completely fell in love with Ethan during his introduction in Mine with Extra Lime, I found myself loving him even more. I mean, who doesn’t love an honest, confident, sexy, tattooed, sarcastic, caring man with a smooth singing voice and the skills to worship his partner? Can’t we all just have our own Ethan?! But I’m happy Melanie gets to have him because they perfectly balance each other out. There’s a LOT of spicy time in this book, but it’s got heart and will leave you adding Ethan to your ever-growing list of book boyfriends.
🎤
“I never thought I would find the love of my life. Everyone, including me, thought I would be a bachelor forever. I knew it would take someone special, but I actually thought I’d never find them... until you. I can’t imagine my life without you, Mel. I love you so [f***ing] much, so yeah, I really want to marry you. I want all of it: the kids, the minivan, the dog that loves me, the cat that hates me, the soccer games, the anniversary trips, you sitting on my face every night, the PTA meetings... No. I will only attend those if I am PTA President...”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Biphobia, Cursing, and Alcohol
Minor: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Royally on the Rocks by Irene Bahrd, Irene Bahrd
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
4.75
“I wake in the morning with my arms wrapped around Sage from behind. Her pillow wall is nowhere to be found.
She looks around, finding the discarded pillows on the ground. ‘Was that you or me?’
‘That was all you, love.’”
🥃
This story hit a little harder than Irene’s other romances, because of the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) angle. Our MMC’s mother has progressive MS and our FMC has relapse-remitting MS, the latter being something I confront constantly because I’m a caretaker for my close family member who’s been diagnosed for over 20 years. With this representation in Sage’s love story, I was instantly drawn in and Irene delivered a sweet story about loving someone with a disability. Although Sage feels like her diagnosis makes her difficult or a burden to love, she is shown how, those who truly love unconditionally, won’t let MS or any challenges that stem from it, stop them from sharing their love and support.
These thoughts might lean on the emotional side, don’t let that fool you. Yes, Irene delivers a deep, moving story about real-world struggles someone with a disability, especially with MS, deals with in trying to not burden their loved ones with the symptoms of their disability. And yes, that hit close to home (literally) for me and my personal experience. But she also keeps her classic scenes of spicy spice and parody humor. Plus, she threw in a fictional country nestled between England and Scotland (imagine that... can I visit there please? And maybe snag me a husband? 😉) with a modern royal family that you are guaranteed to love. Overall, this story delivers on everything you like in an Irene Bahrd book, but she gives us a little extra heart on this one. I really liked it.
🥃
This story hit a little harder than Irene’s other romances, because of the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) angle. Our MMC’s mother has progressive MS and our FMC has relapse-remitting MS, the latter being something I confront constantly because I’m a caretaker for my close family member who’s been diagnosed for over 20 years. With this representation in Sage’s love story, I was instantly drawn in and Irene delivered a sweet story about loving someone with a disability. Although Sage feels like her diagnosis makes her difficult or a burden to love, she is shown how, those who truly love unconditionally, won’t let MS or any challenges that stem from it, stop them from sharing their love and support.
These thoughts might lean on the emotional side, don’t let that fool you. Yes, Irene delivers a deep, moving story about real-world struggles someone with a disability, especially with MS, deals with in trying to not burden their loved ones with the symptoms of their disability. And yes, that hit close to home (literally) for me and my personal experience. But she also keeps her classic scenes of spicy spice and parody humor. Plus, she threw in a fictional country nestled between England and Scotland (imagine that... can I visit there please? And maybe snag me a husband? 😉) with a modern royal family that you are guaranteed to love. Overall, this story delivers on everything you like in an Irene Bahrd book, but she gives us a little extra heart on this one. I really liked it.
🥃
“Sage, have you ever been in love? Because I thought I had, but it was nothing compared to how I feel about you. MS doesn’t scare me. Flare ups don’t scare me. You needing me definitely doesn’t scare me. You don’t scare me. So, this—you and me—shouldn’t scare you.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Cursing, and Terminal illness
Minor: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Alcohol
The chronic/terminal illness mentioned in this book is Multiple Sclerosis. Two characters have this diagnosis, at different stages of progression, and are explained in detail.
Trouble with a Twist by Irene Bahrd
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
[At the suggestion of their friend, Jason becomes a book boyfriend to seduce Charlotte.]
“Taking cue from Ethan, I reach my hand up to rest it on the top of the door frame, leaning in slightly. ‘Forget your key, sweetheart?’
She takes a step closer, biting her lip. ‘You’re doing the doorway thing.’
‘Doorway thing?’ I say coyly. ‘Oh, you mean this?’
I wrap my free hand around her, pull her to me, then press her against the door jam, our faces inches apart.
‘Yeah, that,’ she says breathlessly.”
🍋
I don’t have much experience with autistic people (or “neurospicy”) people in my life, but it was a pleasure to follow Charlotte’s story in this romance. I feel like neurodivergence and mental health in general were represented well in this book. Both main characters, Jason and Charlotte, have a lot to learn about how best to communicate and love each other. It’s because of their love for one another that they go to therapy and continue to better themselves so they can be the best partner possible. I LOVE that!
Although this book has lots of feels in it, Irene makes sure to bring her classic comedic timing (especially from Ethan) and spicy content. Plus, Charlotte and Jason work through some intimacy challenges that both realistic and somewhat inspiring. May we all find someone who supports us, loves us unconditionally, and will work to better themselves while inspiring us to do the same. Jason and Charlotte are a great couple you’re sure to fall in love with!
Charlotte and Jason give us MAJOR Ross and Rachel season 5 finale/season 6 vibes (if you catch my drift). Plus, Charlotte’s autism and ADHD “neurospicy” personality is wonderfully approached and represented well. Tackling some very real-world challenges, the main couple’s relationship is forced to grow and adapt, which we can all relate to. But Irene’s spicy, comedic style remains present throughout… my favorite number might be 10 now 😉… and I loved the arc both Jason and Charlotte go through during this story. I just love them together!
🍋
I don’t have much experience with autistic people (or “neurospicy”) people in my life, but it was a pleasure to follow Charlotte’s story in this romance. I feel like neurodivergence and mental health in general were represented well in this book. Both main characters, Jason and Charlotte, have a lot to learn about how best to communicate and love each other. It’s because of their love for one another that they go to therapy and continue to better themselves so they can be the best partner possible. I LOVE that!
Although this book has lots of feels in it, Irene makes sure to bring her classic comedic timing (especially from Ethan) and spicy content. Plus, Charlotte and Jason work through some intimacy challenges that both realistic and somewhat inspiring. May we all find someone who supports us, loves us unconditionally, and will work to better themselves while inspiring us to do the same. Jason and Charlotte are a great couple you’re sure to fall in love with!
Charlotte and Jason give us MAJOR Ross and Rachel season 5 finale/season 6 vibes (if you catch my drift). Plus, Charlotte’s autism and ADHD “neurospicy” personality is wonderfully approached and represented well. Tackling some very real-world challenges, the main couple’s relationship is forced to grow and adapt, which we can all relate to. But Irene’s spicy, comedic style remains present throughout… my favorite number might be 10 now 😉… and I loved the arc both Jason and Charlotte go through during this story. I just love them together!
🍋
"'I’ve been under her spell for so long, where do I start? She’s so [f***ing] smart, loves her job, loves her family—my family—with her whole heart. I love that she thinks about things I never would have thought of. Her autism and ADHD aren’t a disability, they make her who she is and I wouldn’t change a single thing about it. Sure, the sensory overload sucks, but her mind is so damn beautiful that I would hold her through any meltdown if it meant I still get to hear her tell me how excited she is about a new theme park ride she researched or sing songs off-key from Taylor Swift’s newest album.'”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Ableism and Alcohol
The panic attack is due to an overstimulated autistic "meltdown" and the anxiety that comes with such an event.
Mule Tide Cheer: A Pucking Holiday ErotiCom Novella by Irene Bahrd, Irene Bahrd
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
“’... Riley wanted to surprise you for Christmas but I’m now realizing this is [f***ing] creepy, us just showing up like—‘
Riley yells over him, ‘It’s not creepy, it’s endearing, like one of those holiday romance movies.’”
🥃
Honestly, I don’t know how much I can say about this smutty little novella while remaining in compliance with “community guidelines.” 😉 Irene cuts right to it in the content warnings... you will be questioning why you started this novella and will be left wondering where the plot is because it’s only smut. However, knowing that going in, you should be able to appreciate this story for what it is: a hot night with one girl, one guy, and one French-Canadian during the holidays. It’s fun, it’s purely spicy, and, yet, it’s also tender in certain moments.
If you’re picking this up expecting plot or character advancement, then you clearly didn’t read the content warnings. It’s very clear, this is just a throuple being established at a bar, going back to a hotel, and having a hot night together. Sure, we’ve heard of Matt and Riley from other books in the series, but “Puck” is a hockey player from Montréal and a French-Canadian, bisexual iteration of “rico suave” (and we kinda love his directness). Enjoy this holiday hook-up!
🍋🟩🫚
Honestly, I don’t know how much I can say about this smutty little novella while remaining in compliance with “community guidelines.” 😉 Irene cuts right to it in the content warnings... you will be questioning why you started this novella and will be left wondering where the plot is because it’s only smut. However, knowing that going in, you should be able to appreciate this story for what it is: a hot night with one girl, one guy, and one French-Canadian during the holidays. It’s fun, it’s purely spicy, and, yet, it’s also tender in certain moments.
If you’re picking this up expecting plot or character advancement, then you clearly didn’t read the content warnings. It’s very clear, this is just a throuple being established at a bar, going back to a hotel, and having a hot night together. Sure, we’ve heard of Matt and Riley from other books in the series, but “Puck” is a hockey player from Montréal and a French-Canadian, bisexual iteration of “rico suave” (and we kinda love his directness). Enjoy this holiday hook-up!
🍋🟩🫚
“He helps her out and pulls her to him, sliding his hand in her hair and kissing her like something out of a movie. I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips; the love they have for each other is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in real life.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Rosé to the Occasion by Irene Bahrd
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
“When I look over to check for Jake’s reaction, his lips are in a fine line, eyes cast down. He shouldn’t be upset by this. A marriage of convenience is the oldest trope in the book, up there with fake dating and enemies-to-lovers. Except in real life, it never ends in living happily ever after. I should really stop reading the romance books Charlotte recommends to me.”
🌹
This novella focuses on two side characters from Sage & Eddie’s story, so it almost feels like bonus content for the world Irene has built. If you read Sage’s story, then you’d probably assume Jake and Lydia would get together (I mean, they are practically giving Darcy hand-flexing vibes with the level of pining and stolen glances they had). But I never expected their physical relationship to reveal itself in this manner... that’s Irene keeping us on our toes!
As King, Jake is up against another arcane law that requires him to be married, so he turns to Lydia, the family friend and girl he’s pined after for years. Turns out, she likes to take control in the bedroom and, even though she’s secretly loved him, she can’t possibly force a king to kneel… right? This was a unique novella was an unexpected pleasure to read. Lydia’s Domme relationship with Jake manifests itself in a way that seems organic to their relationship dynamics though and, as always, you can’t help but root for them.
🌹
This novella focuses on two side characters from Sage & Eddie’s story, so it almost feels like bonus content for the world Irene has built. If you read Sage’s story, then you’d probably assume Jake and Lydia would get together (I mean, they are practically giving Darcy hand-flexing vibes with the level of pining and stolen glances they had). But I never expected their physical relationship to reveal itself in this manner... that’s Irene keeping us on our toes!
As King, Jake is up against another arcane law that requires him to be married, so he turns to Lydia, the family friend and girl he’s pined after for years. Turns out, she likes to take control in the bedroom and, even though she’s secretly loved him, she can’t possibly force a king to kneel… right? This was a unique novella was an unexpected pleasure to read. Lydia’s Domme relationship with Jake manifests itself in a way that seems organic to their relationship dynamics though and, as always, you can’t help but root for them.
🌹
“‘I’m yours, Jake, until you dare to break my heart.’
‘I’m yours, even if you break mine.’”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Wine About It by Irene Bahrd
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
“‘I’ve been in love with you from the moment I laid eyes on you. It’s never just been sex for me... I want you here. I need you here, but I don’t want to risk moving too fast and losing you. I made that mistake once, I won’t make it again.’”
🍷
This story is probably one of the cutest novellas you will read and it’s mostly because of Robbie’s love for Harriet and I just love them! Pining after her since they were young, spending five years apart, and finally coming back together, it’s young love at its best. They may have had a slightly taboo beginning (thank you Miss Charlotte for keeping Robbie in line), but their young love felt inevitable. Plus, you get a bit of a sports romance, too!
Robbie’s devotion to Harriet, making him get heart eyes any time he sees her, is definitely something to swoon at. While this one wasn’t as spicy as you can come to expect from Irene (she warns you ahead of time), it’s full of love, adoration, sweet scenes, and playful adventures. Without spoiling the story, the secret they carry as a couple is very cute and feels like something out of a Taylor Swift song or cute romance movie. And this story is complete with an adorable, multi-lingual term of endearment that will leave you swooning. This was, by far, the most fun I’ve had reading something from Irene and I will always love Harriet and Robbie.
🍷
This story is probably one of the cutest novellas you will read and it’s mostly because of Robbie’s love for Harriet and I just love them! Pining after her since they were young, spending five years apart, and finally coming back together, it’s young love at its best. They may have had a slightly taboo beginning (thank you Miss Charlotte for keeping Robbie in line), but their young love felt inevitable. Plus, you get a bit of a sports romance, too!
Robbie’s devotion to Harriet, making him get heart eyes any time he sees her, is definitely something to swoon at. While this one wasn’t as spicy as you can come to expect from Irene (she warns you ahead of time), it’s full of love, adoration, sweet scenes, and playful adventures. Without spoiling the story, the secret they carry as a couple is very cute and feels like something out of a Taylor Swift song or cute romance movie. And this story is complete with an adorable, multi-lingual term of endearment that will leave you swooning. This was, by far, the most fun I’ve had reading something from Irene and I will always love Harriet and Robbie.
🍷
“It’s only ever been you... You’re the love of my life, Harriet. I’m not stuck with you; I have the honor of being your husband.”
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content