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262 reviews

Love in Bloom by Lucy Eden

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad tense fast-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

4.5

𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝐼𝓃 𝐵𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓂
By Lucy Eden
𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵

That’s right: I read something TWO MONTHS EARLY. That’s how you know it’s a good read! 🙌 

Thank you Forever for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Read if you 🩷:  
• 👨‍🌾 Small Town/Farm Romances 
• 🔑 Forced Proximity 
• 💚 BIPOC and Indian Representation 
• ♟️ Flirtatious Chess Moves

Emma Walters's life falls apart in just 24 hours—she breaks up with her boyfriend, loses her job, and inherits a farm in Green Acres, Georgia. Trading city life for a rural escape, she quickly realizes farming isn’t as easy (or peaceful) as she thought, especially with the handsome but skeptical farm manager, Dan, questioning her every move. As Emma tries to adjust, she uncovers that the farm, and the quirky town, are hiding something bigger. With the farm in danger, Emma has to step up and save the day—if only she can figure out what’s really going on in this unusual town.

Do I know this book won’t be for everyone? Yes. Do I care? Absolutely not, because I had the BEST time reading it! 😍 Emma and Dan’s meet-disaster had me in stitches, and their chemistry is so obvious that even the town catches on before them. Speaking of which, each member of Green Acres is so well thought out that it’s hard to believe Lucy Eden fit this whole story into less than 370 pages. 😮Good luck trying to not fall in love with this small but mighty community! 

While some may consider “Love in Bloom” to be too “Hallmark Movie” for their taste, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this one, as the underlying theme of medical marijuana and how it can help those with chronic illnesses hits close to home. I hope those who pick this one up learn a little bit more about how this plant can help those who need it as well as their community! 💚

That being said, please read with caution if you are sensitive to the following content: grief (death of a sibling and grandparents, off-page), child illness/death, terminal illness, drug/alcohol use, emotional abuse, stalking, and classism.

If you love fish-out-of-water stories and quirky small towns, be sure to preorder or pick up “Love in Bloom” at your favorite local bookstore when it is out on November 12th. 🙌

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Under Your Spell by Laura Wood

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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

4.0

The season of magic is upon us, and what a better way to celebrate than with the audiobook of “Under Your Spell”, by Laura Wood!

A big thanks to Atria for a physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Read if you 🩷:
• 🌙 One Night Stands
•  📸 Celebrity Romance
• 🩵 Forced Proximity
• ✨ Wish Making Sisters 

Due to the title, I definitely thought this read going to have more magical aspects to it. However, I was hooked on Clemmie and Theo’s instant spark between one-another only a few chapters in, so I was plenty satisfied without it! 

I also love how the sisterly bond between Clemmie, Serena, and Lil brings a cozy yet comedic vibe to the book. If you have sisters, you know how chaotic and hilarious their meddling can be! These scenes are where Ellie Heydon’s narration shines, as you can hear her diverse characterizations throughout. 

Even though Clemmie would blush and deny it, I would consider this a celebrity romance. There are numerous scenes that involve personal assistants, hiding from fans, and the negative aspect paparazzi and social media can have on a blossoming relationship. For a book featuring several musicians, I was hoping the audiobook would have some more music involved in the background. However, it was still a great listen thanks to the narrator!

If you like audiobooks that feature British accents, sizzling chemistry, and playful banter, be sure to download “Under Your Spell” on your favorite audiobook app! 🎧 

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Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

For my BuzzFeed/YouTube millennials, this one’s for you! 😉

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read if you 🩷:  
• 🛸 Cryptid and UFO Sightings  
• 💕 Behind the Scenes Romances  
• 🛌 Only One Bed  
• 🌲 Flannels and Nerdy T-Shirts

After her hotshot ex dumps her, Hallie’s career seems doomed—until she teams up with Hayden, a charismatic cryptid expert. As they explore mysterious creatures and ignite undeniable on-screen chemistry, they might just discover that love is the real phenomenon.

I’ll admit, the first chapters didn’t grab me. I thought the book would involve meeting a bunch of cryptids rather than a more realistic “Unsolved Mysteries” vibe. So I put it down and came back to it this weekend… and I’m SO glad I did! 🙌

💙 This just proves that I’m a mood reader because once I restarted, I couldn’t put it down! Being from New England, if you give me a main character who’s constantly wearing flannel and Red Sox gear, I am ALL IN. 😍 Yes, sometimes Hayden and Hallie’s opposing views on conspiracies can halt their chemistry, but it also makes for some hilarious moments! (I’m looking at you, Ghost Tour Guide. 👀)

PSA: There are some heavy moments related to emotional abuse from a past relationship and the death of a parent (off-page). While these scenes add appreciated depth to the storyline, please proceed with caution if this content might be triggering for you.

If you love nerdy cinnamon roll boyfriends, shipping your favorite celebrities, and pets with hilarious names, be sure to pick up “Love and Other Conspiracies” at your favorite bookstore! 📚

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Stormy Hearts by Harmony Noble

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

2.0

This was not the book for me. I found that while the characters were diverse, there wasn’t enough time for them to truly develop. The story itself relied on cookie-cutter personalities, stereotypes, and out of place insta-love in order to rush the plot. 

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The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us by Rachelle Bergstein

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informative reflective slow-paced

3.75

Thank you to Atria for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read if you 🩷:  
• 📚 Author Biographies  
• 📺 Childhood Nostalgia  
• 🚫 The History of Censorship  
• 🙌 Empowering Stories

Everyone knows Judy Blume, but how did a suburban housewife become the revolutionary author whose books shaped generations? "The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us" uncovers how Blume’s honest stories about real kids and their struggles challenged societal norms, sparking both cultural change and censorship battles. As her books continue to face bans even today, this biography shows why Blume’s fearless storytelling remains a vital force in our world.

It was a treat to learn more about Judy and how many of her main characters have parallels to her own life. Growing up, it’s rare to think about a children’s author and how they have a life behind the pages. This biography is a great way for adults to appreciate the hard work and dedication behind their favorites like "Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret" and "Blubber."

I do wish this book had gone deeper into the social commentary related to her books. There were large sections dedicated to summarizing her more popular novels, but by the time Bergstein began to dive into the rise of censorship, there were only a few chapters remaining.

Despite these few downfalls, "The Genius of Judy" is still a good read for those who want to start learning more about Judy Blume. It’s a quick read for a biographical piece and could kickstart an important conversation about censorship in children’s literature. 
Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

🏝️ 𝔽𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕! 🌊

Are y’all tired of me talking about this book yet? 🤪

Many thanks to Berkley Romance for sending this one my way!

Read if you 🩷:  
• 👻 Paranormal Romances
• ☕️ Grumpy Café Owners
• 🌴 Small Tourism Towns
• 👙 Ghosts with a Love for Trashy Television

When Cassie escapes to the quirky town of Boneyard Key and buys a haunted cottage, she’s charmed by the local ghostly history—and the grumpy but sweet coffee shop owner, Nick. As they unravel the spooky secrets of her new home, sparks fly between them. But can their budding romance survive the supernatural surprises that keep cropping up? 👻

🧡 I loved everything about this paranormal romance! As someone who is more than ready for fall, Cassie and Nick’s adventures in the Floridian town of Boneyard Key are the perfect transition into the cozier season. While their chemistry is off the charts, the numerous obstacles in their way add some extra tension. This makes the story a very slow burn, so be prepared if you’re looking for spice. 🌶️

This means those who enjoy a hearty plot in their romance novels will be plenty satisfied! 🙌 The underlying themes of feminism and the importance of preserving history are strong. I found myself piecing together the clues quickly when it came to the ghost in Cassie’s home, but it was so fun to see how it played out. And I can’t forget to mention how funny the banter and comedic bits are in this book! I have a soft spot for ghosts who love pop culture (*cough cough* “Happy Medium”), so Mrs. Hawkins and her growing addiction to reality shows had me in stitches. 📺 

If you love ghost towns, snarky love interests, and Summerween vibes, be sure to pick up “Haunted Ever After” from your favorite local bookstore! 🌴

P.S. While this is a rom-com, please take care, as this novel references DV and Infertility due to Endometriosis

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Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

If you’re a fan of “Practical Magic”, small towns, or secret societies, no bewitching is required to fall in love with this upcoming release by Carly Bloom! 🧙‍♀️

A big thanks to Forever Romance for the early ALC in exchange for an honest review. 

Read if you 🩷:
• ✨ Magical Realism
• 🔥 Slow Burn Romances
• 💜 Plus Size Heroine
• 🍹 Cocktails in Hot Tubs!

Cordelia Merriweather never believed in magic—until she accidentally breaks a hex and restores her family’s powers. Now, she’s grappling with her new witchy reality and the suspiciously handsome Max next door, who’s either helping her or trying to keep her from causing magical mayhem. As their chemistry heats up, Max wonders if he’s falling for Delia or if she’s cast a spell on his heart. 💖

This audiobook is a fun and cozy treat! Laura Knight Keating brought Delia’s heart and bright demeanor to life, while Zion Jang excellently portrayed the stoic and rational Max. These two narrators were the perfect pair, and they had me rooting for this forbidden romance the whole time! 🥰 It’s an extremely slow burn, so just be willing to wait for those fireworks. 

I also loved hearing about the quirky Merriweathers and their shenanigans. It was such a hoot to watch them discover what was happening under their noses in Willow Root the whole time! However, my favorite moments were between the trio of Nikki, Max, and Luc. Together, they could give the Three Stooges a run for their money! 🐈‍⬛ 

If you’re like me and love witchy romances, be sure to pick up “Hot Hex Boyfriend” when it’s out on September 3rd! 🧡
The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

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challenging funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Three cheers for the first Indigenous romance from a major publisher! Thank you Berkley for sending a copy my way. 

Read if you 🩷: 
• 💻 Workplace Romances
• 🌳 Found Family and Community
• 💜 Native American Representation
• 🦎 Lucky (But Ugly) Lizards 


Unlike Ember, I have to be honest and admit that I have mixed feelings about this one. Danuwoa is the ULTIMATE book boyfriend. He’s a cat parent, his younger sister’s caretaker, and he’s flirtatious to no end. Plus, the man has a spine when it comes to the major conflict of the story! All in all, he’s the total package, and I would never want to get on his bad side. 💕

What I didn’t love so much was Ember and her constant lying. It got to the point that all of her fibs gave me anxiety the entire time I was reading! I went in thinking the only lie would be that she wasn’t mentioning her Native heritage on her job applications, but without spoiling too much, it’s a lot more than just that omission. If you like tension and the fear of getting caught, these scenes will be more for you than for me, but my little nervous heart could barely take it! 😅

💜 What kept me going was Danica Nava’s down-to-earth and detailed writing style. It truly feels like being in Ember’s head the entire time! Even without the author’s note near the end, it’s clear she pulled from her own personal experiences.

The truth, according to this reader, is that even with destructive pathological lying, there’s a lot of love, community, and passion in Nava’s debut novel. I hope this is just the first of many more romance novels from major publishers featuring Indigenous leads! 🥰


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Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I read "Swift and Saddled" as soon as I finished "Done and Dusted," and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint!

While I did love the intro to the Blue Rebel Ranch series a bit more than its sequel, Wes and Ada were a delight to follow. Their Black Cat x Golden Retriever dynamic is a tale as old as time, and their chemistry was stronger than a double at the Devils Boot!

I do wish the book had focused a little more on Wes’s battle with depression, as this aspect of the story fell to the side compared to Emmy’s journey with ADHD. The third act was also faster than I expected, but I didn’t mind this too much since I was too busy having a good time in Meadowlark to worry about more conflict.

If you enjoyed "Done and Dusted," be sure to grab "Swift and Saddled" at your favorite local bookstore!
Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream by Tehlor Kay Mejia

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

3.0

I mean, what sexual awakening hasn’t included falling in love with their best friend, right?

While I sought out the audiobook on my own, many thanks to Dell and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Read if you 🩷:
• 🌈 Queer Awakening
• 👯‍♀️ Besties to Lovers
• 💙 Found Family
• 👧 Spunky Six-Year-Olds

Cash Delgado’s life in Ridley Falls is idyllic: managing Joyce’s Bar, raising her lively daughter, and enjoying karaoke nights with her best friend Inez. But when her ex, Chase, returns with business plans that could disrupt everything, and Cash starts having intimate dreams about Inez, her world turns upside down. Forced to confront her feelings and desires, Cash embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Will she risk everything for a love she never expected?

I’m so glad I listened to the audiobook of this novel because I don’t think I would’ve made it through otherwise. While the plot was, at times, basic and predictable for me, I loved E. A. Castillo’s narration too much to stop listening. Their energetic and diverse voice acting shines in this audiobook, so much so that I still can’t believe this is their first one! I’m hoping they book more audiobooks soon, as Castillo’s ability to bring a novel to life is out of this world.

If you’re interested in reading Cash Delgado is Living the Dream, definitely consider reaching for the audiobook instead! You won’t regret it.