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readandwright's reviews
457 reviews
Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez
5.0
Thank you Forever for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
This is the closest I can give a book 10 stars. 100 stars. 1000000000000000 stars.
This is the closest I can give a book 10 stars. 100 stars. 1000000000000000 stars.
THIS BOOK. Not only will be a favorite of the year, but a favorite of all time. Abby Jimenez is the master of the modern romance. She packs her books full of very real issues humans deal with on an everyday basis while also falling in love and learning how to be in a relationship with a true partner. This book made me laugh, cry, kick my feet and giggle and smile like no other. I loved these characters, I love their journeys, and I am so sad it’s over. Wow. It’s truly incredible.
What started out as a bet to help each other move on from a “curse” became something so full and affirming. No matter where you come from, no matter what you’ve been through, the right person will still always be there for you if you just let them in. READ THIS BOOK!
Synopsis:
“Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it's now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They'll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work.
Emma hadn't planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka.
It's supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma's toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they're suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected--including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?” —NetGalley
It's supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma's toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they're suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected--including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
- The Characters—I LOVED Justin and Emma, oh my goodness. But as Abby does, the whole world she creates is so full of wonderful characters that fully flesh out the book’s universe. Sarah, Alex, Chelsea, Maddy, seeing glimpses of Daniel, Bri, Jacob, and Alexis. It was so so good.
- The Setting—A lake in Minnesota but also returning to Grant House, the hospital. I am so attached to this world.
- The Very Real Issues at the Forefront—I don’t know how Abby does it, but she can create a story that gives me butterflies and makes me kick my feet giggling while I read while keeping the characters grounded in painful realities. I cried so much reading this book as Emma and Justin walked through their trauma together and apart.
What Didn’t Work:
- Nothing. I loved every page of this book. More golden retriever heros! More Minnesota. I love it all.
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
Abandonment, PTSD, mental illness, incarceration, grief, child abuse, toxic parental relationship, vomiting, gaslighting, fire
The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Thank you Penguin Group Putnam for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
The Guncle will forever be a favorite book of mine. It’s one of those stories that was so visceral of an experience when I read it, I can’t help but recommend it to everyone I know. It was a personal book for me and when I learned there was a sequel, I was thrilled to revisit these characters. I thought this was very well done for a sequel. It opened up a lot of feelings for me, some of them anger that the characters were being put through these things! I felt indignant and defensive of Sara’s memory. But then I realized that a writer’s job isn’t to craft perfect characters; it’s to craft real characters.
While the language is witty and the banter is fun, at it’s heart, this is a story of moving forward with grief. Grief isn’t something we leave behind, it walks with us every moment of our lives. So while I was sad and frustrated by parts, I also know it was necessary. By the end I was grinning ear to ear.
Synopsis:
“Patrick O’Hara is back.
It’s been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant’s caretaker after their mother’s passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world . . . professionally. But some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him.
When Patrick's brother, Greg, announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take the two back under his wing. As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. But when they arrive in Italy, Patrick is overextended managing a groom with cold feet; his sister, Clara, flirting with guests left and right; a growing rivalry with the kids’ charming soon-to-be-launt (lesbian aunt), and two moody young teens trying to adjust to a new normal, all culminating in a disastrous rehearsal dinner.
Can Patrick save the day? Will teaching the kids about love help him repair his own love life? Can the change of scenery help Patrick come to terms with finally growing up?
Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley charms with a beloved story about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.” —NetGalley
It’s been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant’s caretaker after their mother’s passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world . . . professionally. But some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him.
When Patrick's brother, Greg, announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take the two back under his wing. As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. But when they arrive in Italy, Patrick is overextended managing a groom with cold feet; his sister, Clara, flirting with guests left and right; a growing rivalry with the kids’ charming soon-to-be-launt (lesbian aunt), and two moody young teens trying to adjust to a new normal, all culminating in a disastrous rehearsal dinner.
Can Patrick save the day? Will teaching the kids about love help him repair his own love life? Can the change of scenery help Patrick come to terms with finally growing up?
Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley charms with a beloved story about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
- Returning to These Characters—The Guncle is one of my favorite books of all time. I loved the characters so much and the story. It left an indelible mark on me so I was THRILLED when this arrived in my inbox.
- The Tone, Writing—I love Steven Rowley’s writing. It’s sharp and witty but full of little wisdoms that borrow into your heart.
- The Expressions of Grief—One of the things I love about the books is this series is how it explores grief from so many different angles. Children losing a parent, a spouse losing their parent, a best friend losing their other half. It’s quiet in it’s complexity and makes you laugh out loud while also tear up.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- 2nd Act Pacing—Things in the 2nd Act got a little funny for me. It felt a little choppy as we got to the “main events.”
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: N/A Overall Rating: 4/5
Content Warnings:
brief ention of Harry Potter/JK Rowling, grief, ableist language
The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest
3.75
Thank you Berkley for my copy of The Partner Plot! All thoughts are my own.
One of my favorite books from last year was The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forrest so I couldn’t wait for the next book in this interconnected series! I thought the set up for this book was so cute and I absolutely LOVE the cover. The pink pops off the page and made me even more excited to read it.
I didn’t love this book as much as the Neighbor Favor, but it is still a great read that explores second chances, changing dreams, and forgiveness.
Synopsis:
“To Violet Greene, fashion is everything. As a successful celebrity stylist, she travels all over the world, living out her dreams. Professionally, she’s thriving, but her personal life is in shambles. After surviving a very public breakup with her ex-fiancé six months ago, Violet is now determined to focus on her career. But life hands her something—or rather, someone—that might derail everything…Xavier Wright did not expect to run into his high school girlfriend Violet—the girl he once thought he’d marry—on a birthday trip to Vegas. As a high school teacher and basketball coach, he rarely leaves his New Jersey hometown, so what were the chances? But when the initial shock wears off, they decide to celebrate together. They feel young and reckless as they party the night away—and reckless they clearly were when the following morning, they wake up beside each other with rings on their fingers.Their impulsive nuptials might be a blessing in disguise, though, when they realize that both of their careers could benefit from the marriage. So they play the part of a blissfully wedded couple. Yet when their passion comes hurling back, they realize their feelings are just as real as they were back when they were teens. But are their lives too different to stick it through or will they finally get a happy ending?” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Set Up—I love a book that starts in Vegas. Have I been to Vegas? No. But the stakes are always quite high! I also loved how the book started with a prologue of sorts, featuring the characters when they were younger.
The Characters—Xavier and Violet were a delight to spend time with, but I love all the side characters in this series!
The Tropes—Second chance romance and fake dating? High! Stakes!
What Didn’t Work For Me:
The Pacing—This book had all the ingredients to make me fall in love with it, but there was something with the pacing that just missed the mark for me.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 3.75/5
Content Warnings:
infidelity
One of my favorite books from last year was The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forrest so I couldn’t wait for the next book in this interconnected series! I thought the set up for this book was so cute and I absolutely LOVE the cover. The pink pops off the page and made me even more excited to read it.
I didn’t love this book as much as the Neighbor Favor, but it is still a great read that explores second chances, changing dreams, and forgiveness.
Synopsis:
“To Violet Greene, fashion is everything. As a successful celebrity stylist, she travels all over the world, living out her dreams. Professionally, she’s thriving, but her personal life is in shambles. After surviving a very public breakup with her ex-fiancé six months ago, Violet is now determined to focus on her career. But life hands her something—or rather, someone—that might derail everything…Xavier Wright did not expect to run into his high school girlfriend Violet—the girl he once thought he’d marry—on a birthday trip to Vegas. As a high school teacher and basketball coach, he rarely leaves his New Jersey hometown, so what were the chances? But when the initial shock wears off, they decide to celebrate together. They feel young and reckless as they party the night away—and reckless they clearly were when the following morning, they wake up beside each other with rings on their fingers.Their impulsive nuptials might be a blessing in disguise, though, when they realize that both of their careers could benefit from the marriage. So they play the part of a blissfully wedded couple. Yet when their passion comes hurling back, they realize their feelings are just as real as they were back when they were teens. But are their lives too different to stick it through or will they finally get a happy ending?” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Set Up—I love a book that starts in Vegas. Have I been to Vegas? No. But the stakes are always quite high! I also loved how the book started with a prologue of sorts, featuring the characters when they were younger.
The Characters—Xavier and Violet were a delight to spend time with, but I love all the side characters in this series!
The Tropes—Second chance romance and fake dating? High! Stakes!
What Didn’t Work For Me:
The Pacing—This book had all the ingredients to make me fall in love with it, but there was something with the pacing that just missed the mark for me.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 3.75/5
Content Warnings:
infidelity
Happy Medium by Sarah Adler
5.0
Thank you Berkley for my copy! All thoughts are my own!
I’m just gonna say this: I LOVED this book. Sarah Adler is an author who just vibes with my reading taste. Her stories are unique with a quirk, but still grounded in reality. Both of her books had everything I look for in a romance: a believable connection, a great setting, and good conflict. I thought the premise of this book was so unique yet familiar, I need it to be a movie NOW! I want to watch this story play out over and over. There’s a quietness to her writing that makes me feel so good as a reader. I just loved it.
Synopsis:
“Fake spirit medium Gretchen Acorn is happy to help when her best (read: wealthiest) client hires her to investigate the unexplained phenomena preventing the sale of her bridge partner’s struggling goat farm. Gretchen may be a fraud, but she'd like to think she’s a beneficent one. So if "cleansing" the property will help a nice old man finally retire and put some much-needed cash in her pockets at the same time, who's she to say no?
Of course, it turns out said bridge partner isn't the kindly AARP member Gretchen imagined—Charlie Waybill is young, hot as hell, and extremely unconvinced that Gretchen can communicate with the dead. (Which, fair.) Except, to her surprise, Gretchen finds herself face-to-face with Everett: the very real, very chatty ghost that’s been wreaking havoc during every open house. And he wants her to help ensure Charlie avoids the same family curse that's had Everett haunting Gilded Creek since the 1920s.
Now, Gretchen has one month to convince Charlie he can’t sell the property. Unfortunately, hard work and honesty seem to be the way to win over the stubborn farmer—not exactly Gretchen's strengths. But trust isn’t the only thing growing between them, and the risk of losing Charlie to the spirit realm looms over Gretchen almost as annoyingly as Everett himself. To save the goat farm, its friendly phantom, and the man she's beginning to love, Gretchen will need to pull off the greatest con of her life: being fully, genuinely herself.” —NetGalley
Of course, it turns out said bridge partner isn't the kindly AARP member Gretchen imagined—Charlie Waybill is young, hot as hell, and extremely unconvinced that Gretchen can communicate with the dead. (Which, fair.) Except, to her surprise, Gretchen finds herself face-to-face with Everett: the very real, very chatty ghost that’s been wreaking havoc during every open house. And he wants her to help ensure Charlie avoids the same family curse that's had Everett haunting Gilded Creek since the 1920s.
Now, Gretchen has one month to convince Charlie he can’t sell the property. Unfortunately, hard work and honesty seem to be the way to win over the stubborn farmer—not exactly Gretchen's strengths. But trust isn’t the only thing growing between them, and the risk of losing Charlie to the spirit realm looms over Gretchen almost as annoyingly as Everett himself. To save the goat farm, its friendly phantom, and the man she's beginning to love, Gretchen will need to pull off the greatest con of her life: being fully, genuinely herself.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
- The “Paranormal Light”: I loved Meg Cabot’s Mediator Series and it was so fun to read a contemporary romance with a paranormal element. It was unique and fun! I think this would be such a fun movie.
- The Setting: Small town farm life is the complete opposite of my life, and yet I can’t get enough of it in my books. The setting was so clear and I just loved.
- The Characters: I loved them all, including the animals on the farm! Charlie is dreamy and I became very attached to Everett.
- The Romance: A perfect enemies to lovers. The tension was great!
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- I want this to be like 4.9 stars because there was one aspect that I felt like we kept waiting for, and that was if Gretchen’s father would make an appearance. I felt like it needed to happen for her journey to be complete so I almost wonder if there had been a better way to achieve it. Just food for thought!
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
dementia/alzheimer’s, death, grief, animals giving birth
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
5.0
Thank you Putnam Books for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
Annabel Monaghan easily delivers another five star read for me. I LOVED this book like I have loved all of her books. They all have made me feel things so deeply and connect with women I may not have a ton in common with on paper, but inside, we all are connected. I finished this book in a day and if I hadn’t needed to clean my house I would have read it in one sitting. I LOVED it. Annabel has this incredible ability to write everything that needs to be on the page without it feeling like the book is missing anything. It’s an incredible talent and this book has moved up my list of favorites.
Synopsis:
“Benefits of a summer romance: It’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken.
Ali Morris is a professional organizer whose own life is a mess. Her mom died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn’t worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember.
No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her in the same way he claimed his favorite of her three children: by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right—like he likes what he sees. He looks at her as if she’s a version of herself she hasn’t been in a long while. The last thing newly single mom Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little summer romance. Is there?” —NetGalley
Ali Morris is a professional organizer whose own life is a mess. Her mom died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn’t worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember.
No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her in the same way he claimed his favorite of her three children: by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right—like he likes what he sees. He looks at her as if she’s a version of herself she hasn’t been in a long while. The last thing newly single mom Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little summer romance. Is there?” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
- The Setting—This book felt like home! It wasn’t set in Connecticut, where I grew up, but it is on Long Island Sound which is close enough to capture the vibes of my summers as a kid. I LOVED the charming town and how all the homes were described.
- The Characters—I loved Ali and Ethan plus all the side characters. Cliffy is adorable and Phyllis will have my heart forever.
- The Visceral Feelings—Pete SUCKS. Can we talk about how much Pete sucks? But I loved how this book made me feel things so loudly. I felt my heart clench and burst along with Ali’s as she found herself again.
What Didn’t Work:
- Wanted a Little More from Frannie—I would have liked a teeeeny bit more from the side characters but I still loved this book so much.
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 0/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
death of a parent, grief, divorce, toxic relationship
Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage
3.75
Thank you to The Dial Press for my advanced copy! All thoughts are my own.
2023 was the year I finally got into westerns and cowboy romances. It’s truly a subgenre I never thought I’d be into, but I am decidedly obsessed. Swift and Saddled was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024. I really liked it! I definitely loved Done and Dusted more, but that was such a perfect reading experience for me I think it would be hard to recreate.
I loved being back at Rebel Blue and I can’t wait for another book from Lyla in this universe and beyond!
Synopsis:
“She’s the city girl who refuses to be saddled with a man. He’s the cowboy who wants her anyway.
The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career.
When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can’t seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she’ll never see him again . . . except it turns out he’s her new boss.
Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family’s ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. It’s too bad she wants absolutely nothing to do with him outside of work. Ada is convinced the pull she feels toward Wes will go away, but Wes can’t stop thinking about her. Even though walls are coming down around Rebel Blue, Ada’s walls are firmly in place.
Can they make it through this project without giving in? Or will they both put their dreams on the line for a chance at love?”
The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career.
When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can’t seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she’ll never see him again . . . except it turns out he’s her new boss.
Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family’s ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. It’s too bad she wants absolutely nothing to do with him outside of work. Ada is convinced the pull she feels toward Wes will go away, but Wes can’t stop thinking about her. Even though walls are coming down around Rebel Blue, Ada’s walls are firmly in place.
Can they make it through this project without giving in? Or will they both put their dreams on the line for a chance at love?”
What I Liked:
- Being Back at Rebel Blue—I am obsessed with this ranch and this family. I loved being back with the whole family.
- The Family Relationships—The best part of this series is that the whole family is so wonderful. I loved getting to know Cam a little more and seeing her relationship with Riley, Emmy and Teddy. I loved seeing Emmy and Luke happy. It was so wonderful. And Amos! I love Amos so much.
- Character’s Individual Journeys—Wes and Ada both had a lot to work through in order to be good partners to each other. I loved how they worked through things on their own and with each other.
What Didn’t Work For Me
- Forced Chemistry? Lack of? Something was Off—The book starts with a near one night stand…and then I felt like the chemistry petered off until the storm scene. I’m sad I feel this way because I LOVEEEEEEED Done & Dusted so much.
- Felt too Soon for an “outsider”—I loved being back at Rebel Blue but I feel like I wasn’t ready to view it from an “outsider’s” perspective…maybe because I am so excited for Teddy and Gus’s book! At least I think they’ve got a story coming…I just didn’t jive with this set up.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 3.75/5
Content Warnings:
mental illness, domestic abuse, divorce, panic attacks/disorders, death of a parent
One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin
5.0
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for my copy of One Star Romance! All thoughts are my own.
Picture this: your best friend is marrying a guy you don’t think is good enough for her, leading her to move out and leave you behind. Then the best man gives your novel a one star review on Goodreads. You know he did it but you can’t ruin your best friend’s wedding…because you based the book off of her future husband. One Star Romance by Laura Hankin captures the feeling of being in your twenties, a decade of immense change, perfectly.
I LOVED this book. I knew I would, since I’ve loved all of Laura Hankin’s books, but I loved her foray into rom coms. Rom coms are just the best and Laura brought a fresh spin to the genre. Not only are we falling in love with a couple, but we’re seeing their lives and other relationships unfold. It’s not a traditional rom com but it still gives you all the feels you’re looking for, with a sprinkle of fiction and a dash of angst. Perfect for fans of Kate Goldbecks, You, Again.
Synopsis:
What I Liked:
- The Set Up—Walking down the aisle with a dude who gave your book one star? Juicy. I was so excited to dive in on this knowledge alone!
- The Balance Between Friendship and Romantic Love—I’ve been reading romance for a long time and it’s my favorite genre. But it’s always nice when the story feels so full and reminiscent of real life, amidst all the wonderful tropes. I loved how we equally got to know Natalie and Rob through their relationships with friends and family.
- The Fresh and Familiar Feeling—This book felt fresh in the sense that it felt like “more” than a romance but still had a delightful grumpy/sunshine and enemies to lovers vibe.
What Didn’t Work:
- First Act Felt a Little Slow—I wish the first act had started a little quicker, there was a lot of backstory that did end up being important but I think we could have seen it later on in flashbacks or described in a different way.
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 0/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
dementia, cancer
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
Thank you Avon Books for my copy of Fangirl Down! All thoughts are my own.
If you’ve been reading my reviews for a while, you’ll know I’ve been reading and loving Tessa Bailey for awhile. But the last few books she’s come out with haven’t quite hit the mark for me. So, I was nervous for Fangirl Down but I am pleased to report I really enjoyed it! It felt like a return to the Tessa Bailey I fell in love with. It still has an aspect of “suspend your disbelief” element, where you just need to fully commit to swooning over a romance hero, but it had a bit more grounded reality that I prefer in my romances. I also really liked that it took place in the golf world! It was a fun change for a lot of sports romances.
Synopsis:
“Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his “promising” career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life.
Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine’s professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash…
As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they’re inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous… right?” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
- The Premise—I learned to golf in 2020 and while I don’t watch golf super regularly, I am always fascinated by golfer interviews. It’s a harder sport than I realized so I liked being in that world!
- The Characters—I loved Wells and Josephine. I thought they complemented each other really well and I liked how they overcame their situations together.
- The Chronic Illness Rep—My favorite part of romance is that it takes real world problems and allows people to work through them while also experiencing love and relationships. This book features a character living with Diabetes, which helped me learn more about what it looks like day to day.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- A Little Cheesy—As always, when you pick up a book by this author, there will be some moments that can feel over the top for some readers. I still really enjoyed it though!
Character Authenticity: 3.5/5 Spice Rating: 3/5 Overall Rating: 4/5
Content Warnings:
chronic illness, medical event (diabetes), abandonment
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I can safely say I have definitely never read another book like this before. I added it to my TBR based off loving the author’s debut but this book surprised me. I have never read a shifter romance! And I’m not sure if it’s the right subgenre for me…
I really don’t know how to rate this book. I did the audio and I loved the performances and the characters, but then there were moments that made me a little uncomfy and I had a hard time processing the moments. I know so many people who love Omegaverse/Shifter Romances! So there’s definitely an audience, but again, not sure it’s for me. So, please take my review with this in mind: I didn’t realize this was a shifter romance until I did more research, I have never read a shifter romance and didn’t intend to, others love it and I still will read more from this author.
Synopsis:
“Mackenzie Carter has had some very bad dates lately. Model train experts, mansplainers, guys weirdly obsessed with her tail—she hasn’t had a successful date in months. Only a year out of residency, her grandmother’s obsession with Mackenzie finding the perfect mate to settle down with threatens to drive Mackenzie barking mad. Out of options, it feels like a small thing to tell her grandmother that she’s met someone. That is, until she blurts out the name of the first man she sees and the last man she would ever date: Noah Taylor, the big bad wolf of Denver General.
Noah Taylor, interventional cardiologist and all around grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is. With outdated stigmas surrounding unmated alphas that have people wondering if they still howl at the moon, Noah has been careful to keep his designation under wraps. It’s worked for years, until an anonymous tip has everything coming to light. Noah is left with two options: come clean to the board and risk his career—or find himself a mate. The chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asking him to be her fake boyfriend on the same day he’s called to meet the board has to be kismet, right?
Mackenzie will keep her grandmother off her back, and Noah will get a chance to prove he can continue to work without a real mate—a mutually beneficial business transaction, they both rationalize. But when the fake-mate act turns into a very real friends-with-benefits arrangement, lines start to blur, and they quickly realize love is a whole different kind of animal.” —NetGalley
Noah Taylor, interventional cardiologist and all around grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is. With outdated stigmas surrounding unmated alphas that have people wondering if they still howl at the moon, Noah has been careful to keep his designation under wraps. It’s worked for years, until an anonymous tip has everything coming to light. Noah is left with two options: come clean to the board and risk his career—or find himself a mate. The chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asking him to be her fake boyfriend on the same day he’s called to meet the board has to be kismet, right?
Mackenzie will keep her grandmother off her back, and Noah will get a chance to prove he can continue to work without a real mate—a mutually beneficial business transaction, they both rationalize. But when the fake-mate act turns into a very real friends-with-benefits arrangement, lines start to blur, and they quickly realize love is a whole different kind of animal.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
- The Work Place Setting—I love a workplace romance! I loved that this took place in a hospital and thought it was interesting that everything was so out in the open. I wasn’t expecting it!
- The Side Characters—I really liked everyone in this book! The dialogue was fun and I liked their relationships.
- The Protective Hero—While I wasn’t ready for an Alpha…I understand the appeal.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- The Subgenre—I don’t know if I’m this kind of romance girlie 😭
- The Spice—I’m sorry, I’m sorry but it just didn’t work for me. I am not a prude or screamish reader when it comes to spice but it just did not work for me.
- The Feeling Like I was Missing Something—I am a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which was kept from being scared off once I learned this was a shifter romance. But I felt like I was thrown in to world with little to no explanation (which is probably my fault!).
Character Authenticity: 3/5 Spice Rating: 3/5 Overall Rating: ???
Content Warnings:
abandonment, medical content, death of a parent