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readthatromance's reviews
21 reviews
Kisses, Lies, & Us by Willa Drew
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I had the chance to read this cute little story as an ARC and I loved the set up for Nick and Sarah's future adventures together. I loved the hints of their conflicts and troubles coming out with their authentic selves and how effortlessly they spent time with each other.
This story is definitely short and I think the series will contain the whole romantic arc so I'm not too worried that this book, to me, didn't feel like a full romance. It was like an adorable cup of hot chocolate meet cute to set us up for the rest of the series and I think it did a wonderful job of that. Can't wait to see where their story goes!
This story might be for you if you like:
🌫️ Hidden identity
👦🏻 New boy in town
đź‘€ Right person wrong time
🥰 Slow burn
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Friends-to-more
🎄 Christmas backdrop
No spicy peppers in this one.
This story is definitely short and I think the series will contain the whole romantic arc so I'm not too worried that this book, to me, didn't feel like a full romance. It was like an adorable cup of hot chocolate meet cute to set us up for the rest of the series and I think it did a wonderful job of that. Can't wait to see where their story goes!
This story might be for you if you like:
🌫️ Hidden identity
👦🏻 New boy in town
đź‘€ Right person wrong time
🥰 Slow burn
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Friends-to-more
🎄 Christmas backdrop
No spicy peppers in this one.
Kissing Death by Alexandria Lee
5.0
What can I say? This whole series was a 5 star series for me. Kat, Dom, and Blake all jump off the page: complex characters whose interactions with each other are so believable it hurts.
I cannot get over how well this book wrapped up absolutely everything while still, somehow, surprising me. The whole novel had me sobbing into a box of tissues as I couldn't help but get wrapped up.
I loved the realism, the difficulties, and the complex emotions of these characters, expertly crafted and described through Alexandria Lee's beautiful poetic language.
I loved this whole series even though the author ripped my heart out over and over again. I was glad to see them get their happily ever after.
Please check the content warnings for this book as some of the themes are quite dark. Overall, for me, it was so so worth it. Loved the whole series, but especially this conclusion.
I received an ARC of this book to facilitate my voluntary, honest review.
I cannot get over how well this book wrapped up absolutely everything while still, somehow, surprising me. The whole novel had me sobbing into a box of tissues as I couldn't help but get wrapped up.
I loved the realism, the difficulties, and the complex emotions of these characters, expertly crafted and described through Alexandria Lee's beautiful poetic language.
I loved this whole series even though the author ripped my heart out over and over again. I was glad to see them get their happily ever after.
Please check the content warnings for this book as some of the themes are quite dark. Overall, for me, it was so so worth it. Loved the whole series, but especially this conclusion.
I received an ARC of this book to facilitate my voluntary, honest review.
The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman
5.0
I loved this book. The main characters were flawed, relatable, and fun with complex backstories that really guided their (often not great) choices. And best of all, they had that classic enemies to lovers banter that is just perfection.
Add in desperation for a job, close quarters inside an Italian castle, and the local residents of the town and you have a recipe for some great times! Every major character had such a unique personality and I really felt like I was right there with them in the small Italian town.
I could not put this book down. Once they decided to go along with the fake dating ploy, every second of this book kept me hooked. I had such a great time following them as they learned more about each other, were forced into some couples situations, and eventually learned how to love each other.
A solid enemies to lovers, fake dating story with a planner who needs to control everything and a man who's unpredictable and outside her control. Their growth as a couple (both physically and emotionally) progressed so naturally with successes and setbacks along the way that were believable and so very in character, even if I wanted to shout at the characters for making the wrong choices.
I definitely recommend this book!
I received an ARC copy from the publisher via netgalley in order to facilitate my voluntary honest review.
Add in desperation for a job, close quarters inside an Italian castle, and the local residents of the town and you have a recipe for some great times! Every major character had such a unique personality and I really felt like I was right there with them in the small Italian town.
I could not put this book down. Once they decided to go along with the fake dating ploy, every second of this book kept me hooked. I had such a great time following them as they learned more about each other, were forced into some couples situations, and eventually learned how to love each other.
A solid enemies to lovers, fake dating story with a planner who needs to control everything and a man who's unpredictable and outside her control. Their growth as a couple (both physically and emotionally) progressed so naturally with successes and setbacks along the way that were believable and so very in character, even if I wanted to shout at the characters for making the wrong choices.
I definitely recommend this book!
I received an ARC copy from the publisher via netgalley in order to facilitate my voluntary honest review.
An Exhaustive Proof of Love by Josie Juniper
4.0
This math-infused novel was fast-paced and fun! The main character is a not-so-sweet, definitely not old lady named Edyth who has a passion for mathematics and not nearly enough money in her bank account. She also knows what she wants and isn’t at all afraid to speak her mind, even when she shouldn’t.
So naturally, when an impolite but well dressed man offers to pay for her room if she’ll just trade with him, well, what’s a girl to do but say yes? Even if she does find him a little irritating and a lot attractive. The meet cute for these two was one of my favourite parts because I just knew I needed to get some popcorn for their story to unfold. The enemies to lovers element was beautifully set up in this one interaction.
I loved how they managed to find each other again through a common acquaintance who seemed just a little too good to be true. And I think their relationship really developed quite naturally. And by naturally, I mean, with all the setbacks and messes you would expect from these two spitfires in the same room as one another.
I was a little disappointed that the title and the idea of a proof of love didn’t play more explicitly into this story, though. The idea of a man working to mathematically prove that love is not a fool’s game is part of what drew me to this story and while the idea did come out, I wish it had come out stronger in the overall story. Maybe one day Lawson will write it for us.
This story was full of amazing characters, funny situations, drama, sexy electricity, awkward moments, and twists I didn’t see coming that worked so nicely with the story. Overall, I did enjoy this story, and would recommend it to people who are interested in women in STEM, unique and nerdy characters, and romantic comedies with a bit of steam.
I received an ARC of this novel in order to facilitate my voluntary, honest review.
So naturally, when an impolite but well dressed man offers to pay for her room if she’ll just trade with him, well, what’s a girl to do but say yes? Even if she does find him a little irritating and a lot attractive. The meet cute for these two was one of my favourite parts because I just knew I needed to get some popcorn for their story to unfold. The enemies to lovers element was beautifully set up in this one interaction.
I loved how they managed to find each other again through a common acquaintance who seemed just a little too good to be true. And I think their relationship really developed quite naturally. And by naturally, I mean, with all the setbacks and messes you would expect from these two spitfires in the same room as one another.
I was a little disappointed that the title and the idea of a proof of love didn’t play more explicitly into this story, though. The idea of a man working to mathematically prove that love is not a fool’s game is part of what drew me to this story and while the idea did come out, I wish it had come out stronger in the overall story. Maybe one day Lawson will write it for us.
This story was full of amazing characters, funny situations, drama, sexy electricity, awkward moments, and twists I didn’t see coming that worked so nicely with the story. Overall, I did enjoy this story, and would recommend it to people who are interested in women in STEM, unique and nerdy characters, and romantic comedies with a bit of steam.
I received an ARC of this novel in order to facilitate my voluntary, honest review.
Scotsman in the Stacks by Alana Oxford
3.0
This book has such a fun premise! Librarian Paige has been with her boyfriend forever and he refuses to become her fiance. Finally, she realizes that the two of them just don’t want the same things in life and she breaks up with him, determined to not make the same mistake again.
Less than a year later, an attractive young man, James, walks into the library where Paige works and she is immediately drawn to him. When he opens his mouth and a Scottish accent spills out, well, Paige is sold. Except he’s not in the area for long. Definitely a problem for a girl who needs a long term commitment.
I thought that initial conflict and set up was done quite well. There were some areas I would have liked to see a little more drama or intrigue but overall the book flowed well in delivering an initial premise that was interesting and had enough complexity to keep me reading. But once the two got together, I felt like the conflict almost fully evaporated and morphed into the cutest scenes where these two were doting on each other.
I personally wanted to see some differences of opinion or her taking him somewhere that accidentally reminded him or something negative or, due to their cultural differences, even a mild miscommunication that caused a problem. I would have also liked to see more tension surrounding his return to Scotland. I won’t spoil anyone, but I felt that the worry about whether they would end up together was gone too early in the story for my personal tastes.
If you are looking for a light, fun read that will definitely not make you want to throw the book at the wall, this one might be for you. The two leads are genuine and kind to each other in a way you’d like to see from a real world couple in love, and the library patrons are at times exceptionally entertaining. Overall, this is a light, fun read that I finished quickly and there were a lot of cute moments throughout, I just like my books with a little more conflict.
I received an advanced copy of this book in order to facilitate my honest, voluntary review.
Less than a year later, an attractive young man, James, walks into the library where Paige works and she is immediately drawn to him. When he opens his mouth and a Scottish accent spills out, well, Paige is sold. Except he’s not in the area for long. Definitely a problem for a girl who needs a long term commitment.
I thought that initial conflict and set up was done quite well. There were some areas I would have liked to see a little more drama or intrigue but overall the book flowed well in delivering an initial premise that was interesting and had enough complexity to keep me reading. But once the two got together, I felt like the conflict almost fully evaporated and morphed into the cutest scenes where these two were doting on each other.
I personally wanted to see some differences of opinion or her taking him somewhere that accidentally reminded him or something negative or, due to their cultural differences, even a mild miscommunication that caused a problem. I would have also liked to see more tension surrounding his return to Scotland. I won’t spoil anyone, but I felt that the worry about whether they would end up together was gone too early in the story for my personal tastes.
If you are looking for a light, fun read that will definitely not make you want to throw the book at the wall, this one might be for you. The two leads are genuine and kind to each other in a way you’d like to see from a real world couple in love, and the library patrons are at times exceptionally entertaining. Overall, this is a light, fun read that I finished quickly and there were a lot of cute moments throughout, I just like my books with a little more conflict.
I received an advanced copy of this book in order to facilitate my honest, voluntary review.
The One That Got Away by Zee Monodee
4.0
The end of this book made everything worth it.
I loved the way these two characters were set up for their second chance romance, having missed each other through distance and misconceptions in the past. I’m always a sucker for a romance where the guy falls first and Eric was swoon-worthy in his love for Lara.
The island politics of the mothers and the aunties, the energetic friends and entertaining sisters add fun comedic elements and deep important conversations to this piece. The way Eric remembers Lara’s fears and wishes and what we learn about how their relationship fell apart the first time really endeared the characters to me in a way that felt so real and emotional.
I personally would have liked to see a little more of the story occur on page or come out more slowly, because I felt a little overwhelmed reading the beginning of the book with all the information I was being given. That said, by the time I got to the middle of the story, I couldn’t put it down. The events pulling these two together and apart again were realistic, heart-wrenching and personal and I loved every minute of it.
The fact that they had to fight for their love across years and across countries before finding their way back to each other to have this book’s love story made the whole thing all the more worth it. If you like second chance romance, swoon-worthy respectful men, friends who tell it like it is, and big families who like to meddle, I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book in order to facilitate my voluntary, honest review.
I loved the way these two characters were set up for their second chance romance, having missed each other through distance and misconceptions in the past. I’m always a sucker for a romance where the guy falls first and Eric was swoon-worthy in his love for Lara.
The island politics of the mothers and the aunties, the energetic friends and entertaining sisters add fun comedic elements and deep important conversations to this piece. The way Eric remembers Lara’s fears and wishes and what we learn about how their relationship fell apart the first time really endeared the characters to me in a way that felt so real and emotional.
I personally would have liked to see a little more of the story occur on page or come out more slowly, because I felt a little overwhelmed reading the beginning of the book with all the information I was being given. That said, by the time I got to the middle of the story, I couldn’t put it down. The events pulling these two together and apart again were realistic, heart-wrenching and personal and I loved every minute of it.
The fact that they had to fight for their love across years and across countries before finding their way back to each other to have this book’s love story made the whole thing all the more worth it. If you like second chance romance, swoon-worthy respectful men, friends who tell it like it is, and big families who like to meddle, I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book in order to facilitate my voluntary, honest review.
Looking for Like by Ravina Hilliard
4.0
The banter in this was a thing of beauty.
I picked this up because it was a no-nonsense female detective being forced to work with a billionaire Hollywood star. And on that front, it absolutely did not disappoint. I loved how the characters were portrayed, complete with witty banter, angst, and sudden unexpected attraction that slowly led to more.
I thought that the case they were working was something they could reasonably achieve, but it was difficult enough that it kept me guessing and drove the story forward. And I have to say, I did not see the twist coming at all, but it made everything fall into place so nicely.
All told, these two had the witty banter you want from a rivals to lovers style romance, all the chemistry and sizzle that has the windows steaming, and more than enough drama to go around. I loved how their relationship developed in a way that made sense for them, and I really loved how that element tied into the title of this novel.
I personally would have preferred jumping a little more into the story without the prologue, or else getting a little more of a hint in the prologue of what I was about to see regarding the twist. I also would have liked a little more of a distinct voice from Patrick, and felt that at times the story moved a little slower than I wanted.
I don’t think these things detract too much from the story, though, and would definitely recommend this book if you are into spicy scenes, female detectives, billionaire Hollywood actors, or enemies-to-lovers style banter.
3.5 / 5 Stars.
I was granted a review copy of this title in order to facilitate this voluntary and honest review.
I picked this up because it was a no-nonsense female detective being forced to work with a billionaire Hollywood star. And on that front, it absolutely did not disappoint. I loved how the characters were portrayed, complete with witty banter, angst, and sudden unexpected attraction that slowly led to more.
I thought that the case they were working was something they could reasonably achieve, but it was difficult enough that it kept me guessing and drove the story forward. And I have to say, I did not see the twist coming at all, but it made everything fall into place so nicely.
All told, these two had the witty banter you want from a rivals to lovers style romance, all the chemistry and sizzle that has the windows steaming, and more than enough drama to go around. I loved how their relationship developed in a way that made sense for them, and I really loved how that element tied into the title of this novel.
I personally would have preferred jumping a little more into the story without the prologue, or else getting a little more of a hint in the prologue of what I was about to see regarding the twist. I also would have liked a little more of a distinct voice from Patrick, and felt that at times the story moved a little slower than I wanted.
I don’t think these things detract too much from the story, though, and would definitely recommend this book if you are into spicy scenes, female detectives, billionaire Hollywood actors, or enemies-to-lovers style banter.
3.5 / 5 Stars.
I was granted a review copy of this title in order to facilitate this voluntary and honest review.
Finding You Completes Me by Stacey Komosinski
4.0
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters, and loved how nerdy they were together (and apart) throughout the book. The supporting characters of Jess’s friends and Momma R. were excellent and I really loved how much Jess took on the role of mother to Ruthie. The family and small town elements were beautifully and realistically portrayed in this romance.
The way these two meet, the way he finally gains the courage to ask her out, and the way they are with each other from moment one is definitely worth the read. These two have chemistry seeping off the page combined with real conversations and problems that they face alone and then, increasingly, together. The struggles they faced kept me turning the page and I never doubted that these two would be there for each other through it all.
I did have a couple things that tripped me up, though. First, I struggled with how many characters were introduced in the beginning and how superficially I got to know most of them in the opening chapters. Perhaps this isn’t a problem if you’ve read the previous novels in the series, but as a first time reader, it was a struggle for me. And second, I found several of the scenes or conversations, especially toward the beginning of the book, to be realistic but without story purpose. People absolutely talk about the things they were talking about, but it left me wondering why it was important to the romance or even the subplots we were being introduced to.
That said, by the end, I was thoroughly invested in their relationship and could see them being together. I was very much rooting for their success, which is what you want in a romance. This was relatively low on relationship drama, and relatively high on steamy scenes. These two did not shy away from either the physical or emotional elements of their relationship, but it developed so naturally for these two characters.
If you like small town romances, dreamy doctors, many spicy peppers in the bedroom (and elsewhere), and strong friend groups, I am sure you will love Finding You Completes Me by Stacey Komodinski. I definitely enjoyed it enough to want to pick up the next one!
I received a review copy of this book in order to facilitate this voluntary and honest review.
The way these two meet, the way he finally gains the courage to ask her out, and the way they are with each other from moment one is definitely worth the read. These two have chemistry seeping off the page combined with real conversations and problems that they face alone and then, increasingly, together. The struggles they faced kept me turning the page and I never doubted that these two would be there for each other through it all.
I did have a couple things that tripped me up, though. First, I struggled with how many characters were introduced in the beginning and how superficially I got to know most of them in the opening chapters. Perhaps this isn’t a problem if you’ve read the previous novels in the series, but as a first time reader, it was a struggle for me. And second, I found several of the scenes or conversations, especially toward the beginning of the book, to be realistic but without story purpose. People absolutely talk about the things they were talking about, but it left me wondering why it was important to the romance or even the subplots we were being introduced to.
That said, by the end, I was thoroughly invested in their relationship and could see them being together. I was very much rooting for their success, which is what you want in a romance. This was relatively low on relationship drama, and relatively high on steamy scenes. These two did not shy away from either the physical or emotional elements of their relationship, but it developed so naturally for these two characters.
If you like small town romances, dreamy doctors, many spicy peppers in the bedroom (and elsewhere), and strong friend groups, I am sure you will love Finding You Completes Me by Stacey Komodinski. I definitely enjoyed it enough to want to pick up the next one!
I received a review copy of this book in order to facilitate this voluntary and honest review.
The Reason For it All by Jessie Marie, Jessie Marie
5.0
I don't even know how to write this review without gushing. But I'll try.
This book is definitely a contender for my favourite book ever. The setting, the characters, their interactions, and of course the romance was all amazing. Literally every piece of this book brought me closer to the characters and it was written so masterfully it pulled me right through the story. I never wanted to put it down. And when I did have to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again.
The way with which the author exposes the history of the characters is so seamlessly done I barely realized it was happening. But the history these two characters had with each other, and the way that brought them together in this story, was both realistic and beautiful. I cannot get enough of "It's always been you" and this book was the perfect example of why.
Jaxton's player/dad vibes are impeccable and Tee's independent can-do attitude is challenged by his desire to love and help her. And the banter. The banter and teasing in this book is perfection. These two had everything.
If you like brother's best friend, very realistic marriages of convenience, that rivals-to-lovers style banter, or characters with a past, you will definitely love this book. I honestly cannot recommend it enough.
Please note the content warnings as there are several heavy topics discussed. I thought they were all handled with great care, but they may still be difficult for some.
I received an advance copy of this book in order to facilitate my voluntary and honest review.
This book is definitely a contender for my favourite book ever. The setting, the characters, their interactions, and of course the romance was all amazing. Literally every piece of this book brought me closer to the characters and it was written so masterfully it pulled me right through the story. I never wanted to put it down. And when I did have to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again.
The way with which the author exposes the history of the characters is so seamlessly done I barely realized it was happening. But the history these two characters had with each other, and the way that brought them together in this story, was both realistic and beautiful. I cannot get enough of "It's always been you" and this book was the perfect example of why.
Jaxton's player/dad vibes are impeccable and Tee's independent can-do attitude is challenged by his desire to love and help her. And the banter. The banter and teasing in this book is perfection. These two had everything.
If you like brother's best friend, very realistic marriages of convenience, that rivals-to-lovers style banter, or characters with a past, you will definitely love this book. I honestly cannot recommend it enough.
Please note the content warnings as there are several heavy topics discussed. I thought they were all handled with great care, but they may still be difficult for some.
I received an advance copy of this book in order to facilitate my voluntary and honest review.
Sasha and the Butcher by Stephanie Kazowz
4.0
I love Sasha and Luca. I like them individually. I love them together.
4.5/5 Stars.
Sasha is a fierce, confident, independent woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. She’s started her own company, she dances, and she has no trouble finding people to sleep with. But her last relationship wound still haunts her, as memories of her girlfriend’s attempts to change who she was cloud every judgement she makes.
Enter Luca Moretti and his fierce, demanding love. Where she didn’t want strings, he wants them all. He doesn’t just want repeated, mind-blowing adventures in the sheets (and he does want that), he also wants Sasha to do things like go out to dinner! How dare he?!?
From the moment Sasha agrees to a date, their relationship is somewhat of a tease as they get to know each other, developing naturally as time goes on to bring the two closer together. I love how much he cared for her and wanted to make sure he wasn’t changing who she was.
But then there was the small matter of his… employment. This is a mafia romance, after all.
I loved how his opinion of his family and the danger associated with it changed as the book went on and he learned more about what his role as the head of the family would mean. And I loved how authentically he and Sasha danced around that topic. I thought it was excellently written and engaging.
That said, for a mafia book, this book didn’t have a lot of mafia. By that I mean, there wasn’t even really hints that something nefarious was going on, besides one mention of his job being dangerous, until we were about halfway through the book. I would have loved to see a few more instances or hints that his cinnamon roll self might not be all there is to him. I did love that he had that softer side, though, as it brought an intriguing dimension to his character.
In the end, I loved the book, and I know this is only the first in a planned series, so I reserve the right to come change my rating once I finish the series! Overall, it was so close to being a five star read that I struggled to decide, but I really think if there was more foreshadowing or an earlier revelation of the mafia element, this would definitely be a five star read. It is well-written, and Sasha is funny, confident, and sassy in equal measure. I look forward to watching her grapple with her situation in the next books.
I received a review copy of this book in order to facilitate my voluntary, honest review.
4.5/5 Stars.
Sasha is a fierce, confident, independent woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. She’s started her own company, she dances, and she has no trouble finding people to sleep with. But her last relationship wound still haunts her, as memories of her girlfriend’s attempts to change who she was cloud every judgement she makes.
Enter Luca Moretti and his fierce, demanding love. Where she didn’t want strings, he wants them all. He doesn’t just want repeated, mind-blowing adventures in the sheets (and he does want that), he also wants Sasha to do things like go out to dinner! How dare he?!?
From the moment Sasha agrees to a date, their relationship is somewhat of a tease as they get to know each other, developing naturally as time goes on to bring the two closer together. I love how much he cared for her and wanted to make sure he wasn’t changing who she was.
But then there was the small matter of his… employment. This is a mafia romance, after all.
I loved how his opinion of his family and the danger associated with it changed as the book went on and he learned more about what his role as the head of the family would mean. And I loved how authentically he and Sasha danced around that topic. I thought it was excellently written and engaging.
That said, for a mafia book, this book didn’t have a lot of mafia. By that I mean, there wasn’t even really hints that something nefarious was going on, besides one mention of his job being dangerous, until we were about halfway through the book. I would have loved to see a few more instances or hints that his cinnamon roll self might not be all there is to him. I did love that he had that softer side, though, as it brought an intriguing dimension to his character.
In the end, I loved the book, and I know this is only the first in a planned series, so I reserve the right to come change my rating once I finish the series! Overall, it was so close to being a five star read that I struggled to decide, but I really think if there was more foreshadowing or an earlier revelation of the mafia element, this would definitely be a five star read. It is well-written, and Sasha is funny, confident, and sassy in equal measure. I look forward to watching her grapple with her situation in the next books.
I received a review copy of this book in order to facilitate my voluntary, honest review.