Fiction / Romance / Contemporary

Christmas Criminal by Ally Williams- A Spicy Holiday Romance!

ARC, First Impressions, Reviews /

Thoughts on the book: I know I’ve said this before, but I’m a total sucker for a good Hallmark movie. So, when I spotted The Christmas Criminal by Ally Williams, I was immediately intrigued! Imagine a classic Hallmark plot—small-town Christmas vibes, a dash of romance, and a cozy holiday setting—but with a spicy twist! This book has it all: a slow-burn romance, a little holiday mischief, and a major dose of chemistry. You can see why picking this one up was a no-brainer for me. Our heroine, Noelle, is the “Christmas Criminal” of the story, back in her hometown to serve community service. Caught causing some mischief by the local sheriff, she’s given an ultimatum: jail time or community service. Naturally, she chooses the latter, even though it means spending most of her time in her old high school, a place that brings up a lot of bad memories for her. But there’s a silver lining to this punishment: Nick, the hunky high school math teacher assigned to oversee her service hours. Nick is the dreamy math teacher we all wish we’d had—tall, charming, and with a surprising love for Christmas. He sees his role in community service as a chance to give back, but he definitely wasn’t expecting to be so drawn to Noelle, his mischievous “little criminal.” Their dynamic is playful, with Nick’s warm, Christmas-loving heart softening Noelle’s rough edges. What follows is a delicious slow-burn romance between two very different people who surprisingly complement each other perfectly. Noelle’s tough exterior and reluctance to embrace the holiday spirit slowly melt away under Nick’s influence, and their chemistry is undeniable. The banter between them is so well-written, and each interaction builds up the tension. When the sparks finally fly, the payoff is well worth the wait! The plot itself is fun, festive, and surprisingly thoughtful, with moments that feel like they’re straight out of a Christmas movie. Yes, it’s a little cheesy in the best way possible, but that’s part of the charm! The small-town setting, complete with Christmas lights, and festive decorations, really draws you in and makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it all. If you’re in the mood for an easy, cozy read with a holiday twist, The Christmas Criminal is a perfect choice. It’s the kind of story that works as a great palate cleanser or a quick Christmas read that’s sure to make you smile. The added spice just takes it up a notch, making it even more enjoyable. Honestly, it almost makes me want to get into a little mischief myself—who wouldn’t want to find themselves doing community service with a hunky math teacher? So, if you’re looking for a light-hearted, festive romance with a bit of heat and all the cozy Christmas vibes, give The Christmas Criminal a try. It’s a holiday treat you won’t regret! Recommended Reading if you’re looking for: 

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Graves Glenn Series by Erin Sterling: The Ex Hex, The Kiss Curse, & The Wedding Witch

Reviews, Saturday Series /

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See my policies for further details. It’s spooky season, and Halloween is just around the corner! Whether you’re enjoying cooler temperatures and fall festivities like pumpkin patches, apple picking, or impatiently waiting for trick-or-treating, this series is the perfect way to pass the time. I fell in love with The Ex Hex when it first came out, and I was thrilled when the other books were released, letting me revisit not only my favorite characters but also my new favorite town, Graves Glenn. Set in fictional Georgia, Graves Glenn is a little tourist town where Halloween is the main attraction. It’s packed with spooky season festivities and cute shops offering all the merch you could possibly want. If that sounds like your kind of fun, let’s dive into the magical mayhem that is the Graves Glenn Series by Erin Sterling. The Ex Hex kicks off the series and follows Rhys Penhallow and Vivienne Jones on their misadventure-filled journey. These two are—no surprise here—exes with a bitter breakup in their past. When Vivienne was heartbroken, she added a little tequila and bubble bath into her grief, accidentally casting a hex on Rhys. Years later, Rhys returns to Graves Glenn to recharge the town’s magical ley lines, but things go haywire. Coincidence, or the result of Vivienne’s hex? As they quickly discover, the tequila-soaked curse is very real. Ghosts, talking cats, and magical mishaps unfold as Rhys and Vivi reconnect and build a stronger relationship. This book is such a fun read that you’ll want to revisit it every fall! Next up is The Kiss Curse, which follows Rhys’ brother, Lewellyn—or Wells—and Vivienne’s cousin, Gwyn Jones. I have a soft spot for oldest sibling stories, and Wells’ layered personality shines through as he moves to Graves Glenn with no intention of getting involved with Gwyn. And Gwyn? She’s a spunky heroine with a quirky style, making her my favorite character in the series. This book delivers some serious enemies-to-lovers vibes, all while keeping up the magical chaos that defines the Graves Glenn books. The tension between Wells and Gwyn is palpable, especially when her magic starts acting up just as he arrives. Is it his fault? Who knows! Plus, the glitter explosion scene makes me laugh every time. And we can’t forget Sir Purrcival, the true star of the book! The series wraps up with The Wedding Witch, focusing on Bowen Penhallow, the mysterious middle brother. From the start, Bowen intrigued me—he’s the quiet brother living in the mountains, with everyone joking about him being a werewolf. Naturally, I couldn’t wait to read his story when it dropped on my Kindle this season. Bowen is a bit of an enigma, but I was just as curious about the woman who would capture his heart. Enter Tasmyn, a character from the first book that I was delighted to see return! Their story brings a boss-employee dynamic with a magical twist, which added a fresh angle to the series. While this book leans more towards winter vibes than Halloween, it serves as a perfect bridge into the holiday season. And don’t worry—there’s still plenty of magical mayhem and a race against time to keep you hooked until the end. Whether you read them in order or pick them up as standalones, you can’t go wrong with any of these books. Each one is a complete story, but you’ll enjoy them more if you follow the whole set, as the characters make appearances in each other’s stories, and you get to see the couples’ relationships progress across the series. Graves Glenn is the true heart of the series, with its festive atmosphere and lively magic woven into every corner of the town. The way the fall festivities are described will make you wish Graves Glenn was a real place. Trust me—you’ll be dying to visit the town’s charming shops like Something Wicked just as much as I am!If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted spooky series with low angst, magical mischief, and connected characters, do yourself a favor and grab the Graves Glenn Series today. You won’t be disappointed!

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Lemon Cake by Tanja Longoria – A Heartwarming Romance with Hallmark Movie Feels

ARC, First Impressions, Reviews /

Thoughts on the book: Do you love Hallmark movies? I sure do, and I’m not ashamed to admit it! Whenever my brain gets too bogged down from sitcoms, reality shows, or the latest blockbuster, I love to unwind with a feel-good Hallmark romance. The simple plots (when there is one!) and guaranteed happily-ever-afters are like a breath of fresh air. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, you’re going to LOVE this book! Lemon Cake delivers major Hallmark movie vibes—not because it’s set in a small town, but because it’s a straightforward boy-meets-girl-and-falls-in-love story. There’s no wild plot about catching criminals, renovating houses, or a struggling artist falling for a billionaire. There’s no emotional angst, either. It’s simple, sweet, and a great palate cleanser between heavier reads. Rider is a dedicated football player, intensely focused as he gears up for the new season. Football is his world, and he’s never had to balance a relationship alongside his commitment to the game. He’s convinced that his single-minded focus wouldn’t allow him to keep a relationship alive during this time. Then there’s Gemma, an amputee who used to play football in school and still loves the sport. Her playful personality shines throughout the book, but she’s also dealing with insecurities related to her prosthesis. A big part of her journey involves learning how to navigate her relationship with Rider, especially her concerns about how he might perceive her prosthesis and its challenges. Gemma and Rider meet during pre-season, thanks to a cute moment facilitated by Gemma’s nephew. It’s not a grand meet-cute, but rather a realistic encounter you could easily see happening in everyday life. As their relationship progresses, it’s heartwarming to see—complete with texting, introductions to friends, and sweet moments that feel authentic. It’s not a whirlwind romance, but it’s also not a slow burn. Instead, their connection develops at a steady, natural pace, which I absolutely loved. Reading Lemon Cake felt like watching a Hallmark movie—only with a lot more spice! The steamy scenes are well-written and blend seamlessly with the development of Gemma and Rider’s relationship. They never felt over-the-top or out of place. The only thing that didn’t quite sit right with me was the pacing toward the end of the book. The last third of the story felt a bit rushed, with time lapses that disrupted the flow and made the everyday moments feel repetitive at times. I also found Rider’s character a bit one-dimensional. While I enjoyed his dedication to football, I wished there had been more depth to his character, maybe an additional layer of insecurity beyond just balancing a relationship with his game-focused mindset. Overall, I’d recommend Lemon Cake to anyone looking for a sweet romance with a Hallmark feel. It’s exactly what it promises—low angst, sports romance with a bit of spice, and a satisfying standalone story (though I’m crossing my fingers for a series!). I’d love to see some of the side characters, like Gemma’s sister, get their own stories in the future! Recommended Reading if you’re looking for: 

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Rekindling the Flame by Madison Myers: An emotional and heartwarming read!

ARC, Reviews /

Thoughts on this book: Trigger Warning: This book contains themes of terminal illness, particularly focusing on the female main character’s mother, who is battling cancer. End-of-life planning and the emotional struggles that come with such a scenario are discussed frequently and form a significant part of the plot. It’s rare for a book to grab hold of you, tug at your heart, and leave you with a book hangover that’s hard to shake. Rekindling the Flame did all of that for me! Days after finishing it, I’m still thinking about the characters, the emotions, and the story. This novel masterfully combines the thrill of second-chance romance with the deep bonds of family and friendship, making for an emotional roller coaster of a read. Aurora—Rory to her friends—has to face the unthinkable: returning home. After learning her mother has only a year left to live, Rory swallows her pride and makes the difficult decision to move back to the small town she was determined to leave behind. Her goal is simple but monumental: to mend fences with her mother, make lasting memories, and be there for the precious time she has left. Rory is no simple heroine; she’s a high-maintenance lawyer weighed down with a ton of emotional baggage. Watching her unpack that baggage throughout the story is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Her personal transformation is truly the highlight of the book. Then there’s Wyatt—her first love, and the definition of swoon-worthy! Even days later, I still have hearts in my eyes just thinking about him. Wyatt is the classic small-town hero—strong, dependable, and, even after all these years, still deeply in love with Aurora. His quiet longing for her, despite the pain of their past, really tugged at my heartstrings. As the story unfolded, Wyatt quickly became one of my favorite book boyfriends. His open-heartedness and the way he gradually rebuilds trust with Aurora is nothing short of admirable. Seriously, his actions alone made me wish I had a first love waiting for me back home! When Aurora first returns, things between her and Wyatt are awkward, strained, and full of unresolved tension. It’s a painful but necessary part of the story, as they start off at a surface level, slowly chipping away at the emotional walls they’ve both built over the years. But as they dig through their past, they rediscover not just each other but also a deeper connection. Forgiveness becomes the cornerstone of their relationship, allowing them to move forward. And let me tell you, the chemistry between these two is off the charts! There are some seriously steamy moments that made me understand why Aurora couldn’t resist rekindling the flame. If I had a first love with that kind of spark, I’d be running back home too! Aurora’s journey is incredibly relatable for anyone who’s left a small town behind, swearing they’d never return (guilty!). Her initial distaste for small-town life is something I think many of us can identify with. But as the story progresses, her view of her hometown slowly shifts, and she begins to appreciate the slower pace and close-knit community. The way Smokey Heights is described, from its local hangouts to the familiar faces, reminded me of my own hometown and made the book that much more enjoyable. Even if you’ve never lived in a small town, I think anyone who’s experienced the bittersweet pull of returning home can relate to Aurora’s struggles. Wyatt and Aurora’s relationship isn’t the only emotional anchor in the book. The depiction of her relationship with her mother as they face the painful reality of terminal illness is beautifully handled. The themes of forgiveness and healing extend beyond romantic love and into the family dynamics, adding another layer of depth to the story. Watching Rory attempt to repair the broken pieces of her relationship with her mother while dealing with the looming finality of her illness added emotional weight that made this story more than just a simple romance. At its heart, Rekindling the Flame is about second chances—whether in love, family, or life itself. It’s a story that reminds us that sometimes going back is the only way to move forward. And while the romance is sweet and the small-town vibes are spot-on, it’s the emotional depth of this story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves heartfelt romances with a touch of real-life challenges. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon all at once, add Rekindling the Flame to your TBR list. Trust me, you’ll be captivated by the charm of Smokey Heights and fall head over heels for Aurora and Wyatt’s love story.

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Men in Kilts by Katie MacAlister – Highland Adventure and Laugh-Out-Loud Romance

Reviews, Romance Rewind /

Thoughts on the book: This week’s Romance Rewind is one of my all-time favorite books. I’ve read and re-read it multiple times over the years, and it never fails to make me laugh out loud or smile as I revisit these beloved characters. Katie MacAlister will always have a spot on my bookshelf for her genuinely funny books that have brought me joy for years now! This book is a classic romantic comedy, complete with an embarrassing meet-cute that kicks off the story. Kathie, a mystery writer attending a conference overseas, is battling jet lag (who doesn’t know the feeling?) and ends up passing out in the lobby of her hotel. After a much-needed but drool-inducing nap (yes, really!), she startles awake, realizing she slept far longer than she intended. Scanning the conference attendees, her eyes land on one hunky guy propping up a wall—enter our charming Scotsman, Iain, who just so happened to witness her gloriously embarrassing nap! Kathie and Iain hit it off quickly in a case of insta-lust—and really, who can blame her? We all know a Scottish accent can work wonders! Thankfully, Iain feels the same, and he asks Kathie out for a date that leads to plenty of sparks flying. As the conference wraps up, their relationship takes off, and Kathie decides to extend her stay in Scotland to spend more time with Iain. Once in Scotland, the relationship progresses quickly, and hilarity ensues with these two. The narrative focuses heavily on Kathie—her thoughts, emotions, and perspective—though it’s written in an omniscient style. Iain, unfortunately, doesn’t get as much emotional depth, which makes him feel a bit flat, even though he’s the hunky Scot we’re all rooting for. While I loved how their relationship developed, I did miss getting more of Iain’s perspective. The supporting characters in this book will also either win your heart or make you want to throttle them—there are definitely a couple who land in the “I hate this character” category. Overall, this is a cute, feel-good story that will absolutely make you laugh, and it’s an easy, breezy read. If you’re in need of a mood boost, crack this one open and enjoy! Recommended Reading if you’re looking for: 

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Fall I Want by Lyra Parish-Small Town, Autumn-Inspired, Billionaire Romcom 

Reviews /

Thoughts on this book: ‘Tis the fall season, which means I’m diving into all the fall reads! When I saw this book featured in Lyra’s newsletter—a billionaire romance with small-town vibes—I was instantly sold. If you’ve read any of my previous reviews, you know I’m obsessed with the billionaire trope, so it’s no surprise this made my must-read list. Add in the small-town charm (because seriously, they always have the best fall events), and I was sprinting to Amazon for the pre-order, counting down the days until it hit my Kindle! And in true Lyra fashion, this book did not disappoint! Autumn, our heroine, is an aspiring writer in a rut. She’s working at a coffee shop and recovering from a disastrous breakup that has completely killed her muse. Autumn doesn’t think she’ll ever write again. Oh, and let’s not even get started on Mr. Dreamy—the perfect guy she’s convinced only exists in her imagination. But guess what? One morning, in walks Mr. Dreamy in the flesh, and the sparks immediately start flying! Alexander, a.k.a. Mr. Dreamy, feels the magic too but fights against it. He’s not here for love—he’s here to lay low, which is why he doesn’t correct Autumn’s assumption about his name. He doesn’t want to be recognized as Zane Alexander, heir to his family’s fortune and owner of the local resort in town. Despite their rocky start, their relationship progresses quickly with fake dates that feel very real, exploring a spooky mansion, and attending fall events that make you wish you could live in this charming little town! As they work through their pasts and heal from previous relationships, their love story becomes sweet and endearing. Towards the end, the romance does get a little too sweet, but it fits their characters so well that I didn’t mind. This book is packed with cozy fall vibes and heartwarming romance, which is why it’s now in my rotation of favorite fall reads. If you’re looking for the perfect fall romance, add this one to your TBR list today! Recommended Reading if you’re looking for: 

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Saturday Series: The Kings of Sin by Ana Huang

Saturday Series /

Amazon | Barnes & Noble Amazon | Barnes & Noble Amazon | Barnes & Noble Amazon | Barnes & Noble This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See my policies for further details. I might be late to the party, but I finally started reading this series and devoured the first four books! Of course, as my luck would have it, the series isn’t complete yet – talk about testing my patience as I wait for the next release! Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the billionaire trope, so when I found out this series was all about billionaires, I had to dive in. I mean, who doesn’t love the fantasy of accidentally bumping into a billionaire and having the romantic comedy of the year? Maybe it’s delusional, but hey, a girl can dream! Now, on to the books: King of Wrath kicks things off with a steamy arranged marriage billionaire romance. Dante, the grumpy workaholic billionaire, and Vivian, a jewelry heiress, are thrown together by an arranged marriage. Dante isn’t your cute, slightly grumpy guy; he’s more of a grump to the core, which can make you want to scream. But Vivian manages to break through his tough exterior, and their love story unfolds in a way that’s full of emotional ups and downs, keeping you hooked. The relationship development here is so satisfying. While it’s the first in the series, you can totally read it as a standalone. No pressure! King of Pride follows Kai Young, a reserved billionaire, and Isabella, a vibrant aspiring author. They are total opposites, and the tension between them is delicious. Introduced in the first book, it’s so satisfying to see their chemistry finally explode in their own story. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but once they dive into their relationship, it’s electric! Kai and Isabella have quickly become my favorite couple of the series so far (although I still have more books to go). This one is an opposites-attract, forbidden romance that will have you rooting for them all the way. King of Greed gives us a marriage-in-trouble, second-chance romance. Now, I’ll admit, second-chance romances aren’t usually my thing, but Dominic and Alessandra’s journey surprised me. Their marriage is on the rocks, big time, and the book dives right into the conflict. Both characters go through immense growth, and by the end, their reunion feels well-earned. Even though I’m not the biggest fan of this trope, the emotional depth made it a worthwhile read. King of Sloth brings us a steamy forced-proximity romance between Sloane, a publicist, and Xavier, one of her problematic clients. I was so excited to finally get to Sloane’s story after meeting her in earlier books, but I have to admit, the beginning was a bit slow for me. Once the story picked up, though, it hit all the right notes. Xavier, the notorious playboy, has some serious growth, and I loved watching him fall head over heels for Sloane. This book may have had a slow start, but it finished strong, delivering the romance I was waiting for. Each book in the Kings of Sin series can be read as a standalone, but honestly, the fun comes from seeing how the stories interconnect. If you’re in the mood for billionaires, angst, and romance, this series is a binge-worthy escape!

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