Romance

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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Sins of the Wasteland: Fates Flames – Review of a Gripping Debut Novel

ARC, First Impressions, Reviews /

Thoughts on the book: Fates Flames introduces readers to Selene and Rylan, whose first encounter is brief but sets the tone for the layered, intricate plot that follows. The story then shifts to Rylan, an assassin on a mission that slowly unveils the deep political intrigue running through the book. Rylan’s task is far from simple—he must infiltrate and understand the growing threat the Dara family poses. As he navigates the dangerous terrain of espionage, the weight of his mission becomes increasingly clear. The kingdom, on the brink of a bold and bloody uprising, is a direct result of the Queen’s ruthless ambition. Her greed and hunger for power have left the kingdom in turmoil, and Rylan’s role is to gauge just how deep this revolution runs. Rylan, with his assassin’s precision and sense of duty, approaches his mission with full awareness of the stakes. His role is critical to the kingdom’s future, and the story deftly portrays the tension of a realm on the cusp of chaos. Political intrigue is at the heart of the plot, and the complexity of the Queen’s manipulations becomes more apparent as Rylan uncovers secrets and plots that stretch beyond simple rebellion.  Then we meet Selene, a poised and determined character who carries the weight of her family’s reputation on her shoulders. At first glance, Selene appears aloof, almost too distant to form a connection with Rylan. However, as the story progresses, layers of her personality are peeled back, revealing her intuition, confidence, and hidden vulnerability. Her initial detachment adds to the tension in her relationship with Rylan, as their interactions are charged with unspoken emotions and an underlying sense of danger. This is where the real magic of the story lies—the evolving relationship between Rylan and Selene. Initially, it felt like something was missing in their early interactions, as if a chapter of dialogue or context was skipped. However, once the tension between them begins to build, it becomes almost unbearable. The forbidden romance aspect is at the heart of their dynamic, and each encounter between them brims with tension, as if they’re constantly teetering on the edge of being discovered. The stakes are incredibly high, and every scene between them had me holding my breath. The political intrigue only amplifies this tension. As Rylan and Selene’s relationship deepens, they’re both trapped in the larger conflict between revolutionaries and the crown. Rylan’s mission puts him in direct opposition to Selene’s world, creating a deliciously tense push and pull between duty and desire. This intertwining of romance and revolution makes the book even more compelling, as every personal moment is shadowed by the larger political stakes at play. As the story rushes toward its conclusion, the pacing ramps up, leading to a heart-pounding ending that left me reeling. The final twist is a true mind-bender, shattering expectations and stunned. The conclusion feels both complete and a setup for what’s to come, with soft but intriguing hints at the next phase of this gripping saga. In Fates Flames, the writing shines, particularly in the vivid imagery that draws readers into the world of political intrigue and forbidden romance. The stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and the emotional rollercoaster will keep you glued to the page. This is not a book you can start and stop—it demands to be devoured in one sitting. If you’re looking for a story that combines intense romance with political stakes and a world teetering on the edge of revolution, Fates Flames is a must-read. Recommended Reading if you’re looking for: 

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First Impression: Grumpy Romance by Nia Arthurs

First Impressions, Reviews /

Thoughts on the book: I borrowed this book through my Amazon Prime membership, and the blurb had me intrigued. I tend to love an arrogant, broody billionaire who’s a bit too alpha. Add in the fact that he’s set to be an overprotective father? Sign me up! Kenya Jones, the main female character (MFC), has had her fair share of bad luck in love. Things get even worse when she meets Holland Alistair, the main male character (MMC), on what might be the worst day of her life. That first meeting instantly grabs Holland’s attention, but he’s left wondering why what he knows about Kenya doesn’t line up with how she acted. What follows is a clash of strong personalities that had me wondering if Kenya would ever admit to her feelings for Holland. The romance is set mostly in the workplace, with Kenya being hired as Holland’s second assistant. Their professional relationship adds to the slow burn, as neither one wants to cross that employee/employer line. I loved how the MMC fell first and hated every minute of it! Kenya is headstrong and stubborn, standing her ground with Holland from the start, which I loved (I’m always here for a strong female lead). However, her stubbornness got a little repetitive, and I found myself wishing she’d soften toward Holland just a bit earlier—especially before meeting his daughter. When Kenya does meet Holland’s daughter, she softens toward him almost too quickly, making it feel a bit unrealistic. Also, while this is a slow burn romance, the “fireworks” are pretty tame, with most of the steamy scenes fading to black. So, if you’re looking for something sizzling hot in the bedroom, this book may not be for you. There’s also a subplot that drove me a little nuts! Kenya’s family is… well, a real piece of work. For a good portion of the book, her family dynamic adds to the emotional angst, but about two-thirds of the way through, it kind of vanishes after a big confrontation. I was disappointed not to see a resolution earlier on. Then, in the last chapter, it randomly resurfaces, which felt out of place. It gave me serious Cinderella vibes, but I ended up more annoyed than anything with that whole subplot. The final chapter also briefly introduces the two main characters for the next book in the series. I didn’t mind that, but I wasn’t compelled to continue with the series. While I enjoyed this book and the characters, I know myself well enough to pass on the sequels. In summary, if you’re looking for an angsty, emotional read with an enemies-to-lovers and billionaire trope, this one’s worth picking up. But if you’re in the mood for something super steamy or a light-hearted rom-com, you may want to pass on this one. Recommended Reading if you’re look for: 

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First Impressions: Cookies for My Orc Neighbor by Michelle Mills

First Impressions, Reviews /

Thoughts on the book: I picked up this book as part of a Stuff Your Kindle Day event, so I went into it with relatively low expectations, especially since I wasn’t actively searching for a romance in this particular genre. That being said, I ended up enjoying the overall story. It’s lighthearted and has a quick pace, making it an easy read. The story centers around Grace, our main female character (MFC), and Alden, the main male character (MMC). Grace has been living next door to Alden for a while and has developed an attraction to him from afar. Alden, on the other hand, has barely noticed Grace’s existence—until one snowy winter day when she quite literally lands at his feet. From that moment, things escalate quickly, with instant lust turning into instant love, and Alden doing a bit of brooding over it all. Grace’s character was well-written, which I appreciated, especially since I love a strong female lead. She had her own voice and agency, which made her relatable. Alden, however, felt a little more one-dimensional. He had a few gaps in his character development, and I found myself wanting more from his backstory. The story itself was fun, but I felt it was lacking in certain areas. For example, there was little to no explanation about the Orcs (yep, Alden is an Orc!). How did they come to be mingling in human society? What are the triggers for this whole “mate” situation? There was so much potential to build a fascinating world here, but it wasn’t fully explored. While the story didn’t necessarily need these elements to work, having them would’ve definitely elevated the plot and made the book more immersive. The romance, while fast-paced, leaned heavily on traditional gender roles, which may or may not appeal to all readers. The dynamic between Grace and Alden was fun, but it felt like there was more focus on Alden’s brooding and possessiveness than on developing their relationship. It would’ve been nice to see a little more balance or growth in their connection. And as much as I love a good insta-love trope, I usually prefer when there’s a bit more build-up or tension leading to the big romantic moments. This book is definitely on the lighter side, and it’s not one you’d pick up if you’re looking for something with a lot of depth or complexity. There’s minimal world-building and backstory, so don’t expect to get swept away by a richly developed setting. However, if you’re in the mood for something quick and easy to read, this book will do the trick. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon when you just want to relax with a fun, light romance. In summary, if you’re looking for a quick, no-frills romance, this book could be a great pick—especially if you can grab it for free, like I did. But if you’re in the mood for something with a little more substance or emotional complexity, you might want to pass on this one. Recommended Reading if you’re looking for: 

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Romance Rewind: The Science of Attraction by Verity Jacobs

Reviews, Romance Rewind /

Thoughts on the book: While this book was published over a decade ago, it remains one of my absolute favorite reads today. I love a good nerdy twist in a romance, and this one definitely hits the mark with its witty banter and geeky charm! There’s something undeniably delightful about watching two scientists fall head over heels, especially when the chemistry—pun intended—is sizzling from the start. Who knew science could be so damn sexy? I mean, for most of us, science class was the kind of subject that made you want to snooze through lectures or count the minutes until lunch. But if my science teacher had been anything like Tom Baker, I’m pretty sure I would have aced every test! Tom and Kate, our two brilliant scientists, both have the hots for each other right from the get-go, but they’re determined to keep things professional. Spoiler alert: that determination lasts about 2.5 seconds before they can’t resist the undeniable pull between them. Their instant chemistry had me wanting to drag Tom into a secluded lab for some ahem experiments of my own! Once they give in to their attraction, it’s not just a physical connection that unfolds. The affection between Tom and Kate grows naturally, and their budding romance turns into one of those ooey-gooey love stories that melts your heart. But of course, nothing is that simple. Just when you think they’re about to live happily ever after, we get hit with a big, nasty curveball—enter Rob, the true villain of the piece. Rob, who just so happens to be Kate’s boss and the head of the science institute where she and Tom work, is one of those characters you love to hate. And here’s the kicker: when the story starts, Kate’s in a relationship with Rob. DON’T WORRY—THIS ISN’T A LOVE TRIANGLE! Rob is basically the definition of a Grade A Jerkface, and the author does a fantastic job of writing him in a way that makes his eventual downfall all the more satisfying. Watching his smug facade crumble is one of the highlights of the book. But this story is really about Tom and Kate, and I loved how their relationship evolved beyond just chemistry in the lab. They complement each other in such a sweet and nerdy way. Even though their journey isn’t all rainbows and roses, in the end, they get their version of a perfect happily-ever-after—one that involves labs, cells, and a lot of love. Overall, this book is a true gem for romance lovers who appreciate a nerdy twist. The witty banter, palpable chemistry, and relatable struggles make it a standout even years after its release. If you want another nerdy book from Verity Jacobs be sure to check out her follow-up novel: The Music of Attraction (Expats #2) Recommended Reading if you’re looking for: 

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