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Romance Rewind | Love is Blind by Lynsay Sands – Laugh Out Loud Historical Romance Review

Reviews, Romance Rewind /

Thoughts on the book: Not to quote a reality TV show, but “Is love truly blind?” (Okay, I couldn’t resist!) If you’re like me and have been watching the latest season of Love is Blind, you know it can be a messy train wreck. But long before the TV drama, there was the historical romance novel, Love is Blind by Lynsay Sands. This book remains one of my all-time favorites, making me laugh out loud with every reread. Our heroine, Lady Clarissa, is being paraded around town by her stepmother, who definitely plays the evil villain in this story, as she searches for a suitable husband. Unfortunately, Clarissa’s stepmother believes her glasses are the reason she can’t attract a suitor, so she forbids her from wearing them. As a result, Clarissa experiences a series of mishaps, earning a reputation for being clumsy and vain. As someone who wears glasses myself, I completely sympathize with Clarissa—navigating the world without them is no picnic! Enter Adrian, the Earl of Mowbray, our knight in somewhat tarnished armor. He’s self-conscious about a scar he received during the war, but he thinks he’s found an ideal match in Clarissa—especially since she can’t see his scar clearly. Her clumsiness doesn’t faze him, and he quickly becomes her steadfast supporter. This book is packed with embarrassing yet hilarious moments! From mistaking someone’s lap for a table to accidentally setting a wig on fire, there’s no shortage of laugh-out-loud scenes before these two finally tie the knot. It’s one of those stories that always brings a smile to my face, and it firmly holds its place as one of my favorite funny historical romances. But even after the wedding, the challenges don’t end. Adrian’s insecurities about his scar mean that he doesn’t encourage Clarissa to wear her glasses. And with a few careless comments from her stepmother, Clarissa starts to worry that Adrian might find her unattractive if she wears them. However, as their relationship deepens, the two slowly begin to truly ‘see’ each other, and their love story blossoms. While historical accuracy takes a backseat in Love is Blind, the charm and humor of Clarissa and Adrian’s story make up for it. This book is simply a delightful romp that’s guaranteed to make you laugh. It’s a must-read for fans of lighthearted, feel-good romances! 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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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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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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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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