en-US Sat, 10 May 2025 17:39:16 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 218274986
But when my son’s incredibly hot hockey coach Miles Anderson walks in, things get very, very complicated.

With his charming smile and our accidental dates, he’s the exact opposite of any man I’ve ever dated. That should make saying yes to being with him simple, but nothing in my life is easy.

In fact, it’s a mess.

Miles makes me smile and treats my son like his own. When we’re together, I forget about my troubles and dream of a life that I will never be able to have with him.

It’s only a matter of time until the past comes knocking and I’ll have to leave, breaking us both in the process.]]> 384 Corinne Michaels 1957309261 RateTheRomance 0 currently-reading 4.20 2025
author: Corinne Michaels
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/10
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 38233011
Justice Wallington knows how to harness his strength and intimidating size, skills he put to good use first in the MMA cage and now as a bodyguard at the Body Armor agency. But no opponent has ever left him feeling as off balance as his new client, heiress Fallon Wade. Far from a spoiled princess, she's sweet and intriguingly innocent. It's a risk-free assignment, until he's required to fake a relationship with her in order to blend in.

Sheltered from the world after a family tragedy, Fallon longs to experience life, going to bars, dancing, talking to strangers. Not easy with a huge, lethal-looking bodyguard shadowing her every move. Justice seems like her polar opposite, but pretending to be a couple stirs undeniable heat. And when danger strikes again, it's not just her safety in jeopardy, but a passion that's real, raw and absolutely against the rules.]]> 384 Lori Foster RateTheRomance 1 dnf
"Dark clouds rolled over one another and humidity hung thick in the air. He liked storms. They made him horny."

oh my god no. i will not be falling in love with a hero who gets horny when it rains ]]> 4.32 2017
author: Lori Foster
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2017
rating: 1
read at: 2025/05/10
date added: 2025/05/10
shelves: dnf
review:
DNFed after I read the following paragraph:

"Dark clouds rolled over one another and humidity hung thick in the air. He liked storms. They made him horny."

oh my god no. i will not be falling in love with a hero who gets horny when it rains
]]> 216523184 She’s the one that got away. He’s the one that never let her go.

From the bestselling author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance in which past lovers get a second chance to rediscover what they lost.

Camille Ashwood had always loved a plan. Her latest was her best yet. She was going to get married so she could secure her daughter’s future, get her overbearing parents off her back, and finally start building her own life in small town Meadowlark, Wyoming. Easy, right?

But when her groom doesn’t show up to the wedding, Cam’s life is turned upside down—she doesn’t even have a place to live. That is, until she finds out the house she’s loved since high school is available to rent. There’s only one the neighbor.

Dusty Tucker has spent nearly all of his adult life running. Running from what, though? More like Cam Ashwood. But ever since he returned home last year, the girl who was his first, well, everything has become a woman seemingly determined to keep him at arm’s length. And he was okay with that—at least, that’s what he kept telling himself. She was getting married, after all. But now she’s single and living next door. Dusty wants to show her that they can be friends, and that he can stay put.

Despite her best attempts to stay far away from Dusty Tucker, Cam realizes that being close to him is like slipping on her favorite jeans. Easy. Comfortable. That is until past wounds start to open and feelings—both old and new—wreak havoc. Nearly ten years after they first met, Dusty and Cam begin to wonder if their first love can also be their last. And this time, will it be forever?]]> 352 Lyla Sage 0593732480 RateTheRomance 0 currently-reading 4.18 2025
author: Lyla Sage
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/06
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 210704372 You might think it’s reckless for a single mom to enter into a marriage of convenience with her boss...

You would be correct.

To make matters worse, Abel King is a grumpy local brewer with a criminal past. He also happens to be my boss and a total stick-in-the-mud. Every time I come to work with a smile and wave, I’m lucky if I can get a grunt in response.

When I accidentally-on-purpose overhear that he’s having trouble securing a business loan due to his criminal record, I hatch a plan to help the both of us.

The arrangement is perfect—a business transaction and nothing more. Like having a roommate without the hassle of other people bugging you for dates.

I will definitely not be falling in love with him—no matter how many times he says “my wife�� and tingles dance in all the right places.

Trouble is, as time goes on, things stop feeling like business and start feeling a whole lot like pleasure... and really, that’s just my luck...]]> 336 Lena Hendrix RateTheRomance 4 4.18 2024
author: Lena Hendrix
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/04
date added: 2025/05/04
shelves:
review:

]]> 210438263 Never thought I’d agree to a marriage of convenience to my hot, firefighter ex boyfriend.
Especially after he casually informs me we’ve been married for ten years.

Ten years ago, Wilder and I were so in love that we got married in Vegas for one night only before leaving for college on different sides of the world. He was supposed to mail the annulment papers.

Problem is, he didn’t.
Worse? He didn’t tell me.
Not even when I came back to town to marry another man.

But now he needs my help, and I can’t say no. All I have to do is have to pretend in front of the whole town like we’re married. Hold hands. Kiss. Not throw myself at him when he looks at me like I’m the only woman in the world.

My body might remember him, but the rest of me isn’t ready. Because I’m just learning how to find myself, and if I get wrapped up in Wilder’s world, I’ll lose more than my heart—I’ll lose everything.

Again.]]> 451 Staci Hart RateTheRomance 4 4.19
author: Staci Hart
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.19
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/02
date added: 2025/05/02
shelves:
review:

]]> 57223585
For Anna, keeping her deepest scars hidden from the world has always been a necessity—from the bruises of her childhood to the mistake that nearly cost her everything. To keep herself safe, she must keep everyone around her at a distance—especially the man who has tempted her since the moment they met.

His demons are taunting him.

Mason has done his best to bury the past by achieving more than he ever thought possible. But even with all of his success, his life feels empty.

When tragedy strikes, Anna is left fighting to protect the only family she has left. And Mason will do anything to keep her and her loved ones safe—even if that means the ring of wedding bells.

But as a new spark ignites between them, someone is watching.

And they’ll do whatever it takes to snuff out that light for good.]]> 304 Catherine Cowles RateTheRomance 4 4.40 2021
author: Catherine Cowles
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/28
date added: 2025/04/28
shelves:
review:

]]> 44641369
Tessa has finally found a safe haven in Sutter Lake, hiding in plain sight—just as long as no one asks too many questions.

He can’t escape��

Liam knows better than anyone how one wrong word, a single whisper can ruin a life. After seeing the darker side of fame, he's desperate to retreat and find his voice again.

Two people from opposite worlds, brought together by a connection neither expected.

But the forces they’re both running from still lurk in the shadows��

And you never know when they might strike.
]]> 324 Catherine Cowles RateTheRomance 3 4.33 2019
author: Catherine Cowles
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2024/03/09
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves:
review:

]]> 41940625
Taylor is looking for peace and quiet away from the memories of all she’s lost. A small mountain town where no one knows her seems like the perfect escape.

A man battling the ghosts of his past.

Walker loves his life just the way it is. His town, his family, his brothers in blue. Everything simple and easy—until a chance encounter changes it all.

When Taylor’s solitude is interrupted by the rugged cop, they find that the very thing they were avoiding might be just what they both need. As their iron wills clash and passion flares…a killer lurks.

And you never know who might be caught in the crosshairs.]]> 300 Catherine Cowles RateTheRomance 4 3.97 2019
author: Catherine Cowles
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2024/03/09
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves: cooking-bakery-romances, cowboy-country-romance, love-after-loss-or-trauma-romance, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, rated-r-romances, rockstar-music-romances, romantic-suspence, romantic-suspense-without-alpha
review:

]]> 46009088
Jensen has shared a special bond with Tuck for as long as she can remember, their friendship a language that never needed words. But as life threw her one curveball after another, that secret language turned to stony silence.

He’s always been her protector.

Tuck has looked out for Jensen since the day she was born. As his best friend’s little sister, he’s tried to keep her firmly in the friend category. But she’s always been more.

All it takes is one moment of weakness to send Tuck’s fiercely guarded walls crumbling to the ground. As a new fire burns between them, someone watches. Someone who doesn’t like the new life Jensen’s building for herself.

And they’ll stop at nothing to keep her in the dark.]]> 325 Catherine Cowles RateTheRomance 2
The writing in BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN SPIRIT was very repetitive. It felt like the same scene, with the same reaction, and even the same dialog, over and over again.

And I personally have a hard time rooting for a hero who punches holes in walls when he's angry/upset (which happens TWICE in this book). The heroine is a single mom with a young son. No way would I let a man who punches holes through drywall when he's pissed around my kid.

]]> 4.37 2019
author: Catherine Cowles
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2019
rating: 2
read at: 2024/03/15
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves: 1st-responder-romances, animals-or-pets-in-romances, badass-females-in-romance, brothers-sister-s-best-friend, cowboy-country-romance, friends-to-lovers-romances, indie-published-romance, rated-r-romances, romantic-suspence, romantic-suspense-without-alpha, single-parent-romances, small-town-romances
review:
This is my least favorite book by this author so far.

The writing in BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN SPIRIT was very repetitive. It felt like the same scene, with the same reaction, and even the same dialog, over and over again.

And I personally have a hard time rooting for a hero who punches holes in walls when he's angry/upset (which happens TWICE in this book). The heroine is a single mom with a young son. No way would I let a man who punches holes through drywall when he's pissed around my kid.


]]> 38098151
When the woman he’s already begun to care for ends up in the ER, Sawyer “Squirrel�� McClay is livid—and ashamed. He should have insisted she accept his help long ago. Now, he’s not taking no for an answer. While his friends rally round Blythe, Squirrel’s bond with her grows stronger by the day, until he realizes he’ll do anything to keep her safe, healthy, and happy…even as his own lifelong insecurities work against him.

But despite leaving the streets behind, Blythe and Sawyer discover old dangers still linger, threatening to end the couple’s new bliss before it’s barely begun.

** Shelter for Blythe is the 11th book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.]]> 326 Susan Stoker RateTheRomance 1
I started this book because the blurb sounded like exactly what I was looking for, but I was completely lost from page 1 until I gave up not quite halfway through.

There are a, literally, dozen characters and an entire backstory that the reader is expected to know BEFORE reading. I thought I could probably piece it together. I could not.

DNF at 43%]]> 4.40 2018
author: Susan Stoker
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2018
rating: 1
read at: 2025/04/26
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
Here's the thing: Susan Stoker does a lot of things well, as an author. She has absolutely dialed into what her readers want and she delivers. BUT... a reader absolutely cannot pick up a book in the middle of a series and read it. Stoker never, ever writes a true stand-alone within a series.

I started this book because the blurb sounded like exactly what I was looking for, but I was completely lost from page 1 until I gave up not quite halfway through.

There are a, literally, dozen characters and an entire backstory that the reader is expected to know BEFORE reading. I thought I could probably piece it together. I could not.

DNF at 43%
]]> 220637398 The only way to get my inheritance? Marry Alexei Volkov—the grumpiest enforcer in the NHL, a brutally handsome jerk, and the last man I’d ever fall for.

In public, we act as besotted newlyweds, but in private, we’re at each other’s throats. He’s competitive, arrogant, and surly. The guy’s never cracked a smile in his life. He’s jealous of my ex, he glares at my high heels, and insists he’s not attracted to me. He’s only marrying me for citizenship.

Fighting with Alexei is more fun than expected, though, and beneath his grouchy exterior, Alexei is surprisingly caring, protective, and generous.

He cooks for me and worries about my safety.

He sends me flowers with secret meanings and spends way too much money on me.

He makes me sleep in his bed and calls me his wife.

For a guy who said he’d never fall in love with me, Alexei’s doing a good impression of it�� and now I’m wondering if this marriage is fake after all.]]> 464 Stephanie Archer RateTheRomance 4 �� 4.48 2025
author: Stephanie Archer
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/25
date added: 2025/04/25
shelves:
review:
��
]]> 230402231 He’ll save her from the nightmare in her past.

Luke Haven has an adrenaline problem. As in, he can’t get enough.

His squeaky-clean, nice-guy reputation in his small town isn’t a lie. But it’s not the whole truth, either. Although his real problem? He’s not even sure what he’s searching for.

Melanie Andolini never thought she’d be starting over in her thirties. But moving back to her hometown is exactly the fresh start she needs.

Until she runs into Luke Haven, and things get complicated. Really complicated. Although it feels like a lifetime since they dated in high school, sparks fly as soon as they’re face to face—hot enough to light up the whole town.

Melanie blazes into Luke’s life like wildfire—messy and chaotic, beautiful and tempting. But they played with fire once and both got burned. They’re not going down that road again.

Except Melanie brought home a secret that still haunts her dreams. And when her nightmares turn all too real, Luke will risk everything to save her.

And make her his—this time, forever.

���ܳٳ�ǰ�’s a not-your-usual second chance romance with a fiery heroine and a hero who won’t quench her flames—he’ll bask in her heat. Family shenanigans, witty banter, page-turning suspense, and a wild happily ever after that will leave your heart full.]]> 440 Claire Kingsley RateTheRomance 3 4.27 2025
author: Claire Kingsley
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/24
date added: 2025/04/24
shelves: 2nd-chance-romances, badass-females-in-romance, enemies-to-lovers-romances, rated-pg-13-romances, romantic-suspence, romantic-suspense-without-alpha, small-town-romances
review:

]]> 197212789
Single father Dane Copeland has known his share of heartaches. He put love on the back burner to finish his career as a special operative with the Army and raise his daughter. Fate intervenes when he meets Keirnan, who brings a new zest for life and the promise of a new start. But it all comes crashing down when she is kidnapped and local law enforcement is unable, or unwilling, to mount a rescue.

Partnering with Auggie Vickers, GHOST is born, and all of their lives are irreparably changed as the details behind Keirnan's abduction are revealed and time becomes their enemy.
]]> 346 P.J. Fiala 1942618751 RateTheRomance 1
this book was a total miss for me. it feels overwhelming politically conservative.

the main characters (and core of the storyline) are pro-gun. women characters are both infantilized (constant "giggling") and hyper-sexualized (lots of references to whores and whore-houses). a female character is praised for "bearing [a man's] children".

the entirety of the portion of this book i read was just overwhelmingly Conservative and, therefore, not for me. ]]> 4.17 2020
author: P.J. Fiala
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2020
rating: 1
read at: 2025/04/20
date added: 2025/04/20
shelves:
review:
DNF

this book was a total miss for me. it feels overwhelming politically conservative.

the main characters (and core of the storyline) are pro-gun. women characters are both infantilized (constant "giggling") and hyper-sexualized (lots of references to whores and whore-houses). a female character is praised for "bearing [a man's] children".

the entirety of the portion of this book i read was just overwhelmingly Conservative and, therefore, not for me.
]]> 229219744 Moving to Red Lodge was my chance to start over.
No drama. No distractions. No dangerously attractive men.
Then I meet my new boss. Grumpy, off-limits, and built like trouble.

Xaden Ledger isn’t just a single dad.
He’s a former Navy SEAL with a past as haunted as mine.
I should keep my distance.
But the way he cares for his sweet daughter cracks something open in me.
And when he turns that fierce protectiveness on me?
I forget every reason I have to run.

I came here to escape the past.
But the danger I left behind isn’t finished with me yet.

And when it finds me, Xaden makes one thing clear��
No one is taking what’s his.]]> Emma Blake RateTheRomance 0
2 typos in the first 3 pages means i'm out
i won't read books with sloppy editing]]> 4.29
author: Emma Blake
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 0
read at: 2025/04/18
date added: 2025/04/18
shelves:
review:
DNF

2 typos in the first 3 pages means i'm out
i won't read books with sloppy editing
]]> 218589374 everything.

Sixteen years later, after a tumultuous divorce from her abusive husband, Charli is returning to Ireland a shell of the woman she once was. Life has tried to break her many times over, and now all she wants is a fresh start and an even keel. She’ll be working as an accountant at her uncle’s hotel, but what she doesn’t know is that Rhys Doyle works there, too. He’s the head of security, in fact, and he’s no longer the teenage boy she once knew.

With the rumours flying around that he and his fiancée just broke off their engagement, Charli decides it’s best to give Rhys his space. She knows personally how hard it can be when a relationship ends. The problem is, she can’t seem to stop running into him, and the more she gets to know the man he’s become the more those old feelings start to return.

Tropes &
~Second chance~
~Workplace romance~
~Protector hero~
~Summer fling~
~Tragic past~
~Starting over~

Quiet Longing is book #2 in The Quiet Love Series and can be read as a standalone.]]> 516 L.H. Cosway RateTheRomance 3 4.22
author: L.H. Cosway
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.22
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/18
date added: 2025/04/18
shelves:
review:

]]> 223437788
I’m just so exhausted—always living on the edge of desperation, one paycheck away from ruin.
But this new job��
It could be the fresh start I need.
It could change everything.
The contract is only for three months, but if I keep my head down, work hard, and prove myself, maybe I could stay longer.
Maybe I could make Black Mountain Lodge my home.
As I pull down the gravel drive, surrounded by the forest and mountains and bright blue skies, I feel something I haven’t felt in a while.
I feel hope.

Sterling

My new employee is late.
I’m already in a bad mood about having to train him, still salty about my old guy retiring on me.
But while I’m waiting, a woman pulls up my drive.
A woman straight from my damn dreams.
Curvy and pretty, looking at me with wide eyes framed with sooty lashes.
And suddenly, I’m no longer thinking about my late employee.
But then she opens her mouth and asks for me, introducing herself as Courtney, my new hire.
Courtney. Not Court, like the application said.
And I realize there’s been a mistake.
I can’t have this woman working here. Living on my property. Distracting me. I mean, my staff.
No. She can’t work for me. End of story.
Except she won’t leave. She even threatens to sue me.
Fine. If she won’t let me fire her before she even starts, then I’ll just have to make her leave on her own.]]> 510 S.J. Tilly 1962096246 RateTheRomance 2
Full disclosure: i do not like morally grey heroes and Sterling is an absolute arsehole throughout this book. There's protective and then there is psychotic-levels of violence towards the "bad guy". I can't root for a hero that basically kills a man with his bare hands. I guess that's just me.

This book became a mess in the last third act and it was not the read for me.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language. *MIGHT* include props/kink.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person (plus a short chapter by the "bad guy")]]> 4.18
author: S.J. Tilly
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/16
date added: 2025/04/16
shelves: employer-and-employee-romance, enemies-to-lovers-romances
review:
This book had a great start and about halfway through it began to get weird and then it fell apart completely.

Full disclosure: i do not like morally grey heroes and Sterling is an absolute arsehole throughout this book. There's protective and then there is psychotic-levels of violence towards the "bad guy". I can't root for a hero that basically kills a man with his bare hands. I guess that's just me.

This book became a mess in the last third act and it was not the read for me.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language. *MIGHT* include props/kink.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person (plus a short chapter by the "bad guy")
]]> 221381386 A woman who can’t remember.
A soldier who wishes he could forget.

Hunter Everett may have gotten out of the Special Forces, but the demons that haunt him aren’t as easy to escape.

His friends keep encouraging him to come stay at the Resting Warrior Ranch. After all, it was created for people like Hunter—soldiers with PTSD struggling to readjust to civilian life—but he isn’t interested.

It’s better, safer, for everyone if he just remains alone.

Until he discovers Jada Moyer—bruised, terrified, and with no memory of anything about her life. Cops and criminals alike seem to be gunning for this gentle beauty, but she doesn’t know why.

Hunter can’t leave her to face it on her own.

The more they learn, the deeper the rabbit hole goes. But one thing they both know for the only way to create a future is for them both to face their pasts...

And hope they survive.
]]> 302 Josie Jade RateTheRomance 4 4.55 2025
author: Josie Jade
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.55
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/14
date added: 2025/04/14
shelves:
review:

]]> 220225319 A playboy football player. A shy librarian. When old friends reunite, opposites attract in a witty and lighthearted romance about taking chances and falling in love against the odds.

It’s an unwritten rule small-town librarians shall not commit spontaneous acts, for fear of mortal embarrassment. I’d certainly just proved it true, though hiring an escort was perfectly logical. How else should I overcome my fear of intimacy without risking heartbreak?

Unfortunately, what came next wasn’t so logical.

Instead of a dating coach, Griffin King showed up. Yes, that Griffin my childhood neighbor and now, to my dismay, an obscenely handsome pro football player. He’s not actually an escort, but how was I supposed to know that?

Avoiding him after the mix-up is impossible. The man is everywhere—put in time-out by his agent after a PR snafu. Griffin might be an outrageous flirt determined to torment me until I snap, but he’s also the perfect man to help me.

The lessons aren’t what I thought they’d be. Neither is Griffin. Every time we touch, every time he shows me a different side to myself—and to him—I can’t help but wonder if we’re about to break another the playboy and the good girl aren’t supposed to fall in love.]]> 331 Karla Sorensen 1662526628 RateTheRomance 5
SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: heart disease, non-fatal car accident
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person ]]> 4.29
author: Karla Sorensen
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/13
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves: 5-star-romances, best-romances-of-2025, millionaires-billionaires-romances, physically-diverse-illness-romances, rated-r-romances, sports-or-gym-romance, teach-me-how-to-flirt-date-have-sex
review:
GodDAMN this book is good. Karla Sorensen is a one-click author for me and this book was swoony, steamy, 5-STAR magic!

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: heart disease, non-fatal car accident
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 216370315 A Gilmore Girls meets Schitt’s Creek redemption romcom.

Hazel Hart was a successful romance novelist until a breakup drives her straight into writer’s block. Having failed (and failed some more) to deliver her new manuscript, she’s hiding from the world behind a wall of old takeout containers until her publisher lays down the law. If she misses her next deadline it’s The End.

Desperate for inspiration, Hazel impulse-buys a historic home online and flees Manhattan to tiny Story Lake, PA. Upon her dramatic arrival—involving an incident with a bald eagle—she discovers the charm of her new home may have been slightly exaggerated.

The house is a wreck and the town is struggling after their biggest employer shut down. Also, since her raccoon-infested home came with a seat on the town council our introverted heroine is stuck with a front row seat to all the small-town shenanigans.

But Hazel isn’t worried. Not since all six-feet-three inches of grouchy contractor Campbell Bishop slapped a bandage on her forehead and unintentionally inspired the heck out of her. There’s only one thing to do: Hire Cam and his equally gorgeous brothers to renovate her new spider museum…er…house.

Okay two things. A fake date for “research purposes�� will really put her work-in-progress on track. Before Hazel knows it, she’s writing a romance novel and living one. At least until the drywall dust settles, the town she’s falling in love with faces bankruptcy, and growly Cam remembers why he can’t live happily ever after.]]> 530 Lucy Score RateTheRomance 5
Story Of My Life is my personal favorite of her writing styles. It's quirky, small town, kooky heroine, with lovable side characters and funny antics. If you liked her Blue Moon series you will love this book!

I adored grumpy-ass Campbell and his hilarious family dynamics as much as I loved Hazel and her best friend's relatable humor and unwavering friendship. The cast of small town characters is not too overwhelming.

I loved this story and cannot wait for more books in this series!

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.

CONTENT WARNING: past parent abandonment, side character's past death of spouse and paralyzation

FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light and mostly funny read.

POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person ]]> 4.40 2025
author: Lucy Score
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/11
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: 5-star-romances, animals-or-pets-in-romances, best-romances-of-2025, builder-or-construction-romance, light-romantic-comedies, no-strings-sex, rated-r-romances, small-town-romances, writers-and-authors-in-romance
review:
Lucy Score writes prolifically AND with massive variations in tone, spice levels, and tropes within romance.

Story Of My Life is my personal favorite of her writing styles. It's quirky, small town, kooky heroine, with lovable side characters and funny antics. If you liked her Blue Moon series you will love this book!

I adored grumpy-ass Campbell and his hilarious family dynamics as much as I loved Hazel and her best friend's relatable humor and unwavering friendship. The cast of small town characters is not too overwhelming.

I loved this story and cannot wait for more books in this series!

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.

CONTENT WARNING: past parent abandonment, side character's past death of spouse and paralyzation

FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light and mostly funny read.

POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 222547147 A new town. A fresh start. An old enemy.

Aspen Davies had three reasons to move to the small town of Amber to get away from her overbearing mother; to escape the clutches of her psychotic ex; and Jesse Hayes. Okay, maybe Jesse isn’t a reason to relocate her entire life. After all, he’s just a friend. A housemate. And someone she absolutely is not going to date. At least…that’s what she keeps telling herself.

Discharged from the military, Jesse Hayes is back in his hometown of Amber Ridge. Only, he’s not alone, as he expected. His new housemate is right down the hall, and every day with Aspen is a new form of torture. She just got out of a relationship, and she’s not looking to get into a new one. He knows that. Doesn’t make wanting her any easier. He needs to keep his distance, for both their sakes.

But when Aspen’s past follows her to her new home, keeping his distance is no longer an option. Jesse needs to keep Aspen safe and in his sights. Because the enemy is proving formidable—and clearly playing for keeps.

A Small Town, Friends to Lovers, Romantic Suspense from Bestselling author Nyssa Kathryn.]]> 300 Nyssa Kathryn RateTheRomance 4 4.32
author: Nyssa Kathryn
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/08
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 195818515 A steamy, dual-timeline romance about a survivor of domestic abuse starting her life over in a small town and the protective ex-Marine determined to save her��

After being wrongly accused of murder, all Jessica Smithson wants is to start a new life where no one knows her true identity. Maple Ridge is the perfect place to hide from the media circus battling to know who really rid her of her abusive husband. A question she can’t answer.

The last thing she expects to find in the small idyllic mountain town is the good-looking and very persistent Troy Carson. From the moment he sees her, Troy’s determined to help Jess with her anxiety attacks and to get to know her better. He’s determined to help her renovate the old house she bought—a house with secrets hidden behind the walls.

Heat simmers and grows between the pair, but Jess can’t risk getting too close to Troy. Can’t risk her own secrets being revealed. So much is at stake if the truth gets out.

And most of all, she can’t risk her heart again. Or can she?

For fans of Rebecca Yarros's THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED comes a toe-curling, dual-timeline romance that bridges the gap between past and present, love and loss, and heartbreak and healing.

ONE MORE SECRET is the first book in the HIDDEN SECRETS TRILOGY. The books in the trilogy must be read in order. You don't need to read One More Chance (book 1 of the Carson Brothers series) to read the trilogy.]]> Stina Lindenblatt 1990177247 RateTheRomance 1 i have no desire to read the other 2 books.]]> 4.23
author: Stina Lindenblatt
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2025/04/08
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves:
review:
ugh. really slow and boring.
i have no desire to read the other 2 books.
]]> 218372272 Rival engineers dabble in personal chemistry while at a tropical company retreat in this smart, zippy romcom.

Engineer Trishara Malik once dreamed of being the first woman of color to smash the glass ceiling at WMC Purcell, but after years of dealing with white male privilege and blatant nepotism, she watches her hard-earned promotion go to her nemesis, Rafe Gallagher—the boss’s son. Teetering on the edge of burnout, Tris is stunned when she’s picked to attend WMC's corporate leadership retreat in Hawaii. It’s a chance to revive her stalled career and compete for a coveted spot in an executive training program—plus, three weeks in paradise! The only downside? Rafe is her co-attendee.

Tris plans to avoid Rafe entirely, but when she arrives in Maui, a booking error has them stuck sharing the honeymoon suite. Sure, it’s not all torture. Rafe is a smoldering ten—okay fine, an eleven—but after years of competition, they can barely stand being in the same time zone. As they vie against each other during aptitude tests and team-building exercises, Tris begins to realize Rafe might not be the villain after all. With her dreams at stake, can she learn to trust the man who might have been standing in her corner all along?]]> 352 Nisha J. Tuli 1538759268 RateTheRomance 3
This book started out really strong in the first half with a really likable female lead character and lots of positive female friendships and good hate-chemistry between the leads.

At about the halfway mark the story slowed down significantly and I felt like I was reading a lot about a work retreat and not a lot about the furthering of this enemies to lovers romance.

Sadly, after these characters finally get together and we get a handful of really excellent spicy scenes, the end of the book kind of fizzled for me. The ending felt rushed and highly predictable and I really disliked the romantic grand gesture.

there were so many really good things about the story but in the end it turned out to just be a middle-of-the-pack read for me.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: workplace sexual harassment, revenge porn
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
POV: Single - F - 1st Person ]]> 4.20 2025
author: Nisha J. Tuli
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/04
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: badass-females-in-romance, cooking-bakery-romances, diverse-poc-romances, enemies-to-lovers-romances, forced-proximity, no-strings-sex, poc-authored-romances, rated-r-romances, travel-romances
review:
3.5 STARS

This book started out really strong in the first half with a really likable female lead character and lots of positive female friendships and good hate-chemistry between the leads.

At about the halfway mark the story slowed down significantly and I felt like I was reading a lot about a work retreat and not a lot about the furthering of this enemies to lovers romance.

Sadly, after these characters finally get together and we get a handful of really excellent spicy scenes, the end of the book kind of fizzled for me. The ending felt rushed and highly predictable and I really disliked the romantic grand gesture.

there were so many really good things about the story but in the end it turned out to just be a middle-of-the-pack read for me.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: workplace sexual harassment, revenge porn
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
POV: Single - F - 1st Person
]]> 214151426 A bestselling romance author flees to Alaska to reinvent herself and write her first murder mystery, but the rugged resort proprietor soon has her fearing she’s living in a rom-com plot instead in this earnestly spectacular debut by a stunning new voice.

Beloved romance author Margot Bradley has a dark secret: she doesn’t believe in Happily Ever Afters. Not for herself, not for her readers, and not even for her characters, for whom she secretly writes alternate endings that swap weddings and babies for divorce papers and the occasional slashed tire. When her Happily Never After document is hacked and released to the public, she finds herself canceled by her readers and dropped by her publisher.

Desperate to find a way to continue supporting her chronically ill sister, Savannah, Margot decides to trade meet-cutes for murder. The fictional kind. Probably. But when Savannah books Margot a six-week stay in a remote Alaskan resort to pen her first murder mystery, Margot finds herself running from a moose and leaping into the arms of the handsome proprietor, making her fear she’s just landed in a romance novel instead.

The last thing Dr. Forrest Wakefield ever expected was to leave his dream job as a cancer researcher to become a glorified bellhop. What he’s really doing at his family’s resort is caring for his stubborn, ailing father, and his puzzle-loving mind is slowly freezing over—until Margot shows up. But Forrest doesn’t have any room in his life for another person he could lose, especially one with a checkout date.

As long snowy nights and one unlikely trope after another draw Margot and Forrest together, they’ll each have to learn to overcome their fears and set their aside assumptions before Margot leaves—or risk becoming a Happily Never After story themselves.]]> 336 Victoria Lavine 1668079275 RateTheRomance 5
usually I would be rolling my eyes at this many tropes in a single story but it works so perfectly here because the heroin does the eye-rolling for us!

The story is sweet, funny, a little serious, and spicy and the lead characters are absolutely the best! I can't wait to read more from this author!

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: caretaker to disabled family member, stroke
FEELS: 4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person ]]> 4.00 2025
author: Victoria Lavine
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/22
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: 5-star-romances, badass-females-in-romance, best-romances-of-2025, enemies-to-lovers-romances, forced-proximity, internet-social-media-in-romance, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, no-strings-sex, rated-r-romances, travel-romances, writers-and-authors-in-romance
review:
The way I absolutely loved this book about a fish out of water who has lost her belief in romantic love and stumbles into a wilderness vacation where every romance trope is thrown at her!!

usually I would be rolling my eyes at this many tropes in a single story but it works so perfectly here because the heroin does the eye-rolling for us!

The story is sweet, funny, a little serious, and spicy and the lead characters are absolutely the best! I can't wait to read more from this author!

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: caretaker to disabled family member, stroke
FEELS: 4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 217387810 It’s a thin line between love and love-hating.

Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past—now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch�� Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West.

The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim—but fakes it that she can.

Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. And they don’t get along. Next stop paradise!

But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good looking man she has ever seen . . . but also a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.

Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue—along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.]]> 320 Katherine Center 1250283825 RateTheRomance 0 to-read 4.00 2025
author: Katherine Center
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 214593222 She’s back in town. He needs a nanny. It should be simple. But in the small town of Misty Peak, simple is never easy.

Sadie Sandler wouldn’t consider herself a quitter. But then, she did walk out on her own wedding twenty-three minutes before she was supposed to walk down the aisle. Now she’s back in the small town of Misty Peak, working at her grandmother’s bakery and nannying the child she basically raised. There’s just one problem…the child’s father. He’s tall, sexy and has the kind of ocean-blue eyes she could drown in. There are so many reasons why she should stay away from Eastern. So why doesn’t she want to heed a single one?

Eastern Walker has one focus—his eight-year-old daughter, Avery. She’s suffered too much for someone so young. She needs stability, and he’s determined to be the best father possible—so why can’t he get his mind off the new nanny? The young woman with the beautiful black eyes, who treats his daughter as if she were her own? He’s the town sheriff, and before that, a Navy SEAL; if there’s anything he’s good at, it’s staying focused. But Sadie’s proving to be his greatest distraction.

Soon, resisting each other turns out to be the least of Eastern and Sadie’s concerns. People from both their pasts reappear, and they’ll go to great lengths to keep the couple apart. And they’re not even the biggest threats in Misty Peak…or to Sadie and Eastern’s happy ending.

A Small Town, Age Gap, Single Dad, Nanny, Romantic Suspense from Bestselling author Nyssa Kathryn.]]> 275 Nyssa Kathryn RateTheRomance 4 CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence, alcoholism, child abandonment
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person ]]> 4.38
author: Nyssa Kathryn
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/01
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: age-gap-romances, armed-forces-or-military-romance, cooking-bakery-romances, indie-published-romance, nanny-romances, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, rated-r-romances, romantic-suspence, romantic-suspense-without-alpha, single-parent-romances, small-town-romances
review:
SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence, alcoholism, child abandonment
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 217464708 Letting him go was the hardest thing she’d ever done…until he returns, and letting him back in proves even harder.

Elle Marshal has spent most of her life pining for the same boy. A boy she’s known since she was eight. A boy with beautiful blue eyes who’s never been interested in anything more than friendship. For years he’s been away, and she’s been able to convince herself that she can live without him—until Jace returns. And every emotion she’s spent a decade and a half denying comes crashing back with a single look. All throughout high school, she watched him date everyone but her, and while she’s no longer that girl, deep down, a small part of her still doubts she’ll ever be enough for the boy she’s loved forever.

Jace Walker is the youngest of six siblings, including four military hero brothers. Following in their footsteps was a rite of passage, but leaving the small town of Misty Peak also meant leaving his best friend. A woman he’s always wanted but never allowed himself to have. Not when he had so much to prove, when Elle deserved someone better…and when he has a habit of losing people he loves. But he’s older now. Wiser. And when he realizes he can’t deny what’s between them any longer, Jace will do whatever it takes to have her.

Getting Elle to trust he’s a safe bet proves harder than Jace thought. And when his past misfortune of losing those closest to him threatens his present—including his happiness with Elle—he’ll have to speed up his timeline if he wants to keep them both safe long enough to have a future.

A Small Town, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Romantic Suspense from Bestselling author Nyssa Kathryn.]]> 274 Nyssa Kathryn RateTheRomance 4 4.34 2024
author: Nyssa Kathryn
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/02
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: armed-forces-or-military-romance, best-romances-of-2025, friends-to-lovers-romances, indie-published-romance, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, rated-r-romances, romantic-suspence, romantic-suspense-without-alpha, small-town-romances
review:

]]> 211170752 It’s a long-awaited homecoming…but not everyone’s happy about her return.

Five years ago, Tilly Taylor’s father did something that cost her everything. Her home. Her friends. And all the trust she’d ever earned. Now she’s back, and ready to prove to everyone that she’s nothing like Martin Taylor. Unfortunately, the small town of Misty Peak doesn’t forgive or forget so easily. And when a murder occurs at Tilly’s new workplace, proving her innocence gets even harder.

Kayden Walker likes his solitude. That’s why working in the mountains suits him so well. They’re his sanctuary. His safe place. So when a woman he doesn’t trust is hired to work alongside him, it’s an adjustment he doesn’t want to make. Only, no matter how much he tries to keep Tilly at a safe distance, he can’t seem to get her sad green eyes out of his head. Despite their families�� unfortunate history, Kayden finds himself playing savior to the last woman he should want to protect.

When dangerous things continue happening in his mountains, keeping her close becomes vital—for Tilly’s safety and for Kayden’s heart. Someone doesn’t want her home…and they’ll go to great lengths to make sure she’s gone.]]> 270 Nyssa Kathryn RateTheRomance 4 CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person]]> 4.34
author: Nyssa Kathryn
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.34
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/25
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves:
review:
SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 141185606
Daisy
Phoneless, carless, and trapped by my relatives, I make a daring escape in just my fancy underwear. Right as a grouchy but gorgeous bodyguard arrives to rescue me.
Enemies pursue us on our West Coast road trip, so Ben whisks me away to a snowed-in cabin in Scotland. I start falling until I'm ready to let him guard my body in every way possible.
But breaking his rules could cost me everything—including him.

Ben
As a bodyguard, I have one rule: don't get attached. Yet Daisy's got me hooked. When I'm asked to protect her, I can't resist. She's warmth and kindness wrapped up in a curvy package, and I'm willing to cross any line to keep her safe.
Almost.
No matter how torn I am between duty and desire, there’s only one chance I can’t take.
For her, I’ll risk anything—except for my heart.
--
Touch Her and Die is the first in a brand new bodyguard series that brings steam, mystery, and adventure, plus a little revenge plot for our heroines. This is standalone romantic suspense with only-one-bed (twice) and a forbidden element.]]> 369 Jolie Vines 1739407202 RateTheRomance 2 4.18 2023
author: Jolie Vines
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves:
review:

]]> 211653407 In Alexandra Vasti’s newest Regency rom-com, a reclusive earl’s life is turned upside down when a stranger shows up on his doorstep with an astonishing proposal—and an inconvenient connection to espionage.

For three years, wallflower heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace has anonymously penned seditious pamphlets. And for almost as long, she’s corresponded with the Earl of Strathrannoch, whose political ambition is matched only by his charm. When Arthur’s latest letter reveals his dire financial straits, Lydia sets out for Scotland to offer him the only salvation she can think of—a marriage of convenience. To, um, herself.

Unfortunately, the Earl of Strathrannoch has no idea who she is.

When a bewitching redheaded stranger offers him her hand in marriage, Arthur Baird is stunned—but when he learns that his traitorous brother has been writing to her under Arthur’s name, he’s bloody furious. He’s content to live alone in his moldering castle, and he has no desire for a provocative, radical wife. (Or at least, he shouldn’t.)

But Arthur is desperate to track down his brother, who’s become dangerously entangled in British espionage, and he needs Lydia’s help. What he doesn’t need? The attraction that burns hotter each moment they spend together. As Lydia slips past his defenses and his brother’s mysterious past becomes a very present threat, Arthur will have to risk everything to keep her safe—even his heart.]]> 342 Alexandra Vasti 1250910978 RateTheRomance 4 4.10 2025
author: Alexandra Vasti
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/26
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves: fake-relationship, forced-proximity, historical-romances, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, plus-size-fat-lead-in-romances, rated-r-romances, romance-in-politics, best-romances-of-2025
review:

]]> 212469939
I’ve been running for most of my life, hiding away in a small town and hoping no one discovers who I truly am. The only problem is that I can never let anyone know the real me. Or at least that was true until my brother moved his best friend onto our shared property.

Now, I’m stuck trying to avoid the nosy billionaire’s probing questions and piercing stares. And it doesn’t help that I almost killed him the first time we met.

Oops.

But when all my carefully crafted lies come crashing down around me, it’s Linc stepping in to shield me. And when it looks like the person hunting me for all those years is back, Linc will do anything to keep me safe.

Only it’s not just my safety at risk. It’s my heart. Because when Linc touches me, I lose all sense. And when I truly get to know the broken billionaire, he’s so much more than a ruthless business tycoon. He’s the man showing me that it’s time to really live.

But I’m not the only one with secrets. Linc has them, too. And when the forces from our pasts emerge from the shadows, it’s with only one goal: to end the new life we’re building together. For good.]]> 402 Catherine Cowles 1951936655 RateTheRomance 4 4.37 2025
author: Catherine Cowles
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/20
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves:
review:

]]> 219287636 If you can’t stand the heat, don’t fall for a firefighter��

Fire Chief Lincoln Reed is known for his heroics in the fire department and in the bedroom. Life is a never-ending good time. Until she lands in the middle of the accident scene he’s working…and then his backyard. Too bad she’s immune to flirty first responders.

Flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil is on a crash course with burnout. She’s got a scar on her face and a shake in her hands. A temporary job as a small-town family physician is just the prescription. She’ll learn to meditate. Sleep more. Take up gardening.

She definitely won’t take her shirtless, firefighting neighbor’s hot body for a test drive.

But Linc and his tattoos are very persuasive. What’s a harmless little adrenaline-fueled fling between neighbors? It’s all naked fun and games until the shadows from Mack’s past find their way into her present. Can Linc be her hero when she needs him the most or will their scars ruin everything?

One thing is certain: Someone is going to get burned.

���ܳٳ�ǰ�’s Warning: This small-town happily ever after is smokin�� hot, sweetly hilarious, deliciously suspenseful, and a one-two punch to the feels. One-click for a disaster dog, precocious kids, a good ol�� fistfight, nosy neighbors, high-adrenaline first responder heroics, firefighter bromance, and kitchen sexytimes. ]]> 476 Lucy Score 1945631554 RateTheRomance 4 4.27 2020
author: Lucy Score
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/17
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves:
review:

]]> 55819463 Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.

LIES WILL BE TOLD, SECRETS WILL BE REVEALED, AND WHAT WAS ONCE LOST WILL BE FOUND.

As the VP of Kings of Retribution MC, I live and breathe this life. After suffering the loss of two women in my life, I grew cold and indifferent to the idea of love. I don't need to let anyone in. I've seen the aftermath it can leave in its wake.
The last thing I'm looking for is someone to fill the void.
Until-Bella Jameson

Struggling to keep my head above water, my only concern is taking care of my sister. The last ting I expected was to fall in love with a tattooed biker, Logan Kane. With evil hiding in the shadows, I have no idea the danger my sister and I are about to face.

Will Logan and Bella overcome their demons in the end, or will they lose each other in the process?]]> 276 Crystal Daniels RateTheRomance 1 4.12 2017
author: Crystal Daniels
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2017
rating: 1
read at: 2025/03/14
date added: 2025/03/14
shelves:
review:
DNF at 7% when the male main character and his friend started comparing notes on a certain woman's vagina immediately after she left the room.
]]> 203656976 Is the cost of a second chance at love too steep when the currency is their own lives?

In the close-knit town of Bell Ridge, Texas, Jackson Boone has settled into his role of serving others as a firefighter. While on a trip to Miami, a chance encounter reunites him with his first love, and sparks ignite. Their night together kindles an explosive chemistry, but by the time he wakes the next morning, she's gone.

Back in Bell Ridge, Jackson remains oblivious to the life-altering secret she carries—a baby that may be his.

Grace Miller is ensnared in a perilous web of abuse, trapped in a relationship with a man who concealed his true wickedness until it was too late for her to escape. When she endures a brutal beating for uncovering the dark secrets behind his wealth and status, Grace risks everything to flee from her life in Miami, seeking refuge in the town she loved visiting each summer growing Bell Ridge, Texas.

Returning with bruises and a shattered spirit, Grace remains tight-lipped about the true extent of her troubles. Jackson, immediately determined to protect Grace and her unborn child, confronts the shadows that threaten to tear their second chance at happiness apart. As Jackson unravels the danger surrounding Grace's life, they quickly discover that her ex will stop at nothing to reclaim what he perceives as his.

Will Jackson and Grace realize in time that in the heart of Clarence County, family isn't merely a tie that binds�� it's actually the ultimate source of strength and support?]]> 346 Tilly H. Colson RateTheRomance 1 endlessly annoying main characters

I liked the first book in this series, but JACKSON has the worst main characters ever. Both of them are just whiny AF.

This entire book is non-stop convos like this...

"You don't have to be sorry. I'm the one who's sorry"
"No, you're not a burden, I'm the burden"
"I don't want to talk about it�� it's in the past"
"I'm no good for you. You'd be better off without me"
"You can't possibly love me when I'm so unlovable"
"Did I mention I'm a burden today yet?"

It's so incredibly annoying. ]]> 3.81
author: Tilly H. Colson
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.81
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2025/03/14
date added: 2025/03/14
shelves:
review:
endlessly annoying main characters

I liked the first book in this series, but JACKSON has the worst main characters ever. Both of them are just whiny AF.

This entire book is non-stop convos like this...

"You don't have to be sorry. I'm the one who's sorry"
"No, you're not a burden, I'm the burden"
"I don't want to talk about it�� it's in the past"
"I'm no good for you. You'd be better off without me"
"You can't possibly love me when I'm so unlovable"
"Did I mention I'm a burden today yet?"

It's so incredibly annoying.
]]> 217465190
But when my nephew’s guardianship is contested, I decide I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him in Rose Hill. Even if it means marrying the enemy.

Rhys Dupris.

A man who is secretive, broody, and completely infuriating. A man whose work takes him away for weeks on end and brings him back covered in mysterious bruises—ones he won’t talk about. In fact, we barely talk at all.

Which would be fine, except when he’s not talking, he’s staring. And the way he looks at me is borderline indecent.

The tension between us has always been palpable. But living under the same roof is a dangerous temptation.

I swore I would never forgive him. But that was before I knew the man behind the mask. The one who’s fierce and protective. The one who’s gentle and patient. The one who shows up for us when we need him most.

He’s not at all who I thought he was.

And that makes hating my husband so much harder�� and loving him just a little too easy.]]> 466 Elsie Silver RateTheRomance 5 4.27 2025
author: Elsie Silver
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: 5-star-romances, animals-or-pets-in-romances, badass-females-in-romance, best-romances-of-2025, cooking-bakery-romances, enemies-to-lovers-romances, fake-relationship, love-after-loss-or-trauma-romance, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, rated-nc-17-romances, small-town-romances, sports-or-gym-romance
review:

]]> 200932907
Returning to her hometown was never part of the plan for Daisy Hughes. But after the sudden death of the grandparents who raised her, Daisy finds herself inheriting the family farm in Bell Ridge, Texas. When she begins to receive anonymous threats demanding she sell the farm, it becomes clear that not everyone is happy with her return.

If Daisy doesn't figure out who wants her out of Bell Ridge, and fast, her home won't be the only thing she loses.

Clarence County Sheriff Hank Porter is perfectly fine going through life on his own. He's closed off, more than a little rough around the edges, and distant, but that suits him just fine. After his ex left him with no warning five years ago, Hank hasn't had any desire to explore a relationship with anyone else, friendship or otherwise. That is, until Daisy Hughes goes flying past his radar gun one afternoon with tears in her eyes.

Struggling to move on from his past, Hank tries to stay away from Daisy. But as the danger surrounding her escalates, it becomes clear that someone is determined to put her life at risk. He can't stay away and let her be hurt, or worse. While the chemistry between them grows as they spend time together, Hank and Daisy must race against time to uncover the sinister force trying to destroy her life.

Will Hank be able to get over his past to ensure he and Daisy have a future?]]> 326 Tilly H. Colson RateTheRomance 3 3.73
author: Tilly H. Colson
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.73
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/11
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves:
review:

]]> 217905592
When Noah Hebert swung his axe and rescued me from a coffee shop bathroom, I had only a vague sense of who the tattooed lumberjack was. Turns out he’s more than broad shoulders and a thick beard. He’s a devoted single dad and my new neighbor.

Soon after, we find ourselves falling into an easy friendship. I help him with his fussy baby, and he helps me survive my ex-husband and little sister’s wedding. Despite my vow never to risk my heart again, my defenses quickly crumble. The sight of him rocking his sweet baby in those muscular, inked arms only makes matters worse. And when he defends me to my toxic family, the sparks of attraction between us catch fire.

I moved back here with a mission. Grow the food pantry and make our little town a better place. I can’t get mixed up with the grieving single dad, even if he likes to braid my hair and slow dance in the kitchen.

He moved across the country to escape the flames of his past and protect the little girl he now calls his own. But our town is sitting on a bed of secrets ready to ignite.

And when the heat causes my world to go up in smoke, I’m not sure it’s possible to sift through the rubble and find our happily ever after.

���ܳٳ�ǰ�’s Note: Axe Backwards is a standalone small-town romance featuring a bleeding-heart heroine, a lumberjack firefighter, and a cute baby. If you enjoy single dads, fake dating, small-town shenanigans, lumberjack competitions, and baby sign language, you will not be disappointed. Come for the wood chopping, stay for the moose!]]> 369 Daphne Elliot 1965530001 RateTheRomance 3 4.04
author: Daphne Elliot
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.04
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/09
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves:
review:

]]> 219948135
I won’t let anyone in. Worse yet, let anyone down, like I did all those years ago.

My focus is on keeping my family safe in our small town and protecting my life’s work.

That was easier before Ava came to live on our land. The spunky winner of our hacking contest isn’t who she says she is. But the more time I spend with her, the more I’m blinded by the sunshine in front of me.

Ava is talented, quirky and joyful. She's a pair of long lean legs stuffed into sexy Doc Martens, shaking her peachy backside around our land like it's the first time she's danced.

She’s a lot younger and my employee. She’s not my friend�� or anything else. But her cute quips and natural brilliance have me spiraling out of control�� right toward her.

When her secrets catch up with her, I know she’s not just hiding who she is; she’s running from it. The danger chasing her is worse than I imagined, and I’ll sacrifice it all to keep her safe.

But her past promises to destroy us both.]]> Sienna Judd RateTheRomance 4 4.05 2024
author: Sienna Judd
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/05
date added: 2025/03/05
shelves: romantic-suspence, romantic-suspense-without-alpha
review:

]]> 60422960
Luckily, her best friend might have found the perfect opportunity; a job staying at the lavish penthouse apartment of hotel magnate Bancroft Mills while he’s out of town, taking care of his exotic pets. But when the newly-evicted Ruby arrives to meet her new employer, it turns out Bane is the same guy who got her sick. Seeing his role in Ruby’s dilemma, Bane offers her a permanent job as his live-in pet sitter until she can get back on her feet.

Filled with hilariously awkward encounters and enough sexual tension to heat a New York City block, Shacking Up, from NYT and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting, is sure to keep you laughing and swooning all night long.]]> 476 Helena Hunting RateTheRomance 4 4.15 2017
author: Helena Hunting
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/03
date added: 2025/03/03
shelves:
review:

]]> 220239464 From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a new forced proximity, single dad romantic comedy. This steamy, laugh out loud, enemies-to-lovers, small town standalone romance delivers the perfect happily ever after.

What does one do when they completely blow an interview?
If you're me, you pick up a one-night stand with the most gorgeous man you've ever seen..

That's right, after a lousy interview that could have changed everything for me, I headed over to the local small town bar to sulk when the one man I shouldn't want walked in. And when my friend convinced me to take him back to my hotel room, I didn't think about it, I just did it . . . well, I did him.

It was an unforgettable night, but I didn't stay for breakfast. Instead, I got out of there and tried not to think about him again.

Everything was fine until I received a call from the interviewer saying I got the job as the assistant baseball coach at Almond Bay High. I'd be working directly under the one and only Ryland Rowley--my one-night stand.

Now, I'm not only working with him but renting the apartment above his garage. And I have to deal with the fact that he's the man I dream about and can't have while not letting my attraction get in the way of keeping the harmony between us. Sounds easy, doesn't it?

It should have been, except the plan falls apart when my shower breaks, and night after night I have to slip into his house to use the bathroom only to find him in the kitchen, staring me down with those hungry, single dad eyes.]]> 460 Meghan Quinn RateTheRomance 4 4.25
author: Meghan Quinn
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/01
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves:
review:

]]> 218439866 He knew she was trouble from the moment they met.

Esme Laurent is a con artist. An accomplished liar. A world-class thief. And probably the most beautiful and intriguing woman that Tyler Barrett has ever met. Sure, he has to arrest her at their first meeting, and she absolutely hates him, but…well, he has a job to do. And Tyler always gets the job done.

Turns out, she is the new job.

The people in charge want to use Esme to bring down a very dangerous criminal operation. And in order to do that, Esme has to stay in the land of the living. She needs protection, she needs a new identity, and she needs to disappear, immediately. Because Esme has more than a bit of power, she makes her own deal…her protection needs to come in the ever-so-gorgeous, ever-so-dangerous, and ever-so-law-abiding form of U.S. Marshal Tyler Barrett.

They’ll disappear into Small Town, USA. And they’ll pretend to be newlyweds who just can’t keep their hands off each other.

No, absolutely, this cannot be happening. But no matter how much Tyler protests, the new job is, in fact, happening. He’s being sent to Asylum, Alabama, with the delectable Esme. He’s supposed to be her husband—a role that will give him twenty-four, seven access in order to protect her. He needs that access in order to make sure that Esme doesn’t run from the authorities and that she stays alive. But what Tyler doesn’t count on is the consuming desire he feels for a woman who should be off-limits.

She’ll test every limit that he has��

Esme doesn’t expect her attraction to the rule-following Tyler. He’s big, he’s buttoned-down, and he’s absolutely…delicious. She also suspects that he may be carefully controlling a wild side—one that she would love to see erupt. Oh, if only.

When danger comes calling, Tyler is more than ready to handle any threat. Who knew that falling for the good guy could be so tempting? And so very…heart-breaking. Because there was no way a guy like Tyler would want to stay around once they stop pretending. Everyone knows the bad girl never gets to keep the good guy, especially when she’s still working a very long con.

���ܳٳ�ǰ�’s Note: Are you in the mood for a strong hero who makes “protecting and defending�� his life code? Tyler is big, fierce, and more than ready to step into the line of fire in order to protect his charge. He’s also falling fast under the spell of a woman he should not trust. Everything with Esme is just pretend…everything, except the desire they feel for each other. And the very, very real danger that stalks her. A danger that may wind up costing Tyler more than he ever expected. WHEN HE PROTECTS, Tyler gives his all, and when he loves…he will fight like hell for the woman who stole his heart.]]> 344 Cynthia Eden 1965259022 RateTheRomance 3 4.30 2024
author: Cynthia Eden
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/27
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves:
review:

]]> 210221436
It’s always the broody ones you have to watch out for��.

Imagine my surprise when my new neighbor turns out to be Callan Keen, one of Scotland’s most famous (and hottest) professional footballers. I’m even more shocked to discover that the brooding player is still holding a grudge for something that happened between us years ago.

But I can’t focus on him or his issues with me because I’m too busy trying to take my company to the next level. I don’t have time for this blast from the past, even if the grump upstairs is still the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

When a huge client opportunity arises, I’m forced to ask Callan for help. I need a fake date and he needs an introduction with my real estate mogul dad. The deal between us should be simple. Except for the blazing chemistry we’ve shared since the moment we met. We can’t deny it, we can’t control it, and soon we’re agreeing to a six week, no-strings-attached, mind-blowing affair.

I told myself I wouldn't catch feelings for Callan, but the closer we get, the more he reminds me of the guy I once fell for. It just might prove impossible to show my stubborn Scotsman we’re worth the risk, especially when the past continues to haunt us and threaten to wreck any chance of a future together…]]> 440 Samantha Young RateTheRomance 4 4.20 2025
author: Samantha Young
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/27
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves:
review:

]]> 223352727 He's the biggest grump who ever grumped. But when danger comes, he's my fiercest protector.

When I decided to spend my summer in Silver Ridge, Colorado, I was looking for a new beginning. Until he dashed my hopeful bubble.

I’m the new music teacher who just signed a lease to share his building. He's a martial arts instructor. An ex-Army grouch who wants me gone. Yet when Ashford's with his daughter, I see a whole new side of him that draws me in. Not to mention his tight T-shirts and all those muscles.

Then trouble comes, and Ashford takes me in when I need him most. But he has darkness in his past. Secrets that could tear our new, fragile connection apart. Getting close to Ashford means digging up truths that some in Silver Ridge would kill to keep hidden.

And now, a killer has his sights set on me.

In this small town romance, you'll find adorable antics from a six-year-old and her golden retriever, plus heart-racing suspense and a smart, strong heroine. If you like a gruff, protective hero who'll do anything to keep her safe (and make her smile), then get ready for Ashford O'Neal!

★Single Dad/Babysitter
★Ex-Military Hero
★G���ܳ����/���ܲԲ��󾱲Ա�
★Age Gap
★Dislike to Love
★Forced Proximity
★Slow Burn
★S�辱����!]]> 370 Hannah Shield 1957982349 RateTheRomance 3 4.27
author: Hannah Shield
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/24
date added: 2025/02/24
shelves:
review:

]]> 213245287 A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle-inspired love story from beloved author B.K. Borison.

Aiden Valentine has a secret: he's fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore's romance hotline, that's a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight.

Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job; an incredible family; and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life-or lack thereof—she begins to question if she's as happy as she thought. Maybe a little more romance wouldn't be such a bad thing.

Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending... even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final call between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.]]> 446 B.K. Borison 0593641205 RateTheRomance 4 4.19 2025
author: B.K. Borison
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/21
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves:
review:

]]> 208662594
Forgetting the wedding was the easy part. Being married to him is a whole different story. Parker is too �� everything. Chiseled by the gods good-looking. A heartbreaking kind of broody. The kind of man you know will wreck you for all others. Good thing this is all pretend. And oh, how we pretend. We pretend ourselves right into me ripping the clothes off his body.

It’s all fun and fake marriage until the day he gets a knock on the door with the surprise of a lifetime. Until the bomb goes off and we’re left to pick up the pieces. Until the pretending stops and we’re left with only one question: was any of it real?]]> 397 Karla Sorensen RateTheRomance 5 this book is EVERYTHING

I love this entire series but THIS WILD HEART is next level amazingness. Anya and Parker have insane chemistry, sweet moments, difficult situations, and hot spicy scenes.

This book adds so many characters from the series without the reader feeling overwhelmed of lost. And the way this story tackles grief and love and family is perfection.

READ THIS BOOK. You will love it!

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: cheating ex, past death of parents, parental abandonment
FEELS: 4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person]]> 4.44 2025
author: Karla Sorensen
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/10
date added: 2025/02/10
shelves: 5-star-romances, accidentally-married, animals-or-pets-in-romances, art-artist, badass-females-in-romance, best-romances-of-2025, forced-proximity, indie-published-romance, love-after-loss-or-trauma-romance, rated-r-romances, sports-or-gym-romance, tall-heroines-in-romance
review:
HOLY HELL
this book is EVERYTHING

I love this entire series but THIS WILD HEART is next level amazingness. Anya and Parker have insane chemistry, sweet moments, difficult situations, and hot spicy scenes.

This book adds so many characters from the series without the reader feeling overwhelmed of lost. And the way this story tackles grief and love and family is perfection.

READ THIS BOOK. You will love it!

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: cheating ex, past death of parents, parental abandonment
FEELS: 4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 39910102 It takes one little spark for enemies to ignite into lovers in a searing-hot novel by USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Blackwood.

Sloane Garcia has butted heads with Reece Jenkins ever since he was a colossal jerk of epic proportions on a night she’d rather forget. So what if he’s overconfident, ultramasculine, and hard muscled? When she finds out he’s on the auction block at the annual firefighter’s charity event, she decides to give this cocky firefighter a dose of his own medicine. Now that she’s won the hunk, he’s on call—to do whatever Sloane wants.

Sure, Reece and Sloane had a rocky start, but he had his reasons. None of that matters now that he’s the bachelor at her beck and call, tasked with granting her four wishes in four weeks. He runs into burning buildings for a living, but nothing will be as tough as dousing the flames Sloane ignites in him. What started out as just a game might end up with Reece losing the one thing he swore he’d never give up: his heart.]]> 300 Jennifer Blackwood 1503958477 RateTheRomance 3 4.07 2018
author: Jennifer Blackwood
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/05
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves:
review:

]]> 157891826
Alexandra Garcia arrives on Hudson Island, Washington bruised and battered…but thankful. She knows she’s lucky to be alive. With her abusive soon-to-be ex-husband in prison, Alex is determined to put her past behind her for the sake of her unborn child. The last thing she’s looking for is any sort of romantic relationship—and most definitely not a knight in shining armor. But there’s something about her handsome neighbor that gets her pulse racing. In the best way.

Sheriff Quinn O’Conner has sworn off damsels in distress—especially those with lots of baggage. Still, when Alex moves in next door, he feels duty bound to look after her. He tells himself it’s because of his job, but he knows that’s a lie. Against his better judgment, he finds himself fascinated by Alex’s compelling mix of strength and vulnerability.

As cryptic threats push them closer together, the heat simmering between them rises. But will their budding relationship survive? And more importantly, will Alex?

Author's Note: Please check the author's website for all tropes and CWs.]]> 340 Christina Sol RateTheRomance 4 4.20
author: Christina Sol
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/04
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: romantic-suspence, romantic-suspense-without-alpha
review:

]]> 195934741 Despite being an artist, I think you know that as a busy New Yorker, I am also practical and straightforward.
That said, I need to make sure you know that this could never turn into anything serious.
I don’t care if you’re trying to get over your ex-girlfriend or hoping she’ll eventually want to get back together with you—just don’t project your messy feelings about her onto me.
Because, despite your resemblance to an underwear model, I won’t be falling for you. Ever.
Yours, with clear boundaries,
Bernadette
p.s. I’d like to be very clear that regardless of whether or not we do this, nothing will change my feelings for your dog (and we both know she loves me too).

Dear nutty As a lawyer, I must clarify that I never made an offer.
It was a suggestion regarding the possibility of a non-permanent, no-strings-attached arrangement between two consenting adults whose beds are separated by a wall.
As a man who shares your disdain for messy feelings, I applaud your confidence in your ability to not fall for me. Hold on to that.
I’d also like to make it clear that I don’t care if you want to get over your crush on your boss or if you still hope he’ll realize you’re the woman of his dreams.
That said, I definitely wasn’t thinking about my ex-girlfriend when I kissed you in the laundry room, and I’m quite sure you weren’t thinking about your boss.
As a dog daddy, I'm glad you're so taken with my girl. But if you try to steal her I will get all Liam Neeson up in your pretty face.
As a busy New Yorker, I think clear boundaries are hot.
I have one hour free to blow your mind tonight.
So turn off Netflix, put down that glass of wine, and let’s do this.
Yours for now, Matt]]> 290 Kayley Loring RateTheRomance 4 4.11 2019
author: Kayley Loring
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/31
date added: 2025/01/31
shelves:
review:

]]> 38621526 From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Disaster

As Darby Dixon sits in a tiny Texas church bathroom on her wedding day holding a positive pregnancy test, she realizes that of all the bad decisions she's made in her life, marrying her abusive fiancé would be the worst. She's never been able to stand up for herself, but she'll sure as hell stand up for her baby. With just the cash she has on hand, she runs to get a bus ticket to the farthest place she can afford. Between her sheer grit and pageant-queen smile, she lands a job as a front desk clerk at the Colorado Springs Hotel. It's not a glamorous life, but she and her baby are all that matters.

A former Marine, Scott "Trex" Trexler has worked in the most dangerous, corrupt, war-torn places on earth. Now he finally has a chance to return to the last place he'd felt at peace--Colorado Springs, Colorado, to take a new job with the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, a top-secret military installation buried deep within the granite.

The moment Trex walks into the inn, Darby knows he's dangerous. There's no way she wants to get involved with another man who seems to be keeping way too many secrets. As charming and devastatingly gorgeous as Trex is, he clearly isn't telling her everything. But as wildfires rage on the mountain and Darby's ex-fiancé shows he isn't so willing to let her go, both she and Trex are soon to find out that what you don't know absolutely can hurt you.
]]> 384 Jamie McGuire 1538730049 RateTheRomance 1
obviously some readers either won't mind, or might like, these heavily christian talking points, but not me.

i also found the story ridiculously improbable AND both the hero and heroine are not mature enough for a real relationship. they fight a lot, scream at each other during those fights, and fake break-up repeatedly. it's pretty exhausting to read.

after wading through a truly egregious amount of unnecessary chapters about the hero's spy work (that had absolutely nothing to do with the plot or the love story), the improbable ending sealed the deal for me really disliking this book.

seriously a mess.]]> 4.10 2018
author: Jamie McGuire
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2018
rating: 1
read at: 2025/01/30
date added: 2025/01/30
shelves: armed-forces-or-military-romance, rated-pg-13-romances, romantic-suspence, romantic-suspense-without-alpha, single-parent-romances
review:
firstly, i was unaware this was a Christian romance. that is definitely not my thing. besides the very heavy-handed religious talk, readers should be aware that there is also more subtle conservative-talk woven through the story. for example, at one point in this pregnant single mom romance the Hero (NOT the baby daddy, btw) gets angry at the Heroine for even considering returning to work after the birth and "letting strangers raise her baby" in daycare.

obviously some readers either won't mind, or might like, these heavily christian talking points, but not me.

i also found the story ridiculously improbable AND both the hero and heroine are not mature enough for a real relationship. they fight a lot, scream at each other during those fights, and fake break-up repeatedly. it's pretty exhausting to read.

after wading through a truly egregious amount of unnecessary chapters about the hero's spy work (that had absolutely nothing to do with the plot or the love story), the improbable ending sealed the deal for me really disliking this book.

seriously a mess.
]]> 57819401
As a PR expert, Penni Stewart’s life is one constant blur. Work. Sleep. Work. But one fateful afternoon she has a gun jammed in her side and a sexy Navy SEAL storms into her life. Only he walks away and she never expects to see him again…until he’s waiting for her one night after work. The attraction that flared at their first touch isn’t as one sided as she thought.

When it becomes clear that the danger from the hold up has followed her home, and Penni’s life is now under threat, Fort will do whatever it takes to ensure her safety. But will it be enough or will the one good thing in his life be ripped from his grasp?]]> 242 Nicole Flockton RateTheRomance 1
My favorite part of the terrible editing was when the male main character, named Fort, was misspelled by the author as FORK.

]]> 4.48 2021
author: Nicole Flockton
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2021
rating: 1
read at: 2025/01/29
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves:
review:
This book was predicable and had never ending typos, errors, and misplaced words.

My favorite part of the terrible editing was when the male main character, named Fort, was misspelled by the author as FORK.


]]> 211165143 Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this rivals-to-lovers romance set in Rome, Kentucky—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Rule Book and Practice Makes Perfect.

Emily Walker hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone, most of all her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett. He’s the opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer, which is why Emily was perfectly happy when Jack left Rome, Kentucky, mid-school year with his fiancée. The last thing Emily saw coming was Jack’s return at the start of the summer after calling off the wedding and ending his relationship, but he’s here to stay—as her colleague and her neighbor.

Jack is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. But when he realizes he’s now neighbors with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something he’s even more excited about—thwarting Emily and her petty plans to sabotage his return.

With their chemistry-fueled animosity at an all-time high, Emily accidentally sends an email to their school’s principal that could reveal her secret literary side hustle. She needs to steal back her manuscript, and Jack—she hates to admit—is just the man to help her. Surprisingly, he agrees. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?]]> 368 Sarah Adams 0593723708 RateTheRomance 5 4.17 2025
author: Sarah Adams
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/27
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves:
review:

]]> 214037675 Roping horses leads to riding cowboys in this sexy friends-to-lovers, fake-dating, lessons-in-seduction romance by Jessica Peterson.

Wyatt Rivers is the perfect no-strings hookup—a cowboy Casanova who rocks a Stetson, looks smokin�� hot in his Wranglers, and never rests his head on the same pillow twice.

He’s exactly what I’m looking for. If only Wyatt wasn’t also my best friend��

I’m back in my hometown of Harstville, Texas, for a few months while I wait for my dream job to start thousands of miles away. While I’m here, I hope to end an epic dry spell in the bedroom, preferably with a local cowboy. If the rumors are true, they really do ride harder and stay on longer.

Wyatt and I have been best friends since second grade, and I’ve been in love with him for almost as long. But he’s as wild and untamed as a colt that can’t be broken—not to mention, totally out of my league with his good looks and heartbreaker reputation.

Then I get to thinking: since Wyatt is such an expert, why doesn’t he teach me the ropes of how to find a hookup? He begrudgingly agrees, and a little fake flirting suddenly leads to fake dating, which leads to real kissing, which leads to real…well, everything else.

And let me just say, the rumors are absolutely true.

Now, I want so badly to be Wyatt’s last rodeo. But I’m leaving town, and even if I wasn’t, I’m not sure Wyatt would ever change his playboy ways.

I know cowboys can’t be tamed. Apparently, neither can hearts��

WYATT is an interconnected standalone novel in the Lucky River Ranch series.]]> 362 Jessica Peterson RateTheRomance 4 4.05 2024
author: Jessica Peterson
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/23
date added: 2025/01/23
shelves:
review:

]]> 134652201
Don’t hook up with the star center in an elevator a week before starting your new job.

Uhh�� oops.

Okay, so I already broke the first rule. But just because Noah Blake knows what my ‘O�� face looks like, that doesn’t mean he’ll ever get to see it again.

This job means the world to me, and I won’t risk it for anything—not even for a hockey captain with a crooked smile, a dangerously talented tongue, and gorgeous blue eyes that make my heart race.

Not even when he shows up at my door to comfort me in the middle of a thunderstorm.

Not even if he’s determined to show me just how incredible we could be together.

Falling for a hockey player was never part of my plan. The only problem is, there’s a little voice in my head that keeps whispering��

Maybe he’s right .


TROPES IN THIS Offside Hearts is a contemporary hockey romance loaded with banter, feels, and deliciously spicy steam. It is a complete standalone with a HEA!]]> 452 Nikki Lawson RateTheRomance 3
It starts to feel like cheap, pandering writing after a while.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language. *MIGHT* include props/kink.
CONTENT WARNING: mention of spousal abuse, emotionally distant parents, cheating
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person]]> 3.49 2023
author: Nikki Lawson
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.49
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/21
date added: 2025/01/21
shelves: big-city-romances, internet-social-media-in-romance, millionaires-billionaires-romances, rated-nc-17-romances, sports-or-gym-romance, workplace-romance
review:
This book was good and seriously spicy, but the main characters have zero flaws, which i find both boring and unrealistic. Especially the Hero, who is s reformed player who turns into an overly perfect book boyfriend the instant he meets the heroine.

It starts to feel like cheap, pandering writing after a while.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language. *MIGHT* include props/kink.
CONTENT WARNING: mention of spousal abuse, emotionally distant parents, cheating
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 213821346 Miss Congeniality meets the Super Bowl!

TOUCHDOWN FOR LOVE

It’s been years since Lily’s heart was shattered by her college sweetheart and star quarterback, Tate Donaghue. Now, he’s a high-profile NFL player, and unfortunately for Lily, her latest security assignment.

For Tate, Lily left all those years ago without so much as a backward glance let alone an explanation. But pretending he’s in love with her now is easier than he’d like to admit��

With the countdown on to the biggest game in the NFL’s history and the threat level intensifying, can Lily and Tate move on from the past �� or will they fumble the ball, and their relationship, when it matters most?

Tropes:

Forced Proximity
Enemies to lovers
Grumpy Sunshine
Opposites Attract]]> 312 Cassie Connor 0008662908 RateTheRomance 1
The rating I have to give this book pains me. A lot. These characters are great. The chemistry is off the charts. The story is engaging.

But this book is filled with errors, so many loose ends, and a ridiculously improbable ending. What could be a 5-star read is self-sabotaged for a few reasons.

Reason 1: a Brit writing Americans fail
The male lead is an American and this book is set in America, but there are dozens, yes DOZENS, of errors in his speech and vocabulary that are distinctly British. I will never understand why British authors insist on writing American characters in American settings. In this book it is a disastrous attempt

Reason 2: major plot holes throughout
Oh, there were so, so, SO MANY plot holes in this book. Injuries miraculously heal within one scene, a house break in (via a shattered window) that just never gets addressed, scenes that make no sense within the plot, etc.

Reason 3: the ending
// SPOILERS // the hero finds the heroine badly injured. She has a head injury and wrist injuries that are bleeding profusely. There is a massive bomb in a sports stadium 30 minutes prior to the Superbowl. The hero defuses the bomb (now a mere 15 minutes to Superbowl start time) and somehow the Superbowl goes on as planned, on time. The injured heroine watches the game, apparently covered in her own blood. She watches with the owner's ex-wife, who also was injured by the "bad guy". Like... WUT? That the author didn't choose to have a game postponement and resume this story 1 week later at the rescheduled Superbowl in INSANE.

I wish this book had a fierce editor, American proof readers checking for inaccuracies, and a plausible ending. It could have been such a great read.


SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person]]> 3.36 2025
author: Cassie Connor
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.36
book published: 2025
rating: 1
read at: 2025/01/19
date added: 2025/01/19
shelves:
review:
1.5 STARS

The rating I have to give this book pains me. A lot. These characters are great. The chemistry is off the charts. The story is engaging.

But this book is filled with errors, so many loose ends, and a ridiculously improbable ending. What could be a 5-star read is self-sabotaged for a few reasons.

Reason 1: a Brit writing Americans fail
The male lead is an American and this book is set in America, but there are dozens, yes DOZENS, of errors in his speech and vocabulary that are distinctly British. I will never understand why British authors insist on writing American characters in American settings. In this book it is a disastrous attempt

Reason 2: major plot holes throughout
Oh, there were so, so, SO MANY plot holes in this book. Injuries miraculously heal within one scene, a house break in (via a shattered window) that just never gets addressed, scenes that make no sense within the plot, etc.

Reason 3: the ending
// SPOILERS // the hero finds the heroine badly injured. She has a head injury and wrist injuries that are bleeding profusely. There is a massive bomb in a sports stadium 30 minutes prior to the Superbowl. The hero defuses the bomb (now a mere 15 minutes to Superbowl start time) and somehow the Superbowl goes on as planned, on time. The injured heroine watches the game, apparently covered in her own blood. She watches with the owner's ex-wife, who also was injured by the "bad guy". Like... WUT? That the author didn't choose to have a game postponement and resume this story 1 week later at the rescheduled Superbowl in INSANE.

I wish this book had a fierce editor, American proof readers checking for inaccuracies, and a plausible ending. It could have been such a great read.


SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 30178435 The sizzling second novel in a sexy new contemporary romance series featuring the Lawless siblings—from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.

Brandon Lawless is a man on a mission: obtain the information that will clear his father’s name. He’s willing to do whatever it takes—even seduce his enemy’s personal assistant, the beautiful and innocent Carly Hendricks. But with her beguiling smile and captivating intelligence, Brandon soon realizes he doesn’t want to deceive Carly, he wants to win her over—both in the boardroom and the bedroom.
��
Then a twisted crime leaves Carly vulnerable and Brandon finds himself reeling. The stakes of his mission are now life or death—Carly’s life. And Brandon realizes he’s lost his heart to an amazing woman and his plan must succeed, because the stakes are no longer just revenge, but a once in a lifetime love.]]> 384 Lexi Blake 0698410319 RateTheRomance 2 romantic-suspence doormat heroine
convoluted plot

not for me]]> 4.29 2017
author: Lexi Blake
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2017
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/17
date added: 2025/01/17
shelves: romantic-suspence
review:
asshole hero
doormat heroine
convoluted plot

not for me
]]> 223511437 A new, sexy standalone from #1 New York Times Bestseller, Vi Keeland. ��

He's her boss. She's his greatest temptation.

The first time I met Dawson Reed, we wound up in bed.
The problem was, neither of us knew the other were there.
When I woke up in the middle of the night and found a stranger next to me, instinct kicked in and I attacked the intruder.
Only it turned out, the man wasn’t an intruder at all.
Dawson had rented this cabin, too. Apparently, a system glitch allowed a duplicate booking.
We’d soon find out we were in town for the same wedding, and Dawson was the groomsman I’d been warned about. He was as tall, dark and jaw-droppingly gorgeous as my best friend had described. Though she was also right when she’d said you two will hate each other.
When daylight rolled around, Dawson and I attempted to straighten out the mess we found ourselves in. But it proved to be more difficult than we initially thought. Since it was a holiday weekend, there wasn’t a single room available for more than fifty miles.
I suppose things could be worse than sharing a cabin for a weekend with a handsome man you despise.
Like maybe him winding up being your new boss?]]> 349 Vi Keeland 1959827871 RateTheRomance 4 4.38 2025
author: Vi Keeland
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/15
date added: 2025/01/15
shelves:
review:

]]> 179424218
U.S. Marshal Titan Everett never loses his prey, and he always stays mission oriented. His latest mission? He’s working with a group of cold case solvers called the Ice Breakers—he’s chasing down a runaway witness, a woman who may be the key to solving a string of unsolved murders. Seems like a simple enough job. After the hell he’s seen, locating one Cassidy Jacobs, former kindergarten teacher, should be a walk in the park.
She doesn’t want to be found.

When you manage to escape from a twisted killer—who happened to be your boyfriend—you grab life by both hands and you hold on tight. You run like mad from danger, you reinvent yourself over and over, and you don’t look back. Ever. Unless, of course, the past comes barreling at you in the form of one truly massive and strong U.S. marshal.

Titan is big, dangerous, and determined to bring Cassidy back home. He also has the most incredible eyes she’s ever seen and a voice that makes her whole body ache with longing…Problematic. Very. Because the last time she fell hard for a sexy stranger, he wound up being a monster.

Home is where the nightmare waits.

Scarred and twisted by his own past, Titan never claims to be anyone’s hero. He barely talks, and charming is the last word anyone would ever associate with him. The bubbly, beautiful Cassidy is his complete opposite, and the scorching, primal attraction he feels for her catches him completely off guard as they embark on what has to be the road trip from hell.

Unfortunately, Titan isn’t the only one who has found Cassidy. She’s been running non-stop, but she just can’t seem to run far enough—or fast enough—to evade the man who wants her dead. When Titan saves her life and promises protection, she agrees to a partnership with him. He’ll protect her, and she’ll help him draw out the killer. No biggie. Not like she’s utterly and completely terrified.

But eventually, you have to stop running and start fighting.
This isn’t just another hunt for Titan. Everything has changed in his world because of Cassidy. Losing her can’t happen, but putting the man in the ground who has been terrorizing her? Absolutely on Titan’s to-do list. New Protect Cassidy and catch a killer. And when the case is closed, maybe Cassidy will want to start a new life once again…only this time, with Titan at her side.

U.S. Marshal Titan Everett is on the hunt. On the outside, Titan looks scary as the devil, and he’s well aware that he often sends small children running. But Cassidy isn’t afraid of him. Beautiful, bold, and with a spark for life that draws him close, she is unlike anyone he’s ever met before. She needs help, and she’s going to get it. Because from the first moment he sees her, Titan knows…he will move heaven and fight hell to keep her safe.]]> 247 Cynthia Eden 1960633171 RateTheRomance 4 4.43 2023
author: Cynthia Eden
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/13
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves:
review:

]]> 63426828
She’s made it to Oak Creek, Wyoming with two traumatized dogs, twenty dollars, and a fear of damned near everything.

Things that didn’t make it with her? Her self-esteem, confidence, or any way of supporting herself.

Theo Lindstrom knows how to survive. He proved it as a child when he had to keep himself and sister alive in the wilderness. Now he runs Linear Tactical, the company his adoptive father helped create, and teaches survival skills to others.

So he recognizes the desperation in the eyes of the petite beauty who’s pulled into town, and knows there’s more to her story than she’s letting on.

He normally keeps to himself—for very good reasons—but he can’t this time. Something about Eva draws him in a way he can’t resist, even knowing she’s got secrets. The deadly kind.

When the danger she's running from shows up, Theo’s not going to let her fight it alone.

This is his town.
This is his woman.

And he’ll protect both to his last breath.]]> 356 Janie Crouch RateTheRomance 4 �� 4.53 2023
author: Janie Crouch
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.53
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/11
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves: animals-or-pets-in-romances, indie-published-romance, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, rated-r-romances, romantic-suspense-without-alpha, small-town-romances
review:
��
]]> 18281192 She's on the run . . .

Jane Beaumont currently has in her possession: a cat, a hundred grand in cash, and a pistol. She's on her way home to Bay City, Oregon-and away from the nightmare of her violent ex-boyfriend. She'll lay low at Beaumont Body Shop, a car detailer that runs a private investigation agency in the back. The only wrench in her plan is Kage Archer: sexy, strong, and intent on protecting Jane at all costs. She's wanted Kage forever, but putting him in harm's way is not a risk she's willing to take.

He's not going anywhere . . .

Kage is no stranger to the dark side of life, but he's always walked on the right side of the law. Yet when Jane expressed her interest in him years ago, he pushed her away for her own good. Now, after learning of all she's endured, Kage can't leave her side-or hide his need for her. When a frightening situation turns dire, can Kage convince Jane that the safest place to be is in his arms?]]> 240 Debra Kayn RateTheRomance 2 3.97 2013
author: Debra Kayn
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/10
date added: 2025/01/10
shelves:
review:

]]> 203505089 I used to be a good girl.

That is until I woke up in Vegas married to a former hockey player who also happens to be my best friend’s ex.

Cole Hebert and I are opposites. I’m the new town doctor, a rule follower, and five-five on a good day. He’s the six-seven bad boy currently doing court-ordered community service.

I’m struggling to earn the respect of the people in our hometown, and he’s doing some soul searching after an injury ended his hockey career. We’ve already drunkenly said I do, so we agree to a marriage of convenience.

Forced to live together, we slowly become friends. I see a side of Cole I never knew existed. He coaches kids�� hockey, knits for the entire town, and loves snuggling while watching Jeopardy.

Soon, we’re growing closer, and the way the hockey-playing lumberjack worships my plus-size body and obsessively calls me his wifey has me embracing my inner bad girl and tearing down all my carefully constructed walls.

Our feelings eventually burn as bright as our passion, but the small town we both love is harboring dark secrets. After a shocking discovery, we learn there are those who want us silenced forever, and we’re forced to risk it all to protect our happily ever after.

���ܳٳ�ǰ�’s Note: Axe-identally Married is a marriage of convenience romance featuring a sassy plus-size doctor and a cinnamon roll hockey player with a heart of gold. If you enjoy opposites attract, flirty banter, possessive heroes, wood-chopping, meddling moose, and small-town hijinks, you will not be disappointed.

Welcome to Lovewell, Maine, where the moose outnumber the people and you can’t swing an axe without hitting a hot, grumpy lumberjack. The books of the Maine Lumberjacks Series are ALL standalones but are most fun when read in order!]]> 370 Daphne Elliot RateTheRomance 4 4.10
author: Daphne Elliot
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.10
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/10
date added: 2025/01/10
shelves:
review:

]]> 126925883 She’s a grumpy security expert��

Reese doesn’t do relationships. Especially not with tall, sexy men with golden retriever energy. Nope, she prefers her men brooding and silent—with no strings attached. So when she hooks up with her gorgeous coworker after their friends�� wedding, she does what any sane woman would do. She runs.

He’s a sunshine badass��

Unfortunately for her, they’ve got to go undercover at a couples�� retreat which means one room, one bed, and a simmering heat neither of them can deny. Constantine—aka Cash to his friends—has been burned before because of his wealth. But Reese wants nothing to do with his money, which only intrigues him even more. Now that they’re sharing a room, his hot-and-cold vixen isn’t getting away from him again. But he’s got to keep them alive long enough to show that what they shared is more than a one-time thing. Something that proves more difficult when people around them start dying.

Author stand-alone romance in the Redemption Harbor Security series.]]> 218 Katie Reus 1635562929 RateTheRomance 2
As for me, I found myself wading through chapters and chapters of a mystery with no romance at all and then suddenly, a sex scene. Then resume the over-written mystery story until the end. So disappointing.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but mostly boring undercover agent stuff
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person ]]> 4.40 2024
author: Katie Reus
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/07
date added: 2025/01/07
shelves: rated-pg-13-romances, romantic-suspense-without-alpha
review:
This book was not what I would categorize as Romantic Suspense�� it was more like a mystery or suspense novel with just one sex scene.

As for me, I found myself wading through chapters and chapters of a mystery with no romance at all and then suddenly, a sex scene. Then resume the over-written mystery story until the end. So disappointing.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but mostly boring undercover agent stuff
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 216950599 New York Times��bestselling author Eloisa James returns to the Accidental Brides series with a romance about a forced marriage between a feisty heroine and a Scottish laird... neither of whom have plans to marry, let alone fall in love.

Desperate after her Season comes to a spectacularly disastrous end, the Honorable Miss Clara Vetry jumps into a carriage hired to take a housekeeper to Scotland.

The laird of Castle CaerLaven has no interest in a wife, especially a love match—but when Caelan sees his new housekeeper, he changes his mind. Marriage to a delectable bookworm strikes him as a perfect arrangement.

To his surprise, Clara refuses his proposal once…and again…yet again.

When her true identity is revealed, and they’re forced to marry, Caelan realizes he has a far more crucial challenge.��

He finally has Clara’s hand—but how will he ever win her heart?��


]]> 384 Eloisa James 0063347466 RateTheRomance 4
I absolutely loved Clara and Caelan as they stumbled through a hilarious start with mistaken identity and Clara runs from everything she knows and pretends to be a Housekeeper for a hot Scottish Laird. HARDLY A GENTLEMAN does a great job of blending romance, grief, and personal struggles with both of these characters as they fall in love!

This book was a joy to read. I loved how these two worked side-by-side and I loved their chemistry. And the sweet kindness that this grumpy Scot gave to Clara was so epically swoony.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated PG-13 / non-detailed sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: unwanted sexual advances
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person]]> 4.05 2025
author: Eloisa James
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/26
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: historical-romances, opposites-attract, plus-size-fat-lead-in-romances, rated-r-romances
review:
I've been on a Historical Romance kick recently (very unusual for me) and HARDLY A GENTLEMAN hit just right. A nude fly-fishing Scotsman? Yesssss please.

I absolutely loved Clara and Caelan as they stumbled through a hilarious start with mistaken identity and Clara runs from everything she knows and pretends to be a Housekeeper for a hot Scottish Laird. HARDLY A GENTLEMAN does a great job of blending romance, grief, and personal struggles with both of these characters as they fall in love!

This book was a joy to read. I loved how these two worked side-by-side and I loved their chemistry. And the sweet kindness that this grumpy Scot gave to Clara was so epically swoony.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated PG-13 / non-detailed sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: unwanted sexual advances
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 214283601 A steamy chance encounter between a professional hockey player and the manic pixie dream girl he just can’t seem to forget takes a turn when the pair realize that their parents are engaged—in an all-new rom-com by #1��New York Times��bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier’s car breaks down and his phone dies, he treks into a posh private country club to call a tow truck, where he encounters the alluring Chloe Clifford, the manic pixie dream girl who captivates him immediately with her sense of adventure and penchant for stealing champagne.

Sparks fly during a moonlight kiss and the enamored pair can’t wait to see each other again, but when Sig finally arrives to meet his dad’s new girlfriend over dinner, Chloe is confusingly also there. Turns out the girlfriend is Chloe’s mother. Oh, and they’re engaged.

Sig’s dream girl is his future stepsister.

Though the pair is now wary of being involved romantically, Chloe, a sheltered harp prodigy, yearns to escape her controlling mother. Sig promises to teach her the ins and outs of independence in Boston—but not inside his bedroom. They both know there can never be more than friendship between a famous hockey player and his high-society, soon-to-be stepsister. But keeping their relationship platonic grows harder amid the developing family drama, especially knowing they were meant for so much more��


]]> 320 Tessa Bailey 0063380781 RateTheRomance 4
And their story takes a super-sweet turn when, after that Meet Cute, they cannot be in a romantic relationship and instead become best friends. I was dying at the best friend cuteness with the constant undercurrent of sexual chemistry.

Even their kisses are just insanely hot.

The reason I removed a star from my rating of DREAM GIRL is because the thing keeping these two apart seemed really, really, insignificant. The entire issue could have been resolved with a three sentence explanation to the press. I just didn't buy that this thing was so unfixable that it was set to destroy everyone's lives and careers.

Despite that pretty weak conflict devise (which is the center of the entire story) this book is still a fantastic steamy, sweet, and feelsy read that you will fall in love with. And Tessa Bailey retains her title of Queen Of Dirty Talk because HOLY HELLLLLL the dirty talk in this book is insane.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language. *MIGHT* include props/kink.
CONTENT WARNING: childhood poverty, controlling parent, past parent abandonment
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person]]> 3.44 2025
author: Tessa Bailey
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/05
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: animals-or-pets-in-romances, badass-females-in-romance, big-city-romances, opposites-attract, rated-nc-17-romances, sports-or-gym-romance
review:
I am loving this series and DREAM GIRL was a great edition to it! Rarely have I felt such instant connection and chemistry between two leads during their Meet Cute. Like, INSANE chemistry. I'm not one for Insta-Love, but I am all in with Sig and Chloe.

And their story takes a super-sweet turn when, after that Meet Cute, they cannot be in a romantic relationship and instead become best friends. I was dying at the best friend cuteness with the constant undercurrent of sexual chemistry.

Even their kisses are just insanely hot.

The reason I removed a star from my rating of DREAM GIRL is because the thing keeping these two apart seemed really, really, insignificant. The entire issue could have been resolved with a three sentence explanation to the press. I just didn't buy that this thing was so unfixable that it was set to destroy everyone's lives and careers.

Despite that pretty weak conflict devise (which is the center of the entire story) this book is still a fantastic steamy, sweet, and feelsy read that you will fall in love with. And Tessa Bailey retains her title of Queen Of Dirty Talk because HOLY HELLLLLL the dirty talk in this book is insane.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language. *MIGHT* include props/kink.
CONTENT WARNING: childhood poverty, controlling parent, past parent abandonment
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 61334580 My name’s Beau, and for the most part, I’ve led quite the charmed life. I left college to play pro ball and collected a few Super Bowl rings along the way. Now that I’ve retired at the ripe old age of thirty-six, I’m in my second career as CEO of a five-star resort in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Sounds great, right?

Well, I just did something real stupid, y’all.

Bel—that’s Annabel to the rest of you—my best friend since college, is struggling as a single mom. So of course I invited her to come stay at my family’s resort for some much needed R&R. But since I didn’t think it through, her visit is going to ruin everything.

How, you ask? Well, first of all, I’ve got a big, bad, ticking time bomb kind of a secret. Once she finds out what I’m hiding, I worry she’ll never look at me the same. Secondly, you remember the part about us being best friends? Well, I kinda maybe always thought there could be more to us. The naked kind of more.

So here’s my new gameplan. I’m going to keep her and that adorable baby Maisie at arm’s length while Bel gets back on her feet, and I will absolutely, under no circumstances, let her in on those naked thoughts of mine. That’s a fumble I can’t afford to make.

Until I do, in a moment of bonfire-and-bourbon induced weakness...]]> 366 Jessica Peterson RateTheRomance 4
Beau and Bel have the greatest Friends-to-Lovers story and I loved the glimpses into their past friendship all while they fall deeply in love in the present.

Listen, I don't need perfect sex scenes in my books, but this book took it a bit too far for my liking. Yes, I get that the first bang after giving birth can be tricky (I have 5 kids myself), but every sex scene in this book was fraught with slight awkwardness. Have the first post-baby bone is kind of a one and done (in my experience). After that you're back to normal, but not in this book.

I wish we got a bit of realistic post-baby sex and then moved on to wild unawkward sex for the remainder of the book, but that's just me.

Still, SOUTHERN SEDUCER is a great read with lots of chemistry, all the feels, a devastating 3rd Act Break-Up and a sweet HEA.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: past death of parent, divorce, postpartum depression , CTE (brain injury)
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person]]> 3.91
author: Jessica Peterson
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/04
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: badass-females-in-romance, friends-to-lovers-romances, rated-r-romances, single-parent-romances
review:
Jessica Peterson books are my newest reading obsession and SOUTHERN SEDUCER was a great read. There are some seriously tough topics being discussed here, but they are handled well and with honesty and care by the author.

Beau and Bel have the greatest Friends-to-Lovers story and I loved the glimpses into their past friendship all while they fall deeply in love in the present.

Listen, I don't need perfect sex scenes in my books, but this book took it a bit too far for my liking. Yes, I get that the first bang after giving birth can be tricky (I have 5 kids myself), but every sex scene in this book was fraught with slight awkwardness. Have the first post-baby bone is kind of a one and done (in my experience). After that you're back to normal, but not in this book.

I wish we got a bit of realistic post-baby sex and then moved on to wild unawkward sex for the remainder of the book, but that's just me.

Still, SOUTHERN SEDUCER is a great read with lots of chemistry, all the feels, a devastating 3rd Act Break-Up and a sweet HEA.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: past death of parent, divorce, postpartum depression , CTE (brain injury)
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 216437557 disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong��

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.]]> 416 Abby Jimenez 0349442827 RateTheRomance 5
This book starts with a quick stint as Enemies and then a truly epic first date that has all of the perfect beginnings of a wonderful relationship. This date had laughs and folly and chemistry and I loved the entire set-up.

But then, Xavier and Samantha spend the rest of the book in a state of constant trauma and difficulty. This was a pretty heavy read after those first few chapters and stayed fraught for basically the rest of the book until the very end.

I did really love this book, but I wish SAY YOU'LL REMEMBER ME had hit a better balance of lightness and difficulties. As it is, you will love these characters, feel all the feels, and long for a much more open-door on the sex scenes (as least I did).

SAY YOU'LL REMEMBER ME still gets a 4.5 STARS rounded up to 5 from me. If you are ready to feel all the feels and fall in love with Xavier and Samantha you must read this book.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated PG / Kissing and awareness that characters sleep together. Closed Door.
CONTENT WARNING: parent with alzheimer's, animal cruelty, abusive parents, parent estrangement
FEELS: 4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person]]> 4.08 2025
author: Abby Jimenez
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/07
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: 5-star-romances, animals-or-pets-in-romances, badass-females-in-romance, enemies-to-lovers-romances, internet-social-media-in-romance, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, rated-pg-romances, best-romances-of-2025
review:
I love me an Abby Jimenez romance and SAY YOU'LL REMEMBER ME hits all the feels. In fact, maybe a few too many.

This book starts with a quick stint as Enemies and then a truly epic first date that has all of the perfect beginnings of a wonderful relationship. This date had laughs and folly and chemistry and I loved the entire set-up.

But then, Xavier and Samantha spend the rest of the book in a state of constant trauma and difficulty. This was a pretty heavy read after those first few chapters and stayed fraught for basically the rest of the book until the very end.

I did really love this book, but I wish SAY YOU'LL REMEMBER ME had hit a better balance of lightness and difficulties. As it is, you will love these characters, feel all the feels, and long for a much more open-door on the sex scenes (as least I did).

SAY YOU'LL REMEMBER ME still gets a 4.5 STARS rounded up to 5 from me. If you are ready to feel all the feels and fall in love with Xavier and Samantha you must read this book.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated PG / Kissing and awareness that characters sleep together. Closed Door.
CONTENT WARNING: parent with alzheimer's, animal cruelty, abusive parents, parent estrangement
FEELS: 4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 57176841 The Wallflowers

Four young ladies at the side of the ballroom make a pact to help each other find husbands... no matter what it takes.

Proud and beautiful Annabelle Peyton could have her pick of suitors—if only she had a dowry. Her family is on the brink of disaster, and the only way Annabelle can save them is to marry a wealthy man. Unfortunately her most persistent admirer is the brash Simon Hunt, a handsome and ambitious entrepreneur who wants her as his mistress.

Annabelle is determined to resist Simon's wicked propositions, but she can't deny her attraction to the boldly seductive rogue, any more than he can resist the challenge she presents. As they try to outmaneuver each other, they find themselves surrendering to a love more powerful than they could have ever imagined. But fate may have other plans—and it will take all of Annabelle's courage to face a peril that could destroy everything she holds dear.

]]> 400 Lisa Kleypas 0063142732 RateTheRomance 3 4.16 2004
author: Lisa Kleypas
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2004
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/02
date added: 2025/01/02
shelves:
review:

]]> 53041569 Alternative cover editions for this ASIN can be found here and here.

"I'm Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. I can't be celibate. Everyone knows that."

Desperate to escape her scheming relatives, Evangeline Jenner has sought the help of the most infamous scoundrel in London.

A marriage of convenience is the only solution.

No one would have ever paired the shy, stammering wallflower with the sinfully handsome viscount. It quickly becomes clear, however, that Evie is a woman of hidden strength—and Sebastian desires her more than any woman he's ever known.

Determined to win her husband's elusive heart, Evie dares to strike a bargain with the devil: If Sebastian can stay celibate for three months, she will allow him into her bed.

When Evie is threatened by a vengeful enemy from the past, Sebastian vows to do whatever it takes to protect his wife... even at the expense of his own life.

Together they will defy their perilous fate, for the sake of all-consuming love.]]> 384 Lisa Kleypas RateTheRomance 4 4.29 2006
author: Lisa Kleypas
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/29
date added: 2024/12/29
shelves:
review:

]]> 222105933

The Christmas Card by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

When my ex got engaged pretty quickly after we broke up, I did something stupid�� I made up a new boyfriend. How would anyone ever know? They wouldn’t. Unless my fake boyfriend showed up at my ex’s annual Christmas party��


Mistletoe and Murder by Catherine Cowles

All I wanted to do was avoid my cheating ex and get through my brother’s Christmas wedding. When his grumpy, broody, Scrooge of a best friend steps in to pretend to be my boyfriend, I say yes. Suddenly, the kisses we’re swapping under the mistletoe are all too real, and I’m dangerously close to falling. But someone isn’t so happy about my newfound happiness, and they aren’t afraid to drop a body or two��


Candy Cane Kisses by Shain Rose

When Faye Winter took on decorating Frost Bar, she knew her grumpy boss would never support her extravagant peppermint party ideas. But she's determined to make him see there's more to the holiday than being a grinch.... that is, until he shows her how festive he can really be. The candy cane kisses and confessions in this grumpy sunshine novella are bound to give readers a taste of sweetness and spice this holiday season!


The Christmas Cab by Teagan Hunter

Juniper Frost has been in love with Felix Bailey, her older brother’s best friend, for
years. After kissing him three years ago and being rejected, she fled her small
Christmas-loving town of Thistle Ridge, Washington, hoping to forget all about the
embarrassing night. Now she’s back�� and Felix definitely remembers their kiss.


One Gift by Lena Hendrix

Rival families, pranks, cozy Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable snowball fight. Welcome to the first Sullivan-King Christmas.


A Carmichael Christmas by Adriana Locke

The fireplace is crackling and the lights are twinkling on Honeysuckle Lane. Join the Carmichael family for a Christmas Eve filled with letters, laughs, and, most of all, love.]]> Vi Keeland RateTheRomance 3 3.59 2024
author: Vi Keeland
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/27
date added: 2024/12/27
shelves:
review:

]]> 197806181 From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all-new small-town series set in Montana, starting with WILD FOR YOU, an Age-Gap, Single Dad, Nanny, Grumpy/Sunshine romance!

Remington Wild is a single dad of two adorable kids, and as the oldest son of the Wild family, has recently taken over the Wild River Ranch from his father. Life is crazy, and he’s finally willing to admit that he needs help, and the sooner the better. He has no idea that the beautiful woman he sees every day at Bitterroot Valley Coffee Co. is the woman who would show up for the job.

Erin Montgomery couldn’t get out of Seattle fast enough. It’s not that she doesn’t love her big, loud family, but living in the big city just wasn’t for her. The minute she stepped foot in Bitterroot Valley, she knew she was home. She loves the slower pace, the friendly people, and her job at the coffee shop. Even the smoking hot grumpy guy who stops in every afternoon can’t put a damper on how much she loves small town life!

Thanks to car trouble, and her stubbornness when it comes to using her trust fund, Erin needs a second job and applies for the position of a part-time nanny. She’s surprised to find that it’s Grumpy himself who answers the door at the ranch, but Erin quickly learns that she loves his kids and the ranch, and it’s a no-brainer to take the job. She just has to remind herself to resist the sexy rancher and keep it strictly professional.

Remington is attracted to his younger nanny, and finds himself falling headfirst in love with her. He and his kids have never been happier, and he knows she is the perfect addition to their family for as long as she’s willing to stay. Hopefully forever.

But when secrets are exposed, one of which endangers his children, will their love survive? Or will it tear them apart?
]]> 299 Kristen Proby 1633502147 RateTheRomance 2 suspense, but no actual suspense
hero saves her, but not actually

so much potential that ended up so meh

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language....but very bland and rushed
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person ]]> 4.08 2024
author: Kristen Proby
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/23
date added: 2024/12/24
shelves: age-gap-romances, badass-females-in-romance, cowboy-country-romance, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, rated-r-romances, romantic-suspense-without-alpha
review:
sex, but no actual sex
suspense, but no actual suspense
hero saves her, but not actually

so much potential that ended up so meh

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language....but very bland and rushed
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 210832028 Neighbors to lovers can be a risky proposition in this funny, sexy, and swoony romantic comedy between a single mother and the grumpy man next door by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.

When Gabrielle Solomon falls, she falls hard. Even if that means literally toppling over a porch railing in nothing but a flimsy towel—right in front of her sexy new neighbor.

Jay Stetson is 100 percent hero material with those arms, that chest, and his deliciously oh-so-sexy smirk. The chiseled hunk in flannel has an irresistible off-limits attitude while plucking Gabrielle out of the bushes and saving her from a snake. Unfortunately, he’s not indulging in what Gabrielle is offering—not with his emotional train wreck of a past.

Just neighbors. Just friends. Or so he says.

Secretly, he’s smitten with the single, fierce mama bear of two who plays Miss Fix-It at the house next door. He doesn’t even really mind the noise or the chaos her young sons cause. What he does mind is how his lonely heart races when looking into her emerald-colored eyes.

Can Jay let his painful memories go, or will he let the woman of his dreams slip between his fingers?]]> 253 Adriana Locke 1662512457 RateTheRomance 3 4.03
author: Adriana Locke
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.03
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/21
date added: 2024/12/21
shelves:
review:

]]> 199455331 A professor of literature finds herself caught up in a work of fiction�� literally.

Eileen Merriweather loves to get lost in a good happily-ever-after. The fictional kind, anyway. Because at least imaginary men don’t leave you at the altar. She feels safe in a book. At home. Which might be why she’s so set on going to her annual book club retreat this year—she needs good friends, cheap wine, and grand romantic gestures—no matter what.

But when her car unexpectedly breaks down on the way, she finds herself stranded in a quaint town that feels like it’s right out of a novel��

Because it is.

This place can’t be real, and yet�� she’s here, in Eloraton, the town of her favorite romance series, where the candy store’s honey taffy is always sweet, the local bar’s burgers are always a little burnt, and rain always comes in the afternoon. It feels like home. It’s perfect—and perfectly frozen, trapped in the late author’s last unfinished story.

Elsy is sure that’s why she must be here: to help bring the town to its storybook ending.

Except there is a character in Eloraton that she can’t place—a grumpy bookstore owner with mint-green eyes, an irritatingly sexy mouth and impeccable taste in novels. And he does not want her finishing this book.

Which is a problem because Elsy is beginning to think the town’s happily-ever-after might just be intertwined with her own.]]> 378 Ashley Poston RateTheRomance 4 3.5 rounded up to 4 STARS 3.74 2024
author: Ashley Poston
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/17
date added: 2024/12/17
shelves: audio-books, educator-school-romances, enemies-to-lovers-romances, paranormal-time-travel-romance, rated-pg-13-romances, small-town-romances
review:
3.5 rounded up to 4 STARS
]]> 208552078
Fyfe Moray raised himself. His only real family is his best friend, Lewis Adair. For that reason, Lewis’s sister Eilidh is totally off-limits. Fyfe is in deep denial about their intense attraction. Thankfully, Eilidh is a famous actor living in London while he runs his cyber security company from the Highlands. They’re worlds apart. Until one day, Eilidh reaches out asking for a lifeline and Fyfe can’t bring himself to turn her away.

Acting isn’t what Eilidh Adair expected. As a kid, she wanted to be just like her famous uncles. But the double-edged sword of fame cuts deeper than expected. Afraid to admit she’s made a mistake, Eilidh is spiraling. The only person who knows the truth is Fyfe, but her childhood crush has developed into a love he won’t return. Yet when she comes home intent on starting over, Fyfe can’t seem to stay away. His confused feelings might just be the end of them. Until a woman from Fyfe’s past abandons the baby daughter he never knew he had.

Now a single father, Fyfe needs support. He just never expected Eilidh to be the one he needed most. Fyfe can’t believe how quickly he falls for his child and how rapidly his world view changes. He’s ready to admit the truth: he’s madly in love with his best friend’s sister. And Fyfe’s done wasting time.

But someone else believes Eilidh belongs to them. Someone who has been watching her far longer than she realizes. Just when she thinks she might have everything she wants, Eilidh finds herself caught in the crosshairs of a person intent on destroying everything she holds dear.]]> 382 Samantha Young RateTheRomance 3 4.28 2024
author: Samantha Young
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/11
date added: 2024/12/11
shelves:
review:

]]> 57984879 ��
Autumn has taken her baby nephew and is fleeing for their lives. Almost reaching the safety of a small wintery Washington State town, she narrowly avoids a collision as her car spins out on ice. The other driver is a huge mountain man who speaks only in glares. The instant attraction is like nothing she has experienced, but she isn't hanging around, no matter the enticement to stay.
��
Bull will never trust again, certainly not a single mother with secrets. But he can't stop the draw. Autumn's sass drives him to distraction, her body has him burning up. Working side by side with her at his bar every day is enough to awaken his protective side once again.
��
But the past will always catch up with you, no matter how far you run or who you fall in love with on the way.
��
Come the Fall features one hot alpha male and one strong heroine, and is a novella in the Marry the Scot world. Autumn features in Hero but this novella is entirely standalone.]]> 154 Jolie Vines RateTheRomance 3 4.33
author: Jolie Vines
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/09
date added: 2024/12/09
shelves:
review:

]]> 199272303
Rumor has it that gruff, brooding, and solitary man-of-mystery Isaac Sylvester is back in town, and the only thing folks in Green Valley know for certain is that this prodigal son’s motives are as elusive as he is. He’s been spotted loitering near the old Townsen farm, hanging around the Hill's homestead, and glaring menacingly from the edges of The Donner Lodge’s parking lot. What this hometown-hero-turned-criminal wants, no one knows. Nor can they stop talking about it.

Hannah's last night as an exotic dancer might just be her most memorable.

Hannah Townsen has often been a subject of local gossip. Folks shook their heads when Hannah's daddy ran out on her momma; folks blessed her heart after Hannah's momma had that tragic accident; and folks really talked up a tizzy when Hannah became an exotic dancer in order to pay off her parents' debt and put food on the table. But now, ten years after being dubbed as a hometown-stripper-with-a-heart-of-gold, Hannah has seemingly—and finally—fallen off the gossip mill's radar.

That is, until the enigmatic Isaac Sylvester shows up at Hannah's retirement party wanting so much more than a private dance. . .

'All Folked Up' is the third book in the Good Folk series and is a full-length, small town, contemporary romantic comedy novel.]]> 334 Penny Reid RateTheRomance 4
I am, once again, begging Penny Reid to hire proofreaders before publishing her books. So many typos and errors it's ridiculous.

Having bitched about that important detail, this book was a really good read. I always like a romance that shines a positive light on characters or situations that are often maligned. This series, set at a small town strip club, does it so well.

I really loved both Isaac and Hannah. They were great characters who I was rooting for. The side characters were also great and Cletus Winston fans will love his moments in this book!

Their relationship felt pretty rushed, which is mot my personal reading preference, but it was still really fun to read.

Overall this was a really good book that sorely needed a really good proofreader.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: past parent neglect and abuse, Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person]]> 4.02 2024
author: Penny Reid
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/06
date added: 2024/12/06
shelves: badass-females-in-romance, forced-proximity, indie-published-romance, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, rated-r-romances, small-town-romances, workplace-romance
review:
3.5 rounded up to 4 STARS

I am, once again, begging Penny Reid to hire proofreaders before publishing her books. So many typos and errors it's ridiculous.

Having bitched about that important detail, this book was a really good read. I always like a romance that shines a positive light on characters or situations that are often maligned. This series, set at a small town strip club, does it so well.

I really loved both Isaac and Hannah. They were great characters who I was rooting for. The side characters were also great and Cletus Winston fans will love his moments in this book!

Their relationship felt pretty rushed, which is mot my personal reading preference, but it was still really fun to read.

Overall this was a really good book that sorely needed a really good proofreader.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: past parent neglect and abuse, Romantic Suspense related violence
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 158140784
I don’t put up with cocky males normally and I certainly won’t put up with that man making noise at all hours of the day and night while he builds his glamp-ground. I offer advice, but the stubborn fool just turns his tractor on to drown me out. He returns the favor by pushing my buttons and making me so angry I can’t see straight. And I really want to be able to see his gorgeous body in those well-worn jeans and backward hat.

Amidst the verbal warfare, I discover he’s hiding scars from a recent accident. I also find out his light eyes heat up to a smoldering icy gray when I give as good as I get. Makes me want to see just how far I can push him and what he’ll do when he boils over.

Gannon’s been dealt a rough hand in life, and when I find a way under that gruff—and stupidly handsome—exterior, I find that maybe he’s not Grumpy the Bear as I nicknamed him, but instead just a teddy bear.

Grumpy the Bear is a steamy romantic comedy between the world’s grumpiest single dad and his new next door neighbor, complete with a five-year-old princess, a glamp-ground in the making, a gaggle of friends who hold no prisoners, and all the sizzling banter to keep you up all night. This romance ends with a spicy hot and perfectly sweet happily ever after (and zero breakups…according to the hero.)]]> 268 Marika Ray 1950141594 RateTheRomance 4 4.14
author: Marika Ray
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.14
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/05
date added: 2024/12/06
shelves:
review:

]]> 56692458
The first time I met Hudson Rothschild was at a wedding. I'd received an unexpected invitation to one of the swankiest venues in the city.

Hudson was a groomsman and quite possibly the most gorgeous man I'd ever laid eyes on. He asked me to dance, and our chemistry was off the charts.

I knew it wasn't a good idea to get involved with him, considering the wedding I was at. But our connection was intense, and I was having a great time.

Though the fun came to a screeching halt when Hudson figured out I wasn't who I'd said I was. You see, that unexpected invitation I received? Well, it hadn't actually been addressed to me—it was sent to my ex-roommate who'd bounced a check for two months' rent and moved out in the middle of the night. I figured she owed me an expensive night out, but I guess, technically, I was crashing the wedding.

Once caught, I couldn't get out of there fast enough. As I bolted for the door, I might've plucked a few bottles of expensive champagne off the tables I passed, all while the gorgeous, angry groomsman was hot on my tail.

Outside, I jumped into a taxi. My heart ricocheted against my ribs as we drove down the block—but at least I'd escaped unscathed.

Or so I thought.

Until I realized I'd left my cell phone behind at the table.

Take one guess who found it?

This is the crazy story of how Hudson Rothschild and I met. But trust me, it's only the tip of the iceberg.]]> 396 Vi Keeland 1951045475 RateTheRomance 4 4.20 2021
author: Vi Keeland
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/04
date added: 2024/12/04
shelves:
review:

]]> 212924210 Summer camp just got a whole lot hotter in this enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for readers of Tessa Bailey and Lucy Score.

Teddy Knight’s band has just broken up in spectacular fashion after his longtime bandmate and—he’d thought—closest friend decides to go solo. So when he’s offered a last-minute gig��to fill in as an artist-in-residence at a summer arts camp—which��comes with a lake cabin and��lots of free time��to work��on a revenge album—he takes it. No matter that he knows nothing about nature, dislikes kids, and is generally a grump.

Gretchen Miller is having a mid-life crisis. Luckily, her summer job as the dance teacher at Wild Arts summer camp will allow her to drop out of society for a while. Having sworn off dating, she decides she’ll go into the woods and become a crone. She might skip the “luring innocent children to their death�� part of cronedom, but she’s all for the “curse men�� aspect.

Teddy and Gretchen clash from the get-go when he mistakes her for a fan, and she relegates him to the “entitled jerk�� ash heap. Despite their determination to dislike each other, a wary friendship blooms as the magic of the woods starts to unwind them, and they spend long hours by the campfire talking about art, being stuck, and the idea of starting over.��But woods are often filled with monsters, and Teddy and Gretchen will have to��face their fears if they want to start over together.]]> 368 Jenny Holiday 1538724952 RateTheRomance 1 dnf
At almost halfway through and these two haven't even touched each other. They casually chat about nothing important and then they talked about their childhood trauma once, but that's it.

DNF at 39%]]> 3.65 2025
author: Jenny Holiday
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2025
rating: 1
read at: 2024/12/02
date added: 2024/12/01
shelves: dnf
review:
I really tried to like this book, but it was so incredibly boring and there was absolutely no chemistry between the leads, so I finally gave up.

At almost halfway through and these two haven't even touched each other. They casually chat about nothing important and then they talked about their childhood trauma once, but that's it.

DNF at 39%
]]> 215092266 still doesn’t know what to do about the massive crush he has on his cleaner. Lottie’s clumsy and really crap at her job, but her laugh is infectious, her smile lights up the room, she’s insanely good at chess, and he can’t stop thinking about her.

Aware of the power imbalance, he sets out to make her his, and he thinks he’s getting somewhere until she seriously betrays his trust. So now he tells himself he hates her, and he makes sure everyone knows it. But once Ollie realizes that his privilege and self-absorption have made him entitled and completely blind, he’s determined to win Lottie back. A fake engagement might be a bit extreme, but his family had been getting its way for five hundred years, and the Duke of Buckingham was no different from his ancestors.

Lottie’s life is a struggle. She’s had to fight for everything since going into foster care at the age of twelve. The Duke of Buckingham, wouldn’t understand struggle if it smacked him in the face. He’s got money and family coming out of his ears; she has twenty quid in her current account and no family other than her traumatized, selectively mute eight-year-old little sister, whom Lottie is determined to keep safe.

She doesn’t have time for handsome Dukes with silver tongues. So she tells herself she’s not heartbroken when he turns on her like she knew he would, putting everything she worked so hard for in jeopardy. She needs to concentrate on survival. But Lottie underestimates just how charming Ollie can be. Or what a formidable opponent his centuries-old, innate arrogance makes him.

This is a billionaire, enemies to lovers, fake engagement, grumpy boss, contemporary romance.

Trigger warnings for assault, mentions of domestic violence and past childhood neglect. ]]> 338 Susie Tate 1068682027 RateTheRomance 1
that's it.
that's the book review.]]> 4.14 2024
author: Susie Tate
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2024
rating: 1
read at: 2024/12/01
date added: 2024/12/01
shelves:
review:
i hated this absolute dick of a male main character so much.

that's it.
that's the book review.
]]> 207697104 She thrives in chaos. He prefers routine. The only thing they have in common? How much they hate each other.

From the author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the highly anticipated next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance in which enemies turn to lovers when they're forced to work together during one hot summer.

Teddy Andersen doesn’t have a plan. She’s never needed one before. She’s always been more of a go with the flow type of girl, but for some reason, the flow doesn’t seem to be going her way this time.

Her favorite vintage suede jacket has a hole in it, her sewing machine is broken, and her best friend just got engaged. Suddenly, everything feels like it’s starting to change. Teddy’s used to being a leader, but now she feels like she’s getting left behind, wondering if life in the small town she loves is enough for her anymore.

Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He doesn’t know what’s taking care of his family’s 8,000 acre ranch, or parenting his spunky six-year-old daughter, who is staying with him for the summer. Gus has always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he has to admit that he can’t manage everything on his own. He needs help.

His little sister’s best friend, the woman he can’t stand, is not who he had in mind. But when no one else can step in, Teddy's the only option he’s got. Teddy decides to use the summer to try and figure out what she wants out of life. Gus, on the other hand, starts to worry that he’ll never find what he needs.

Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. As new feelings start to simmer below the surface, they must decide whether or not to act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned?]]> 336 Lyla Sage 0593732464 RateTheRomance 5
Their beginnings as enemies (with all of the epic hate banter) was so good and reading this slow burn that eventually turned into seriously steamy scenes was epically good reading.

And if you hate a 3rd Act Break-up then you'll be gappy to know that Teddy and Gus never have one.

You'll love this swoony, small town, enemies-to-lovers, nanny romance!

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: past parent abandonment, past death of parent, heart attack
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person ]]> 4.30 2024
author: Lyla Sage
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/29
date added: 2024/11/29
shelves: 5-star-romances, art-artist, best-romances-of-2024, brothers-sister-s-best-friend, cowboy-country-romance, employer-and-employee-romance, enemies-to-lovers-romances, nanny-romances, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, rated-r-romances, single-parent-romances, small-town-romances
review:
Damn this book was good! It's my favorite of this series! Teddy and Gus are EVERYTHING and their love story was so perfect.

Their beginnings as enemies (with all of the epic hate banter) was so good and reading this slow burn that eventually turned into seriously steamy scenes was epically good reading.

And if you hate a 3rd Act Break-up then you'll be gappy to know that Teddy and Gus never have one.

You'll love this swoony, small town, enemies-to-lovers, nanny romance!

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: past parent abandonment, past death of parent, heart attack
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 198800692 Her family was rich. She was cheer captain. The most popular girl in our school while I was the opposite. Poor, nerdy, and invisible.
Eight years ago, I kissed the hell out of her, knowing I was never going to see her again.
Or so I thought.
Because here I am, rescuing none other than London who crashed her car into a tree in the middle of a blizzard.
Right before Christmas.
Now she’s stuck in my house. In my head. Back in my heart before I ever have a chance to stop it.
As the storm intensifies outside so does the fire between us.
Despite all that, I know this is too good to last. That eventually the storm will end and she’ll leave.
But losing her is no longer an option.
I’m hoping that sometimes all it takes to fall in love is just one kiss��

JUST ONE KISS is a funny and steamy, second chance, snowed in, holiday romance that will make you swoon! It's a complete standalone.]]> 168 J. Saman RateTheRomance 5
I was completely sucked into this story, loved both of the main characters, also low-key adored the dog, and the steamy scenes in this book were fire.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: parent abandonment
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person ]]> 4.20 2020
author: J. Saman
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/26
date added: 2024/11/25
shelves: 2nd-chance-romances, 5-star-romances, animals-or-pets-in-romances, armed-forces-or-military-romance, art-artist, forced-proximity, holiday-or-christmas-romances, indie-published-romance, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, opposites-attract, rated-r-romances, romance-novellas, writers-and-authors-in-romance
review:
I absolutely loved this snowed in childhood crush romance. I don't generally like Novella's because I don't feel like there's enough time for me to really believe the two main characters fall in love but JUST ONE KISS absolutely sold me.

I was completely sucked into this story, loved both of the main characters, also low-key adored the dog, and the steamy scenes in this book were fire.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: parent abandonment
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 212469861
But Cope Colson is so much more.

The gentle way he makes sure we’re okay. The playful care he shows my son. The way he truly sees me.

When my life comes apart yet again, it’s Cope picking up the pieces. Now, we’re living in his house, eating his incredible, chef-worthy meals, and it’s not just my son who’s falling.

It’s me.

Because when Cope touches me, I lose all sense. I’m no longer thinking about staying safe, I’m thinking about how my skin ignites with every glance, how I come undone with the barest brush of his fingertips, and when we give into temptation…I’m lost.

But Cope has secrets and so do I. And when the forces from our pasts emerge from the shadows, there’s nothing they won’t do to end our happiness once and for all…]]> 403 Catherine Cowles RateTheRomance 5 �� 4.30 2024
author: Catherine Cowles
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/24
date added: 2024/11/24
shelves: 5-star-romances, best-romances-of-2024, cooking-bakery-romances, indie-published-romance, millionaires-billionaires-romances, rated-r-romances, romantic-suspence, romantic-suspense-without-alpha, single-parent-romances, small-town-romances, sports-or-gym-romance
review:
��
]]> 56915714 It starts out as a bet.
A way to forget about my latest in a string of bad relationships and move on.
I know it’s a mistake. My head and heart are just not into the game.
Until I see him...
The gorgeous man in the dark suit, drowning his sorrows in a glass of scotch is only supposed to be one night of fun. No strings and no expectations means no one gets hurt.
Right?
At least that's what I keep telling myself.
And when I wake up alone the next morning, it appears I’ve gotten everything I was after...until I find the shiny gold cufflinks he left behind...and discover Mr. One Night Stand is actually Dr. Jonah Hughes, my new boss.
Too bad that's just the beginning of my problems.]]> 274 J. Saman RateTheRomance 5 �� 4.21 2019
author: J. Saman
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/24
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves: badass-females-in-romance, big-city-romances, indie-published-romance, love-after-loss-or-trauma-romance, millionaires-billionaires-romances, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, no-strings-sex, one-night-stand-romances, rated-r-romances, romantic-suspense-without-alpha, workplace-romance
review:
��
]]> 63899323 Two players. One apartment. A whole new game.

Serial dater Finn Palmer has it down to a science: dinner, drinks, the this-is-just-sex conversation, and he’s back in his own bed by midnight. With his infectious smile and preference for one-night flings, he’s exactly the distraction Jenna Carling needs when she returns home for her sister’s dreaded wedding.

So when Jenna shows up on his doorstep looking for a hot do-over of their failed one-night stand from a year ago, she’s shocked that Finn offers her something entirely different: his spare bedroom for the summer.

Finn’s self-prescribed singledom means two things: he is woefully cuddle-starved, and he will never, ever sleep with a woman he’s interested in. He knows there’s something different about Jenna. She’s charming, warm, lets him wax poetic about his favorite documentaries�� And there’s no way he can sleep with her without catching serious feelings. But he can definitely keep her around as a platonic roommate. And he can definitely get this pesky crush under control.

Problem is, Jenna’s now convinced she’s lost her mojo. And the harder she tries to tempt Finn into more—more sex, more midnight bakery rendezvous, more�� cuddling?!—the harder it is not to fantasize about a future with her. Too bad he’s witnessed the destructive effects of love. And Finn would never put himself through that.

He only needs to survive the summer. Soon, her evil sister’s wedding will be over. Jenna will be gone. And Finn can get back to�� What, exactly?

The No-Judgment Zone is a slow to medium burn roommates to lovers, sunshine himbo, reformed player romantic comedy. It has a strong dose of spice and a happily ever after. It’s the second book in the Sunset Landing series but can be read as a standalone.]]> 314 Ellie K. Wilde RateTheRomance 5 3.94
author: Ellie K. Wilde
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.94
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/19
date added: 2024/11/19
shelves:
review:

]]> 206840023
A family was something he’d never thought he’d have, but the people at the Resting Warrior Ranch have become exactly that. Yeah, Garnet Bend is about as small as towns come, but big cities never did him any favors anyway.

So when Kenzie Hurst—with her manicured nails and stilettos that obviously don’t belong in Montana—shows up with trouble on her high heels, Jensen isn’t going to just sit by.

This is family.
This is his town.

He’ll be dåmned if he’ll let outside danger destroy the peace they’ve worked so hard to build.

But when the mysterious beauty needs protection only Jensen can provide, he can’t turn her away. She may wear Prada, but her sweet smile and engaging laugh is drawing him in.

Making him want to keep her around permanently. High heels and all.

Someone wants Kenzie dead, but Jensen—and the Resting Warrior Ranch team—are about to show her that around here, they look out for their own.

And that includes her.]]> 250 Josie Jade RateTheRomance 3 4.53 2024
author: Josie Jade
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.53
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/18
date added: 2024/11/18
shelves:
review:

]]> 212224365
He knows the mountains and wildness of Wyoming will help him heal.

But he has no idea how he’s known sweet Ella O’Conner all his life but is somehow only really seeing her for the first time now.

People in his world may call her plain, but she’s downright beautiful to Colton.

Ella is who he wants. Who he needs. Who he wants to spend the rest of his life with.

But someone is determined that will never happen.

]]> 314 Janie Crouch RateTheRomance 2 4.49 2024
author: Janie Crouch
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2024/11/15
date added: 2024/11/15
shelves:
review:

]]> 209181360
Rule #1 of almost dying: Make sure someone knows your passwords. It’s hard to cancel your phone plan if you’re dead.
Rule #2 of almost dying: Make sure your house is clean before you walk up the steps to the pearly gates. It makes selling off your life easier.
Back-up plans are for people who plan on losing.

All it took was eight seconds for me to win the biggest competition of my life, and one second to lose everything except that championship buckle.

I had left my family’s cattle ranch at eighteen with no intention of ever coming back for good.

Now I was back, stuck in a wheelchair with a beautiful disaster attempting to burn my house down.

_________________________
Brooke:

Rule #1 of trying to not get fired: Don’t piss off the grumpy bull rider.
Rule #2 of trying to not get fired: When you do get fired, keep your chin up. The grumpy bull rider was hot.
It was just a little fire. Tiny, even. But that didn’t change the fact that Ray Griffith didn’t want me anywhere near him.

But we came to an agreement: I ignore him, and he doesn’t fire me.

Easy, right? Not so much when we can’t keep our hands off each other.
_________________________
Downpour is book two in the Griffith Brothers series. This series can be read as interconnected standalones. Get ready for a sizzling summer romance full of accidental livestock house pets, a walking disaster of a heroine, and the grumpiest hero EVER!]]> 356 Maggie C. Gates RateTheRomance 4 �� 4.17 2024
author: Maggie C. Gates
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/10
date added: 2024/11/10
shelves:
review:
��
]]> 141987981 My name is Penny Mulligan and my life is a mess.

After a disastrous marriage that left me with three perfect, rowdy boys and an ex-husband whose middle name might as well be Trouble, I’ve got more than enough testosterone in my life. I’m absolutely not getting involved with anyone.

Besides, at the end of the day when I collapse into bed, I’m too exhausted to think sexy thoughts. Except maybe about the one man who makes my life just a little easier…Mr. Wednesday, a.k.a. Dillon Henry.

Handsome, charming, thoughtful—the man is fantasy material.

And not just because he brings me my favorite coffee every Wednesday when he meets with my boss.

I’ll be ready to date again…someday…maybe after my boys are in college and I finally have the energy to think about myself. For now, I’m content to stick to my late-night fantasies about a certain coffee-bringing, suit-wearing flirt.

At least, that’s what I tell myself until Dillon Freaking Henry shows up on my doorstep in my hometown, demanding that I let him out of the friend zone.

He’s not intimidated by the fact that I’m a package deal or that my calendar is chaos or that my ex is a monumental pain in the…neck. Nope. Dillon is determined to change my mind.

Part of me almost hopes he can.]]> 402 Avery Maxwell RateTheRomance 3 4.15 2023
author: Avery Maxwell
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/10
date added: 2024/11/10
shelves: love-after-loss-or-trauma-romance, millionaires-billionaires-romances, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, rated-r-romances, romances-with-40-mcs, single-parent-romances, small-town-romances
review:

]]> 218431732
You know the type. The one with the heart of gold and bedroom eyes.

Mike is also seven years my junior�� and my new boss’s son.

It doesn’t matter if our chemistry is immediately undeniable. Or if I catch him watching me with pure yearning on his handsome face. I’m not looking for a relationship after what I just survived.

Good thing Mike swears up and down he doesn’t believe in true love.

Except he goes out of his way to protect me, to understand me. To keep me safe every time I feel afraid. He’s chasing away the dark shadows that linger, even in this idyllic town. But as our electrifying passion burns hotter, the danger I thought I’d escaped returns leaving me with an impossible choice.

Stay with the man I’m falling helplessly in love with or leave to keep him safe?]]> 318 Stephanie Rose RateTheRomance 3 4.31
author: Stephanie Rose
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/06
date added: 2024/11/06
shelves:
review:

]]> 210670146 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills returns with a sexy he-falls-first sports romance about a quarterback and his frenemy-matchmaker.

On an ordinary day, Jane Darling wouldn’t be caught dead in a sports bar wearing a toga with angel wings. But she’s desperate to launch her matchmaking business to secure her young daughter’s future. Her mission: to attract new clients at any cost.

Her Cupid outfit catches the eye of New York’s beloved star quarterback, Jasper Jannich. She and Jasper have always clashed, but when a pushy admirer goes too far, he steps in as an unexpected knight in shining armor.

He offers a tantalizing proposal: to be Cupid’s Arrow’s premier client. Reluctantly, Jane agrees, aware of the business potential despite her reservations about Jasper and his playboy reputation.

As she sets him up on date after date, it grows clear that Jane’s the only woman he wants.

She is his goal, his endgame.

She’s not not interested…but her heart has been burned before. To get anywhere, they’ll need courage and faith, not just sizzling chemistry.

He’s ready to make the pass. Is his darling ready to catch it?]]> 295 Ilsa Madden-Mills 1662514034 RateTheRomance 4
Right off, I loved the banter and chemistry between Jane and Jasper. There is so much sizzle beneath their barbs and I loved it. Jane is a badass who is so easy to root for and Jasper is the cocky player you'll fall in love with!

I love a single mom romance, but Jane's child was nearly non-existent in this book. Jane is throwing on costumes and going to bars to find clients for her matchmaking business and her daughter is always conveniently taken care of.

HIM: wanna stay later and hang out?
HER: sure, my adult brother is at our home and can deal with my kid without me clearing that with him or checking in.

There is also a decent amount of emotional drama happening with both leads, which sometimes felt like it was overwhelming their love story, but I loved that that drama wasn't easily tied up with a bow by the end.

The heat in MY DARLING JANE was fantastic and the slow friendship that bloomed between these enemies-to-lovers was sweet and believable.

This was a really good read that I totally recommend.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: past parent abandonment, partner abandonment when pregnant
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person]]> 4.03
author: Ilsa Madden-Mills
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.03
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/01
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: badass-females-in-romance, big-city-romances, enemies-to-lovers-romances, love-after-loss-or-trauma-romance, millionaires-billionaires-romances, rated-r-romances, single-parent-romances, sports-or-gym-romance, surprise-pregnancy-romances
review:
I loved the first book in this new series by Mills so I was excited for the second book, MY DARLING JANE.

Right off, I loved the banter and chemistry between Jane and Jasper. There is so much sizzle beneath their barbs and I loved it. Jane is a badass who is so easy to root for and Jasper is the cocky player you'll fall in love with!

I love a single mom romance, but Jane's child was nearly non-existent in this book. Jane is throwing on costumes and going to bars to find clients for her matchmaking business and her daughter is always conveniently taken care of.

HIM: wanna stay later and hang out?
HER: sure, my adult brother is at our home and can deal with my kid without me clearing that with him or checking in.

There is also a decent amount of emotional drama happening with both leads, which sometimes felt like it was overwhelming their love story, but I loved that that drama wasn't easily tied up with a bow by the end.

The heat in MY DARLING JANE was fantastic and the slow friendship that bloomed between these enemies-to-lovers was sweet and believable.

This was a really good read that I totally recommend.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: past parent abandonment, partner abandonment when pregnant
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 26125809 Alternate cover edition of ASIN B0143OT3J2


Hanging on by a Thread
Sophia Anderson takes care of everyone but herself. She will stop at nothing to keep her family safe. When she goes searching for her runaway little brother in a bad part of town, she becomes the one in need of rescue.

A White Knight
Navy SEAL, Mason Gault, faced many dangers while in the line of duty. No matter how bad a mission has gone, he finds solace in three things: His family, friends and the waves of the Pacific. When he hears a woman’s screams for help, he charges in to save her without a second thought.

A Dangerous Love
Sophia is burdened with scars from her past. Mason understands that empowering her spirit is just as important as protecting her well-being. As their love and passion soars, so do threats against her. Can Mason continue to be the compassionate white knight that she needs, while ensuring her safety?]]> 231 Caitlyn O'Leary RateTheRomance 4 4.23 2015
author: Caitlyn O'Leary
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/03
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:

]]> 204957695
In public, violinist Elizabeth Duncan is the toast of the entertainment world. A prodigy who's been wowing audiences with her music since she was only twelve years old. But behind closed doors, she's desperate to escape the man who's turned her passion into a prison. When the specter of violence becomes more than a threat, she sacrifices everything to run.

A hero lost without a mission

Former special forces operative Ewan McBride has done everything he's supposed to since leaving the military: Moved home. Bought a new business. Integrated into the community. But he's just going through the motions. Until he rescues a woman in trouble in the midst of a terrible storm.

A sanctuary and an unexpected new beginning

Ewan recognizes a woman on the run and can't resist the urge to help. The danger from her past is certain to come calling. The safest place for her? With him. But as they live and work together, what starts as a self-appointed protective detail becomes so much more. With her, he finds his own safe place to land. But when their fragile fresh start is threatened, he'll do anything to protect her.]]> 239 Kait Nolan RateTheRomance 3 �� 4.39 2023
author: Kait Nolan
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/30
date added: 2024/10/30
shelves: age-gap-romances, armed-forces-or-military-romance, badass-females-in-romance, forced-proximity, indie-published-romance, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, rated-pg-13-romances, rockstar-music-romances, romantic-suspence, romantic-suspense-without-alpha, small-town-romances
review:
��
]]> 217513819 He's the irresistible single dad who owns half this city.
And thanks to one ill-fated drunk text...
My colossal crush is no longer a secret.

* * AN AMAZON TOP 23 BESTSELLER * *

I should have known better.
I'm a freaking teacher for crying out loud.
Supposedly the epitome of responsibility.
Yet there I was, detailing my wildest fantasies about a man much older than me.
He was never meant to read it.
But he did.
And he wanted more.



A drunk text from a stranger left a large stiffness in my trousers.
What's REALLY wrong with this picture?
I'm a single dad. She's half my age.
And her defiance makes my blood boil.

One thing's crystal I won't rest until I claim Audrey.
Taste her full lips. And devour every inch of her heavenly curves.

But I'm not the only one who wants her.
The Bratva thinks they own her.
They have no clue.
I'm not your ordinary billionaire. I'm ruthless.

I'll protect Audrey. And our baby growing inside her.
Readers This is full-length standalone, older man, single-dad, ruthless billionaire romance in the bestselling Silver Fox Daddies series. You'll need a cool glass of water because the HEAT level is scorching. K.C. Crowne is an Amazon Top 6 Bestseller and International Bestselling Author.]]> 328 K.C. Crowne RateTheRomance 0 4.12
author: K.C. Crowne
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 0
read at: 2024/10/28
date added: 2024/10/28
shelves:
review:

]]> 215624004
My whole life, I’ve been a good girl. I follow rules like nobody’s business. I obey guidelines like I was born to it. Show me a line, and I’ll toe it.

I’m even a twenty-two-year-old virgin. Good is my middle name.

And then, I break one tiny little rule. Miniscule. Inconsequential.

Next thing I know, I’m trapped with an incredibly handsome stranger. He’s got eyes like cut emeralds, biceps that makes my head spin, and a smile that has me rethinking all my life choices.

We escape a bar bathroom together. We go on an impromptu date. We share the hottest kiss I’ve ever had, one that leaves me panting for more. We promise to see each other again.

Turns out, we see each other the next morning.

In my calculus class.

Which he’s teaching.

My handsome, sexy date is Professor Loveless, and we’ll be seeing each other plenty. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday all semester.

There’s no choice but to call it off. We both have too much at I could lose my scholarship, and he could lose his entire career.

But I can’t call off the way I feel.

I can’t call off the way he looks when he rolls up his sleeves and explains imaginary numbers.

I can’t call off the heated glances, or the way our hands touch when I hand in my homework, or the memory of his body pressing against mine that night.

I’m a virgin.

He’s my professor.

If we give in, it could cost us both everything.

But I’m so tired of being a good girl.

The Hookup Equation is the fourth book in the Loveless Brothers series, and can be read as a total standalone. It's for fans of high-heat, low-angst romantic comedies and anyone who's ever been hot for teacher. This one's got tons of forbidden steam, a high-stakes secret relationship, sibling banter, a heroine who really enjoys her first time, and a college setting that will make you feel like you're back on campus. There's an HEA, of course. (And yes, it bangs.)]]> 411 Roxie Noir RateTheRomance 4 3.83 2020
author: Roxie Noir
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/24
date added: 2024/10/24
shelves:
review:

]]> 220007301 Tricks and Tropes is a Halloween anthology featuring nine new short stories from your favorite bestselling romance authors.]]> 697 Lacey Black RateTheRomance 3 3.73 2024
author: Lacey Black
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/20
date added: 2024/10/20
shelves:
review:

]]> 205963763 From USA Today bestselling author Devney Perry comes a sweeping Western romance about undeniable attraction, unforeseen circumstances, and seemingly unbeatable odds.

My first day in Montana, I got into a tug-of-war over a grocery store shopping cart. The most handsome man I’d ever seen broke up the scuffle before he asked me on a date. I was seconds away from accepting but then he told me his name.

As an owner of the Haven River Ranch, Jax Haven wasn’t my boss. But he wasn’t not my boss either.

Obviously, my only option was to turn him down, scurry away, then pretend like he was a stranger on my first day of work. And obviously, I could never, ever admit that he was my secret crush.

For as hard as I work at my job, I work twice as hard to pretend Jax doesn’t exist. I don’t let myself think about his dazzling eyes or charming smile. I refuse to acknowledge how good he looks in a pair of faded Wrangler jeans. And as tempting as he is in a cowboy hat, Jax is a distraction I cannot afford.

Everything was going according to plan until the annual holiday party. Until I drank one too many flutes of champagne and let him sweep me off my feet. After a night in his bed, there was no more ignoring Jax Haven. Not when I’m pregnant with his baby.]]> 300 Devney Perry RateTheRomance 4 4.13 2024
author: Devney Perry
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/18
date added: 2024/10/18
shelves:
review:

]]> 218187220 He’s hunting a killer so she won’t be next.

Single dad Garrett Haven doesn’t have time for dating. With a teenage son and a high-stakes job in law enforcement, he has enough on his plate.

Besides, he risked his heart once. He has no intention of doing it again.

Until he meets her.

Harper Tilburn brought her passion for baking to the small town of Tilikum to take over her aunt’s bakery. Anything else will have to wait, at least until her bad luck curse runs out.

Her dating hiatus is essential, and she’s sticking to it.

Until she meets him.

The sparks that fly between Garrett and Harper are instantaneous—their attraction undeniable. And suddenly, the practical, responsible sheriff’s deputy is throwing caution to the wind, boldly pursuing Harper, determined to make her his.
But when the cold case Garrett is investigating takes a chilling turn, he fears the perpetrator will strike again—and Harper will be his target.

With his career—and his life—on the line, he’ll sacrifice everything to protect the people he loves, and catch a killer before it’s too late.

���ܳٳ�ǰ�’s a buttoned-up sheriff’s deputy gets thoroughly unbuttoned by a sweet as sugar baker. A hero who falls hard and fast, a heroine you’ll root for, a teenage son who will steal your heart, page turning suspense with a shocking twist, and heartwarming found family vibes with a big HEA.

Temptation Trails can be read as a stand-alone.]]> 434 Claire Kingsley RateTheRomance 3 �� 4.16 2024
author: Claire Kingsley
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/16
date added: 2024/10/16
shelves:
review:
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]]> 216284514 *This limited deluxe edition comes with gorgeous stained edges and spot gloss*

Sometimes the last thing you expect is exactly what you need, the final missing piece. And sometimes it comes in the form of a towering, broody sheriff, determined to get in your way at every step.

Ridley Sawyer knows what it’s like to miss someone, to feel like a piece of her vanished—because it happened to her the night her twin sister disappeared.

Now, Ridley channels that loss into hope, traveling the country covering cold cases for her true crime podcast. She might not have found justice for her sister but that doesn’t stop her from finding it for others.

Until Sheriff Colter Brooks gets in her way.

Colt knows what it’s like to have reporters descend on his town in the wake of a tragedy, and he’s not about to let a fiery podcaster stir up trouble. It doesn’t matter that her haunting blue eyes tell him there’s more to Ridley’s story or that he can’t stop imagining what it would be like to touch her.

But when Ridley’s cold case turns hot and she’s thrust into the crosshairs, Colt has no choice but to step in. Suddenly, Ridley’s living at his house, drinking his whiskey, and stealing his dog’s affections. But she’s also proving that she’s so much more than his first impression.

And as they get closer to the truth, the game they’ve been playing might just turn deadly…]]> 384 Catherine Cowles 1464224293 RateTheRomance 5
Enemies To Lovers
Small Town antics
Grief & Healing
Badass heroine
Cinnamon Roll hero
Great suspense

I fell in love with Ridley and Colt (and their pets, honestly). Ridley is strong and brave and so compassionate. And Colt is pure cinnamon roll hero goodness! The grumpy sheriff with a gooey center who will make you feel all the feels.

ALL THE MISSING PIECES was a great romantic suspense with a villain I never suspected. This book has heart and sweetness and spice! Hot lake sex, anyone? YES PLEASE.

This is my favorite Catherine Cowles book to date!

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence, abduction, murder (off page)
FEELS: 4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person]]> 4.17 2025
author: Catherine Cowles
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/11
date added: 2024/10/11
shelves: 5-star-romances, animals-or-pets-in-romances, best-romances-of-2024, enemies-to-lovers-romances, film-tv-radio-romances, indie-published-romance, love-after-loss-or-trauma-romance, nice-guy-cinnamon-roll-hero, no-strings-sex, rated-r-romances, romantic-suspence, romantic-suspense-without-alpha, small-town-romances
review:
Good Lord, this book was good! Such an easy 5-STARS to give out. ALL THE MISSING PIECES has all the best things...

Enemies To Lovers
Small Town antics
Grief & Healing
Badass heroine
Cinnamon Roll hero
Great suspense

I fell in love with Ridley and Colt (and their pets, honestly). Ridley is strong and brave and so compassionate. And Colt is pure cinnamon roll hero goodness! The grumpy sheriff with a gooey center who will make you feel all the feels.

ALL THE MISSING PIECES was a great romantic suspense with a villain I never suspected. This book has heart and sweetness and spice! Hot lake sex, anyone? YES PLEASE.

This is my favorite Catherine Cowles book to date!

SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence, abduction, murder (off page)
FEELS: 4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
]]> 199797869 A divorcee embarks on her “year of yes�� and crosses paths with a shy but sensitive birdwatcher who changes her life in this charming rom-com that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Ali Hazelwood.

Newly divorced, almost-empty-nester Celeste is finally seeking adventure and putting herself first, cliches be damned. So when a friend asks Celeste to “partner�� with his buddy John for an event, Celeste throws herself into the role of his temporary girlfriend. But quiet cinnamon roll John isn’t looking for love, just birds—he needs a partner for Tucson’s biggest bird-watching contest if he’s ever going to launch his own guiding business. By the time they untangle their crossed signals, they’ve become teammates…and thanks to his meddling friends, a fake couple.

Celeste can’t tell a sparrow from a swallow, but John is a great teacher, and the hours they spend hiking in the Arizona wilderness feed Celeste’s hunger for new adventures while giving John a chance to practice his dream job. As the two spend more time together, they end up watching more than just the birds, and their chemistry becomes undeniable. Since they’re both committed to the single life, Celeste suggests a status upgrade: birders with benefits, just until the contest is done. But as the bird count goes up and their time together ticks down, John and Celeste will have to decide if their benefits can last a lifetime, or if this love affair is for the birds.]]> 336 Sarah T. Dubb 1668037831 RateTheRomance 3 3.58 2024
author: Sarah T. Dubb
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/08
date added: 2024/10/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 215583202 Gabe Mitchell. A brooding mountain man and mega-jerk who tormented me when we were kids.
I should hate him for what he did, but I need help.
And he's the only one stepping up.

My brother's murder left me reeling, and now the ranch we loved is falling apart.
My sweet niece is relying on me now.
Fires and mysterious accidents threaten everything I’ve worked for.

When I see his tan skin glisten in the sun as he brings the horses in from pasture.
And the way he makes my niece giggle after not so much as a smile for months...
I can't help but feel the icy walls around my heart melt.

Every day, Gabe proves he’s changed, but I can’t forget the boy who made my life hell.

If I can’t let go of the past, we might not have a future.


Silver Ridge Mountain Men is a series of six standalone romances written by besties Olivia Reign, Blaire Wilde, Emma Blake, Lisa Ryan, Raven Blaire, and Josie Hart. Get ready, cuffing season starts…now.]]> 242 Emma Blake RateTheRomance 4 4.34
author: Emma Blake
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.34
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/06
date added: 2024/10/06
shelves:
review:

]]> 202398272
Honor

My ruthless husband hunts me across the country and in my dreams. If he catches me, I'll lose not only my freedom, but my sanity.
I have to stay one step ahead, but he's closing in. So I keep running, straight into the arms of a man who whispers seductive promises of protection and safety.
One way or another, this race will end.
I'll risk everything for it to be at the hands of the powerful man who revels in my darkness. But should the devil get me first, then death shall be my solace.
May the best man win.

Fox

I've dedicated my entire life to protecting others, until I was betrayed.
Seeking refuge in my childhood home, I find it’s been invaded by a woman with dark secrets. She believes she’s too broken, too fractured to be desired, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Let the demon who terrorizes her nightmares come.
In this tangled game of cat and mouse, I’m the ultimate predator, a force both should fear.

Beneath Your Beautiful is a dark standalone dual POV stalker bodyguard MF romance, with a hunted FMC and an over-the-top possessive grumpy hero.]]> 406 Adaline Winters RateTheRomance 0 that was the darkest book i've ever read
definitely way too dark for me]]> 4.33
author: Adaline Winters
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 0
read at: 2024/10/06
date added: 2024/10/06
shelves:
review:
holy shit
that was the darkest book i've ever read
definitely way too dark for me
]]> 60635423 She’s a Hollywood star used to being in control. He’s a tattooed bodyguard who's going to show her how to let go.

Valentina Valverde’s been all work and no play her entire life. But when filming Braveheart 2 in the Highlands of Scotland gives her unexpected downtime, she has no idea what to do with it.

Enter Charlie Hamilton, the flirtatious, ex-special-forces bodyguard who’s determined to teach her how to have fun �� with a bucket list that’s all about letting loose.

From skinny dipping to spin the bottle, Valentina’s well-ordered life takes a wild turn. But when no-strings fun becomes something more, they have to face the hardest truth of all �� can a bodyguard and a movie star be more than a Highland fling?

An actress who’s all work, a bodyguard who’s all play �� and a bucket list that will change their lives forever��

Kissing Games is a sizzlingly-steamy, standalone romantic comedy featuring a tattooed, ex-special forces bodyguard who’ll melt your heart and a lonely Hollywood actress who needs to let her hair down. There’s no cheating or cliffhanger, but you’ll definitely gasp, cry, snort-laugh, and swoon your way to the grandest of gestures and the happiest of endings!]]> 346 Evie Alexander 1914473043 RateTheRomance 1
This book has an overwhelming amount of seemingly unnecessary characters, does not succeed at being a standalone, and just fell completely flat.

At first I did not review this book at all because the author gifted me an ARC and I didn't want to hurt her rating, but after I included it in my monthly reading wrap-up under 2-STARS the author DMed me and was pissed.

So, having let some time pass, here is what I honestly thought of this book.

Book one on this series is FANTASTIC. Every book after were unbearably bad for me. I think this author should stick to writing standalone books because , in my opinion, she really fails at writing books in a series. Each additional book adds to a convoluted heap of characters and storylines that beg for a ruthless editor.
]]> 4.25
author: Evie Alexander
name: RateTheRomance
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2024/10/03
shelves:
review:
Welp, after loving (read: being obsessed with) the first book in this series and hating the second book, KISSING GAMES marked the final book I'll read from this author.

This book has an overwhelming amount of seemingly unnecessary characters, does not succeed at being a standalone, and just fell completely flat.

At first I did not review this book at all because the author gifted me an ARC and I didn't want to hurt her rating, but after I included it in my monthly reading wrap-up under 2-STARS the author DMed me and was pissed.

So, having let some time pass, here is what I honestly thought of this book.

Book one on this series is FANTASTIC. Every book after were unbearably bad for me. I think this author should stick to writing standalone books because , in my opinion, she really fails at writing books in a series. Each additional book adds to a convoluted heap of characters and storylines that beg for a ruthless editor.

]]>