Anna 's bookshelf: all en-US Fri, 25 Apr 2025 11:59:34 -0700 60 Anna 's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Up Close & Personal 217182470
Jo De La Cruz should be on top of the world. As one of spin鈥檚 hottest instructors, her workouts stream into thousands of living rooms, her waiting list is harder to access than Area 51, and even her hair has its own social media page. But Jo鈥檚 struggling from a decade in the spotlight鈥攚hich is when she meets the annoyingly handsome journalist who claims her job is just yelling at people from a bike.

Converting a hater is a challenge Jo can鈥檛 resist.

Only nothing about Silas Anders matches her expectations. He throws himself into her classes, 丑别鈥檚 genuinely interested in Jo鈥檚 hobbies, and鈥攎ost surprising of all鈥攈e knows what it鈥檚 like to struggle with mental health. Between all-you-can-eat-diner lunches, thrifting adventures, and sizzling summer nights, Jo might even be catching feelings. But as buzz for the article skyrockets, Jo discovers that the man s丑别鈥檚 been falling for may, in fact, be the one scamming her.

Will trusting him break her heart鈥攐r lead to a love worth riding for?]]>
384 Ana Holguin 1538756889 Anna 0 currently-reading 4.02 2025 Up Close & Personal
author: Ana Holguin
name: Anna
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/25
shelves: currently-reading
review:

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<![CDATA[Shield of Winter (Psy-Changeling, #13)]]> 17159944 "The alpha author of paranormal romance" draws us back into her extraordinary Psy-Changeling world, a world torn between violence and peace, passion and ice . . .

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all 丑别鈥檚 done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch鈥攊f only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake.

Having rebuilt her life after medical 鈥渢reatment鈥� that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she'll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy鈥檚 fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness . . .]]>
431 Nalini Singh 0425264017 Anna 5 4.30 2014 Shield of Winter (Psy-Changeling, #13)
author: Nalini Singh
name: Anna
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/25
date added: 2025/04/25
shelves:
review:

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The Kiss Countdown 184586857 A struggling event planner and a sinfully hot astronaut must decide if their fake relationship is worth a shot at happily-ever-after, in this starry debut.

Risk-averse event planner Amerie Price is jobless, newly single, and about to lose her apartment. With no choice but to gamble on her shaky start-up, the last thing she needed was to run into her smug ex and his new, less complicated girlfriend at Amerie's favorite coffee shop. Panicked, she pretends to be dating the annoyingly sexy man she met by spilling Americano all over his abs. He plays along鈥攆or a price.

Half the single men in Houston claim to be astronauts, but Vincent Rogers turns out to be the real deal. What started as a one-off lie morphs into a plan: for the three months leading up to his mission, Amerie will play Vincent's doting partner in front of his loving but overly invested family. In exchange, she gets a rent-free room in his house and can put every penny toward her struggling business.

What Amerie doesn't plan for is Vincent's gravitational pull. While her mind tells her a future with this astronaut is too unpredictable, her heart says he's exactly what she needs. As their time together counts down, Amerie must decide if she'll settle for the safe life鈥攐r shoot for the stars.]]>
331 Etta Easton 0593640233 Anna 3 3.93 2024 The Kiss Countdown
author: Etta Easton
name: Anna
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/22
date added: 2025/04/22
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review:

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<![CDATA[The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches]]> 58912891
But someone does. An unexpected message arrives, begging her to travel to the remote and mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their magic. It breaks all of the rules, but Mika goes anyway, and is immediately tangled up in the lives and secrets of not only her three charges, but also an absent archaeologist, a retired actor, two long-suffering caretakers, and鈥amie. The handsome and prickly librarian of Nowhere House would do anything to protect the children, and as far as 丑别鈥檚 concerned, a stranger like Mika is a threat. An irritatingly appealing threat.

As Mika begins to find her place at Nowhere House, the thought of belonging somewhere begins to feel like a real possibility. But magic isn't the only danger in the world, and when peril comes knocking at their door, Mika will need to decide whether to risk everything to protect a found family she didn鈥檛 know she was looking for....]]>
334 Sangu Mandanna Anna 5 4.15 2022 The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
author: Sangu Mandanna
name: Anna
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/20
date added: 2025/04/20
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Willing Prey 231148073 An exhilarating, primal summer fling reveals an intensely sexy, edgy romance, where anything goes in the woods鈥攋ust remember your safe word.

Post-divorce and buried in student loan debt, Claire Collins eagerly enters a spicy business agreement with an acquaintance who wants to explore his primal desires. The deal is simple鈥攖hirty days as his sexual prey, $30,000 in her bank account. All she has to do is give Shane Underwood the hunt of his life.

Claire鈥檚 a physical education teacher and perfectly happy to spend her summer having wild, kinky sex instead of working her usual serving job. But once they cross the tree line, she realizes how little she knows about the corporate lawyer paying her to be his prey.

Shane is different in the woods. Brutal. Devastating. Feral.

That鈥檚 okay with Claire鈥攕he is, too. And s丑别鈥檚 sinking her teeth a little deeper into Shane鈥檚 heart every time he catches her.]]>
336 Allie Oleander Anna 0 to-read 3.87 Willing Prey
author: Allie Oleander
name: Anna
average rating: 3.87
book published:
rating: 0
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date added: 2025/04/19
shelves: to-read
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<![CDATA[Wild and Wrangled (Rebel Blue Ranch, #4)]]> 213650748 S丑别鈥檚 the one that got away. He鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檛 show up to the wedding, Cam鈥檚 life is turned upside down鈥攕he doesn鈥檛 even have a place to live. That is, until she finds out the house s丑别鈥檚 loved since high school is available to rent. There鈥檚 only one problem: the neighbor.

Dusty Tucker has spent nearly all of his adult life running. Running from what, though? More like who: 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鈥檚 length. And he was okay with that鈥攁t least, that鈥檚 what he kept telling himself. She was getting married, after all. But now s丑别鈥檚 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鈥攂oth old and new鈥攚reak 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?]]>
Lyla Sage Anna 4 4.05 2025 Wild and Wrangled (Rebel Blue Ranch, #4)
author: Lyla Sage
name: Anna
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/18
date added: 2025/04/18
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Room for Two 229759458 Room for Two today.]]> Lana Ferguson Anna 0 to-read 0.0 Room for Two
author: Lana Ferguson
name: Anna
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
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date added: 2025/04/17
shelves: to-read
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Out of the Woods 209220944
But Sarah has begun to wonder... Who is she without her other half?

When she decides to take on a project of her own, a fundraising gala in memoriam of her late mother, Sarah wants nothing more than to prove to herself鈥攁nd to everyone else鈥攖hat she doesn鈥檛 need Caleb鈥檚 help to succeed. S丑别鈥檚 still her mother鈥檚 daughter, after all. Independent and capable.

That is until the event fails and Caleb uninvitedly steps in to save the day.

The rift that follows unearths a decade of grievances between them and doubts begin to grow. Are they truly the same people they were when they got married at nineteen? Are they supposed to be?

In a desperate attempt to fix what they fear is near breaking, Sarah and Caleb make the spontaneous decision to join a grueling hiking trip intended to guide couples through rough patches.

What follows is a life-affirming comedy of errors as two nature-averse people fight their way out of the woods in order to find their way back to their roots.]]>
336 Hannah Bonam-Young 0593871863 Anna 5 thank you to dell for the free copy

Have you ever cried in the woods near Forks, Washington? I have, thanks to the ARC of Out of the Woods I read while camping. I once again need to thank @hotgirlbookshelf for putting me on to Hannah Bonam-Young's books - you were right and you found me a new fave author. Unsurprisingly, Out of the Woods was another banger - further cementing Hannah Bonam-Young as an autobuy author for me.鈥�
鈥�
If you haven't read a HBY book, go read Out on a Limb and then pick this one up. These books were the perfect duo - all the characters are relatable, the stories are realistic and unputdownable, and the love stories are incredibly swoony. All of Hannah's writing is amazing and addictive, but something about the way she writes about her characters' experiences just really resonates with me.鈥�
鈥�
This story was told in dual timelines. We first meet Sarah and Caleb (in their present timeline) at a rocky point in their relationship - their marriage is in desparate need of saving. I think having the dual timelines helped define and add emotional investment to their relationship for the reader - it also added stakes for the peril their relationship was in. 鈥�
鈥�
Even though Sarah and Caleb's marriage in the present timeline is in a rough spot, it's easy to see why they were fighting to hard to recover it. They were just so good together - with the tension that can only come from loving someone for a very long time. As they reconnected and found themselves, it was impossible to root not only for them to be happy but also for them to be their truest selves. 鈥�
鈥�
Please take this as your sign to go read HBY's books if you haven't already - Out of the Woods was emotional, swoony, and filled with characters that are impossible to not relate to. I can't wait to read her next book!鈥塢]>
3.98 2025 Out of the Woods
author: Hannah Bonam-Young
name: Anna
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2024/09/03
date added: 2025/04/17
shelves:
review:
thank you to dell for the free copy

Have you ever cried in the woods near Forks, Washington? I have, thanks to the ARC of Out of the Woods I read while camping. I once again need to thank @hotgirlbookshelf for putting me on to Hannah Bonam-Young's books - you were right and you found me a new fave author. Unsurprisingly, Out of the Woods was another banger - further cementing Hannah Bonam-Young as an autobuy author for me.鈥�
鈥�
If you haven't read a HBY book, go read Out on a Limb and then pick this one up. These books were the perfect duo - all the characters are relatable, the stories are realistic and unputdownable, and the love stories are incredibly swoony. All of Hannah's writing is amazing and addictive, but something about the way she writes about her characters' experiences just really resonates with me.鈥�
鈥�
This story was told in dual timelines. We first meet Sarah and Caleb (in their present timeline) at a rocky point in their relationship - their marriage is in desparate need of saving. I think having the dual timelines helped define and add emotional investment to their relationship for the reader - it also added stakes for the peril their relationship was in. 鈥�
鈥�
Even though Sarah and Caleb's marriage in the present timeline is in a rough spot, it's easy to see why they were fighting to hard to recover it. They were just so good together - with the tension that can only come from loving someone for a very long time. As they reconnected and found themselves, it was impossible to root not only for them to be happy but also for them to be their truest selves. 鈥�
鈥�
Please take this as your sign to go read HBY's books if you haven't already - Out of the Woods was emotional, swoony, and filled with characters that are impossible to not relate to. I can't wait to read her next book!鈥�
]]>
<![CDATA[Shards of Hope (Psy-Changeling, #14)]]> 23482092 The 鈥渟moldering heat, epic romance, and awesome action鈥�* of Nalini Singh鈥檚 New York Times bestselling series continues as two Arrows find themselves caught in a chilling conspiracy that spans all three races鈥�

Awakening wounded in a darkened cell, their psychic abilities blocked, Aden and Zaira know they must escape. But when the lethal soldiers break free from their mysterious prison, they find themselves in a harsh, inhospitable landscape far from civilization. Their only hope for survival is to make it to the hidden home of a predatory changeling pack that doesn鈥檛 welcome outsiders.

And they must survive. A shadowy enemy has put a target on the back of the Arrow squad, an enemy that cannot be permitted to succeed in its deadly campaign. Aden will cross any line to keep his people safe for this new future, where even an assassin might have hope of a life beyond blood and death and pain. Zaira has no such hope. She knows s丑别鈥檚 too damaged to return from the abyss. Her driving goal is to protect Aden, protect the only person who has ever come back for her no matter what. This time, even Aden鈥檚 passionate determination may not be enough鈥攂ecause the emotionless chill of Silence existed for a reason. For the violent, and the insane, and the irreparably broken鈥ike Zaira.

*Jaci Burton, New York Times bestselling author
听闭闭>
484 Nalini Singh 1101605219 Anna 0 to-read 4.50 2015 Shards of Hope (Psy-Changeling, #14)
author: Nalini Singh
name: Anna
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/16
shelves: to-read
review:

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<![CDATA[Heart of Obsidian (Psy-Changeling, #12)]]> 17796192
A woman whose very existence has been erased.

A love story so dark, it may shatter the world itself.

A deadly price that must be paid.

The day of reckoning is here.]]>
368 Nalini Singh 1101605197 Anna 5 4.54 2013 Heart of Obsidian (Psy-Changeling, #12)
author: Nalini Singh
name: Anna
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/15
date added: 2025/04/16
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review:

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<![CDATA[Kiss of Snow (Psy-Changeling, #10)]]> 11014249 NYT bestselling author Nalini Singh鈥檚 exhilarating world of shapeshifters and psychics is 鈥減aranormal romance at its best鈥� (Publishers Weekly). Now comes the story of an alpha wolf named Hawke used to getting exactly what he wants鈥攁nd of the only woman who dares tangle with him.

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would鈥檝e been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other鈥檚 secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight . . .

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna鈥檚 darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home . . . and the alpha who is its heartbeat . . .]]>
433 Nalini Singh 1101528729 Anna 5 4.43 2011 Kiss of Snow (Psy-Changeling, #10)
author: Nalini Singh
name: Anna
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/09
date added: 2025/04/15
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<![CDATA[Tangle of Need (Psy-Changeling, #11)]]> 12059093 Discover the exhilarating risks of passion in the breathtaking new Psy-Changeling novel by Nalini Singh, the New York Times bestselling 鈥渁lpha author of paranormal romance."

Adria, wolf changeling and resilient soldier, has made a break with the past鈥攐ne as unpredictable in love as it was in war. Now comes a new territory, and a devastating new complication: Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant already sworn to a desperate woman who belongs to another.

For Riaz, the primal attraction he feels for Adria is a staggering betrayal. For Adria, his dangerous lone-wolf appeal is beyond sexual. It consumes her. It terrifies her. It threatens to undermine everything she has built of her new life. But fighting their wild compulsion toward one another proves a losing battle.

Their coming together is an inferno . . . and a melding of two wounded souls who promise each other no commitment, no ties, no bonds. Only pleasure. Too late, they realize that they have more to lose than they ever imagined. Drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter the fate of the world itself, they must make a decision that might just break them both.]]>
422 Nalini Singh 0425247562 Anna 4 4.06 2012 Tangle of Need (Psy-Changeling, #11)
author: Nalini Singh
name: Anna
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/15
date added: 2025/04/15
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<![CDATA[Play of Passion (Psy-Changeling, #9)]]> 7831145 Passion and reason collide with explosive force in the newest instalment of Nalini Singh鈥檚 鈥渕esmerizing鈥� Psy/Changeling series. As a conflict with Pure Psy looms on the horizon, two powerful wolves fight a far more intimate war of their own.

In his position as tracker for the SnowDancer pack, it's up to Drew Kincaid to rein in rogue changelings who have lost control of their animal halves鈥攅ven if it means killing those who have gone too far. But nothing in his life has prepared him for the battle he must now wage to win the heart of a woman who makes his body ignite . . . and who threatens to enslave his wolf.

Lieutenant Indigo Riviere doesn't easily allow skin privileges, especially of the sensual kind鈥攁nd the last person she expects to find herself craving is the most wickedly playful male in the den. Everything she knows tells her to pull back before the flames burn them both to ash . . . but she hasn't counted on Drew's will.

Now, two of SnowDancer's most stubborn wolves find themselves playing a hot, sexy game even as lethal danger stalks the very place they call home.]]>
321 Nalini Singh 0425237796 Anna 4 4.23 2010 Play of Passion (Psy-Changeling, #9)
author: Nalini Singh
name: Anna
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/07
date added: 2025/04/07
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<![CDATA[Runaway Love (Cherry Tree Harbor, #1)]]> 195766634 Austin Buckley

Yes, I鈥檓 a single dad who needs a nanny for the summer.

But hire the stranded runaway bride who shows up on my doorstep in a wedding gown with no references, no skills, and no experience?

No one is that desperate.

Except within twenty-four hours, down-on-her-luck Veronica Sutton manages to charm my kids, my family, and half the population of Cherry Tree Harbor into believing s丑别鈥檚 perfect for the job.

And for me.

It鈥檚 not that I can鈥檛 see the appeal鈥搕hose baby blue eyes? The endless legs? That mouth made for trouble? But I鈥檝e got enough on my plate, raising two kids on my own and keeping the family business alive. I don鈥檛 have the time or the inclination to fall for an outspoken city girl.

So I should have kept my hands to myself.

Holding her in my arms was a big mistake. Even worse? Spending the night together. She ignites a possessive fire in me that I鈥檓 finding hard to snuff out.

But the most unforgivable? Growing attached to the sound of her laugh, the scent of her skin, and the way her body wraps around mine in the dark.

At the end of the summer, she鈥檒l be gone.
And if I鈥檓 not careful, she might run away with my heart.
]]>
402 Melanie Harlow Anna 3 4.24 2023 Runaway Love (Cherry Tree Harbor, #1)
author: Melanie Harlow
name: Anna
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/06
date added: 2025/04/06
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Funny Story 194802722 A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.

Daphne always loved the way her fianc茅, Peter, told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it... right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.

Which is how Daphne begins her new story: stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children鈥檚 librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra鈥檚 ex, Miles Nowak.

Scruffy and chaotic鈥攚ith a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads鈥擬iles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned-up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that s丑别鈥檚 either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?

But it鈥檚 all just for show, of course, because there鈥檚 no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fianc茅鈥檚 new fianc茅e鈥檚 ex... right?]]>
400 Emily Henry Anna 5 4.21 2024 Funny Story
author: Emily Henry
name: Anna
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/01
date added: 2025/04/01
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Juniper Hill (The Edens, #2) 59114267
But maybe it takes a little crazy to build a good life. If putting the past behind her requires a thousand miles and a new town, she鈥檒l do it if it means a better future for her son. Even if it requires setting aside the glamour of her former life. Even if it requires working as a housekeeper at The Eloise Inn and living in an apartment above a garage.

It鈥檚 there, on the fifth worst day of her life, that she meets the handsomest man s丑别鈥檚 ever laid eyes on. Knox Eden is a beautiful, sinful dream, a chef and her temporary landlord. With his sharp, stubbled jaw and tattooed arms, 丑别鈥檚 raw and rugged and everything s丑别鈥檚 never had鈥攁nd never will. Because after the first worst day of her life, Memphis learned a good life requires giving up on her dreams too. And a man like Knox Eden will only ever be a dream.]]>
326 Devney Perry 1950692701 Anna 5 4.14 2022 Juniper Hill (The Edens, #2)
author: Devney Perry
name: Anna
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2023/03/19
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves:
review:
The number of times I鈥檝e reread this is crazy. Seriously one of my favorite small town romances - the characters, the romance, the small town drama?? I ate it up
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Slow Burn Summer 218695924 A talent agent hires an actress to play the part of 鈥渘ovelist鈥� on a book tour for his agency鈥檚 publicity-shy client in this delightful rom-com from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Reese鈥檚 Book Club Pick One Day in December

S丑别鈥檚 playing the part of romance author, but has she found her own real life love story?

Talent agent Charlie Francisco has three problems: a divorce that ended his screenwriting career, a business he never planned to inherit, and a take-your-breath-away romance novel whose author wants nothing to do with its publication. The book is a surefire hit, if only his agency can find someone to 鈥減lay鈥� author on its summer book tour.

Enter Kate Elliott, a former soap actress who鈥檚 miraculously right for the part at the very moment her life seems to be going all wrong. Kate is still recovering from her own divorce and Charlie鈥檚 job offer is a lifeline. She agrees to the pretense for all interviews, signings, and appearances surrounding the novel鈥檚 publication. But she can鈥檛 know who really wrote the remarkable story鈥攖he one so beautiful it鈥檚 made her believe in love again.

When Kate and Charlie meet they鈥檙e all friction and sparks鈥攖he one thing they have in common is they鈥檙e determined to play their respective parts. But as the summer heat ups and the lies get bigger and bigger, can they stick to their lines . . . or will they go off-script?]]>
352 Josie Silver 0593722884 Anna 0 to-read 3.88 2025 Slow Burn Summer
author: Josie Silver
name: Anna
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: to-read
review:

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Wild Reverence 222376906
Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett wrote to Matilda on the darkest night of his life鈥昩egging the goddess he befriended in dreams to help him. When his request went unanswered, Vincent moved on, becoming the hardened, irreverent lord of the river who has long forgotten Matilda. That is, until she comes tumbling into his bedroom window with a letter for him.

As Fate would have it, Matilda and Vincent were destined to find each other beyond dreams. There may be a chance for Matilda to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods, but at immense sacrifice. She will have to face something she fears even more than losing her magic: to be vulnerable, and to allow herself to finally be loved.]]>
544 Rebecca Ross 1250373352 Anna 0 to-read 4.66 2025 Wild Reverence
author: Rebecca Ross
name: Anna
average rating: 4.66
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: to-read
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<![CDATA[Bonds of Justice (Psy-Changeling, #8)]]> 8510604 A Psy-Changeling novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Shards of Hope,聽Shield of Winter, and Heart of Obsidian..."the alpha author of paranormal romance" (Booklist).Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned to is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor's closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of catastrophic mental fracture...]]> 359 Nalini Singh 1101442239 Anna 4 4.24 2010 Bonds of Justice (Psy-Changeling, #8)
author: Nalini Singh
name: Anna
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
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Good Spirits (Ghosted, #1) 222279220 鈥淕ood Spirits is an absolute knockout. A new Borison book feels like coming home in the best way. She's truly in a league of her own.鈥� 鈥� Hannah Grace, New York Times bestselling author of Icebreaker

The USA Today bestselling author of Business Casual, B.K. Borison is back with a whimsical new holiday romance鈥攖his time with a magical twist鈥攖hat will have everyone falling in love with the Ghost of Christmas Past.

He鈥檚 the Ghost of Christmas Past. S丑别鈥檚 not exactly Scrooge.

Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other鈥攇et in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when 丑别鈥檚 faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment 丑别鈥檚 ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.

Harriet York has no idea why s丑别鈥檚 being haunted. S丑别鈥檚 a good person鈥攐r, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what鈥檚 expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together鈥� and realize there might be more to moving on than expected.

With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other鈥檚 pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?

Filled with magic, mayhem, and cozy holiday charm, this swoony romance is B.K. Borison鈥檚 best yet!]]>
384 B.K. Borison 0063430401 Anna 0 to-read 4.59 2025 Good Spirits (Ghosted, #1)
author: B.K. Borison
name: Anna
average rating: 4.59
book published: 2025
rating: 0
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date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: to-read
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<![CDATA[Blaze of Memory (Psy-Changeling, #7)]]> 8255992 ]]> 386 Nalini Singh 1101149116 Anna 3 4.08 2009 Blaze of Memory (Psy-Changeling, #7)
author: Nalini Singh
name: Anna
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/29
date added: 2025/03/29
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<![CDATA[The Games Gods Play (The Crucible, #1)]]> 203562673
Every hundred years, the gods toy with us mere mortals.
And we let them.

The gods of myth are alive and well.
Once every century, they select a new ruler in a cutthroat competition, pushing mortal players to the limit. But this year, Hades is done sitting on the sidelines. And 丑别鈥檚 picking a champion no one expects鈥攊n this modern mythic romantasy, she鈥檒l fight for her life鈥�
for the god of Death.]]>
645 Abigail Owen 1649376588 Anna 4 4.29 2024 The Games Gods Play (The Crucible, #1)
author: Abigail Owen
name: Anna
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/24
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves:
review:
It's been a while since I've read anything inspired by Greek mythology - and this was the perfect book to break that streak. I am a sucker for romantasy and anything with deadly trials, so this book was right up my alley - and I tore through it. There was something about this one that was so unputdownable - between the story of the crucible, the cast of interesting characters and the unraveling of Hades' motivations, I was hooked. Plus the romance at the center was so filled with tension and chemistry - the slow burn was slow burning and was most definitely worth the wait. If you're looking for a new romantasy series to read, I'd recommend picking this one up!鈥�
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<![CDATA[Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games, #0.5)]]> 214331246 When you鈥檝e been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch鈥檚 name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He鈥檚 torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who鈥檚 nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands 丑别鈥檚 been set up to fail. But there鈥檚 something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.]]>
387 Suzanne Collins 1546171460 Anna 5 4.62 2025 Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games, #0.5)
author: Suzanne Collins
name: Anna
average rating: 4.62
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/27
date added: 2025/03/27
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Slaying the Vampire Conqueror 123368729 She was commanded to kill him with a single strike to the heart. She didn鈥檛 expect her own to betray her.

Sylina has sacrificed everything for her goddess鈥揾er soul, her freedom, her eyes. Life in service to the Arachessen, a cult of the Goddess of Fate, has turned Sylina from orphaned street-rat to disciplined killer, determined to overthrow Glaea鈥檚 tyrannical king. But when a brutal vampire conqueror arrives on their shores, Sylina faces an even deadlier adversary. S丑别鈥檚 tasked with a crucial mission: infiltrate his army, earn his trust鈥� and kill him.

Atrius is a terrifying warrior carving an unstoppable path through Glaea. Yet when Sylina becomes his seer, she glimpses a dark and shocking past鈥揳nd a side of him that reminds her far too much of parts of herself she鈥檇 rather forget. Sylina鈥檚 orders are clear. The conqueror cannot live. But as the blood spilled by Glaea鈥檚 tyrant king runs thicker, her connection with Atrius only grows stronger. A connection forbidden by her vows. A connection that could cost her everything.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is a standalone fantasy romance set in the Crowns of Nyaxia world, full of heart-wrenching forbidden romance, dark curses, and epic battles 鈥� perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom and the From Blood and Ash series.]]>
369 Carissa Broadbent Anna 5 4.10 2023 Slaying the Vampire Conqueror
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Anna
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/25
date added: 2025/03/25
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<![CDATA[Beautiful Exile (Sparrow Falls #4)]]> 212469939
I鈥檝e 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鈥檓 stuck trying to avoid the nosy billionaire鈥檚 probing questions and piercing stares. And it doesn鈥檛 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 not just my safety at risk. It鈥檚 my heart. Because when Linc touches me, I lose all sense. And when I truly get to know the broken billionaire, 丑别鈥檚 so much more than a ruthless business tycoon. He鈥檚 the man showing me that it鈥檚 time to really live.

But I鈥檓 not the only one with secrets. Linc has them, too. And when the forces from our pasts emerge from the shadows, it鈥檚 with only one goal: to end the new life we鈥檙e building together. For good.]]>
402 Catherine Cowles 1951936655 Anna 4 4.39 2025 Beautiful Exile (Sparrow Falls #4)
author: Catherine Cowles
name: Anna
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/21
date added: 2025/03/21
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The Mating Game 228644474 Two wolf shifters reluctant to love discover there鈥檚 no fighting the call of the wild in this steamy romance by USA Today bestselling author Lana Ferguson.

Contractor Tess Covington has spent her entire life as a regular non-shifter human, so after she lands in the Denver ER with flu-like symptoms, it comes as a complete shock to be told that, no, s丑别鈥檚 not sick鈥攕丑别鈥檚 actually a late-presenting omega wolf shifter. With her family in dire financial straits and a contract for her own television show on the line, she can鈥檛 afford not to complete the renovation job she came for. And given that her newly emerged wolf is in danger of going into heat, she鈥檒l just have to do her best to follow the doctor鈥檚 advice to keep away from alpha shifters.

Alpha wolf Hunter Barrett has spent most of his adult life living by a routine, and a big part of that involves staying clear of omegas after having one stomp on his heart. So when the tiny contractor shows up at his place smelling like the one thing 丑别鈥檚 determined to avoid, he thinks it must be some sort of cosmic joke. But with his lodge on the verge of failing and this sweet-smelling omega his only hope to turn things around聽.聽.聽. 丑别鈥檚 left with few other options than to grin and bear it.

Set on avoiding each other as much as possible, they find things unexpectedly starting to heat up between them enough to thaw even the frostiest of hearts. Though even with the pair going head over paws for each other, there鈥檚 no changing that their fling has an expiration date. The more time they spend together, the more they realize they鈥檙e playing a dangerous game鈥攐ne where the only thing on the line is their hearts.]]>
416 Lana Ferguson 059395369X Anna 5 5.00 2025 The Mating Game
author: Lana Ferguson
name: Anna
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/19
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves:
review:
I鈥檒l write a full review for this later but ANOTHER BANGER FROM LANA
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<![CDATA[The Songbird & the Heart of Stone (Crowns of Nyaxia, #3)]]> 209740448
Mische lost everything when she was forcibly Turned into a vampire 鈥� her home, her humanity, and most devastating of all, the love of the sun god to whom she had devoted her life. Now, sentenced to death for murdering the vampire prince who Turned her, redemption feels impossible.

But when Mische is saved by Asar, the bastard prince of the House of Shadow with a past as brutal as his scars, s丑别鈥檚 forced into a mission worse than execution: a journey to the underworld to resurrect the god of death himself.]]>
498 Carissa Broadbent Anna 5 4.17 2024 The Songbird & the Heart of Stone (Crowns of Nyaxia, #3)
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Anna
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/18
date added: 2025/03/18
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Say You'll Remember Me 217182552 disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes鈥攁ll 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鈥檚 nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong鈥�

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date鈥攑ossibly the best in living history鈥擲amantha 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鈥攁nd even a love鈥攚orth remembering.]]>
368 Abby Jimenez 1538759195 Anna 0 to-read 4.16 2025 Say You'll Remember Me
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Anna
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves: to-read
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<![CDATA[Branded by Fire (Psy-Changeling, #6)]]> 6590314 When a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped, DarkRiver sentinel Mercy, a cat, and SnowDancer lieutenant Riley, a wolf, must work together to track the young man-before his shadowy captors decide he's no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it'll leave them both branded by fire. ("PUBLISHERS WEEKLY").]]> 372 Nalini Singh 1101082062 Anna 4 4.34 2009 Branded by Fire (Psy-Changeling, #6)
author: Nalini Singh
name: Anna
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/13
date added: 2025/03/13
shelves:
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<![CDATA[Dream Girl Drama (Big Shots, #3)]]> 214283601 A steamy chance encounter between a professional hockey player and the manic pixie dream girl he just can鈥檛 seem to forget takes a turn when the pair realize that their parents are engaged鈥攊n an all-new rom-com by #1聽New York Times聽bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier鈥檚 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鈥檛 wait to see each other again, but when Sig finally arrives to meet his dad鈥檚 new girlfriend over dinner, Chloe is confusingly also there. Turns out the girlfriend is Chloe鈥檚 mother. Oh, and they鈥檙e engaged.

Sig鈥檚 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鈥攂ut 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鈥�


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320 Tessa Bailey 0063380781 Anna 4 Thank you to Avon for the gifted copy
It's well established at this point that if Tessa Bailey writes it, I'm going to read it. I had been excited for Sig and Chloe's story since they started making cameos earlier in this series - and the wait was worth it.

Any time a new Tessa Bailey book shows up to my place, it's a drop everything and start reading that book type of situation. Her books are just so addictive - between the tension, the spice, the interesting and flawed characters, the humor, and fast pace, they hit for me - and that was especially true for this book.

I'll be honest, I've never read a book with (potential) step siblings before - and I was a bit skeptical. But Tessa Bailey delivered! Sig and Chloe's chemistry was insane straight from their meet cute - even when they became taboo / a forbidden romance, I was kicking my feet and shouting at them to just kiss already. Sig was such a simp for Chloe - in the most endearing and swoony way.

The only part I struggled with in this book was Chloe's naivety. I understand that she was supposed to be sheltered, but it nearly crossed the line into the absurd. I think if she had had a few more basic life skills, it would have been less distracting.

I am having SO much fun with this series - I'm so happy there's going be five books (and I'm gonna need Tessa Bailey to write more sports romances in the future). I can't wait to read Pitcher Perfect later this year!]]>
3.45 2025 Dream Girl Drama (Big Shots, #3)
author: Tessa Bailey
name: Anna
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/21
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
Thank you to Avon for the gifted copy
It's well established at this point that if Tessa Bailey writes it, I'm going to read it. I had been excited for Sig and Chloe's story since they started making cameos earlier in this series - and the wait was worth it.

Any time a new Tessa Bailey book shows up to my place, it's a drop everything and start reading that book type of situation. Her books are just so addictive - between the tension, the spice, the interesting and flawed characters, the humor, and fast pace, they hit for me - and that was especially true for this book.

I'll be honest, I've never read a book with (potential) step siblings before - and I was a bit skeptical. But Tessa Bailey delivered! Sig and Chloe's chemistry was insane straight from their meet cute - even when they became taboo / a forbidden romance, I was kicking my feet and shouting at them to just kiss already. Sig was such a simp for Chloe - in the most endearing and swoony way.

The only part I struggled with in this book was Chloe's naivety. I understand that she was supposed to be sheltered, but it nearly crossed the line into the absurd. I think if she had had a few more basic life skills, it would have been less distracting.

I am having SO much fun with this series - I'm so happy there's going be five books (and I'm gonna need Tessa Bailey to write more sports romances in the future). I can't wait to read Pitcher Perfect later this year!
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<![CDATA[Glow of the Everflame (Kindred's Curse, #2)]]> 124935969
The threat of war has arrived at Diem鈥檚 doorstep, along with a new discovery that could save her people. To use it, she must survive the next thirty days by forming a devil鈥檚 bargain with the people she hates most: the royal family of House Corbois.

But as she dives into the world of the Descended elite, Diem quickly realizes good and evil aren鈥檛 as simple as they seem. Old prejudices are challenged, and new loyalties blur the line between friend and foe.

Meanwhile, her mother is still missing, and the secrets she left behind can no longer be ignored鈥攁nd neither can the Guardians and their demands. Caught between an old flame and a sizzling new spark, Diem must confront the truth about who she is and what she wants before time runs out.

War is coming, and dangerous enemies wait on all sides.. but the most deadly battle Diem faces may be the one for her heart.

Glow of the Everflame is the second book in The Kindred's Curse Saga, a four-book fantasy romance series. This book will appeal to fans of plot-heavy, character-driven romantasy such as A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, Gild, Shadow & Bone, and The Serpent & the Wings of Night.]]>
637 Penn Cole Anna 4 Thank you to Atria for the gifted copy
This continuation of the Kindred's Curse series was SO fun!! After the cliffhanger book one ended on, I was so glad I already had this one on my Kindle. First and foremost - I love the slow burn in this series - Diem and Luther are gonna keep me hooked, I can feel it. I love the overall world and the tension that is building within it - book three is gonna be a banger, I can feel it! The only thing I had an issue with in this one was every now and again Diem's decision making was frustrating. Overall, I am really enjoying this series and I can't wait to start book three!]]>
4.36 2023 Glow of the Everflame (Kindred's Curse, #2)
author: Penn Cole
name: Anna
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/25
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
Thank you to Atria for the gifted copy
This continuation of the Kindred's Curse series was SO fun!! After the cliffhanger book one ended on, I was so glad I already had this one on my Kindle. First and foremost - I love the slow burn in this series - Diem and Luther are gonna keep me hooked, I can feel it. I love the overall world and the tension that is building within it - book three is gonna be a banger, I can feel it! The only thing I had an issue with in this one was every now and again Diem's decision making was frustrating. Overall, I am really enjoying this series and I can't wait to start book three!
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Overdue 222376487 Is it time to renew love or start a new chapter?

Ingrid Dahl, a cheerful twenty-nine-year-old librarian in the cozy mountain town of Ridgetop, North Carolina, has been happily dating her college boyfriend, Cory, for eleven years without ever discussing marriage. But when Ingrid鈥檚 sister announces her engagement to a woman s丑别鈥檚 only been dating for two years, Ingrid and Cory feel pressured to consider their future. Neither has ever been with anybody else, so they make an unconventional decision. They'll take a one-month break to date other people, then they'll reunite and move toward marriage. Ingrid even has someone in mind: her charmingly grumpy coworker, Macon Nowakowski, on whom s丑别鈥檚 secretly crushed for years. But plans go awry, and when the month ends, Ingrid and Cory realize they鈥檙e not ready to resume their relationship鈥� and Ingrid鈥檚 harmless crush on Macon has turned into something much more complicated.

Overdue is a beautiful, slow-burn romance full of lust and longing about new beginnings and finding your way.]]>
416 Stephanie Perkins 1250313465 Anna 0 to-read 3.88 2025 Overdue
author: Stephanie Perkins
name: Anna
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: to-read
review:

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Business or Pleasure 62710608
Unfortunately, that鈥檚 easier said than done. Her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list actor best known for playing a lovable nerd on a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. But Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand of hilarious mishaps.

Chandler鈥檚 determined to keep their partnership as professional as possible, but when she admits to Finn their night together wasn鈥檛 as mind-blowing as he thought it was, 丑别鈥檚 distraught. He intrigues her enough that they strike a deal: when they鈥檙e not working on his book, Chandler will school Finn in the art of satisfaction. As they grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, they must figure out which is more important, business or pleasure鈥攐r if there's a way for them to have both.]]>
352 Rachel Lynn Solomon 0593548531 Anna 4 3.72 2023 Business or Pleasure
author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
name: Anna
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/11
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves:
review:
I love Rachel鈥檚 books. Something about her writing is so deeply relatable - so naturally, I was really excited for a new adult romance by her. The premise of this book was so interesting - meet cute where 丑别鈥檚 really bad at intimacy, followed by immediate force, proximity, and spicy lessons? Super unique and a fresh story idea. While I mostly loved it, I did find the last third kind of dragged in a way I鈥檓 not used to from this author. I still really enjoyed it, but it just wasn鈥檛 quite where I expect her books to be.
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Wild Side (Rose Hill, #3) 217465190
But when my nephew鈥檚 guardianship is contested, I decide I鈥檒l 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鈥攐nes he won鈥檛 talk about. In fact, we barely talk at all.

Which would be fine, except when 丑别鈥檚 not talking, 丑别鈥檚 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鈥檚 fierce and protective. The one who鈥檚 gentle and patient. The one who shows up for us when we need him most.

He鈥檚 not at all who I thought he was.

And that makes hating my husband so much harder鈥� and loving him just a little too easy.]]>
466 Elsie Silver Anna 5 thank you to Elsie Silver and Periwinkle Pony PR for the gifted copy

Earlier this year, I finished all of Elsie Silver's books. I had been trying to pace myself on her backlist - I love her books and I savor every new one I read. So when this PR package showed up at my door, I lost my mind - a new Elsie book AND some super cute merch?? Yes, please!!鈥�
鈥�
Elsie is really on a roll with this series - each book is better than the last, and I've loved this series from book one. These books are so addictive - I don't think I've taken longer than a day or two to read them - they're that hard to put down. This book in particular was a fun and different take on the marriage of convenience trope - add in the slow burn romance and a cute kid, it was a recipe for success. 鈥�
鈥�
I am just obsessed with the characters in this series - not only is each new couple delightful and easy to root for, I love how involved the leads of the previous books are - every successive book is like an extended epilogue for the preceding books. I'm so invested in the people of Rose Hill! 鈥�
鈥�
Tabitha and Rhys were a couple born out of a complicated custody situation - which resulted in a whole lot of forced proximity and tension. As always with Elsie's books, their banter was A+ and their chemistry was off the charts. I loved Tabitha - she was so well fleshed out as a character. She was spunky and sassy but also dealing with the loss of her sister and the posthumous revalations about their relationship - all while trying to get custody of her nephew. Rhys, on the other hand, was very emotionally buttoned up at the start of the book. When he started to open up he was the perfect mix of grumpy, sweet and a secret cinnamon roll. The two of them together - magic. The pay off was well, well worth the slow burn wait.鈥�
鈥�
Not only is this a top three Elsie book for me, it's a top read of the year for me. The banter, the dual POV, the chemistry, and the signature Elsie spice - this one just landed so strongly for me. Also - thank goodness the next book comes out later this year - I can't wait for more Rose Hill in my life!鈥塢]>
4.27 2025 Wild Side (Rose Hill, #3)
author: Elsie Silver
name: Anna
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/22
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves:
review:
thank you to Elsie Silver and Periwinkle Pony PR for the gifted copy

Earlier this year, I finished all of Elsie Silver's books. I had been trying to pace myself on her backlist - I love her books and I savor every new one I read. So when this PR package showed up at my door, I lost my mind - a new Elsie book AND some super cute merch?? Yes, please!!鈥�
鈥�
Elsie is really on a roll with this series - each book is better than the last, and I've loved this series from book one. These books are so addictive - I don't think I've taken longer than a day or two to read them - they're that hard to put down. This book in particular was a fun and different take on the marriage of convenience trope - add in the slow burn romance and a cute kid, it was a recipe for success. 鈥�
鈥�
I am just obsessed with the characters in this series - not only is each new couple delightful and easy to root for, I love how involved the leads of the previous books are - every successive book is like an extended epilogue for the preceding books. I'm so invested in the people of Rose Hill! 鈥�
鈥�
Tabitha and Rhys were a couple born out of a complicated custody situation - which resulted in a whole lot of forced proximity and tension. As always with Elsie's books, their banter was A+ and their chemistry was off the charts. I loved Tabitha - she was so well fleshed out as a character. She was spunky and sassy but also dealing with the loss of her sister and the posthumous revalations about their relationship - all while trying to get custody of her nephew. Rhys, on the other hand, was very emotionally buttoned up at the start of the book. When he started to open up he was the perfect mix of grumpy, sweet and a secret cinnamon roll. The two of them together - magic. The pay off was well, well worth the slow burn wait.鈥�
鈥�
Not only is this a top three Elsie book for me, it's a top read of the year for me. The banter, the dual POV, the chemistry, and the signature Elsie spice - this one just landed so strongly for me. Also - thank goodness the next book comes out later this year - I can't wait for more Rose Hill in my life!鈥�
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Beauty and the Beast 21535289 352 Hannah Howell 1420135694 Anna 0 to-read 3.81 Beauty and the Beast
author: Hannah Howell
name: Anna
average rating: 3.81
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/06
shelves: to-read
review:

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Fangirl Down (Big Shots, #1) 150343880 #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey launches a super sexy sports romance series with a rom-com about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan...

Wells Whitaker was once golf鈥檚 hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his 鈥減romising鈥� career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life.

Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn鈥檛 believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine鈥檚 professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash鈥�

As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they鈥檙e inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous鈥� right?]]>
380 Tessa Bailey Anna 5
The way I TORE through this book y'all - I could not put it down. The story was just so fun and fast paced - I never thought I would be invested in a story about golf (not my sport), but TB really got me. Obviously I was here for the love story first and foremost, but the story of Wells returning to golf and rising in the ranks was also super fun and entertaining.

I thought Piper and Brendan would stay my favorite Tessa Bailey couple, but damn did Wells and Josephine give them a run for their money! I loved their overall dynamic - a total grump (who was deep down a softy) and a ray of sunshine (who had enough backbone to deal with his gruff nonsense). Wells was just so tender with Josephine at all the right times - whether it was worrying about her when a hurricane passed through her area or being invested enough in her well being that he returned to golf to help her fix up her family business / get health insurance - he was just such a grumbly softy. THE TENSION y'all - the tension. Their chemistry was off the charts - and BOY was it spicy. And their banter? Top notch.

I really appreciate how well developed they both were as characters - they each had their own reasons for teaming up as golfer and caddy - and while they were obviously super cute together, getting to read about them both growing and meeting their goals was also pretty rewarding.

Whether you're a sports romance fan, a Tessa Bailey fan, or are new to either, I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Fangirl Down has Tessa Bailey's signature wit, charm and spice - and might just be a tie with Hook, Line, and Sinker for my favorite Tessa Bailey book! Even if you're not a golf or sports romance reader, this one just might convert you.]]>
3.82 2024 Fangirl Down (Big Shots, #1)
author: Tessa Bailey
name: Anna
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/01
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves:
review:
Tessa Bailey is one of my auto buy authors - if she writes it, I'm gonna read it. When I heard about Fangirl Down, I was psyched - as a sports romance fan AND a Tessa Bailey fan, this book checked so many of my boxes!

The way I TORE through this book y'all - I could not put it down. The story was just so fun and fast paced - I never thought I would be invested in a story about golf (not my sport), but TB really got me. Obviously I was here for the love story first and foremost, but the story of Wells returning to golf and rising in the ranks was also super fun and entertaining.

I thought Piper and Brendan would stay my favorite Tessa Bailey couple, but damn did Wells and Josephine give them a run for their money! I loved their overall dynamic - a total grump (who was deep down a softy) and a ray of sunshine (who had enough backbone to deal with his gruff nonsense). Wells was just so tender with Josephine at all the right times - whether it was worrying about her when a hurricane passed through her area or being invested enough in her well being that he returned to golf to help her fix up her family business / get health insurance - he was just such a grumbly softy. THE TENSION y'all - the tension. Their chemistry was off the charts - and BOY was it spicy. And their banter? Top notch.

I really appreciate how well developed they both were as characters - they each had their own reasons for teaming up as golfer and caddy - and while they were obviously super cute together, getting to read about them both growing and meeting their goals was also pretty rewarding.

Whether you're a sports romance fan, a Tessa Bailey fan, or are new to either, I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Fangirl Down has Tessa Bailey's signature wit, charm and spice - and might just be a tie with Hook, Line, and Sinker for my favorite Tessa Bailey book! Even if you're not a golf or sports romance reader, this one just might convert you.
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<![CDATA[Broken Harbor (Sparrow Falls #3)]]> 212469861
But Cope Colson is so much more.

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

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

It鈥檚 me.

Because when Cope touches me, I lose all sense. I鈥檓 no longer thinking about staying safe, I鈥檓 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鈥鈥檓 lost.

But Cope has secrets and so do I. And when the forces from our pasts emerge from the shadows, there鈥檚 nothing they won鈥檛 do to end our happiness once and for all鈥]>
403 Catherine Cowles Anna 4 4.30 2024 Broken Harbor (Sparrow Falls #3)
author: Catherine Cowles
name: Anna
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/27
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves:
review:

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<![CDATA[Heartless Hunter (Crimson Moth, #1)]]> 126918690
Spending her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite, Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth, a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to throw the witch hunters off her scent and gain the intel she desperately needs by courting the handsome Gideon Sharpe - a notorious and unforgiving witch hunter loyal to the revolution - who she can't help but find herself falling for.

Gideon loathes the decadence and superficiality Rune represents, but when he learns the Crimson Moth has been using Rune鈥檚 merchant ships to smuggle renegade witches out of the republic, he inserts himself into her social circles by pretending to court her right back. He soon realizes that beneath her beauty and shallow fa莽ade, is someone fiercely intelligent and tender who feels like his perfect match. Except, what if s丑别鈥檚 the very villain 丑别鈥檚 been hunting?

Kristen Ciccarelli鈥檚 Heartless Hunter is the thrilling start to The Crimson Moth duology, a romantic fantasy series where the only thing more treacherous than being a witch...is falling in love.]]>
411 Kristen Ciccarelli 125086691X Anna 5 4.29 2024 Heartless Hunter (Crimson Moth, #1)
author: Kristen Ciccarelli
name: Anna
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/23
date added: 2025/02/23
shelves:
review:

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<![CDATA[Spark of the Everflame (Kindred's Curse, #1)]]> 123471760 When old secrets catch fire, everything will burn.

In a mortal world colonized by the gods and ruled over by the Descended, their cruel offspring, Diem Bellator yearns to escape the insular life of her poor village.

Her mother鈥檚 sudden disappearance鈥攁nd the discovery of a dangerous secret about her past鈥攐ffer Diem an unexpected opportunity to enter the dark world of Descended royalty and unlock the web of mysteries her mother left behind.

With the dying King鈥檚 handsome, mysterious heir watching her every move, and a ruthless mortal alliance recruiting her to join the growing civil war, Diem will have to navigate the unwritten rules of love, power, and politics in order to save her family鈥攁nd all of mortalkind.

Spark of the Everflame is the first book in The Kindred's Curse Saga, a four-book fantasy romance series. This slow burn, enemies-to-lovers epic is perfect for lovers of magic, dragons, angst, and banter and will appeal to fans of books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, From Blood and Ash, Gild, and The Serpent & the Wings of Night.]]>
438 Penn Cole Anna 5
This was SUCH a good start to a romantasy series! I ate this up in like two sittings - I already know I鈥檓 gonna tear through the rest of this series. ]]>
4.20 2023 Spark of the Everflame (Kindred's Curse, #1)
author: Penn Cole
name: Anna
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/17
date added: 2025/02/22
shelves:
review:
Thank you to atria for the free copy

This was SUCH a good start to a romantasy series! I ate this up in like two sittings - I already know I鈥檓 gonna tear through the rest of this series.
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Bossman 31140847 Reese
The first time I met Chase Parker, I didn鈥檛 exactly make a good impression.

I was hiding in the bathroom hallway of a restaurant, leaving a message for my best friend to save me from my awful date.

He overheard and told me I was a bitch, then proceeded to offer me some dating advice.

So I told him to mind his own damn business鈥攈is own tall, gorgeous, full-of-himself damn business鈥攁nd went back to my miserable date.

When he walked by my table, he smirked, and I watched his arrogant, sexy ass walk back to his date.

I couldn鈥檛 help but sneak hidden glances at the condescending jerk on the other side of the room. Of course, he caught me on more than one occasion, and winked.

When the gorgeous stranger and his equally hot date suddenly appeared at our table, I thought he was going to rat me out.

But instead, he pretended we knew each other and joined us鈥攖elling elaborate, embarrassing stories about our fake childhood.

My date suddenly went from boring to bizarrely exciting.

When it was over and we parted ways, I thought about him more than I would ever admit, even though I knew I鈥檇 never see him again.

I mean, what were the chances I鈥檇 run into him again in a city with eight million people?
Then again鈥�

What were the chances a month later he鈥檇 wind up being my new sexy boss?]]>
316 Vi Keeland Anna 1 4.15 2016 Bossman
author: Vi Keeland
name: Anna
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2016
rating: 1
read at: 2025/02/21
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves:
review:

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<![CDATA[Servant of Earth (The Shards of Magic, #1)]]> 208930983 In the underground Fae realm, only the strongest and most ruthless have power鈥攂ut a young human woman forced into a life of servitude is about to change everything.

Kenna Heron is best known in her village for being a little wild鈥攕ome say 鈥渉alf feral鈥濃攂ut she鈥檒l need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.

Trapped as a servant in the faeries鈥� underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn鈥檛, the punishment is death鈥攆or both mistress and servant.

With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion鈥檚 leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if s丑别鈥檚 willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.

Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will... but even that may not be enough.]]>
451 Sarah Hawley 0593819799 Anna 5
The writing in this book was SO GOOD! It was immersive, addictive, and set the stage for a lush new fantasy world. I鈥檝e always had a hard time putting Sarah鈥檚 books down, but this book was especially unputdownable. I鈥檝e read a lot of fantasy books and this was one of the most unique takes on the fae I鈥檝e read in a long time. The story had me hooked from page one and the action just kept building and building. The story itself was gritty and violent at times which served to make the stakes feel all the more serious and high.

I loved Kenna as a main character - I was rooting for her from chapter one. She was well developed to the point of feeling real. Even in her darkest moments (and she really went through the wringer) she was brave and had the cunning to navigate her very life or death situation. I also liked getting to see glimpses of her softer side via her romance subplot (which was delicious but I don鈥檛 want to spoil it).

If you're a fantasy reader or looking to get into the genre, you should definitely check out Servant of Earth - between its high stakes, unique world, and excellent main character, this is a series to watch (and I am dying for book two)!!]]>
4.21 2024 Servant of Earth (The Shards of Magic, #1)
author: Sarah Hawley
name: Anna
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/30
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves:
review:
Sarah Hawley was already one of my faves (if you haven' read the Glimmer Falls books, do that ASAP) and when I found out that she was writing a fantasy book, I NEEDED it. And goddamn did she deliver.

The writing in this book was SO GOOD! It was immersive, addictive, and set the stage for a lush new fantasy world. I鈥檝e always had a hard time putting Sarah鈥檚 books down, but this book was especially unputdownable. I鈥檝e read a lot of fantasy books and this was one of the most unique takes on the fae I鈥檝e read in a long time. The story had me hooked from page one and the action just kept building and building. The story itself was gritty and violent at times which served to make the stakes feel all the more serious and high.

I loved Kenna as a main character - I was rooting for her from chapter one. She was well developed to the point of feeling real. Even in her darkest moments (and she really went through the wringer) she was brave and had the cunning to navigate her very life or death situation. I also liked getting to see glimpses of her softer side via her romance subplot (which was delicious but I don鈥檛 want to spoil it).

If you're a fantasy reader or looking to get into the genre, you should definitely check out Servant of Earth - between its high stakes, unique world, and excellent main character, this is a series to watch (and I am dying for book two)!!
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If Not for My Baby 221251774
Clementine Clark isn鈥檛 looking for love. Growing up with a single mom who weeps over a new guy each week tends to have that effect on a girl. But Clementine doesn鈥檛 mind being the rational one鈥攕丑别鈥檚 even buried her musical dreams so deeply within herself that she hardly notices the hole it鈥檚 left in her life.

That is until her best friend calls her with a life-changing opportunity: to join Irish megastar Halloran on his first US tour as a backing vocalist. Clementine wants to reject the offer, but the pay is enough to change her and her mom鈥檚 life. Overnight, Clementine goes from serving enchiladas at the Happy Tortilla to belting high notes before a cheering crowd.

But the whiplash of trading small-town Texas for sold-out stadiums is nothing compared to the rush of performing with the enigmatic Thomas Patrick Halloran. Poet, introvert, and lyrical genius, Halloran quickly gets under Clementine鈥檚 skin. The two couldn鈥檛 see the world more differently. And yet, over the course of the next eight weeks on tour, the romantic rockstar might just strike an unforgettable chord in Clementine. But will it be enough for an encore?]]>
448 Kate Golden 059395341X Anna 0 to-read 3.80 2025 If Not for My Baby
author: Kate Golden
name: Anna
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/18
shelves: to-read
review:

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The Gilded Heiress 59972550 From USA Today bestselling author Joanna Shupe comes a spicy Anastasia story full of secrets and betrayal, set among the glittering streets of New York City's Gilded Age.

In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.

After being raised in a children鈥檚 asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she鈥檒l stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won鈥檛 think about the family who gave her away as an infant.

Leo Hardy isn鈥檛 afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby鈥檚 mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.

As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what鈥檚 real from what鈥檚 just gilding.]]>
352 Joanna Shupe 0063310317 Anna 0 to-read 3.87 2025 The Gilded Heiress
author: Joanna Shupe
name: Anna
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves: to-read
review:

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<![CDATA[First-Time Caller (Heartstrings, #1)]]> 213243908 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鈥攕he 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.]]>
448 B.K. Borison 0593641191 Anna 5 4.06 2025 First-Time Caller (Heartstrings, #1)
author: B.K. Borison
name: Anna
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/17
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves:
review:

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RoomHate 29097878
Not when it鈥檚 Justin鈥he only person I鈥檇 ever loved鈥ho now hates me.

When my grandmother died and left me half of the house on Aquidneck Island, there was a catch: the other half would go to the boy she helped raise.

The same boy who turned into the teenager whose heart I broke years ago.

The same teenager who鈥檚 now a man with a hard body and a hardass personality to match.

I hadn鈥檛 seen him in years, and now we鈥檙e living together because neither one of us is willing to give up the house.

The worst part? He didn鈥檛 come alone.

I鈥檇 soon realize there鈥檚 a thin line between love and hate. I could see through that smug smile. Beneath it all鈥he boy is still there. So is our connection.

The problem is鈥ow that I can鈥檛 have Justin, I鈥檝e never wanted him more.]]>
281 Penelope Ward 1942215363 Anna 1 4.16 2016 RoomHate
author: Penelope Ward
name: Anna
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2016
rating: 1
read at: 2025/02/13
date added: 2025/02/13
shelves:
review:

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Unromance 212924099 not a meet-cute but a chance encounter with a charming man whom she will sleep with exactly once聽and go on her way. Easy enough...until she runs into him again at a Christmas market straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie.听闭闭> 343 Erin Connor 153875942X Anna 3 3.78 2025 Unromance
author: Erin Connor
name: Anna
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/08
date added: 2025/02/08
shelves:
review:
This was a fun ride - I loved the format of having each chapter be dedicated to a trope. Overall, it was a fun story. I do think it was a touch too long and some of the time jumps were jarring
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The Rom-Commers 195790586 S丑别鈥檚 rewriting his love story. But can she rewrite her own?

Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter. S丑别鈥檚 spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies鈥昰ood ones! That win contests! But s丑别鈥檚 also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care. Now, when she gets a chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates鈥昑he Charlie Yates! Her personal writing god!鈥昳t鈥檚 a break too big to pass up.

Emma鈥檚 younger sister steps in for caretaking duties, and Emma moves to L.A. for six weeks for the writing gig of a lifetime. But what is it they say? Don鈥檛 meet your heroes? Charlie Yates doesn鈥檛 want to write with anyone鈥昺uch less 鈥渁 failed, nobody screenwriter.鈥� Worse, the romantic comedy 丑别鈥檚 written is so terrible it might actually bring on the apocalypse. Plus! He doesn鈥檛 even care about the script鈥昳t鈥檚 just a means to get a different one green-lit. Oh, and he thinks love is an emotional Ponzi scheme.

But Emma鈥檚 not going down without a fight. She will stand up for herself, and for rom-coms, and for love itself. She will convince him that love stories matter鈥昬ven if she has to kiss him senseless to do it. But . . . what if that kiss is accidentally amazing? What if real life turns out to be so much . . . more real than fiction? What if the love story they鈥檙e writing breaks all Emma鈥檚 rules鈥昦nd comes true?]]>
336 Katherine Center 1250283809 Anna 5
The term auto-buy author gets tossed around a lot - but Katherine Center is truly a drop-everything-to-go-to-the-bookstore-to-get-her-new-book kind of author for me. Her books just make me run the emotional gamut - she'll make you swoon, cry, and laugh all in the same book. The Rom-Commers is no exception - it's heartfelt, adorable, and so, so good. I loved Charlie and Emma - they were so entertaining from page one and I couldn't help but to root for them! The opposites attract vibes, the banter, the head butting about romance - they were just perfect. Their story was impossible to put down - definitely a read in one or two sittings kind of book. If you're looking for a great romance to read in February, you should definitely add this one to your TBR!]]>
4.06 2024 The Rom-Commers
author: Katherine Center
name: Anna
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/06/09
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:
Thank you to SMP Romance for the gifted copy!

The term auto-buy author gets tossed around a lot - but Katherine Center is truly a drop-everything-to-go-to-the-bookstore-to-get-her-new-book kind of author for me. Her books just make me run the emotional gamut - she'll make you swoon, cry, and laugh all in the same book. The Rom-Commers is no exception - it's heartfelt, adorable, and so, so good. I loved Charlie and Emma - they were so entertaining from page one and I couldn't help but to root for them! The opposites attract vibes, the banter, the head butting about romance - they were just perfect. Their story was impossible to put down - definitely a read in one or two sittings kind of book. If you're looking for a great romance to read in February, you should definitely add this one to your TBR!
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A Novel Love Story 199261152 A professor of literature finds herself caught up in a work of fiction鈥� literally.

Eileen Merriweather loves to get lost in a good happily-ever-after. The fictional kind, anyway. Because at least imaginary men don鈥檛 leave you at the altar. She feels safe in a book. At home. Which might be why s丑别鈥檚 so set on going to her annual book club retreat this year鈥攕he needs good friends, cheap wine, and grand romantic gestures鈥攏o matter what.

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

Because it is.

This place can鈥檛 be real, and yet鈥� s丑别鈥檚 here, in Eloraton, the town of her favorite romance series, where the candy store鈥檚 honey taffy is always sweet, the local bar鈥檚 burgers are always a little burnt, and rain always comes in the afternoon. It feels like home. It鈥檚 perfect鈥攁nd perfectly frozen, trapped in the late author鈥檚 last unfinished story.

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

Except there is a character in Eloraton that she can鈥檛 place鈥攁 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鈥檚 happily-ever-after might just be intertwined with her own.]]>
368 Ashley Poston 0593640977 Anna 5

I LOVED this one!! It was heartfelt and swoony and funny and emotional in the way I鈥檝e come to expect from Ashley Poston books. I didn鈥檛 want this to end. ]]>
3.62 2024 A Novel Love Story
author: Ashley Poston
name: Anna
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/06/27
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves:
review:
Thank you to berkley for the free copy


I LOVED this one!! It was heartfelt and swoony and funny and emotional in the way I鈥檝e come to expect from Ashley Poston books. I didn鈥檛 want this to end.
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<![CDATA[Last Call at the Local (Love, Lists & Fancy Ships, #3)]]> 63139958
Raine Hart is used to the challenges of living with ADHD. It鈥檚 why she ditched her life in Boston to busk around Europe as a traveling musician. No boss. No schedule. No one to disappoint but herself. But when a careless mistake in Ireland leaves her unable to perform, she sees no other option but to give up her nomadic life.

Since inheriting the Local, Jack Dunne has wanted to make the pub his own. But the baggage of running a family business and the intrusive thoughts that stem from his OCD make changing things a challenge.

Over a pint with handsome, tattooed Jack, Raine accidentally insults him and the pub. Instead of taking offense, Jack,聽impressed by her vision of what the pub could be, offers her a job bringing it to life.

But when Raine and Jack develop feelings for one another their opposite lifestyles won鈥檛 accommodate, it becomes clear the pub isn鈥檛 the only thing that needs reinventing. As the end of their business collaboration draws near, they鈥檒l have to find a way past the limits they鈥檝e placed on themselves or let go of a love that could last a lifetime.]]>
368 Sarah Grunder Ruiz 0593549066 Anna 4
This book was just so cute, and raw, and lovely. The portrayal of mental health felt realistic and this book made me want to book a trip to Europe asap. ]]>
3.81 2024 Last Call at the Local (Love, Lists & Fancy Ships, #3)
author: Sarah Grunder Ruiz
name: Anna
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/05
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves:
review:
Thank you to berkley for the free copy

This book was just so cute, and raw, and lovely. The portrayal of mental health felt realistic and this book made me want to book a trip to Europe asap.
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<![CDATA[Fall into Temptation (Blue Moon, #2)]]> 218653773 "If we do this again, it won鈥檛 stop at kissing.鈥� It was a dark promise...

Beckett Pierce is the most eligible bachelor in the nosiest small town in upstate New York. But after his last girlfriend handcuffed herself to his porch and set his welcome mat on fire, he's not looking for any more romance.

Even if it lands right in his backyard. And has miles of red hair.

Gianna Decker has her hands full--no, overflowing--with problems. With two kids, a useless ex, and a brand new yoga studio, the last thing on her mind is finding a man who'll cause her more problems.

Making out with her broody landlord? Yeah, that would be a problem. Lusting after the sexy mayor of the town she just moved to? Definitely a problem. Dating the 鈥渇avorite鈥� son of her father's new lady friend? It seems like Beckett is a bad idea just waiting to happen.

But he's a bad idea she can鈥檛 seem to resist.

As Beckett and Gianna find themselves thrown together again and again, they can't help but fall into the temptation of sizzling stolen kisses, of a desire so hot it brands. And soon they're much, much closer than they ever wanted. Tempers flare when their families complicate things and the interfering citizens of Blue Moon Bend step in with their special brand of chaos.

Can Beckett and Gianna manage to disentangle themselves before it鈥檚 too late?

Or is the temptation too much for either of them to deny?]]>
382 Lucy Score 1945631392 Anna 1 3.95 2016 Fall into Temptation (Blue Moon, #2)
author: Lucy Score
name: Anna
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2016
rating: 1
read at: 2025/02/04
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves:
review:
DNF. I don鈥檛 think her early books are for me.
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<![CDATA[Broken by the Horde King (Horde Kings of Dakkar #4)]]> 58275337
When I was a child, I fell in love with a Dakkari boy. The prince of our clan. Rukkar, we called him. For he was destined to become the greatest horde king of our time.

He was Kiran of Rath Okkili. My friend. My strong, unyielding protector. His mischievous smile and golden eyes made my heart flutter and my soul sing. And just when I began to believe he returned my love鈥e shattered me so completely and never once looked back to see how I鈥檇 survived.

Nine years later, 丑别鈥檚 returned.

Only, 丑别鈥檚 not a prince anymore.

He鈥檚 a horde king. Cold and cruel. With molten eyes like sin and a body made for war.

I promised myself I鈥檇 never love him again.

He intends to make a liar out of me.

Because he not only wants my love again鈥e also demands me as his queen.]]>
462 Zoey Draven Anna 3 4.16 2021 Broken by the Horde King (Horde Kings of Dakkar #4)
author: Zoey Draven
name: Anna
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/03
date added: 2025/02/03
shelves:
review:

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Well, Actually 217387757
Forced to confront Rylie on a live episode of Sausage Talk, he offers Eva a deal: allow him to take her on a series of dates to make up for his toxic behavior, then debrief them on his channel to show 丑别鈥檚 changed. Eva refuses to play nice, but agrees to the scheme to advance her own career and continue defaming Rylie鈥檚 good name. When these manufactured dates start to feel real, Eva has to wonder if the boy that broke her heart has become the man that might heal it.]]>
384 Mazey Eddings 1250333318 Anna 0 to-read 3.99 2025 Well, Actually
author: Mazey Eddings
name: Anna
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/03
shelves: to-read
review:

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All the Missing Pieces 216386511 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鈥檚 like to miss someone, to feel like a piece of her vanished鈥攂ecause 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鈥檛 stop her from finding it for others.

Until Sheriff Colter Brooks gets in her way.

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

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

And as they get closer to the truth, the game they鈥檝e been playing might just turn deadly鈥]>
402 Catherine Cowles 1464224307 Anna 4 4.47 2025 All the Missing Pieces
author: Catherine Cowles
name: Anna
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves:
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The Fall Risk 223199392 Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine鈥檚 Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It鈥檚 Valentine鈥檚 Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person鈥檚 nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, 丑别鈥檚 fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling鈥攊n love.]]>
82 Abby Jimenez 1662529082 Anna 5 4.11 2025 The Fall Risk
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Anna
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves:
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<![CDATA[The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia, #2)]]> 62335396 Love is a sacrifice at the altar of power.

In the wake of the Kejari, everything Oraya once thought to be true has been destroyed. A prisoner in her own kingdom, grieving the only family she ever had, and reeling from a gutting betrayal, she no longer even knows the truth of her own blood. S丑别鈥檚 left only with one certainty: she cannot trust anyone, least of all Raihn.

The House of Night, too, is surrounded by enemies. Raihn鈥檚 own nobles are none too eager to accept a Turned king, especially one who was once a slave. And the House of Blood digs their claws into the kingdom, threatening to tear it apart from the inside.

When Raihn offers Oraya a secret alliance, taking the deal is her only chance at reclaiming her kingdom鈥揳nd gaining her vengeance against the lover who betrayed her. But to do so, she鈥檒l need to harness a devastating ancient power, intertwined with her father鈥檚 greatest secrets.

But with enemies closing in on all sides, nothing is as it seems. As she unravels her past and faces her future, Oraya finds herself forced to choose between the bloody reality of seizing power 鈥� and the devastating love that could be her downfall.]]>
626 Carissa Broadbent Anna 4 4.10 2023 The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia, #2)
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Anna
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves:
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Overruled 219848320 Two divorce lawyers determined to share only beds but not hearts discover that love is something that can鈥檛 be overruled in this steamy contemporary romance by Lana Ferguson, USA Today bestselling author of The Game Changer.

Danica Pierce has one great love in her life: work. As one of the top divorce lawyers in Austin, Danica lets her caseload keep her warm at night and has no problem being married to her job, not when love only ends in hurt. When the biggest case of her career gives her a shot at making partner, it seems like nothing could possibly stand in her way...except for her infuriating secret: she's sleeping with the enemy.

Ezra Hart is known for charming his way in and out of a courtroom. In the matter of winning Danica Pierce's heart, however, he's been far less successful. With her verdict to keep things purely physical with no chance of appeal, Ezra struggles to show Danica he's more than the insufferable playboy she's pegged him to be--especially since they find themselves on opposing sides of Danica's most important case to date.

While Dani and Ezra battle it out in the courtroom, the real trial is the one happening between them. When Dani realizes that everything she knows of Ezra might be hearsay--and that she's not the only one with emotional baggage--she must choose between her fear of trusting again and the feelings blossoming between her and the man she thought was her worst enemy.]]>
432 Lana Ferguson 0593549392 Anna 0 to-read 4.20 2025 Overruled
author: Lana Ferguson
name: Anna
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves: to-read
review:

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<![CDATA[Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy, #1)]]> 212472603
In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn't much a girl wouldn't do for a glass of water.

Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen's reservoirs for as long as she can remember.

But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.

When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently re-opens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares... but it turns out they're real, and Saeris has landed herself in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.

The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist's magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him . . . or her.

Death has a name. It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he's the only way Saeris is going to make it home.]]>
624 Callie Hart Anna 5 4.54 2024 Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy, #1)
author: Callie Hart
name: Anna
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/27
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves:
review:
I am so mad that I waited as long as I did to read Quicksilver - this amazing story has been sitting on my shelf since it was indie published (love the discreet cover) an I very recently picked it up. Y'all. I LOVED it!! The story had me hooked from page one, the banter was phenomenal, the tension was *chef's kiss* and the magic system and the world building were so fun!! The characters were both so interesting and complex - it was so much fun getting to know them and rooting for them. If you're looking for your next romantasy obsession, look no further! I need book two like yesterday.鈥夆赌夆夆赌�
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<![CDATA[Holding the Reins (Silver Pines Ranch, #1)]]> 214490423 In this steamy cowboy romance, a woman returns to her family's ranch after a broken engagement and finds herself falling for her brother's best friend鈥攖he first novel in the Silver Pines Ranch series.

Take a deep breath and let go of the reins.

Cecilia 鈥淐eCe鈥� Ashby is finally escaping the toxic relationship that has consumed her entire adult life. She's returning to her hometown of Laurel Creek, Kentucky, and to her family鈥檚 equestrian ranch, unsure of what the future holds.聽

Nash Carter, the newly retired superstar of the Dallas Stars, is Laurel Creek's hometown hero, local business owner, and notorious bachelor. He鈥檚 also the unofficial fourth sibling in the Ashby clan. It鈥檚 been years since his days of tormenting CeCe with her older brothers Wade and Cole. So, when CeCe needs a job, he feels drawn to help her.

Nash can鈥檛 seem to take his eyes off of his best friend's sister, and it seems s丑别鈥檚 been staring right back, not without animosity left over from his childish teasing back in the day. Despite their initial reluctance, the fire between them ignites and it isn't long before they jump into the flames.]]>
400 Paisley Hope 0593977114 Anna 2 3.89 2024 Holding the Reins (Silver Pines Ranch, #1)
author: Paisley Hope
name: Anna
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/28
date added: 2025/01/28
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<![CDATA[A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark, #1)]]> 25380932 Librarian Note: an alternate cover edition can be found here

Acclaimed author Kresley Cole introduces a sizzling new series with this tale of a fierce werewolf and a bewitching vampire鈥攗nlikely soul mates whose passion will test the boundaries of life and death.

A mythic warrior who'll stop at nothing to possess her...

After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he's waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. This Emmaline is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him.

A vampire captured by her wildest fantasy...

Sheltered Emmaline Troy finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents鈥攗ntil a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. There, her fear of the Lykae鈥攁nd their notorious dark desires鈥攅bbs as he begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate her own dark cravings.

An all-consuming desire...

Yet when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be?]]>
384 Kresley Cole Anna 4 3.92 2006 A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark, #1)
author: Kresley Cole
name: Anna
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/24
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves:
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<![CDATA[Out of the Gate (Gold Rush Ranch, #1.5)]]> 57516710 Dermot Harding is ten years older than me. A family friend. An employee on my father鈥檚 ranch.

But I鈥檝e loved him as long as I can remember.

At eighteen, I kissed him and he pushed me away. He said I was too young.

The army took him from me for three long years, but now 丑别鈥檚 back at Gold Rush Ranch鈥攍ooking at me like 丑别鈥檚 never looked at me before. Letting his hands linger longer than they should. Offering to help me train the racehorse I鈥檝e always dreamed of owning.

I say that I鈥檝e moved on, but our chemistry? It鈥檚 electric. It鈥檚 overpowering. And soon all our reasons for staying away from each other fall away, along with our clothes.

He says 丑别鈥檚 too old and too broken for someone like me. He says we can never work. But his body tells another story.

I put my pride on the line for him once before.

Am I a fool to risk it again?]]>
112 Elsie Silver Anna 3 3.66 2021 Out of the Gate (Gold Rush Ranch, #1.5)
author: Elsie Silver
name: Anna
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/24
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves:
review:

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<![CDATA[A False Start (Gold Rush Ranch, #4)]]> 59582214 I kissed my best friend鈥檚 little sister, and the world stood still.

That night we were two perfect strangers, the town鈥檚 grumpy recluse and a gorgeous girl in the back of a bar. Until we weren鈥檛.

Because Nadia Dalca isn鈥檛 just some girl. S丑别鈥檚 the girl I can鈥檛 have. Fourteen years younger than me and completely off-limits.

My plan is to stay away, but the universe keeps pushing us together. It鈥檚 like some sort of cosmic joke, to give me a taste of something so electric鈥攕o real鈥攕omething that breathed life back into me.

Because I can look, but I can鈥檛 touch.

Her sinful curves, her light-hearted laughter, her wild side . . . I鈥檓 addicted to every last bit of her.

And when she turns those sultry eyes on me鈥撯搕he ones so full of longing and so free of judgement? I鈥檝e always considered myself a strong man. But when she looks at me I鈥檓 weak.

To give in to our connection would be a betrayal. My life is beyond complicated, and she has the world at her fingertips. Her brother is the only family she has left, and sad as it sounds, 丑别鈥檚 also my only friend.

But I kissed her again anyway.

And now I can鈥檛 stop.
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404 Elsie Silver Anna 5 4.16 2022 A False Start (Gold Rush Ranch, #4)
author: Elsie Silver
name: Anna
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/23
date added: 2025/01/23
shelves:
review:

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Stay (WAGs, #2) 210205613 From New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy and USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen comes the next in the spin-off series of their wildly successful Him and Us books.

"I'm ridiculously attracted to you, Hottie. I figured I should be up front about that."

"Shut up and kiss me again, Snipes."

Hailey Taylor Emery has a hunch that Sniper87, her favorite client at Fetch鈥攖he anonymous virtual assistant service she runs with her ex-husband鈥攊s actually gorgeous hockey superstar Matt Eriksson. It's against the rules to check his file, but she's pretty sure she spends every day texting her lifelong crush and catering to his every need. Still processing her recent divorce, Hailey is perfectly content for this to be nothing but harmless online flirting鈥ntil Sniper87 wants to meet her. Face to face. utter panic.

Matt Eriksson is no stranger to heartbreak. He's still not over the destruction of his own marriage, and it sucks to be the only guy on his team who knows the that hockey and long-term relationships are a toxic mix. He barely sees his kids, and dealing with his ex makes him feel worthless. The only person in his life who seems to understand is someone who won't show her pretty the mysterious HTE, aka "Hottie."

Surely, though, it's nothing a pair of fourth row hockey seats can't fix. Superfan Hailey can't resist the offer, and Matt can't resist Hailey. But when the phone screens come down, can they get past their baggage long enough to build something real?]]>
320 Elle Kennedy 1464227381 Anna 4 3.98 2017 Stay (WAGs, #2)
author: Elle Kennedy
name: Anna
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/22
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves:
review:

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<![CDATA[The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed, #1)]]> 219848373 A slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance featuring a scholarly healer and a gentleman assassin, set in an exquisite fantasy world.

Osric Mordaunt, member of the Fyren Order of assassins, finds himself in dire need of an expert healer. As fate would have it, that very healer is Aurienne Fairhrim, a member of his enemy Order, the Haelen.

Aurienne is desperate for funding to heal the sick, so desperate that when Osric breaks into her office to offer her a bribe for her healing services, she must accept. Even if she loathes him.

A forced collaboration ensues: the brilliant Woman in STEM is coerced into working with the PhD in Murders - much to Aurienne's disgust. Despite being enemies thrown together, as Osric and Aurienne work together to solve not only his illness, but the mysterious reoccurrence of a deadly Pox, they find themselves ardently denying their attraction which seems to only fuel the heat between them.

Romance tropes include:
Enemies to lovers
High interaction slow burn
Hypercompetent idiots
He falls first and harder
Evisceration as a love language]]>
384 Brigitte Knightley 0593819454 Anna 0 to-read 4.42 2025 The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed, #1)
author: Brigitte Knightley
name: Anna
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves: to-read
review:

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Good Boy (WAGs #1) 210205698
"We're way more than friends, Jessie."

"叠濒补办别鈥�"

"But no worries. I'll just sit tight until you figure that out."

Hosting her brother's wedding for an MVP guest list is the challenge of Jess Canning's life. Already the family screw-up, she can't afford to fail at this, too. Especially after the colossal mistake she made with the best man during a weak moment last spring. Nobody鈥攁bsolutely nobody鈥攃an find out about that, and there will not be a repeat. Absolutely not. No matter how devastatingly sexy his smile, he's a giant manchild who's never been serious in his life. And if Jess wants to prove herself to her family, serious is what she has to get.

For Blake Riley, this wedding is a gift from fate itself. The girl he has his eye on is the maid of honor, and he's the best man? Let the games begin. So what if Jess is giving him a little鈥攆ine, a lot鈥攐f resistance? He just needs to convince the stubborn blonde that he's really a good boy with a bad rap. Beneath the flirty jokes and goofy smile, he's got layers鈥攅ven if Jess doesn't want to see them.

Luckily, every professional hockey player knows that you've got to make an effort if you want to score.聽

And Jess is just the girl he wants to win.]]>
320 Elle Kennedy 1464227357 Anna 3 3.63 2017 Good Boy (WAGs #1)
author: Elle Kennedy
name: Anna
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/21
date added: 2025/01/21
shelves:
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Mine for a Moment 214436851 A brand new spicy, high-angst romance from Catharina Maura鈥�the highly anticipated, standalone spin-off of the Windsors series.聽

When the man she's always been in love with starts dating one of her friends, artist Serenity Adesina creates a to-do list that will help her get over him once and for all.聽

The first item on that list?

Losing her virginity to Archer Harrison, her older brother's billionaire best friend鈥nd her boss.聽

He's the perfect choice鈥攁lluring, caring, and entirely emotionally unavailable.

Their deal was supposed to be Serenity will paint Archer anything he wants in return for a secret, no-strings-attached relationship.聽

Except each kiss leaves them both wanting more, tempting them to risk it all for what's growing between them. That is, until a cruel twist of fate shows them that giving in to their feelings comes at a far higher cost than they could've imagined.]]>
322 Catharina Maura 1464233381 Anna 2 4.27 Mine for a Moment
author: Catharina Maura
name: Anna
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/20
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves:
review:
I鈥檝e read better wattpad books
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<![CDATA[Truth or Beard (Winston Brothers, #1)]]> 23314731 Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!

Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level-headed good girl, has been in na茂ve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life.

His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and s丑别鈥檚 never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can鈥檛 stand him, and s丑别鈥檚 pretty sure he can鈥檛 stand the sight of her鈥�

But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane鈥檚 disdain; therefore s丑别鈥檚 unprepared for the reality that is Duane鈥檚 insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica鈥檚 muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order.

Certainly, Beau鈥檚 magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?]]>
390 Penny Reid 1942874111 Anna 1
Unfortunately, this was not for me. The writing was just too immature and there were several passages that left a bad taste in my mouth. ]]>
3.85 2015 Truth or Beard (Winston Brothers, #1)
author: Penny Reid
name: Anna
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2015
rating: 1
read at: 2025/01/20
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves:
review:
Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy.

Unfortunately, this was not for me. The writing was just too immature and there were several passages that left a bad taste in my mouth.
]]>
Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2) 150260809
Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College鈥擵iolet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet鈥檚 already wondering how she鈥檒l get through. It鈥檚 not just that it鈥檚 grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it鈥檚 designed to stretch the riders鈥� capacity for pain beyond endurance. It鈥檚 the new vice commandant, who鈥檚 made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is鈥搖nless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet鈥檚 body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else鈥檚, she still has her wits鈥攁nd a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.

But a determination to survive won鈥檛 be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College鈥攁nd nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.]]>
895 Rebecca Yarros Anna 3 4.56 2023 Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Anna
average rating: 4.56
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/17
date added: 2025/01/17
shelves:
review:

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Wild Eyes (Rose Hill, #2) 210364592
As a chart-topping country singer with a recent streak of bad press it鈥檚 hard to find any peace. But I find it in Rose Hill. With a little boy and a little girl who steal my heart just as thoroughly as their dad.

Weston Belmont.

The man is a shameless flirt. He oozes confidence and masculinity in a way that鈥檚 downright distracting. And in bed? He鈥檚 addictive.

Everything with him is wild and impulsive and I鈥檓 desperate to regain some control.

But no one has supported me like West does. And no one has ever made me feel as loved as he does either.

So, while my brain says settling down with a small-town horse trainer is impossible鈥� my heart says I鈥檓 right where I belong.

Still, my life as a celebrity haunts me. It has the power to pull us apart.

I can see in his eyes that wants me to stay. And I want that too.

But I know better than anyone that we don鈥檛 always get what we want.]]>
407 Elsie Silver 1738125548 Anna 5 Thank you to Bloom and Elsie for the gifted copies
Well, I might just have a new favorite Elsie Silver book!! I absolutely ATE this one up (and have already done a reread of it because it was that good). Wild Eyes is not only a top tier Elsie book, but it鈥檚 also easily one of my top ten books of the year!鈥夆赌�
鈥夆赌�
So far, Wild Eyes is my favorite of the Rose Hill series (and I really did enjoy Wild Love, so that鈥檚 saying something). It has everything I love about Elsie鈥檚 books - the relatable inner monologues, the banter, the dual POV, the chemistry and the spice (my god, the spice ]]>
4.38 2024 Wild Eyes (Rose Hill, #2)
author: Elsie Silver
name: Anna
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/09/07
date added: 2025/01/14
shelves:
review:
Thank you to Bloom and Elsie for the gifted copies
Well, I might just have a new favorite Elsie Silver book!! I absolutely ATE this one up (and have already done a reread of it because it was that good). Wild Eyes is not only a top tier Elsie book, but it鈥檚 also easily one of my top ten books of the year!鈥夆赌�
鈥夆赌�
So far, Wild Eyes is my favorite of the Rose Hill series (and I really did enjoy Wild Love, so that鈥檚 saying something). It has everything I love about Elsie鈥檚 books - the relatable inner monologues, the banter, the dual POV, the chemistry and the spice (my god, the spice
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Let's Call a Truce 211004830 LET鈥橲 CALL A TRUCE is a sexy contemporary romance about second chances at life and love, bursting with humor and a touch of angst from debut author, Amy Buchanan.

After Juliana Ryan's husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her with two grieving kids and a stunted career from years as a stay-at-home mom, she has no choice but to make it work all on her own. But her confidence crashes around her when she overhears her condescending but infuriatingly attractive new colleague, Ben Thomas, talking about how her kids and inexperience are a liability the company can鈥檛 afford. This sets off a feud between the two, as Juliana vows to prove him wrong.

Two years later, their feud rages on, but it may be charged with something they aren't willing to admit. When they are forced onto a career-making project together, Juliana has no choice but to call a truce. As their lives become more intertwined in and out of the office, Juliana finds it hard to ignore Ben鈥檚 perpetual smile and charming determination. What started as a truce grows into more, as boardroom-clearing arguments turn to desk-clearing kisses. Could the man she deemed her nemesis understand her life鈥揾er stress and responsibilities鈥揵etter than anyone?

But just when Juliana decides to open her heart again, Ben鈥檚 past threatens their newfound bliss, and she has to figure out whether this second chance at love is worth it after all.]]>
336 Amy Buchanan 1250341566 Anna 4 3.76 2025 Let's Call a Truce
author: Amy Buchanan
name: Anna
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/12
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves:
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<![CDATA[Beg, Borrow, or Steal (When in Rome, #3)]]> 211164792 Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this rivals-to-lovers romance.

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 fianc茅e. The last thing Emily saw coming was Jack鈥檚 return at the start of the summer after calling off the wedding and ending his relationship, but 丑别鈥檚 here to stay鈥攁s her colleague and her neighbor.

Jackson Bennett 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 丑别鈥檚 now neighbors with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something 丑别鈥檚 even more excited for鈥攖hwarting 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鈥檚 principal that could reveal her secret literary side hustle. She needs to steal back her manuscript, and Jack鈥攕he hates to admit鈥攊s just the man to help her. Surprisingly, Jack agrees. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?]]>
384 Sarah Adams 0593723694 Anna 5 4.06 2025 Beg, Borrow, or Steal (When in Rome, #3)
author: Sarah Adams
name: Anna
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/10
date added: 2025/01/10
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<![CDATA[Delicate Escape (Sparrow Falls, #2)]]> 212469885
Shepard Colson is all golden-boy charm and devastating good looks. But I know what it鈥檚 like to be taken in by easy smiles and the promise of forever鈥擨 have the scars to prove it.

Only the handsome contractor won鈥檛 stop coming by the bakery and prying little truths from my lips. Those amber eyes of his seeing far too much. And when all the secrets come crashing down, 丑别鈥檚 determined to keep me safe. Even if it means moving into my rundown cabin to do it.

Now, Shep isn鈥檛 just rebuilding the walls of my home, 丑别鈥檚 working his way into my heart. Suddenly, 丑别鈥檚 everywhere: shirtless in my garden or in a towel coming out of my bathroom. And my resolve is no match.

Only it鈥檚 more than his golden looks. It鈥檚 him. The way he watches for my wounds but tells me I鈥檓 stronger than anyone 丑别鈥檚 ever known. And I can鈥檛 help but fall.

But I should鈥檝e known better than to think I could be happy. Not when a ghost from my past still has me in his sights. And when he finds me, he鈥檒l do anything to tear my life apart, even if it means ending it for good鈥]>
380 Catherine Cowles 1951936604 Anna 4 4.25 2024 Delicate Escape (Sparrow Falls, #2)
author: Catherine Cowles
name: Anna
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/03
date added: 2025/01/03
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<![CDATA[Fragile Sanctuary (Sparrow Falls, #1)]]> 209773181
He鈥檚 everything I鈥檓 not: grumpy, rude, and more than a little attached to his solitude. It doesn鈥檛 matter how many times I try to kill him with kindness; the man simply won鈥檛 crack.

Until he sees me shatter.

Because when my world comes crashing down around me, Anson is the one catching me as I fall. And as so-called accidents start plaguing every part of my life, it鈥檚 Anson who steps in to keep me safe.

As he does, I can鈥檛 help but feel a flicker of heat. And it only takes a single moment for that spark to ignite into flames, engulfing us both.

But Anson鈥檚 a man with secrets, and they have a price. When they鈥檙e revealed, neither of us will make it out unscathed鈥]>
366 Catherine Cowles 1951936574 Anna 4 4.10 2024 Fragile Sanctuary (Sparrow Falls, #1)
author: Catherine Cowles
name: Anna
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/02
date added: 2025/01/02
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Do Your Worst 122977981
Riley Rhodes finally has the chance to turn her family鈥檚 knack for the supernatural into a legitimate business when s丑别鈥檚 hired to break the curse on an infamous Scottish castle. Used to working alone in her alienating occupation, she's pleasantly surprised to meet a handsome stranger upon arrival鈥攗ntil he tries to get her fired.

Fresh off a professional scandal, Clark Edgeware can鈥檛 allow a self-proclaimed 鈥渃urse breaker鈥� to threaten his last chance for redemption. After he fails to get Riley kicked off his survey site, he vows to avoid her. Unfortunately for him, she vows to get even.

Riley expects the curse to do her dirty work by driving Clark away, but instead, they keep finding themselves in close proximity. Too close. Turns out, the only thing they do better than fight is fool around. If they鈥檙e not careful, by the end of all this, more than the castle will end up in ruins.]]>
317 Rosie Danan 0593437144 Anna 3 3.44 2023 Do Your Worst
author: Rosie Danan
name: Anna
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/01
date added: 2025/01/01
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Atmosphere 220817728 From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six comes an epic new novel set against the backdrop of the 1980s Space Shuttle program about the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits.

Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA鈥檚 Space Shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.

Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston鈥檚 Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easy-going even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warm-hearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane.

As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe.

Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant.

Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, with complex protagonists, telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love, this time among the stars.]]>
352 Taylor Jenkins Reid 0593158717 Anna 0 to-read 4.45 2025 Atmosphere
author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
name: Anna
average rating: 4.45
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: to-read
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Deep End 212806981 A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis.

Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A Junior at Stanford and a student-athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from the injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships鈥攁t least, that鈥檚 what she tells herself.

Swim captain, world champion, all-around aquatics golden boy, Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It鈥檚 how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus, with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes.

So they start an arrangement. And as the pressure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes that her heart might be treading into dangerous water...]]>
447 Ali Hazelwood 0593550447 Anna 5 4.10 2025 Deep End
author: Ali Hazelwood
name: Anna
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/28
date added: 2024/12/28
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<![CDATA[The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet]]> 55145261 A deeply moving and mind-expanding collection of personal essays in the first ever work of non-fiction from #1 internationally bestselling author John Green

The Anthropocene is the current geological age, in which human activity has profoundly shaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his ground-breaking, critically acclaimed podcast, John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet - from the QWERTY keyboard and Halley's Comet to Penguins of Madagascar - on a five-star scale.

Complex and rich with detail, the Anthropocene's reviews have been praised as 'observations that double as exercises in memoiristic empathy', with over 10 million lifetime downloads. John Green's gift for storytelling shines throughout this artfully curated collection about the shared human experience; it includes beloved essays along with six all-new pieces exclusive to the book.]]>
304 John Green 0525555218 Anna 0 to-read 4.37 2021 The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet
author: John Green
name: Anna
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/27
shelves: to-read
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Wreck My Plans 210297489 A sweet and spicy holiday romance between a spirited artist who returns to her small town for Christmas and her older brother鈥檚 best friend, a serious architect who pushes all her buttons鈥攂ut whom she can鈥檛 seem to stay away from. Now with exclusive bonus content!

Lena鈥檚 plans are simple. Surprise her family for Christmas, don鈥檛 tell them she lost her job, and most importantly, spend the week relaxing with the people she cares about.

But when she arrives in Juniper, she discovers s丑别鈥檚 not the only unexpected guest this year. Her older brother鈥檚 best friend, Gavin, is back after disappearing three years ago without a word. He has the kind of charm Lena has always been drawn to. But she knows 丑别鈥檚 also the kind of temptation she needs to stay far away from.

Gavin has built his architecture career out of planning strategies for dealing with the unexpected鈥攂ut he didn鈥檛 have a strategy for the possibility of seeing Lena again. Though 丑别鈥檚 been dreaming of her since the day he left, he can鈥檛 risk giving in to his feelings when they could upend the only family and home he has ever known.

New plan: try to be friends again. Just friends.

But as the pieces fall into place about why Gavin left, staying friends is the last thing on his mind鈥nd on Lena鈥檚. All the plans they鈥檝e made might end up completely wrecked. And for once, maybe they want it that way.]]>
301 Jillian Meadows 0063416131 Anna 4 3.87 2023 Wreck My Plans
author: Jillian Meadows
name: Anna
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/26
date added: 2024/12/26
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The Off-Limits Rule 217441603 From the New York Times bestselling author of Practice Makes Perfect comes an expanded edition of The Off-Limits Rule鈥攁 heartwarming romance about new love and fresh beginnings,聽with a never-before-seen chapter.

Rules are made to be broken鈥攅specially for love, right?

Lucy Marshall has hit rock bottom. After failing to succeed as a single mom in Atlanta, s丑别鈥檚 back home and moving in with her older brother, Drew. Reconnecting with her support system is the right thing to do, but Lucy can鈥檛 help but feel like a failure. Her four-year-old son deserves the world, and all she can give him is a spare bedroom. But Drew is the sweetest uncle, and some quality time might be exactly what they both need to start fresh. That is until she meets Cooper, her brother鈥檚 incredibly hot best friend.

When Drew senses something between the two of them, he puts his foot down on any shenanigans. According to him, Cooper is everything Lucy should stay away flirtatious, adventurous, and especially noncommittal. But Lucy has been getting the opposite impression so far; Cooper is a genuinely great guy, and s丑别鈥檚 starting to catch real feelings.

Her whole life, Lucy has tried to do everything right, and look where that鈥檚 gotten her鈥攕o what if she were to try something wrong?]]>
322 Sarah Adams 0593871766 Anna 2 3.88 2020 The Off-Limits Rule
author: Sarah Adams
name: Anna
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2020
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/24
date added: 2024/12/24
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Work in Progress 213212691
UK Bus Trip Goals:

1. Crawl out of pajamas.
2. Get over cheating bastard and his stupid ironed jeans.
3. Have my first real adventure!
4. Achieve stability, strength, and growth.
5. Definitely do NOT kiss any British men.

Alice loves a good list. But careful planning didn鈥檛 stop her from losing her job and her fiance in one fell swoop. With her dreaded 30th birthday looming on the horizon, Alice makes the first impulsive decision of her life - booking a flight to the UK for a three-week, all-female, literary bus tour. What could possibly go wrong?

Turns out - everything.

Alice arrives to discover that this tour isn鈥檛 what she expected. At all. Instead of cool, globe-trotting thirtysomethings with meaningful tattoos, she finds a rickety, antique bus full of fluffy-haired octogenarians. And to make matters infinitely worse, the tour guide makes her blood boil! And that devilish grin of his tells her 丑别鈥檚 dead set on making her trip a misery.

But as they travel from castle ruins to cozy pubs, Alice may just find that s丑别鈥檚 got it all wrong. The ladies are vivacious. The book club chat is on fire. And damn if that mischievous smile doesn't threaten to turn her world upside down - and her beloved list right along with it!]]>
384 Kat Mackenzie 0063379031 Anna 5 3.84 2025 Work in Progress
author: Kat Mackenzie
name: Anna
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/22
date added: 2024/12/22
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Know Your Newlywed 219378453 Listening Length: 4 hours and 54 minutes

Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf) and Mary Mouser (Cobra Kai) star in this swoon-worthy, full-cast rom-com! When two super-fans of a beloved dating gameshow hear that it鈥檚 being rebooted, they decide to team up and fake a marriage to compete in the hilarious new audiobook Know Your Newlywed, written by Heather Taylor and Hillary Nussbaum, and executive produced by New York Times bestselling author Elena Armas.

Cleo is a researcher with big dreams of a PhD in anthrozoology, and a guilty pleasure obsession with Know Your Newlywed, a decades-old gameshow where married couples compete by answering obscure questions about each other. S丑别鈥檚 more invested in her career than in finding a relationship of her own, though鈥攖hat is, until she comes across Javi鈥檚 dating app profile, which says 丑别鈥檚 鈥渓ooking for someone to win Know Your Newlywed with.鈥�

Sparks fly, and when Cleo and Javi catch wind of a reboot of their beloved show, they apply on a whim, pretending to be newlyweds themselves. Before they know it, they鈥檙e cast as contestants, playing the part of smitten married couple better than they could鈥檝e imagined. Their very real chemistry is impossible to ignore, and as the competition heats up, they quickly become America鈥檚 sweethearts. But how far can Cleo and Javi take their secret? And as they inch closer and closer to a life-changing cash prize, will the mounting pressure and their individual ambitions get in the way of their blossoming romance? Or is their connection strong enough to last once the cameras stop rolling?]]>
5 Hillary Nussbaum 1797170651 Anna 1 3.56 2024 Know Your Newlywed
author: Hillary Nussbaum
name: Anna
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2024
rating: 1
read at: 2024/12/16
date added: 2024/12/16
shelves:
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Tbh this was boring and not believable. I also found the ambient noises poorly done and distracting. Car horns should be illegal in audiobooks
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Under Loch and Key 209455891 A woman discovers that not all monsters are her enemy鈥攖he opposite, in fact鈥攊n this new paranormal romance by Lana Ferguson, author of The Fake Mate.

Keyanna 鈥淜ey鈥� MacKay is used to secrets. Raised by a single father who never divulged his past, it鈥檚 only after his death that she finds herself thrust into the world he鈥檇 always refused to speak of. With just a childhood bedtime story about a monster that saved her father鈥檚 life and the name of her estranged grandmother to go off of, Key has no idea what she鈥檒l find in Scotland. But repeating her father鈥檚 mistakes and being rescued by a gorgeous, angry Scotsman鈥攚ho thinks s丑别鈥檚 an idiot鈥攊s definitely the last thing she expects.

Lachlan Greer has his own secrets to keep, especially from the bonnie lass he pulls to safety from the slippery shore鈥攁 lass with captivating eyes and the last name 丑别鈥檚 been taught not to trust. He鈥檚 looking for answers as well, and Key鈥檚 presence on the grounds they both now occupy presents a real problem. It鈥檚 even more troublesome when he gets a front row seat to the lukewarm welcome Key receives from her family; the strange powers she begins to develop; and the fierce determination she brings to every obstacle in her path. Things he shouldn鈥檛 care about, and someone he definitely doesn鈥檛 find wildly attractive.

When their secrets collide, it becomes clear that Lachlan could hold the answers Keyanna is after鈥攁nd that she might also be the key to uncovering his. Up against time, mystery, and a centuries old curse, they鈥檒l quickly discover that magic might not only be in fairy tales, and that love can be a real loch-mess.]]>
415 Lana Ferguson 0593816862 Anna 5 鈥�
There are very few books that I reread as quickly as Lana's - and I read this one three times before it even came out. There's just something about Lana's writing that is so immersive and engaging - it's so easy to get invested in her characters and the stories she tells (and stay up way too late to finish them). In particular, I really loved the mystery / curse element of this book - it kept me guessing right until the reveal.鈥�
鈥�
If you're an audiobook girlie - I highly recommend listening to this one - it's performed in duet and has two really great narrators!! And who doesn't want to listen to a Scottish accent for a few hours? 鈥�
鈥�
Enemies to lovers will always be a favourite trope of mine and this rendition was delicious - right off the bat Key and Lachlan were butting heads - and getting dual POV added a lot of dimension to their conflicts (and the chemistry during them). Their banter was also top notch - it had me giggling and kicking my feet (once again, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook - banter WITH AN ACCENT). 鈥�
鈥�
Both leads were so interesting and complex - Key was dealing with the grief of losing her father and the hope of connecting with newfound family, while Lachlan was also dealing with grief and the strain of handling a multigenerational curse all on his own. Together they had insane chemistry (I am still not over some of the scenes on the shore of the loch) - even when they were at odds, I was rooting for them to just kiss already. As always, the steam was impeccable.鈥�
鈥�
Whether you're a seasoned paranomal romance reader or if this is your first dip into the genre - I cannot recommend Under Loch and Key highly enough! It has it all - an engaging mystery, excellent banter, fun side characters, and chemistry and steam for days! I loved this one, and I can't wait for whatever Lana writes next!!鈥�
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3.70 2024 Under Loch and Key
author: Lana Ferguson
name: Anna
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/09
date added: 2024/12/16
shelves:
review:
Did I think I was going to read a romance about the Loch Ness monster? No. Did I read it because Lana wrote it? Yes. Was it amazing and now I want more cryptid romances? Also, yes.鈥�
鈥�
There are very few books that I reread as quickly as Lana's - and I read this one three times before it even came out. There's just something about Lana's writing that is so immersive and engaging - it's so easy to get invested in her characters and the stories she tells (and stay up way too late to finish them). In particular, I really loved the mystery / curse element of this book - it kept me guessing right until the reveal.鈥�
鈥�
If you're an audiobook girlie - I highly recommend listening to this one - it's performed in duet and has two really great narrators!! And who doesn't want to listen to a Scottish accent for a few hours? 鈥�
鈥�
Enemies to lovers will always be a favourite trope of mine and this rendition was delicious - right off the bat Key and Lachlan were butting heads - and getting dual POV added a lot of dimension to their conflicts (and the chemistry during them). Their banter was also top notch - it had me giggling and kicking my feet (once again, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook - banter WITH AN ACCENT). 鈥�
鈥�
Both leads were so interesting and complex - Key was dealing with the grief of losing her father and the hope of connecting with newfound family, while Lachlan was also dealing with grief and the strain of handling a multigenerational curse all on his own. Together they had insane chemistry (I am still not over some of the scenes on the shore of the loch) - even when they were at odds, I was rooting for them to just kiss already. As always, the steam was impeccable.鈥�
鈥�
Whether you're a seasoned paranomal romance reader or if this is your first dip into the genre - I cannot recommend Under Loch and Key highly enough! It has it all - an engaging mystery, excellent banter, fun side characters, and chemistry and steam for days! I loved this one, and I can't wait for whatever Lana writes next!!鈥�

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Spectacular (Caraval, #3.5) 203578793 Welcome, welcome back to the mysteriously enchanting world of CARAVAL! Return to the legendary magic and the whimsical wonder with this beautifully illustrated holiday novella.

Snowflakes are falling.
Invitations are arriving.
And holiday magic is swirling in the capital city of the Meridian Empire.

It鈥檚 Great Holiday Eve Eve. Scarlett Dragna is planning a spectacular Holiday celebration for the city. Donatella is searching for the perfect gift. Julian is looking ridiculously handsome in green. And Legend . . .

Well, sadly Legend is not fond of the Great Holiday. Tella is hoping her perfect gift will change his mind. Unfortunately, she hasn鈥檛 found this perfect gift just yet. But it is Great Holiday Eve Eve . . . surely there鈥檚 some holiday magic swirling around.

Welcome, welcome back to the world of Caraval, where even holidays are not as they seem.

Set after Stephanie Garber's #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling Caraval series, this delightful novella will take readers on the ultimate holiday adventure full of clockwork boys, poisoned candy, impish snow globes, merriment, and鈥昳f Tella gets her way鈥昹ove.

Gorgeously illustrated by Rosie Thorns, SPECTACULAR is the perfect edition for collectors, readers, dreamers, and lovers of holiday magic.]]>
207 Stephanie Garber 1250893402 Anna 3 3.71 2024 Spectacular (Caraval, #3.5)
author: Stephanie Garber
name: Anna
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/16
date added: 2024/12/16
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<![CDATA[An Affair to Remember (Talisman Ring, #1)]]> 8632568 An arrogant earl determined to find the perfect wife; an intractable governess determined to transform him into the perfect man鈥撯搘ho will win? The first book in The Talisman Ring series, this delightfully humorous and sexy romance links to Karen Hawkins' last book, The Seduction of Sara.

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388 Karen Hawkins Anna 5 4.24 2002 An Affair to Remember (Talisman Ring, #1)
author: Karen Hawkins
name: Anna
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2002
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/13
date added: 2024/12/13
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<![CDATA[A Wallflower Christmas (Wallflowers, #4.5)]]> 8528602 A scandalous love under the mistletoe.

It鈥檚 Christmas time in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady-in-waiting, and if it weren鈥檛 for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed.

Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallfowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts.]]>
205 Lisa Kleypas 0312360738 Anna 0 to-read 3.96 2008 A Wallflower Christmas (Wallflowers, #4.5)
author: Lisa Kleypas
name: Anna
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/12
shelves: to-read
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<![CDATA[Kit McBride Gets a Wife (The McBrides of Montana, #1)]]> 60756881 351 Amy Barry 0593335589 Anna 3 3.92 2022 Kit McBride Gets a Wife (The McBrides of Montana, #1)
author: Amy Barry
name: Anna
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/11
date added: 2024/12/11
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Well Traveled (Well Met, #4) 49839269
Dex has never had to work for much in his life, and why should he? Touring with his brothers as The Dueling Kilts is going great, and he always finds a woman at every Faire. But when Lulu proves indifferent to his many plaid charms and a shake-up threatens the fate of the band, Dex must confront something he never has before: his future.

Forced to spend days and nights together on the road, Lulu鈥檚 interest in the kilted bad boy grows as he shows her a side of himself no one else has seen. The stresses of her old lifestyle fade away as she learns to trust her intuition and follow her heart instead of her head. But when her time on the road is over, will Lulu go with her gut, or are she and Dex destined for separate paths?

The Renaissance Faire is on the move, and Lulu and Dex are along for the ride, in the next utterly charming rom-com from Jen DeLuca.]]>
336 Jen DeLuca 0593200462 Anna 1 Thank you to Berkley for the free copy

Romance books operate with one strict rule: there has to be a happily ever after. How you get to that ending is the interesting part - and I really could not get behind the journey this book took me on. One of the other most crucial elements of a romcom is the books ability to make you believe that the leading characters make sense together and will make it to a HEA. It's hard to believe that two people can be in love when one character clearly does not understand the other. Half the fun of a romance is the two leads getting to know each other - and either Lulu was willfully ignorant or painfully obtuse about who Dex was as a character. I wanted to yell at her through the pages - he wasn't hiding his intensions and it was incredibly painful to have her continue to think the worst of him for far too much of this book. Also, Dex and Lulu had absolutely zero chemistry - I wasn't rooting for them and I don't think they would make it much past their epilogue. This book put me in a mini reading slump - I really should have DNF'd it. ]]>
3.76 2022 Well Traveled (Well Met, #4)
author: Jen DeLuca
name: Anna
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2022
rating: 1
read at: 2024/12/10
date added: 2024/12/10
shelves:
review:
Thank you to Berkley for the free copy

Romance books operate with one strict rule: there has to be a happily ever after. How you get to that ending is the interesting part - and I really could not get behind the journey this book took me on. One of the other most crucial elements of a romcom is the books ability to make you believe that the leading characters make sense together and will make it to a HEA. It's hard to believe that two people can be in love when one character clearly does not understand the other. Half the fun of a romance is the two leads getting to know each other - and either Lulu was willfully ignorant or painfully obtuse about who Dex was as a character. I wanted to yell at her through the pages - he wasn't hiding his intensions and it was incredibly painful to have her continue to think the worst of him for far too much of this book. Also, Dex and Lulu had absolutely zero chemistry - I wasn't rooting for them and I don't think they would make it much past their epilogue. This book put me in a mini reading slump - I really should have DNF'd it.
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My December Darling 218137764 A small-town Christmas novella by the New York Times bestselling author of LAKEFRONT BILLIONAIRES series that will make you want to pack your bags and spend the holiday in Lake Wisteria.

Catalina
Playing the part of my sister鈥檚 maid of honor is easy even if s丑别鈥檚 marrying my ex.
But playing nice with the best man? An impossible task given our history.
Sure, Luke Darling may be suspiciously kind, incredibly handsome, and stubborn to a fault, but regardless of how hard he tries to make me see otherwise, I鈥檓 not interested.
It鈥檚 on me to remind him that 丑别鈥檚 my ex-boyfriend鈥檚 best friend.
And the one I鈥檓 secretly starting to wish I met first.

Luke
My job as the best man is a simple one, except for one minor issue.
I鈥檝e spent so much time avoiding my best friend鈥檚 ex that I didn鈥檛 consider what could happen if I started craving Catalina Martinez鈥檚 company instead.
She is only in Lake Wisteria for the winter wedding, but her January departure date won鈥檛 stop me from pursuing her.
Getting her to date me would be nothing short of a Christmas miracle, but I鈥檓 determined to make her mine.
鈥楾is the season to fall in love鈥ven if I鈥檓 the only one taking the risk.

My December Darling is a 50,000 word, Christmas-themed romance between a grumpy maid of honor and an outgoing best man who chases after what he wants. ]]>
252 Lauren Asher 1964990025 Anna 3 3.72 2024 My December Darling
author: Lauren Asher
name: Anna
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/01
date added: 2024/12/01
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<![CDATA[The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book]]> 220447128 256-Page Hardcover Book
Over 500 images, including never-before-seen performance photos from every era
In addition, exclusive rehearsal photos and behind-the-scenes images of instruments, costumes, set pieces and designer sketches]]>
256 Taylor Swift Anna 5 4.88 2024 The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book
author: Taylor Swift
name: Anna
average rating: 4.88
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/30
date added: 2024/11/30
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The Love Haters 217387810 It鈥檚 a thin line between love and love-hating.

Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past鈥攏ow 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鈥檚 request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom 鈥淗utch鈥� Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West.

The catch? Katie鈥檚 not exactly qualified. She can鈥檛 swim鈥攂ut fakes it that she can.

Plus: Cole is Hutch鈥檚 brother. And they don鈥檛 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鈥攁long with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.]]>
320 Katherine Center 1250283825 Anna 0 to-read 4.02 2025 The Love Haters
author: Katherine Center
name: Anna
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2025
rating: 0
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Ready or Not 154462768
Eve Hatch is pretty content with her life. Her apartment in Brooklyn is cozy and close to her childhood best friend Willa, but far from her midwestern, traditional family who never really understood her. While her job is only dream- adjacent , s丑别鈥檚 hoping her passion and hard work will soon help her land a more glamorous role. And sure, her most recent romantic history has consisted of not one but two disappointing men named Derek. At least she always knows what to expect鈥ntil she finds herself expecting after an uncharacteristic one-night stand.

The unplanned pregnancy cracks open all the relationships in her life. Eve's loyal聽friendship with Willa is feeling off , right when she needs her most. And it鈥檚 Willa鈥檚 steadfast older brother, Shep, who steps up to help. He has always been friendly, but now 丑别鈥檚 checking in, ordering her surprise lunches, listening to all her complaints, and is鈥� suddenly kinda hot? Then there鈥檚 the baby's father, who is supportive but conflicted. Before long, Eve is rethinking everything she thought she knew about herself and her world.

Over the course of nine months, as Eve struggles to figure out the next right step in her expanding reality, she begins to realize that family and love, in all forms, can sneak up on you when you least expect it.]]>
400 Cara Bastone 0593595718 Anna 1 3.96 2024 Ready or Not
author: Cara Bastone
name: Anna
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2024
rating: 1
read at: 2024/11/28
date added: 2024/11/28
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Wedding Dashers 212294464 After a case of mistaken identity and an almost one-night stand, two stranded wedding guests have to find their way to their final destination together, in this riotously fun debut romance.

Ada鈥檚 little sister is getting married. Which should be a happy thought, right? But the once close sisters have been in a year long fight, the wedding is all the way in Ireland, and Ada is so broke that she just barely managed to get a ticket on a budget airline. And as if things couldn鈥檛 get worse, said airline just cancelled her connection. Which means Ada is stuck in London with no way to make it to the wedding.

Surely s丑别鈥檚 hit rock bottom?

So, there鈥檚 no reason for her not to spill her heart out about the over-the-top wedding, her sister鈥檚 worryingly quick engagement, and the womanizing best man s丑别鈥檚 dreading meeting to a handsome also-stranded stranger at the bar. Until she realizes the stranger is headed to the same wedding. Oh, and 丑别鈥檚 the infamous best man.

Now, Jack and Ada must put their simmering attraction behind them to make it to Belfast before they miss the nuptials. But between flat tires, missed trains, and suspect hostels, Jack and Ada start to question whether their feelings are worth going the distance, or just a distracting detour along the way.]]>
400 Heather McBreen 0593817621 Anna 5 3.90 2025 Wedding Dashers
author: Heather McBreen
name: Anna
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/23
date added: 2024/11/23
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<![CDATA[The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia, #1)]]> 60714999 Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always 鈥� always 鈥� guard your heart.

The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.

But winning won鈥檛 be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival.

Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father鈥檚 crown鈥� and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him.

But there鈥檚 no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone 鈥� but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night is the first book in a new series of heart-wrenching romance, dark magic, and bloodthirsty intrigue, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses.]]>
504 Carissa Broadbent Anna 5 4.30 2022 The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia, #1)
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Anna
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/20
date added: 2024/11/20
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<![CDATA[Six Scorched Roses (Crowns of Nyaxia, #1.5)]]> 123027751
Lilith has been dying since the day she was born. But while she long ago came to terms with her own imminent death, the deaths of everyone she loves is an entirely different matter. As her town slowly withers in the clutches of a mysterious god-cursed illness, she takes matters into her own hands.

Desperate to find a cure, Lilith strikes a bargain with the only thing the gods hate even more than her village: a vampire, Vale. She offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood鈥搕he one hope for her town鈥檚 salvation.

But when what begins as a simple transaction gradually becomes something more, Lilith is faced with a terrifying realization: It鈥檚 dangerous to wander into the clutches of a vampire鈥� and in a place already suffering a god鈥檚 wrath, more dangerous still to fall in love with one.

Six Scorched Roses is a standalone fantasy romance novella set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, perfect for those who love dark, romantic tales with bite and fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout.]]>
187 Carissa Broadbent Anna 5 4.25 2023 Six Scorched Roses (Crowns of Nyaxia, #1.5)
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Anna
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/20
date added: 2024/11/20
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<![CDATA[Only Santas in the Building (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #5)]]> 220389090
All Evie Cruz wants for Christmas is a nap. And maybe some ornaments for her naked Christmas tree. And while s丑别鈥檚 making a list, she wouldn鈥檛 mind unwrapping her sexy upstairs neighbor like a present. Luckily, the building鈥檚 Santa-themed party and a surprise sprig of mistletoe give her just the opening she needs to make all her wishes come true.

Alexis Daria鈥檚 Only Santas in the Building is part of Under the Mistletoe, a stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.]]>
65 Alexis Daria 1662529376 Anna 3 3.36 2024 Only Santas in the Building (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #5)
author: Alexis Daria
name: Anna
average rating: 3.36
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/18
date added: 2024/11/18
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<![CDATA[Merriment and Mayhem (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #4)]]> 220389457
When Everleigh Dangerfield鈥檚 baking disaster necessitates a call to 911, firefighter Griffin Brantley douses the flames in the kitchen, but the ones he stokes in Everleigh are an entirely different story. Unfortunately, Everleigh鈥檚 only visiting and doesn鈥檛 do casual hookups, no matter how smoldering the temptation. But Everleigh鈥檚 holiday mishaps have just begun. And Griffin is seemingly always on call. If Everleigh is game for a change of plans, he can give her the merriest Christmas of her life.

Alexandria Bellefleur鈥檚 Merriment and Mayhem is part of Under the Mistletoe, a stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.]]>
58 Alexandria Bellefleur 1662529341 Anna 4 3.28 2024 Merriment and Mayhem (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #4)
author: Alexandria Bellefleur
name: Anna
average rating: 3.28
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/18
date added: 2024/11/18
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<![CDATA[All by My Elf (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #3)]]> 220389455
Nina and William are underpaid adjunct professors at the same university, where winter break is no break at all: 鈥檛is the season to make extra money. When their holiday side hustle has them stranded by a blinding blizzard in the middle of nowhere, there鈥檚 nothing to do but cuddle up for warmth and play a game of Never Have I Ever to pass the time. But in the game of love, secrets never stay secret for long鈥�

Olivia Dade鈥檚 All by My Elf is part of Under the Mistletoe, a stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.]]>
55 Olivia Dade 166252823X Anna 2 2.58 2024 All by My Elf (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #3)
author: Olivia Dade
name: Anna
average rating: 2.58
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2024/11/17
date added: 2024/11/17
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<![CDATA[Merry Ever After (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #2)]]> 220389465 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

Evie Crowe is starting over in a strange town with her newborn, and men are the furthest thing from her mind. If only the quiet, hulking farmer, Luke Ward, would stop coming into the thrift shop and piquing her reluctant interest. Evie wants to stay single all the way鈥攕he can鈥檛 trust anything more than friends-with-holiday-benefits. But Luke is in it for the long haul. He鈥檚 fixed on making this a Christmas Evie will remember forever. If she gives him a chance.

Tessa Bailey鈥檚 Merry Ever After is part of Under the Mistletoe, a stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.]]>
59 Tessa Bailey 1662528736 Anna 4 2.79 2024 Merry Ever After (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #2)
author: Tessa Bailey
name: Anna
average rating: 2.79
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/16
date added: 2024/11/16
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<![CDATA[Cruel Winter with You (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #1)]]> 220389458 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.

All newly minted pediatrician Jamie Malek wants is to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, that requires her to interact with Marc鈥攈er best friend鈥檚 troublemaking brother, who鈥檚 now a tech billionaire. He鈥檚 the one who got away. S丑别鈥檚 the one who broke his heart. Outside, a howling blizzard. Inside, a crackling fire. Suddenly, being snowbound with the man she never expected to see again might not be such a bad way to spend a winter鈥檚 night.

Ali Hazelwood鈥檚 Cruel Winter with You is part of Under the Mistletoe, a stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.]]>
73 Ali Hazelwood 1662528396 Anna 5 3.68 2024 Cruel Winter with You (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #1)
author: Ali Hazelwood
name: Anna
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/16
date added: 2024/11/16
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<![CDATA[How My Neighbor Stole Christmas]]> 211929737 A new winter holiday, enemies-to-lovers romance, from the undeniably funny and always spicy, USA Today bestselling author, Meghan Quinn.

Living in a year around Christmas town has it's drawbacks. The caroling, the decorations, the insanely cheery spirit, it never disappears. It's why I like to hibernate away in my cave--I mean house--keeping a healthy distance from the holly jolly spirits.

And all was going according to plan until my nemesis, Storee Taylor, moved in next door to care for her Aunt Cindy. Without blinking, she turned my simple world into a real nightmare-before-Christmas, especially when she decided to enter the town Christmas Kringle contest - which she was determined to win.

Well guess what? Over my cold-hearted body.

There was no way I was going to let her win, not after the history we'd shared.

So despite my promise to myself of never participating in the sickening Christmas season, I entered the competition as well. That's right, I planned on beating Storee at her own game by pretending this grump鈥檚 heart grew three sizes this season.

And it was working until feelings between us started heating up.
We pretended to date.
We kissed.
And well, sparks flew from there.

Which led to one explosive night involving Christmas lights, the competition, and a ladder. Don't let me convince you who stole Christmas, I think you need to find out for yourself...]]>
482 Meghan Quinn Anna 1
Also, I am normally a miscommunication trope apologist, but this was way too dumb to believe. If these two can鈥檛 have the simplest conversations, how am I supposed to believe they have any longevity as a couple?]]>
3.77 2024 How My Neighbor Stole Christmas
author: Meghan Quinn
name: Anna
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2024
rating: 1
read at: 2024/11/16
date added: 2024/11/16
shelves:
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Cringe is the word I would use to describe this book. The concept was too weird, the dialogue was terrible, and the characters were boring and not likable.

Also, I am normally a miscommunication trope apologist, but this was way too dumb to believe. If these two can鈥檛 have the simplest conversations, how am I supposed to believe they have any longevity as a couple?
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<![CDATA[Lights Out (Into Darkness, #1)]]> 201017011 鈥淚 don鈥檛 need another kink.鈥�

That thought pops into my head whenever I pull up my favorite social media app, but alas, every time I scroll, I learn something new about myself, and another one is born. And yes, I know I鈥檓 responsible for what the algorithm shows me, but I鈥檓 trying to ignore that fact.

Lately, my feed has been dominated by masked men. I鈥檝e favorited videos with them dressed in full cosplay, decked out in futuristic military apparel, and wrapped up like ghouls.

But more than anything else, my FYP is filled with shirtless men wearing ghost masks. Bonus points if they鈥檙e heavily tattooed, wielding a knife, or covered in fake blood. At night, I dream about being chased by them, of them catching me and doing deliciously dark things to my more than willing body.

I never could have guessed that by sending one drunken text, those dreams would become my new reality.

Lights Out is a fast-paced dark romance with a morally grey male lead. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book. ]]>
338 Navessa Allen Anna 4 4.16 2024 Lights Out (Into Darkness, #1)
author: Navessa Allen
name: Anna
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/13
date added: 2024/11/13
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