Category: Moderate Romance

Contemporary Romance, Four Stars, Low Language, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Moderate Violence

Ridiculous and Real

Our Book Confessions

Two of my least favorite tropes are second chance romances (which is ironic considering that’s technically what my own love story is) and royal romances. However, some authors make it entirely possible to overlook your own personal preferences, because their stories are just that good. Emma St. Clair is one of those authors for us, we’ll read anything she writes, regardless of genre or trope.

You know what else I don’t love, first person point of view. That gave Royally Rearranged two strikes. That’s how much we like Emma St. Clair. So much so that we eagerly looked forward to a book I knew contained both of those things.

I must admit that the pretentiousness of the royalty did get to me a time or two, but Emma’s writing is so witty and so emotionally driven that I found myself really liking the story.

Even with the first person, I loved the dual perspectives. The reader was given a glimpse into what was real and what was a mask giving the characters good development.

I did feel like while we got a lot of background on Rafe and you love him more and more with each thing you learn. I didn’t feel like we got that same character background with Seraf. We get to see her current life and a lot about her dealing with the concept of love and what it means, but I feel like all her past memories are tied into Rafe and Callum and not many are just her. I think the moment she steps up for her country and for Rafe would have been a little more powerful if we knew a little bit more about her than just her ice princess façade and her relationship with the two boys.

I liked it more than I expected to for a royal romance, but I shouldn’t have been too surprised considering how much we love Emma’s writing.

**** Low Language, Moderate Romance (there were quite a few innuendos in this one just a heads up), Moderate Violence (I put it here, just to give a trigger warning for those that might need it about the emotional and physical abuse of Rafe’s childhood, though never very descriptive, it is a major plot point to the story, but one that was handled really well by Emma.)

The Buy-In

I think one of the reasons I don’t love second chance romances is the whole hindsight thing. I look at how the relationship failed the first time and I think, if they would have just done ____, all this pain and drama could have been avoided. But that’s not human nature is it? And I love it when an author gets real with their characters.

Emma’s characters and her writing is so witty and fun, but they don’t ever loose that realness. The town of Sheet Cake for instance, is hilarious. It is over the top and ridiculous, but you can picture it. Emma writes it in such a way that its real. You close the book reminding yourself that’s it’s fictional. You can’t take the next plane to TX and visit this town and these people, who you feel like you know. But you want to, cause the writing is just that good.

The one thing I couldn’t picture though, was the giggling. Both of us that read it thought the same thing. I have never heard a grown man giggle and I couldn’t picture it. I admit that the odd trait did pull me out of the story when it happened, but so much else about Pat was endearing that we still both loved the character.

My favorite part of the story was how well Emma wrote their relationship. Even with the initial fall out, and all throughout the story; neither of them were all right and neither of them were all wrong. Real life is never that black and white and the way Emma balanced that just added to the realism.

Emma also had some awesome foreshadowing throughout the story. In so many ways. With Pat and Lindy, the town of Sheet Cake, and the stories to come. It’s the kind of writing that leaves you anxious for the next in the series.

**** Low Language, Moderate Romance (Pat and Lindy are married early on in the story and do have married people conversations and there is one closed door scene at the very end of the book, but the way Emma handles it all I still wouldn’t put this in a High category), Low Violence

Contemporary Romance, Four Stars, Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Three Stars

Music to my Ears

Our Book Confessions

Recently on Instagram I talked about being a mood reader. I’m wholeheartedly a mood reader. Sometimes there’s a book I know I’m going to love, but I put off reading it, because I’m not in the right mood. When I read So Not My Thing by Melanie Jacobson I was definitely in a romcom mood and I loved it.

“26-year-old New Orleans native Elle Jones used to be the internet’s most famous meme for rejection thanks to an embarrassing teenage TV appearance. But she’s finally put that past behind her and now she’s killing it as a commercial real estate agent in the coolest neighborhoods in the city.

When Miles Crowe—the former pop star who made her notorious—insists on hiring her to find a property for his jazz club, she’ll do everything she can to get herself fired before he realizes who she is.

But Miles has grown up too, and Elle soon discovers that he is as passionate about the city as she is…and even sexier now than he was then. Will she risk exposing her humiliating past to claim a future with the guy who once nearly ruined her life?“

I don’t know that I’ve read a story that so accurately deals with the fall out of social media. Melanie handled the whole thing with such emotion and realism from both points of view, I was really impressed.

I loved how though Miles and Ellie were both trying to move past their experiences and were at good places in their lives, they were still both a little bit broken inside. Melanie did a fabulous job of helping us see that brokenness and it’s ramifications.

There were so many beautiful moments of growth and acceptance while still keeping the story light and firmly in the romcom category with it’s quick-witted conversations and comedic moments.

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

I also just recently finished reading Here for It which is the second book in this series. I was highly anticipating this story. I love it when we get to learn more about side characters from a previous book as a series progresses. I however didn’t connect with Anneke as much as I had hoped to.

“When Anneke flits into town between high fashion shoots to help her best friend open his new jazz club, the last thing she’s looking for is a reason to stay. She’ll explore the city, make her appearances, and then she’s off to the next adventure. Until she realizes that her massive online crush is the proprietor of a dusty old record shop in town…
At twenty-nine, Jonah has already been there, done that, and he’s over it. Fame and fortune? Ha. Keep it. He’s had a front row seat his whole life to the way it changes people. Not even the flirty supermodel he keeps crossing paths with can change his mind…
Until Jonah discovers that Anneke is the woman he’s been half in love with for months already. But…she’s everything he’s never wanted. Isn’t she?“

There were quite a few things I loved about this book.

I loved the Mardi Gras history. Melanie either has first hand knowledge or has definitely done her research. She did an excellent job of giving us a behind the scenes look at everything Mardi Gras and you definitely felt right in the middle of New Orleans, with both her descriptions and her background.

I loved the music banter. Melanie wrote their opposites attract and private versus public persona’s really well. Resulting in some really awesome push and pull between the to main characters. As well as some fabulously worded chemistry. Near the end of the story however, I was hoping that the climax would give us something other than the push and pull that had been so well done through the first part of the story.

For the last third of the book it almost felt like Jonah was the one always “fixing” things, even though there was misunderstanding and miscommunication on both their parts. And Anneke’s “flags” felt more like a soap box than things to seriously be concerned about.

In the end, I loved that Melanie had both of their characters compromise to make their relationship work, and I loved the realizations that being together brought their respective characters. Melanie did write some incredibly emotional character growth moments for both these characters. So while I didn’t personally love some writing choices for these characters, I did enjoy the overall story.

*** Low Language, Moderate Romance (I felt like there were a quite few more innuendos in this one than the first), Low Violence

Five Stars, Four Stars, Holiday Stories, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Regency Romance, Victorian, Westerns

Somethin’ about Sally

Our Book Confessions

We’ve all been there, the reading burn out. The, I need something to read that’s different and new. You know whose a perfect solution to a reading rut? Sally Britton. There’s something about Sally’s writing, I could read three or four Sally books in a row and still feel like I was reading something new and lovely.

Which is exactly what I did recently.

All three of these came out relatively close to each other and I loved how different each of the story lines and characters were. They were all signaturely Sally, but all uniquely wonderful.

Her Unsuitable Match

“Lady Philippa Gillensford is three and twenty, an heiress, and sister to a penny-pinching earl. Though she doubts she’ll marry for love, she is more than willing to marry for freedom from her family’s influence.

Myles Cobbett has withdrawn from Society, content to remain alone after surviving the horrors of the Napoleonic wars. When a friend convinces Myles to attend a ball benefiting wounded veterans like himself, Myles meets the lively Lady Philippa. Shortly thereafter, to help Philippa avoid scandal, Myles rescues her from a complete cad.

Sensing a chance to escape her family’s control, Philippa convinces Myles he must marry her to save her reputation. In exchange for this favor, Philippa promises him the very thing he thought he always wanted: a quiet life, alone in the country.

While the two put on a show of marital happiness for their neighbors, both realize they want much more from this arrangement. Can they take a marriage of convenience and turn it into a love match?“

We loved this story!

Sally did such an amazing job of showing the realities a veteran faced in this time period and the misconceptions about PTSD and war life.

The characters in this story was slowly developed. As was their romance, but it was just the right kind of slow burn. Near the beginning of the novel, I kept feeling like I wanted to know more about Myles. More of his background. The more I read however, I actually ended up loving the slow and deliberate way we came to know Myles. It felt very fitting for his character.

I loved the cameos in the book and all the fleshed out side characters pulled me in and made this book beautiful. -MV

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

A Mistletoe Mismatch

“Christmas comes but once a year—a relief for Jessica Nettle, because that means she need only see the horrid Mr. Webb when he visits his cousin. Jessica has been at war with Mr. Webb for seven long years. What started as innocent pranks accelerated into a war. This year promises to be the worst of all, especially when Jessica learns that her sister is falling in love with that cousin. A match between the two of them would be a disaster.

Ellis Webb spends every Christmas in the country with his cousin. The holiday is one of the highlights of his year, despite the prickly Miss Nettle’s attempts to ruin it for him. This year, Ellis’s cousin has a mind to marry, and he’s looking with increasing interest at Miss Nettle’s younger sister. Such a marriage, with such a family, will surely end in disappointment and broken hearts. When Miss Nettle proposes to Ellis that they join forces to keep the ill-fated couple apart, he swallows his irritation and agrees to her plan.

Amid the merriment of celebrations, Jessica and Ellis scheme to keep two hearts apart. But as the days pass and the magic of season works upon Jessica, she realizes she may have lost her clever game—and her heart—to her enemy.“

This was a brilliantly done friends to enemies to lovers story. The conflict between Jessica and Ellis seemed upfront though slightly juvenile. The more you get into the story, however, the more you realize just how complex the feud is. I loved the meaningful metaphors Sally used in this story. The layered emotions make the story that much more fun to read. Sally wrote the story with so much heart you love seeing the magic of the season work on these two. -NC

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Copper for the Countess

“Lady Evelyn Lyon lost her husband and her fortune on the same day. Daughter in hand, she makes her way to the copper mines of Arizona, hoping her husband’s stock in the Bisbee Copper Queen mine will make it possible for her to raise her little girl. When the stock certificates in her possession prove fraudulent, Evelyn and her little girl are more alone than ever. 

Chris Morgan, never expected to have a family. When his cousin back east dies and leaves Chris with two children to raise, Chris has no choice but to change his plans. But raising children and running a ranch at the same time is a tall order. He’s at his wit’s end when he comes across a British noblewoman who has no business wandering around the desert without protection. When he learns her story, Chris knows they might be the solutions to each other’s problems.

With children to raise and cattle to herd, Evelyn and Chris have no choice but to trust each other. But in the west, trust is hard won, and it’s hard to grow anything…especially love.“

I really loved the iconic imagery used in this story. Sally’s understanding and research of both the Regency/Victorian era and the American West allows her to blend the two showing us the realities of both sides in a way that makes this series stand out.

Sally is so good at giving just the right amount of information at the right time. They way she unfolds her stories always leaves you loving what’s happening, but wanting more.

The characters in the novel were written so well. The children were a darling part of the story. And Evelyn’s background was emotionally driven, yet delicately handled. The melding of their lives was heartwarming and genuine because of the characters Sally created and the foundation she built upon from the first novel. I can’t wait for more from this series. -NC

***** Low Language, Moderate Romance (the marriage happening so early does mean there are more mature conversations and ups the steam factor slightly, but Sally handles it all in a respectful and clean way), Low Violence, Low Religion

Four Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Regency Romance

A Review/Giveaway of Sorts

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An Engagement of Sorts by Alene Wecker

Much to her mother’s dismay, spirited Anne Fletcher spent her youth seeking her father’s approval by hunting and riding. More comfortable in breeches than ball gowns, Anne sees the freedoms she once enjoyed slowly taken from her in the name of fashioning her into an eligible young lady. When her parents try to force her into marriage, Anne makes a desperate attempt to salvage her last vestige of independence. If she is to marry, she will do so on her own terms. 

Anne strikes a deal: if she cannot secure a man for herself, she will agree to marry the husband her parents approved. She soon finds herself in the last place she would ever choose—that stifling parade of etiquette, the London Season. Anne’s plan is in motion. Now all she needs is a man willing to masquerade as her fiancé.

This is a debut novel for Alene. She give a realistic view of someone firmly in the middle, but not content to be there.

Her characters were a little more fluid and less defined, but she had very clever dialogue.

Though there were a few character inconsistencies, I thought Alene did an incredible job of showing the difference between naivety and cleverness. I loved that Alene showed Anne’s unique cleverness, while still possessing the naivety of one who had not spent time in society, it was really well done.

I loved the overall relationship between Thomas and Anne. Their banter and pining was a fun part of the story. The story line left me intrigued and reading, but not quite enchanted. Alene has incredible potential and I’m really looking forward to what comes next from her, especially if we get a story about the colonel.

**** Low Language, Moderate Romance (trigger warning: the book does have a scene of sexual assualt, it doesn’t progress towards rape, but the moment is something Anne grapples with throughout the book), Low Violence, Low Religion

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Fairy Tale Re-tellings, Low Language, Moderate Romance, Moderate Violence, Three Stars, Young Adult

Now I’m the Bad Guy

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I’m not sure that I have a favorite genre, I mean romance…obviously. But that’s more of an umbrella that encompasses so many other genres. One of my favorites however, is fairytales. I love that they take me to an entirely different reality. I love the magic and the happily ever afters.

I love watching how authors take classic fairy tales and make them their own. When I was sent an copy of Laura Burton and Jessie Cal’s Red Arrows, knowing it was a reimagined fairy tale, I was all onboard. When I found out it was book 2, I of course, started at the beginning.

Queen of Snow by Laura Burton and Jessi Cal

I was instantly excited from book one when I realized there was some dimension traveling, a person out of their town time always adds a fun dimension (pun intended). The book was written with incredible suspense and great character development.

Though this story was obviously about the Snow Queen (and can I tell you how much I loved the different portions and variations of the fairy tale they drew upon), it wasn’t just her story. The authors intertwine side characters of various other fairy tales in an unpredictable fashion. I loved the surprises thrown at the reader.

The authors had a really interesting pull between our fate being inescapable and something we create ourselves. This underlying theme added an interesting depth to the classic stories that I really enjoyed. And then I read the ending. The ending was one more surprise that while I think could have been amazing, I wasn’t sold on.

Only because of the previous build up of fate and choices. I had felt like the story was building to strong characters breaking a mold and building their own stories, then the surprise ending seemed to pull that away. I had no problems with the plot twist, the motivation however, didn’t seem well developed. I was intrigued enough however, to immediately pick up book 2.

*** Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence (fairytale/fantasy fighting)

Red Arrows

I was impressed again with the authors use of different variations of the fairy tales and how they blended them together. The story was all together fresh with just the right amount of nods to the originals. I also really love their use of the unexpected. The story was in no way predictable, regardless of going in knowing the fairy tales. That’s really hard to do with re-tellings.

This story walked a different line than the first. The first book felt very much like K.M. Shea or Melanie Cellier’s fairy tales in their target audience and their romance levels. This one however, was a little steamier. The content never made me uncomfortable, but it is more adult than the first book.

The authors did a fantastic job in their world building, and of developing Red’s motivation. While I I didn’t think the motivation had been built right in the ending of the first book, it has added a fun over arching story line that I am now wholly invested it. Am I going to read the rest of the series, you bet! Will I recommend it to my young adult nieces, probably not.

*** Low Language, Moderate Romance (They are interrupted in the process of what was getting dangerously close to having sex, there’s nothing visually explicit, but the thoughts are there.), Moderate Violence

The Third Book Beastly Secrets was just release last week and they’re all available through KU.

4 1/2 stars, Contemporary Romance, Dystopian, Five Stars, Four Stars, High Violence, Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Young Adult

Summer Reading

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Sometimes summer is so packed that my reading tends to drift to the light and quick. This romcom is exactly what I needed and exceeded my expectations.

I Hated You First by Rachel John

Not technically an enemies to lovers story. More like, pretend enemies because of forbidden love to lovers story. You might think with that kind of premise, as well as the bosses daughter and best friend’s sister going on, it’s a cliché waiting to happen. This story however, was delightful at every turn. Though you know they end up together, you are not quite sure how it’s all going to pan out.

Rachel had really great descriptions and a tension that ebbed and flowed at all the right parts.

I was especially impressed with the way she wrote the dynamic of their relationship. Her characters had such a perfect understanding of each other that they could both poke each other and meet each other’s needs in just the right ways. This really was the recipe of a perfect romcom, their interactions brought out the best laughs and the sweetest swoons. –N.C.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

The Business Proposal by Nathaniel K. Gee

This story fits the mold of a quick romantic comedy. There were definitely some laugh out loud moments and the premise was entertaining.

It was however, a little hard to connect with the book. The writing lacked an experienced tone and the head hopping was confusing.

I did really enjoy that it was written by a man, it was a unique perspective that not many romcoms have. His male protagonist was well done and the character’s awkward bumbling made him endearing. His female character’s seemed a little stereotypical. However, I sat back and wondered, if that’s how men sound when written from a girl’s perspective. There were a few moments that made me hope that’s not how women appear to men, but as a female, I could be seeing the scenes from my personal skewed perspective. -M.V.

The book was a quick light read, and with a little more experience the author definitely has potential.

*** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s my favorite genre, I love dystopian reads. The world Sarah creates is really well built. I was pulled in from the beginning and can not wait to read the rest of the series.

I really like her characters and found myself anxiously wondering what would happen next. I love it when I can’t predict the plot of a story.

Just as a heads up, there is only one kissing scene, but quite a bit of innuendos. –A.B.

****1/2 Low Language, Moderate Romance, High Violence

Contemporary Romance, Five Stars, Four Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Three Stars, Young Adult

The Unexpected

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One of my favorite things is when an author does something unexpected. When they tackle an unexpected idea or take the plot in an unexpected way. Well I mostly love it. I always respect it, and am always impressed by it, but I don’t always love it.

Love Unexpected by Jenny Proctor

I have to admit that the story line of this book was not unexpected. It was slightly predictable, and yet, I loved this book. Like really loved it. I felt like it was incredibly real. The best kind of fiction is fiction that seems like reality.

I loved Rosie’s character from the get go. She was quirky and lovable and well developed, and yet still figuring out what she wanted. I loved that Jenny made Isaac unapologetically authentic, and then made him grow. It was excellent story telling for both their characters.

Jenny also allowed the side characters to be tangible. They weren’t two dimensional characters put in place to propel they plot along. They felt like they could be my co-worker or my friend with sound advice and lives of their own.

The substance of the story made it so, though what happened next was not unexpected, the character’s reactions were unexpected. Their vulnerability and honesty (I know she was lying for most of it, but go with me) honesty in how they felt and what they wanted, blasted all sorts of clichés out of the water.

The romance was a slow build, but perfect. I loved that it was from both of their perspectives, it didn’t take away from any surprises. There was added depth understanding how both of them were growing and adapting to the other. This story was full of heartfelt emotions and such concrete characters I’m a little bummed they’re fictional. I just could not put this book down. –NC &MV

***** Low Language, Moderate Romance (one kind of steamy make-out scene, and a few innuendos- but really clean in my book), Low Violence, Low Religion

The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson

Let’s talk a little bit more about the unexpected. Did you know there is a kissing phobia? Like it’s a legit thing: the fear of kissing. Sariah’s character Juliet has this fear. I admit the phobia seems far-fetched, and yet somehow the way she wrote it made me not doubt it for a minute.

There were a few times I would have loved to get inside Noah’s head. I am a huge fan of the dual POV, but being solely inside Juliet’s head made her fears more real and having her anxiety front and center really worked for the story.

I loved their meet cute and adored Noah’s handling of both her phobia and their developing relationship. Sariah is an expert at chemistry, and even in a book based on a kissing phobia, there was plenty of it.

I felt a little bit like there was such a focus on her scars, and with her kissing phobia, that she had been hurt in a different way. I was surprised that wasn’t the case. I admit to feeling a little pulled out of the story with how much I felt she had been tying the two together. I was glad to be wrong in this case, but do feel like the background for both her phobia and her scars was rushed a bit with how much they were interwoven in the plot.

Even though I knew the big reveal was coming, and I expected it, his response was a bit unexpected. I had to take a step back and realize, it totally fit with his character and the situation they were in. So, though a bit dramatic, it was right for the story.

Though there was a thing or two that made it so I didn’t love the story, I really did enjoy reading it. I thought Sariah did a great job with Juliet’s anxiety and fears and made the emotions real. -NC

**** Low Language, Moderate Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

The Charade by Judy Corry

Sometimes a young adult romance is exactly what I need. Judy developed the characters and their backstory really well. They both had an emotional connection and understanding that sometimes young adult novels are missing.

The dad mystery was completely unexpected. I was sure I knew the answer, and then I didn’t. It created some amazing tension in the plot and with the characters. From a moral standpoint, I’m not sure I loved the unexpected way she handled that tension, but I can completely respect it.

Judy admits in her author note that she knows “it might push things a little to far for some readers,” she knew “in order to write a story that was truly satisfying for me, I had to do it.” I love that she was true to the story she wanted to write and can admit from a technical stand point the strength and emotion the scene added to the overall story.

I must admit this book was a little more pg-13 than I expected. Mostly due to conversations and never due to physical intimacy getting out of hand on the page. It’s not something I would feel comfortable recommending to a teenager however it was really well written both in emotion and style. -NC & MV

***Low Language, Moderate Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Contemporary Romance, Five Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Violence, Moderate Romance

All My Senses

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Purchase Here: https://amzn.to/3fJJm4I

We have fallen in love with Emma St. Clair’s Love Cliche’s Series. So when she sent an email to her arc team about her next book in the series, we were so on board.

The interesting thing about this email however, is she added this note: “This book specifically deals with a main character who is neurodivergent. (I’m leaving it that vague because I don’t want to give too much away from the book.)”

I have to confess I had to google neurodivergent. What I found intrigued me.

May is Mental Health Awareness month. I’m a huge advocate for mental health. Not only because I’ve been there done that and seen how taking care of my mental health, and not, makes a difference; but also because I live with those who are still dealing with it.

I wasn’t sure if Emma’s character would have the specific diagnosis that I was familiar with, but I was excited to read it either way.

Here’s the thing, I was some what shocked when it was exactly the type of diagnosis I’m familiar with. I had no idea what our family dealt with fell into that category.

Like Emma I don’t want to give too much away, but I wanted you to understand that for the past 12 years I have loved two someones, my husband and my son, who both struggle with a neurodivergent diagnosis.

I needed you to understand this, to understand that when I say Emma did a fantastic job, you know, I know what I’m talking about.

This book made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me feel seen. My families’ diagnosis is not common, and I often have to explain to teachers, family, friends and others what it means and how it affects our every day life. Because it does affect our EVERY DAY life. Emma portrayed that beautifully.

I especially loved that it was from both Chase and Harper’s points of view. Not only did I understand Harper, because my husband and I are very open about what is hard for him, but I totally felt for Chase. It was fabulous story telling to get inside his head as well.

Lest you worry that the book won’t mean as much to you if this isn’t something you deal with, it’s has all the romantic comedy you’ve come to love from her other books as well. Between the baby goat, the skunk and Harper’s family you will love the romance and the laughter.

The growth of both Harper and Chase, in not just this area; but with their jobs, their families and their friends. Was all wonderfully woven into a story about understanding, appreciating and accepting who we are and all the hard parts of those we love.

***** Low Language, Moderate Romance (this is only due to one or two innuendos that would probably go over a teens head- just fyi) , Low Violence, Low Religion

Four Stars, Giveaway, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Regency Romance

Ever After Love

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Most people who read romance are looking for a happily ever after. We want all the feels. I’m always impressed with the diversity of stories and the range of emotions writers draw on to get to that happily ever after. But what about a book that starts after the main characters have already said “I Do”?

https://amzn.to/3eC4HMN

Rebecca Connolly actually has a few books that start this way, and she excels at them. She’s the master at showing real lasting connections and relationships. Her writing conveys such a myriad of emotions that resonates deep down with the reader. Both his guilt, her loneliness and their mutual fault was incredibly well done. It full on brought me to tears once.

Couple that with her witty dialogue and the staring. Guys, the staring. Only a superb romance writer can crank up the heat with just a look. It’s one thing to write good, clean chemistry; it’s another all together to create it with just a look.

I loved the character development. They were beautifully flawed individuals and I loved the growth Rebecca wrote from both of them. The setbacks, and the realizations were paced really well.

And the shout outs, I love when old characters play side parts in new books, it makes my heart happy. Some of my favorite lines was advice, good or otherwise, from friends to either Lily or Thomas. The dialogue was so well done!

I do have to warn you though. This book will give you an aching need to go to Cornwall. Between Rebecca’s incredible descriptions and the emotions she infuses into them, you will be hard pressed not to book a trip the moment you finish the book. Who wants to go to Cornwall with me??

We’ve teamed up with Rebecca for a give away! The help of good friends (whether helpful or not) was a huge part of this story. So tag someone below who has been a true friend or given you great advice and You AND They will win a signed copy of Something Old!

*****Low Language, Moderate Romance (guys this rating I feel is tricky. Technically it falls here, they are married after all. However it was handled so well and incredibly tasteful that it feels low, but semantics wise it’s moderate. Shoot us a comment or message it you want more info.) Low Violence, Low Religion

Contemporary Romance, Four Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Three Stars

Spring Break in Book Form

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The perfect reading solution to a packed family fun filled Spring Break: RomComs. They’re light and fun and happy. They’re like Spring Break in book form!

Dashing into Disaster by Rachel John

I was so impressed with how Rachel contemporized Sense and Sensibility. Jane Austen retellings can be tricky. People are often are so invested in the original story that they have strong opinions on even minor details.

I was a little curious how she was going to swing the whole, he’s secretly engaged thing, and I thought it was so clever! I was a little bummed that Edward’s situation was known so early, part of the depth of the novel I always thought came from Elinor’s emotions be held onto so tight for so long. Rachel won me over very quickly with her spin on things. The emotions were still there, raw and real. Rachel wrote with fantastic romantic tension and excellent plot set up.

There were so many details that the author made sure to include in her retelling that made it resonate with the original. Her characters were spot on. Lucy was fabulous, adding the perfect amount of manipulation and doubt to the story. The Marianne, Will, Brandon love triangle was really well done.

I loved the multiple points of view. The only character I struggled with a little bit was Edward. One of my favorite things about him in Sense and Sensibility is that even though he fell for Elinor, he never crossed a line. I get that this is contemporary and the different set up lent for different characterization, but it didn’t seem true to the Edward that I love. (In case you’re wondering I’ve always been more of an Edward fan than a Darcy fan, so that might have something to do with it. I know, crazy but true.)

All in all though, I thought this re-telling was done remarkably well, and I would highly recommend it to Austen lovers and Contemporary Romance lovers alike. -NC

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Falling for Your Fake Fiancé by Emma St. Clair

Guys, I’m so in love with this series! The Love Cliche’s RomCom series is laugh out loud, heartwarmingly entertaining.

Sometimes in contemporary romances the character development gets overlooked in favor of chemistry or drama, but not in this series. I promise you will be invested in the characters from Book One and NEED to read all of them! There is depth in their backstories, their emotions and their romance.

The author balances those things, the character development, the humor, the drama and the chemistry really well. There are one or two lines that push it to being moderate on our romance scale, but there’s never a moment that I feel embarrassed of what I read. Just the right amount of heat and pluck.

There were so many times through out the novel that I thought, “that was adorable.” The romance was wonderfully well developed. If you haven’t read these we think you should! But, we would recommend starting with Falling for Your Best Friend’s Twin, you can see our review of it here. -MV & NC

I also read the cute spin off novella The Twelve Holidates this past weekend, so cute guys, seriously! Such a fabulous blend of chemistry and laughter. -NC

**** Low Language, Moderate Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Kiss Me Now by Melanie Jacobson

The writing in this novel was great and the storyline was cute. I especially liked that it had nothing to do with online dating. 😉

I really enjoyed the characters and loved their individualness and growth. I love home remodeling and gardening and I hate spiders, so I feel like Brooke and I could be kindred spirits. Except for the fact that I had one in my kitchen sink the same morning I read about her funny run in with the flower spiders. I don’t blame her one bit for her reaction, but I do feel like she jinxed me.

Trigger warning: It deals with sexual assault. It’s discussed as having happened, but you don’t live the experience with her, just fyi. -MV

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Honeycombs and Homecomings by Ellie Thornton

I have to admit I was a little unsure going in about the small town guy leaves the girl behind to make it big cliche, but it was unique enough to keep me reading. I loved the added suspense with a bit of humor. It added depth to the story without making me feel too much like a wuss. There was a time or two I thought there was a little too much unnecessary drama, but over all I really enjoyed the story.

The flashbacks gave more meaning to his leaving than just to make it big, and more emotion to their relationship, those were an excellent added part to the story.

I loved the twin thing, the contrast between the two girls really fleshed out Jo’s characters and got me anxiously awaiting Allie’s story that releases next week!

Though I wasn’t instantly in love with the story I did end up really liking it.

*** Low Language, Low romance, Low Violence, Low Religion