Review: Well Traveled (Jen DeLuca)

Well Traveled
Series: Well Met, #4
Author: Jen DeLuca

Publication Date: December 6, 2022
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

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.

A high-powered attorney from a success-oriented family, Louisa “Lulu” Malone lives to work, and everything seems to be going right, until the day she realizes it’s all wrong. Lulu’s cousin Mitch introduced her to the world of Renaissance Faires, and when she spies one at a time just when she needs an escape, she leaps into the welcoming environment of turkey legs, taverns, and tarot readers. The only drawback? Dex MacLean: a guitarist with a killer smile, the Casanova of the Faire… and her traveling companion for the summer.

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’s 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?


I am a big fan of the Well Met series. There is something so magical about the renaissance faire world Jen DeLuca has created. I was super excited to read Well Traveled. Unfortunately, I had some mixed feelings about it in the end. I’m going to start out with the things that kept me from loving this book and end with the good stuff.

The stuff that kept me from giving this one 5 stars:

  • Some of the magic of the Willow Creek Faire setting was missing. It was fun to hear about other faires, but those woods were part of the first books magic.
  • I wasn’t so sure of Dex because of his ladies’ man persona prior to this book. His switch to misunderstood felt a little awkward knowing some of his history. Not that I didn’t love the switch.
  • The biggest thing was the first half of the book. To be honest, I got bored. It was all about Lulu and her finding herself. There wasn’t enough Dex in the first half to feel like a romance novel. Lulu thought he was hot, but I didn’t necessarily feel their chemistry. Maybe there needed to be more interactions between them or something. I don’t know.

The 5 star material:

  • Jen DeLuca’s writing.
  • I loved the way this book started out with Lulu and her phone.
  • Lula was a strong, independent woman.
  • Lulu and Mitch’s relationship as cousins.
  • Seeing Stacey and Daniel and all of the band while they did their things.
  • I loved all of the fortune teller stuff.
  • The last half of the book after the romance started.
  • How smart and caring Dex was when it came to his family and friends.
  • Lulu and Dex together were sweet and had great chemistry once they really interacted.
  • The ending was adorable.

If the first half of the book would have been more like the second half, I think I would have fallen in love with this book. It was good, but I needed less set up and more togetherness. I do think other readers (maybe those who are more likely to read women’s fiction) might enjoy this one more than I did. Not to say that I didn’t end up liking it — I did.

Review: A Very Merry Bromance (Lyssa Kay Adams)

Happy Halloween to those who celebrate! It feels REALLY weird to be posting a review for a Christmas romance on Halloween day, but then it also maybe makes sense with how all the holiday stuff is probably going to be out in the stores as soon as today’s over.

A Very Merry Bromance
Series: Bromance Book Club, #5
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams

Publication Date: November 1, 2022
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis: 

‘Tis the season for a Bromance Book Club matchmaking mission! This time, they’re pulling out the mistletoe for everyone’s favorite country music star, Colton, and his second chance at love.

Country music’s golden boy Colton Wheeler felt the most perfect harmony when he was with Gretchen Winthrop. But for her, it was a love him and leave him situation. A year later, Colton is struggling to push his music forward in a new direction. If it weren’t about to be the most magical time of year and the support of the Bromance Book Club, he’d be wallowing in self-pity.

It’s hard for immigration attorney Gretchen not to feel a little Scrooge-ish about the excess of Christmas when her clients are scrambling to afford their rent. So when her estranged, wealthy family reaches out with an offer that will allow her to better serve the community, she’s unable to say no. She just needs to convince Colton to be the new face of her family’s whiskey brand. No big deal…

Colton agrees to consider Gretchen’s offer in exchange for three dates before Christmas. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, Colton throws himself into the task of proving to her there’s a spark between them. But Gretchen and Colton will both need to overcome the ghosts of Christmas past to build a future together.


A holiday romance full of Bromance Book Club characters? The answer will always be YES. A Very Merry Bromance was so much fun. There was a lot to love about it. We’re finally getting country music star Colton’s story and it couldn’t have been sweeter.

I am not sure what I was expecting from Colton Wheeler, but I loved his character. He might have been famous, but he was also down to Earth. Colton knew fame was fleeting and was thankful for the things in life that mattered. I loved his relationships with his friends and his family. The way he felt about Gretchen was sweet. I loved how he approached the challenge of winning her heart.

Gretchen was a tough nut to crack. She was the grump in the grumpy-sunshine mix of this book. Her life growing up had been just as hard as it had been easy. I loved how she wanted to do good in the world. I also liked how Colton wedged his way into her heart.

Colton and Gretchen together were so much fun. There was a great push and pull to their relationship. The way the explored a relationship and got to know each other better was highly entertaining. I loved their emotional connection.

One of my favorite things, of course, were all the friends and family included in Colton and Gretchen’s romance. I will never get enough of the band of brothers supporting each other from the book club. Their wives/significant others also show up in great ways. Then there were the new additions of Colton’s family and Gretchen’s family. Both were great for opposite reasons. And then there was the not quite book club member Cheese Man. Yes, he’s back and just as cheesy as ever. It was a smorgasbord of great side characters.

As for the holidays, since this is a holiday romance and all… I loved how it was very Christmas-y without going overboard. There was the right amount of holiday references and cute holiday moments without taking over the story in a bad way. I liked how it all tied into Colton and Gretchen’s story.

My only complaint is one that I also had with the last one. There’s a book within a book here. With this story already being in third person, it was hard to transition from the “real” couple to the “fictional” one. I didn’t feel passages from the book they were reading needed to be included. It didn’t do anything to the story for me other than distract. They took time away from Colton and Gretchen.

I loved A Very Merry Bromance. It was a solid addition to this series. This is a series I will never get enough of. The Bromance Book Club characters are like a family I want to be a part of. They’re the best of friends, supportive of each other (even when one of them is being stupid), and they read romance novels. It’s always a good time. I hope there are more books to come.

Mini Reviews: Engagement and Espionage (Reid) & Batter of Wits (Sorensen)

Engagement and Espionage
Series: Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries, #1
Author: Penny Reid
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
Publisher: Cipher-Naught
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

If you’re a fan of Cletus Winston and his baker love Jenn Donner, you will most likely enjoy Engagement and Espionage. It’s a fun cozy mystery filled with antics that can only be attributed to Cletus. Plus, getting more of Cletus and Jenn’s relationship was so fulfilling. They are a couple of favorite characters of mine and I’m so glad there are more books in this series to come.

Batter of Wits
Series: Love at First Sight, #4
Author: Karla Sorensen
Publication Date: April 21, 2020
Publisher: Smartypants Romance
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I’m always a little hesitant to read a book by one author set in a world created by another author. I’m afraid that it just won’t have the right “feel” to it. Penny Reid’s writing style, settings, and characters are one of a kind. Her Green Valley, home of the Winston brothers, has a special place in my heart. I have read a couple books in this world now, and neither of them quite reflected the setting or style I expected. This is all a big build up to say that Karla Sorensen is the first author who has managed to write her own unique characters and do Green Valley justice. Batter of Wits felt like coming home to Green Valley, and that’s a good thing. I loved Grace and Tucker. Their love story had some uncomfortable bumps, but it was fun.

Series Review: Love (Jillian Dodd)

Vegas Love
Series: Love, #1
Author: Jillian Dodd
Publication Date: November 2, 2015
Publisher: Jillian Dodd, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Vegas Love is a book that sat on my Kindle for years after I downloaded for free. I’m not sure why I never picked it up, but when I started the New-to-Me Author Summer Bingo challenge it fit perfectly for one of my bingo squares. I’m glad it did because I enjoyed it so much!

What did I love about it? Ashlyn and Cash were hilarious together. Their whole night in Vegas had me cracking up. They were perfect for each other from the moment they met. I also loved how sweet Cash was and how he took care of Ashlyn so many times. Cash’s family was so much fun, too. They added to all the sweetness of the story.

What didn’t I love? At times, I had a hard time equating Ashlyn to who Cade said she was. Some of her habits didn’t line up with what I thought based on her mother’s problems, but I guess everyone deals with things differently.

Overall, this was an entertaining romance that had me swooning and hurrying to download the next book from Kindle Unlimited.

Broken Love
Series: Love, #2
Author: Jillian Dodd
Publication Date: June 21, 2016
Publisher: Jillian Dodd, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

This second book was cute. I’m not normally one for flashbacks, but the ones in here helped give the story of the first time Palmer and Cade were together so I didn’t really mind them. It actually helped solidify their current relationship, which would have felt very insta-lovey without them. I loved both the characters and couldn’t wait from them to get everything worked out. Palmer and Cade’s second chance at romance was fun and sweet read.

Overall, Love was a fun series. I will be reading more of Jillian Dodd’s books in the future. I do have one question, though. Does anyone know if Fake Love (Love, #3) will ever be released? I saw it on Goodreads but couldn’t find any information about it. I would love to read it!

Review: Justified (Jay Crownover)

Justified
Series: Loveless, Texas, #1
Author: Jay Crownover
Publication Date: June 25, 2019
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

The New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers a romance about a rugged Texas sheriff who must protect the woman who was once his sworn enemy…

Case Lawton comes from a family of criminals. So as the sheriff of Loveless, Texas, he’s determined to do everything by the book–until he’s called to Aspen Barlow’s office after a so-called break-in. The last thing he wants to do is help the woman who cost him custody of his son. But Aspen isn’t the heartless lawyer Case remembers, and he starts to question his long-held grudge…

Aspen is scared for her life, and Case is her last hope for protection. But to get him on her side, she’ll have to reveal the painful truth from all those years ago. Now, as they work together to track down a dangerous criminal, Case and Aspen learn to trust each other. And as the threats escalate, it becomes clear there’s a thin line between love and hate… because there’s nothing Case wouldn’t do to keep her safe.


Justified was one of those solid romantic reads. Aspen and Case were enemies at the start and their dramatic interactions were perfect. I loved how Case hated her while Aspen wished he didn’t. They way their walls came down when they were forced to share space and trust each other was fun to read. Things went quickly between them, but it felt natural with all that was going on.

And there was a ton going on! I’m not normally into romantic suspense but Justified had just the right kind and amount of it. I was very curious to know who had it out for Aspen and why. I have to admit I was shocked who was behind everything. I didn’t see it coming at all!

One of my favorite things about this book was Case’s relationship with his son, Hayes. It really showed what a great man Case was. I liked how he supported his son when it came to his mother and relationships with girls. I also liked how Aspen fit into that relationship.

Justified was another great romance by Jay Crownover. There wasn’t one thing I didn’t like about it. I truly enjoyed every minute I spent with it. I can’t wait to read what’s next in this series!

Review: Rose (Elle Casey)

Rose
Series: Red Hot Love, #3
Author: Elle Casey
Publication Date: July 12, 2018
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:


If you haven’t read the Red Hot Love series, it’s the story of three women raised as sisters on a hippy commune in Maine. Their mothers created the commune to hide them all from their rock star fathers. When the men learned about their possible daughters, they sent a lawyer out to contact them to offer a meeting with the band and a large sum of money. Each book is about one of the sister’s experiences of falling love and getting to know the men who could be her father. Rose is third and final sister Rose’s book.

Rose was my favorite book in the Red Hot Love series. It still had an insta-love feel to it like the previous books, but it was less of one because of Rose’s beau. Greg Lister, Red Hot’s lawyer, has been around since the first book and his relationship with Rose felt like a natural progression. The timeline in the book did make the blossoming of their relationship feel fast, but that was okay for me. I really liked Rose and Lister together.

Another thing I really liked was the bit of mystery surrounding Rose’s animal shelter. Things started happening and I thought I knew where the story was going, but I didn’t. It went where I wasn’t expecting. I liked that.

My biggest gripe with this book was the conclusion. We. Still. Don’t. Know. Who. The. Fathers. Are!!! It killed me. I have wanted to know this from the very beginning. It’s kind of why I started reading this series in the first place! This isn’t really that spoiler-y because I feel like I knew I wasn’t ever going to find out, but STILL!!!

Even though I didn’t get my answers, Rose was a fun, quick read. It was a good ending to the Red Hot Love series. I think fans of this series will really enjoy it.

Review: The Hot One (Lauren Blakely)

The Hot One
Series: One Love, #2
Author: Lauren Blakely
Publication Date: February 27, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

A sexy new standalone romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Lauren Blakely…

Ever notice that sometimes a guy will do something really stupid, like let the love of his life slip through his fingers?

Yeah. I’m that guy. But the moment I run into the woman I once loved madly, I’ve got one goal and one goal only—a second chance. The plan? Go big or go home.

Fine, at first glance, stripping naked at my ex-girlfriend’s place of work might not seem like the brightest way to win her heart again. But trust me on this count—she always liked me best without any clothes on. And you’ve got to play to your strengths when you’re fighting an uphill battle. As a lawyer, I know how to fight, and I’m prepared to fight hard for her. Because sometimes you need a second chance at first love.

He’s the one who got away . . .
The nerve of Tyler Nichols to reappear like that at my job, showing off his rock-hard body that drove me wild far too many nights. That man with his knowing grin and mischievous eyes is nothing but a cocky jerk to saunter back into my life. Except, what if he’s not . . .? I’ve tried like hell to forget him, but maybe I’m cursed to remember the guy I fell madly in love with eight years ago. Lord knows I’m not over him, so what’s the harm in giving him a week to prove he’s changed in the ways that matter?

After all, how do you resist the hot one…


The Hot One could have been called The Cute One because it was so freaking cute…but I doubt Tyler Nichols would have been satisfied with that title. The guy was off the charts hot. Not only did his body sound like a sin I’d love to commit, but his actions also to win back Delaney’s heart made me swoon. Tyler may have been a tad bit cocky and impulsive, but he gave his all and his heart. I loved that he wasn’t afraid to admit to his failures.

I didn’t blame Delaney for not wanting to immediately accept Tyler back into her life. She had all the right reasons to avoid his temptation. I loved that she was strong on her own but wanted to find someone “normal” to share her life with. The way Tyler wore down Delaney’s defenses was so much fun to read, and oh so sexy!

The Hot One was a very fun second chance romance. I enjoyed every minute of reading it. I don’t think I even put the book down once. The only thing I would have loved to see more of in this story was Lauren Blakely’s trademark humor. There was some sprinkled throughout, but I would have loved even more. I can’t get enough of her witty writing!

Fans of the One Love series of standalone novels are going to love The Hot One, and so will readers new to the series. It’s a fun, fresh take on the second chance romance. I highly recommend reading it.

Review: Sexy Lies and Rock & Roll (Sawyer Bennett)

Sexy Lies and Rock & Roll
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Publication Date: November 14, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis:

Opposites attract. Then they fall in love.

From New York Times Bestselling author, Sawyer Bennett, comes a SEXY new standalone romance…

When you’re a rock god, fame and fortune are your two best friends, but they can be fickle bitches. Everyone wants a piece of me, and I have no clue how to deal with it all. I’m being sued, pressured to sign contracts, and fending off rabid women who want to steal my virtue.
Well, not that I really have any virtue, but still… my life has turned completely bat-shit crazy.
That’s why I need Emma Peterson. She got me out of a bit of a jam once, and I know she can do it again. The only problem is that sweet, prim and totally strait-laced Emma doesn’t want anything to do with me. Not professionally, and certainly not personally.
It’s not that I want her in that way. Let’s be realistic… it would take a crowbar of epic proportions to get her to spread those legs for me.
No, I only want her legal expertise and for her to make sense of my crazy world. It’s a good thing I have just the leverage to make her do my bidding, because her refusal is not an option.

*Sexy Lies and Rock & Roll is a hot, romantic comedy stand alone.


If you’re looking for a fun, sensual rock star romance Sexy Lies and Rock & Roll is the book for you. It’s filled with Sawyer Bennett’s talented writing and flirty humor. This story isn’t as deep or surprising as some of her other books I’ve read, but it was a light and entertaining read.

Sexy Lies and Rock & Roll started out really strong and different from other rock star romances I’ve read. I liked the way Evan and Emma met, and the way they butted heads. It gave their romance an almost enemies to lovers feel that was exciting. After that, it became more like other rock star romances I’ve read. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just kept this book from standing out more from others.

I liked Evan and Emma. Evan was exactly how you picture a rock star. He was cocky and charismatic. He was also what you hope any celebrity is really like — a down to earth good guy. Emma was uptight and guarded. I was going to say I didn’t quite believe that her character could be so prudish in real life, but then I remembered someone I used to know. Emma could have been based on this woman. Her style, looks and attitude were exactly the same! Evan and Emma’s differences made for an interesting and super sexy love affair!

Overall, Sexy Lies and Rock & Roll was a cute rock star romance. I enjoyed the characters and their journey to love. Fans of Sawyer Bennett are sure to love it, as will contemporary romance fans.

Review: Matt (R.C. Ryan)

 Matt
Series: The Malloys of Montana, #1
Author: R.C. Ryan
Publication Date: April 26, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis:

A MALLOYS OF MONTANA NOVEL
Wild Horses Couldn’t Drag Him Away From Her

Raised beneath the big Montana sky, Matt Malloy was never meant to be a jet-setting businessman. But he’ll do anything to protect the family ranch he shares with his brothers. Coming home after a two-week trip to Italy, Matt wants nothing more than to shed his suit and tie for a well-worn pair of jeans and ride his horse up to the cabin for some alone time. The last thing he needs is a big-city lawyer invading his privacy-even if she is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen . . .

Vanessa Kettering has devoted her life to her work. As a passionate animal rights defender, she doesn’t have room for anything else. But from the moment she meets Matt, she’s taken with this rugged cowboy’s lazy smile and tender touch. When a raging storm traps them inside his cabin for the night, one steamy kiss leads to another, sweeping them away with a force that’s as wild and untamed as the land he loves. But when the morning light comes, will she lose her heart?


Matt, the first book in R.C. Ryan’s new The Malloys of Montana series, is a classic contemporary romance novel. Matt and Vanessa meet and instantly are attracted to each other. Almost immediately, a circumstance arises that pushes them together. They slowly fall in love while trying to avoid the dangers advancing on them.

I really enjoyed Matt. The Montana scenery was beautiful and was a great backdrop for the story. Matt and Vanessa’s characters were well developed and had great chemistry. There was just enough suspense woven throughout the story to keep the reader on edge wondering what was going to happen next.

Contemporary romance readers who enjoy stories where a small-town rancher falls in love with a big city girl are sure to love Matt.

Review: Give Me Yesterday (K. Webster & Elle Christensen)

Give Me Yesterday
Authors: K. Webster, Elle Christensen
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis:

High powered divorce lawyer, Victoria Larkin, is known as the ice queen. Tough. Emotionless. What they don’t know, is that ten years ago, she lost everything. Including her hope for the future.

Chase Monroe struggles with his own demons. Devastated by guilt and on a mission to correct his past, he uses his skills as a college psychology professor to help others move beyond their grief.

When Victoria is forced to attend grief counselling, she meets Chase, and there is an instant attraction. Chase is determined to help her confront her past and find happiness. Victoria is afraid to relive her pain.

Just as they begin to step forward, tragedy strikes and throws them backwards, and they find themselves, once again, shackled to the past.

Can Chase and Victoria find the path to a happy future together? Or will they forever be wishing for yesterday?

**Recommended 18+ due to language and sexual content.


Once a month, I’m buddy reading a book off the list from HuffPost Books Oh, You Little Heartbreaker! The Ultimate List of Ugly Cry Novels with my favorite Goodreads group. This month, we decided to read Give Me Yesterday. Give Me Yesterday was a sad, but hopeful book.

Ten years ago, Victoria’s nightmares came true. In order to cope with her devastation, she’s shut down all emotions and made herself into a machine. It’s worked well for her as a lawyer until she has one epic meltdown in front of everyone at work. Now, Victoria’s been given one chance to redeem herself and keep her job by attending group grief counseling.

Victoria isn’t thrilled to be attending counseling. She doesn’t need it like all those other losers do. She’s got everything under control. But the leader of the group, Chase, isn’t about to let Victoria off so easily. Chase has made it his mission to make Victoria let go and face her biggest fears. Their attraction to each other gives Chase the edge he needs to crack her tough demeanor.

Victoria isn’t the only one dealing with grief, though. Chase may be Victoria’s strength, but he’s got demons that own him. Guilt constantly haunts and eats away at him. His relationship with Victoria gives him a new hope for the future.

As Victoria and Chase begin to come to terms with their pasts, they find a love in each other that helps heal the pain. Unfortunately, their love for each other is put in jeopardy when the past comes back to haunt them.

Give Me Yesterday was a well written collaboration between K. Webster and Elle Christensen. Victoria and Chase’s characters were complex and well-developed. Their chemistry was super sexy and the way they supported each other was sweet.

The only thing I didn’t like about Give Me Yesterday was the predictability of the plot. I knew from around Chapter 8 what the outcome was going to be. There weren’t really any surprises, and it made the story drag a bit toward the end. I also wasn’t a fan of the very last part of the epilogue of the book. It just felt like it was added on as an afterthought and didn’t feel like it was needed.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Give Me Yesterday because I loved the characters the authors created.