This is an emotionally lovely historical romance featuring a trans woman and her childhood best friend and so much pining! Two years after the war, things are not going well for either Viola or Gracewood. Viola used it as an opportunity to change her future, but while she’s happy as a lady’s companion to herRead the Post
Review: Blame It on the Brontes – Annie Sereno
I usually love second chance romances and the blurb sounded right up my alley, but unfortunately this one just didn’t work for me. “Find Garland, write the book,” she repeated like a mantra with every strike of a foot against pavement. “Save your job.” Athena’s an assistant English professor given an impossible assignment: find outRead the Post
Review: In a New York Minute – Kate Spencer
The author’s letter at the start of the book states that she set out to write a book influenced by all those zany 90s rom-coms set in New York City. And she meets that goal spectacularly! Hilarious meet-disaster? Check. Complete opposites? Check. Touristy things around NYC? Check! This book is ridiculously charming and adorable andRead the Post
Review: Love & Other Disasters – Anita Kelly
That cover is incredibly gorgeous, and it actually accurately represents the main characters! Dahlia’s hair! London’s freckles! And like the cover, this book is just plain adorable. The authenticity of their feelings was such a breath of fresh air and I loved every bit. Dahlia is still reeling from her divorce, but cooking is theRead the Post
Review: The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane – Jeannie Chin
Every once in a while I get an itch for a small town romance, but the lack of diversity and the suspension of disbelief (sure, every small town can support a cupcake bakery and a bookstore and a yarn shop and a cute coffee shop and…) can get a bit grating. But this book? ItRead the Post
Review: No Ordinary Christmas – Belle Calhoune
It’s no secret that I love second chance romances and holiday romances, so one that combined the two? Should’ve been a homerun. Unfortunately, while there was quite a bit of both that worked, the book overall didn’t hit well for me. Dante and Lucy grew up together in the little town of Mistletoe, Maine. They’d beenRead the Post
Review: How Sweet It Is – Dylan Newton
Content notes: This book is adorable and hilarious, full of over-the-top rom-com hijinx and basically cute as heck. It’s set during the fall in a small town in western NY and has a delightfully cozy (and a little bit spooky) vibe. Definitely perfect to go with a pumpkin spice candle and some warm apple cider!Read the Post
Review: Accidentally Engaged – Farah Heron
Content warnings: Ok, this book is absolutely adorable. Delicious food, family shenanigans, drunk cooking show audition videos, fake engagement, sourdough-relate antic – it’s got it all. One of my favorite things about the fake-relationship trope is when authors use it to explore how and why the characters keep secrets, and it was done masterfully. WhenRead the Post
Review: Second Chance on Cypress Lane – Reese Ryan
Content warnings: Dear world, please give me more Black small town romances like this! This is a thoroughly enjoyable second-chance romance with an insane amount of pining. Though it’s releasing during the usual holiday novel season, it’s actually more of a beach read, as it starts with the town’s Fourth of July festival. Dakota isRead the Post
Review: Forever with You – Barb Curtis
Content warnings: I’m a big fan of the second chances trope, so of course I jumped on this book. Plus, it’s set in the Niagra Falls wine country area, which I love. I’m not a drinker, but for whatever reason, I’m a big fan of romances involving vinters, and it’s nice to see something that’sRead the Post