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Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Glow Job by Kristen Bailey

 


4*

Both Ben and Chloe are workaholics in careers they love but which are wearing them down. When Ben inherits his uncle’s Spanish villa, his sisters convince him to host a retreat which turns out to be less than expected (What, no goat yoga?), but much more than Ben and his stressed out first guests could have ever hoped for. Situated on the gorgeous island of Ibiza (which the author describes so beautifully), this friends to lovers romcom had me alternating between envy, because Ben is such a perfect book boyfriend, and hilarity. There is goat-wrangling, tussles with mean girls at a beach party, DIY face masks gone wrong, and startling discoveries at a tucked away beach complete with natural mud baths. There’s also the sweet and steamy budding relationship that any red-blooded fan of the genre will thoroughly enjoy.


If you’re looking for a light-hearted, laugh out loud romance to read this summer, look no further than Kristen Bailey’s Glow Job.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Saturday, July 11, 2026

The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren

The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren

5*

As always, writing duo Christina Lauren have written a multi-faceted romance I couldn’t put down. If I’m recollecting correctly, this is the first time they’ve delved into science fiction (I don’t count The Soulmate Equation) and I found the premise fascinating. Workaholic Emery meets landscaper (and perfect book boyfriend) Luca at her cousin’s wedding, and it’s love at first sight despite them being polar opposites. Two months later they’re married and the story picks up on their third anniversary. It’s not until tragedy strikes that Emery realizes how out of whack her work-life balance has become, but they’re given a second chance (thanks to the invention Emery has spent her entire adult life developing), if only Luca could remember her.

For the most part, this is a relatively light-hearted romance, but there is the challenge of reconnecting & repairing their marriage, the top-secret medical research, and a compelling mystery thriller involving corporate espionage and murder. The authors have struck a perfect balance between a marriage in trouble, steamy romance, nosy neighbors, unforgettable friends (who I hope get their own book), and the villains who will stop at nothing to get their hands on Emery’s discovery. Luca is an absolutely swoonworthy cinnamon roll and Emery is a dedicated scientist and former child prodigy who chose (motivated by the grief over losing her parents) to put her work ahead of the husband she loves with a passion. My favorite parts of the book are the scenes where they realize how much they love each other and the tenderness between them. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Most Ardently Yours by Freya Sampson

Most Ardently Yours by Freya Sampson


4*

They say that you should never meet your heroes….and it appears that extends to book boyfriends as well. Aspiring romance writer Zoe Knight has given up on love, but still believes in happily ever afters, only with book boyfriends who can’t disappoint her. Who better than Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, the perfect man she fell in love with while sharing the story with her late mother. Sound impossible? Guess again, because after berating a handsome London bookstore owner, Nick Baskerville, for refusing to sell romance books, she finds and absconds with a marked up copy of Jane Austen’s classic novel. To her surprise, she somehow wishes Darcy into existence. and what ensues is a hilarious fish out of water scenario that somehow seems to humanize the erudite, taciturn Darcy. (Yes, I’m using multisyllabic words in his honor.) As he experiences everything from underground trains to Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Zoe begins to realize that book boyfriends are best left on the page and that she may have misjudged bookseller Nick.

This unique enemies to lovers romance requires a suspension of disbelief because the premise is so improbable. However, it’s so much fun reading about Darcy’s experiences in modern-day London that it was easy to put my reservations about the plot aside. I loved how Darcy helped Zoe realize that she is the hero of her own story, and that she shouldn’t compare her writing to anyone else’s (especially the nasty ex who made her lose confidence in her abilities). Ardent Jane Austen fans will probably have strong feelings about this book, but readers who love book boyfriends mixed with a huge helping of magical realism will be happy for the experience. Recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Sourcebooks Landmark through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Every Version of You by Natalie Messier

 

5*

This is one of the most well-written and entertaining debut novels I’ve ever read and fans of Kirsty Greenwood and Ashley Poston will eat this up.

On the surface, this is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance that has the added element of postmortem time travel. What would you do if, after dying and finding yourself in a tacky 1970s afterlife waiting room, you were offered the chance for a do-over? That’s what Joey (Josephine) Vasquez is asked when she dies in a car accident after leaving a dinner party thrown by the love of her life who is now married and expecting a baby with his wife. Add to the mix Alex Aquino, another college acquaintance who she hates with a passion, and it’s bound to get messy. Dig deeper though, and it’s also an opportunity to reflect on what different choices you’d make to improve on a former life that made you unhappy and lonely, mostly because they were made because of your parents’ wishes.

Although Messier alludes to the idea that any changes a time traveler makes can have an immense ripple effect, I really enjoyed the idea of a 30-something navigating life again in an 18-year-old body with raging hormones and an under-developed frontal lobe. It was also interesting to see Joey reflect on the idea of friendship, how it grows (or fails to) and how it can fall apart due to distance. Ultimately, though, this is a romance between two people who have a passionate connection that epitomizes the fine line between love and hate. If you like romances in which the MMC has a huge redemption arc and that include the magical realism trope, you’ll love Every Version of You. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


Monday, June 29, 2026

Rewrite the Stars by Lindsay Hameroff

 Rewrite the Stars by Lindsay Hameroff



5*

In a genre that sometimes seems overpopulated with teens to 20-somethings, it’s so refreshing to have a romance with main characters in their late 30s who have the maturity to know what they want, even as their baggage tries to weigh them down. Marissa is a famous actor who has become irrelevant after making the choice to sideline her career to raise her children, one of whom has autism. In order to escape the tabloid frenzy after her unfaithful ex-husband gets engaged just six months post-divorce, she decides to take the kids to the Poconos lake home she’s inherited from her grandmother, a place with positive memories and, as it turns out, handsome contractor Jesse who has had quite the glow-up from when they knew each other as pre-teens. Marissa has been used to putting the needs of everyone before her own, so Jesse is a breath of fresh air who supports her and encourages her to fight for what she wants, both personally and professionally.

Although this steamy romance satisfies in that regard, there’s much more depth to this story of childhood friends to lovers. Hameroff, an autism mom herself, does a wonderful job of portraying the challenges Marissa faces raising her neurodivergent child Levi while also demonstrating how capable, loving, and healthy he is. There’s even a particular bit of dialogue that highlights how misinformed people can be about children on the spectrum. In a nod to Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Productions and Book Club, Marissa fights to feature female authors’ novels and to give women in the notoriously misogynistic film industry the opportunity to shine. Between this focus and the willingness to make sacrifices to make Jesse’s and her relationship work, she rewrites the stars by forging her own path. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from St. Martin’s Griffin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

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Thursday, June 18, 2026

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

 

5*

Knowing that the TV adaptation of Every Summer After had premiered and that most book readers felt it strayed too far from the original, I decided to read the book instead of watching, and I’m so glad I did. Seeing as Christina Lauren’s Love and Other Words is one of my top five romances, it makes sense that I absolutely adored this book that many reviewers have compared it to. My favorite tropes are childhood friends to lovers and second chance romance, so it’s no surprise that I couldn’t put this one down.

As teens, it’s so easy to misinterpret texts and emails and expect the worst, but in hindsight, as adults, realize that decisions were made with incomplete knowledge due to poor communication skills. There were some doozies in this story that further complicated Sam and Percy’s relationship, but after more than a decade’s separation, these two beautiful people finally reunite for his mother’s funeral. They have a lot of baggage, but the hope is that they can find resolution and forgiveness and work their way back to each other.

Fortune has drawn beautiful, flawed characters and uses the setting of the Canadian lake to full effect. The chemistry is palpable, the dialogue flows, and the dual timeline in Percy’s voice works seamlessly. Now I can’t wait to read her other books. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Jove Berkley through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Monday, June 15, 2026

Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages by Jenny Colgan

 

4*

It was so nice to revisit the Scottish coastal village of Carso and a number of characters from Colgan’s previous books. Once I got used to the British slang and colloquial phrases scattered throughout, I was able to fully immerse myself in this double romance. As with all of Colgan’s books, there’s a big, potentially damaging problem to solve which anyone with even a basic knowledge of finance saw coming a mile away. Luckily, the village came together to make everything right.

Central to the story is the strained relationship between Janey and her daughter Essie who blames her mother for her parents’ divorce rather than her cheating father. It took a considerable amount of growing up for Essie to see the kind, caring woman that everyone else recognizes. I appreciated the mature, slow burn romance between Lowell and Janey and that the smarmy, stuck-up finance bros (including Essie’s (ex) boyfriend) got their comeuppance. Dog lovers will enjoy the subplot of a litter of puppy mutts, too. Recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


Thursday, June 11, 2026

Tropesick by Lauren Okie

Tropesick by Lauren Okie

3*

I don’t know what to think about this story, especially since I’m not a fan of heavy topics in my romances. It’s a dark romance with an MMC, Tyler, who has major baggage and the girl next door/best friend’s sister, Katie, who, despite her own grief and estrangement from her parents, still manages to be positive and bright. Initially, I thought this would be like a few other popular books on the market that feature dueling ghostwriters, but the depth of grief and guilt in Tropesick tended to overshadow the romance. I was surprised by the plot twist at the end, and couldn’t figure out what the point of it was. There are no trigger warnings, but I think there should be for addiction and accidental death. If you like romances in which a main character has a huge redemption arc, you’ll probably enjoy this story, but if you prefer less angst and a faster pace, this may not be the right choice for you.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Romantic Hero by Kirsty Greenwood




5*

Gertie always saw herself as half of a whole, not complete without a partner. First, it was her late sister, Josie, and then it was Henry who asked for a “break” from their four-year relationship. Without them, she has ceased to function properly which, as an author, means total writer’s block. When her retired neighbor gets fed up hearing her wailing through the wall, she stages an intervention in the form of a manifestation ceremony. What’s on Gertie’s list? It’s to get past her writer’s block and win Henry back. Who would have guessed that a villainous character from her book series, cowboy River Oakley, would be the answer to her problems?

Is River a hallucination, an actor sent by her agent, a criminal who has broken into her apartment, or a visitor from another dimension or parallel universe? You’ll have to read Romantic Hero to find out, but, regardless of where he comes from, he’s exactly who Gertie needs. She’s quite a doormat who has a problem saying no, who swallows her anger and grief rather than getting emotional, and who bends over backwards to be the person she thinks her “other half” needs. River is just the man to set her straight and build her confidence.

I love a bit of magical realism in my romances, so I was thrilled to learn that Greenwood’s follow-up to her wonderful The Love of My Afterlife also uses the trope. Romantic Hero is a fun story with plenty of steamy scenes and an MMC who defies the stereotypical role Gertie has assigned to him. The neighbor, Mrs. Casablancas, is a hoot, and Henry is a narcissist who gets his comeuppance. Add in an adorable dog and the London setting (my favorite city), and it’s a winning combination. Share this with fans of Sarah Ready and Ashley Poston. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Romance through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Friday, June 5, 2026

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove by Debbie  Johnson

4*

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this new addition to the Starshine Cove series, especially since I assumed Book Four ended the series. Although I enjoyed revisiting this quirky, welcoming village, Suzie’s story wasn’t as compelling as those in the previous books. The friends to lovers romance with Guy is a very slow burn, and there is no spice if that’s your thing. They are in their forties, and have each spent their entire adulthood wandering the world solo. Not surprisingly, they consider themselves “flight risks.” Suzie has come home after about a decade and is nervous about her family’s welcome, and Guy, who has never had a family or a stable home, is visiting Starshine Cove for the first time, hoping for a chance to right a wrong. They serendipitously meet while she’s stuck up a tree, and their friendship blossoms.

The best part of the book is the reunion with Suzie’s family and the rest of the villagers. It’s like being wrapped in a warm hug. There are some trigger warnings for miscarriage, cancer, and accidental death, and there’s a big feeling of grief for much of the story. However, there are still plenty of the funny, heartwarming moments which readers of the series will appreciate. Although it could be read as a standalone, I highly encourage you to read the first four books in the series. Recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

A Shop Girl’s Guide to Wooing a Lord (Heiress Hunters #1) by Shana Galen

 

4*

It’s been awhile since I read one of Galen’s books and I’m glad to be reminded how much I enjoy her writing. It’s a rather unusual romance between a destitute young woman, Tamsin, and Garret, the “spare” heir to a British-Irish Earl who serendipitously meet when he keeps her from being trampled in Covent Garden one night and then buys her crushed violets for his younger sister. Tamsin had never been shown such kindness, and she never forgot him. Fast forward a couple of years and they ran into each other again. Garret found her fascinating, and she had her first impression of him confirmed. However, he’s in need of an heiress to marry, and Tamsin knows she’ll never fit in his world. Their path to happily ever after is far from smooth with run-ins with unsavory sorts, children exploited and forced into laboring as chimney sweeps, and Garret’s lackluster pursuit of a huge dowry. Contrary to what the title says, it is Garret who woos her and she’s not a shopgirl, but this takes nothing away from the story. There are several steamy scenes and some abusive situations, but at its heart, it’s a delightful opposites attract love story that fans of Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, and Lisa Kleypas will love. Recommended.


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Romance through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

 

 


Monday, June 1, 2026

Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews


5*


Road Trip is so much more than I expected, and I loved it. It’s about estranged sisters who fulfill their mother’s dying wish to travel together through Ireland in the hopes they’ll reconcile. It’s also a mystery thriller centered on a painting that has been in the family for generations and determining its provenance. Was it stolen? Is it authentic? The actual story behind it is told in a series of letters between their great-grandmother who fled to America at age 18 and the younger brother she had to leave behind. It’s also a delightful romance between younger sister Maeve and a sexy Irish whiskey distiller named Liam. Who doesn’t dream of discovering love while tracing their roots?

Andrews strikes the perfect balance between the romance, the healing of Therese and Maeve’s relationship, and the sordid and tragic story behind the painting. Her characters are richly-drawn and the various locations perfectly set the stage. This would be a wonderful book to take on your summer vacation. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Thursday, May 28, 2026

The Tea Room Inheritance by Hannah Langdon

 The Tea Room Inheritance by Hannah Langdon

4 *

I was saddened to hear that Hannah Langdon died unexpectedly last September. I so enjoyed reading her Christmas romances and looked forward to many more.

This book is such a delight…for foodies, Anglophiles, and anyone else who loves a small town, friends to lovers sweet romance that is low on the angst. Yes, there is some grief and heartache, but there are also many happy moments that balance it out. Reading this makes me want to hop the next plane across the pond to share a cuppa and some biscuits with all of the charming and unique characters! Fans of Debbie Johnson and Jill Mansell will eat this one up. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.



 

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

 The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

4*

Although there’s quite a bit of humor (especially with Dude, the Great Dane), this frenemies to lovers romance delves into some deeper themes: facing the fear of abandonment after experiencing it with both parents and ex-lovers, being honest with a near stranger who quickly becomes so much more, dealing with grief over the death of grandparents and the inability to conceive a child, and being surprised by a timeless love story that they never saw coming.

McKinlay does a wonderful job depicting the Outer Banks and painting the scenes in and around the dilapidated cottage that Hannah and Simon inherit together. I love how the romance between them organically unfolds as they open up to each other while sifting through the mementoes from their grandfathers’ lives. In the process of clearing out the house, Simon comes to realize that he no longer has to sacrifice the passion he has for his art after spending years in a boring insurance job he took to support his siblings, and Hannah, who has been living and sharing her van life on social media, finds that she no longer wants the solitude and loneliness that come with it, especially when she can spend her days with Simon and the unique set of neighbors who quickly become friends.

If you’re looking for a delightful summer read, check out The Summer Share. Recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Romance through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

 

5*

Every year, I eagerly anticipate Monaghan’s next romance because she has such a way of featuring mature main characters who approach love with open hearts and a degree of trepidation. (Who over the age of 30 isn’t carrying some baggage?) In Dolly All the Time, Dolly Brick and Stewart Whitfield don’t seem like the most likely couple. She’s a single mom who grew up as a townie and he’s the golden child of the wealthy family for whom the town is named. Dolly, who had to grow up too fast after her mother’s abandonment, has always put herself last, focusing her attention on her teenage son and her disabled brother, as well as helping out in the family fish market and doing necessary house repairs. Although her primary job is a kindergarten teacher, she holds down other odd jobs to ensure her son has a good life. Stewart is a workaholic who has a compulsive need to continue his family’s legacy, sacrificing a social life and any chance at love. After an adorable meet cute, he asks Dolly to fake a relationship with him to prove to his family that he is responsible and settled enough to run the company after his father’s retirement. What could possibly go wrong?

Stewart, despite his questionable choices in the third act, is the perfect book boyfriend. I love the way Monaghan built their relationship and gave Dolly such strength of character, even as she doubted she would ever fit into his world. Secondary characters like their family and Dolly’s friend Naomi are well-drawn and are an integral part of the romance-building. As someone who “summered” in Rhode Island, I appreciate the seaside setting as well. If you like mature romances with a hint of fairy tale, I highly recommend this delightful book.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from G.P. Putnam’s Sons through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh

 

5*

There’s so much to appreciate about this book: first great loves and second chances, the mystery, and the female empowerment. Surgeon Carrie Cole comes from a line of strong, determined women whose passion for their vocations makes romantic relationships difficult, if not impossible. Yet, when she meets Johan Kullberg, the connection is so strong and instantaneous that she struggles to find a balance. On the night of their spontaneous wedding, Johan is taken by the police, and Carrie begins to question everything she thought she knew. To cope, she throws herself into her work and, with much therapy and family support, learns to thrive and let love in again. Years later, she receives some startling news which opens old wounds and reveals life-changing secrets. Will the fallout destroy her? Walsh keeps readers guessing until the final pages. The mystery element is extremely compelling, and the romance is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. Her choice of first-person point of view works well, allowing readers to get a true sense of what it means to be a woman in a still-misogynistic profession which makes motherhood and romantic relationships beyond challenging. It also shows Carrie’s struggle to find a balance while losing a father to dementia, fearing for her premature twins, suffering the effect of maternal abandonment, and realizing that she might have been completely duped by the man she married.

I read this in one sitting because Walsh does such a wonderful job of pacing that I couldn’t put it down. This is the perfect book for readers who like complexity in their romances. I could see this being a great choice for bookclubs since the spice factor is low (although the chemistry is palpable) and there so much to discuss about morality, misogyny, etc. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Pamela Dorman/Viking Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Sunday, May 17, 2026

The Shippers by Katherine Center

The Shippers by Katherine Center

5*

 

It’s a slam dunk when one of my favorite romance authors writes my favorite trope: childhood friends to lovers. In a nod to The Runaway Bride, Center weaves a story about Jojo, a woman who thinks she’s cursed to love only men who won’t love her back. As a result, she dumps them before they can dump her, including leaving the last one at the altar. In the hopes of breaking the curse, her sister Ashley concocts a scheme based on the idea that Jojo just needs to get the guy who gave her her first kiss, blindfolded, to fall in love with her while on Ashley’s weeklong wedding cruise. So why is Jojo more invested in renewing her friendship with Cooper than capturing Finn’s heart?

 

In Center’s author’s note, she talks about spoilers and argues that romance books always have a happily-ever-after but it’s the journey to love that’s there for readers to discover. So, enjoy the ride as mathematician Jojo applies her life’s work to the theory of love and tying up loose ends. Highly recommended.

 

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

 

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

The Last Page by Katie Holt

 


5*

Although it touches on grief, guilt and depression, The Last Page is mostly a humorous story with a steamy workplace romance and one of the most eccentric and endearing cast of characters (The Last Page bookstore’s staff) I’ve ever read. The theme of chosen family is central to the story, and I couldn’t help reflecting on the idea of New York, with its huge population, being one of the loneliest places on earth. Ella and Henry, through the power of reading and shared love of books, managed to foster a sense of belonging and family for a hefty slice of the city’s denizens, including Henry himself. One of my favorite elements of the book are the “Staff Picks” at the start of each chapter. (My overwhelming TBR list has grown.)

As I read the passages where Ella shares her favorite parts of her city as only a native can, I couldn’t help thinking of Kate Clayborn’s wonderful book, Love Lettering, which I called “a love letter to NYC” when I reviewed it several years ago, as well as Cole and Layla Are Just Friends by Bethany Turner. All three have their protagonists fall in love while exploring the city. If you know readers who love NYC and/or bookstores, please share this delightful enemies-to-lovers romance. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Alcove Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

How to Fake it in Society by KJ Charles

 How to Fake It in Society by K.J. Charles

5*

This is the first book by KJ Charles that I’ve read, but I now look forward to reading more.

I loved both the leads for different reasons. Titus is honest, people-pleasing, and in definite need of a break after his landlord/ex-lover raises his rent beyond what he can pay. In desperation, he agrees to a wild scheme put forth by one of his best customers. In juxtaposition, Nico is charming, also desperate but for different reasons, and a surprisingly sincere French aristocrat who befriends Titus in the hopes that he’ll help him stave off a vicious loan shark. What starts as a friendship becomes so much more as each of them learns from the other: Titus, to not put everyone else’s needs before his own to his detriment and Nico, that there are good people in the world willing to overlook some morally questionable motivations that don’t truly reflect the good person he is. It’s no wonder that romantic feelings start to grow.

I read this in one sitting and found quite a bit of humor juxtaposed against some true villains and the absurdity of primogeniture. The chemistry between Titus and Nico was slow-burning but heartwarming. In a time when homosexuality was illegal, it’s so refreshing to read a romance in which. despite having to keep it hidden from society, the leads welcome the opportunity to turn their backs on the haute ton with their judgment and compulsive need to find rich husbands for their daughters. A delightful read!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Bramble/Tor through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.



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Friday, April 17, 2026

First and Forever by Lynn Painter

First and Forever by Lynn Painter

5*

I love that, no matter how bad my mood, reading a Painter romance snaps me out of it. First and Forever is a swoon-worthy, hilarious delight that had me laughing from the first scene and didn’t let up. Duffy DiStefano is snarky, tells it like it is, and isn’t one to back down from a challenge. She’s also been friend-zoned with every guy she’s ever dated because she’s so easy to like and doesn’t play the games like other women do. Lucky for her, Heisman-winning tight end Connor Cunningham likes a challenge. What starts out as an agreement to be her fake boyfriend in order to make her grieving and ailing father happy becomes so much more as they get to know each other, whether it’s scootering to White Castle or coaching a kids’ flag football team. Connor, despite his fame and devastatingly handsome looks, is an absolute sweetheart who goes out of his way to make her and her father’s life more comfortable, but is he too good to be true?

I don’t think I’ve ever laughed more while reading a romance. Whether it’s taking on a hoard of zombies or verbally sparring with Duff’s dad, Tony (an absolute hoot!), the humor doesn’t quit. Of course, at its core, this is a romance and Painter delivers incredible chemistry and some spicy scenes, too. This is one of those books that you wish you could read again for the first time, which is the highest compliment I can give. So, pick this one up for the perfect beach read. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Romance through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.