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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Love and Other Side Effects by Deidra Duncan

 

4*

Grief is a powerful thing, and this bittersweet romance is flooded with it. Luckily for Joss, Asher’s steadfastness, kindness, and friendship keep her from drowning in it, although her metaphorical walls are a mile high and nearly insurmountable. This lovely and frequently hilarious story by Duncan strikes a good balance between romance, humor and grief, but the path to love is a very twisted one, with many heartbreaking scenes. Joss’s denialism does start to get tedious, but Mother Nature has a wicked way of leveling the playing field. Asher is a “beautiful unicorn” of a man who has his own insecurities which he hides well behind his charm and affability. Joss's and his friendship is enviable, although I frequently wanted to shake some sense into both of them. Overall, though, I really enjoyed their story and recommend it to fans of Katherine Center, Kate Clayborn, Abby Jimenez and Christina Lauren.

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

A Girl Like Her (Ravenswood #1) by Talia Hibbert

4*

Spoilers ahead…





I read and thoroughly enjoyed Hibbert’s The Brown Sisters trilogy, but I have never read her earlier books until now. This is an edited reprint of A Girl Like Her, book one in the Ravenswood series. Although I struggled with the story in the first few chapters, I eventually got into it and thoroughly enjoyed it. Like the Brown sisters and Hibbert herself, Ruth is autistic. Her unique way of navigating the world is heavily influenced by her neurodivergency, but she’s been harshly treated by the people in the small town after they mistakenly believed the town’s golden boy (and her secret boyfriend of seven years) when he accused her of coming on to him when he got engaged to someone else. Like so many women in controlling relationships, she blamed herself and hid away to avoid the censure of the townspeople. It wasn’t until she met Evan, who befriended her and accepted her as she was, quirks and all, that she finally began to let go of her misplaced guilt. He wasn’t put off by her prickliness and eventually won her trust, giving her the confidence to face her demons.

There were difficult moments in the story that could be triggering for some readers, but Evan’s innate goodness and Ruth’s bluntness and lack of guile were refreshing. Usually small-town romances are endearing, but this one showed more of the bad behavior fueled by gossip that can ruin a person’s life. Given that Ruth and Evan are a biracial couple, I was thankful that there was no sign of racism. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Recommended.

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

Under Gorse and Stone by Lily Morton

 

5*

I’ve never been a fan of fantasies involving made up lands or mystical creatures. So it’s a real testament to Lily Morton and her gifted storytelling and world-building how much I loved this sweet Christmas romantasy set in Cornwall, UK. The way she describes the settings is magical in itself.

Like her previous Christmas romantasy, On a Midnight Clear, there is a gorgeous, otherworldly male protagonist who takes a human form and a kind, lonely human who finds love when he least expects it. in this story, Sigurd is an immortal dragon who has spent centuries in search of his soulmate and Cary is newly dumped by the latest in a long string up men who find him emotionally cold and only surface deep. When Sig and Cary finally find each other, it’s so heartwarming. It’s also fascinating to be introduced, right along with Cary, to a host of magical creatures from mer people to giants and more who run the gamut from mischievous to mildly threatening while also being incorrectly portrayed in the books of myths Cary grew up reading and discussing with his father.

On a final note, I love how beautifully the cover illustrator captured Sig’s human form. If you’re looking for a steamy, spooky, and magical gay romance to read over the holidays, I highly recommend this delightful novel.

Big Nick Energy by Kristen Bailey

 

5*

Bailey has become one of my absolute go-to favorites for charming Christmas romances with a bit of spice. Her latest offering, Big Nick Energy, which takes place in and celebrates my favorite city, London, is a combo of love triangle, second chance romance, and grumpy/sunshine with a kind, thoughtful and hot tree farmer (New Nick) and a former college love (Old Nick) who broke Kay’s heart. When she runs into him 10 years later, she wonders if fate has a hand in it. Yet, there’s also this handsome grump who doesn’t get her jokes and seems to be lacking in holiday spirit. However, the more time she spends with him, she realizes that first impressions are misleading. Lucky for her, she has guidance and encouragement from her beloved Nana, who is in the early stages of dementia, her zany friend Lucy, and her colleagues at the library where she works to help her see things clearly.

If you love closed door romances with a load of humor (cue the Christmas tree netting fiasco meet-cute), set in the most magical city during the winter holidays, and you haven’t yet discovered Bailey’s books, now’s your chance. You won’t be disappointed.

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.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

 

5*

Katherine Center has done it again! Her love stories never disappoint. In The Love Haters, commercial videographer Katie finds herself in Key West after her supervisor Cole asks her to take over a project he doesn’t want while also helping her save her job as the company is laying off almost half the staff. The assignment? To create a Coast Guard recruitment film that highlights the excitement of the job. The added benefit? Cole’s estranged older brother Hutch, a gorgeous rescue swimmer who is far from the taciturn, love-hating Mr. Perfect his jealous brother makes him out to be. As Katie spends her days taking swim lessons from Hutch, being entertained by his eccentric and loving honorary Aunt Rue and her hilarious crew of Golden Gals, and being enthusiastically assaulted by his Great Dane George Bailey, she and Hutch grow closer. However, this is more than a sweet romance with a few steamy kisses. It’s also a story of Katie’s journey towards self-love after a lifetime of hating everything about her body. With the help of her best friend Beanie, who is well-acquainted with self-help books, and the sincere compliments from both Hutch and Rue, Katie finally recognizes how damaging her negative self-talk has been.

Center does a wonderful job of showing all types of love while also keeping readers on the edge of their seats as a hurricane brews. There is humor, heartfelt moments, harrowing water rescue, and so much more. Fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, and Beth O’Leary will love this one. 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.

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

 

5*

I loved this story. Two emotionally-damaged people who have been betrayed by negligent, abusive parents and unscrupulous bosses, find a connection and acceptance that neither expected. Although, on the surface, their goals seem to be working against each other, the growing feelings they have for each other can’t be denied. I love how Hazelwood portrayed Rue’s autism and Eli’s innate understanding of her neurodivergency and needs. He’s the perfect book boyfriend who not only accepts her uniqueness, but also gives her the support and protection she’s never had. I also enjoyed Rue’s relationship with her best friend, Tisha.

If you enjoy frenemies to lovers romances with an element of mystery mixed with corporate greed, you’ll enjoy this latest offering from Hazelwood. Highly recommended.

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

Beach Read by Emily Henry

5*

I’m so glad I finally got around to reading this, especially since I love all the other books of Henry’s I’ve read. It’s a second chance romance between 2 frenemies who met in college and, apart from one romantic evening at a frat party, spent their time either ignoring each other or arguing over the merits of romance fiction (hers) and serious literature (his). Fast forward eight years, and they’re both successful novelists, their works mirroring their outlooks on life and love. January is still reeling over her beloved father’s sudden passing and subsequent betrayal and Gus is struggling to make sense of his abusive childhood and his mother’s harmful decisions and untimely death. When they make a bet over who can write and publish a book in the other’s genre, agreeing to introduce each other to the process they use to craft their stories, neither expects the strong, steamy bond that forms between them. Can these two damaged souls defy the odds and find their happily ever after?

Beach Read has some of the most beautiful, wildly romantic dialogue I’ve ever read. Despite Gus’s reticence and grumpy exterior, he has a heart of gold, is so emotionally vulnerable and brave, and is a wonderful book boyfriend. Who doesn’t love a guy who holds you tight and kisses away your tears when you’re upset? Although January is the romance writer who believes in happy endings (“I’d started publishing romance because I wanted to dwell in my happiest moments, in the safe place my parents’ love had always been. I’d been so comforted by books with the promise of a happy ending, and I’d wanted to give someone else that same gift.”), it’s Gus (“writing to try to understand something horrible that had happened to him”) who has the best lines. Highly recommended.

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

Swept Away by Beth O'Leary

 

5*

I love this book! The unique premise, a one-night stand that turns into a harrowing, yet somehow romantic, 12-day adventure at sea, is riveting. However, it’s the love story between Lexi and Zeke that is really captivating. On the surface, they’re polar opposites: a 31-year-old plain Jane (only in her own eyes) trying to figure out her future while still dealing with the grief of losing her mother, and a handsome, edgy 23-year-old who works as a junior chef but feels like a failure. They are both dealing with family dysfunction baggage, but when fighting together for their lives, they form an unbreakable bond and help each other see that the low opinion they have of themselves is based on external influences, not reality.

The forced proximity trope is there, but not in the formulaic way it’s used in most romances. Yes, there is a strong attraction, but it takes a backseat to the struggle to survive against nearly insurmountable odds. There are many lighthearted moments, so it’s not all doom and gloom, but when O’Leary adds a twist you don’t see coming, the tension continues to grip you until the end. Highly recommended!

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

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

5*

This is the second book I’ve read by Bastone (the first being Ready or Not), and I can’t wait to read more. This friends-to-lovers romance between Lenny and Miles is a touching and heartbreaking exploration of grief and the process of working through it to be able to live and love again. I absolutely love how Miles is so committed to helping Lenny navigate her grief journey (following the death of her best friend), using his own experiences to inform the way he both supports her and gently and patiently guides her through her depression.

“You are not betraying her [her friend Lou] by healing,” he whispers directly into my ear. “You are honoring her. You are learning to love her exactly as she is. As someone who isn’t here anymore … That’s who she is now. And this journey through grief … It’s what we do for the great loves of our lives.” In return, Lenny helps Miles build a relationship with his half-sister and niece, the only family he has left.

Lenny has what Miles refers to as “love-at-first-sight fantasies” which are really just her first reactions to men she sees, and hers toward Miles is initially positive, but quickly dashed when he opens his mouth. Yet, she soon realizes that he’s just socially awkward (perhaps autistic-coded) and his gruff exterior masks a kind, empathic man. He turns out to be the perfect book boyfriend, sensitive to her needs and totally supportive and protective.

Bastone is wonderful at building tension. This is a VERY slow burn, but the wait is worth it with a hilarious, but spicy love scene towards the end. Highly recommended.

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

 

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

 

5*

(Publication date: 4/1/25)

Jimenez has done it again, written a romance that renews our belief in the goodness of humanity in spite of toxic parents, misogynistic exes, and more. The love story between soulmates Samantha and Xavier is one of the most beautiful she’s ever written. When you know, you know, and both of them fell fast and hard, even with Sam moving from Minneapolis to Los Angeles the morning after the first best date of their lives. Long distance relationships are hard enough for couples who have a history, but what do you do when you’re just getting started and it’s too good to give up?

There is so much I enjoyed and appreciated about this book. The depiction of Sam’s mother’s early-onset dementia is sensitive and compassionate, portraying how a caring family is willing to make huge sacrifices to fulfill their loved one’s wishes and treat her with dignity. Xavier’s hard-earned success as a veterinarian, in spite of his abusive, narcissistic parents, is a testament to his strength of character and inherent goodness as is his need to take care of the people he loves and the animals he’s sworn to protect and heal to the best of his ability. Samantha’s wit, as evidenced by her sassy and snarky social media posts for the mustard company she works for, and her dedication to her family draw grumpy Xavier out of his shell, making him happier than he’s ever been, especially when her family falls for him, too. There are some LOL moments, especially the dead mouse and swallowing the earbud, that bring levity to some pretty heavy subject matter. Finally, the relationship Sam has with her siblings and parents is a clear example of how, despite their different personalities and irritation towards each other, they can work as a team to take care of their mother.

Fans of ACOTAR will appreciate how Xavier resembles Rhysand (had to look it up since I’m not a romantasy fan, but wowza!) and anyone who craves delicious, slightly steamy romances without the miscommunication and third act breakups that are far too prevalent in the genre will want to read this gorgeous love story. Very highly recommended.

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

Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff

 

5*

Second chance romance, gorgeous book boyfriend with a killer British accent, and plenty of steam? Yes, please! After loving Hameroff’s debut novel Till There was You, I was excited to read Never Planned on You, and it didn’t disappoint.

On the night before Ali is due to return home to Baltimore after her semester in London, she finally meets her friend Artie’s reclusive roommate Graham. What starts as a friendly darts competition leads to matching horrendous tattoos and a night neither will forget. Flash forward eight years, and they run into each at her local coffee shop. The spark is still there, but the timing is all wrong, yet again. Will it ever be the right time?

This is a wonderfully swoon-worthy romance, the perfect read for Valentine’s Day. Both MCs were endearing, and the chemistry between them is off the charts. I really enjoyed Ali’s family and the way 3 generations of Rubin women and Graham’s grandmother play matchmaker for these two misguided soulmates. 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.

The Shots You Take by Rachel Reid

 

4* (release date: 3/4/25)

Rachel Reid writes beautiful, heartwarming hockey romances that get me every time. That this one is a second chance romance between former best friends and teammates makes it even more special. Professional male athletes, especially hockey players, are “liars” as Adam says. They lie about their pain, their mental illness and addictions, and, sometimes, their sexuality as well. Reid gently explores the pressure to “man up” in this story, with Adam denying his love for and attraction to Riley for over two decades. In the process, he hurt Riley deeply and himself as well. It isn’t until two years into retirement that he reconnects with Riley at his father’s funeral, and it’s anything but smooth sailing.

I thoroughly enjoyed the way these two navigate their second chance, with honesty, humility, forgiveness, and a good deal of steaminess. The choice of a dual point of view really helps to round out the relationship. I highly recommend this beautiful soulmates’ love story.

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

Unromance by Erin Connor

 

4*

Author Erin Connor has given us a delightful romance where life imitates art…or vice versa. Each chapter begins with the name and description of a romantic trope or element, such as “Meet-Cute,” “Just Once, To Get It Out of Our Systems,” “Miscommunication,” and “The Grand Gesture,” which then plays out on the page. Sawyer is a romance writer with a severe creative block and Mason is an actor who is also a hopeful romantic who falls in love too fast, only to see it fall apart after the wrap party. In a bit of serendipity (which is actually one movie that ISN'T mentioned in this story that borrows from several classic romances), they meet up and agree to help each other. He’ll provide inspiration to help her get over her writer’s block and she’ll “unromance” his notions about love by having a series of stereotypical dates gone wrong. However, in the best romantic traditions, those pesky feelings get in the way.

Although I’m not a fan of third person narration or third act break-ups, I still thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel. Mason is the perfect cinnamon roll boyfriend (in a gorgeous package), Sawyer writes my favorite genre, and there’s loads of laughter, friendship, and steamy scenes. The secondary characters aren’t very fleshed out, but there’s so much to enjoy in the central romance that there’s really no need for a supporting cast. I look forward to reading Connor’s future books. Recommended.

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