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.
5*
Once again, Lynn Painter has written a swoonworthy young adult romance that grabs you from the first chapter and holds your attention right until the end. I think it’s my new favorite Painter novel. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, so I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Dani and Alec as they cautiously, sometimes painfully, navigate their second chance at a romantic relationship when they reconnect as seniors in high school. They both believe that they were ghosted after Dani stopped visiting Minnesota each summer and their weekly coded postcards also stopped coming. So, they’re understandably angry and very cautious about resuming their friendship, let alone a romance. In the intervening 5 years, nerdy Alec has had a major glow-up and has every appearance of being one of the obnoxious jocks Dani has learned to steer clear of. However, when they accidently fall into a fake relationship, it gives them the closeness and time to discover how much they’ve both changed but, more importantly, how they’re still the same at heart.
If you’re looking for a young adult novel that isn’t too angsty, has some steamy kisses, and features main characters who act their age, you can’t go wrong with Fake Skating. If you’re a fan of hockey romance, this YA version of the trope won’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Simon & Schuster BYR through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
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.
If you’re looking for a steamy, college hockey romance, you can’t go wrong with Elle Kennedy. This is the first book in the second-generation series Campus Diaries and tells the love story between Gigi Graham (daughter of Garrett and Hannah from The Deal, Book 1 of the Off-Campus series) and Luke Ryder. They’re both top hockey players and come to an agreement that he’ll help her with her behind-the-net skills in anticipation of making the Team USA roster and, in return, she’ll talk him up to her retired and revered dad so he has a shot at being hired for Garrett’s elite summer hockey camp. After being cheated on by her former boyfriend Case (Ryder’s co-captain in a newly-formed team combining rival colleges), the last thing she’s looking for is a relationship, and Ryder’s sole focus is on making sure the Dallas NHL team that drafted him has no reason to change its mind. So, they’re both surprised when feelings begin to grow.
I really enjoyed this romance because their relationship is grounded in respect, honesty, and friendship. It’s a dual POV, so we get to hear about both of their vulnerabilities. I especially appreciate that there is no third act break-up due to miscommunication, a common but unwelcome trope, in my opinion. They also both seem wise beyond their years. Highly recommended.
The second book in the series, The Dixon Rule, is now available as well.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Sourcebooks Bloom Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
