Over & Out - Claire Wilder ( 5 stars!)

5 stars!

Views are my own. Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me the e-ARC

Part of a series but works absolutely as a stand-alone!

Tropes: independent-mfc, celebrity-hero, dual-pov, banter, battle of wills, traumatized-mfc, traumatized mmc, funny

This was a funny/sweet book. I really, really, really liked it. The banter was natural, not forced and I am a fan. My first book from this author, won’t be the last. The book has dual POV and it gives tons of soul to the story. You can feel the angst through the different perspectives and truly root for the leads. The side characters have their own stories, but it can be read a stand-alone.

The ending was a little corny ( in my opinion), I don’t personally like public declaration of love, but that may be a me thing.

Absolutely one of the best reads this year.

Thirty, Flirty, and FOREVER ALONE - Christine Riccio (3.5 rounded to 4 stars)

Many thanks to Netgalley and Montlake publishers for providing the e-ARC of this book. Views are my own.

Tropes: chance-meeting, coming-of-age-at-30, writer-MMC, writer MFC.

I give it 3.5 rounded up to 4.  This book is for idealists, those who want things to be perfect because honestly, the dialog read one sided, like the response is what the MFC wants to hear instead of what the MMC actually says. I'm not even sure if I'm making sense, but there's something about the flow of the delivery that feels unnatural. The friends not knowing how triggered the MFC would be also irked me. She's single and she doesn't want to be a spectacle, but her BF who's getting married parades her around at her wedding as the ONLY single girl? 

I mean, come on. That's disrespectful. I'm surprised no one spoke up... It's a quick read. Not the most original premise and my heartstrings were not touched extensively (no, that's not a euphemism). 

Scars of Anatomy - Nicole Alfrine (3.5/5 stars)

Thanks to Netgalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group | W by Wattpad Books for providing the e-ARC. Views are my own.

BLURB:

"Hotshot college quarterback Bronx Miller is on track to make it to the NFL, but while he’s hyper focused on football, that doesn't mean he doesn't have fun. In fact, he’s the most notorious player on and off the field. Even with a zero commitments policy, he’s never met  a girl who can resist him.

However, when he’s paired with straight-A, pre-med student Olivia McCausland as his anatomy lab partner, he realizes he may want something more. Olivia is quiet, thoughtful, and unimpressed by his big-man-on-campus status.

As the semester unfolds with study sessions and bets based on test scores, the pair grow close. Still, even as Bronx starts to let his guard down and shed his playboy persona, outside forces are determined to rip them apart.

While Bronx and Olivia may be more alike than they ever imagined, they’ll have to fight for a future together. Along the way, they’ll both learn that while scars come in various forms, they don’t decide someone’s future."

3.5/5

This is the first time I read a book completely in the guy's POV. So kudos to the author for attaining that. However, the way it was assembled really confused me because I thought the next chapter was the MFC's POV, but it wasn't.

Also, starting the book with how callous the MMC is was perhaps not the best way? Especially when he has a TON of sexual chemistry with a person who is not even the lead? I guess the author was trying to highlight how the MFC was not as beautiful as the other girl, but it actually did the opposite ( in my opinion).

The MFC was just too perfect. Straight A student, giggly, shy glances, sweet.... I mean, not that such people don't exist but they are not perfect ( unless her penchant for the MMC is taken as a character flaw, in which case, ouch!)

The Girlfriend Agreement (3.5 stars) - Rowan Croft

Thanks to Netgalley and Shire-Hill Publications for the e-ARC. The review is my own.

3.5 stars

Tropes: enemies-to-lover, multicultural, genius-lead, misunderstood hero


OK. I love stories where the lead come from 2 different perspectives, hate each other, then understand each other, and then fall in love. And this book introduces a new way to write about 'fuckboy' Damien.

The issue is that the transition between fuckboy Damian and hurt Damian is realllly abrupt. Almost to the point where it gave me a whiplash. The fact that he is so nonchalant about treating women like a commodity ( has a very, 'oh, well...' attitude about it) to being contrite doesn't feel organic.

Also...craigslist ad to advertise for a fake girlfriend? Who even goes on craigslist these days with the advent of facebook marketplace or nextdoor or whatever.

The FMC also fell victim to stereotypes: Kind, poor, genius, with a good head on her shoulders ecept when it comes to the MMC.

I wish the author had started the story from the middle half so we weren't superbly/intimately familiar with the MMC's attitude in the first half. In the 2nd half, he's perfectly fine. Pretty cool, in fact. There's a reason he's as antipathetic as he his, but I wish it had been hinted at earlier when he meets his folks for the first time ( in the book). I loved his relationship with his granma. The sense of community that he feels for his heritage.

Overall a good read.

Game Changer - Deanna Faison (3.5 stars)

3.5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for providing the e-ARC.

Tropes: Immigrant-parents, multi-cultural, anxiety, second-chance, family-ties, best friend's-brother, young-adult

The author writes well. The book had the makings of an interesting storyline. Immigrant parents. Boy falls first and hard. Multi-cultural. From the blurb, it seemed like a good fit for me, but the fact that the main leads are in college meant that that's an age group that I do not relate to at this stage of my life. It reads more like a Young-Adult novel, so if that's your jam, you'll really like it.

The miscommunication did not make me a happy camper. It created unnecessary conflict and confusion. Unwarranted angst.  I wish it had been handled more gently and with nuance. 

Overall a nice and quick read.

It's Different This Time - Joss Richard ( 3.5 stars)

 

3.5 stars

(Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine | Dell for the advanced e-ARC)

Tropes: Second-chance, longtime-friends, best-friends, friends-to-lovers, miscommunication, missed-connections, misunderstanding, beta-hero

3.5 total stars. I give it a 4.5 stars for the writing and 3 for the conflict.

This is Joss Richard's debut novel and her writing is amazing! However, I don't know if it's a new trend to market women's literature as romance but this felt more women's lit for me. Yes, there was romance, but the feelings I got were more complex and confusing. I knew that it had a happy ending but things felt a bit iffy there in the middle.

This is the kind of book where you literally want to shake the heroine/MFC and shout in her face about being dense. She behaved immaturely and it pissed me off so bad. The Hero, on the other hand, was beta but super passive too. Like, hello? Get the words out, dude. Stop fucking around with other women if you love the MFC!!!! What else is she gonna think when you are out each weekend with a different girl?

Also, from a struggling chef to a (apparently) Michelin-star restaurant owner in 5 (6?) years? It's make-belief, but come on. And why did the MFC run to LA? She could have moved out in NYC and kept working in Theatre?

Like I said, the plot and conflict was a mess. The writing and format was stellar. I wish the author had focused more on something tangible as the conflict because as a reader it was super frustrating to see all this time wasted on a non-issue.

Gloves Off - Stephanie Archer (Review: 5 stars!)

(Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing me an e-ARC. Review is my own)

Hold on to your horses, this one was really interesting.
5 STARS

Trope: true-enemies-to-lovers, marriage-of-convenience, secret-beta-hero, funny, independent-heroine, professional-heroine, strong-female-lead, hero-isn't-intimidated.

This is my first Stephanie Archer book and OH, MY. What an introduction.

The MFC is extremely independent, sporty, a medical doctor/researcher and $%^&* hates the MMC. He is a defenceman for the NHL team called Storms and ALSO $%^& hates MFC despite noticing her amazing shoe collection.


Take note authors: THIS IS A TRUE ENEMIES trope! The leads did not fall in love immediately in chapter 2. Their hate for earch other is OBVIOUS. They really go at each other. You can tell they really believe they hate each other. The MFC hates people in her space telling her what to do due to past trauma. The MMC hates rich snobby (hot) women due to past trauma.

They take their time addressing their preconceived notions about each other. The progression is AMAZING. It is Explicit open door and the writing in it is SO NATURAL yet exciting. Let's just say that the MFC is a control freak and the MMC really plays on it.


A wonderful, wonderful read. I immediately ordered all the other books in the series. One of my fave reads of the year.

Let's Make a Scene - Laura Wood ( 5 stars!)

 

(Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for providing me an e-ARC. The review is my own.)

Tropes: m-f, second-chance, long-term-love, slow-burn, humor, fiery-love, funny, friends-are-family, he-falls-hard, alpha-to-beta, beta-hero, independent-heroine.

Ok. Here it is. THIS IS A 5 STAR READ!
OMG. OMG. OMG.

From the first paragraph, I was hooked. The way Laura wrote the scenes made me feel like I was there. I have read over 150 romance books this year (to date). This book has become my favorite find yet!

Favorite things:
- The writing is impeccable. The description is so vivid that you feel it's happening right in front of you.

- The character arc of the MMC is STUNNING. Jack's growth from an asshole to a mature and understanding man is realistic. I have had so many encounters with former asshole classmates/collegues who have changed (for the better) as they have matured.

- The way this book is written, the movie, that MMC and MFC have been a part of, is a character and it acts beautifully to support the growth of our characters.

-I literally imagined Penelope Cruz and Javier because, why not? It's hard to maintain relationships in the entertainment industry and these two have ALSO worked on a movie a long time ago and reconnected and now they have a couple of kids, right? It made Jack and Cynthie's story plausible to me.

- The side characters were really well-written. I loved them all.

-No third act break up ( thank the good lord!)

- Funny, in an understated, every day. Not a deliberate, "I have to put in a joke here" way, but just naturally... pleasant.

- SLOW BURN! but not boring or draggy in ANY WAY. Everything was just sooooooo! Ooooph!


AAAAAH I love this book!!!!!

The way that the MMC and MFC looked back at their behavior was so... natural yet full of angst, that it really hits hard. It could be that I'm an older millenial but that the MFC and MMC both did therapy and destigmatized it really plays a big role. Bring in a diverse supporting characters in a very natural way ( sort of like the cast of Brooklyn 99) and you have a hit on your hands.

Going in my re-read pile.

Seven Days in June - Tia Williams 3.5 stars

3.5 stars

Tropes: Second-chance, reunion, chance meeting, young love, Millenial, person of color. 

While I loved the premise and also the discussion on what the literature at wide needs (or doesn't need) in terms of different voices, the romance aspect of this book (which is why it was recommended to me) didn't exactly wow me. It reads more like women's literature. I am glad I read it though because it still taught me stuff that I needed to know, specially the overwhelming misrepresentation of POC in genre-related literature. I hadn't thought about that ( being a POC myself) and it did make me think.

However, and I am sorry for stating this, this book will not age well. Not because of the content, but because it is choke-full of cultural references that will date badly. Add to it a 12 year old sounding like a 20 year old and I was taken out of the fantasy of writing and that was uncomfortable for me.

 

Behind Enemy Bylines: A Novel - Kathleen Fuller

 

Thanks to Netgalley for providing the e-ARC for review. All views are my own.

3.5 stars.

Tropes: Second chance; sweet romance; older main characters; older heroine; older hero; reunion; behind-closed-doors.

Blurb:
"Sebastian Percival Hudson might have a lofty name but he's as down to earth as it gets, making his living traveling around the deep South and writing slice-of-life articles for the dying newspaper in his picturesque small town. Over the years he's had run-ins with Jade Smith, a type-A former reporter..."

Premise: The story starts in the 2000's and Seb and Jade both work together in Arkansas. They have been going out for about 4 months and Seb is ready to say 'I love you' to Jade ( and does). Jade is a foster kid and has just received news that she may be able to adopt her foster brother. She feels like it's not fair to Seb and breaks things off with Seb.


The next part is about 10 years later when Seb is 40 and Jade is undetermined age.
The pluses:
- Older MMC and MFC. MMC is around 40 and has greying hair.
- The whole culture around small-town newspapers and community
- Side story line about a teenager finding her place in Arkansas (coming from CA)

The best way to describe this story is that it is sweet. It is a very cute/behind-closed-doors, reunion/second chance. There are a couple of side plots that I wish had been explored more fully ( e.g Logan's story (the foster brother). MFC's mom. MMC's sister etc. Even the secondary characters needed to be more fleshed out. As it was, they were like Hallmark versions of stereotypical with not much depth.

Review: Caught Out - Ann Butler (4/5)

 From the Blurb

"Bad Press is her middle name

What does a socially awkward introvert do when she's trolled for not measuring up to her super model mum and gorgeous media personality sister?
If she's Amara Allen, she keeps her armour polished and her punch bag handy. After all, she'll need some way to cope when the trolling becomes too much.
Things start to look up when the man she's been watching for months and has pegged as one of the good guys asks her on a date. Maybe with him she can let her guard down.

As for Nicholas, the man in question, dating a social misfit who struggles to make conversation is not his idea of a good time. But what can he do when her mum is pulling his strings?"

Review

(eARC provided via Netgalley, 2025)

The story's about Amara and her crush on/interest in Nicholas Lewis, a furniture brand mogul. It's not explicitly stated in the book that she is ND so as a reader, you're wondering it, without any confirmation. I wish the author had explicitly stated it so everything fir in better.

Trinity, Amara's mother, gets Nicholas/Lewis (I wish the author had decided what to call him and then stuck with it) to date Amara for 6 months in exchange for a social media campaign. This means the story is a blackmail/extortion trope.

The problem is that you get the clash first. The book starts with Amara finding out so it colors all their interactions negatively (for me). The lack of verbal communication (makes sense in the instance of MFC being ND) makes this an awkward read for at least the first half of the book. The story could have had more visual cues to make up for it, but that's neither here nor there.

Now, a lot of people may have issues with Trinity (the mom) interfering with her child's love life, but it is pretty cultural, I think. SE Asians have their parents arrange their marriages so for us, meh, it's ok.

It's not explicitly stated how old Amara and Nicholas are (as far as I remember) so that aspect would have helped contextualize their interactions as well.

Open door explicit.

Review: How to Break My Heart - Kat T. Masen

 

Thanks to Netgalley for providing the e-ARC of this book.
Tropes: Childhood crush, jealous MMC, jealous MFC, billionaire MMC, working class MFC, tortured-hero.

This is my first book by Kat Masen, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

Premise: Everleigh (tragedeigh, anyone?) is best friends with Maddy (not Madeline, but Madelina) and sorta/kinda loves her older brother Aston. They never end up connecting ( almost, but not quite). It's about 10 years later and Aston is now a billionaire, works as CEO for his father's company and the story goes from there. Maddy is getting married and Everleigh and Aston are planning the wedding ( I mean a billionaire can't delegate a staff to do this?)

Good things:
- the writing style.
- it is open door explicit. Scenes are full of tension.
- plot twists

My questions:
- How did Everleigh (nickname Eva, which is NEVER used by anyone!) and Maddy connect? Like, how? When? Since Maddy's dad is so elitist, how did he let his (supposed) kids slum with the working class?
- There is literally no information about the MFC's parents or how she came to open a seemingly profitable shop that ONLY sells donuts and coffee. It irked me because: NOT IN THIS ECONOMY!
- The MFC also doesn't have many other friends, even though she grew up in this 'small' town near NYC. Like, how? Where's your support system, girl?
- The MMC is a billionaire at like 28? I can't tell because their ages are never explicitly stated.

If you can suspend your belief over these, it's a very enjoyable read. I really wish there were more day-to-day interactions between the lead. As it turns out, it was mostly about them hooking up. There were only a couple of times they actually helped each other out. We all know that chemistry doesn't make relationships last. But. Oh, well.

Apparently it is part of a series, but can be read stand-alone.