Mountain Men Matchmaker: #2 Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws book review

Calder Fletcher, portrayed as the "black sheep" of the family, feels he is seen as the underachiever despite his hidden talents. He is a skilled furniture maker, but his emotional baggage and reluctance to step into the spotlight keep him from pursuing success in this passion. Having gone through a tough breakup, he has built walls around himself, leading to a brooding demeanor. He finds himself unexpectedly sharing a tropical wedding vacation with Dakota.  (this may have been a set up by the matchmaker) Neither one wanted to be there alone, but they did it for their friends and family.  Dakota is a recently divorced woman who has struggled with self-esteem issues stemming from her previous relationship. Her ex-husband never appreciated her, leading to a crisis of confidence that she is determined to overcome. Sharp-tongued and bold, Dakota has a fiery personality that masks her insecurities. Her history with Calder is marked by seven years of animosity, primarily stemming from their initial interactions during her home remodel, where they clashed frequently. As the story unfolds, Dakota’s journey of self-discovery takes center stage, allowing her to reclaim her identity and find strength in vulnerability.   As they agree to a "enemies with benefits" arrangement to help Dakota regain her confidence post-divorce, they navigate the complexities of their relationship, revealing layers of vulnerability and attraction. The tension between them escalates, transforming their dynamic into something deeper than they ever anticipated, leading to a realization that love can emerge from the most unexpected places. 

I love the forced proximity in this story as it heightens the tension, while the meddling family dynamics add layers of comedic chaos. There are some kinks and a sex club, so you know they story will be spicy.  We revisit characters from the previous book, so I enjoyed peeking in on their lives.  I think because there is some "sex coaching" going on, the reader can see how the intimacy develops throughout their conversations. The setting is great.  Nothing like Fletcher Mountain, with sexy Fletcher men living on it.  This book will be out in SIX days! (June 17, 2025)  Put it in your TBR pile.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Digging Dr Jones by Olivia Jackson book review

Digging Dr. Jones by Olivia Jackson is a captivating romcom adventure that follows Adriana Jones, a down-on-her-luck business owner vacationing in Costa Rica with her brother, William. When a mysterious bracelet is mistakenly delivered to her, Adriana unknowingly becomes entangled in a treasure hunt alongside the handsome archaeologist, Dr. Andrew Jones, who desperately needs the bracelet to find ancient treasure in the Colombian jungle. As they trek through perilous landscapes and face unexpected challenges, the chemistry between Adriana and Andrew ignites amid their sharp banter and contrasting personalities. Their journey transforms from a simple vacation into a thrilling quest filled with danger, mystery, and romance.

I liked  Digging Dr Jones for its fun blend of adventure and heart-pounding chemistry. It has an Indiana Jones kind of vibe. The dynamic between Adriana and Andrew is both entertaining and relatable, with their witty exchanges and slow-burn romance keeping readers hooked. The forced proximity trope heightens their connection as they navigate thrilling escapades, making for a delightful reading experience. The unique setting and treasure-hunting theme add depth, while the lighthearted humor ensures it’s a fun escape. I love the relationship between Adriana and her brother, William.  I enjoyed her backstory in that she worked hard to get to where she is today. I think some of the reviews of this book are particularly harsh about the insta-love and things that happen on their adventure.  It's a fun fiction, adventure rom-com (like Indiana Jones) and a hot treasure hunter who finds the hot chick on vacation.  Adriana has been recently dumped and duped by a long term boyfriend, so she got some well deserved fun and sexy times in her life.  My imagination is happy to spend some time with a smart, British archeologist who knows how to please women.  Yum!

Beneath the Wild Sky: #2 Crossing Paths by Katie Ruggle book review

Norah Pax is the tech-savvy member of her family's Rocky Mountain bounty-hunting business, preferring to track skips from behind her laptop rather than engage in physical confrontations like her adrenaline-seeking sisters. Recognizing her need for self-defense skills, she musters the courage to seek help from Dashiell Porter, a gruff MMA expert and gym owner. While Dash intimidates most, his unexpected gentleness makes Norah feel secure, and their training sessions quickly spark a romantic connection. He closed his gym during their sessions because she was so self-conscious in front of others. However, danger looms as criminals target the Pax sisters, threatening their safety. Norah must harness the skills Dash teaches her to protect herself and her family. With Dash determined to keep her safe, the two navigate their budding romance amid chaos. The narrative showcases the strong bond among the Pax sisters, filled with humor, love, and action, making it an engaging read. This installment in Katie Ruggle's series can stand alone, yet it seamlessly continues the journey of the Pax sisters as they confront both personal and external challenges. 

Readers will be drawn to Norah and Dash's slow-burning relationship, marked by genuine trust and mutual growth. Norah's relatable social anxiety and determination to step outside her comfort zone make her an endearing protagonist. Dash’s protective nature and hidden softness create a compelling dynamic, allowing readers to root for their love story. The lively banter among the Pax sisters adds a layer of warmth and humor, enriching the narrative. With thrilling action sequences, danger, suspense and a strong focus on personal empowerment, this book offers a perfect blend of romance and adventure. I really enjoyed this book and am a big fan of the author :)

Manic Pixie Dream Earl by Jenny Holiday book review

In Jenny Holiday's, "Manic Pixie Dream Earl," we follow three Regency-era Earls—Effie, Simon, and Archie—on their annual men-only holiday filled with laughter, friendship, adventure and unexpected twists. Effie, the flamboyant Viscount Featherfinch, is a poet who writes under a pseudonym. He has a correspondence with Julianna, the editor of the magazine that publishes his work.  Julianna assumed that Effie (Edward) is a woman. They have been writing letters and have become quite close. When Julianna decides to crash Effie's trip to Brighton, she discovers his true identity, leading to a surprising connection that transcends their initial friendship. As they navigate their feelings, both characters confront their pasts—Effie's struggles with a traumatic childhood and Julianna's issues with societal expectations. Their journey explores the complexities of love, friendship, and identity, culminating in a heartwarming tale of acceptance and growth. 

This book combines humor, emotional depth, and queer representation, appealing to romance readers seeking something unexpected and relatable. With a dual POV that allows insight into both Effie's and Julianna's thoughts, readers experience their evolving relationship in a nuanced way. The portrayal of diverse identities—Effie as demisexual and Julianna as bisexual—adds to the the narrative. Additionally, the strong themes of friendship and support among the Earls resonate deeply, highlighting the importance of chosen family. Readers will appreciate Holiday's clever twists on classic tropes, including mistaken identity and reverse age gaps, all set against a vibrant historical backdrop. I like how they break all sorts of conventions in class, swimming, staying in the same house and working.  There is definitely an HEA for the couple and their found family.  I was hoping for a bit more from the children side of things, but I guess that is what makes this book unique to the historical romance genre.  A fun read, a fun cover and definitely some entertaining characters.

Her Majesty's Rebels #3: Road Trip with a Rogue by Kate Bateman book review

"Road Trip With a Rogue" is the third book in Kate Bateman's "Her Majesty's Rebels" series. While it features returning characters and references past events, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Fans of the series will appreciate the familiar dynamics and development of beloved characters in this fun historical  romance. Daisy Hamilton, a duke's daughter and investigator for King & Co., is tasked with stopping heiress Violetta Brand from eloping. Her plans go awry when she mistakenly holds up the carriage of Lucien Vaughan, the Duke of Cranford and the man who broke her heart five years ago. Vaughan decides to go with Daisy on her journey through Scotland to track down the runaway couple. Daisy, determined to keep her past feelings for Lucien at bay, faces challenges that threaten her reputation, leading Lucien to make a scandalous claim to protect her. Their shared experiences reveal deep-seated emotions, and as danger lurks, they confront their feelings amidst witty banter and undeniable chemistry. This road trip leads them to unexpected revelations and a journey toward love, making it a compelling tale of second chances. 

This book is a delightful blend of humor, tension, spice and heartfelt moments. Daisy and Lucien’s dynamic is electric, filled with sharp banter and simmering chemistry that keeps readers on their toes. The setting of a road trip adds an adventurous flair, allowing for intimate encounters and character development against a backdrop of charming inns and unexpected situations. I love Daisy's personality.  She can handle her weapons and protect herself.  Bateman’s knack for crafting relatable, multi-dimensional characters makes Daisy and Lucien easy to root for, while the engaging plot ensures a fast-paced, enjoyable reading experience that leaves readers eager for more.  This was such a fun read!  This book should be added to your pre-release orders.  As a side note, the cover is beautiful and sexy.  It's a good representation of Daisy and Lucien.

This book will be out July 29, 2025.  Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC.

Bluestocking Booksellers #2: My Best Friend's Earl by Bethany Bennett book review

 Constance Martin, a bold bookseller, is determined to avoid a mundane life. When her aristocratic friend Althea seeks help to break her engagement to Oliver Vincent, the Earl of Southwyn, Constance sees an opportunity for excitement. Althea, bound by an agreement made by their fathers, wants nothing to do with marrying Oliver, who views the marriage as a business arrangement and a duty. As Constance and Althea devise humorous schemes to thwart the engagement, Constance finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Oliver, a man who embodies duty and logic. Despite her scatterbrained nature and tendency to make lists just to remember daily tasks, Constance's vivacity disrupts Oliver's orderly life, forcing him to confront his growing feelings for her. As their relationship deepens, both must navigate their differing views of love and commitment, leading to a delightful blend of humor, chaos, and heartwarming moments. 

This book is a delightful escape filled with humor, charm, and relatable characters. Readers will appreciate the dynamic between Constance and Oliver, whose contrasting personalities create a captivating tension. Constance’s vibrant spirit and Oliver’s honorable intentions make for a compelling romance, showcasing the beauty of opposites attracting. The list of ways to annoy Oliver is hilarious. The author weaves themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery, appealing to readers who enjoy depth in romantic relationships. Fans of historical romance will find this book an enjoyable addition to their collection, promising both laughter and heartfelt moments.  I do think it helps to read the first book in the series as there is a larger cast of characters.  There are cousins and friends all associated with the book shop.  I would love to see a picture of the inspiration for the waist coats that Constance and Althea had made for Oliver to disrupt his ordered rotation of outfits for the week!!!  Those scenes were pretty amusing.  The spice level of "My Best Friend’s Earl" is mild to moderate. While the story contains romantic tension and chemistry between the characters, it primarily focuses on their emotional connection and comedic elements rather than explicit scenes.  Add this to your TBR pile!

Thanks to Forever publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.  Pub date is set for August 12, 2025.

Miss Prentice's Protegees #2: Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath book review

In Look Before You Leap, the second book in Miss Prentice's Protegees series, Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount Wennington, is reluctantly thrust into the spotlight as his thirtieth birthday approaches. After a humiliating romantic experience nearly a decade ago, he has retreated into a life of solitude and work. Despite his efforts to avoid society, his meddlesome mother orchestrates a house party filled with debutantes eager to win his affections. Enter Lottie Travers, a spirited lady’s companion with a penchant for adventure and independence. Struggling to fit into the constraints of polite society, Lottie’s wild nature contrasts sharply with Guy's brooding demeanor. As the two spar and navigate the chaos of the house party, an undeniable chemistry develops. However, Lottie's secrets and Guy's past fears of love create obstacles that they must confront together. This charming tale expertly balances humor and heart, leading to a satisfying slow-burn romance that challenges both characters to grow. 

Romance readers will love the grumpy-sunshine dynamic between Lottie and Guy. Their witty banter keeps the narrative lively. Lottie's vibrant spirit and determination to support her family make her a relatable heroine, while Guy's vulnerability adds complexity to his character. The chaos of the house party serves as a perfect backdrop for romantic entanglements, providing ample opportunities for comedic moments and heartfelt revelations. I love that Lottie's family was included.  Her brothers seem great (and perhaps need their own story).  I like that the author made Lottie a very accomplished horsewoman.  Readers will start to see from the beginning of the book that Lottie's place is in horse training and  not being a companion.  Lottie is made for the outdoors.  A rare thing for women to aspire to in this time period.  Guy's love of horses is the perfect complement to round out this fun couple.  The twist at the ending was unexpected, so it was a bit of extra fun!  A great addition to your TBR pile.  Definitely recommended.

Publication date is June 25, 2025.  Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.