Book #4 Rebel Blue Ranch: Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage book review

Camille Ashwood has a plan to marry, secure her daughter’s future and make her parents happy. But when her fiancé leaves her at the altar, her life takes an unexpected turn. Finding herself living next door to Dusty Tucker, her high school sweetheart, sparks old feelings and unresolved issues. Dusty, who has been running from his past and his feelings for Cam, now faces the possibility of rekindling their relationship. Their journey is filled with emotional tension, as they navigate the complexities of their past while discovering if their love can withstand the test of time. With a blend of second-chance romance and small-town charm, this story revisits old and new characters at the Rebel Blue Ranch. 

Oh man! I LOVED "Wild and Wrangled"! Camille is a strong, relatable heroine who embodies resilience while facing life's challenges as a single mother. Her character development resonates with readers, making her journey feel authentic and engaging. Dusty is the quintessential broody hero, and his deep-seated feelings for Cam add layers to their relationship that I loved and found myself hoping (right along with Dusty). I would say it is kind of a slow burn at the beginning, but then….whooooo-boy! Their connection is hot. I love their history and I wanted the backstory just as much as Ada did. The small-town ranch vibes are great, like the previous three books. Readers will be left swooning, rooting for Camille and Dusty’s happily-ever-after as they soak up their rekindled romance and watch news spread around town. I really like the family connections, the strong friendships and the hilarious characters. I’m sad that the series is over, but grateful that it was spread out over four books. The cover is to die for. It’s got the best vintage vibes that I have seen on a romance cover in a very long time.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Dial Press Trade Paperback for an ARC of this book.

Dream Harbor #1: The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore book review

In "The Pumpkin Spice Café," a spicy small-town cozy romance that has been trending on TikTok. Jeanie inherits the quaint Pumpkin Spice Café in Dream Harbor, seeking a fresh start from her dead end desk job. Her vibrant personality and delightful pumpkin spice lattes brighten the small town, but they also disrupt the life of Logan, a local farmer known for his grumpiness and avoidance of gossip. Despite his initial reluctance, Logan finds himself inexplicably drawn to Jeanie, leading to a mix of tension and chemistry between the two. As Jeanie's sunny demeanor attempts to crack Logan's tough exterior, readers are taken on a journey filled with humor, warmth, and a hint of mystery. While the story captures cozy autumn vibes and a grumpy x sunshine dynamic, it also explores themes of self-discovery and the joy of finding family in unexpected places. With a heartwarming ending guaranteed, this romantic mystery is perfect for a weekend read. 

This book has been in romance circles for a while now and I just picked it up at a book store. (I'm a little late to the party)  I’m glad I didn’t look at the reviews before I read it. I loved it!. It was just as promised: cute, cozy, a bit of spice and and an HEA. All the things I am looking for in a small town romance. The reviews are brutal. Not enough spice, too much spice, too Hallmark movie. Yikes! The pumpkin spice vibe is a fun blend of cozy autumn atmosphere and engaging character dynamics. The grumpy x sunshine trope provides a compelling contrast that keeps the story lively, while Jeanie's cheerful spirit and Logan's brooding nature create a captivating push-and-pull. I love the small-town setting, which adds depth and charm to the narrative. The book also incorporates elements of found family and a hint of mystery, keeping readers invested in the characters’ journeys. The book ultimately delivers a comforting escape filled with relatable characters and heartwarming moments. This story is a perfect pick for those seeking a light-hearted read that evokes the essence of fall and the warmth of community. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!

Lords of Hazard: Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart #1 by Sabrina Jeffries book review

In "Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart," author Sabrina Jeffries introduces readers to Lord Jonathan Leighton, who returns to England after being detained for eleven long years in a French prison during the Napoleonic Wars. Upon his return, he discovers that he has inherited the dukedom of Falconridge following the deaths of his father and brothers. Haunted by guilt over the death of his mentor, who entrusted him with the care of his daughter Victoria Morris, Jonathan resolves to help her secure a suitable marriage. However, Victoria, a passionate artist with dreams of opening a school for women, has no intention of marrying. As Jonathan and Victoria navigate their complicated pasts and burgeoning feelings for each other, secrets unfold, and they must confront their own vulnerabilities. This story weaves a tale of guilt, redemption, and love, set against the backdrop of a society that has changed in his absence. 

Romance readers will love this book for its rich character development and emotional depth. The author crafts a narrative filled with witty banter and palpable chemistry between Jonathan and Victoria, making their journey toward love both engaging and relatable. Readers will appreciate the strong, independent heroine who defies societal expectations, as well as the tormented hero grappling with his past. It’s a little countercultural as the duke is interested in a governess. The inclusion of steamy moments, combined with the unique historical context of Napoleonic France and the struggles of reentering society, adds layers of intrigue. With a beautifully woven plot and unresolved mysteries, this novel promises a delightful escape into a world of historical romance, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. It’s well written, it’s fun and I think most historical romance readers will enjoy it. The publication date is April 29, 2025 so put it on your pre-order list! Thanks to #NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for a ARC.

Not So Fast by Karen Booth book review

Not So Fast is a charming romantic comedy centered around Mia Neal, an enthusiastic Formula One podcaster known for her sharp opinions and insights (as a regular fan) into the sport. Mia's explosive take on the handsome British driver, Xander Bishop, garners unexpected attention, leading to a viral moment that thrusts her into the spotlight. When Xander's teammate invites Mia to the Miami Grand Prix, she hopes to gain a deeper understanding of Xander's racing style. Their first meeting did not go as expected, but there was definitely some chemistry! As they navigate their contrasting personalities, Mia's neurodiverse traits and Xander's struggles with his racing career create a suspenseful and fun dynamic. The story balances humor and emotion, exploring themes of self-awareness, mental health, and personal growth, all while keeping readers engrossed in the thrilling world of F1 racing. 

Like many of the reviews are stating, I also did not/do not have much experience with the world of Formula 1 racing. So, I enjoyed learning about some of the terminology and realized that the author has to have a pretty good depth of knowledge to write all the details. I love the enemies-to-lovers storyline and the sizzling tension between Mia and Xander. The witty banter and genuine connection between the characters create an engaging reading experience. Mia's journey of self-discovery, coupled with Xander's vulnerability as a professional athlete, adds depth to the story. The book intertwines humor with heartfelt moments, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy light-hearted yet meaningful narratives. Additionally, the exploration of mental health and family dynamics adds authenticity to the story, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a personal level. With its fast-paced plot and relatable themes, Not So Fast is a must-read for fans of feel-good romances that leave a lasting impression. I’m glad I went out of my reading comfort zone with this book. It was a lot of fun and I could not put it down once I started it.  

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

Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley book review

Brooke Sinclair’s aspiration of becoming a published author faltered when she was expelled from the University of Edinburgh. Now a ghostwriter, she focuses on telling others' stories until her mentor, Mhairi McCallister, invites her to co-write a memoir about Scotland’s challenging Skye Trail. Eager for the opportunity, Brooke agrees to hike the trail, unaware that her companion will be Jack Sutherland, the man who deeply affected her writing career and her heart. Jack, having left his family’s tour business for photography, must honor his aunt Mhairi's wishes despite the emotional turmoil associated with Brooke. As they navigate the beautiful Scottish landscape, old feelings resurface, forcing them to confront a past filled with unspoken hurt. 

I have to admit that as I started reading this book, I did not remember the first one and things felt familiar. Then I realized Jack is the second brother! Duh. I like how the author used alternating timelines to showcase the evolution of Brooke and Jack's relationship, blending sweet moments with heart-wrenching emotions. The forced proximity trope adds tension and excitement as they trek through breathtaking landscapes, making every interaction feel significant. Readers will appreciate the relatable themes of dreams, longing, and the impact of miscommunication on relationships. Kiley's vivid descriptions and authentic portrayal of natural light photography enrich the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience. I think it gives a little bit of insight into ghostwriting, something I had not really thought about before. I love the HEA, although I was crying at the end. This book is sure to resonate with anyone who loves a heartfelt romance filled with hope and second chances (and a bit of sexy spice).  Thanks to #NetGalley and Harlequin for an ARC.  This book is out in a few days --> March 4, 2025!!!

A Worthington Wedding by Ella Quinn book review

 In "A Worthington Wedding," the first book in Ella Quinn's new series Here Come the Grooms, Charlie, the Earl of Stanwood, finds himself embroiled in a daring card game to save his dependent female relatives from losing their home. When he arrives to return the deed to Oriana Ognon, he discovers it is a fake, and she is already the rightful owner. Impressed by Oriana's tenacity and her efforts to run her household with women, Charlie proposes, hoping to win her heart. Despite her initial reluctance towards marriage, Oriana appreciates his perspective of partnership. However, their path to happily ever after is fraught with challenges, including sabotage from her cousin and a rival lord. As they navigate these obstacles, Charlie’s determination and Oriana's growing feelings lead to a fun journey of love and resilience. 

Readers will love the witty banter and upbeat chemistry between Charlie and Oriana, as they challenge societal norms while deepening their connection. The story is richly detailed, filled with humor and intrigue, creating a vibrant tapestry of romance that resonates with themes of independence and partnership. The dynamic setting of the ton, combined with a cast of charming supporting characters, adds to the allure. Each encounter brims with delightful tension and clever repartee, keeping readers thoroughly entertained. As Oriana grapples with her past and Charlie works tirelessly to win her over, readers will root for their relationship to flourish. With its blend of humor, romance, and engaging conflicts, "A Worthington Wedding" promises to delight fans of historical romance and keep them eagerly turning the pages, anticipating every twist and turn along the way.  I loved it and now I have to go back and read the previous series.