Mountain Men Matchmaker #1: Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws book review

 In "Nine Month Contract" by Amy Daws, Wyatt, a grumpy mountain man, finds himself in need of a surrogate and turns to an unconventional wanted ad, thanks to his meddling brothers. Enter Trista, a spirited woman with dreams of opening an animal rescue facility. Their initial arrangement is purely business, but as their chemistry ignites during an awkward home insemination attempt, Wyatt realizes he wants more than just a surrogate—he wants Trista to be his partner. The story explores their journey through family dynamics, self-discovery, and the challenges of becoming parents together. With a blend of humor, tension, and heartfelt moments, the book captures the essence of opposites attracting in a small-town setting. 

 This book has a charming blend of grumpy sunshine dynamics and quirky family interactions. Wyatt's rugged persona, coupled with Trista's vibrant spirit, creates a compelling push-and-pull that will keep readers invested in their relationship. The warm and humorous family dynamics add depth, making the story relatable and engaging.  Wyatt's niece, Everly, really added a lot to the story as a secondary character. There are themes of body positivity and the exploration of personal insecurities, offering a refreshing take in contemporary romance. With its unique premise of surrogacy intertwined with romance, this book offers a delightful escape for fans of small-town love stories.  This was my first book that I read by Amy Daws and I loved it!  It was quite spicy, exploring the edges of various kinks.  A lot of the reviews went pretty hard at legal and ethical issues of surrogacy, but I think if you suspend reality and just go along with the fictional ride --it did not seem too problematic for me.  It might have started out as a business transaction, but ended in love (a lot like a lot of historical romances).  I thought this book was super hot and spicy.   I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

Secret Society of Governess Spies #2: Never Gamble Your Heart by Lindsay Lovise book review

"Never Gamble Your Heart" is the second installment in the "Secret Society of Governess Spies" series, set in 1838 England. The story follows Francis (Frankie) Turner, a math genius who becomes the governess for Jasper Jones' fifteen-year-old niece, Cecelia. When Frankie's impulsive younger sister goes missing, she infiltrates Jasper's gambling den to uncover a disturbing pattern: wealthy young women are being married off to impoverished men, often against their will, due to societal pressures. As Frankie navigates the challenges of her new role and Jasper's intriguing but complicated personality, she teaches Cecelia how to count cards and uncovers the truth behind the sinister dowry schemes. With an engaging mix of romance and mystery, Frankie and Jasper's relationship evolves amidst schemes and tension, leading them both to unexpected realizations about love and trust. 

I love the spy/mystery/secrets in this series! The chemistry between Frankie and Jasper is hot, marked by witty banter and a slow-burn romance that keeps readers engaged. Frankie’s brilliance in mathematics adds a unique twist to the traditional governess trope, while Cecelia’s spirited nature provides comic relief and charm. The interplay of danger and intrigue surrounding the dowry scheme creates high stakes that enhance the romantic tension. With clever plotting and relatable themes of self-discovery and empowerment, this novel offers an entertaining escape into a world of love, mystery, and the fight against societal norms.  I really enjoyed this story and I really love the beautiful cover.  I found myself rooting for Frankie and Jasper to fall in love and be successful, despite what life had thrown at them.  There was some redemption going on in here that added a surprising twist.  All in all, I highly recommend this book.

These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean book review

In "These Summer Storms," Sarah MacLean ventures into contemporary fiction, delivering a gripping tale of family, loss, and inheritance. Alice Storm, estranged from her wealthy family, returns to their Rhode Island island estate after the death of her father, Franklin Storm, a tech mogul with a narcissistic streak. The siblings, who haven't seen each other in years, are summoned for a bizarre inheritance challenge orchestrated by their late father. Each must navigate personal conflicts and family dynamics while completing tasks that reveal deep-seated issues and secrets. Among them is Jack Dean, Franklin's brooding right-hand man, whose chemistry with Alice adds a romantic twist to the story. As Alice grapples with her family's legacy and her own identity, she discovers what truly matters beyond wealth and status. The narrative is rich with character development, emotional depth, and unexpected twists, making it an engaging read that explores the complexities of family relationships. 

Romance readers will be drawn to "These Summer Storms" for its compelling romantic tension between Alice and Jack. Their chemistry is palpable, igniting sparks that keep readers invested in their evolving relationship. While the novel centers on family dynamics, MacLean skillfully weaves in moments of intimacy and longing, offering a satisfying balance of drama and romance. There is so much drama in this book!!!  Wow. I really enjoyed the New England beach/island setting.  The emotional stakes elevate the connection between the protagonists, making readers root for their love amidst the chaos of family secrets (so many secrets) and challenges. The witty banter and steamy encounters provide an enjoyable escape, ensuring that even those who are primarily fans of romance will find a lot to love in this captivating contemporary fiction debut.

Thank you to Random House - Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book