Tag: romance

REVIEW: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

REVIEW: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Avon in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Maggie Chase has had a rough road in life, from the loss of her parents when she was in college to the betrayal by her husband and their subsequent divorce. And that last one pushed her so far down to the point where she rarely leaves the house. Her editor had to cajole her to take this mysterious Christmas trip that is supposed to “change her life.”

But Ethan Wyatt ruined everything. While Maggie is the queen of the cozy mystery, Wyatt writes thrillers – “leather jacket books.” And he is all ego and confidence – and annoyance. He can’t even get her name right after all these years, repeatedly calling her “Marcie.”

The two of them find themselves in the middle of a real-life mystery when world famous author, Eleanor Ashley, their Christmas host, goes missing from a locked room of her mansion in the middle of a snowstorm.

Review

Sometimes you start a new book and everything clicks. The characters are intriguing. The banter makes you laugh out loud. And you feel like you can’t contain the feeling – the potential that this could be a new favorite. You feel a pressure in your chest. Not the weight of anxiety or dread pressing down but the hope – the delight – bubbling up, trying to press out from inside. This was one such book for me.

From the very beginning I felt GIDDY reading this. The main characters had personal stories I couldn’t wait to uncover. Their cutting remarks were funny, not vicious. The potential and chemistry between Maggie and Ethan CRACKLED. Then there was the writing/publishing/mystery angle, which is always a great hook for me. And finally it was a snowed in whodunit which I also adore. If I could design a perfect book for me, this is an A+ set up, checking all the boxes.

I have been an Ally Carter fan since I discovered the Gallagher Girls series. Her older middle grade (10-14) mysteries in the Winterborne series are OUTSTANDING. Her first adult romance, The Blonde Identity, had mixed reviews, and while I could understand some of the criticism, it worked for me

But THIS is everything I have ever loved about her work all rolled into one. My all-time favorite Ally Carter book – and likely one of my favorite books read in 2024. Do NOT miss this! (Language, gaslighting)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+++*

♥♥♥♥♥+++ = Best of the best!

REVIEW: The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

REVIEW: The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Emma Wheeler has been given the opportunity of a lifetime – co-write/ghostwrite a screenplay with her idol, Charlie Yates. He’s written a rom-com, and it needs some serious help. But he has to get it written in order to get a pet project produced. Emma has to put her life on hold and go to LA for 6 weeks to work on the re-write. She’s been her father’s daily caregiver for years – it’s a lot to step away from.

But when she gets to LA, Charlie doesn’t know anything about this arrangement – and he’s not interested in anything Emma has to offer.  She’s embarrassed and tempted to flee back home where life is familiar even though it is also soul-crushing at times. Instead, she fights for this opportunity. Taking in some observations of Charlie and recognizing the power of being completely willing to walk away, she negotiates her way into a real chance to write this screenplay and see it get produced. And maybe prove to Charlie – and herself – that she’s not a “failed writer.”

Review

This was excellent! Everything the book describes as essential for a rom-com – the happily-ever-after, the banter, the slow burn, the “sparkle” – is on display here.

I loved Emma and Charlie, both alone and together. Their individual stories are fascinating. And the psychology of how those individual stories impact the relationship between the two writers was delightful. There were many beautifully written scenes that begged to be read out loud. And I laughed out loud often.

Katherine Center’s fans should not hesitate to grab her latest rom-com. It absolutely sparkles, both in the cozy relationship and in the writing. And if you are a rom-com fan in general, you do not want to miss this one! (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper

REVIEW: Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Riley Everett has arrived in Starfall Point, MI to meet the aunt she hadn’t known existed before her mother died and Aunt Nora reached out. In fact, Riley had been going through such a string of bad luck, she wrote the woman off as a scammer at first. And now that Riley has finally arrived, she gets word that Aunt Nora has died.

Edison Hold is the head of the library at Starfall Point. And he’s been eager to get a look at Nora’s home, Shadow House. But Nora’s death – and an unfortunate first encounter with Riley – will not help his quest to get in the door.

Once in Starfall, Riley discovers the family legacy her mother never mentioned. They have been the keepers of a house full of ghosts and haunted objects. And Riley is now the new “keeper.”

Riley begins to settle into a routine – with the house, with the ghosts, with some friends who can help her with her magical responsibilities – and even with Edison. But there’s someone who wants the house’s secrets for themselves – and they don’t care what happens to anyone who gets in their way.

Review

This was captivating! I loved the premise and the characters. The magic system is more instinctual than learned, so I’m not as clear on what all Riley and her friends can do as I would like. But watching them do their thing – together – was highly entertaining.

This is funny, with an enjoyable found family core that really touched me. I’m eager to see how things develop for Riley and Edison as well as for the “coven,” although that term seems too formal and witchy for this fun, breezy, ghost-filled paranormal story.

Fans of this author as well as fans of humorous paranormal romance should absolutely check this out. It was a hoot! Book 2 is Big Witch Energy, and it’s on my library list! (Language, sex, paranormal elements include ghosts and magical powers)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ – Great!

REVIEW: The Corpse in the Closet by Lucy Score

REVIEW: The Corpse in the Closet by Lucy Score

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Everything seems to be stacking up against Riley. She’s supposed to be joining Nick in his PI business, but after the excitement earlier this summer, he’s gotten super protective. Detective Weber has asked for her psychic expertise on a case, but Nick doesn’t want her near another murder.

On top of that, Riley’s grandmother has arrived, disappointed in Riley’s psychic development – and in her psychic coach, Gabe. Her grandmother is determined to bully Riley – and her sister and mother – into becoming the kinds of psychics Elanora believes they should be.

But Weber’s murder becomes two murders, Nick is working a missing person’s case, and Riley’s spirit guides are hinting that it’s all connected. She needs to get her psychic skills together before someone else ends up dead.

Review

Another fantastic mystery in this series! I absolutely adore Riley and Nick, and the larger cast around them is an absolute hoot! I found myself wishing this series was 10 or 15 books long already – I would read these all summer.

The mystery here is fantastic. At times the case felt stalled while things developed with Riley and her family. But I love these characters so much I didn’t care. Watching Riley’s – and Nick’s – families reminded me of the chaos of the extended family from Donna Andrew’s Meg Langslow series.

I loved the development of Riley and Nick’s relationship here, too. This series is EXACTLY what I needed this summer. If you love a mashup – romance/mystery with paranormal elements – with laugh-out-loud humor, do not miss this series! I would recommend reading these in order to enjoy the evolution of the personal relationships. But be sure to have all the available books nearby because you are going to want to read them back to back. Book 4 in the series, The Body in the Backyard, released a couple of weeks ago. I’ll post my reviews of books 3 and 4 soon. (Language, sex, paranormal elements – clairvoyance, TW: suicide and online bullying.)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: The Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score

REVIEW: The Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Riley is not quite “living the dream.” She’s divorced, broke, and renting a room at a house full of octogenarians. Her job is a regular disappointment. And she has can’t-be-ignored messages and premonitions from the dead.

All of that is bad enough. But when a premonition about her neighbor’s murder comes true, the police think Riley could be the killer.

One person on Riley’s side, though, is the gorgeous – and annoying – PI who had been trying to find Riley’s neighbor before he died. Now Riley and Nick are something of a team, pretending to be engaged and trying to find – and arrest – a killer. But the scorching, flirty thing between them is only going to complicate an already ridiculous situation.

Review

Fantastic!! It took me forever to finish this because I was only reading a chapter or two at night before bed, but I was always looking forward to reading a few more chapters. This is quirky in all of my favorite ways – a funny combo mystery/romance with a psychic/paranormal twist. There are fun, eccentric characters who are interesting and funny, but not obnoxious. The mystery is rich and meaty, and it kept me flipping pages night after night. The two main characters are perfect – they have great chemistry and respect one another’s abilities about the case. Their banter is hilarious! I was rooting for them all the way through. I loved the writing in this so much I ended up tabbing this book as I read.

The premise was so great that I took the risk and bought books 1 and 2 at the same time. And when it was clear that these characters and the author’s storytelling were going to be perfect for me, I bought book 3 and pre-ordered book 4 so I could zoom through the whole series as it stands now. I am saving books 2 and 3 for summer vacation because the romance/mystery/humor combo is exactly the vacation vibe I want. I’m looking forward to tabbing the entire series as I cackle through Riley’s next adventures. Highly recommend! (Language, sex, paranormal elements like tarot readings, spirit guides, clairvoyance, etc..)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay

REVIEW: Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Emily Allen has stepped away from her life in Martha’s Vineyard to work at the Last Chapter bookshop in Ireland and be an assistant to a writer in residence.  Siobhan Riordan – Emily’s favorite author. This has the potential to be a dream come true for Emily. Except for Kiernan Murphy – bookstore owner, all-around jerk who wants nothing to do with Emily, and Siobhan’s son.

For some reason, Kiernan seems determined to send Emily back to America asap. But she’s just as determined to stay. Siobhan’s books accompanied her through many difficult years. She wants to return the favor by helping Siobhan with her writer’s block. Being an ocean away from her toxic mother is just an added perk.

As Em becomes a bigger part of the Last Chapter family and Siobhan starts writing again, Kier thaws towards her – and then things between them heat up. But a secret has the potential to tear down everything Emily has found in Finn Hollow – everything she’s ever wanted.

Review

This was so good! I completely fell in love with the main character and the bookshop staff. What a delight to spend time with all of them!

The main story beats were pretty obvious going in, but I can’t complain that this was “predictable” because the execution was terrific. I loved Emily’s journey toward redefining herself in this new place without the burden of her mother. (BTW, her mother was deplorable – the absolute worst.) Siobhan was fantastic – both as a writer but also as a mentor. Kier and Em together were great, but it was the larger story of Emily’s journey that really clicked for me.

Romance fans, McKinlay fans, Summer Reading fans (these two books are loosely connected), and book/writing story fans should absolutely pick this up. And be sure to have tissues handly for the last quarter. (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman

REVIEW: Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Dr. Christa Barnet is a scientist living on the island nation of Violetta in the middle of the Indian Ocean studying bull raft snails.

Outside of scientific circles, Christa is somewhat famous for having a famous father – a TV personality with a national show – who went missing when she was two and has been presumed dead for decades. But he’s been found, and Christa and her family – and the world – are reeling from the news.

Most everyone is thrilled by the news. Jasper’s agent can’t wait to capitalize on all of the media and money making opportunities. And Jasper is on board for whatever. But everyone wants Christa along for the ride – the scientist daughter experiencing her father almost for the first time. If it means Christa can ultimately keep doing her research in Violetta, she’s reluctantly on board to stay in the States for awhile. It doesn’t hurt that she’s discovered white hot chemistry with an old friend.

But when Jasper’s story develops cracks, it raises questions Christa isn’t sure she wants answered. It might just be simpler to leave everything behind and go back to her snails.

Review

This was fantastic!! I was captivated by the story of the missing and presumed dead husband and father and the fallout for his family. But truly the best parts of this were Christa, her sisters, and their mother – not necessarily in relation to Jasper but as themselves. Their personal growth from what Christa remembers from her childhood to the reality she encounters when she gets home is fantastic. And I adored all of them and their fierce love, fierce anger, and fierce protection of one another.

I tend to associate a “no f-s to give” mentality to middle age, but Christa is already there, and I LOVED her for it! I absolutely adored this. Fans of Waxman’s other works – The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, Adult Assembly Required, I Was Told It Would Get Easier (♥♥♥♥) – should not miss this one! (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Bride by Ali Hazelwood

REVIEW: Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Misery Lark has done her time for her people. She gave her entire childhood to serve Vampyre needs, living with humans as “the collateral.” When her duty was finished, she built her own life in the human world, far from her father and his expectations and demands.

And when he suggests one more sacrifice for “the good of her people,” she can’t say no forcefully or fast enough. But then she discovers this dangerous sacrifice can lead her to the one thing she wants most of all.

So she agrees to marry the Werewolf Alpha – live in his territory, live again as an outsider. Because it might lead to the answers she can’t find anywhere else.

Review

This was outstanding! My first Ali Hazelwood – I totally get what the fuss is about. Once I started this, I didn’t want to put it down. The world building is fantastic! And I loved the mysteries that needed solving. There’s so much here to enjoy.

Paranormal romance fans should not miss this. Everything really was perfect – the characters, the pacing, the HUMOR, the twists, the romance. The ending sets up a possible sequel, and I am here for it! The rest of my Hazelwood books are now at the top of my TBR – I’m looking forward to reading more of her work. (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ -= Outstanding!

REVIEW: The Takedown by Carlie Walker

REVIEW: The Takedown by Carlie Walker

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Sydney knows her work for the CIA has kept her away from her family for awhile. But she never expected to have to hear about her little sister’s engagement from the FBI. But Calla is engaged to Johnny Jones, heir to the Jones crime family. And the FBI wants Sydney to go into spy mode at home for Christmas.

Johnny’s best friend – and bodyguard – is an unexpectedly delicious obstacle for her mission. But Sydney will do whatever it takes to protect her sister. If that means she has to seduce the bodyguard, so be it.

Review

This was a fun little Christmas romp! Syd and Nick are great together. Calla and Grandma Ruby are a great supporting cast. The family pieces, including the abandonment of the girls by their father, is well-woven into the story without ever taking the focus off Johnny and Calla.

There are many laugh-out-loud moments here that I enjoyed a lot. The ending was supremely satisfying. And it’s a stand alone romance which means anyone can drop in and pick this one up. While it doesn’t look like a Christmas book, that is the timing for the story, so it was a perfect November read for me (in 2023). But it’s not so Christmas-y that you couldn’t enjoy the story year round.

If you are in the market for a fun, funny romance with organized crime/spy elements, be sure to give this one a try! (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

 

REVIEW: Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon

REVIEW: Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Poppy Banks has always wanted to be a writer. But life has not gone like she planned. It’s gotten so bad she’s ready to give in to her critical mother’s constant negativity and give up writing completely.

But Poppy’s mysterious aunt isn’t going to let her just quit. She leaves Poppy her exclusive writer’s retreat – at a villa in France. In order to inherit, Poppy has to live there for six months and write a novel.

Without hope for writing, Poppy is tempted to bide her time and sell the villa to dig herself out of the hole. But her aunt was the only one who ever seemed to believe in Poppy. And it would be ungrateful to not let her aunt’s plans unfold and just see how things might turn out.

Review

This was excellent! Early on I really connected with the writing of this novel – the way the author described and phrased things. I would mark pages with especially good passages. But before long I was captivated by Poppy – by her struggles, the family drama, the war within herself between confidence and fear. I didn’t want to put this down.

A lot of the conflict in the novel is internal for Poppy, so in some ways this was a little more introspective than you might expect from a “romance.” I liked it this way. While there are several moments of emotional conflict, for the most part this is light on tension and turmoil, which I loved. (Language, sex – TW: attempted sexual assault)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!