Romance

Love Handles by Gretchen Galway Love Handles by Gretchen Galway (3/5 stars) is a quirky, heartfelt romance with plenty of emotional moments and a unique premise—but it also tested my patience more than once. The chemistry between Liam and Bev had real potential, and I genuinely loved how much Liam cared for her. His devotion and willingness to show up, even when things got messy, were some of the strongest parts of the book. There’s something really compelling about a male

The Girl He Needs by Kristi Rose The Girl He Needs (4/5 stars) by Kristi Rose is a sweet, emotionally grounded romance that delivers heart, healing, and a genuinely satisfying love story. This book drew me in with its strong characters and kept me invested with its thoughtful exploration of vulnerability and growth. What I appreciated most was how natural the relationship felt as it developed. Both characters come into the story carrying emotional baggage, and watching them

Off the Hook by Julie Olivia Off the Hook by Julie Olivia (4.25/5 stars) is a sweet, swoony, and emotionally satisfying romance that reimagines Peter Pan in the most charming way. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into the magic of this Neverland-inspired theme park romance—and I adored every minute of it. Jasper completely stole my heart from the beginning. Even though he was emotionally closed off and guarded, there was such a quiet intensity to him that made his

Enemies with Benefits by Roxie Noir Enemies with Benefits by Roxie Noir (4/5 stars) is everything you want in an enemies-to-lovers romance—smart banter, fiery tension, deep emotional payoff, and characters you can’t help but fall for. I really loved these characters. The chemistry between the leads is off-the-charts from the start, but what surprised me (in the best way) was how much depth each character had beneath the snark and sexual tension. Their relationship evolves w

The Loneliest Cottage by Melissa Storm The Loneliest Cottage (3.75/5 stars) is a sweet, emotional, and quietly compelling story of healing, second chances, and unexpected connections. Melissa Storm weaves a heartfelt narrative with small-town charm, emotional complexity, and characters you genuinely root for. I really liked both main characters—Lauren and Shane were layered, likable, and easy to invest in. Lauren's strength and kindness stood out, and Shane’s grief and guarde

Accidentally in Bloom by Elise Kennedy Accidentally in Bloom (4/5 stars) is a charming, feel-good romance that surprised me in the best way. Elise Kennedy delivers a story that’s soft, hopeful, and emotionally satisfying—perfect for readers who love gentle character growth paired with sweet romantic tension. What I enjoyed most about this book was how natural everything felt. The romance unfolds organically, without feeling rushed or overly dramatic, and the characters are e

Since the Day We Danced by Kerk Murray Since the Day We Danced by Kerk Murray (3.5/5 stars) is a tender, introspective novel that explores love, heartbreak, healing, and the passage of time. It’s a quietly emotional story that reflects on how our past shapes us and how some moments—especially the ones tied to love—can linger for a lifetime. I gave this book 3.5 stars because while I appreciated the depth of emotion and the lyrical tone of the writing, I found myself wishing

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (4.5/5 stars) is the kind of book that stays with you—long after you turn the last page. I absolutely loved this story. It’s beautifully written, emotionally layered, and full of the warmth, wit, and vulnerability that Jimenez is known for. What made this reading experience even more personal for me is that I read it while my grandmother—who has Alzheimer's—was declining very quickly. That timing m

True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren I picked up The True Love Experiment (4.25/5 stars) as part of the Goodreads “Sweet and Spicy” challenge, and it turned out to be a perfect fit—it delivered all the swoony sweetness and a delightful dose of spice, wrapped up in Christina Lauren’s signature humor and heart. This story was fresh, fun, and surprisingly emotional. Fizzy, the bold and quirky romance author who’s been coasting on the fumes of everyone else’s love stories, fi

In the Picture by Ellie Blackbourne In the Picture (2.5/5 stars) had an intriguing premise and a charming setting, but ultimately, it fell a bit flat for me. While there were moments that showed potential—glimpses of wit, emotional insight, and an appealing cozy tone—the overall execution left me wanting more. I chose this book because it was another clean Stuff Your Kindle Day romance pick. The pacing was uneven, and I struggled to stay fully engaged throughout. The plot too

Happy Place by Emily Henry Happy Place (4/5 stars) is a beautifully layered novel that dives deep into love, grief, friendship, and the often-messy intersections between them. Emily Henry once again delivers a story that makes you feel everything—sometimes all at once. I found myself sobbing through chapters, only to be laughing out loud just a few pages later. That emotional whiplash is part of what makes her writing so powerful. I chose this book because I was needing a g

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams I chose this book because it was a New Release in January 2025. Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams (4.5/5 stars) is a heartwarming and emotionally rich story that blends romance, vulnerability, and humor in a way that feels both genuine and unforgettable. Jack was an absolute standout. His charisma, depth, and quiet wisdom made him one of the most memorable book boyfriends I’ve read in a while. One of my favorite moments came when he sa

Christmas Every Day by Beth Moran Christmas Every Day hit me right in the feels. I don't know if a book if has ever left me feeling so connected to a character before as much as Jenny. I chose this book because Beth Moran is a Kindle Unlimited author that I have read in the past and really enjoyed. Summary: Jenny finds herself living in the middle of the forest in her former grandmother's home, knowing no one and unpacking her family's past. As she finds herself for the fir

Just Write for Me by Amy Edsanders Just Write for Me left me with strong feelings of nostalgia and comfort while reading. I chose this...

The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak The Banned Books Club (4/5 stars) was one of those books that became difficult to put down once I started, yet somehow managed to leave me with a strong sense of finality when I reached the end. I picked it up after Justin and I visited Hyperbole Bookstore in College Station the day after Christmas, and I began reading it almost immediately—always a good sign. At its core, this is a deeply layered and emotionally complex story. Gia retu

Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood Cruel Winter with You (3/5 stars) was my first Ali Hazelwood read, and even though it’s a short story, it definitely left an impression—and sparked my excitement to read more from her. I picked this one up while searching for a Kindle Unlimited audiobook to listen to while doing chores, and it turned out to be a quick, easy, and enjoyable listen. The story follows Jamie and Marc, who have known each other forever—Marc being Jamie’s chi

Cruel to be Kind (The Madisons #1) by Olivia M. Jacques Cruel to Be Kind (2.75) nearly ended up on my DNF list more times than I care to admit, but I’m ultimately glad I pushed through to the end—even if getting there was a bit of a struggle. I picked this one up as a closed-door romance from Stuff Your Kindle Day last year, hoping for something emotionally engaging without the spice. The story centers on Claire, whose marriage to her high school sweetheart begins to unravel