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791 reviews

The Wingman by Stephanie Archer

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Does a Stephanie Archer book ever miss? The answer is no. The Wingman, book three in the Vancouver Storm series is no exception. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since The Fake Out (Book Two) was released. When I tell you I think about this series weekly, it’s not an exaggeration. I loved The Wingman for all of its friends to lovers antics and a sprinkling of the “teach me” trope.

⭐️ Rating: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 3.5/5

Sports Romance: Hockey
🏒 Friends to Lovers - college besties now all grown up
🏒 Forced Proximity - But they were roommates
🏒 Shy Girl x Popular Guy
🏒 “Teach Me”
🏒 No 3rd act breakup

I love a good friends to lovers book. Especially when everyone else sees it. It’s like you’re reading this book just chanting “kiss! Kiss!” because you know when that dam breaks… there’s gonna be a flood. The FMC is also in the (not so) fun place in life where she doesn’t love what she’s doing. But sometimes making a career out of your passion is scary. Luckily her bestie, who has enough confidence for the both of them is able to nudge her in the right direction. 

And did I mention? NO 3RD ACT BREAK UP. I mean, once they word vomited that they liked each other these two couldn’t stop communicating.
Sideline Play by Taylor James

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Omg! This was the feel good read I needed right now. I have been seeing so much hype surrounding Sideline Play on Instagram and man oh man, did Remington live up to the hype. This cinnamon roll of a MMC is down bad for his girl Scarlet… and her pup, Winnie. This is the ultimate example of “if he wanted to, he would.” 

⭐️ Rating: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 3.5/5

⚾️ Sports Romance: Baseball

Tropes:
⚾️ Coach’s Daughter
🩷 Teammate’s Sister
⚾️ Age Gap
🩷 Forced Proximity
⚾️ Cinnamon Roll MMC
🩷 No 3rd Act Breakup

The family dynamic of the Jones family and team is the best. I fully enjoyed their group chats and how protective Roman felt over Scarlet. I also loved that Scarlet was very bubbly and blonde, but also so incredibly smart and driven. This is the kind of baseball family I could never get tired reading about. I’m looking at you book 2…

The spice in this book is spicing! There is so much push and pull between these two in the most delicious way. They are pushing all the barriers just up until they tip over. It’s like one of those water buckets at a waterpark. It slowly fills up over time and then all of a sudden, there’s a flood. And boy is there….

I laughed out loud when Winnie, Scarlet’s dog, was afraid of the slatted stairs. I understand first hand what it’s like to have an anxious dog. While Winnie the Doberman should come off as menacing, my little aussie is afraid of making eye contact with strangers. So I get it. 

I'm sure this book will get some criticism because of how fast paced their relationship was. Here’s the thing. I don’t care. It was perfect, and I can wait for book two. My only regret is I can never read this book for the first time again. So if you have anything negative to say about this book, I’m not your target audience.
How My Neighbour Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Sound the alarm, this is like what you hope every Christmas made for TV romcom would be. Except it would never be approved for television because it’s wayyyyyyyyy too spicy for the general public. This was such a fun and festive read, I just know that every other holiday book I read this year won't quite measure up. The bar has been set super high by this festive town and its Christmas competition. 

⭐️ Rating: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 3.5/5

🎄 Small Town Romance
🎄 Neighbors to Lovers
🎄 Fake Dating
🎄 Childhood Friends to Lovers

Rating wise, this is the perfect Christmas read. What makes it special is the use of a narrator. We still get the dual POV from Storee and Cole, but an added introduction to each chapter with rhyming Christmas magic is sprinkled throughout the book as well. Meghan Quinn knows what she is doing. This book contains that undeniable cheese factor, but in the-I just want to jump in and have as much fun as the townspeople are having-kind of way. 

Cole is the the grump of all grumps and it's a major surprise to the town when he enters into the annual Kringle Christmas competition. What also comes as a surprise is that Aunt Cindy, the town's beloved, has broken her hip and may not be able to participate this year. Luckily for her, her granddaughters come to town to take care of her and to carry on the Christmas spirit. We get to see these two, now neighbors, navigate all kinds of kooky Christmas tasks like candy cane making, a caroling competition, and a festive light display. But along the way they tumble into some feelings that they packaged away nearly ten years ago.

Make no mistake, this book gets spicy. It’s a little bit of a slow build to get there, but even before the spice hits, you’re getting all the tingly giddy feels of a super cute rom com. I will be shouting about this book starting now through Christmas. 
The Marriage Hex by Sarah Blue

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adventurous dark lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Are you looking for a witchy Halloween romance to get you into the spooky spirit? Great, The Marriage Hex by Sarah Blue is the book for you. Not only did this book make me break out the comfy cozies, play Gilmore Girls in the background,  and pretend the weather matched the pile of blankets I hid myself under, it kept me guessing as to who was the real villain and if everything was going to be okay. Happy to report everyone gets their HEA. Anddddddd this is the start of a new series. How lucky are we?

⭐️ Rating: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 3/5

We’re talking….
🔮 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🔮 Sassy Witch BFFs
🔮 Enemies to Lovers
🔮 Charming Banter
🔮 Super Hot MMC… with a wood chopping scene
🔮 Second Chance
🔮 A Witchy Familiar 
🔮 No 3rd Act Break Up

I’ve read omegaverse books(Sarah Blue is the GOAT btw), but never ventured into the shifter realm. It just wasn’t my thing. If shifter romance was done like it is in The Marriage Hex, I’d be all about it. I don’t know how to explain it other than to say it’s not weird. Like sometimes I think shifter stuff gets a little out there, but this made sense with how the storyline was established.

If you’re looking for something to kick off the fall season, THIS is the book for you.
Breeding Clinic by Alexis B. Osborne

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This was an incredibly well written story. Pregnancy/fertility plotlines usually aren’t my jam, as they don’t match where I’m at in life. However, Breeding Clinic was so well done that I really enjoyed it. If you’ve read the Heatverse books, you know you’re about to dive right into a spicy grab bag of fun. 

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice: 4/5

Here’s what you’re getting yourself into:
💦 A fertility clinic mix-up meet-cute
💦 An alpha who owns the family pub
💦 A Brazilian beta who works in healthcare
💦 A demisexual beta banker who loves to cook
💦No 3rd act breakup
💦 MMMF with ⚔️ 
💦 A cat named Waffles

If that scared you off, bye!!! If you’re still here, welcome. This book will smack you in the face with spice right from the start. No one is mad. It will also give you all those heart palpitations of a cute new relationship. Seriously, watching this pack court Kat gives all the feels. While the story does follow the entirety of her pregnancy, it doesn’t feel like 9 months. The author time jumps but it’s done quite smoothly if you know what I mean. Sometimes that approach can feel jerky and disjointed, but not here. The timeline makes sense and illustrates the growth and comfort level between the characters. The epilogue even gives us a scene with this pack at the New York Rut Bar location!

If you have sensitivities around fertility/pregnancy I’d recommend perusing the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book.
Deceit by Katelyn Taylor

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

⭐️ Rating: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 3/5

💀 Arranged Marriage
💀 Secret Society
💀 Why Choose


You can always count on Katelyn Taylor to deliver a taboo dark romance. Deceit, book one in the Gallows Hill series is no different. This book has all the dark academia vibes to get you through the spooky season. My only irritation is that THIS BOOK ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER and I wasn’t prepared going in. So, please, dear reader, be aware. The good news? The second book in the series is coming out in about a month's time. 

Sunlight by Devney Perry

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

5/5 stars, absolutely no notes. Sun Light is a quick and satisfying read. Dress in your comfy cozies, grab something to drink, and settle in for a heartfelt small town romance. Sun Light is the second book in the River Haven series by Devney Perry. I absolutely loved Cross Roads, book one, and have been (not so)patiently awaiting the next installment. You may look at the advertised tropes:

🌾 Accidental pregnancy
🌾 Forced proximity
🌾 Workplace romance
🌾 Cowboy romance
🌾 Small town romance

And be like, sure fine, add it to the TBR. No no, stop what you’re doing, read book one and slide right into Sun Light. This little slice of Montana bundled up in a small town/cowboy package has all the tension and sweet moments to make you kick your feet and get all the feels for these two. 

As always, Devney Perry delivers with wonderfully flawed characters. Both of these characters have a bit of a chip on their shoulders, but for valid reasons. I really just wanted to give both Sasha and Jax hugs for all that they had been through... while also wanting to shake Lily. IYKYK. These characters are unlike any other that I’ve experienced. They actually feel like real people. I choose to believe that a version of  River Haven Ranch exists in real life. Sasha is your black cat. Incredibly good at her job, hardworking, and strong as hell. Jax has the reputation for being a bit of a playboy, but really, he hasn’t found anyone he’s wanted to build a life with. That is until Sasha came to town and caused an upset in the grocery store parking lot. 

If you’ve read any of Devney Perry’s books, 1. You’ve got great taste. 2. You know she has a way of writing these books where there’s a certain something weaved amongst the storyline that you know is going to cause havoc. Sun Light is no different. But I refuse to give any details that would give away any spoilers.
The Break Out by Madi Danielle

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

While I’ve loved the journey of the Denver Dragons series, Brynn and Colton may be my favorite couple. I mean, this book had me at the dedication. The Break Out by Madi Danielle has everything you want in a hockey romance. We’ve got:
- Banter… like so much banter. I’m over here kicking my feet it’s so good.
- Spice. You know when you find a really good romance book and your like, dang, the spice was spicing in that one? The Break Out is spicing.
- Brother’s Teammate. I’m a sucker for a brother’s teammate. And because Colton was traded to the Denver Dragons, we’ve got a bit of a brother’s rival situation as well. Sign me up.
- Secret / forbidden romance. Considering her brother’s the captain of the team, and he and Colton don’t get along right away, you can see why there would be some “stay away from my sister” verbal punches  getting thrown around. But doesn’t that make the sneaking around just that much hotter? I’m here for it. 

Neither Brynn or Colton set out to be in a relationship. Brynn is just ready to settle in one place for a bit and figure out what it means to have a personal life after touring with her superstar singer bestie. She can manage PR like nobody's business, but managing her own life has been on the back burner for quite some time. Colton on the other hand is not happy about being traded to Denver and lets everyone hear about how he’d rather be in LA. It’s giving “you’re not my real dad” vibes. But after being in the league for a number of years you get to know the franchise players and how to push their buttons on the ice. Colton figured out that making comments about Brynn, or Baby Collee, as he likes to refer to her really get’s her brother fired up. But now that they're on the same team and Brynn is coming to the games, he realizes that he wants Baby Collee in his bed. If only to piss off his captain. At least, that’s how it starts. 
The Way We Play by Tia Louise

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I’m telling you, no one writes a small town / close knit community / found(and sometimes real) family romance like Tia Louise. The Way We Play is the second book in The Bradford Brothers series. 

I love a meddling grandparent/townsperson, and in this case, it’s their employer, Miss Gina, who may be blind but knows a good pairing when she sees it. If you read that, and thought, wow, that was insensitive, I promise you Miss Gina would appreciate the joke. The wealthy woman relies on Zane Bradford, the retired NFL kicker, to tend to the upkeep of her large estate. Rachel Wells is her nurse who specializes in massage therapy. These two find themselve living and working together. While Zane is all grump and gruff, Rachel is pure sunshine just trying to get through the day while tending to her job and caring for her teenage brother who’s on the spectrum.

Tia Louise has a way with characters. Zane appears grumpy straight to the core. After retiring early due to injury, he’s a little lost. He’s got a bit of a chip on his shoulder and is convinced he ruins everything good in his life. But don’t be mistaken, he’s got a soft spot for his niece Kimmy. Rachel is a strong, if not exhausted, 30 year old who has fought for all the good stuff in her life which she gladly shares with her brother. She’s made compromises and changed up her ideal timeline to make their life work, but couldn’t imagine it any other way. She’s got a great attitude and believes anything good is worth fighting for. You can see how these two clash on the surface but are actually quite perfect for each other on a cellular level. 

The Way We Play is a feel good small town romance with all the butterflies of two fools falling in love. It also has a great soundtrack. 
Taught by the Coach: An Instalove Hockey Romance by Alyson Archer

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Every couple of months Alyson Archer has released a tantalizing super charged novella for her adoring audience. I am her adoring audience. And I hope this release schedule never changes. Unless she wants to give us a release every month. I wouldn’t hate that, but I also won't be greedy and will remain thankful for our current release schedule.  As soon as I was done with Claimed by the Center, book one in the Toronto Thunder series, I was dying to get my hands on Taught by the Coach. Let me assure you, Taught by the Coach DID NOT DISAPPOINT. 

This book has all the fun push and pull of undeniable tension between two adults who refuse to admit their desires in fear of 1. Their feelings not being reciprocated and 2. How much it would complicate their lives. Nothing says danger and deceit like keeping a hot and heavy relationship secret from your best friend… because that guy she’s been pressing you to tell her about? It’s her dad. 

If you’re needing a spicy hockey romance(he’s the coach) that you can breeze through in an afternoon, Taught by the Coach is your book. You can look forward to:
- Age gap
- Insta love
- Best friend’s dad
- Secret relationship
- Forbidden Workplace relationship

If you haven’t read book one in this series, start there. It’s his daughter, and she’s more than willing to be Claimed by the Center.