Ciao, Bella

Ciao, Bella (Love Always, #3) by Belinda Mary Website | Twitter | Instagram Publication Date: November 01, 2023 Publisher: H&J Publishing Pages: 261 ISBN: 9780645694246 Genre: Romance | Contemporary Source: ARC Add to Goodreads

Synopsis: Bella is in search of new adventures so she moves from her small town in Italy to Melbourne, where her brother is. When she shows up at her brother's house to surprise him, she finds out that he is away on vacation and instead, she is left alone with his grumpy roommate Daniel.

Daniel is still grieving the death of his mother and has no interest in romance or dating. Scared to let anyone get too close to him for fear that they too will leave, he puts up walls to keep Bella at a distance but she is determined to make Daniel like her and break down those walls.

Review: I was so excited when this book was announced! I loved the first two books in the series (though these can all be read as stand-alones) and I couldn’t wait to dive into Bella and Daniel’s story.

I loved both of these characters. Bella is a ball of sunshine who just radiates happiness and joy wherever she goes. She wants to experience everything the world has to offer. And then there is Daniel. Oh sweet broken Daniel. I couldn’t help but have so much affection and empathy for him. I just wanted to wrap him up in a hug and tell him everything was going to be okay. He has no surviving family members but finds refuge in his friendship group and then with Bella’s family.

This book also mentions Formula 1 racing several times. Everyone that knows me knows that I am a huge F1 fan, specifically Ferrari, and seeing as Bella is from Italy, she is a die-hard Ferrari fan as well. I loved the references and discussions around the sport and laughed at Bella yelling at the TV during a race. That part felt 100% relatable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Witchever Way You Go

Witchever Way You Go by Anne William Website | Twitter | Instagram Publication Date: October 22, 2023 Publisher: Indie Pages: 156 ISBN: Genre: Romance | Contemporary Source: ARC Add to Goodreads

Synopsis: Oliver and Emma signed up to swap houses for a few months. Emma’s house fits her vibe, it’s Gothic with witchy vibes and an impressive candy stash. Oliver’s house is decked out for Christmas, even though it’s not even Halloween yet. Their personalities are nothing alike, Oliver is obsessed with Christmas, he has a collection of ugly Christmas sweaters and an unhealthy obsession with hot cocoa. Emma doesn’t do the Christmas thing, she spends her time watching Halloween movies and drinking pumpkin spice lattes.

Review: This was the cutest holiday novella! It’s the perfect book to read as we transition from Halloween to Christmas. I was expecting this to be a bit cheesy but nope! It’s just a really sweet and cozy holiday romance.

It is a novella so the romance happens really quickly but Anne is a pro at making it feel seamless and realistic. We learn quite early on that these two characters aren’t as different as they may appear on the outside. I love the relationship that develops between them and the little tricks and magic Emma uses on Oliver.

There are so many adorable references in this book to Christmas/Halloween movies, famous witches, Gilmore Girls, and seasonal treats like gingerbread, Halloween candy, and pumpkin spice lattes.

I’d love to see a follow-up of these characters in the future, just a little glimpse into their lives a year down the line. There is also a bit of found family for Emma because Oliver’s family accepts her right away and welcomes her in with open arms.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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The Forever Pact

The Forever Pact (The Bachelors of Paradise Valley, #1) by Jaimie Casey Website | Twitter | Instagram Publication Date: October 07, 2023 Publisher: JMC Creations Pages: 366 ISBN: 9781940218441 Genre: Romance | Contemporary Source: ARC Add to Goodreads

Synopsis: Pippa and TJ were best friends growing up and made a pact to be there for one another whenever they needed each other, no exceptions. So when Pippa finds her fiancé cheating and flees NYC to visit TJ at his Montana ranch, it doesn’t matter that TJ and Pippa haven’t talked in over 10 years, TJ puts aside his feelings and welcomes her in.

Review: This is book number one in a brand new series that’s a closed-door sweet cowboy romance.

What I loved: I loved the storyline! I love a good friends to lovers, but then when the author makes them estranged, adds in a handsome cowboy, endearing town folk, quirky pets, and I am sold. I love a good city-girl-to-country-girl romance.. high heels to tractor wheels!

What I didn’t like: The miscommunication was more than I was expecting. The word giggle was overused. Pippa giggled the entire book and I found it to be rather annoying and it took away from her character, making her seem shallow and ditzy. The communication between the two MCs was a bit juvenile considering they were both supposed to be around 30. I also felt like the ending was rushed and it seemed like the characters just accepted it and everything was fine. I would have liked to see more emotion with the big reveal.

Overall I still rated this four stars because I think it was enjoyable and I can see others enjoying it, especially if they are looking for a clean, sweet, romcom.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Falling in Love with My Vampire Cat

Falling in Love with My Vampire Cat (That's (Para)Normal, #1) by Camilla Evergreen Website | Twitter | Instagram Publication Date: September 12, 2023 Publisher: Indie Pages: 282 ISBN: Genre: Romance | Contemporary Source: ARC Add to Goodreads

Synopsis: Willow is a barely functioning adult living alone in a little cottage in the woods. One day on a quest into town she comes across a black cat who follows her home. For five years she takes care of him, squishing his toe beans and calling him her itty bitty stinky kitty baby. Then when a near-death experience happens and her cat transforms she realizes that he isn’t just a cat but an actual vampire and he is in love with her.

Review: This was such a fun and quirky read! It’s not at all like I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Willow and Zylus, and I loved the references to tropes and romance stories. All of the side characters were fun and interesting, I’m looking forward to reading their stories in the future.

Camilla is known for addressing heavy topics in her books but she does it in a way that is meaningful and honest. She takes things that are perceived negatively (mental health) and spins them to focus on the positive aspects.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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The Wedding Menu

The Wedding Menu (Love & Other Recipes, #2) by Letizia Lorini Website | Twitter | Instagram Publication Date: September 15, 2023 Publisher: Indie Pages: 484 ISBN: 9789198853308 Genre: Romance | Contemporary Source: ARC Add to Goodreads

 

Synopsis: Amelie's dreams for a perfect life are beginning to come true. She's engaged to her high school sweetheart, she has had her wedding planned since she was a little girl, and she is in the running to be the head chef at her dad's famous restaurant. But then Amelie meets Ian and suddenly her path isn't quite as clear.

The last thing Ian ever wants to do is be in a committed relationship, let alone get married. But when Ian meets Amelie he begins to see things from a different point of view and he may be changing his mind on what and who he wants in his life.

Review: Be still my heart. This book is absolute perfection! It's the second in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. Ian is completely perfect. If you look swoon up in the dictionary you'll see a picture of Ian. He puts all other book boyfriends to shame.

I loved Amelie. She was so likable and I couldn't help but root for her the entire time. I found myself relating to her quite a bit and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her growth chapter by chapter.

Ian and Amelie as a couple are legit couple goals. The slow burn, the tension, the chemistry, the butter (iykyk), and the humor. I loved their banter back and forth. There were many parts where I laughed out loud because Letizia's dialogue was humorous but also charming. I truly wish I could read this book again for the first time.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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