On the Edge

On the Edge Full Throttle, #2 by K. Bromberg Website | Twitter | Instagram Publication Date: January 18, 2024 Publisher: JKB Publishing, LLC Pages: 320 ISBN: 9781942832751 Genre: Romance | Contemporary Source: ARC Add to Goodreads

Synopsis: Cruz Navarro is a famous F1 driver who is also known as being a bit of a playboy. Terrified of commitment, Cruz has never been serious about any relationship and is just here to have a good time. But when a huge sponsor considers walking away, Cruz will do anything to close the deal, even if that means securing a fake girlfriend and putting his partying days behind him.

Maddix is trying to seek approval from her boss with big dreams of working for an advertising firm in the city. When she begs her supervisor to let her sit in on a huge meeting, the last thing she expects is for the famous F1 driver to choose her as his new fake girlfriend.

Review: F1 and fake dating? Heck yeah! This was the absolute perfect book to read in the off-season. The characters are very lovable and well-developed, they both show tremendous growth over the storyline.

There are some really sweet scenes, some laugh-out-loud moments (lawnmower racing!), and some deliciously spicy moments. This is the second book in the Full Throttle series but can absolutely be read as a stand-alone.

This book is perfect for both F1 fans and those who have never watched it. I've read other books with F1 and the author made up tracks, put races in January, and had very little accuracy. Thankfully, this book is not like that! The author does a great job of explaining the basics without it being overwhelming but for those who love the sport, it was refreshing to read something that was accurately written.

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

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Claus and Effect

Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne Website | Twitter | Instagram Publication Date: November 14, 2023 Publisher: Indie Pages: 253 ISBN: 9798887142371 Genre: Romance | Contemporary Source: ARC Add to Goodreads

Synopsis: Tessa and Tre are complete opposites. Tre is trying to get home to Portland to see his family for Christmas. Tessa has no family but sets off across the US in the hopes of finding true love and her forever family. When a series of mishaps put a wrench into their plans, the duo are forced to rent a car together in the hopes of driving to Portland. It seems like everything that can go wrong does or maybe it’s just the universe working to keep these two together long enough so they go from strangers to lovers.

Review: I love a cheesy holiday romance! Toss in a strangers-to-lovers trope and a road trip to get home for the holidays, and I am hooked. I could see this playing out in my head like a Hallmark Christmas movie and there were a lot of hilarious parts that made me chuckle.

What I liked the most: I loved the witty banter between the main characters. Tessa was a very lovable character. It was impossible not to root for her and wish for that happy ever after.

What I didn’t like: The ending felt very rushed. It started with the scene of them together in Portland at the hotel and then sped up fast. I wish it was a bit slower with more details and background. It seemed to take forever to get to Portland but then suddenly when they made it, everything went fast.

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

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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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