Secretly Yours

⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

I read this book as part of a tandem readalong and it’s my first Tessa Bailey book. It’s a 3.5-3.75 for me.

The whole concept of secret admirer letters is a bit childish to me, but I didn’t mind what was written by Hallie. It was obvious she had built up a picture of Julian from high school but didn’t really know him.

I was trying to figure out if Julian had OCD or autism. Some of his traits do fit, but when it was mentioned that he had anxiety, which was catapulted by the fire, it made sense. He had built his routine all around time, that he got so lost in it and wasn’t really living.

Hallie was fun and bright, though if she were a real life friend, her tardiness would get to me. I thought she opened Julian in ways that he didn’t know he needed. Early on in the book, I did notice her mentioning (ever so slightly) that she hadn’t had sex and for whatever reason, I thought it was a typo, only to find out it was correct. I wouldn’t have minded Julian being my first.

The big conflict just seemed like a miscommunication / misunderstanding and that is a trope I do not like. Then again, I didn’t really know where the story was heading, so it needed some form of conflict before the end scene resolution.

It was a good read. I do want to check Tessa’s other work to see if I like any of those reads better.

Loathe to Love You

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read this as part of a tandem collective read along and I can say I was not disappointed.

First time Ali Hazelwood reader over here and my only gripe is that I wish these stories were actual novels rather than novellas. I really enjoyed the 3 leading ladies and their interconnected relationships. Loved that they were all STEMinists and it gave me a glimpse into the lives of women in these industries. This book gave me the opportunity to diversify my reading.

My favourite out of the 3 books was definitely Under One Roof. I enjoyed the story of Mara having such a close relationship with her professor that Mara received a portion of a house in her will. I liked how Liam and Mara would purposely try and get back at one another.

I am not a lover of the miscommunication trope, so I wasn’t overly into Stuck With You, but can appreciate the characters and who they were as people.

Below Zero was interesting with all the concepts integrated from NASA and honestly I loved Hannah’s sass. Would have been nice to explore her feelings surrounding why she holds potential partners at arm’s length.

Overall I thought it was a pretty decent novella set and would like to read more from the author.

Knot My Type

⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

I read this as part of a collective voices read along with tandem collective. This had disability representation (obviously) and was a very exploratory read.

If you’re not a fan of Insta love, then this won’t be a read for you as the MCs Frankie and Jay were instantly attracted to one another and fell in love fast.

I didn’t always like the bedroom language coming out of Jay’s mouth. Some of it was cringe worthy and also repeated.

What I did like was Frankie and Jay’s dynamic. I feel like they were sarcastic and teasing in a loving way. It would have been nice to have more deeper conversations, as it felt like it only occurred during their “frating” moments and I wanted a bit more. Whatever happened in Jay’s past could have been brought up earlier to avoid the abrupt scenes with his ex. We definitely got a sense of who Frankie was through her dreams and goals, though not as much with Jay.

I think I would have liked the book to be longer so we could have had more depth to the characters. Felt like it was more sex than story and I’m not really convinced by their marriage at the end. Don’t get me wrong, sex in the story is good, but I wasn’t really buying that these characters had more of a connection.

Appreciate Jay growing as a character and doing something about his trauma. He definitely needed to make something happen with that. Really loved Frankie’s personality and her friend group. I’m interested enough to continue reading the series.

Lucky Pucker

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had me engaged from the start! I’ve never read a book surrounding sports and romance, so I’m glad I follow Hilary on TikTok to be able to read such a fun story!

I loved the writing. It was hilarious and the kind of humour I enjoy amongst friends. This made it such an easy read that I was able to finish in approx 6 hours.

Holly was such a sweetheart! I loved her adorable nature and that innocence she had surrounding intimate relations. I didn't see it as a bad thing, that she was 25 and still a virgin, because for some, the right person just doesn't come along until they do.

I loved the development of Luke wanting to be a better person. He was patient, caring and loveable. For him, I did find that Holly brought out the best in him. The fact that he's also hot helps!

Avery was just a bundle of fun! Can't wait to see how her story progresses. I'm there for it!

If you want spice, well you've definitely got it in this book! It was definitely a path of discovery for Holly. I liked the twists towards the end with Candy and then Ryan also. Honestly wasn't expecting anything but HEA, so for me, I was like "oh that's a nice surprise!".

Overall, I laughed, I gasped, I smiled, I may have had a few "oh my!" moments and I was left with wanting more. Can't wait for the next book!

There’s Something About Merry

I’m currently reading all mistletoe romance novels and have found them enjoyable so far. I loved this book so much more than Nick and Noel’s story.

For anyone that loves small town romances with a single dad attempting online dating, told in dual perspective, then this might be one for you!

The story follows Merry (the sister of Nick from the first book), who has returned to Mistletoe to focus on one day taking over the family’s Christmas Tree business. She feels like her dad doesn’t trust her and that’s why he hired Clark as the foreman to handle operations. Merry’s family has taken Clark and his son in and welcomed them like family.

Both Clark and Merry admit to each other that they both liked each other in high school, but never acted on it. They both wonder if they missed their chance. Each of them decide to put themselves out there by trying internet dating, though don’t actually see if their growing friendship could turn into more.

Clark was such a sweetheart and the way he was with his son was just heartwarming! I liked how this story focused on family and the acceptance that family isn’t always blood related. I really empathised with his situation as a single father and when he said he’d never been in love as he never had the opportunity.

Merry was a very likeable character too! Her random voodoo plushie for her friend, that ends up being her own personal business idea was entertaining. Her interactions with Clark’s son was sweet. I enjoyed her perspective and how she was a smart, independent person.

So many funny and adorable moments! Great rom com for the merry season! There is a small amount of 🌶️🌶️