Genre: Contemporary Romance

Waiting for Christmas | Cynthia Eden

Posted 12/31/2023 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
Waiting for Christmas | Cynthia Eden
Star Rating: 2 Stars
Spice Level: 4 Flames
Published by Hocus Pocus Publishing on 11/14/2023
Format: Kindle (135 pages)
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Eh, it was ok. Honestly, I feel kind of icky now that I’ve finished it. The FMC’s name is Christmas (Chrissy). Because she was born on Christmas Eve. Her brother is Forth. Because he was born on the Fourth of July. Seriously, I can’t make this shit up. Really, REALLY cheesy. I feel like MMC, Wyatt, threw up red flag after red flag. I just didn’t like him. He was too protective & alpha. In a creepy way. Maybe it’s because this is a novella & there wasn’t time to develop the characters as much. Or maybe it’s […]

Matching All the Way | Veronica Eden

Posted 12/28/2023 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
Matching All the Way | Veronica Eden
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Spice Level: 5 Flames
All-Time Favorite
Published by Independent Publisher on 12/18/23
Format: Kindle (384 pages)
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Eve Lombard is a quirky, neurodivergent (ADHD), creative, who hyper-focuses, forgets to eat, & buys planners with the intent to get organized only to forget about them soon after. She has a deep love of crafting & wants to start a small business making handmade earrings, stickers & stationery. Recently dumped by a jerk who criticized & shamed her for being neurodivergent, her confidence is shaken & she’s ripe with imposter syndrome. Cole Kincaid is Eve’s older brother’s best friend. He’s the full package. Sweet, supportive, protective, intelligent, understanding, patient, & kind. A former Heston U hockey player […]

A Kilt for Christmas | Tricia O’Malley

Posted 12/22/2023 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
A Kilt for Christmas | Tricia O’Malley
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
Spice Level: 3 Flames
Series: Enchanted Highlands #3
Published by Lovewrite Publishing on 10/24/2023
Format: Kindle (240 pages)
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This was my first read by Tricia, and it definitely won’t be my last. The story was cute & well-written. MMC, West, was smart, nerdy, sweet & 100% swoon-worthy. FMC, Maisie, was quirky, strong-willed, relatable & adorably grumpy. The addition of magic & Scottish folklore was chef’s kiss, but I’m just not a huge fan of insta-love. Which is why I only gave this 3 stars. I need a little more will they/won’t they to tick all my boxes. I’d say this is a solid 3.5-star read. Well worth the time, just not my favorite trope.

The Burnout | Sophie Kinsella

Posted 12/10/2023 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
The Burnout | Sophie Kinsella
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Spice Level: 2 Flames
All-Time Favorite
Published by The Dial Press on 10/10/2023
Format: Kindle (416 pages)
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This book resonated with me on so many levels. I fully identify with Sasha & her burnout. Sophie Kinsella was writing directly to me/about me when describing Sasha’s state of mind about work & how it was affecting her mental health & personal life. Have I tried to join a convent & run into a brick wall while escaping my horrible office & coworkers? No, no I haven’t. But the landslide of emails, the constant inescapable workload & the irritation with useless colleagues/upper management? Yup. The lack of desire to cook, see friends & have fun? Yes, 100%. […]

Loathe to Love You | Ali Hazelwood

Posted 09/03/2023 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
Loathe to Love You | Ali Hazelwood
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Spice Level: 3.5 Flames
Series: The STEMinist Novellas
Published by Berkley on 01/03/2023
Format: Kindle (382 pages)
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‘Loathe to Love You’ is comprised of a trio of STEMinist novellas: Mara, Sadie, and Hannah are friends first, scientists always. Though their fields of study might take them to different corners of the world, they can all agree on this universal truth: when it comes to love and science, opposites attract and rivals make you burn… ❖ UNDER ONE ROOF ❖ A scientist should never cohabitate with her annoyingly hot nemesis—it leads to combustion. As an environmental engineer, Mara knows all about the delicate nature of ecosystems. They require balance. And leaving the thermostat alone. And not […]