It’s weird to go back and read some of Sarina Bowen’s older work because I think she’s a much better storyteller now. Overall, The Year We Hid Away is a pretty decent story with likable characters.
I’m not sure what to make of Twice in a Blue Moon. I certainly didn’t hate it; in fact, there are parts I quite enjoyed, but I wouldn’t call it Christina Lauren’s strongest work.
Elle Kennedy has a knack for writing college sports romances that are witty and warm. The Play is the third book in the Briar U series, and once again I find myself delighted. This is a standalone so it is not necessary to have read the previous books. However, those familiar with the series may remember Hunter as the hockey player who had a painful crush on Summer. Now it’s time for him to find his dream gal.
Down Too Deep showcases J. Daniels’s sentimental side. I can’t seem to get enough of single parent romances lately, and this one is a real treat. Get ready for cuteness overload.
44 Chapters About 4 Men is such an original story. A woman in an unsatisfying marriage writes a diary detailing her relationships with former lovers—all in hopes that her husband will read it and up his game. I don’t know whether or not the book is truly semi-autobiographical, but it certainly is entertaining.
With Perfectly Adequate, Jewel E. Ann takes a timeout from her signature heartbreaking and mind-blowing stories to deliver a lighter romance. Notice that I said lighter because Jewel doesn’t do straight-up rom coms. This is a comedy with a bittersweet edge – a dramedy, if you will.
I have been a longtime fan of the Winston brothers’ shenanigans, but I wasn’t sure what to expect from a story that goes back in time to when they were teens. What I found is that Beard with Me enhanced my appreciation of things I already knew, but it spoils nothing for newbies to the series. It isn’t just about the beginning of Billy Winston and Scarlet St. Claire’s complicated relationship; it’s also the heart of the loving Winston household.
Well hot damn if L.J. Shen doesn’t serve up all the feels with Broken Knight. This childhood friends to lovers tale is complex and downright addictive.
The good news is I’m still obsessed with the Cobalt, Hale, and Meadows clan, as well as their 24/7 bodyguards. In preparation for reading Tangled Like Us, I re-read the first three books in the Like Us series, and I fell madly in love with the characters all over again. I started this book on such a high, which made the fact that it didn’t wow me more disappointing.
So far, 2019 has been a year of underwhelming reads for me. I was stuck in somewhat of a book slump, but thank goodness for Helena Hunting. Handle with Care delivers the kind of entertainment I was craving.
All We Want is a quick and satisfying read that is a great addition to the Alabama Summer series.
As far as enemies to lovers stories go, my favorite ones are romantic comedies where the animosity between characters generates witty banter and an overall lightheartedness. On the Corner of Love and Hate is more of a contemporary romance, which is fine, but I did miss that humorous factor.