Posts Tagged 'Romance'

So, This is Christmas by Tracy Andreen

Published December 13, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Holiday Romance

When Finley decides last minute to go home to her hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma from boarding school she finds that everything has changed and not for the better. Her parents have separated and her mother has been out of town for weeks and her father moved into her grandmother’s inn. Meanwhile her best friend is now dating her ex-boyfriend. It doesn’t help that she doesn’t feel like she has fit in at all in her new school. She has been bullied and struggled to keep up academically. She just doesn’t belong anywhere. Meanwhile, she had spruced up her town’s website so that her classmates wouldn’t realize how run down it has gotten and that led to a classmate and his aunt coming for the Christmas holiday. Arthur was none too pleased when he figured out that much of what she bragged about was unfounded as he is from England and was hoping to show his aunt a traditional American Christmas. Finely promises to do her best to plan some wholesome Christmas activities, but she isn’t sure how she is going to pull it all off. Plus, Arthur doesn’t seem as annoying as he had at school. Is there a chance they have anything in common? Is there any chance she can reconcile her parents? Should she return to school?

This holiday romance is a fun treat for romance lovers. Finley is a very relatable girl just trying to find her place in the world and feels like everything is just going wrong. The characters are all charming and developed, especially Arthur (the love interest), and her grandmother (who runs the inn). Even people who have never been to a small town at Christmas will be enchanted by the adventures they have because it feels right out of a Hallmark movie. The ending is satisfying and realistic, but with a lot of Christmas magic. Recommended for anyone looking for a fun holiday read.

The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic

Published November 7, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Lovett is a silkwitch, which means she has magical powers in the strands of her hair. Each silkwitch is different and Lovett’s ability is that she can open any door no matter what. Lovett has been on her own awhile and gets by by stealing from the rich and hiding in the shadows so no one realizes she is an unwed silkwitch. If she does not find a weaver husband she will be forced to work in the cloisters. One day she walks into a trap set by the son of a weaver, Eliot Lear. Eliot offers Lovett an appealing offer. She must join the vainglory, or competition for the prince to find a bride. It is only for silkwitches since the prince must marry a silkwitch in order to maintain the family power. There was a vainglory the year before that ended in tragedy when Eliot’s sister was suddenly killed. He wants Lovett to infiltrate the competition to find out what really happened to his sister and in return he promises he will find her a suitable match so that she never has to go to the cloisters. Lovett isn’t used to being the one getting played, but ultimately agrees since this could save her future. Once she gets to the castle everything seems darker and more sinister. The prince is nice enough but the King is very intimidating and seems to predict her every move. Can Lovett find out what happened to Eliot’s sister without being found out for who she truly is? Will she manage to escape the cloisters? Will the prince take a liking to Lovett, which would be problematic because he doesn’t know who she truly is or what her motives are?

This fantasy story is exciting and has many twists and turns as Lovett gets deeper into this wealthy world. The other silkwitches all have secrets and special abilities just like Lovett which makes it hard to know who is telling the truth and who has ulterior motives as well. Eliot is an interesting character too. He clearly wants to know the truth about what happened to his sister, but it seems there are other secrets he is keeping as one of those closest to the prince. Meanwhile, Lovett finds there are many secrets to be unearthed in the castle, but it doesn’t take long before she gets warnings to stop digging or else. Readers will want to see more from these characters. Recommended for fantasy readers, especially fantasy romance readers.

After Life by Gayle Forman

Published October 3, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

One day Amber rides her bike home from school feeling like it’s any other day, but when her mom sees her she starts screaming because Amber died seven years prior in a hit and run. Amber does not remember anything about the accident and hasn’t aged at all, but everyone around her has moved on including her sister, Melissa. Melissa is Amber’s younger sister, but now she’s officially older than Amber ever was. Strangely, Melissa is the one person who does not seem that surprised by Amber’s appearance and seems genuinely pleased to see her despite the fact that Amber was very mean to her when she was alive. Amber’s father, who was never religious, has declared her appearance a miracle and wants to tell everyone, but Amber’s mother is scared of what is happening and does not want to get her hopes up. As Amber comes to terms with the fact that she was never able to do any of the things she dreamed of with her life, she also learns that many unfortunate things have happened since her death, including her parents’ separation. Why is Amber back now? Is there any way she can resume her life, even if in a different way? Can she find closure with those she left behind? Will she ever find out who hit her and ran away to leave her to die in the street?

This story really makes you think about life and how to make the most of it. Amber thought she had time to do all the things she wanted with her life and she also thought she had time to fix her relationship with her sister. Amber also struggles watching how much her family has suffered, but seeing her does bring them some peace and the strength to make some changes in their lives instead of being forever burdened by her untimely death. Forgiveness is a major theme in this story and most readers will connect with one of the characters because they are all justified in their feelings but also need to find ways to forgive and move forward. Recommended for anyone dealing with a loss, but everyone will find themselves thinking about the characters even after the story is done.

By Invitation Only by Alexandra Brown Chang

Published September 23, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

Every year a select group of young ladies goes to Paris for the elite La Danse Debutantes Ball. This year one of the debutantes faces a scandal and must withdraw, which leaves the ball organizers scrambling. That is until they see an article in a magazine about a young scientist taking the world by storm with her new invention. They decide to break the tradition of only inviting wealthy, famous debutantes and take a chance on Piper Woo Collins. Piper has recently been dealt a setback when the benefactor of her college scholarship pulls his funding due to a disagreement with the university. As much as she would love to go to Paris, her late mother’s dream, she can’t afford school let alone a trip to Paris. The owner of the ball agrees to pay for her trip and her first year of school if she comes and doesn’t bring any bad headlines. Meanwhile, Chapin Buckingham, the daughter of a rockstar and movie star, is feeling the pressure to be named Debutante of the Year even though she couldn’t care less about the title. When her and Piper get stuck rooming together she can’t help but feel bad for Piper who was thrust into this world very unexpectedly. As they start to get closer, however, it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want Piper in the competition. Can Piper figure out who is trying to sabotage her before it’s too late? Will Chapin ever get over the fact that Piper and her older brother clearly have chemistry? Will Chapin ever find common ground with her mother?

Fans of The Selection and Project Runway will enjoy this title set in a modern day setting. The fashion and glamour of Paris is on full display along with all the drama that would come from a highly publicized debutante ball. The book has a nice combination of old school expectations for the young women, while also acknowledging their very modern and aspirational dreams. The relationship between Chapin and her mother is very relatable to many readers as they try to get on the same page while also not offending the other. Piper’s situation is also relatable as college costs keep rising and becoming an issue for many young people. This was a fun, exciting, and unique story that will pull in readers and leave them wanting to know more about these characters.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

Published June 17, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Ivy has come to the age where all young women in her town can ask the Queen, who is a conniving fae, for a wish. All wishes come at a price, however. For example, her older sister does not remember her wish, but it has forever changed her and she now she is despondent and rarely leaves her room. This is the same occasion that young ladies come out as available to be married, but when Ivy and the others go to be presented before the Queen they learn that this year the fae prince will be looking for a bride. There is a catch to trying to make a match with the prince, however, and that is that each girl must sign her name in blood to a binding contract that states if the prince does NOT choose her then she cannot marry anyone else. Ivy is the first to step up to sign under these conditions, because she’s hoping if she could become a princess then she might be able to save her sister. None of the girls who sign know what is in store for them as the Queen puts them through cruel and terrible challenges in order to gain her favor. As Ivy gets closer to the other girls still left in the competition it becomes clear that no one will really win in this situation and she needs to find a way to help her family while she still can. The other prince (the one without magical abilities) tries to get Ivy to join his secret plan to unseat the queen and undo all of her “wishes.” Ivy agrees, but isn’t sure how they can best such a powerful figure. Plus, she isn’t sure who will stand with them and who will betray them. Can Ivy save her sister from her secret fate? Can Ivy find happiness in such a dire situation? Is there anyone Ivy can truly trust?

This fantasy series will thrill fans of The Hunger Games and the Selection series. The trials the Queen puts the girls through are cruel, but also clever in how they are planned out. There are occasionally moments when the reader gets to learn more about the other bachelorettes to see what each girl’s motivations and dreams are which becomes helpful as the ending unfolds. The growing relationship between Ivy and the other prince continues to grow as the story develops and they both know that Ivy has agreed to never marry another should the prince not choose her. The ending has many surprises and revelations (which readers will love), but there is still more to come with these characters as not everything has been revealed yet. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy romance series.

Royal Scandal by Aimee Carter

Published April 8, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction/Romance

In this sequel to Royal Blood, Evan is still trying to adjust to royal life and it seems like people are both fascinated with her and aren’t sure she belongs. The media in particular has been very interested in everything they can find on Evan, especially her mother. As Evan’s father, the king, and other members of the family try to shield her there are definitely those who have not warmed up to the idea of a new royal daughter. When the family goes away for a planned hunting trip there is an attempt on Evan’s life, which shakes everyone up as they were supposed to be completely safe in this location. Which means, in Evan’s mind, that there is someone within the palace walls that wants to harm her. Despite everything, she is enjoying getting to know her father and sister so she is determined not to be chased away. Will the person trying to hurt her be found out before it is too late? Has her appearance changed the monarchy forever? Does she know who she can really trust?

This sequel is just as tantalizing at the first book. It’s easy to sympathize with Evan who has been put in a difficult situation that she did not create, but yet is trying to make the best of without compromising who she is. The other characters are very compelling as well because they are written with many emotions and motivations, which makes them seem real and human. There is still more story to tell with these characters as not everything was settled and fans will want to know more. Recommended for fans of the American Royals and the Selection series.

Everything I Promised You by Katy Upperman

Published March 25, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Romance

Lia and Beck have known each other their entire lives because their mothers have been best friends since long before they were born. When Lia’s mom was in high school she got a psychic reading on a dare and learned that she would have a daughter who would fall in love with her best friend’s son one day. Therefore, when Lia and Beck were born they were always aware that they were meant to fall in love one day. However, it didn’t happen until they were in high school. Due to the fact that both of their dads were in the army they weren’t always around each other, but whenever they were on the same army base they would continue to get closer until they couldn’t imagine life without the other. Right from the beginning the reader is aware that Beck died suddenly in his first year of college and that Lia is struggling to survive a year after it happened. She had to move to a new army base for her high school year and she does not know how to plan her future without Beck. Can she find a path forward without Beck? Should she stick to the plans she had set when Beck was alive? Can she ever let anyone in again?

This romance goes from present to past to show how the pieces of their romance came to be as well as how Lia is doing in the present. She does not have a good relationship with her parents at this time because although they are trying to help her cope, she does not believe they really can help her. She’s also let friends go in the past year as it is too painful to pretend like everything is normal and life can move on. As Lia begins life anew for her senior year she does make progress, but there are setbacks too as she tries to figure out who she is and what she needs to do in life. This romance is heartwrenching and beautiful at the same time and will find an audience with fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Nicola Yoon.

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibanez

Published February 18, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

In this sequel to What the River Knows, Whit and Inez get married to avoid her getting sent home by her uncle,Ricardo. This causes quite a stir when her Ricardo finds out, but they are so focused on finding Inez’s mother and the artifacts she stole that it overshadows everything else. When they receive word that Ricardo and his partner have been betrayed by the man they hired to secure their excavation of Cleopatra’s tomb, Whit and Ricardo immediately head to the tomb only to discover it has been completely stripped of everything, including Cleopatra’s mummy. Upon return to the hotel, Ricardo and his partner, Abdullah, who has been injured, are both arrested for keeping the discovery of Cleopatra’s tomb a secret from the government. Inez knows that the only way to save them is to find her mother and the artifacts from Cleopatra’s tomb. Meanwhile, Isadora, the daughter of the man who betrayed them, arrives and claims to be an innocent victim with a surprising story to tell. Can she trust Isadora? Will she ever find out what happened to her father? What will she do if she’s ever faced with her deceitful mother again? Will her and Whit be able to make their marriage work despite the many difficulties they face?

The conclusion of this story is exciting, powerful, and action packed. The characters are all so multi-dimensional that it is very difficult to decipher who Inez can really trust. There are many questions left after the first novel concludes, but this one does a commendable job getting answers and illustrating the true intentions of the characters. The final resolution will satisfy readers and also leave them wanting more about this setting and these characters. Recommended for readers looking for something unique with a romantic twist.

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez

Published February 4, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction

Inez lives in Buenos Aires with her aunt and cousins. Her parents spend half the year in Argentina and half in Egypt where they work with archeologists. Inez has longed to go with them since she can remember, but her parents have always told her she must remain in Argentina. Suddenly, her father sends her a package that only contains a gold rings. When her parents are lost and presumed dead she goes against everyone’s wishes and makes the long journey to Egypt. She is met by her uncle’s employee, Whit, who has been told to put her on the next boat back to Argentina. However, Inez cannot be handled that easily and decides she isn’t ready to go home yet. She manages to make it to the hotel her parents stayed at and finally sees her Uncle. Her Uncle is not happy to see her and tries over and over to send her back home, but Inez feels she can be useful to the work they are doing, especially since she can now detect items that belonged to Cleopatra after trying on the ring her father sent her. Could he have sent her Cleopatra’s ring? Why did he send it when he believed so strongly in keeping artifacts where they originated? Did he know his life was in danger and is that why he sent her the ring? Will she and Whit ever get along or will he always see her as a nuisance?

This historical fiction story is fun and full of adventure. Readers will enjoy the unusual setting for a historical fiction novel and become invested in Inez and her quest for the truth. There are several supporting characters and there’s definitely a feeling of unease about who can be trusted, but even at the end of this first novel it remains unclear whose motivations are honest and who might be waiting to betray Inez. There is a touch of romance as well, so anyone who enjoys romances set in unique time periods will also like that aspect of it. The ending feels exciting and not too rushed, while also leaving the door open to a very exciting sequel.

The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Published January 21, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Every five years two kingdoms put on a “Wild Hunt.” The risks are pretty high as many people do not survive, but the winner gets a wish of anything he or she wants so there’s always a lot of people willing to take on the challenge. Branwen accidentally received the ability to see all magic with one of her eyes. It’s a dangerous gift, though, and causes her physical pain if she uses that eye too much so she wears an iron patch over it most of the time. Her mother has gotten a memory disease that Branwen is desperate to help her with, which is why she agrees when Gwydion asks her to join him in the hunt. Gwydion comes from a magical family where everyone looks down on his gift of manipulating plants. He knows his uncle is going to name his older brother as his successor and Gwydion knows that is a mistake because his brother is temperamental and impulsive, while his sister has all the markings of a great ruler. Gwydion makes a deal with his uncle not to name a successor until after the hunt because he thinks if he wins he can convince him to choose someone else instead. Pryderi was born a prince, but shortly after birth was kidnapped by a monster and raised until he was a child. Then, a farmer saved him and raised him as his own. When it was discovered who he really was he was sent to his father’s kingdom and expected to act as the heir. The problem is that Pryderi isn’t sure if he wants to rule. When the three of them join together to form a team they feel they have a good chance of winning the hunt. However, there are some things about the competition that are not revealed until after it begins. Will they manage to find a way to persevere? Can they truly trust each other or is everyone out for themselves?

This fantasy story has it all: adventure, treachery, betrayal, and even some romance. The Wild Hunt is unique enough that it stands out from other books that have magical competitions. The three main characters are easy to differentiate due to their backgrounds and individual strengths. Branwen is the first one introduced so it’s easy to really care about her and her mother’s illness. Gwydion and Pryderi both have noble causes they want to strive for, but both aren’t entirely sure where they personally want their lives to go, which is easy for young people to identify with. The ending is exciting and satisfying and will leave readers energized. Recommended for fantasy lovers.

The Davenports: More Than This

Published January 7, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction

In this continuation of The Davenports, the year is 1910 and everyone is busy trying to find their way in the world. Ruby is newly engaged and happy, despite the fact that she did not choose the man her parents (and she) thought she would marry. Her happiness is somewhat dampened, however, when some vicious rumors start spreading about her. Meanwhile, Olivia is missing her lawyer friend, Washington DeWight, but that hasn’t stopped her from trying to get involved in the community and help support causes like women’s suffrage. She is introduced to a lawyer at her father’s company and she knows they are trying to set her up, but there is something appealing about this lawyer that she cannot help but feel drawn to. Amy Rose is dealt a serious blow when her mentor suddenly dies and her daughter suddenly appears and kicks her out of the house she had been living in for several months. She is still able to open her salon, including a full hair care line, and everyone shows up to support her. Helen and John are desperate to take the family company into the new century by producing cars, but in order to do that they need to prove they are serious. So, they enlist the help of several people (including a famous race car driver) to create and race a car in a local race. Do they have what it takes to make this new leap? Can they all find ways to support their passions and dreams at a time when so many types of people were limited in society?

This sequel is just as compelling as the first and will no doubt please the readers who have been waiting. The characters are all unique and interesting in a way that makes it easy to keep track of what everyone is up to. The historical backdrop is so important to the story too, with race, gender, and socioeconomic issues always playing a part in everything around them. Many parallels can be drawn between what these characters were facing socially in 1910 and what issues still influence society today. Recommended for fans of the American Royals series.

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

Published February 13, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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                  Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

The Davenports are one of the few prominent, wealthy Black families in 1910 Chicago. They have a son, John, who is ready to not only take over the carriage business, but hopefully bring it into the modern era. He has also fallen for the maid, Amy Rose, who is mixed race and therefore poses more than one obstacle for them to ever be together. The Davenports also have two daughters, Olivia and Helen, who are both supposed to be trying to find suitable husbands. Olivia has always taken her role seriously and knows how proper ladies should act and run a household. Helen, on the other hand, is much more interested in working on cars in the family garage and would love to be a part of the family business even though that is considered highly inappropriate for a woman at this time. Is there any way she can convince her father to let her help with the business? When Olivia meets a human rights lawyer her entire view on life changes, but can she really give up everything she has ever known to pursue a very dangerous life of potential violence and protests? Ruby, Olivia’s friend, has always dreamed of marrying John and becoming family with the Davenports, but when she meets a new man she cannot help feel he might be a better match for her. Can she go against her parents wishes to marry for love?

The first installment about the Davenport family introduces several great characters as well as historical background that helps the reader truly see the obstacles facing people of color at this time in the nation’s past. The action in the story is also really exciting and keeps the reader guessing as to what might happen to these characters as they balance what is expected of them with what they actually want to do with their lives. The setting is really engaging and there is still a lot of story left to tell with not only the main characters, but several of the minor ones as well. Fans will be very excited for the second installment to find out what happens next with these dynamic characters. Recommended for fans of The American Royals series.

Reign by Katharine McGee

Published November 15, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Romance

In this fourth and final chapter of the American Royals series, Jeff and Daphne are getting married because Daphne told Jeff she’s pregnant (which is a lie). Beatrice is still in a coma from the accident she suffered in the last book and Sam doesn’t know right away about her sister’s accident because she had run off with her boyfriend to live a quiet life on the beach. Once she learns that her sister has not woken up yet she rushes to her side only to find that in her absence Jeff has been named the acting King and she has been completely left out in the cold. She must prove herself to be accepted back into the family business, but is that something she really wants? Meanwhile, Jeff is suddenly forced into the principal position of power and he begins to wonder if anyone really knows who he is at all or if they just see him as the royal heir? Nina is doing great in college and trying to shed her feelings for Jeff after learning of his engagement, but try as she might she cannot avoid romance for long. How will this riveting series end for these characters?

This final chapter of the alternate America Katharine McGee has created is everything readers will want it to be. There is action, romance, drama, surprises, and so much more. Plus, while the book does offer hope for all of the characters it comes with realistic expectations and outcomes. Fans who have followed this series will be very pleased with how this book remains faithful to the characters while also moving the story along.

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu

Published October 18, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Action Mystery

Winter Young is the biggest pop star in the world, but he is still reeling from the untimely death of his older brother. Despite his enormous popularity he can’t help but wonder if his life is fairly pointless, unlike his brother who was in the peace corp. So, when he is approached by a secret agency to help take down a powerful trafficker he thinks this might be his chance to do something important. He does not have much time to train, however, so he is paired with Sydney Cosette, a long time secret agent despite her young age. The two get prepared as best they can, but then they must go undercover knowing that things could get very dangerous if their true motivations are revealed. As Winter gets to know the daughter of the criminal they are trying to take down, he quickly realizes that every situation has many people involved and is difficult to navigate at times so that the wrong people don’t get hurt. Can he and Sydney fulfill the goals they set out to do with this mission? Will they become more than friends along the way?

This story is fun and exciting with many suspenseful action scenes. Technically, there is a little bit of romance, but I would not let that deter any boys who enjoy action from picking this one up. It very much reads like a spy novel and the characters are engaging from the start with several revelations coming out about both of their backgrounds. There are many surprises in regards to what they think they know about this mission and the ending is very exciting and dramatic. Definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys a good action spy adventure.

The Locker Exchange by Ann Rae

Published February 13, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery/Romance

Brynn was leaving school late one night when she heard a cry for help and even though it was dark and eerie, she went to see what was going on. She was stunned to find a classmate’s body on the football field and in the distance she could see a hooded figure running away. Despite her witnessing someone fleeing the scene, police are convinced it was a tragic accident. She knows she must uncover the truth about what happened to this innocent girl. Meanwhile, her assigned p.e. locker opens directly into a boy’s locker named Kyler. Kyler is a popular jock on campus, but the two quickly become friends and decide to try and put together what really happened that day. Kyler is often privy to extra details because of his social status and is eager to share his findings with Brynn. However, there’s someone out there who does not want this incident investigated further and they realize they are putting themselves and their friends in danger. They also start to suspect that this terrible murder is actually a part of something much bigger and more sinister going on in their town. Will they get to the bottom of what is going on before it’s too late?

Brynn and Kyler are both very invested in solving this crime and do find themselves in some dangerous situations because of that. The ending has a few dramatic moments, but wraps up quickly. There are some interesting side characters that readers will want to know more about, but overall the story moves at a very brisk pace and some details come a little too easy for the characters. Recommended for fans looking for a quick mystery.

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