Artifacts of an Ex: Review

About the Book:

Title: Artifacts of an Ex

Author: Jennifer Chen

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Release Date: November 14, 2023

Pages: 320

Genre: YA Contemporary

Synopsis:

When Chloe Chang gets dumped via USPS after moving across the county from NYC to LA, her first instinct is to throw her box of memories in the garbage. Instead, she starts buying other teenagers’ break-up boxes to create an art exhibit, Heartifacts. Opening night is going great, until she spots Daniel Kwak illicitly filming his best friend’s reaction to his ex’s box. When she tries to stop him, an intense discussion ends up launching a creative partnership and friendship… and a major crush for Chloe.

There’s just one problem: Daniel is dead set on not being another rebound.

Five times he’s been the guy who makes the girls he’s dating realize they want to get back with their ex. And he refuses for there to be a sixth. She insists she’s over her ex, but when he shows up unexpectedly with his new girlfriend, it turns out Daniel was right. She isn’t ready for a new relationship.

She throws herself into making Heartifacts successful, but flashy influencers threaten her original vision of the exhibit. To create the exhibit she’s always wanted, Chloe needs to go back to basics, learn to work with artists in a more collaborative way, and discover what love can be. Only then will she convince Daniel she’s truly ready for everything they could be to one another.

In the tradition of Jenny Han and Emma Lord, Jennifer Chen’s Artifacts of an Ex is a story of love, art, and finding your way when everything you know has changed completely.

Review:

*I received an e-arc for review via Netgalley. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

3.5 teacups rounded up to 4.

Artifacts of an Ex was my first book by Jennifer Chen. This was a cute YA romance, and good for a debut!

I really enjoyed the art aspect of the story and found that really unique! Chloe and Daniel made a great team, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. I think Daniel was my favorite character, as Chloe kind of annoyed me sometimes. I also liked how the importance of family was talked about in the book. Chloe has a great relationship with her grandmother and her parents.

I would recommend to those that enjoy YA!

About the Author:

Jennifer Chen is a freelance journalist who has written for print and online, including pieces in the New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, and Bust. She earned an MFA and BFA in dramatic writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and is a proud alumna of Hedgebrook, a women’s writing residency. Jennifer is represented by literary agent Caitie Flum at Liza Dawson Associates. She lives in Los Angeles with her TV writer husband, twins, two pugs, and a smoky black cat named Gremlin.

The Bone Below (#1): Review

About the Book:

Title: The Bone Below

Author: Sylwia Koziel

Publisher: Conquest Publishing

Release Date: April 16, 2024

Pages: 327

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Fairytale Retelling

Synopsis:

“Throne of Glass meets Bridgerton in this Princess and the Pea fairytale retelling!” Each time Nelka leaves her cottage she seems to bump into the same unnamed stranger who teases her relentlessly and ignites feelings she isn’t prepared for. When her sister becomes ill, Nelka leaves the safety of her village to find a cure. Trouble becomes imminent when Nelka is taken prisoner and held hostage by the foreign King and Queen. Their son, and soon-to-be King, has plans and Nelka is exactly what he needs to set them into motion.Each day Nelka spends in the castle with the Prince brings her closer to a truth she didn’t know had been hidden while pushing her further from the village farmer of her past. The Bone Below is a journey of self-discovery, first love, and learning about one’s place in a vast world.

Review:

* I received an e-arc from the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own*

This was such a fantastic debut by author Sylwia Koziel. If you enjoy YA fantasy and YA fairytale retellings, this book is for you. This is the Princess in the Pea retelling that I didn’t know I needed!

I absolutely adore Nelka! She is a relatable main character, and I became invested in her plight. She is very determined to help her family and those in similar circumstances.

The Bone Below is full of court intrigue, mystery, twists and turns, and a protagonist that is on a journey of self-reflection. The story is written in two timelines that intersect in a way that I did not see coming! I am so excited that there is going to be a sequel, as I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Highly recommend!

About the Author:

Sylwia is a born and raised Chicagoan, spending her days exploring the city, one train stop at a time. She currently works as a media planner at a large media agency where she daydreams of the day when a slack notification no longer makes her heart jump in fear.

Sylwia writes all sorts of genres that have strong romantic subplots. She enjoys character driven stories where the main character is on a journey of discovering themselves and learning to let go of the expectations weighing on them.

On top of publishing her debut duology, The Bone Below and The Bone After, with Conquest Publishing, she is also in the early drafting stages of self publishing a series of novellas under her pen name KC Silver.

The Bone Below, a first installment of The Bone Below series, will hit shelves in April 2024.

It’s Always Sonny: A Second Chance Sweet Romantic Comedy (Sweet as Sugar Maple #3): Review

About the Book:

Title: It’s Always Sonny 

Author: Kate Watson 

Publisher: Little Bix Creative 

Release Date: March 21, 2024

Pages: 328

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

Sunshine always melts ice eventually. And I’m starting to feel the burn.

People may call me an “overachieving ice queen,” but I would do anything for the people I love.

So when my friends ask me to host an event at their famous farm, I’m more than happy to help…until I discover I’ve been set up.

The “event” is actually a reunion for my ex’s family.

I pushed away Sonny Luciano years ago when my parents gave me the cruelest possible ultimatum. I told him it was so he could pursue his NFL dreams, but I was terrified that he’d eventually learn what my parents I’m unlovable.

But Sonny doesn’t act like I’m unlovable. He acts thrilled to be with me. And the way he lights up when he sees me with his loud, loving family eclipses the sun.

Sonny has grown in all the right ways, and our connection is electric enough to make me forget why I pushed him away in the first place.

But when we get stuck alone in a tent during a freak storm, I have to decide if I’m going to let him melt my heart or if I’ll freeze him out forever.

It’s Always Sonny is a laugh-out-loud, dual POV, closed door romantic comedy full of delicious chemistry, banter, healing, and heart, but with no explicit scenes or cursing. It’s the third in a series of standalone novels that can be enjoyed in any order.

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the author. Thank you for the opportunity to review! All thoughts are my own*

It’s Always Sonny is the third book in the Sweet as Sugar Maple series. Second chance romance? Sign me up! Kate Watson gained a fan after I read the first book in this series, and she continues to wow me with her books. I loved this one so much! This book could technically be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend starting at the beginning.

I love the friend group of the Janes so much! It was so great to get to know Parker Jane in this one. Knowing her history really helped me to understand her character. Sonny is such a sweet cinnamon roll, and I adore him! I love his family and how amazing and supportive they are of each other. The banter between PJ and Sonny is fantastic! 

I don’t want to give anything away, so trust me, this book is wonderful! Highly recommend! 

 

About the Author:

Kate Watson is a fan of cheeky romantic comedies and delightfully witty banter. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy from Brigham Young University. A lover of travel, speaking in accents, and experiencing new cultures, she has also lived in Israel, Brazil, the American South, and she now calls Arizona home.

She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, “The Heart People,” for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she’s written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.

She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.

An Unlikely Proposition (Unexpected Seasons #2): Review

About the Book:

Title: An Unlikely Proposition 

Author: Rosalyn Eves 

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Release Date: March 5, 2024

Pages: 298

Genre: YA Romance, YA Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

A standalone companion to An Improbable Season, this Regency romance ⁠― perfect for fans of Bridgerton ― is about following your heart, pursuing your dreams, and falling head over heels in love.

Eleanor did not come to London to be proper and boring. After the death of her husband and a year of mourning, the seventeen-year-old wants nothing more than her independence and to have a little fun. She’s hardly looking to remarry, despite pressures from her late husband’s nephew, who is keen on obtaining her inheritance. Eleanor quickly devises a plan that includes a fake engagement. What’s not a part of the plan? Falling for a dashing, quiet man outside of her social circle – a man who is not her betrothed. Can she survive the Season with her heart and her fortune intact?

Thalia is determined to begin afresh after a disastrous first Season in London. No romantic distractions, but only her work as a poet and newfound companion to Eleanor. Determined to get her poems published, she struggles to be taken seriously as a female writer. As the spring progresses, Thalia does not expect to take interest in a man from her past (a man who is engaged to her employer, no less!), but some feelings demand to be felt even if the timing isn’t quite right.

Rosalyn Eves’s An Unlikely Proposition is a transportive Regency drama that captures the sparkle of London, thrill of friendship, and swoon of new love.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review! All thoughts are my own*

An Unlikely Proposition is a companion to Eves’ first historical romance, An Improbable Season. I really enjoyed the first book, but I loved the second! This book is a beautifully written Regency drama that is perfect for fans of Jane Austen or Julia Quinn. 

For this one, there were dual points of view between Eleanor and Thalia. Eleanor is a widow and has been in mourning for the past year. She doesn’t plan on remarrying and just wants to have fun. She hires Thalia as a companion. 

Thalia wants a fresh start after an elopement attempt last season. She doesn’t plan on any romantic attachments; she just wants to work on her writing as a poet. 

I adored Eleanor and Thalia and their friendship that develops over the course of the story. The book was about more than romance, it was about sisterhood as well. 

I highly recommend! 

About the Author:

Rosalyn Eves grew up in the Rocky Mountains, dividing her time between reading books and bossing her siblings into performing her dramatic scripts. As an adult, the telling and reading of stories is still one of her favorite things to do. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her chemistry professor husband and three children, watching British period pieces, or hiking through the splendid landscape of southern Utah, where she lives. She dislikes housework on principle.

She is the author of the BLOOD ROSE REBELLION trilogy, BEYOND THE MAPPED STARS, and AN IMPROBABLE SEASON

 

Love, Just In: Review

About the Book:

Title: Love, Just In

Author: Natalie Murray 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Release Date: January 3, 2024

Pages: 462

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

In the vein of Emily Henry’s You and Me On Vacation , Love, Just In is a friends-to-lovers romance with all the tropes that romance readers love best.

Sydney TV news reporter Josephine “Josie” Larsen is approaching 30 and coming dangerously close to failing at life. Lost in a vortex of other people’s career milestones, engagement parties, and baby showers, Josie is perennially single, abandoned by her globetrotting family, and invisible to her boss – except for the one time he tuned in while she was mid-panic attack on live TV. As a punishment, Josie is shipped off to cover another reporter’s six-month leave at a regional bureau in Newcastle.

But Josie has more waiting for her in Newcastle than yawn-inducing stories about bicycle lane protests. The city is also the domain of Zac Jameson – her best friend since high school. This should be a happy turn of events, but Zac has barely spoken to Josie for the past two years. Not since his fiancée tragically died in his arms in a car accident and he left Sydney to try and cope with his grief.

Now thrown back into each other’s lives, Josie and Zac have to navigate their neglected friendship and secret attraction to each other while struggling with their careers and mental health.

Hilarious, sexy and heart-warming, this is the perfect romcom to sit on the shelves alongside Emily Henry, Sally Thorne and Ali Hazelwood.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I read Natalie Murray’s young adult novels, so I was super excited to read an adult romance from her! It did not disappoint. I really enjoyed Love, Just In! This friends to lovers, slow burn romance story is set in Australia and has great anxiety representation. It also talks about healing from grief and loss. 

I related to the main character Josie and her anxiety, and I am thankful to the author for her portrayal of the character. 

Josie and Zac are adorable, and the banter between them was wonderful! 

If you enjoy romance, I definitely think you will enjoy this one too! 

About the Author:

Natalie Murray writes romance with all the feels and swoons. Her contemporary romance, Love, Just In, is being published by Allen & Unwin in January 2024, and her time travel romance series, Emmie and the Tudor King, is currently in development for television by Ambience Entertainment. Natalie also co-writes contemporary romance with US author Jenny Fyfe, including their sweet and spicy reads Hating the Best Man and Loving the Worst Man.

Before becoming an author, Natalie was an entertainment reporter for Sky News, where she interviewed many high-profile celebrities such as Elton John, Angelina Jolie, Sylvester Stallone, Dustin Hoffman, Matt Damon, Cameron Diaz, and Jerry Seinfeld. Natalie grew up in Sydney, Australia, and is the daughter of cookbook author Eva Stovern and the late Australian football icon Les Murray.

When she’s not writing books, you can find Natalie clinging to her family (literally; she’s super affectionate), packing or unpacking a suitcase, making lists of things she’ll never have time for because she’s too busy making lists, or playing on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. You can visit Natalie at nataliemurrayauthor.com.

Once Upon a Murder (A Lady Librarian Mystery #2): Review

About the Book:

Title: Once Upon a Murder 

Author: Samantha Larsen

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books 

Release Date: February 20, 2024

Pages: 304

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery 

Synopsis:

Miss Tiffany Woodall must sleuth the slaying of a footman to clear her beloved’s name in the second Lady Librarian mystery, in the vein of Deanna Raybourn and perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

1784 England. Officially hired as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, Miss Tiffany Woodall is through with masquerades and murders for good. That is, until she stumbles upon the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram. The speed with which her peaceful new life is upended is one for the record the justice of the peace immediately declares her the primary suspect in the murder.

As Tiffany hunts for the truth to clear her name, she learns that Bernard got into a fight over a woman at the local pub the night of his death–but he was also overheard blackmailing Samir. The justice of the peace arrests Samir, and Tiffany realizes that her life may have more in common with a tragic play than a light-hearted romance.

With her love locked up in jail and her own reputation on the line, Tiffany must attempt to solve the murder before the book closes on her or Samir’s life.

 

Review:

 

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment in the Lady Librarian Mystery Series! I liked how Samantha Larsen interwove fairytales, like Little Red Riding Hood, into this Victorian Era story.  I recommend reading the first book in the series before diving into this one, as you really get to know the characters and this book jumps into where book one left off.

Tiffany Woodall is such a fun, witty and strong female character! I loved seeing how she, with the help of some friends and allies, attempts to clear her name and that of Samir’s. There were some interesting twists and turns along the way, and I love how everything came together in the end.

Highly recommend! 

About the Author:

Samantha writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen and historical romances under Samantha Hastings. She met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, University of North Texas, and University of Reading (UK). She’s the author of: The Last Word, The Invention of Sophie Carter, A Royal Christmas Quandary, The Girl with the Golden Eyes, Jane Austen Trivia, The Duchess Contract, Secret of the Sonnets, The Marquess and the Runaway Lady, and A Novel Disguise. Learn more at: http://www.SamanthaHastings.com

When Grumpy Met Sunshine: Review

About the Book:

Title: When Grumpy Met Sunshine

Author: Charlotte Stein 

Publisher: Griffin

Release Date: February 6, 2024

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

A steamy, opposites-attract romance with undeniable chemistry between a grumpy retired footballer and his fabulous and very sunshine-y ghostwriter.

When grumpy ex-footballer Alfie Harding gets badgered into selling his memoirs, he knows he’s never going to be able to write them. He hates revealing a single thing about himself, is allergic to most emotions, and can’t imagine doing a good job of putting pen to paper.

And so in walks curvy, cheery, cute as heck ghostwriter Mabel Willicker, who knows just how to sunshine and sass her way into getting every little detail out of Alfie. They banter and bicker their way to writing his life story, both of them sure they’ll never be anything other than at odds.

But after their business arrangement is mistaken for a budding romance, the pair have to pretend to be an item for a public who’s ravenous for more of this Cinderella story. Or at least, it feels like it’s pretend―until each slow burn step in their fake relationship sparks a heat neither can control. Now they just have to is this sizzling chemistry just for show? Or something so real it might just give them their fairytale ending?

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

2.5 teacups rounded up to 3

I was really excited to read this one, based on the adorable cover and the premise of the story about a plus sized FMC who is adorable and the sunshine, and an ex-football player that is the grumpy MMC.   With tropes that I love, such as opposites attract, when grumpy met sunshine, and fake dating, this romance sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me.

I feel like the potential was there, but maybe the book could have used some more editing. I just couldn’t get over the never-ending dialogues between the two main characters, and waiting for something exciting to happen, that just never did. I also felt that some of the sexy scenes and excessive language were cringe. I also wanted to mention that there weren’t really any side characters that we truly got to know either.

As you can tell, I just wasn’t a fan. All books can’t be for everyone, so maybe someone else will enjoy this one. 

 

About the Author:

Charlotte Stein is the RT and DABWAHA nominated author of over fifty short stories, novellas and novels. When not writing deeply emotional and intensely sexy books, she can be found eating jelly turtles, watching terrible sitcoms and occasionally lusting after hunks. For more on Charlotte, visit: www.charlottestein.net 

A Fragile Enchantment: Review

About the Book:

Title: A Fragile Enchantment 

Author: Allison Saft 

Publisher: Wednesday Books 

Release Date: January 2, 2024

Pages: 373

Genre: YA Fantasy 

Synopsis:

In this romantic fantasy of manners from New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft, a magical dressmaker commissioned for a royal wedding finds herself embroiled in scandal when a gossip columnist draws attention to her undeniable chemistry with the groom.

Niamh Ó Conchobhair has never let herself long for more. The magic in her blood that lets her stitch emotions and memories into fabric is the same magic that will eventually kill her. Determined to spend the little time she has left guaranteeing a better life for her family, Niamh jumps at the chance to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Avaland.

But Avaland is far from the fairytale that she imagined. While young nobles attend candlelit balls and elegant garden parties, unrest brews amid the working class. The groom himself, Kit Carmine, is prickly, abrasive, and begrudgingly being dragged to the altar as a political pawn. But when Niamh and Kit grow closer, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more—until an anonymous columnist starts buzzing about their chemistry, promising to leave them alone only if Niamh helps to uncover the royal family’s secrets. The rot at the heart of Avaland runs deep, but exposing it could risk a future she never let herself dream of, and a love she never thought possible.

Transporting readers to a Regency England-inspired fantasy world, A Fragile Enchantment is a sweeping romance threaded with intrigue, unforgettable characters, and a love story for the ages.

Review:

* I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I was so excited to receive an early copy of this beautiful book! After reading A Far Wilder Magic, I needed more from this author. I want to go back and read her debut ASAP! I loved this one so much! 

A Fragile Enchantment weaved an absolutely magical story that took place in a regency England inspired fantasy world. There’s magic, political intrigue, romance, beautiful clothes, and so much more! I was swept away from the beginning. 

The romance in this one had me absolutely swooning! It gave me Bridgerton vibes with that element of fantasy that was just perfect. I highly recommend!

About the Author:

Allison Saft is the New York Times and indie bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic and Down Comes the Night. After receiving her MA in English Literature from Tulane University, she moved from the Gulf Coast to the West Coast, where she spends her time rolling on eight wheels and practicing aerial silks. She lives with her partner and an Italian greyhound named Marzipan.

Never Getting Back Together: Review

About the Book:

Title: Never Getting Back Together

Author: Krysti Meyer

Publisher: Self published

Release Date: December 12, 2023

Pages: 224

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Gilmore Girls meets Sweet Home Alabama in this small-town, second-chance romance. Quinn is hustling to make her dream of owning her own business come true. But first, she’ll have to survive a week of hosting her small town’s Founder’s Festival with her ex. Could Quinn Kelley’s summer be more stressful? She’s hustling to complete the certification program she needs to launch her own business. She has enough ongoing family drama to keep up with a Kardashian. And, oh yeah, her ex-boyfriend is back in town for the first time in years. Quinn would have been perfectly happy to continue pretending Ty Rossi doesn’t exist. But when their mutual friend has a family emergency and has to leave town suddenly, Quinn and Ty are left in charge of their town’s Founder’s Festival. If they can survive an entire week of co-hosting events without murdering each other, it’ll be a miracle. Their tempers ignite like flames set to paper anytime they’re together. But the more time she spends with Ty, the more Quinn questions if all those sparks are fueled entirely by hate. This is a swoony, closed-door romantic comedy with Gilmore Girls vibes and a dreamy second-chance romance.

Review:

*I received an e-arc for review from the author. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

This was absolutely adorable! This was my second read from Krysti Meyer and she did not disappoint! I can’t wait to read more of her books in the future.

This was an enemies to lovers, second chance, small town romance. It had all the tropes I love rolled into one! Quinn and Ty were so cute! They haven’t seen each other since they broke up, but they are forced into spending time together when they unexpectedly have to co-host their town’s Founder’s Festival. Tempers flare, but sparks ignite as they work together! I also wanted to note that Quinn has an autoimmune condition that she has to manage, and I really enjoyed seeing that representation in the book.

I definitely recommend!

About the Author:

I’m Krysti, a Watty Award winning indie author! I learned how to read when I was two, and I’ve never stopped. In my downtime, you can probably find me outside in my pumpkin patch or scouring the stacks of my local independent bookstore. I’m so excited to have you here!

Every Time You Go Away: Review

About the Book:

Title: Every Time You Go Away 

Author: Abigail Johnson 

Publisher: Inkyard Press 

Release Date: December 5, 2023

Pages: 400 

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

Perfect for fans of Jennifer Niven, Abigail Johnson draws a searing and lyrical portrait of grief, forgiveness, and the kind of love that blooms in the aftermath.

Eight years ago, Ethan and Rebecca met, two trouble-making kids sharing secrets and first kisses in a treehouse, until Ethan’s mom returned to take him away. Each and every visit, his only goodbye was a flower on Rebecca’s windowsill.

Three years ago, Ethan left for the last time to take care of his mother, who’s struggled with addiction his whole life.

Two years ago, Rebecca was in a car accident that killed her father. She’s been learning to navigate life as a wheelchair user ever since.

Now, they discover if their hardships have torn them apart…or will bring them closer than ever.

 

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I can’t read an Abigail Johnson book without having a cry! I honestly felt all of the emotions in this book. It was such a moving and well written story. It’s both beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. 

Ethan and Rebecca grew up as neighbors and have been friends since they were kids. They have been in and out of each other’s lives and had to deal with a lot of hard things. There was a slow burn love story, but it was so much more than that. It was about the power of hope after a lot of loss. 

If you love powerful contemporary romance, then I think you will love this one too! Just give me all of Abigail’s books please! 

About the Author:

Abigail Johnson was born in Pennsylvania. When she was twelve, her family traded in snowstorms for year-round summers and moved to Arizona. Abigail chronicled the entire cross-country road trip in a purple spiral-bound notebook that she still has and has been writing ever since. She became a tetraplegic after breaking her neck in a car accident when she was seventeen but hasn’t let that stop her from bodysurfing in Mexico, writing and directing a high-school production of Cinderella, and riding roller coasters every chance she gets. She is the author of several young adult novels including If I Fix You and Every Other Weekend.