If Only You

        

Title: If Only You

Series: Bergman Brothers #6

Author: Chloe Liese

Publisher: April 11, 2023

Pages: 352

Genre: Contemporary Sport Romance

Ziggy

I’m the youngest player on the National Soccer team, the baby of my family, and thoroughly sick of being underestimated, so I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands. Which is where my brother’s best friend and teammate, the infamous Sebastian Gauthier, comes in.

Seb needs to rehab his reputation. I want to give mine an edge. So I propose a fake friendship with real benefits: spending time in the public eye, my good-girl image and his bad-boy notoriety rubbing off on each other. He’s my devious, dark-haired fantasy come to life, but his destructive ways make it easy to keep him in the (fake) friend zone. Or so I thought, until I start to see the heart of gold he’s been hiding beneath that sinister surface…

Sebastian

Like any self-respecting reprobate, I’ve been spiraling downward, and finally I’ve hit rock bottom. My hockey career and sponsorships are in jeopardy, and while I’m not ready to actually reform my ways, I’m happy to pretend that I have, to secure the life I’m on the brink of losing.

So when my best friend’s sister, Ziggy Bergman, proposes a public “friendship” to revamp our reputations, it’s an offer I can’t refuse. Up till now, I’ve stayed away from Ren’s sweet, shy little sister to avoid any risk of ruining my one good friendship. But I reassure myself there’s no risk in our scheme. I’ll fake a friendship with Ziggy, fix my reputation, and get back to hockey, the one and only thing I love. At least, it was, until what began as a transactional arrangement became the most loving relationship I’ve ever known.

If Only You is a brother’s best friend, (fake) friends with benefits to friends to lovers romance about a bighearted, quietly fierce soccer star on the autism spectrum, and a thoroughly unprincipled, almost irredeemable hockey player who has celiac disease. Complete with an absurd level of mutual pining, meddling family and friends, and a spicy slow burn, this standalone is the sixth in a series of novels about a Swedish-American family of five brothers, two sisters, and their wild adventures as they each find happily ever after.

When I found out that we were getting Ziggy's book before Viggo's, I have to admit that I was a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Ziggy and I am SO glad that we got her book. And she absolutely could never have disappointed in the actual content. I mean, she's a total badass and has been since we first met her through Ryder and Willa. But I am drooling for Viggo's story. I DON'T WANT TO WAIT AND I DON'T WANT IT TO BE OVER!!! I have a lot of feelings about it. But for now, I will give Ziggy her due.

Watching Ziggy own her perception and personality was a joy. This young woman is thriving and wants people to know it. She wants people to see the woman she is now and not the kid she was a few years ago. Which really helped me read about her falling in love because I was absolutely going into this still picturing the 17 year old kid described in previous books. She's grown up, folks! 

Sebastian is going through it. He has dug himself into this hate spiral of a life out of spite. The people who were supposed to love and care for him no matter what, flaked and failed miserably at it. So he chose to get back at them. Can't say I blame him. But as delightful as it was to watch Ziggy come into her own, watching Sebastian dig himself out of his pit of despair was even more satisfying. 

This book is so emotionally mature. Way more emotionally mature than me. It's so romantic and absolutely will get you all up in your feelings for these two. But honestly my favorite part was watching Seb's journey to his celiac diagnosis. My mom was diagnosed with celiac just a few years ago. And it really did turn her whole life upside down. Most of her social life revolved around food. Where she was going to eat, who was going to be there. Finding new restaurants and recipes to try for various gatherings and parties. And then she was told that food was the thing making her sick, it was the reason she had stopped attending events and parties. It changed her whole world and it took our whole family a long time to figure out how to function around the new restrictions. Watching the Bergmans navigate through that with Seb was really beautiful. 

I have to put a tiny disclaimer out there that this baby is a SLOOOOOOWWWWW burn. But what it doesn't have in spice, it makes up for in feelings. Like this thing is ROM.AN.TIC. All of the heart swelling and tear making and throat closing big feelings of twue love.

And now I'm back to very (im)patiently waiting for Viggo's happy ending. <3

Ratings

Stars: 5/5

Spice: 2/5

Foolish Puckboy

       

Title: Foolish Puckboy

Series: Puckboys #4

Author: Eden Finley & Saxon James

Publisher: April 13, 2023

Pages: 271

Genre: MM Hockey Romance

ALEKS

After my divorce, I’m ready to have fun, date around, and not get into anything serious. Then I meet Gabe Crosby, superhero firefighter and a disgrace to the Crosby name. He doesn’t even like hockey!

Yet, there’s a draw to him I can’t deny—something I haven’t felt since my teens. But that’s the problem. I have no idea what dating is like, let alone how to do it with another man. He makes me flakey and nervous, and I’ve never been that guy.

Gabe turns me inside out and upside down in the best possible ways. I only recently became single, but if I continue to chase after him, I might not stay that way for long.

GABE

When I meet Aleksander Emerson during an emergency call-out, there are three things that catch my attention: his sexy tattoos, his kind eyes, and his drunken offer to have my babies.

He’s new to Seattle and recently divorced, so I take him under my wing–and under my sheets. I’m showing him what the world of hookups is like, only those hookups turn into sleepovers and dates and public displays of jealousy.

Aleks is in his casual era, and I’m working my way toward settling down and starting a family. What the two of us have is fun, but not a good idea permanently.

Too bad Aleks has already set my life on fire.

I love this microcosm of out, queer sports stars that Eden Finley and Saxon James have created. I love meeting new guys, and I love that the cameos are so abundant. They're all absolute idiots with hearts of gold. Or in Asher Dalton's case.....ya know...have a heart. 

Aleks is divorced and just wants to thrive in his ho phase! Oskar has crowned him the newest "puckboy" of the NHL, and Aleks is absolutely going to get out there. Eventually. When he's ready. And just go HAM on the singles scene... He will! Except that this dude is the demiest of demisexuals. Maybe not precisely, but he doesn't want random hookups. He wants to suck on Gabe's Adam's apple.

Gabe is a fire fighter looking to settle down. Not necessarily with anyone, though that would be a plus, he's just striking out and making a home for himself. He gets called to a rowdy Collective party, and our boys are really in their element. And by element, I mean they're all barely coherent and mostly a danger to themselves and others if they don't pass out soon. Just by sheer lack of inhibition. And one of them wants to have his babies! 

Once Aleks is sober, and Gabe sees him play hockey, and Aleks ghosts mid-make out and then tracks Gabe down again, they decide that Gabe is going to help Aleks get through his "firsts." Specifically, the "firsts" with a man. Aleks is newly out as pan and has only ever been with one person, his ex-wife, his whole life. So he's convinced all he needs is to break the seal, essentially, before he can live up to his true puckboy ways. 

Hilarity, horniness, and full on romance ensues. 

Ratings

Stars: 5/5

Spice: 5/5

Yes & I Love You

      

Title: Yes & I Love You

Series: Say Everything #1

Author: Roni Loren

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca, March 2, 2021

Pages: 386

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Everyone knows Miz Poppy, the vibrant reviewer whose commentary brightens the New Orleans nightlife. But no one knows Hollyn Tate, the real face behind the media star...or the anxiety that keeps her isolated. All her life, Hollyn's tried to hide her true self behind an online façade, but when her boss tells her she needs to reveal the truth to the world or lose her job, she's forced to rely on an unexpected source to help face her fears.

Enter Jasper Deares: actor, improve star, and way, way out of her league.

Hollyn thinks Jasper must be joking when he offers private lessons to help overcome her fears. Getting up on a stage? Hello, worst nightmare. But Jasper's infectious charm has her saying yes despite herself. They're only supposed to be playing a few improv games, but as the lessons run longer and the lines grow blurrier, Hollyn can't help but wonder if she's acting at all...or if a relationship with Jasper might help give her the confidence she needs to say yes to every imperfect part of herself.

This is my new favorite trope. Blatant honesty!!! That's a lie, it's not a new favorite. It's always been my favorite, but it's so rare to find that it feels brand new! Miscommunication? That's running rampant throughout the industry of romance novels. It drives me batty!!! But unfiltered honesty? It's SO HOT! That's what Hollyn and Jasper have with one another though. And I'm telling you. It is SO HOT! If you're a writer, listen well, having your main characters own their feelings and attraction up front without subterfuge can still make a GREAT book! I think this book will ruin my already low tolerance for books with heavy miscommunication for the foreseeable future. 

Hollyn is a writer who rents an office at co-op type place in New Orleans. She also has Tourette's and a serious case of social anxiety. I think she also has clinical anxiety, but the way that she talks about her therapist and her journey with that is so refreshing. Therapy is a part of her life and that's that. 

Jasper is an actor who bombed an audition in L.A. and moved back to New Orleans. He's working at the co-op as a barista while also performing with his Improv Troupe. They're both hot and hot for each other. Eventually. 

Jasper does some nearly unforgivable things in this book. And it's his raw honesty every time that saves his ass. But the whole time Jasper is trying to get it together, Hollyn is out here THRIVING! She is learning how to be more confident, and most importantly, how to get through tough social situations even when she's not feeling her most confident. Watching her blossom is SO good.

I have to mention Cal. Hollyn's best friend for forever, who also has Tourette's, and is also in love with her. UGH. Ok, I mentioned him. All done! 

One of my favorite parts of this book were the review entries from Miz Poppy. I loved how they lined up with what was going on in the book. You could see where Hollyn was at in her head without a ton of exposition or existential waffling. *Chef's Kiss*

Ratings

Stars: 5/5

Spice: 3/5

When in Rome

     

Title: When in Rome

Author: Sarah Adams

Publisher: Dell, September 20, 2022

Pages: 312

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her “princess of pop” image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome . . . Rome, Kentucky, that is. 

When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn’t have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He’s too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room—but only until her car is fixed—then she’s on her own. 

Then Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose—she’s Amelia: kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. He can’t help but get close to her. Soon she’ll have to return to her glamorous life on tour, but until then, Noah will show Amelia all the charming small-town experiences she’s been missing, and she’ll help him open his heart to more. 

Amelia can’t resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.

This started out so strong. It was really cute. Who doesn't love Audrey Hepburn? 

And yet. It lost me somewhere along the way. Noah is great! Amelia is great! Audrey is great! Too much of a good thing, maybe? I don't know, it dragged hard through the middle for me. 

The fact that it was a VERY slow burn that then faded to black..... didn't help. Certainly. But that wasn't it entirely for sure. 

All of that to say, I would love to live in Rome, Kentucky or a similar town. The emotional journey that the Walker family goes through is beautiful. I cried for how beautiful their family bonds are. That really saved it for me. 

Ratings

Stars: 3.5/5

Spice: 1/5

Spare

      

Title: Spare

Author: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

Published: Random House, January 10, 2023

Pages: 416

Genre: Memoirs

It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow—and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.

For Harry, this is that story at last.

Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness—and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight.

At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love. 

Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . .

For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.

I can't possibly "rate/review" someone's experience in life. 

Thank you for sharing. 

Best wishes for the future.

Ratings

Stars: 5/5

Much Ado About Muffin

     

Title: Much Ado About Muffin

Series: The Mysteries of Cozy Cove #1

Author: Virginia K. Bennett

Published: January 25, 2023

Pages: 104

Genre: Cozy Mystery

SOLVING A MURDER REQUIRES A REAL WHISK-TAKER.

Running a business in the picturesque town of Cozy Cove, Maine, hasn’t always been a piece of cake, but bakery-owner Mackenzie and her venerable assistant, Arthur, are a batch made in heaven.

When Mackenzie stumbles across the body of a well-known local chef vying for the title Griller of the Year, she is compelled to help local law enforcement find the murderer. Does she have what it bakes or will her cookie crumble?

Mackenzie needs to use her problem-solving skills to bring the killer to justice... with a little help from Ret. Lt. General Arthur Johnson.

Things are heating up in Cozy Cove.

How to begin??? Let's start with how quickly I was able to gobble this up! It's short, it's sweet, there's a lot going on and all of it is cozy. Well, I guess the murder isn't cozy, but like, everything else definitely is!!! I could not put this down. I was trying to solve along with Mac and Arthur, and I HAD to know whodunit. 

Speaking of Mackenzie and Arthur. They are the cutest of the cutest. Mackenzie owns the world's punniest bakery in a cute coastal town in Maine. Arthur is the retired veteran grandfather of everyone's dreams, who helps her out around the bakery practically for free. He's essentially her adopted grandfather, but it would not take too much to convince me that they deserve a sweet, age gap romance!!! (I know, I know. Not every book needs a romance, but like......don't they?!) I also think we got set up for a bit of romance in book 2, but I'm going to wait to find out. I'm not going to read the blurb!!!

Seriously, this thing has so many puns. I giggled out loud at some of them. Most of them because I LOVE a good pun. It also made me really hungry, so the bonus recipe at the end of the book was a huge plus! I'm going to have to go to the store so that I can try them ASAP! 

This is a solid mystery. It unravels quickly, there's plenty of good clues and red herrings. I really enjoyed this and I'm looking forward to the next one! 

Ratings

Stars: 5/5

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries

    

Title: Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries

Series: Emily Wilde #1

Author: Heather Fawcett

Publisher: Del Rey, January 10, 2023

Pages: 320

Genre: Romantic Fantasy / Folklore

Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world’s first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party—or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, Shadow, and the Fair Folk to other people.

So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, muddle Emily’s research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.

But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones—the most elusive of all faeries—lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she’ll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all—her own heart.

Emily Wilde is living the dream. Taking a research trip to Scandinavia to finish her book about faeries! Just her and her big, dumb dog in a cottage at the top of the world. Hiking through forests and talking to fae and watching the Northern Lights. I'm pretty sure this was taken directly from my mood board!

It's not precisely Emily's dream. Well, it is, but she sure does dig herself into a hole at first. She has absolutely no survival skills for the ultra north living. It's not entirely surprising, she's an academic. But she offends the townspeople who could help her, and probably would have chopped her leg off with the ax if left alone for much longer. Luckily, her colleague has decided to follow her so that they can work on a paper together. Enter Wendell Bambleby. What a delightful man!!! 

I love a grumpy/sunshine trope, and I love it even more when the grump is a woman. Emily is the perfect introverted grump, and Bambleby is a charming dash of sunshine to balance out her pessimism. He helps her save her reputation with the townspeople of Hrafnsvik, and irritates her just as much as he attracts her. 

The beautiful imagery, ghost stories, fairy tales, and romance comes together in a perfect smorgasbord of *things I love in a book.* I know that this isn't technically a romance, but the chemistry between Bambleby and Emily is absolutely ADORABLE! I am very much looking forward to see what kind of adventures they get into in book 2!

Ratings

Stars: 5/5