Mini Thoughts
Hello, all!
I wasn't sure what to expect given the "Jessie's Girl" vibes, but I didn't hate it. I enjoyed our two main characters, and just wanted to give them both a hug. Larissa has had to hustle her entire life, and she was finally able to feel relaxed and safe with Chris for the first time. And Chris? That man knows how to yearn. The way he cared for Larissa was borderline pathetic, but in the best possible way. He was so down bad that he carried around an EpiPen just in case. The dynamic between them was messy and tender, and I just wanted it to work out, but I didn't know how Abby would do it. Like Abby's previous books, this is chock-full of emotional moments, but she manages the perfect balance of humor so that it never feels bogged down. The resolution did feel rushed since it waited until the very last minute, but overall, I liked how it was wrapped up.
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| Pub Date: 6-9-26 Adult - Contemporary Romance |
The Summer Girlfriend- Kristina Forest: Noelle Lewis spends all her time doing odd jobs to save enough money to go back to school. She's had quite a few setbacks in her life, but she's determined to make her dreams of becoming a librarian come true. Unfortunately for Noelle, she was just let go from her bookseller job, and her latest gig as a stand-in bridesmaid isn't bringing in enough money. Jeremiah Smith II's family owns and operates a popular baked goods company, but after his grandfather passed away, Jeremiah took a step back from the business and his family. Now, his mother is hounding him to come up to their beach house like usual, but Jeremiah slips and says he's too busy with his girlfriend, so she invites her along as well. When Noelle and Jeremiah bump into one another, he offers her a job as his fake girlfriend for the summer. Noelle assumes it'll be an easy gig that will get her the tuition money she desperately needs, but she wasn't counting on falling for Jeremiah, or for him to reciprocate her feelings.
First of all, this cover? Stunning. I've read and enjoyed all of Forest's books, so there was no doubt in my mind that this would be a hit for me. I loved Noelle and could relate to her on so many levels. I admired her drive and determination to succeed and chase her dreams. The connection between her and Jeremiah was immediate. I loved their chemistry and watching the dynamic shift into something real. Jeremiah was so attentive and sweet, and I liked how supportive he was of Noelle. The fake dating aspect was fun, and I loved all the interactions with the secondary characters (I think I know who the next book will follow, and I'm here for it!). I highly recommend adding this one to your summer TBRs.
First of all, this cover? Stunning. I've read and enjoyed all of Forest's books, so there was no doubt in my mind that this would be a hit for me. I loved Noelle and could relate to her on so many levels. I admired her drive and determination to succeed and chase her dreams. The connection between her and Jeremiah was immediate. I loved their chemistry and watching the dynamic shift into something real. Jeremiah was so attentive and sweet, and I liked how supportive he was of Noelle. The fake dating aspect was fun, and I loved all the interactions with the secondary characters (I think I know who the next book will follow, and I'm here for it!). I highly recommend adding this one to your summer TBRs.
Rating: 4/5
*Big thanks to the publisher for the copy!
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| Pub Date: 3-24-26 Adult - Contemporary Romance |
The Night We Met- Abby Jimenez: They say it only takes a moment to change your life, and for Larissa, that moment was when she accepted a ride home after a concert with Mike instead of his best friend, Chris. Now, fast forward a few months, and Larissa and Mike are dating, but she can't help but feel a pull towards Chris. Chris is everything Larissa didn't know she wanted or needed. He's caring, attentive, and willing to drop everything for Larissa. As the pair co-parent a feral Yorkie, they can't help but continue to grow closer. They know nothing can happen between them, but how can something that feels so right be so wrong?
I wasn't sure what to expect given the "Jessie's Girl" vibes, but I didn't hate it. I enjoyed our two main characters, and just wanted to give them both a hug. Larissa has had to hustle her entire life, and she was finally able to feel relaxed and safe with Chris for the first time. And Chris? That man knows how to yearn. The way he cared for Larissa was borderline pathetic, but in the best possible way. He was so down bad that he carried around an EpiPen just in case. The dynamic between them was messy and tender, and I just wanted it to work out, but I didn't know how Abby would do it. Like Abby's previous books, this is chock-full of emotional moments, but she manages the perfect balance of humor so that it never feels bogged down. The resolution did feel rushed since it waited until the very last minute, but overall, I liked how it was wrapped up.
Rating: 4/5
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| Pub Date: 10-24-24 Adult - Contemporary Romance |
Power Play- Chelsea Curto: Piper Mitchell has gone through a messy divorce that left her self-confidence in tatters, but she still believes her happily ever after is out there somewhere. She's determined to discover what she likes and how to make herself more appealing to the opposite sex, so she decides the best way to do that is with a sex coach. But Piper isn't bold enough to seek help from a stranger, so she turns to Liam Sullivan, the grumpy goalie for the NHL team she works for. Liam isn't known for being a people person, but he has always had a soft spot for Piper. He doesn't do relationships, especially during the hockey season, but he can't say no to Piper. After a wild night in Vegas ends with the pair heading to the altar, they decide to keep the charade up for just a little while. But with the season winding down, they both find themselves reluctant to end their little situationship.
This is only the second book I've read from Curto, but I'm loving how bingeable her books are. They're just so fun. I love anything related to fake dating or the marriage of convenience trope, so I knew I would devour this. I absolutely adored Liam. He had this tough guy exterior, but was gentle and tender inside. The way he cared for Piper and was there for whatever she needed was so sweet. I wish I liked Piper more as a character, because I did enjoy her growth throughout the book, but I found her timidity excessive. I understood where it stemmed from and how it was the whole reason for the plot, but it was a lot. As for the plot, I thought it was cute but too long. Still, I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
This is only the second book I've read from Curto, but I'm loving how bingeable her books are. They're just so fun. I love anything related to fake dating or the marriage of convenience trope, so I knew I would devour this. I absolutely adored Liam. He had this tough guy exterior, but was gentle and tender inside. The way he cared for Piper and was there for whatever she needed was so sweet. I wish I liked Piper more as a character, because I did enjoy her growth throughout the book, but I found her timidity excessive. I understood where it stemmed from and how it was the whole reason for the plot, but it was a lot. As for the plot, I thought it was cute but too long. Still, I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
Rating: 4/5
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