Review: Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne

About the Book

For a hopeful and hopeless romantic, it’s love at first sight—with a little twist—in a hilarious short story about finding Mr. Right by the USA Today bestselling author of The Hating Game.

Rosie Whittaker and her sister are up for some Galentine’s pampering at a day spa. Getting locked inside a flotation tank is so Rosie. Enter a firefighter hero determined to pry this luckless pearl out of her high-tech shell. All Rosie has to go on is a dreamy voice and a flirty sense of humor. Remain calm, Rosie. This could be what you’ve been waiting for. Is this the man she’s waited for her whole life?

Sally Thorne’s Rosie and the Dreamboat is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute, irresistibly romantic stories about finding love when and where you least expect it. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Let’s make a date of it.

Review

For the most part, I had a good time with Rosie and the Dreamboat. It was lighthearted and delivered exactly what was promised—a cute, quick Meet-cute. Rosie and Leo’s meeting wasn’t ideal by any means, but they made the best of the situation, with effortless banter and easy chemistry. Although, there were a few times when the dialogue felt a little too cringey and immature for my taste.

The biggest issue that I had with the story was the revelation about Rosie’s past. While in college, she had been locked in a car trunk by bullies.  I don’t think that was given the emotional weight that it deserved. Also, because of her trauma, it felt unbelievable that she hadn’t been freaking more.

Final Thoughts

Despite some flaws, Rosie and the Dreamboat was entertaining and enjoyable. Rosie and Leo’s chemistry exceeded my expectations.

Review: Extracurricular by Rachel Lynn Solomon

About the Book

When a former pop star enrolls in college, the last thing she expects is A-plus chemistry with her psychology professor in this sexy and tender romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Lynn Solomon.

“This is Rachel Lynn Solomon at her absolute best: a moving love story between two people learning to trust not only the good in each other, but in themselves.”—Ellen O’Clover, author of The Heartbreak Hotel

Ramona Wilder has spent her whole life in the spotlight. After a hit kids’ TV show, she transitioned into music, singing in arenas around the world and becoming an icon for millions of teenage girls. Now at age twenty-six, exhausted by the inhumane lack of privacy, she’s done—with all of it. She wants a chance at normal, whatever that might mean for her. And she’s starting with college.

Professor Nick Navarro is recently divorced but determinedly optimistic, allowing himself a very reasonable ten minutes per day to wallow. When his department calls a meeting about a celebrity enrollment, he plans to treat whoever it is like any other student. Except when Ramona blazes into class and causes an uproar, the typically easygoing professor is rattled, maybe for the first time in his career.

Ramona loves the way she flusters him, taking every opportunity to push Nick’s buttons, though what she really wants is to unbutton them completely. When a crisis brings them closer outside of class, they begin a tentative friendship amid an undeniable attraction. But Ramona can’t be so easily finished with her old life, and they’ll both have to confront their pasts if they want a chance at something real.

Review

For months, I’ve been waiting to get Extracurricular in my hands, and once I finally got it, I was so excited and dropped everything to curl up and read it. I will admit there was a bit of nerves. A worry that it wouldn’t meet my expectations or that it would fall victim to inconsistent pacing or undeveloped romance. This is one of my first books by Rachel Lynn Solomon, and I wasn’t sure what to expect from her writing. There was no need to worry. Soloman delivered one of my favorite reads of the year. This was a heartfelt, beautifully paced romance filled with emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and a romance that felt completely earned.

The book begins with Ramona walking away from everything she has known to go back to college. It’s a scary choice, but Ramona was completely brave, and watching her try to live a normal life after spending so much of it in the public eye was fascinating. As well as heartbreaking. She had gone through so much, and her story genuinely broke my heart at times. The book doesn’t shy away from exploring the harsh realities of fame and the emotional toll a person can experience because of it. Despite it, she remained funny, sharp-witted, kind, and resilient. Her journey felt so meaningful.

Like Ramona, Nick was on a path of self-discovery. He was recently divorced and had moved in with his sister and niece (special shoutout to his relationship with his niece because it was great). Nick was such an adorable dork. He was also so soft, patient, and supportive. Even before he and Ramona had developed a deeper connection, he was constantly showing up for her.

Nick and Ramona did share an immediate attraction; however, their relationship never did feel rushed. There was room for their connection to grow. For them to learn to trust each other and be vulnerable. There were so many great small moments of them that made their romance feel genuine and elevated them to one of my favorite book couples. The emotional vulnerability between them created such a raw and beautiful love story. Also, the banter? Fantastic!

Final Thoughts

Within a few chapters, I knew that Extracurricular was going to be a hit for me. It is by far one of my favorite books of the year, and I should send a personalized thank-you letter to Rachel Lynn Solomon. This story has taken up a permanent residence in my head. Not only was the writing engaging, but I was also completely blown away by the sharp humor and emotionally grounded characters.

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Review: The Close-Up by Kennedy Ryan

About the Book

Set in the dynamic worlds of professional basketball and entertainment, two of Kennedy Ryan's most critically-acclaimed series-Hollywood Renaissance and HOOPs-collide in this tale of forbidden romance.

I met Nazareth Armstrong when I was eighteen years old. From the beginning, my brother warned me to stay away from him. Told Naz to stay away from me.

Our hearts didn't listen.

I shared one magical night under the stars with my brother's rival, thinking it was the start of a once-in-a-lifetime something.

But one awful moment ended it all.

Years later when we meet again, we've both pursued our dreams, lived a little, found success...but never found love. What began as a tiny flame when we were young now threatens to consume us. I'm more drawn to Naz than ever, but his complicated history with my brother makes whatever this could be...nearly impossible.

But Naz accepts impossible as a dare.

Through his clever maneuvering and dogged determination, I find myself on a yacht with him and his friends cruising through the Mediterranean. It's a whirlwind set ablaze. Away from reality, surrendering to the tender heat of his touch, I forget that everything could burn.

Review

The Close-Up is a beautiful and emotional second-chance romance. Takira’s always wanted this great, epic love story. When she meets Naz when she is a teenager, everything clicks, and they have an amazing night together. Their connection felt effortless and intense, but before they got a chance to fully explore it, everything blew up, and they were ripped apart for twelve years. Even after that time, their bond remained undeniable.

Everything was nicely constructed in this novella. Nothing felt rushed. The pacing allowed for their history and lingering feelings to unfold naturally. I completely believed in Naz and Takira’s romance.

Naz had dreams of taking care of his mother and believed that a professional athletic career was the best path. As a teenager, he lived in the shadow of Cliff— Takira’s brother, who was so talented that Naz rarely had the opportunity to play. However, after Cliff poorly acted during a game, Naz was given the chance and played like his family’s life depended on it because it did. Meanwhile, Cliff mourned his almost professional career with drugs and alcohol.

Takira’s conflict was especially interesting because she wanted to remain loyal to her older brother and protect his sobriety, yet Naz still had an undeniable pull on her heart. That tension gave the story extra emotional weight.

Final Thoughts

The Close-Up was a beautifully written and emotional second-chance romance with strong chemistry and believable depth. The novella features a heartfelt tension, smooth pacing, and a moving love story.

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Review: Out of Her League by Ava Rani

Out of Her League had some high moments, but also some low ones. Isa is easily the standout of the novel, and her storyline carries much of its emotional weight. Her struggle to step out from under her father’s legacy while honoring her mother’s sacrifices adds a compelling layer of internal conflict.

Austin’s story is emotional; however, it didn’t quite land as hard at Isa’s. His best friend saved his life when he was a kid, and after losing him to cancer a few years ago, he’s trying to do everything he can to save his foundation. He also needs to decide what to do with his career, as an injury ended it. I enjoyed the choice he eventually made, and I feel it was the right choice for him.

The romance was very promising, but it doesn’t quite live up to its potential. The fake dating and wedding elements introduce a fun and engaging dynamic, but they are surprisingly short-lived. Those moments showcase the strongest chemistry between Isa and Austin. And it was disappointing that the story didn’t linger there longer. Outside of those scenes, the romance feels like it’s missing a certain spark or tension needed to keep it consistently interesting.

Overall, while the emotional depth of the characters—particularly through family and personal struggles—stands out, the romance falls slightly flat compared to what it could have been.

Final Thoughts

Out of Her League has strong emotional moments, especially through Isa’s character and her family story, but it feels uneven overall. The romance shows promise with the fake-dating setup; however, it falls short and lacks the depth needed to stay engaging. Thank you to Netgalley for providing this arc! Hate Me Like You Mean It was released on May 12, 2026.

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Review: Billion Dollar Catch by Olivia Hayes

About the Book

House-sitting a mansion for the summer sounds easy, right?

Until my rich, single dad neighbor catches me in a compromising position.

Hint: I’d just taken off my bikini top.

He’s billionaire Ethan Carter, a living legend in the tech world and father to two adorable little girls.

Oh, and he’s the kind of ruggedly handsome that belongs in a calendar with firefighters and puppies. “Welcome to the neighborhood,” he says, grinning.

The catch? He can afford to live here—I can’t.

Differences in income and age make anything more unthinkable, not to mention he’s coming off a terrible divorce and has no time to himself.

We agree we can’t be anything more, even as neighborly drinks turn into not-so-neighborly kisses, and kisses turn into… well.

Let’s just say he finds creative ways for us to use my kitchen counter.

He doesn’t know if he’s ready to trust again.

I don’t know if I’m ready to give my heart.

But as summer ends, we might not have choice in the matter.

BILLION DOLLAR CATCH is book three of the series SEATTLE BILLIONAIRES, but can be read as a complete standalone! It’s a sweet, steamy romance with a lot of heart, not to mention scenes designed to make your Kindle burn!

Review

Billion Dollar Catch does not serve the main characters or the romance well. The story starts one day after their first “meeting”. Instead of having the readers experience it, Bella relays the information to her best friends. That scene is referenced multiple times, including several jokes surrounding it, and omitting it felt silly. If the beginning had been changed, would that have improved my rating for the book? Probably not.

The romance was uninspired. It didn’t quite land for me, nor did the characters. Ethan was the perfect father, while his ex was the evil, absent parent. This story has been played multiple times. It’s extremely overused and downright annoying. Especially when Ethan wasn’t all that great either. In addition to being a bland character, he acted like a child when he learned about Bella’s “lie.” He accuses her of manipulating her and acting like his ex-wife. Then, explains that he had initially seen her as someone who could easily be manipulated before she showed him her “true” colors. That rubbed me the wrong way. Bella forgave him far too quickly for my liking. I don’t fault Bella for her small lie. I just found it to be meaningless. 

Final Thoughts

Billion Dollar Catch receives a two-star rating from me. The main characters and romance are inadequately served. The overused trope of the perfect father and evil ex-wife, added with Ethan's immature and judgmental reaction to Bella's minor deception, weakens the story and makes Bella's quick forgiveness irritating. 

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Review: The Heir by Sophia Travers

About the Book

Two rival families. A marriage between their heirs. In public, it’s love. But in private? It’s war.

Aiden Prince is the arrogant heir to the old money family that destroyed mine. He’s hazel-eyed and sharp-jawed, the golden boy of high society.

I’m the girl who’s never belonged in his world.

At sixteen, I poured my soda on his loafers. He told me to lick it off.

At eighteen, I learned the truth—Aiden’s family took everything from mine. I vowed to make everyone who mocked us eat their words.

At thirty, I have the chance to get back everything Aiden’s family stole…but I have to marry Aiden to do it.

In public, we’re the perfect couple. But in private? We’re playing a dangerous game—the first one to desire the other loses.

I’ll never give an inch to Aiden…until I see who he is beneath his cold exterior.

He’ll do anything to protect me.

His touch sets me on fire.

His world doesn’t want me. My family doesn’t want him.

We promised to divorce once our deal is done…and we each lose everything if we fall in love.

Review

The Heir had so much potential, unfortunately, it did not live up to it. Truthfully, it fell flat, and I was bored. The Prince and Hunter families have a long-standing rivalry. The Prince family is labeled as being “good,” while the Hunter family is seen as being “bad.” I didn’t quite understand why the latter had been labeled as that.

The one thing that I did enjoy about this story was Aiden’s relationship with his siblings. He’s constantly advising that he wants to make sure they are okay and doing his best for them. That was one of his best qualities. Aiden and Emory have great moments—great banter and fun teasing; however, they are far in between and mostly toe the line of being unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

The Heir didn’t feel like a story centered on powerhouse families. It was much lighter than I expected, and the stakes felt low. I would have loved it if the characters and families were explored more, and there was a bit more drama.

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