Review: Roll for Romance by Lenora Woods

Roll for Romance was a charming and cozy read. For the most part, I had a fun time. I am very unfamiliar with how Dungeons and Dragons works. This book fully leans into the popular game so much so that there are multiple chapters written regarding the main’s D&D. Unfortunately, that was the weakest part of the book to me. I would have preferred them to be shorter, or if the author had only highlighted the most exciting and essential parts of the game storyline.

The romance was lovely. Noah was such a cinnamon roll and very forward with things. Of course, as the book progresses, we learn why he is the way he is and why he’s so determined to be well-liked. Sadie’s burnout and feelings felt painfully too honest to me. She’s the sole POV character, and I liked being in her POV as she figured out what she wanted to do in life.

Final Thoughts

Lenora Woods did her research, or is an avid Dungeons and Dragons player. I appreciate her commitment and dedication to weaving the game story elements into the book. Unfortunately, those parts were the weakest parts for me. Though, for the most part, I enjoyed myself while reading Roll for Romance. 

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Review: No More Yesterdays by Catherine Bybee

Author Catherine Bybee concludes The Heirs series with her latest, No More Yesterdays. Saving her best for last, it’s filled with explosive chemistry, dangerous suspense, and characters that will be unforgettable.

Front and center is Alex Stone. Everything we love about her was highlighted and how bright she shined. Intelligent, independent and strong, you can’t help but root for this fierce heroine from the first page. As you know, this powerhouse CEO was thrown into it all after inheriting her late father’s empire. She is faced with secrets, danger and an unexpected twist in her life that no one expected to come.

Enter Hawk Bronson, the bodyguard whose job is to protect Alex but whose heart soon finds itself on the line. Their energy sizzles with tension, fun banter, and deep emotional resonance, making every interaction charged.

This book was very different from the first two. What really sets this book apart is the seamless blend of suspense with heartfelt romance. You feel every threat, deep dark hidden secrets and the emotional ride is just as exciting as the physical danger described. There is an exciting bolt of adrenaline that runs through this book with its pulsing twists and moments of vulnerability and ease of past wounds that make you want to keep reading. 

No More Yesterdays was a fast-paced, emotionally charged romantic suspense that was impossible to put down. Each book in the series brought their own flare that was fitting for their collective journeys to unfold. If you have been following the series and haven’t read this one yet, you’re in for a good read. If you’re new to the series and love good characters especially strong heroines, steamy slow burn romance or just a fan of romance suspense then I would recommend checking this one out.

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Review: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

I have yet to decide on an overall rating for Rock Paper Scissors. It might require another read-through to determine if I enjoyed it or disliked it more. I’ll try to keep this review as spoiler-free as possible.

I would classify the relationship between Adam and Amelia as a marriage in trouble. They’ve been in a rough spot, and this getaway is an effort to get things back on track. Neither Adam nor Amelia is a likable character. It felt like they were constantly becoming more unlikable. From page one, I was advocating for them to get a divorce and end this madness.

Their “getaway” is in the middle of nowhere in an abandoned church. Truthfully, I would not have even considered walking in there, but Adam and Amelia do and experience many peculiar events. This was not a heart-racing thriller. I was uneasy at times, but the feeling never lasted long. I often wondered if this was a thriller and if I had misread the genre. The end is where the real thrill happens. It almost makes up for the dry parts during the first and middle half of the book.

Final Thoughts

The back half of Rock Paper Scissors does a lot of heavy lifting to make this a thriller, with twists and turns that are entertaining and jaw-dropping. Some parts of the first half are unexciting and feel like an information dump. 

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Review: Billon Dollar Enemy by Olivia Hayle

Billion Dollar Enemy is a fun, no-strings-attached read. While reading, I was utterly immersed in the characters and the romance. I recommend this to anyone wanting something fun, quicky, and spicy. However, I certainly wouldn’t hail this as my favorite from Olivia Hayle. As entertaining and fun as I believed this to be, I had issues with the back half of the book.

The third act conflict left me scratching my head, and the overall resolution was simply okay to me. Truthfully, I don’t think there was a resolution that I would have loved. All I knew was that I wanted Skye to keep the bookstore after she had worked hard to save it, and I didn’t want Cole to hand it over or for there to be a sudden solution to everything after the third-act conflict. It was just a tough solution.

Final Thoughts

Billion Dollar Enemy was fun and entertaining for most of the book. The book encounters some trouble towards the end as the deadline for the bookstore approaches. However, I’ll fondly remember the time spent with Cole and Skye.

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Review: Pity Play by Whitney Dineen

As much as this series has been fun to read and I’ve wholeheartedly loved each book so far, Pity Play is definitely my favorite. It took a second, diving into the book to realize when I saw the character names, an instant love for what was to come and it never disappointed. With the its small town charm and romantic tension, you will fall in love with this Luke and Lorelai just the same.

Lorelai Riley has been in love with Luke Phillips since they were kids. As the friend to her older brother Noah, the last thing on his mind back then was his younger sister. Fast forward to life as an adult, with a family accident that brings him back to Elk Lake, what other place would his best friend recommend to stay? With that life long crush of hers, Luke needs a place to stay and guess who has a spare room? Could this be the moment she has always wished for?

Without taking away from the swoon craving journey that you will be on, Pity Play delivers a slow burn romance full of all the charm of that small town romance. It’s unspoken glances, close proximity tension and gives some unforgettable smooches that change the trajectory of fantasy to reality. Despite Luke returning to Elk Lake to deal with some personal obstacles and adamant on returning to his life in Chicago, then with one kiss, fate had another plan to remind never to judge a book by its cover.

There’s so much to love about this book. You’ll not only fall in love with the both of them but be endeared by the charm of Elk Lake. For those who have followed the series, you will feel right at home. The highlights for me are the laugh out loud moments that make you smile. The heart warming moments balancing out with the flirty ones give you just enough steam to savor the moments.

Despite this being part of the series, it can be read as a standalone. If you’re new to the series, start from the beginning to get to know everyone. If you’ve followed along then I know you will love this one. Make sure to look out for the next book in the series, Pity Play which will follow Noah and Allie.

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Review: When Hearts Awaken: An Angsty Enemies to Lovers Billionaire Romance by Victoria Lum

There were some good things in When Hearts Awaken, and unfortunately, there was so bad. More bad than good. The good— the romance, well, mostly. For the most part, I enjoyed Taylor and Charles’ romance. I think they were at their peak in the early characters of the book. Lum had a strong dynamic going with them, and I bought into their hatred of each other. However, their “hatred” burned too quickly for me.  I would have preferred one or two more chapters before they flipped the switch.

Taylor felt more of a stronger character than me than Charles. Taylor’s journey was more rewarding and developed than Charles. Although, it’s unfortunate that her older sister—Grace—and her had little scenes together. I read Grace’s book, and I could have sworn Taylor was such a huge presence, which is why it felt disappointing not to have Grace in the same level.

The plot for When Hearts Awaken was too soapy. It’s tiring how everyone and everything in this series connected, and it makes the plot twists not as jaw-dropping. Additionally, it feels as though plot points have been recycled. For example, I’ve read at least three books within this series, and after the main leads meet for the first time, there is always a time jump and a strong dislike of each other.

Final Thoughts

When Hearts Awaken did not meet my expectations. I recall being excited to read Taylor’s story when I first met her in Grace’s book (When Hearts Ignite). I think she deserved a much better story. One that is original to her and doesn’t feature reused story beats. 

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