*Like last time, no audio this time! I could have made it work, but wanted to get this out – if any of you really want the audio version, comment below and I’ll make it happen!*
Starting off our detailed book posts with an easy genre: romance! This genre category includes straight-up romances, romantic comedies, and a couple of rom/com/murder mysteries. A few of these books may be included in other genre posts if I think it makes sense. I’m going to cut straight to the chase here and give you the details, from my highest rated to lowest rated! Here’s my plan:
- Book title and author (and picture of the cover!)
- Whether I listened to it (Audiobook) or read it (Physical Book)
- 1-2 sentence description of the premise – I’m gonna keep it as concise as possible
- Content warnings, if relevant (spice level, and language if I can remember it)
- Reasoning for my rating
I have a quick caveat for #5: there are several books that I have very little to say on because I don’t really remember the experience of reading them! This happens a lot with this genre because I listen to a lot of closed-door, fluffy romance books… so unless one is really a stand-out for some reason, they tend to blend together. A lot of those less memorable reads end up getting a 4 star rating because they were enjoyable but not particularly dazzling.
Lastly, for any of the book series I’ve read where all the books received the same rating, I will group them together and give an overarching summary of the series’ concept. I’ve found that the individual books in these romance series tend to blend together in my memory – so instead of trying to untangle them, I figured a more generalized summary would do the trick!
Now that that’s all out of the way, onward!
5 star
Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel – Audiobook
Two high school English teachers – rivals at school – end up spending Christmas break together in a fake relationship to avoid their families’ matchmaking attempts. They discover they have more in common than they thought…
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: discussion surrounding grief and death of a loved one
I liked this book a lot more than I expected to! I was anticipating another fluffy and unmemorable rom/com, but this had unexpected elements of processing grief and character growth that were very well done. The banter was delightful as well – always one of my favorite parts!
Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder (Happy Ever Homicide #1) by Gracie Ruth Mitchell – Audiobook
Juniper Bean, a romance novelist trying to switch genres, moves back to her hometown and discovers that her new roommate is an old crush. The pair stumbles on a dead body in the woods, which brings Juniper’s crime novel “research” to a whole new level and leads them on a hunt to find the killer… and maybe something more.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: death
This was by far one of my favorite reads of the year. The concept of merging a romantic comedy with a murder mystery was totally new to me, and I absolutely LOVED it! The grumpy/sunshine contrast of Juniper and Aiden was so fun and I laughed out loud quite a bit.
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams – Audiobook
Bree and her best friend, Nathan (star NFL quarterback), concoct a fake dating scheme to save her reputation after she exposes her feelings for Nathan to a reporter. He’s secretly in love with her, too, and enlists the help of his teammates to turn their fake relationship into reality.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: heavy drinking
I discovered my love for sports romance novels this year (which is weird because I couldn’t care less about sports in real life) and this one was a delight. The dynamic between the players on the team and the main characters is really wholesome, and the tension throughout was delicious.
The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore – Audiobook
Chloe, a librarian struggling to care for her three younger siblings on her own, discovers love notes written in the margins of discarded books in the library’s basement. In her attempts to trace the origins of the notes, she finds more than she expected – new connections with the grumpy old man next door, the sexy lumberjack new to town, and even her own family.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: parental abandonment, discussion of sexual topics
I loved this book for the unique set of plotlines and cute character dynamics. I’m a sucker for a “grumpy old man finds joy again” storyline, and seeing the character growth unfold was worth the slower writing pace in the end.
The Lost For Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland – Audiobook
Loveday works in a bookshop and prefers the company of books over people any day. When faced with shadows of her secret past, she navigates dealing with her old wounds and learns to let love into her life again.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: family trauma, domestic violence, mental illness
This book has much more depth to it than I expected. There are strong themes of healing from trauma and dealing with grief, and the concluding restoration is lovely. Interesting main characters and not completely predictable to me!
To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne – Physical Book
Struggling to keep her father’s champagne shop afloat after his passing, Gracie stubbornly resists the buy-out offers from the cold but devastatingly handsome Sebastian. Behind closed doors, she kindles a virtual friendship (and massive crush) with a man online who is known to her only as “Sir”. Little does she know, she already knows “Sir” in real life…
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: grief
I was giggling with glee throughout reading this entire book. The banter between Gracie and “Sir” was definitely giggle-worthy, and the drawn out tension was so good.
4 star
But He’s A Carter Brother Series by Annah Conwell:
- But He’s My Grumpy Neighbor – Audiobook
- But He’s My One Regret – Audiobook
- But He’s My Fake Fiancé – Audiobook
- But He’s My Roommate – Physical Book
Four brothers each get their own love story, with intertwining characters and storylines throughout.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: dealing with grief, family trauma
This was a delightful closed-door series where every book was equally enjoyable! The dynamic between the brothers is so wholesome, and the way their world builds with each story made me genuinely sad when the series was over. Honestly, even though each individual story only gets four stars, I’d give the series as a whole five stars!
Cabin Mate by Leah Brunner – Audiobook
When Molly finally breaks up with her cheating long-term boyfriend, she asks her best friend Brooks to be her date to her sister’s Christmas wedding (where her ex is the best man) at their family cabin. Having been secretly in love with her for years, he agrees – and they set out to convince her family that they’re dating.
Spice level: kissing only
Content warnings: toxic family
This was a cute Christmas romance. I docked a star on this one because there was a somewhat intrusive theme of wealth that made some of the character dynamics (and personalities) a bit annoying, and a super toxic family situation that made me mad. But otherwise, I enjoyed it!
Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer – Physical Book
Recently widowed Edith accepts a short term job in a new town and moves into a friend of a friend’s house before meeting her new roommate. Because of their opposite work schedules, they only ever “talk” by exchanging letters in the house – both assuming that the other is elderly and not realizing that they’ve already bumped into each other in town…
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: none that I can remember
The concept of this story had me hooked from the start – what a cute idea! But, I was a little put off by some of the slightly unhinged dramatics that came out of left field, and that cut it down to four stars for me.
Heidi Lucy Loses Her Mind by Gracie Ruth Mitchell – Audiobook
After losing her memories from a mysterious head wound, Heidi knows she has a secret but can’t remember what it is. When one of her bookstore customers dies in her shop, she and her friend Soren set out to retrace her steps and solve the mysteries at hand.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: death
Although I don’t remember a ton about this book, I do remember that compared to the first in the series (Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder) this one fell a little flat. It was still enjoyable and well-written, but I loved the first one so much that this was an underwhelming follow-up.
Central Park Pact Series by Lauren Layne
- Passion on Park Avenue – Physical Book
- Love on Lexington Avenue – Physical Book
- Marriage on Madison Avenue – Physical Book
Three women randomly meet in Central Park after a funeral and discover that the deceased was sleeping with all of them: one, his wife – two, his unknowing mistresses. They become best friends, and each woman gets her own love story in the aftermath of his deception and death.
Spice level: Frequent discussion of sex, closed door (removing clothes but no overly graphic scenes that I can remember)
Content warnings: Grief, parental illness
I love Lauren Layne’s writing style, and the dynamics between her characters are always top notch. She did a great job making each of these books unique from the others, so it didn’t feel too repetitive. This was a little “worldly” for me – lots of discussion about sex and things like that – but it wasn’t enough to keep me from enjoying all three books.
D.C. Eagles Series by Leah Brunner
- Passion or Penalty (#0.5) – Audiobook
- Desire or Defense – Audiobook
- Flirtation or Faceoff – Audiobook
- Betrothal or Breakaway – Audiobook
Single players on the D.C. Eagles NHL team each fall in love in different ways – all while navigating the challenges that come with being famous athletes.
Spice level: kissing only
Content warnings: none that I can remember
These books fall into a category of “loved them, but not super memorable individually”. I’m finding that I really love the theme of teammates supporting one another, and the interwoven character relationships as the series progresses makes me excited to read the next book that comes out this year!
Season’s Schemings by Katie Bailey
In the wake of a relationship that ended in public humiliation, Maddie wants a fresh start. Through her new job, she meets the infamous hockey player Sebastian, and the two hatch a plan of fake marriage – so she can stick it to her family and ex’s family at their joint Christmas celebration, and he can stay in the country despite his expired visa.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: toxic family dynamics
This one is a bit hard to remember details of, despite the fact that I just read it in December. But I do remember that the character dynamics were very cute and it was a nice little Christmas romance!
More Than A Game Series by Annah Conwell
- The Golden Goal – Audiobook
- The Perfect Putt – Audiobook
- The Run Option – Physical Book
Long distance friends – all professional athletes in different sports, bonded by their mutual agent – each get their own love story.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: none that I can remember
This is a really cute series! Similarly to others, each individual book is pleasantly forgettable – but as usual, I love the trickle-down enjoyment of watching the group of friends each experience their own happy ending, one by one.
The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye
After years of dreaming of her imaginary ideal man, post-divorce Helene is startled to actually find him in real life after her abrupt move to Alaska. Turns out, he recognizes her too… having been cursed to love (and lose) different reincarnations of her over decades. Will this be the time to break the curse?
Spice level: closed door… I think?
Content warnings: death, grief
This concept had so much promise, and I really did enjoy the novelty of it. But, without spoiling anything, the big complicated problem had a very uncomplicated resolution which was a bit anticlimactic at the end.
The Little Bookshop By The Sea by Eliza J. Scott – Audiobook
Florrie’s quiet life is turned upside down when her boss (and surrogate grandpa) at her beloved bookshop unexpectedly dies. His handsome grandson from out of town is left in charge – will he and Florrie learn to work together to put things right?
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: death
This had all the makings of my favorite kind of book – quaint small town, bookish main character, quiet life. I loved most of it, but found myself a little annoyed by the story being dragged out by the characters’ hasty and faulty assumptions. I don’t have much patience for drawn-out miscommunication, to be honest!
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore – Audiobook
Jeanie is excited for a fresh start learning to run the coffee shop her aunt gifts her in a sleepy town. When something questionable starts happening outside the shop, she enlists local grumpy farmer Logan to help her solve the mystery.
Spice level: multiple explicit scenes in detail
Content warnings: none that I can remember
Just like the last one – 3/4 of the way through this book I was thinking “this is PERFECT”. Definitely nothing fancy, just cozy and easy. Unfortunately, it was a bit tainted for me by the unexpected appearance of very lengthy explicit scenes toward the end.
3 stars
Beach Read by Emily Henry – Physical Book
Two writers, each in a rut and hoping a stay at the beach will inspire them, discover they’re next-door neighbors for the summer. They strike up a little genre swap competition to help them overcome writer’s block.
Spice level: graphic sex scenes (at least one)
Content warnings: toxic family relationships, unhealthy drinking habits
Honestly, this book disappointed me because I was expecting something a lot more light-hearted. The title “Beach Read” (and even the description) are a little misleading in my opinion. The writing was well done, but I just couldn’t shake the moody overcast and the pervasive bad habits that the characters make no efforts to grow from. Well-written, but not for me.
Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh – Audiobook
Hardworking Lane, tied to her job and laptop, is forced to come back home when her brother gets in an accident. She reunites with her childhood friend (who has secretly loved her all these years) and he works to bring out who she used to be.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: car accident, toxic family
I love this author, but this book was a bit of a miss for me. The storyline felt very Hallmark to me – which I don’t always mind, as long as the writing style and character dynamics make up for it… which, in this case, they didn’t. I made it all the way through, but didn’t feel inclined to read the next book in the series.
License to Date by Susan Hatler – Audiobook
After a bad breakup, Kaitlin swears off dating – but her friends think she should get back out there. To enlist their help in her home renovations, she agrees to go on five dates in five days… but finds herself drawn to the mysterious bartender who isn’t what he seems.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: none that I can remember
This was a short little book that felt just that – short. The concept was cute, but it felt weirdly rushed and uncomfortably unrealistic. It was an easy listen, but I did not feel inclined to read any of the other books in the series.
Off The Beaten Path by Madison Wright
As Wren flails the pressures of renovating a cabin she can’t afford, she finds solace in her online friend. Turns out, this online friend is actually her grumpy neighbor, and despite his hesitations he agrees to help with her renovations.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: none that I can remember
I just remember feeling really underwhelmed by this book. Things felt a little all over the place between the characters – mixed signals, miscommunications, and a lot of back and forth. It wasn’t all bad, I just didn’t love it.
The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams
Single mom Lucy moves back in with her brother after struggling to make it on her own. She meets her brother’s best friend, and the two are instantly attracted to each other – but her brother is adamantly against the pairing.
Spice level: closed door
Content warnings: none that I can remember
This book was just a little annoying. The entire reason that the characters take so long to get together is the fact that the leading lady’s brother doesn’t want them to – but instead of actually discussing it like the adults they are, they tiptoe around the issue for the entire book. There were some cute moments, but overall I just felt annoyed.
My goodness, that was a test of the memory if I’ve ever had one! Some of these books were true favorites from the year – and some were so unmemorable that I had to pull up the synopsis and read multiple reviews to even get a grip on the plot again.
I think this is the largest genre category of books I have, so these posts should go a bit quicker from here on out! For those of you who like details, I hope this scratches that itch for you. It certainly took a while to put together, but it’s fun getting to revisit all these books and remember what I loved about each one!
Next up, Life Discovery books! Hopefully that one won’t take me quite as long, but we’ll see ;)
If there are any details I missed that you want to see in the next category, let me know in the comments below!
That’s all for now – peace out, peeps!
Love,