The Trouble with Love and Coaches by Harriet Ashford Review

 

* This review is spoiler-free *

4/5 ⭐

Tropes

➮ Sports romance

➮ Romcom

➮ Secret relationship

➮ Found family

➮ Forced proximity

Blurb

April Baird is determined to finish an Ironman—even if it is 140.6 miles of misery in the form of swimming, cycling, and running. The distance would be daunting enough, but April is certain she has an Ironman curse. What else could explain the events that have caused her to DNF the last three years? Now, her coach has even bailed.

When Gabriel Torres discovers his rival, April’s former coach, has dropped her mid-season, he has a choice to make: stick with the plan and a team that’s sure to win or add April to his roster. She’s a risk—one that may cost him his chance at making the dream team of his coaching company, and yet, he sees a spark in her—something he’d pay good money to bottle and add to his other athletes’ electrolytes.

As training heats up, their relationship slips from professional to casual to something else entirely, and they soon realize there is more at stake than just a race.

Best Quote From the Book

“Years of evolutionary coding told me to jump him and continue the bloodline."

My Thoughts

    I already knew from the first page this was going to be a 5-star and I was so right! I don't know what magic you dump into your stories Harriet, but never stop because I will read and love every single one. 

    This paragraph is solely dedicated to appreciating the magesty of Harriet and her writing. This is her second published book. You read that correctly; she's only published one book before this. I can truly say that I have never read such a talented author who doesn't have a large back catalogue. Both books are absolutely perfect, zero complaints. She is just that good, y'all. A bonus thank you because she is also one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She shows so much gratitude to her street team (Team Trouble) to go as far as weaving in a nod to us in this book. Even with the shout-out, I wouldn't lie about liking this book; that's not the reviewer I am. 

    Now, back to the review. Okay I will admit I do have one complaint. I wanted even more of the adorable pup, Johnson. You cannot introduce such an adorable character and not include him on nearly every page. In all seriousness, he is wonderful, and better find his way into other books in this series. 

    Harriet did a fantastic job of implementing the concept of wandering minds. The characters' internal tangents felt very realistic and naturally propelled the story. Seeing them try too hard to control their thoughts and utterly fail was relatable in an endearing and entertaining way. 

    She also tackled grief beautifully. April is still grieving over her mother, as grief isn't linear. I loved how it shaped her character arc but didn't take it over entirely. As someone who has dealt with grief (as I am sure most of us have), this portrayal felt like a warm hug telling me it would all be okay. April doesn't succeed in spite of her grief; she succeeds because of how much she cares about who she lost. I cannot convey how much that seemingly subtle difference means. 

    Oh man, the ending of this book brought me to tears for sure. For good reasons, I promise. That said, I will not elaborate to avoid spoilers, just know that it will make you feel. You will feel sad, proud, and elated all at once if your experience is at all similar to mine.

    This book does have open-door spicy scenes. If that is not your thing, I do not recommend this series. 

    I created a playlist for both books in this series. You can find book 1 here. You can find this book's playlist here. If you want an immersive reading experience or just want to relive the magic of these books, I highly recommend. 

    I received this book as part of Harriet's street team. My review is honest and voluntary

The Something Smutty Book Club by Erin FitzGerald Review

 

* This review is spoiler-free *

5/5 ⭐

Tropes

➮ Silly novella

➮ Found family

➮ HEA

Synopsis

The last thing anyone should have allowed Mathilda Cooper to do was start a book club. The town's librarian and notorious man fiend has made it her mission in life to find the smuttiest, filthiest books in print and the women attending are starting to wonder if it's entirely for shock value.

Every other Wednesday night, the women in the small community of the Wolf Mountain Ranchers meet to talk books--and listen to Mathilda run her mouth. Catch up with Emily, Genesis, Lana, Ashley, Jenna, Clara, Talia, and Morgan in this fun collection of Wednesday night revelations.

My Thoughts

This novella was just a further reminder of how in love I am with these characters and this series as a whole. While I am very sad to see it go, I am also so happy with how it was wrapped up. It truly did such an amazing job at helping the plotlines of the main characters and background characters feel settled. While I will always be down for more of this series, I am also quite happy with this as the series conclusion.

This was such a perfectly silly goofy good time seeing everyone in the town come together. I really applaud Erin for creating character relationships in a small town that are genuinely interwoven but didn't end up where every character somehow automatically knew every other character just because they are from the same area. I really can see all of these ladies having a fun time in a book club together and most of their men reaping the benefits of their reading materials content.

This paragraph is to Erin and only Erin, everyone else can scroll past. Erin, babes you did it again! You absolutely knocked it out of the park. I am always amazed at how I love your writing more and more with every single book. I would give this more than 5 stars if possible honestly.  Thank you for blessing us with such beautiful characters! You know I am a ride-or-die for your writing and will shout from the rooftops about how everyone needs to experience the magic in your stories. 

You absolutely need to read the rest of the series before picking this one up but when you do it will be so worth it. It truly felt like coming home and being wrapped in a warm hug. Even one page in, there were no punches pulled with the silliness. Coop will always be Coop (iykyk). So many moments in this book pulled at my heartstrings to see everyone growing older and settling into their lives. 

If it wasn't obvious from the title, this book does contain spicy content. If you aren't into that sort of thing this book isn't for you. 

I received this book as an arc from the author. My review is honest and voluntary

When in Rome by Sarah Adams Review

 

* This review is spoiler-free *

4.75/5 ⭐

Tropes

➮ Mental health rep (depression)

➮ Enemies to lovers

➮ Forced proximity

➮ Found family

➮ Dual POV

Synopsis

Amelia, aka Rae Rose, is burned out from years of maintaining her "princess of pop" image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome... Kentucky. When Noah finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn't have time or patience for celebrity problems. He's running the pie shop his grandmother left him. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room. Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose, kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. 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. Amelia can't resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.

Best Quote From the Book

“I think we'll get hurt a lot in this life, but maybe it's worth it because sometimes we will experience really amazing things, too. Maybe not everything will end in hurt. But we'll never know if we don't try."

My Thoughts

I will be honest, I don't have a ton to say for this one beyond expressing that I really enjoyed it. I loved Noah and Amelia, especially when they were together. All of the side characters were amazing. Particularly the nosy neighbors and Noah's even nosier sisters. Mabel in particular is so funny. My mom and I listened to this story together and found ourselves giggling at her commentary and meddling multiple times. They all fit so well together naturally. You could tell Rome is a small town where the love and protection run deep. 

I think what kept this book from being a 5-star was that Noah's perspective didn't seem that realistic. It didn't feel like it was a guy talking. Not to be promoting gender norms but it really felt like both perspectives were written with a similar way of thinking and receiving the world which doesn't fit two characters who are clearly very different. Particularly the high level of detail Noah uses to describe Amelia's appearance at many points. If he was so wrapped up in his feelings, he wouldn't be overanalyzing her makeup or sweater especially given he is a guy who claims to not care about any of that.

Every other character and aspect of this story felt realistic. Of course, Amelia is going to be burnt out and in a rut. Of course, his sisters are going to want in on every detail of his love life. It all just fits so well together. 

Noah has officially landed himself on my book-boyfriend list. He is so adorable and you gotta love a man who cares deeply about his choice of sleepwear (if you know, you know). He also loves to bake and read so we would get along swimmingly.  His bluntness was often quite amusing to witness and added exponentially to his charm.

This book only has closed-door intimacy. 

Overall I really loved this story for its characters and interconnectedness. If Noah's POV was more realistic, it would've been perfect. I highly recommend this book to all romance fans and cannot wait to dive into book two!

Catching Feelings by Maren Moore Review

 

* This review is spoiler-free *

5/5 ⭐

Tropes

➮ Enemies to lovers

➮ Roommates to lovers

➮ Forced proximity

➮ Found family

➮ Sports romance

➮ Dual POV

Synopsis

After an "accidental" hook-up, Viv is distressed to learn that she is stuck with Reese Laundry. Reese is the All-Star Catcher at Orleans University. He is rich, handsome, connected, and charming. Viv is the only girl on campus that doesn't fall at his feet. With an unfortunate curveball in life, Viv and Reese become roommates. As they get to know each other better, maybe Reese isn't so bad?

Best Quote From the Book

“I don't get what the big deal is. Everyone's so annoyed that I am being an over-the-top cat daddy, but I can't help it that I love her. I'm a proud helicopter cat dad."

My Thoughts

This book opens up with an absolutely fantastic playlist! It has songs for everyone from pop-punk to Taylor Swift. While this book isn't about music, the songs in the playlist are actually relevant to the story. It's been a while since I saw a story with a good playlist so it was a pleasant surprise when I opened the story. 

I love the combination of a writer FMC and a baseball player MMC. They naturally go together quite well and do what they can to support the other's passion. Reese's sister is also a huge reader so I love the representation of girls bonding over books. 

As a huge sucker for good banter, this book left me very satisfied. Reese and Viv's teasing felt very natural and funny. There is an inherent level of comfort in their quips that demonstrates how well the characters play off of each other. You can tell Moore took a lot of time and care to explore the dynamics of the relationships between all of the characters.

The found family in this book are all so supportive of each other and show up when they need to. Their trust and bond propel the growth in the book.

Honestly, there is almost nothing I would change about this book. The only thing I wish was different is their wonderful vacation getting quickly cut short. One of my least favorite romance tropes is when the main characters are finally having a nice time together and something comes along to quickly end their happiness. I would love to see a book with a fully played-out nice vacation, date, trip, experience, etc.

This story is absolutely spicy and is not the book for those who aren't into spice. The spice genuinely contributes to the plot and helps the story move along so I wouldn't recommend skipping it. There are also some truly funny spicy moments (all I will say is body wash, if you know you know).

In sum, I really enjoyed this book and it was an easy 5-star. Do I think it will be a book I remember forever and ever? Probably not, but at least in the short term, I found it quite excellent and well-balanced. I particularly love the character dynamics and how they shape the plot. It wasn't just that plot points were thrown onto the characters, they were actually navigating various changes.

I received this book as part of a Valentine PR arc team. My review is honest and voluntary

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace Review

 

* This review is spoiler-free *

5/5 ⭐

Tropes

➮ Enemies to lovers

➮ Hockey romance

➮ Forced proximity

➮ Found family

Synopsis

Anastasia Allen has dreamed of being a member of the Team USA figure skating team and got a scholarship to join the Maple Hills skating team. Nathan Hawkins is the captain of the hockey team. In a turn of events, both teams end up having to share a rink. When Anastasia's skating partner gets injured, they are stuck together even more. 

Best Quote From the Book

“I know you don't, but you're worth defending. Every cut, every bruise, every single pang of anger or frustration. It's all worth it. I'd throw my last puch defending you because you deserve to have someone be that person for you, and there's no one more qualified for the job than me." 

My Thoughts

Unsurprisingly, I am a huge fan of a book that combines two of my favorite sports. Figure skating and hockey together, what more could I ask for? My love for these sports also most definitely contributes to my 5-star rating. I hope later books in the series highlight more of the hockey side of the player's lives, not just the team aspects.

There were several funny moments including a scene with Despicable Me costumes that added to the charm of the story. The found family of the hockey team and Anastasia were incredibly endearing. As a reader, I could feel the trust and support that all of the team has for each other.

Anastasia and Nathan make a good pairing because they both help each other grow emotionally and ensure they can be the best versions of themselves possible. While they were connected quickly, their relationship served more purpose in their lives than just stress relief or a fling. From the beginning to the end of the story Anastasia especially grows so much as a person and finally really comes into her own. 

My only complaint is that the ending felt like it wrapped up very quickly and left a few things unanswered which frustrated me a bit. I wish it would've gone into more depth about the intentions of some of the characters. 

Do keep in mind that despite the cute cover, this book is quite spicy. These scenes are plentiful and are essentially unskippable. If you are not a fan of spice, this is not the book for you. 

In sum, I really enjoyed my time reading this book and getting to feel part of the Maple Hills community. The subjects of the book were well-aligned with my interests and I enjoyed seeing where their journey would go. I would recommend this book to hockey fans, romance fans, and figure skating fans alike. 

The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Review

* This review is spoiler-free *

4.5/5 ⭐

Tropes

➮ Adorable dogs

➮ Found family

➮ Thriller

Synopsis

Kira is a teenager who trains dogs for search and rescue missions. One day a mission ends up getting her whole found family involved. It didn't help that the case hit rather close to home. Kira has to prove herself as a trainer and that her dog Saskia can handle the role. Kira and her family then embark on a dark and twisted adventure full of adorable dogs and confounding discoveries. 

Best Quote From the Book

“'Now would be a good time for you to say something,... propose a theory, and I will do my Sherlockian duty and tell you why you are wrong.'"

My Thoughts

Jennifer Lynn Barnes just proved again why she is my favorite author. Her timing for dropping hints and truth bombs keeps me on the edge of my seat desperate to turn to the next page the entire time. Perhaps I am especially tempted by fast-paced books because they avoid dragging on too much. Her carefully crafted level of detail combined with her fantastic plot created a story that defines what it means to be a page-turner. 

The Lovely and The Lost excels at portraying familial bonds. I will never fail to be a sucker for a well-written found family. While Kira's found family is mostly a result of a foster relationship, it felt like Kira, her foster brother Jude, and their boundaryless neighbor Free felt like an inevitable trio. Watching their bond strengthen and their trust in one another keep them alive, literally, brought a fuzzy feeling. 

For those who have read this book, I think we would all be honored to have Cady as a mother figure. She was the strong-willed yet understanding counter to Kira's rougher persona. Watching them interact demonstrated how familial love trumps all. I hope to see more role models like Cady in literature. 

If you thought I was going to get through this review without a paragraph dedicated to doggy cuteness, you are sorely mistaken. The dog-centered moments of the story pulled at the heartstrings and showed how a dog and human bond isn't something to scoff at. One of my favorite doggy moments was when Free's dog Duchess was continually referred to as Her Ladyship. This kept me laughing for a while. The dog team is also another excellent example of how much search-and-rescue efforts rely on unwavering trust. Seeing the different personalities and approaches of the dog and trainer duos shed light on an often under-appreciated element of rescue missions. 

I was honestly surprised to see that this book was written relatively recently in Barnes's career because it has a much different feel regarding the found family aspect than her other series. Perhaps that is because the found family is well-established so nothing has to be said outright like in her other series. The love and unconditional trust is already there. Despite being thrown into the middle of their lives, it feels as if as a reader you've known the Bennett family's dynamic for years. 

Overall I really enjoyed this book with its unique balance of wholesome, dark, and funny moments. The found family aspect is probably my favorite part of the book that doesn't involve massive spoilers. I wish I could've talked about my thoughts about the case but I want to keep that experience a secret for anyone who may want to read it. I recommend this book for dog lovers and those looking for a book to pull at their heartstrings while we all shelter inside from the chilly weather.