Luck of the Draw by Kate Clayborn

Aiden doesn’t know what possesses him to ask his family’s enemy to be his fake fiancée. But he needs a bride to win the bid on the campground he wants to purchase as part of his beloved brother’s legacy. Skilled in the art of deception, the cool beauty certainly fits the bill. Only Aiden didn’t expect all the humor and heart Zoe brings to their partnership, or the desire that runs deep between them.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A fake relationship arrangement had Zoe and Aiden forge an unlikely bond over their shared feelings of guilt. Their initial wary dislike warred with the clear attraction they had to each other. Proximity forced them to share more of themselves than they had maybe intended and eventually led to forgiveness and a beautiful relationship. This story took us through a thorough up-and-down of emotions – guilt, fear, anger, grief, hope – and I loved every minute of it.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 24, 2018
Sensuality Rating: Hot
Series: Chance of a Lifetime

Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn

Winning the lottery is the biggest ticket to freedom Greer Hawthorne’s ever had. Until her best friend’s brother comes to town. Can a ceaseless wanderer find a stopping place alongside a woman determined to set out on her own… or are Alex and Greer both pushing their luck too far?

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Two lost souls learn together that home is not a place, but somewhere you can be loved for who you are, flaws and all. Greer and Alex are complicated characters that both experience enormous emotional growth, on their own and together. Some of their conversations initially were a bit stilted but also comforting, if that makes sense. The author used the same language and tone to describe the intimate moments between them as their processes for lining up that perfect shot with the camera. It created this feeling of anticipation and exhilaration that made each moment even more poignant. This was a complex, emotional read.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 17, 2018
Sensuality Rating: Hot
Series: Chance of a Lifetime

Bridesmaid for Hire by Meghan Quinn

Sometimes the wedding of the century calls for desperate measures. And sometimes those desperate measures are to pretend the person you hate most is actually your boyfriend.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brody is the mostest cinnamon roll hero ever. He knows how to laugh at himself, he is loyal, and he worships Maggie like she deserves. Maggie also makes the most of every moment and the two of them go together like peas and carrots. I am astounded that the horrible, no-good Reginald can have such amazing children. This was a mix of ridiculous, fun, hot and steamy, and serious.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 2, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Hot

Between Us by Mhairi McFarlane

Roisin’s life unravels spectacularly after her screenwriter boyfriend uses their relationship as inspiration for his new television show.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book definitely centered more around Joe and Roisin’s break-up than her new relationship with Matt. I was also more invested in uncovering all of Joe’s lies than whatever was happening between Roisin and Matt. The author did a wonderful job of setting us up for Matt and Roisin’s relationship, but it escalated super fast, which seemed a bit out of character for both of them. Joe’s explanations for everything Roisin threw his way and his insidious behavior were very believable and made him a compelling character. Overall, I enjoyed the story.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 8, 2023
Sensuality Rating: Subtle