Quickie Reviews are what it says, a short one paragraph review for those books that didn’t get a full page review.
The Key to My Heart by Lia Louis
A heartwarming novel about hope after loss as a young widow receives mysterious messages of love.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book captured Natalie’s grieving process extremely well. Her feelings of guilt because she wasn’t behaving the way people around her wanted her to behave, and her conflicted feelings about the house that she and Russ had bought together. The piano music was an especially emotional touch, and more so when Natalie found out who was leaving the music for her. I found her reactions very realistic. It just showed how we don’t always make the best choices when consumed with grief. And how difficult and confusing it can be for the people who desperately want to support their grieving friend. I loved how everything unfolded for Natalie in the end.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: December 6, 2022
Sensuality Rating: Subtle
When Ivy meets Heath it’s instant attraction, but she’s got a career to get back to and he just might be her on-ramp. It could be a perfect partnership or absolute heartbreak.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ It was difficult seeing Ivy struggle to build herself up again after her company failed, mostly through the fault of her ex. But it was also super inspiring to see her so passionate about helping Heath take his idea and his AI to the next level. Heath was this quiet, geeky guy who just wanted to somehow honour his grandmother with his project. He let Ivy do her thing, even though he didn’t always agree with her 100%, and he was there to support her, never asking for more than she was willing to give. Ivy had an enormous amount of baggage that made it even harder for her to climb back to the top. The writing style had just the right amount of playfulness to prevent all these serious issues from becoming too heavy. I really rooted for Ivy and Heath to succeed, as a couple and professionally.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 8, 2023
Sensuality Rating: Hot
Series: Park Avenue Promise
She must find her fated mate to escape her father’s control… before it’s too late.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Vivian had been bullied by her father into a cowed, scared woman who believed that she only had a limited usefulness to her future mate. And it was this viewpoint that Callum had to deal with when he met Vivian and realized she was the mate he’d been searching so desperately for. He tried very hard to show her that she could have so much more with him. I found Thatcher, the alpha of the pack, a very confounding character. He was so cruel and selfish in some ways and somewhat kind and understanding in others. I would be very interested in seeing where his story will lead. This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: March 17, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Pack Trouble
Happily Never After by Lynn Painter
Their name? The objectors. Their job? To break off weddings as hired. Their dilemma? They might just be in love with each other.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Max and Sophie’s super unusual meet-cute started us off on this fun adventure into teaching Sophie that love is absolutely real. There were so many light-hearted moments between Sophie’s unconventional roommates and the ensuing consequences after they’ve voiced their objections at a wedding. And then it was inevitable that their chemistry and camaraderie would draw them closer and closer to falling in love. I thoroughly enjoyed this steamy strangers-to-friends-to-lovers, sort of fake dating romance.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 12, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Hope you enjoyed these quickie reviews. Have you read any of these books yet?
I loved Happily Never After. I still want to read Key to My Heart.
I’ve only read Painter out of this bunch. I like the sound of Callum! Glad these were all a hit!