November Part 2 ARCS

November ARC Reads Part 2

I had the pleasure of being selected to read these three amazing books. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, and receiving these ARCs in no way influenced how I rated them.

Sugar and Spice, Naughty And Nice: 

Portland Romance Writers' Winter Anthology

4/5 Stars

AVAILABLE NOW

I was introduced to this anthology by the incredible Jennifer Strand, and I’m giving it four stars, largely thanks to her outstanding story and a few other gems within the collection. Jennifer Strand’s contribution, Snowbound Hearts, was an absolute delight and stands out as a highlight. Snowbound Hearts follows the charming tale of Dex and Indie. Dex is a soft-hearted individual who struggles to separate his golden heart from his professional life, while Indie, a lawyer, is emotionally drained from her demanding career. This story embodies the classic sunshine/grumpy trope.

The two characters find themselves unexpectedly snowed in together after a mix-up at a cabin, leading to a heartwarming and fun-filled adventure. The dynamics between Dex and Indie are incredibly engaging, and the snowed-in scenario adds a delightful twist to their budding romance. I was immediately drawn to this story due to its relatable characters and the cozy, low-stakes holiday setting. The chemistry between Dex and Indie is palpable, making their journey from strangers to something more deeply satisfying. 

I truly hope Jennifer Strand follows up with a full-length novel about these characters, as their story deserves to be explored further.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the stories Christmas with the Kings, which had tons of spice, and Santa's Naughty Girl, which will definitely make you look at Santa a little differently. Both tales added unique flavors to the anthology, making the overall reading experience even more enjoyable.

However, not all the stories in the anthology hit the mark. Some seem to rely on knowledge from previous books, making the plotlines confusing and leaving many questions unanswered. While this may be a treat for returning readers, it can be a bit frustrating for new ones like myself. Overall, the anthology has its highs and lows, but Jennifer Strand’s story alone makes it worth picking up. If you’re a fan of her work, you’ll find this collection a worthwhile addition to your reading list.

Lodged by Liss Montoya

5/5 STARS

AVAILABLE NOW

Lodged is a truly unique and compelling read. From the get-go, the intriguing blend of age gap and small-town romance tropes drew me in. The storyline revolves around Ruin, who loses her memory and cannot recall her deep love for Gio. 

Bound by secrecy, Gio is unable to disclose their shared past to her. 

This novel brilliantly captures the heart-wrenching agony of yearning for someone who doesn’t remember you, and the poignant struggle of Gio as he endeavors to rekindle Ruin's memories of their love. Some parts reminded me of "The Vow".

Gio's character is incredibly well-crafted; his strength, patience, and unwavering devotion made me fall in love with him instantly. Montoya’s writing deftly explores the themes of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of connection, making this a thoroughly immersive experience.

I highly recommend Lodged to anyone looking for a deeply emotional and engaging romance. It's a journey that stays with you long after the final page is turned.

A Wish on Willow Way by Caroline Laine

3.5/5 STARS

AVAILABLE November 21st

A wish on Willow Way is a cute, little cozy holiday read. Set in a LGBTQ+ world filled with fae politics and a sprinkle of holiday magic, this book is a real treat.

The story follows Sienna Rivers, the half-human daughter of The Fairy Godmother. She's a relatable character dealing with unwanted family obligations and rekindling old feelings for Amaias, her bodyguard. Their romance blooms amidst the Yule festivities in Haven’s Hill, as Sienna tries to dodge an arranged marriage and confront her true feelings.

The plot is very straightforward but the pacing was off, and some repetitiveness that slowed down the pacing and became somewhat boring and hard to read at times. The spice in the book comes towards the end, and it’s well-written and doesn't overtake the overall story.

A Wish on Willow Way is a charming holiday read with light romance, with a touch of spice.