Adventures in Insta Love
580382
Stoked to give a different genre a go, 1-clicked this new take on a treasure hunting romance, and found it really difficult to get through, didn't connect to any of the characters, there wasn't any exciting exploits, no thrilling chases, and no superb adventures.

Jane was a poor poor pitiful me, no self esteem, same old some old lost my parents and have no aspirations for a better future coward.  Ben was the typical, supposedly handsome, swoon worthy, sex-a-holic, however what the hell did he even look like and what is a "pure pepper clean" smell?

I think the Author really needs to describe her characters better and work on the "Erotic" in this so called Erotic romance.  I found myself wanting to read more about Ben's erotic threesome sexcapades rather than the 3 day insta love lovemaking between the couple.
277015
"She's Out of Control" gives us further adventures in the life of Ashley Wilkes Stockingdale; a vibrant, funny, somewhat neurotic, thirty-something single female living and working in Silicon Valley. Ashley loves dressing with style and finding a bargain on good clothes. She also loves the Lord and is trying hard to hear His plan for her life.

When we left Ashley at the end of "What A Girl Wants" her long time buddy, Seth, had finally made his move, surprising her with romance by showing up at her brother's wedding in Las Vegas, declaring that he was ready to give their relationship a try. Now, in "She's Out of Control," we pick up nine months later. Ashley and Seth are still dating, but there is no talk of commitment. Seth seems very content to leave their relationship as it is. When Seth's big surprise turns out to be less than she had hoped for, Ashley begins to realize that it might be time for her to make some hard choices.

Then there is Dr. Kevin Novak. Ashley had briefly dated Kevin before she started seeing Seth and before she had realized he was not a Christian. Now, almost a year later, Kevin is on fire for the Lord and still in love with Ashley. But she has a hard time believing that someone as attractive and successful as Kevin is could really care about her. Her fear of being hurt and disappointed again is strong. Will she be able to give up her fears and control of her life to God and trust Him to help her make the right decisions?

Kristin Billerbeck has once again given us a story that is both laugh-out-loud funny and tear-in-your-eye touching. Ashley and her friends are now my friends too. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
2931596
Sandra Wright has a way of taking ordinary life and infusing it with humour and delight. This book will give you a case of the Sappy Smiles. Several love stories weave into a pretty tapestry of romance, witticisms, friendship and mouth-wateringly delicious cupcakes. The only thing missing was the recipes!  ;))

It is a longer read, but perfect for lazy days on vacation where you just want to unplug and visit with some good friends for awhile as they go on a journey called life.
2409162
This story was a sweet, instaconnection with a great flow and amazing characters. Charlotte and Tyler's story is so sweet and full of emotion. Two people from different worlds, not expecting the other. Sometimes all it takes is stepping out of your comfort zone to find something you've been missing your whole life. I'd definitely recommend this read! 4.25 stars!
1084417
The lead characters in THE UPSIDE TO BEING SINGLE  share an awkward first encounter, but an even more awkward second encounter!
Jake and Mellie are so adorable, and their interactions and dialogue make for a fun, vibrant relationship. I especially enjoyed Mellies inner dialogue that showed how gauche she is in her mind, in addition to the outside. That doesnt stop the hot chemistry from generating between the two though. I wouldve liked to have seen a stronger, more in-depth connection between the two of them. Nonetheless, this was a quick and sweet read. This story is so much more than your average office romance or run-of-the-mill rom-com. Its filled with belly-aching over-the-top hilarity thatll leave you with a giant smile on your face.
4878787
This is a story that will make you believe in love and how it's possible to go just a little outside a comfort zone to discover something amazing about yourself, the world around us, and the people in it. I learned how lame I can only imagine I seemed to my (wonderful) parents when I was almost a temporary "Boomerang Kid" (one who bounces back after leaving the nest, as David and Veronica eloquently explain). When the book was done, I had to check out their blog and YouTube channel to continue to track their travel adventure story--it's really awesome, and not just because the authors spend much of it on an RV they named BAMF.
1174607
Who says mixing business and pleasure can't be fun? Friends to lovers stories are commonplace in the world of romantic fiction. I have read a number of these type of stories because they are my favorite romance reads. No Interest In Love by Cassie Mae is a wake up call in more ways than one. Ms. Mae through fresh eyes tackles falling in love with comedic accuracy, flaws and all. Cassie Mae is a great author. I enjoy her take on relationships. She examines the idiosyncrasies that make us all unique and how they influence the inner workings of love. Have never come across such that before. That is what makes her stories such a joy to read. I received a copy of No Interest In Love in exchange for an honest review
269233
What happens when two people who were burned by their exes find themselves falling in love again? Do they jump in eyes closed? Or do they come up with some bizarre way of doing things to get around it?

Both Jeremy and Grace have been busy nursing broken hearts. Their temporary solution is to give up on relationships. These days, Jeremy likes being unattached as he happily goes through a series of women. Grace has sworn off guys, at least for six months as part of a man-cleanse, an idea she got from a self-help book. Things become tricky after she and Jeremy meet in a rather intimate way (he's her massage client) and an undeniable attraction follows. It's so tempting to do something but unfortunately, it's a case of right place, wrong time. Jeremy surprises himself by wanting to be with Grace, telling her that he'll wait for her until she's done with her cleanse and done putting herself back together. Sounds like a plan they can agree on: friends first, then whatever next. But wait. More complications arise when Grace winds up as star of her own reality show based on her current six-month hiatus from dating. It's a too-good opportunity that she can't afford to miss out on for a number of reasons. So for now it becomes a much harder wait for them. Meddlesome exes aren't helpful either.

This was such a cute story to dive into about two young people wrestling with their feelings and gradually blurring the line between friends and lovers. These are characters becoming more self-aware and truthful about what they want. It's about taking another leap of faith despite the fact that things went badly before. And even though they're trying hard to behave themselves, they do manage to find loopholes, and those are always so fun! It was nice to see the rest of the Kingston Ale House gang again especially since there's guaranteed fun when they're around. One can almost envy this close-knit circle of friends who go way back. As for me, I get to live vicariously through these young friends living it up in Chicago.

Here's the best reason to read A.J. Pine: for the happy vibes that will inevitably wash over you. Who doesn't love a story about falling in love again after what seems like devastating heartbreak? A happily-ever-after is a nice place to go after it's all said and done. So do yourself a favour and check out the Kingston Ale House series and read WORTH THE WAIT!
451541
A story about the humble, earnest, goofy guy next door and his wedding journalist neighbor who isn't so keen on the weddings part. This is a friends-to-lovers story of the most realistic and beautiful kind.

I read this book in one sitting because I simply did not want to leave the world where Theo, Julia and her dog Fletch were living. I wanted to move into their building, hang out on their rooftop, walk her dog, get bubble tea with Theo, and go for coffee with Meredith and Julia. Ashley creates characters and settings that are unique, realistic, and original. This series was inspired by Brandon Stanton's Humans of New York blog and it accomplishes similar things. I feel like, as a person who has only been to New York twice, I got to experience the real New York, not the traveler's guide to New York, and meet the real people who live there.

One of my favorite things about an Ashley Pullo book is how I'm instantly drawn into the book from the very first page. I usually need a little time to settle in with the characters or writing style of a book, but I am always immersed into the world Ashley creates from the very first page. Theo and Julia's dialogue left me giddy and euphoric. This book was as unique as the gorgeous cover.
1540455
I had missed Ms Monroes stories and was thrilled to get a chance to read this one.
This is a story about two individuals who started out as lovers, then friends, and proceeded to becoming business partners. But can it become more than that? One is obviously in love, the other one has hidden his emotions so deeply, that  is blind to the love that is right in front of him.
Youll want to give Andreas a good shake for being clueless, and Kayla a good talk for allowing Andreas to not consider her feelings.
All in all, an entertaining story for an afternoon of leisure.
I was gifted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
2981922
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of mail-order bride adventures. Even true love doesn't always run smoothly and these stories of strangers making commitments to one another face additional challenges.  A total joy to share their journeys and their roads to the altars.  I think you will enjoy these glimpses into this bit of our history.
4739314
Whether or not you believe in fate, or luck, or love at first sight, every romance has to start somewhere. MEET CUTE is an anthology of original short stories featuring tales of how they first met from some of todays most popular YA authors.

Readers will experience Nina LaCours beautifully written piece about two Bay Area girls meeting via a cranky customer service Tweet, Sara Shepards glossy tale about a magazine intern and a young rock star, Nicola Yoons imaginative take on break-ups and make-ups, Katie Cotugnos story of two teens hiding out from the police at a house party, and Huntley Fitzpatricks charming love story that begins over iced teas at a diner. Theres futuristic flirting from Kass Morgan and Katharine McGee, a riveting transgender heroine from Meredith Russo, a subway missed connection moment from Jocelyn Davies, and a girl determined to get out of her small town from Ibi Zoboi. Jennifer Armentrout writes a sweet story about finding love from a missing library book, Emery Lord has a heartwarming and funny tale of two girls stuck in an airport, Dhonielle Clayton takes a thoughtful, speculate approach to pre-destined love, and Julie Murphy dreams up a fun twist on reality dating show contestants.

This incredibly talented group of authors brings us a collection of stories that are at turns romantic and witty, epic and everyday, heartbreaking and real.  (via Goodreads)

I received an eARC of Meet Cute via Netgalley, courtesy of HMH Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.

In news that will surprise no one, three of my four favorite stories from this anthology featured f/f meet cutes. I loved that there were a good selection of stories of women meeting other women.

There were a few content warnings throughout though  racism, an abusive father, sibling death, parental death, trans-antagonistic slurs, homophobic family, and aro-antagonistic comments.

Some of my favorites were Print Shop, Something Real and The Dictionary of You and Me.

Print Shop was the perfect artsy, modern meet cute for me.

Hands down, though, Oomph by Emery Lord was my favorite. It was exactly what I wanted from the rest of this anthology, which many of the stories left me wanting more.

For example, I really loved the concept of Nicola Yoons The Department of Dead Love, but I wanted more of the story, and of the love interests emotion beyond where the story ended. Id happily read a full book of that story.

Same with Meredith Russos Somewhere Thats Green  I loved the writing and the characters, but the end of the story left me with so much anxiety for both the main character and the love interest. I wanted just a page or two more, and to know that everyone was safe.

I had a similar issue with Ibi Zobois Hourglass, which was stunningly written, but I wanted a page or two more about the decision that Cherish had to make at the end. I was so proud of her for standing up for herself, but I just wanted a little bit more to give me some closure.
3935260
Kate and Cooper are adorable in this fun read about the desires we have the way we don't  always work out the way we plan.  Cooper decides to help Kate in her plan to grab her crush for a prom date if Kate helps him to prepare for a race he is hoping to win.  This fun to read story follows Kate and Cooper as they aren't sure what is happening in their changing relationship as their friendship grows.  This story deals with relationships and love, but also the struggle we sometimes face with parents and friends.  I look forward to more by this author!
3634245
A surprise meeting begins an unexpected adventure and romance they never saw coming. Carter Clynes and Kendall Sparks meet in an airport bar---they flirt, connect, and suddenly Kendall finds herself on his flight to Brazil. They share a rapport, truths, and a building attraction...and difficulty saying goodbye. As the adventures continue, their like and lust grows. They unravel each other and develop more of an understanding.

He's got a bad rep as a ladies man that follows him. But Kendall makes him want to be different. She's got a life changing decision to make that will impact her entire future. It is spontaneous, unexpected, and confusing, but they let each other get closer than they have let anyone get in years. They open up and show their real selves. But they also have sexual tension, flirty banter, and hot chemistry.

I loved Carter's sense of humor and playfulness. He is handsome, sexy, and charming, but also sweet, caring, and has a big heart. But he's got a dirty mouth and alpha edge too. He might not really understand what they are doing, but he is not afraid to admit that he is not ready for it to end yet. I loved his Beatles references throughout and how he tied them into situations.

Kendall is sassy, fun, and a bit lost. She is trying to decide what direction to take her life and how to deal with an upcoming decision. But she ends up following Carter around and letting him push her boundaries and share some exciting experiences. It's a thin line between finding happiness and being terrified. It is hard to decide whether to follow their heads or their hearts. They make each other crazy and cannot seem to get enough.

But their lives are different and they seem to be on diverging paths. Can they find a way to merge them? Have they learned from their pasts enough to make better choices for the future?

They will have to face their fears and learn to trust. It's about priorities, lifestyles, and commitments. But they face some significant challenges and issues. Their story takes some unexpected twists, turns, and detours.

This is unique, humorous, sweet, sexy, romantic, and just a whole lot of fun. The writing flows seamlessly and completely sucked me in.  I loved these characters. I enjoyed their travels and their camaraderie and banter. I liked getting both points of view and getting all of the feels. I enjoyed the fact that it was not predictable and that there were some interesting surprises. It had enough drama and angst to keep me riveted, but overall it was a swoony, feel-good, love story. Another winner from Penelope and Vi!

I was gifted an arc in exchange for an honest review.
2943086
This is a sweet tale of love after loss that quickly turns into an epic adventure. I was pleasantly surprised with the ease at which I could read this book comfortably. It all starts when Anastasias boyfriend of three years suddenly breaks up with her so he can be with another woman. Leaving her to dwell in the misery hes just left in his wake.

 In a desperate attempt to straighten her life out and start living, she opens a bakery. She soon finds a new love interest at a baking contest, with whom she quickly falls for.

But things don't go all that smoothly from then on out. As it turns out, he is an agent working undercover to try an expose a drug kingpin. So the excitement begins.

Overall, this is a crazy, fast-paced love story that I very much enjoyed. The story line is quite cool and the authors writing style makes it a nice easy read. Great novel.
2826981
This is a story of finding love where you least expected it. Hannah is an adventurous and has a case of wanderlust but Evan had to be on a safe side. They are a total opposite of each other but somehow they made it work. This book satisfied my sweet tooth. I also loved the bit of angst at the end.
2666810
The Cute Girl Network looks like a modern romance novel, but theres more to it than just a love story. Jane and Jack meet when she wipes out in front of him in a hipster-stocked town. Jack is something of a clumsy loser, selling soup from a food cart. Jane has recently moved to town, working at a skateboard shop and putting up with stupid guys who think she cant skate because shes a girl.

The two slowly grow on each other and start dating (with a great list of cheap things to do, including a visit to a vending machine graveyard). As written by Greg Means and MK Reed, they live in a world of roommates, shared meals, crafts, crazy public art, and energy without enough outlet.

While Jack gets bad advice from his clueless Neanderthal roommate, Jane is taken under the wing of the Network, a group of women who want to prevent awesome girls from going out with total losers. Harriet introduces Jane to some of Jacks former dates, all of whom have horrible (but funny to the reader) stories about how much of a dork he was.

Joe Floods art is full of background detail, setting up a strong sense of place and lifestyle. His characters are likable in their expressiveness. Jack looks like Shaggy, with an exaggerated nose and chin that reinforces his inadvertent clownishness.

The Network is a neat idea, until you start thinking about it. Even with the best intentions, the women wind up perpetuating the idea that guys cant improve, when they just need to find the right girl to match and appreciate them. I understand why friends would want to prevent intelligent girls from settling for less than she deserves, but the fact is, no one else can determine that for you. Theres a subtle air of jealousy  why does she see something in him I didnt?  and a feeling of dating as an achievement activity, with resentment over time wasted if it doesnt work out.

Good dating stories at some point give me the feeling wow, Im glad Im happily married, because for all of the exhilaration of new romance, theres also a lot of uncertainty and discouragement. This book fits that description, although with plenty of imagination and friendship to get through the rough spots. Theres an air of aimlessness underlying the story, evocative of life today as a young adult until one figures out what matters. (The publisher provided a review copy; review originally posted at ComicsWorthReading.com.)