lyloveslit's reviews
258 reviews

Just Our Luck is a heartfelt romantic comedy that embraces some of my favorite tropes, fake dating and love at first sight. I was fortunate to receive an ARC courtesy of Berkley Romance and Netgalley. I give this novel 3.5 stars. It has both charming highs and a few missteps along the way.

The story follows Sybil, a woman who finds herself down on her luck after losing her job and returning to her parents’ home. In a spontaneous moment, she buys a lottery ticket and treats herself to a donut after a night of drinking. Enter Kiernan who is also facing his own challenges, as he’s had to put med school on hold to care for his sick grandfather while running the family donut shop. Their chance meeting sparks an instant connection that fuels the novel’s romantic energy.

What I enjoyed most about the book was the way it leverages beloved tropes. The fake dating setup and the idea of love at first sight are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating moments of genuine warmth and humor. The instant chemistry between Sybil and Kiernan forms the emotional core of the story. However, the romance is not without its bumps; Kiernan’s occasionally mean streak and the sudden introduction of a grumpy-sunshine dynamic can feel jarring, detracting from the otherwise sweet connection.

One of the notable challenges in the book is its pacing. For a stretch spanning roughly chapters 21 to 31, the narrative tone shifts to a more contentious tone that almost led me to DNF. This section, with its heavy-handed moments, disrupted the overall flow, making the wait for the lighter, more affectionate romance feel longer than necessary. It isn’t until around the 75% mark that the story regains its footing, delivering the romcom energy that many readers, including myself, crave.

Beyond the romance, Just Our Luck stands out for its thoughtful treatment of real-life issues. The narrative offers a refreshing message on representation, particularly with the inclusion of an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Sybil’s internal struggles and her journey toward accepting help from a supportive community add depth to her character, resonating with readers who might relate to similar experiences. Additionally, the side characters Lila, Marcus, and Grandad are engaging and intriguing, hinting at potential stories of their own.
 
Overall, Just Our Luck is a mixed bag of sweet, endearing moments and narrative missteps. Despite the uneven pacing and occasional tonal inconsistencies, the genuine connection between its protagonists and the relatable exploration of personal challenges give it a lasting appeal. For fans of contemporary romcoms that aren’t afraid to tackle real-life issues amid humor and heart, this book is well worth a read even if some sections might test your patience.

Autumn Love Story by Norian Love is an emotional, heartwarming romance that beautifully captures the highs and lows of love, friendship, and resilience.

Tatum is a hardworking, devoted father who has spent the last four years juggling the responsibilities of raising his son while working toward his pharmacy degree. He’s determined, selfless, and carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders when Autumn unexpectedly enters his life. Autumn, a quirky, free-spirited artist, is his complete opposite—funny, messy, and full of life. Despite their differences, they form a deep, instant connection, bonding over books and even creating their own adorable book club. Their friendship quickly turns into a whirlwind romance, a love that feels meant to be.

However, love isn’t always enough, and when a figure from Tatum’s past resurfaces, the foundation he and Autumn were building is shaken to its core. Their relationship, though intense and soulful, isn’t strong enough to withstand the storm, forcing them to go their separate ways. Tatum’s journey, in particular, was heartbreaking. He embodies the idea that God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers, facing loss after loss in ways that felt both uncanny and devastating. I found myself hurting for him, even when I didn’t fully agree with the choices he made.

Autumn, on the other hand, was such a lovable and relatable character. She loved fiercely, with her whole heart, mind, and soul, making it easy to root for her happiness. The chemistry between her and Tatum was undeniable, but I wished the story had been told in the first person rather than third. While I felt their connection deeply, I believe experiencing their emotions through their own perspectives would have intensified that connection even more.

The side characters, particularly Stone and Tatum’s parents, added depth to the story, making the world feel fuller and more authentic. And since this is the start of a series, I can definitely see myself continuing to see where Norian Love takes these characters next.

If you enjoy emotional love stories with deep character development and a touch of heartache, Autumn Love Story is worth picking up.

Wow! Jahquel J. did her thing with 10,000 Hours with a Rich Menace ! I absolutely loved this book. If you've read Jahquel’s other works, you've already gotten a glimpse of Maverick "Menace" Caselli The Ghost, the Menace, the mastermind behind Case House, and one-third of the most powerful families. We know he has OCD, and we know he's a bit unhinged, but what I wasn’t prepared for was just how lovable and real he would be.  

One of the standout aspects of this book was how Jahquel portrayed OCD and ADHD in adults. She showed how these conditions manifest in unique ways, particularly in someone as meticulous and intense as Menace. It made his character so much more layered and authentic.  

Then there’s Stevie our free-spirited artist with a heart of gold. She’s always been the cousin Skyler has to protect, and unfortunately, her trusting nature sometimes leads her into trouble. That’s exactly what happens when she unknowingly gets wrapped up in a mess with her best friend, Pricilla who has her stealing money from Menace Caselli without realizing it. And when the truth comes out? Whew! Stevie finds herself kidnapped and given one way to repay her debt (a marriage of convenience) with Menace. And that’s when things get messy!  

This book had me cracking up from start to finish. The banter, the quirks, the 500 nicknames they had for each other it was all so endearing. It’s no surprise that their “business arrangement” turned into something real. Watching Menace crash out over Stevie and treat her like a queen was everything.  

This story had romance, humor, drama, and that signature Jahquel J. storytelling that keeps you hooked. 10,000 Hours with a Rich Menace is an unforgettable ride, and I loved every moment of it!  

WOW. This story was a crazy RIDE! Imagine storing your eggs because your career as a singer, actress, and superstar keeps you too busy to have a child. Then, one day, you get a call that the fertility clinic made a devastating mistake. Your egg was accidentally used to conceive a married couple’s child. To make matters even more complicated, you and the couple are of different races, making the mix up instantly apparent when the baby is born. 

Myles and Holly were the married couple caught in this nightmare. Unfortunately, Holly couldn't bring herself to love a child that wasn’t biologically hers. But Myles? He loved his daughter unconditionally. In the wildest turn of events, he meets his daughter’s biological mother, Whitney, and what starts as a co-parenting journey quickly spirals into a whirlwind parents with benefits relationship. 

I have never read something so wild and unique! The plot twists were unexpected, and the steam? Oh, it was steamy. The concept itself was bold and well-executed, making for an unforgettable read. However, Myles as the male main character wasn’t always easy to love. He embodied the grumpy-sunshine trope, which isn’t always my favorite, and at times, his character felt frustrating rather than swoon-worthy. 

Overall, One in a Million was an incredibly creative and entertaining read with intense emotions, shocking twists, and undeniable passion. While the MMC wasn’t my ideal, the originality and execution of the story made up for it. 

This was my first book by BriAnn Danae, and Jack Girlz Atlanta delivered a mix of suspense, family drama, and high stakes. The story follows three sisters—Mia, Hazel, and Teyona—who were born into wealth thanks to their pharmaceutical mogul father. However, their privileged life is anything but perfect. Their father is a heartless tyrant who mistreats two of the three sisters, as well as their mother. He’s a dictator with dangerous secrets, and when his past resurfaces, threatening their mother’s livelihood, the sisters must come together to unmask the truth.

What I Liked:
• The suspense kept me engaged. I found myself asking questions and trying to piece things together about the sisters as I read.
• Each sister had a distinct personality and a unique voice, making them feel like fully realized characters.
• One of my favorite aspects was that the sisters weren’t waiting to be saved—they had to save themselves, using their wit and resilience.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
• The pacing felt off. Given how much time was spent building up the plot and the climax, I was sure there would be a cliffhanger and a sequel. Instead, the majority of the action happened in the last 15% of the book, making it feel rushed for a standalone novel.
• The overuse of the miscommunication trope between the sisters was frustrating. Despite being family, their bond didn’t feel as strong as I expected, making some of their interactions hard to believe.

Overall, Jack Girlz Atlanta had an intriguing premise and strong suspense elements, but the pacing and lack of believable sisterly connection held it back from being a favorite for me. I’d still be open to reading more from BriAnn Danae to see how she handles different storytelling approaches.

Speak is the second installment in the Fairview Novellas series, and JL Seegars delivers yet another powerhouse story packed with emotion, romance, and undeniable chemistry. This novella follows Grayson, the executive assistant to Jaxson from book one, as she reclaims her independence and finds the love she truly deserves.

Trapped in a toxic marriage with Brian, a pretentious and wealthy attorney who constantly belittles her, Grayson finally reaches her breaking point and files for divorce. Enter Xavier, the only lawyer in town with enough guts and skill to take on her ex. Not only is Xavier brilliant and fierce in the courtroom, but he’s also incredibly fine—and the sparks between him and Grayson? Absolutely electric. What starts as a professional relationship quickly turns into something passionate, romantic, and deeply fulfilling.

JL Seegars never misses when it comes to writing swoon-worthy men, and Xavier is no exception. This novella was short, sweet, and impactful—every scene carried weight, and the romance was both spicy and deeply emotional. Grayson’s journey of rediscovery was inspiring, and the chemistry between her and Xavier was everything.

If JL Seegars writes it, I’m reading it IMMEDIATELY. 🔥💋

Wow. Just wow. Chevy’s Promise was an absolutely incredible addition to the Zoo Boys series, and Tatiana truly outdid herself with this one.

From book one, we’ve known Chevy as the founder and King of the Zoo. He’s been the rock, the father figure, the mentor—always pouring into Priest, Diamond, Foe, and Zu, making sure everyone else was taken care of. But in this book, we finally get to ask: Who’s taking care of Chevy?

Knowing that he’s battling cancer and planning to take one last journey to the fictitious place of Toussaint, this book becomes more than just a road trip—it’s a deeply emotional, introspective, and healing experience for both Chevy and the readers. Over the course of nearly a month, we get a front-row seat to his past, his fears, and the transformation of the boys he raised into men. It was everything I hoped for and more.

The emotional weight of this book hit hard, but it was also cathartic. For those of us who have been invested in this series, it felt like a necessary chapter, finally giving us a complete picture of Chevy. And let me just say—I love when I see an author’s growth throughout a series, and Tatiana’s evolution from book one to this installment is undeniable. The depth, the emotion, the storytelling—it’s all on another level.

And now, we wait for part two. Because after this, I need more.