stephsbooktalk's reviews
812 reviews

 

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for an advance copy of this book!
Thank you so much to PRH Audio for the complimentary ALC!

This book will be out Feb 11, 2025.

This is my 2nd book by BK and after reading the first Lovelight Farm book, I wasn't sure if BK's writing style was for me. But other reader friends boosted about how great her books are including this one and I thought let me give her another try.

Well I am happy to report that I absolutely loved this one!!! Growing up I used to listen to syndicated talk shows so this felt very nostalgic and makes me wonder if these types of shows still exist. Its been a while since I've watched Sleepless in Seattle but I know that this was a retelling of the movie which honestly I love any call back to the 90s with a modern flair.

"Do you think I'll get my magic?"
"Nah, Lucie. I think you're the magic."

This is more of a slow burn but the kind of slow burn that at least for me that I enjoy. You get these little moments leading up to the big moment that keeps you fed.

Aiden was smitten from Lucie right from the beginning and was trying so hard to suppress those feelings. Don't worry you do learn why he feels the way he feels and what he does to overcome it. I love that we got to see his slightly jealous side any time Lucie would go on dates. And then how protective he would become when those dates would ultimately be sour. Lucie was attractive to Aiden from the start but didn't think he was ever the option since he was so gung ho on not ever wanting to find love. I love Lucie's relationship with her daughter Maya as well as to her best friend/daughter's father Greyson. They work so well as a blended family. I was glad that Greyson and his husband Mateo especially was a part of the whole process. Aiden & Lucie just worked so well together! One of my favorite moments happened early on during one of her dates that ultimately never happened and Aiden shows up. *SWOOOOOOOON*

The book was on the longer side but I felt like it still flowed really well. I paired my reading with the audio and thought the audio production was great. There are these vignettes between chapters where its from the radio show and in the audio it sounded like it was on the radio.
E.J. Bingham and Hathaway Lee were spectacular as our MMC and FMC. I love Hathaway's deep sultry sounding voice which honestly is perfect for radio so it worked so well for this narration. This appears to be E.J.'s first audiobook and I would certainly listen to future books narrated by them.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series! I recommend this if you love Sleepless in Seattle and just love a feel good romance that will make you laugh and smile.

Mini Audiobook Review: I heard about this book from a podcast and the host talked it up so much that I had to read it. 

While this was an interesting listen, it just didn't grab me the way that I thought it would. I kept waiting for something big to happen and then it just fell flat for me. The format of the book was different compared to other books I read. I do want to check the book out at a store or library to see how it translated from audio to page as the point of views would change in the same chapter. It is told from Juliet's POV (past and present) and Michael's diary. 

I thought the concept was interesting and seeing what life would be like on a boat for a long trip. And how it mentally and physically takes a toll on your body as well as your relationship. It had the potential to be something really great but just failed to get there. 

This didn't work for me but perhaps it will work for you. I would check out other reviews to see if it is something for you. 

Thank you so much to Kayla Grosse for the advanced copy!!

This book will be out on Feb 6th, 2025.

This is my first Kayla book that I read but I do own two of her other books which I decided will be consumed this year.

I have never read a professor x student book before (unless you want to count Vladimir & My Dark Vanessa) so I was engrossed in how this story was going to play out.

What I thought Kayla did great was her description of the action. I felt like I was a part of the chase.
I could picture Finley and Ryker in the thrust (wink) of the tornado and how scary and yet thrilling it all was.

I knew Kayla was a SPICY writer and she delivered just as I imagine! I was definitely blushing while reading! Ryker was so attractive to Finley from the moment she walked into his classroom and loved her body. And I liked how Kayla didn’t ignore the power dynamic of the two and what it could mean for both of them if they pursue the relationship. I was very nervous on how it would all play out so you will just have to read it to see how it all worked out!

Another shining light to this story was the sidekick Joey! I was really hoping that this would have turned into a spin off between him and Hawk but sadly for us it seemed to wrap up nicely for all the characters. But hey it could still happen – maybe? Pretty please?

If you are looking for a quick, spicy, action filled book with a plus size heroine and a Tornado Daddy, give this one a read!

Thank you so much to Hambright PR & Max Monroe for an advance copy of this book!

This book will be out on Feb 7th, 2025.

Whewwww! I have been very lucky lately with the romances I have been reading. They have been knocking me out. And this one kept me up until the wee hours of the night because I just couldn't stop. Did I slide into the authors DM expressing this? Of course I did!

This is a second in the series but is written completely as a stand alone. The only part that I did get a little lost in was everyone in Lexi's family (a family tree would be helpful LOL). The authors warned that this book would be "laugh out loud" and "the best banter" and they seriously delivered!

"And if you win, you can spend the night at my place."
"And if I lose?"
"You won't lose."

I was completely enthralled into this storyline from start to finish. Blake was HEAD OVER HEELS for Lexi prior to them interacting. He always had a crush on her from afar and being invited into a secret society where she is the President threw him into her orbit. He was cocky in the best way because he knew he could get her to give him a chance. And lord he was a patient man!! Lexi has autism and is super intelligent, she knew that her brain worked differently. She was convinced that there was no way she could be/love someone due to this. But eventually with Blake she wanted to try.

I just love their relationship and I was kicking my feet and internally screaming through a good chunk of this book. I didn't like that she wanted to keep him a secret even though I understood her reasoning but their clandestine meetups (THE BANK) were just so sexy! Blake never wanted to do things that Lexi wasn't comfortable with. And even when Lexi did want to do something, he turned her down. Lexi thinks with equations and experiments and she looked at this relationship from the start as just that. But she had no clue how much she was actually falling for him. There was a moment towards the end where something had happened and they saw each other at a party and GAH I could feel it all through the pages!

It is very clear who the next book is going to be about and I will be there to watch Ace and Julia's story unfold!

I just loved this one so much and I hope you all consider reading it as well!!

Thank you so much to @Lonelypagesbooktour, @nkumarwrites & @dellromance for having me on this tour!!
Thank you to @PRHAudio for the complimentary audio!

This book is out now!

I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of Naina's debut Say You'll Be Mine last year and absolutely loved it! I remember hearing Naina talk about the premise of this one last year and was completely invested by that alone.

I love the way that Naina wrote Meena and Nikhil's relationship throughout this book. Obviously this is set in present time but we get these glimpse into the past and how their relationship once was until it went sour. They both had so much time apart that they had that time to grow and to figure themselves out. And yet because they never really talked about their feelings and why they separated, it all comes bubbling out.

The setting. I thought it was so unique to have a barreling hurricane coming through Texas forcing them to shelter together at the house that they once lived together in. I thought the part where they canoed over to his friend's house to rescue him and had a run in with a not so happy animal was a fun time!

One element that was missing for me and it's so small but I really enjoyed it in Naina's first book was learning more about the Indian cultural. Wasn't a deal breaker while reading and it’s certainly not something she has to include in her writings.

The book had a mix of humor as well as more serious tones as they got into what went wrong. Even though it book took them a bit to get it out of each of them to verbally say what they want. He seemed so hopeful in their recoupling whereas she set up this life in DC and wasn't sure if being back in Texas was what she wanted.

One again queen narrator Soneela Nankani was the perfect narrator for this book! I love listening to books from her. She has such a great talent with her inflections and tone. Also the way she does Nikhil's voice - SWOON!

I highly recommend this book with your eyes or ears if you are interested in a second chance romance (think Sweet Home Alabama) with forced proximity!

Thank you so much to Dreamscape Media for the complimentary audio!
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the free book!

This book is out now!

I was initially drawn to this book based off the title and the bright colorful cover. I did read a little bit of the synopsis and to know that it took place in the 1930s and that it was a romance. And from those factors alone, I was sold!

This is a second chance romance about Arlene/Lena and Don who were childhood friends that both made it in the entertainment world. Don left as soon as he could for Broadway whereas Lena stayed in California and worked in Hollywood. I love how the author made her already an Oscar winner (I believe this all came up in the first book) and put her in the prestigious position of director for her next role. Especially for that time frame, having a female director was not very common (still isn't).

The characters went through a lot throughout the book. More so Don who got himself wrapped up with a gangster. And he tries SO hard to keep Lena out of his mess but in the end she comes to the rescue. Lena always had a crush on Don but it took a little awhile for Don to catch up to her. I did think it was cute that the running theme of his lucky penny (from Lena) was brought up throughout the book.

I was really interested in the story but felt that it just kept going. Anytime I thought we would be wrapping up, I looked and still had time left. And as I mentioned there was just so much that happened in the book!

Queen Patti Murin was the narrator of this book and I always love the books I listen from her! She was able to change her voice for all the characters we encounter. It made listening very easy and following the story easy.

If you are looking for a sweet romance, childhood to coworkers to friends to lovers set against the golden age of Hollywood with a mob subplot - check this out!

Mini Book Review: Everyone is reading this book so I don't need to write a super in depth review. I saw a lot of people giving this book not so nice reviews. I don't remember much of the first two so starting this one felt like a brand new experience.  I struggle with following all the high action moments and the politics in this world but the parts I enjoyed the most were of course the romance and anytime the students were together (Chap 15 was my favorite from start to finish). 

I absolutely loved Ridoc in this and I'm sure I think this after every book but my goodness he is funny! "I am either completely in love with your boyfriend or utterly terrified of him."

Violet and Xaden. Sigh. I just love them so much! They are so in love with one another and there were so many swoony quotes that I noted. The way that they are just perfect for one another. And I love how their love doesn't seem to be slowing down. It is nearly impossible for me to pick a favorite moment between the two but I did love when Xaden just couldn't take it anymore (iykyk).  "I am yours and you are mine, and there's no law or rule in this world or the next that will change that"

Did I necessarily know everything that was happening at the given moment? Nope. 
But did I still have a good time and was invested? Yes
Did I feel like the book took forever? Yes 
Am I excited for the next one whenever that may be? Yes
Am I going to remember what happened? Probably not 

Thank you so much to #partner Berkley for the free copy of the book!
Thank you to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook!

This book is out now!

I first read Bal Khabra's book Collide last year through Berkley and comparing the way that one was written to this one, you could see Khabra's growth! Collide felt like it was a debut book and I know it originally was an indie turned traditionally pub so I'm not sure how much was changed from the original format. But this one felt so much more polished!

Without knowing it, I read two romances simultaneously that started off with a the FMC bids on the MMC at a charity event and yet they both were done so differently and well done. Sage bids on Eli while working at a charity event which leds to them hanging out. Eli is smitten with Sage from the start.

I thought this was such a cute read! Sage had been through a lot and had to grow up quickly. She felt like she had to be the one to take care of her brother and put everything for him before she could focus on herself. Ballet was her life and her dream was to play the title role in Black Swan. When a fire at her apartment caused her to be displaced, sweet Eli was kind enough to let her stay with him. I love the found family feeling that came across on how his group of friends took her in.

Eli doesn't have the best reputation in the NHL and is painted as a playboy. But playing hockey is what he wants people to be talking about except he has yet to score a goal. Once him and Sage start seeing one another, his luck changes, There was an incident that caused him to be a little extra cautious in his love life. Eli is very very into Sage but doesn't allow himself to indulge. I thought that was an interesting choice by the author! Especially for someone who has written very spicy scenes in the prior book. But don't worry Eli could only resist for so long because he knew Sage was different than other women that had been in his life. I love how supportive he was of Sage and knew that she could achieve her dreams. And don't get me started on how sweet he was towards her brother!!

I paired my reading with the audiobook. Narrators Nia Serge and Aaron Shedlock both were fabulous as Sage & Elias. Both were new to me narrators and I would certainly listen to other audiobooks with them. Nia gave us the sass and vulnerability that is needed for Sage. Aaron's tone is deep and rich and just worked perfectly with his character.

Overall I thought this was a fun, quick romance and I recommend if you are looking for a romance buffer between heavy reads! You do not need to read Collide to understand this. Summer and Aiden do make appearances throughout the book.

Thank you so much to PRH Audio for the complimentary audio!

The FOMO took over me on this one! I just couldn't wait any longer to get to it. And boy did it take over my evenings! I was consumed with the storyline from the very beginning. The book takes us on a journey of Katarina Shaw's quest to become an Olympic figure skater with her long time friend Heath Rocha there by her side. We learn of their background and how cutthroat the competitive field of skating is.

This is classified as a romance but I would say its more fiction with a romance subplot. There was a lot that happens to Kat & Heath throughout the book and you can't help but root for them. I think Kat is an unlikeable character that you can't help but to be enamored with. She has such a drive and will do whatever she can to get that gold medal. But others are just as conniving as well.

What is cool about this book and audiobook is the mixed media woven through. They become side characters to the story of Kat & Heath. I love a full cast audio and this one is *chef's kiss*. I am a huge fan of Christine Lakin's narration and she was so good during the Kat centered chapters. Other narrators include: Louisa Zhu, Amy Landon, Elena Rey, Valerie Rose Lohman, Suzanne Toren, Graham Halstead, Julia Emelin, Eric Yang and Johnny Weir. Johnny Weir was the PERFECT person to voice the sassy Ellis Dean.

In the author's acknowledgements she mentioned about a film agent which to me sounds like this is potentially going to be adapted. Though I would love to see it on screen, I wonder if a limited series would be able to really build the characters personas and story arc. But we shall wait and see!

Mini Audiobook Review:  Thank you so much to Gallery for the gifted copy of the book!
Thank you so much to S&S Audio for the complimentary audio!

This book is out now!

There were parts of this book that I really liked and others I was just completely lost. It mostly was the past timeline where I was a little confused on. I loved the present timeline and seeing Natalie's journey in this new stage of her life. Natalie is recently divorced and takes a trip to France. And when she thought she was meeting new friends and they ended up being a let down (I won't spoil what all transpires).  She buys a book of letters by Barbe-Nicole and helps guide her in this new life.

As far as the past timeline goes, I will say it was cool with Barbe-Nicole and how she wanted to be a baddie champagne boss. And the fact that it was happening in the 1800s - so cool!  I thought maybe the timelines would somehow diverge but I don't think it ever did. I think if anything Barbe-Nicole's independence and resilience is what Natalie grew strength from. 

The audio was well done with having two female narrators Cassandra Campbell as Natalie and Jackie Sanders as Barbe-Nicole. I am fairly certain I have listened to Cassandra before but if I hadn't, I certainly would again! I thought she was great as Natalie. Jackie was equally as good with Barbe-Nicole. I do wonder if her French accent was real but if not, I thought it was a pretty good! 

I recommend this book if you are looking for something with dual timelines, about a woman starting over and of course France!