Worst Faking Idea(Babes Of Brewing,#4)

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️

  

Thank you to the author,Angela Casella and The Author Agency for providing me with E-ARC, in exchange for honest review.  

 

 

 

 

 05.14.26 

  

 

Their secret fake relationship began with a little white lie...

 
Nora

 
My ginger beer brewery is, quite literally, my life. 

Unfortunately, my male business partner's new fiancée is insanely jealous. It's only a matter of time before she forces him to quit, which means we'll both lose the business we love. So I ask him what will get her to back down. A boyfriend. I make one up, telling her it's too early to introduce him, which works right up until she walks in on a heated private conversation between me and Cormac, my soon-to-be stepbrother. 

She comes to a wild the reason I'm keeping my boyfriend secret is because it's him.
I know I should set her straight. Cormac is the last person I'd ever date, and not just because our parents are about to get married. He's awkward, introverted, and has the people skills of a houseplant.
But I'm desperate enough to tell the worst lie ever.

 
Cormac

 
Nora makes me an offer any sane man would refuse. 

She wants me to be her secret fake boyfriend–an act that only has to work on two people.
In exchange, she promises to help me brush up my dating skills. 

It doesn't seem like much of a bargain, to be honest. She's been prickly since high school and isn't much of a charmer herself, but I agree because I've promised my father I'll try to get along with her. 

But the more time Nora and I spend together, the more I realize that I'd like our secret fake relationship to be real.

 🌷

 
I’m officially in love with this series. The only one I haven’t read yet is Sophie and Rob’s story. Worst Faking Idea had me falling in love with the characters, just like in the other books. I loved Nora and Cormac from the beginning, their interaction when Nora was apologizing to Cormac, and the way he reacted, you could tell that there was something there. Although Nora seemed to be in denial, at least at first. I did wonder if part of that was because Cormac was about to be her stepbrother. Once their fake relationship began, I had a feeling that there was going to be tension between the two of them. I was curious if Jose would believe that the two of them were dating. The way that he reacted, it had wondering is he still had feelings for Nora. 

I found it impossible to put this book down; every page had me wondering what would happen next. Most of all, I was eager to see what would happen between Cormac and Nora next. I was curious to see how long the two of them would be able to pretend. The scenes between the two of them were my favorites. I loved the way that Cormac took care of Nora, and the way that Nora worried about Cormac. I adored Cookie and the bond that she seemed to create with Nora. I couldn’t help but smile at those scenes. I loved the humor in this book, especially the banter between the characters; it made the book so much more fun to read. 

One of my favorite things about Angela Casella’s book is the way she portrays characters, including minor ones. I loved the way the friendship between Nora, Briar,Sophie  and Hannah grew; they reminded me of a few of my best friends. Also, the way she described everything made me feel all the emotions the characters were enduring. I didn’t want this series to end. Now, I need to go back and read Sophie and Rob’s story. I’m so glad I got the chance to read this series, and I cannot wait for the next one!

First and Forever.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️

 

  Thank you to publisher, Harlequin Berkley for Earc via Netgalley, in exchange for honest review. 

 

 

 05.12.26 

Duffy Distefano loves three things: her dad, the family cat, and Minneapolis Coyotes football. So when she gets booed out of a game and becomes the internet’s villain, she is distraught—and disgruntled. All she did was shove Coyote Carl away when he made a move on her, but everyone else just saw a woman attacking their team’s beloved mascot. Eager to clear the air, Duffy agrees to an interview on a hit morning show. She doesn’t expect a co-guest to join her—especially not the Coyotes’ star tight end. 

When MVP Connor Cunningham gets tasked with damage control to help his team out of their PR nightmare, he thought that meant saying a few words on the team’s behalf. Instead, he finds himself in a highly amusing verbal sparring match with a recently wronged fan on live TV. Duffy pelts him with fiery jabs but is also clearly diehard about the Coyotes—color him intrigued…and attracted. 

The interview instantly goes viral, and the public is obsessed with them. A strong push from the Coyotes’ PR team to ride the wave results in Connor asking Duffy out. Despite his distaste for PR stunts, he’s surprised to discover being with Duffy is much easier than he thought, and somehow it doesn’t feel fake to him. Harboring this secret can only blow up, but all he knows is that if he messes things up with Duffy, it’ll be the greatest fumble of his life.

  🌷

 
I adored this book; the characters, the story, I couldn’t get enough. 

I’ve heard of Lynn Painter before; however, I haven’t had a chance to read her books-until now. I love sports romance, so I decided to check it out, and I’m so glad that I did. Sometimes you need a romance story that isn’t spicy and focuses on the main character's connection. First and Forever was that book. I wasn’t fond of the reason why Connor asked Duffy out, but it didn’t take long to see how much he cared about her. I loved the banter between the two of them, some of which had me laughing out loud. I also loved the connection between Duffy and Connor, and how Connor didn’t just take care of her but her family, too. Who doesn’t want a guy like that? 

I think this book would make a very cute romcom movie. It didn’t take long to see that what Connor and Duffy had wasn’t fake. I don’t think that I seen Duffy as happy as she was when she was with Connor. Plus, the way that he included Duffy’s family? If that’s not love, then I don’t know what it is. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Connor; he’s the kind of guy that every girl dreams about. I knew that all of that could fall apart if Duffy found out the truth of why Connor asked her out. Part of me hoped that Duffy wouldn’t find out. The two of them belonged together. 

I liked that the book was written from both Duffy's and Connor’s perspectives, giving readers a better view of each character. The story felt so realistic, I saw it so vividly playing in my mind while I was reading. Now that I have read Lynn Painter's book, I can’t wait to check out her others.

City Of Shadow and Bone (Mates Of Gods & Fae,#2)

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  

   Thank you to the author,M.B Atkins and Rattle The Stars PR for letting me be part of review team for Mates Of Gods & Fae series! 

 

Bound by a bargain. Haunted by secrets. Destined for death. 

Sybil Hart’s unknown bloodline may hold the key to everything she desires, and she’ll do anything—even if it means dying—to claim it. 

Drawn into the rebels' rising war, Sybil is caught between Samian, her brooding protector, and Kieran, the fierce warrior bound to her in ways neither can deny. By night she trains with the rebels, by day she moves unseen, shrouded in shadows beyond her enemy’s reach—every defiance a dangerous gamble. But hope is fragile, and each stolen victory demands a sacrifice that cuts deeper than the last. 

As war with the Seelie Court looms, Sybil faces a choice that will shatter kingdoms: obey and destroy the ones she loves... or embrace her power within and rise. 

But death is only the beginning…

  🌷

 
I didn’t think that I could love this story more; I was wrong. I loved City of Light and Promise, but I loved City of Shadow and Bone even more. There was so much more happening in this book, and there wasn’t a single part of the book that didn’t hold my attention. Every page in the story had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen with Sybil, Samian, and Kieran next. I’m officially obsessed with this series. Halfway through reading City of Shadows and Bone, I was thinking about the third book. Just finished the second book, and it’s already one of my favorite fantasy series. I can’t get Sybil’s story out of my mind. 

Of all the characters, Sybil is my favorite. Sybil’s growth in the second book is phenomenal! One of my favorite parts in the book was watching her become stronger, more powerful, and less scared of her powers. I loved seeing her stand up for herself. However, sometimes the decisions she made had me shake my head. I was rooting for her all the way through. I hoped she would find a way to break from Ambrose's bond. I also loved how, despite everything she was put through, she kept on fighting. Sybil's transformation is probably one of my favorite characters' growths I've read. 

My feelings towards Ambrose changed. He needs to be stopped. I don’t remember the last time I disliked a character that much. I loved the mate bond between Samian, Sybil, and Kieran. You could tell how much both cared about her. It was interesting to read a book where a character has more than one mate; it was unique. I’m curious to see what happens between the two of them next. The twists in this book are what kept me turning the pages. I loved the magical world in this series; it’s unlike any other book I have read. A must-read! I can’t wait to see what is in store for us in the next book!

Calamity Rayne Back Again(Calamity Rayne,#2)

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

  Thank you to the author,Lydia Michaels and Lydia Michaels PR for E Copy, in exchange for honest review 

Rayne Meyers—a.k.a. Calamity Rayne—is back again in this hilariously sexy, opposites-attract romantic comedy from bestselling and award-winning author Lydia Michaels
After accepting the position as personal assistant for Remington Davenport, a moody, politically incorrect boomer billionaire, Rayne’s life changed forever. Caviar and cruise ships have replaced her otherwise dull days, but the most exciting addition to her life is her boss’s hot son, Hale. 

Hale Davenport lived a meticulous and methodical life—until Calamity Rayne blew in like a sexy hurricane of commotion. She has become the wrinkles to his starch, the chaos to his calm, and the beat of his heart. But now, in the midst of a nasty lawsuit and family feud, Rayne must return home. 

Can Hale and Rayne’s love survive the distance? Adulting has never been Rayne’s strong suit, and sh!t just got real! Find out how they fare in this fabulously funny, raunchy adventure of love, laughter, and awkwardness as the series continues!

  🌷

 
I’m officially in love with this series. 

This is one of those books; the moment you start reading it, you won’t want to put it down. I didn’t think that I could fall in love with the characters more, but I was proven wrong. Calamity Rayne is a series you will love, with the characters and setting, and you will find yourself turning the pages until the end. Once you do reach the end, you’ll want to pick up the next book right away, to see what’s next for Hale, Rayne, and Elle. I’ve been curious about the second book from the moment that I finished the first book, especially after that unexpected twist at the end. I needed to see what would happen with Elle. 

I loved Rayne’s loyalty to her friend, Elle. Even though it was hard for her to be away from Hale, she knew that Elle needed her. I knew that it was hard seeing Elle while she was in a coma, but it didn’t stop Rayne from visiting her every day. Their friendship reminded me of my best friend and me. Even though she lives far away, we are always there for one another. Like Elle is Rayne, my best friend, Mariah is the person I can tell anything to. Rayne has grown so much since the first book, and she has such a big heart, always wanting to help others. 

I loved Hale even more in this book. You could tell how much he loves Rayne. I loved how much he helped her while Elle while she was in coma, and how he supported her. Those two belong together. I adored the bond that Rayne had with Hale’s daughter, Elara. They might not realize it right away, but they were family already. I’m not sure what it is, but I just adore the relationship between Rayne and Remington. I think that Rayne needed someone like him in her life. Like the last book, I loved the humor in this book; had me laughing on several occasions. I’m so glad I got chance to read this series; my only regret is that I didn’t discover it sooner. Highly recommended for any romance fans.

Willowbrook Wishes

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

4.5★

 

 Thank you to author, Kristen Reads for proving with EARC, in exchange for an honest review. 

 

 05.05.26    

  

Can a wish tear down walls around a heart?

 
In the summer of 1998, Lily Harper drifts into Willowbrook, Ohio, her heart guarded by old scars and a plan to leave as soon as she’s done rebranding the town’s beloved county fair. But Ethan Calloway, the gruff bookstore owner protecting his late father’s legacy, turns her quick exit into a heated clash of wills. Their bickering sparks something deeper, kindled by the Wishing Tree’s hopeful ribbons and starlit summer nights. 

As 90s pop songs blast from boomboxes and kids race through the fairgrounds, Willowbrook’s loyal friends weave a community that tugs at Lily’s defenses. Can she trust a town—and a love—worth staying for?

 🌷

 
This story is one of the things that I love about small-town romance. I ended up finishing this book in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. Willowbrook Wishes is one of those stories that will break your heart at times, but at the same time will have you smiling. I loved escaping into Willowbrook, Ohio, and as I read, I pictured myself there, along with Lily, Ethan, Carol, and the others. One of my favorite things about Willowbrook Wishes was the community, and the way that they looked out for one another, and how everyone made Lily feel welcome. It had me wishing I could escape there myself; it sounds just the type of place I would love to live in. 

I loved that this book took place in the 90s, and the references brought it back to that time. I feel like this book needs a ’90s playlist to go with it. Ethan, at first, wasn’t sure whether he and Lily would get along, since he didn’t agree with her plan for the country fair. I understood why he didn’t, and he wasn’t the only one, and I hoped that Lily would change their minds. As time passed, I noticed the connection and attraction between Ethan and Lily; I feel like everyone did. I wished that Lily wouldn’t pull away from him, although I understood why she did. I loved the last few chapters. There was part of me that didn’t want the story to end, and I felt as if each character became a friend. 

I don't mind reading spicy books, but I also love closed-door small-town romance where the focus is on the characters' connection. However, Willowbrook Wishes was so much more than that. This was one of the books where there wasn’t a single character I didn’t love, they were like one big family, and I loved it! Willowbrook Wishes is a story that will stay with you, long after you finish it. I’m so grateful I got chance to read it. I can’t wait to see what Kristen has for us next.