Moment of Truth

About the Book:

Title: Moment of Truth
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 27th, 2021
Genre: YA

Beloved author Kasie West once again delivers a witty, lighthearted romance that will charm her legions of fans and is perfect for readers of Jenny Han and Huntley Fitzpatrick.

At sixteen, Hadley Moore knows exactly who she is—a swimmer who will earn a scholarship to college. Totally worth all the hard work, even if her aching shoulders don’t agree.

So when a guy dressed as Hollywood’s latest action hero, Heath Hall, crashes her swim meet, she isn’t amused. Instead, she’s determined to make sure he doesn’t bother her again. Only she’s not sure exactly who he is.

The swim meet isn’t the first event the imposter has interrupted, but a little digging turns up a surprising number of people who could be Heath Hall, including Hadley’s ex-boyfriend and her best friend’s crush. She soon finds herself getting caught up in the mysterious world of the fake Heath Hall.

As Hadley gets closer to uncovering the masked boy’s identity, she also discovers some uncomfortable truths about herself—like she might resent the long shadow her late brother has cast over her family, that she isn’t as happy as she pretends to be with her life choices…and that she’s falling for the last guy she ever thought she would like.

Book Review:

The first book that I have read written by Kasie West was On the Fence and I really enjoyed it. After reading that one book, I was hooked and I immediately started to read her other books. But I have to say this is one of my favorites! It had such an interesting concept and I loved reading it. One of my favorite things about this book was that the main character, Hadley, was a swimmer. I am also a swimmer and I have not found many swimming books so I am so glad that I found this one.

I really related to Hadley, she was the type of person to see a problem and find a solution. She was so determined to swim well and to make her parents proud.

Moment of Truth, really lives up to its title. This book made me think and consider life and my fears.

Jackson was the type of person who would get on my nerves at first glance too, but as I read more about him I really started to like him. He was kind and he made Hadley laugh. He made me want to relax and enjoy life.

I loved reading about Jackson and Hadley together. They had great interactions and even though they didn’t always get along they still made the other a better person. Hadley had to learn to let go of the past and let people in. Jackson had to learn how to hope for the future and make commitments. Hadley’s friend Amelia was so much fun, she was a great friend. It was also so cool to see Cooper and Abby again. I love seeing old characters in new books, cameos are amazing! Overall this was a great book and I would definitely recommend it! Like all of Kasie’s books it deals with real problems but still gives you the happiness ever after you are looking for. If you have read any of Kasie’s other books, you definitely need to read Moment of Truth!

(Insta) Boyfriend

About the Book:

{Insta} Boyfriend: A Sweet Romantic Comedy (The Insta Series: RomCom Book 1)

Title: (Insta)Boyfriend
Series: The Insta Series #1
Author: Jen Atkinson
Release Date: January 28th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Dear Universe,
If this man will follow my lead and pretend to be my boyfriend, even for five minutes, I promise to never eat Oreos in the bathtub again…

Iris McCoy has a problem. Her cousin is about to marry her pig headed ex and Iris just happened to mention that she maybe, sort of, for sure… has a boyfriend.

Which she doesn’t.
In any way.
Shape.
Or form.

Dean Cooper Hale has a solution. Sure, Iris may not remember him, but he remembers her and he would love to help out the girl who made the tenth grade survivable. He’ll be her boyfriend—her fake boyfriend, that is. And being a social media influencer, he has all sorts of ideas on how to make this lie one-hundred percent believable.

Only who is Dean trying to convince of their perfect couple standing? Iris’s family? Or Iris herself?

Book Review:

This was so cute! I thought Iris and Dean were adorable together, I loved getting to see them fall deeper and deeper in love. Their romance was adorable, and they were so funny separately and with each other.

I thought Iris was a great character! She didn’t have great self esteem after things ended with her boyfriend, but she was also so quirky and fun. I love how Dean supported her and helped her feel more comfortable in her own skin. She made me laugh constantly, and her awkwardness was so cute.

Dean was the best book boyfriend! The way he took care of Iris was so cute. He loved every little thing about her, and I love how he supported her with her family and in her business. He truly fell hard for her, and while it was fast, I feel like it made sense for their characters. Also it was so cute to see him with Hazel, Iris’ dog. He fit well into the life that Iris had made for herself.

The side characters in this one were so much fun! I cannot wait for Ebony’s book, and Gramgram was so funny. I really enjoyed this clean romance, and I’m excited to read the rest of the books in the series!

I received an ARC.

Book and Ladder

About the Book:

Book and Ladder (The Firemen of Waterford TN 2)

Title: Book and Ladder
Series: The Firemen of Waterford #2
Author: Savannah Scott
Release Date: October 28th, 2025
Genre: Rom-Com

My nemesis is about to ruin my life.

Is Patrick O’Connell gorgeous? Unfortunately, yes. Jet-black hair, smoldering eyes, and those muscles I accidentally saw when my friends dragged me to spy on the fireman calendar photo shoot.

Is Patrick O’Connell also the bane of my existence? Absolutely. He wrecked my dream years ago, and I’ll never forget what he—and his family—took from me.

Now the O’Connells want to dump a big-box store right next to my cozy bookshop. Over my dead body.

Thankfully, I have a distraction: the anonymous podcast host of Burning Through the Pages. His voice is pure comfort—like a warm blanket by a crackling fire. He’s clever, kind, funny. With each late-night message, I want more. So much more that I’m almost tempted to ask him to meet face-to-face.

The future of my bookshop is uncertain—but the fate of my heart feels even more fragile.Book and Ladder is a sweet, closed-door, hidden-identity, enemies-to-lovers romcom—a slow burn with kisses hot enough to need a fire extinguisher. A standalone in The Firemen of Waterford, TN series.

Book Review:

What a fun story! Ms. Scott’s books are always so sweet and fun.. I am really enjoying getting to know the firefighters and greater community of Waterford!

Oh Daisy! She was struggling a bit with her business and was overwhelmed by the O’connells’ building plan. I felt for her as she looked for a way to survive. The anonymous podcast host was a comforting place to find a connection. I will admit, I was frustrated at times with Daisy. She could hold a grudge! Her passion and conviction led her to continue to be wary of Patrick even years later.

Patrick was really sweet! Although he was outwardly confident, he was trying to guard himself just as much as Daisy was. Patrick cared so deeply about his family’s view of him and it really impacted his decisions. He had to learn a new facet of courage for himself and what it would mean for his future.

Daisy and Patrick had to look to the future and what they really wanted from it, rather than focusing on what had happened in the past and the response of people then I loved seeing them connect in a new light throughout the book and realize how they could support each other and make the other better.

Overall, this was a sweet closed-door romance with only kissing. It is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone.

I received an ARC.

Chess Not Checkers

About the Book:

Chess Not Checkers: a sweet college romance (RomCom University Book 1)

Title: Chess Not Checkers
Series: Rom Com University #1
Author: Annah Conwell
Release Date: November 13th, 2025
Genre: Romantic Comedy

She thinks he’s an arrogant jerk.

All Jasmine Chamberlain wants is to make her family proud. She owes them everything and intends to pay them back by being the best student, cheerleader, and chess player the university has ever seen.

Unfortunately for her, on her first day of chess club, she gets paired with an arrogant, flirty, hotshot quarterback with an affinity for pushing her buttons. Even worse? He’s better than her at chess.

He thinks she’s gorgeous.

Shepherd Kingsley is on a mission to escape his brother’s shadow. At every press conference and on every sports network, Shepherd is being compared to his undefeated brother. Determined to be known for his name and not his brother’s, he decides to beat every record Jason set.

It’s all going according to plan until Jasmine shows up on campus. Shepherd is drawn to her fire immediately, but dating cheerleaders is forbidden, and he can’t risk being benched.

Chess Not Checkers is a rivals-to-lovers college romance with all the sizzle, none of the spice. If you love sports, found family, and academia, you’ll love the first book in the RomCom University series.

Book Review:

I was beyond excited for this book especially because it marks the start of a new series! Chess Not Checkers is the first book in Annah Conwell’s RomCom University series. Jasmine and Shepherd were the perfect ones to start off this new series!

Jasmine and Shepherd were both chasing after their dreams. But the weight of the world weighed heavy on them both. I loved how real they both felt, they were both just trying to figure out life. They had such good chemistry together and were constantly pushing each others’ buttons. Although they both had their past and traumas to work through, I liked how they weren’t toxic.

The romance was so cute. I loved the connection that Jasmine and Shepherd fostered. I liked getting to know them both more, there was so much to both of them. I was cheering for them as they figured out that maybe they were more friends than enemies. It was fun to be in a college setting and meet the new characters. I already know that I am going to love this series.

I loved seeing some old characters, especially the Carter family. I loved this book and I would totally recommend it. Chess not Checkers is a closed door romantic comedy.

I received a complimentary copy

Alice Taylor is More Than a Princess

About the Book:

Alice Taylor Is More Than A Princess: A Closed Door Secret Billionaire RomCom (Another Bailey Brother Book 5)

Title: Alice Taylor is More Than a Princess
Series: Another Bailey Brother #5
Author: Jen Atkinson
Release Date: April 29th, 2025
Genre: Romantic Comedy

He’s a man with a secret. She’s honest to a fault—and about to blow his cover.

Alice Taylor is ready to leave her small-town life behind and start fresh. When the opportunity to work for billionaire Billy Baxter—who’s launching a professional soccer team—lands in her lap, she jumps at the chance.

Adventure, a new city, and a career? Yes, please.

Only Alice didn’t plan on Will.

Ridiculously sexy, effortlessly charming, and annoyingly professional, Will is her supervisor—the gatekeeper between Alice and her elusive boss. Trying to keep her focus on the job is hard enough, but resisting Will? Nearly impossible.

Sparks fly, office boundaries blur, and Alice finds herself head over heels in a relationship she’s not allowed to be in. What Alice doesn’t know is that behind Will’s witty smile and irresistible charm is a secret—one he’s guarded for years.

One Alice is about to expose.Alice Taylor Is More Than A Princess is a closed door, laugh out loud romcom. In this book expect off-page death of parents and a neglectful parent. Also expect swoony kisses, moments that will make you giggle, and a lovely happy ending–without any explicit scenes.

Book Review:

I have loved Alice in every single Bailey brothers book, so I was so excited to see that she had gotten her own book. This was so cute! Will is the perfect fit for Alice, and she livens up his life.

Alice’s POV made me laugh so much! In the other books, we don’t really get to see her thought process, and in her mind, everything she’s doing is so logical. It’s funny to see her interactions with other characters as well. I really liked how she was more fleshed out though. She’s no longer a child, but she’s grown into a young woman who’s willing to sacrifice for her family. I really enjoyed seeing her learn how to love her family in a healthy way. In some ways, her own journey mirrored Jude’s which was fun.

Oh my gosh poor Will! He definitely was going through a lot as he navigated his own insecurities and the changes that were happening in his life. He did not expect Alice to upend his world. I loved his kindness though in all of the little and big ways he took care of Alice.

The Bailey brothers are back but they are now grown up with kids of their own. I love time jumps because we get a little sneak peek into the future, and this one was so fun. The more I read about them the more I wanted to reread the whole series. I would definitely recommend this book! It is best read after all of the other books, so you can see the whole Bailey family fall in love.

I received a complimentary copy

The Hope in the Dust

About the Book:

Title: The Hope in the Dust
Series: Fairy Tales Rewoven #2
Author: Nikki Crown
Release Date: September 10th, 2025
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

When a trip to the seaside ends in tragedy, young Jamison flees from the one person meant to protect him. Finding refuge with a crew of forgotten children, he struggles to figure out if their leader is someone to follow or a pirate lord to be feared.

Ten years later, present-day Jamison is a single father trying to give his daughter a better life as the town apothecary. In a town scourged by the red rash, Jamison fights to keep hope alive against the ticking of the clock. Weaving tales and offering healing powders, Jamison inspires the children of Ermenya to believe they might yet outlive the plague that stole his young wife.

The unexpected appearance of a long-lost friend reveals a series of threats tracing back to his fractured past. Jamison would do anything to keep his little Moira safe from them all—but pirates have a way of carrying grudges, and not all mothers are good.

Book Review:

Oh my goodness! What a story! I was so excited for the continuation of the Fairytales Rewoeven series and it was so good. Full disclosure, this does end on a bit of a cliffhanger and probably should not be read without reading the first book.

I really liked Jamison! He was constantly doing what he could to protect and care for people. I admired his dedication to caring for people and how he was willing to sacrifice for them.

The split time of the story was a really interesting way of both seeing the story, but also learning about Jamison and understanding him. His past not only set the stage for his present, but still influenced his choices. It was interesting to see more of his perspective especially in the past. He created a life for himself and his daughter. It was so sweet to see how he cared for her. Jamison was a really sweet character and I loved meeting the other Frogs.

I had so many questions after the first book and I enjoyed seeing the story continue to unfold. I loved the Peter Pan elements and how it was incorporated into the story. The majority of the story was on Jamison’s experience and it was cool to see some of the other characters come in later in the book. I am really excited to see how the stories come together and how all the threads will come together. This fairytale inspired fantasy has some light violence and only a kiss or two.

I received an ARC.

The Wild Card

About the Book:

The Wild Card: A Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy (Love Stories in Sheet Cake Sweet Rom Com Series Book 4)

Title: The Pocket Pair
Series: Love Stories in Sheet Cake #4
Author: Emma St. Clair
Release Date: November 6th, 2025
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Is twenty-three too old for running away? I sure hope not. Because, right now, that’s my current and only life plan.

Desperate to escape the dome of control my father has dropped over my life, I visit my brother in Texas–with no plans to use my return ticket home.

But after spending every cent of my savings to pay off my student loans, I need a job. Stat. Otherwise, I’ll be forced to ask my brother for help and admit how bad things have gotten at home.

So, when the production company I’m interviewing with in Sheet Cake, Texas wants proof that I’ve got long-term roots here, I invent a fake local boyfriend.

Which would have been fine had they not asked to meet him. Today.

I do what any woman in a desperate situation would do: I grab a man who’s giving off boyfriend vibes and ask to borrow him for an hour.

Too bad I didn’t recognize that man as Collin Graham, who just so happens to be the brother of my brother’s wife. (Confusing, I know–but the important part is that we are NOT related.)

When I finally realize who he is, two things are very clear: he knew it was me the whole time, and this fake boyfriend thing is going to be a lot more complicated now that I actually got the job.

On the plus side, fake dating serves Collin’s purposes as well. We’re both a little lost, both deep in life transition–and apparently both struggling with the fake part of the relationship.

I hadn’t planned on coming to Texas and falling in love, especially not when the name of the game is playing pretend. But would dating Collin for real be such a bad thing?

That depends–on how long it takes the reasons we started faking to begin with finally catch up to us both.

Book Review:

Cooper Bailey Is a Cinnamon Roll

About the Book:

Cooper Bailey Is A Cinnamon Roll: A Closed Door Enemies to Lovers RomCom (Another Bailey Brother Book 4)

Title: Cooper Bailey is a Cinnamon Roll
Series: Another Bailey Brother #4
Author: Jen Atkinson
Release Date: October 11th, 2025
Genre: Romantic Comedy

I’ve hated Cooper Bailey since high school. So why would a few years, a set of swoon-worthy forearms, and one shiny new law degree change anything?

Leah Bradford’s never been a fan of the spotlight—not years ago at her high school prom and definitely not now with the drama her ex-boyfriend is causing. Running her cinnamon roll shop is all she needs, thank you very much.

Cooper Bailey’s had it all—looks, brains, an ideal life. But one career-defining case gone wrong and that favored life is spiraling. He’s back home and determined to do better. He’ll be a helpful son, a dependable brother, and the best uncle ever, all while clawing his way back to a respectful place in his career.

Enter Leah. She’d rather run a marathon in high heels than be in the same room as Cooper Bailey. One problem–she’s broke with an idiot ex who happens to be suing her. Cooper is willing to take payment in sweet rolls–that is if he can convince her to take a chance on him.

Is Cooper still that cocky jock from high school or will he be Leah’s cinnamon roll hero?

Cooper Bailey is a Cinnamon Roll is a laugh out loud, kissing only, enemies to lovers romcom. It’s perfect for anyone who ever had a cute high school nemesis or anyone who secretly wanted one.

Book Review:

I love the Bailey brothers! As the baby of the family, Cooper needed his own book, and this did not disappoint.

I thought Leah was a really fun character! She had built up this fantasy of Cooper that she hated for years, and it was hard to get over that grudge. While I was sometimes frustrated with her because Cooper is such a great guy now, I could understand her perspective. She had been badly hurt, and she wasn’t ready to let go. I thought her fiery personality was a nice complement to Cooper’s confidence.

Cooper was the sweetest! I feel like throughout the series you really get to see him grow. While he is the baby of the family and can be very confident at times, he’s also a sweetheart who would do anything for his family. I loved seeing his interaction with his brothers, and their willingness to let him help them in this series. The way he took care of Leah was adorable! Their interactions were the cutest, and I love how he was always patiently there for her.

As always the Bailey family is the best! Since Cooper is the youngest brother, it’s really fun to get to see everyone interact together. The FMCs from the other books all make at least a cameo, and the love that the family has for each other is adorable. Plus, Alice is awesome! She is so wise in her childlike ways. I love her honesty, and it was so cute that we get to see the rest of her siblings.

I loved this storyline! I couldn’t wait to find out what was next, but I also was smiling the entire time. I would totally recommend this book! While it can be read standalone, I would recommend reading it in order.

I received a complimentary copy

Awestruck

About the Book:

Title: Awestruck
Series: Starstruck Love Stories #4
Author: Dana LeCheminant
Release Date: October 3rd, 2025
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Her duty is to the crown. Her heart has other plans.

Princess Freya has spent her life following the rules—until a sharp-tongued, infuriatingly handsome American bodyguard turns her world upside down. With an unprecedented election threatening to shake the monarchy, she’s determined to prove she’s the right ruler for Candora. The last thing she needs is a distraction—especially one who challenges her at every turn and sees right through her carefully composed facade. But the more time she spends with Elliot, the harder it is to ignore the spark between them.

Elliot never planned on playing protector to a princess, let alone one who is stubborn, witty, and far too tempting for his own good. His job is simple: keep Freya safe, keep her out of trouble, and—most importantly—keep things professional. But between royal scandals, political chaos, and a growing attraction that refuses to be ignored, maintaining his distance is getting harder by the day. And when a shocking turn of events threatens everything they both hold dear, Elliot is faced with an impossible choice: duty or desire.

With the future of the monarchy at stake and the world watching their every move, Freya and Elliot must decide—stick to the plan, or risk it all for a love that defies the rules.

Awestruck is a closed door royal romance that’s a standalone story with character connections to the other books in the series. Full of witty banter, forbidden longing, and swoony slow-burn chemistry, it’s perfect for fans of protective heroes, determined princesses, and love that breaks all the rules.

Book Review:

What a fun story! It was so sweet to see Freya’s story and her growth.

Freya was so cool! I loved her thoughtfulness and her strength of will. She had been raised to be a queen and always wanted the role, but was faced with unexpected challenges. From her exasperating new bodyguard, to the surprising challenger to her throne, Freya was forced to evaluate what she truly wanted for her future and what she was willing to sacrifice for it. Her POV really gave insight into her struggles and I felt for her! I loved getting to see her embrace all the ways that she could be a queen that truly cared for her people.

Elliot was so sweet! He was such a good support for Freya, even when they clashed. They were both strong-willed and Elliot had such a protective nature. He was still recovering from a rough patch and was surprised at how quickly he connected with the royals of Caldora. I loved getting to know him over the story as Freya did.

It was really cool to see the Caldora throughout the story. Frey and Elliot really grew together as they faced difficulties and surprises. And there were a lot of surprises in the story! I wasn’t sure how they would play out.

I loved getting to see the friend group again! They are so supportive and cared so much for one another. I also adored Hex and Sanders! I would love to read their stories too. Overall, this was such a fun romance with swoony vibes and only kisses. It also mentions past death of a loved one.

I received an ARC.

Forever Ripley

About the Book:

Title: Forever Ripley
Author: McCall Hoyle
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: September 2nd, 2025
Genre: Children’s Fiction

A deeply personal middle-grade novel by award-winning author McCall Hoyle affirms the powerful and enduring relationship between dogs and humans.

Ripley, an aging German Shepherd Dog, spent her life guarding the wildlife refuge with Max, the best man she’s ever known. But that was before the accident, before he gave her one final job: “Take care of the girls.”

And Ripley has done just that—especially for Charlie, the girl Ripley loves even more than peanut butter. Ripley watches over Charlie with dedication, especially when faced with bullies who threaten the refuge. But Ripley is slowing down. She knows dogs don’t last forever.

Sensing their time together is running out, Charlie plans a farewell adventure filled with Ripley’s favorite things—fried chicken, sandpiper chasing on the beach, and ice cream in Nags Head. Through it all, they learn that love isn’t about holding on—it’s about lifting each other up.

A heartwarming tribute to love, resilience, and the joy of a life well lived, Forever Ripley proves that even in goodbye, there is beauty, courage, and the promise of new beginnings.

Book Review:

This was such a touching story! I flew through it and really enjoyed it.

Ripley was so sweet. I loved getting to see her people through her eyes. She cared so much for taking care of them and wanted them to be prepared for change. Ripley and Charlie had the sweetest relationship. I appreciated how Ms. Hoyle wrote Ripley’s perspective, it really felt like what I would imagine a dog’s thoughts to be, while also providing the context of the story.

I loved the setting of the North Carolina swamps. I am not familiar with that area and it was so cool to see some of its beauty through the characters’ love for it. I loved all the assorted characters and the support system they provided. The themes of friendship, perseverance, courage and grief were addressed gently and through the charm of Ripley’s perspective.

I received an ARC.