Title: The Upside of Falling
Author: Alex Light
Publication Date: February 18, 2020
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

It’s been years since seventeen-year-old Becca Hart believed in true love. But when her former best friend teases her for not having a boyfriend, Becca impulsively pretends she’s been secretly seeing someone.

Brett Wells has it all. Being captain of the football team and one of the most popular guys in school, he should have no problem finding someone to date, but he’s always been more focused on his future than who to bring to prom. When he overhears Becca’s lie, Brett decides to step in and be her mystery guy. It’s the perfect solution: he gets people off his back for not dating and she can keep up the ruse.

Acting like the perfect couple isn’t easy though, especially when you barely know the other person. But with Becca still picking up the pieces from when her world was blown apart years ago and Brett just barely holding his together now, they begin to realize they have more in common than they ever could have imagined. When the line between real and pretend begins to blur, they are forced to answer the question: is this fake romance the realest thing in either of their lives?

I think I was in a really good mood when I read this because I ended up loving the book when this would typically make me go "eh" due it being cheesy and predictable. It's also not something new to me because I've seen a lot of tropes thrown to this book (the mean girl, the popular jock, the shy and kinda-nerdy girl, the popular guy and the kinda-nerdy girl getting together and falling in love, fake dating) but something about this pulled me in. I'd say this is a feel-good romance book if you're in need for some light and quick YA contemporary romance read.

However, as much as I enjoyed this during the first read, I wouldn't say this is memorable because it's not, for me. It was just that length of me reading the book where I feel how cute it was but it didn't leave me an impact. Nothing wrong there though. What made me happy was that this book got me interested and well, it was actually sweet. Cheesy, but sweet. And cute. And I'm more than okay with that.

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Title: Layoverland
Author: Gabby Noone
Publication Date: January 21, 2020
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1 star)

Two teens, one stuck atoning for her sins and one destined for heaven, fall in love in purgatory in this darkly hilarious and heartfelt rom-com, perfect for fans of The Good Place.

Beatrice Fox deserves to go straight to hell. At least, that's what she thinks. On her last day on Earth, she ruined the life of the person she loves most--her little sister, Emmy. So when Bea awakens from a fatal car accident to find herself on an airplane headed for a mysterious destination, she's confused, to say the least. Once on the ground, Bea receives some truly harrowing news: not only is she in purgatory, but she has been chosen to join the Memory Experience team. If she wants another shot at heaven, she'll have to use her master manipulation skills to help 5,000 souls suss out what's keeping them from moving on.

There's just one slight problem. Bea's first assigned soul is Caleb, the boy who caused her accident, and the last person Bea would ever want to send to the pearly gates. But as much as Bea would love to see Caleb suffer for dooming her to a seemingly endless future of listening to other people's problems, she can't help but notice that he's kind of cute, and sort of sweet, and that maybe, despite her best efforts, she's totally falling for him. And to make matters worse, he's definitely falling for her. Now, determined to make the most of her time in purgatory, Bea must decide what is truly worth dying for--romance or revenge.

I already gave this a short review on Goodreads but I'd just like to add a few more things why this didn't do it for me, aside from how flat the characters are and how they seem to only have one shared personality trait (I called it I’m Stuck In Purgatory And I Kind Of Am Just Going About My Life Until My Flight To Heaven Comes). There's this line I draw everytime I'm dealing with a "mean" main character. They either worm their way to my heart or they remain on my shit list. Bea's on the latter.

I get that this was like the show The Good Place but the execution for this was just too... poor. And I'm really having a hard time believing those mentors(?) or guides(?) in the airport/purgatory/whatever are deserving of heaven. Bea's guide was an example. I really really REALLY loved the idea or concept for this book but it was just poorly done in my opinion.

I don't really like doing 1-star reviews anymore but this was one of the books I was very excited about and I'm bummed that it let me down.

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Title: Doctor Dearest
Author: R.S. Grey
Publication Date: February 06, 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2 stars)

Natalie

Dr. Easton is part man, part myth.
He’s a formidable surgeon. Highly respected in his field.
He also happens to be an ex-collegiate quarterback with a classically handsome face.
Are you catching on yet?
He’s horrible.
Beautiful.
A walking Ralph Lauren ad.
He’s also so off limits he should come with a warning label: This way lies heartache.
Not only is he an attending at the hospital where I’m training, he’s also my brother’s best friend. If you’ve lost count, that’s two reasons why I plan on putting this ridiculous crush behind me. Besides, it’s definitely not mutual.
Dr. Easton has never once paid me special attention. No tempting smirks. Not even one subtle innuendo. To him, I’m just another resident—all but invisible.

Connor

For the last five years, I’ve mentored Natalie in the OR, stayed in line, and kept my hands to myself, but it’s been agonizing.
Natalie is trouble in scrubs. A walking temptation I’ve been forced to ignore.
For so long, I’ve wanted her in silence. By the time fate finally gets around to throwing me a bone, my patience has run out.
Natalie’s brother is leaving town, and he wants me to watch over her while he’s gone.
She has no idea how I feel about her.
Neither does she.
But she will.
Haven’t you heard good things come to those who wait, Natalie?
Well… I’ve done my waiting.

R.S. Grey's books are some of my favorite to read especially when I need a light rom-com read so I was excited for this because the last medical(?) or doctor... romance? I don't know what to call this where the main character/s is a doctor. Wouldn't label it hospital romance too because if I remember, Anything You Can Do was set in a clinic. Anyway I was excited for this but kinda a little hesitant since it's a brother's-best-friend trope and that trope is either a hit or miss for me with "miss" being the common thing to happen. Sadly, this book was an absolute miss.

I could not connect with the characters, the chemistry between the couple was just bland, the story overall was tasteless though I gave this 2 stars because there was potential during the 20-30% of the book and it was entertaining enough for me to continue but it was just a disappointment in the end. SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER: highlight if you want to read or if you've already read this book (The pregnancy in the end was so UNNECESSARY. The couple was hardly a couple and they really haven'y communicated properly on what their relationship is? Like what's with the pregnancy shit? It didn't help at all with the story.. Like whyyyy.. I hate the unexpected pregnancy trope like NO.)

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Title: Love Her or Lose Her
Series: Hot & Hammered, #2
Author: Tessa Bailey
Publication Date: January 14, 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)

New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey returns with a unique, sexy romantic comedy about a young married couple whose rocky relationship needs a serious renovation.

Rosie and Dominic Vega are the perfect couple: high school sweethearts, best friends, madly in love. Well, they used to be anyway. Now Rosie’s lucky to get a caveman grunt from the ex-soldier every time she walks in the door. Dom is faithful and a great provider, but the man she fell in love with ten years ago is nowhere to be found. When her girlfriends encourage Rosie to demand more out of life and pursue her dream of opening a restaurant, she decides to demand more out of love, too. Three words: marriage boot camp.

Never in a million years did Rosie believe her stoic, too-manly-to-emote husband would actually agree to relationship rehab with a weed-smoking hippy. Dom talking about feelings? Sitting on pillows? Communing with nature? Learning love languages? Nope. But to her surprise, he’s all in, and it forces her to admit her own role in their cracked foundation. As they complete one ridiculous—yet surprisingly helpful—assignment after another, their remodeled relationship gets stronger than ever. Except just as they’re getting back on track, Rosie discovers Dom has a secret... and it could demolish everything.

I was honestly on the fence regarding this book. A part of me loved this because their relationship when they're honest and open was actually beautiful to read but the other part of me didn't love this because at some points, I didn't feel the "connection". I can't explain this clearly but I'm just gonna say that the journey towards them "fixing" their relationship didn't at all grab my interest nor my heart -- yes my heart because I expected this to make me sad or heartbroken or something. But nope. It didn't also set well with me that their solution to their problems was sex - but this was before the counseling.

But despite all that.. this was still kind of okay. I gave it 3 stars because I was interested enough of knowing what Rosie will do with her life. I gotta be honest though, this book had some cheesy lines to the point of them making me cringe. Like no, no one talks like that... especially in real life!

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Title: Inappropriate
Author: Vi Keeland
Publication Date: January 20, 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 stars)

Terminated for inappropriate behavior.

I couldn’t believe the letter in my hands.

Nine years. Nine damn years I’d worked my butt off for one of the largest companies in America, and I was fired with a form letter when I returned home from a week in Aruba.

All because of a video taken when I was on vacation with my friends—a private video made on my private time. Or so I thought…

Pissed off, I cracked open a bottle of wine and wrote my own letter to the gazillionaire CEO telling him what I thought of his company and its practices.

I didn’t think he’d actually respond.

I certainly never thought I’d suddenly become pen pals with the rich jerk.

Eventually, he realized I’d been wronged and made sure I got my job back.

Only…it wasn’t the only thing Grant Lexington wanted to do for me.

But there was no way I was getting involved with my boss’s boss’s boss. Even if he was ridiculously gorgeous, confident, and charming.

It would be completely wrong, inappropriate even.

Sort of like the video that got me into trouble to begin with.

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

But sometimes it’s twice as fun.

I miss an entertaining office romance book so this was a pretty treat. At first this one started out fun and had me grinning at some parts but there was also this element of mystery in it. I'm not entirely a big fan of the dead/ex-wife trope but I could handle it if executed properly. Honestly, every trope out there could be good if done right.

Anyway, I couldn't say much because I might spoil but this was not only sweet and romantic (and hot) for me, it was also heartbreaking and sad as the story progressed. THAT I did not expect. It made me feel mixed emotions.

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Title: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Series: Little French Café, #3
Author: Karen Clarke
Publication Date: October 14, 2019
Genres: Women's Fiction
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)

Last Christmas, Nina gave away her heart – only to have it broken. But this year, at her family’s cosy café, could she find a second chance at love with someone special under the mistletoe?

Nina Bailey loves Christmas. Except this year she doesn’t. Because it turns out that her husband-to-be has been cheating on her – and her beautiful wedding ceremony in the snow is cancelled.

She’s not really in the mood to be jolly, sing carols, or go anywhere near gingerbread men – in fact, what Nina wants is to avoid the whole thing. So she’s come to stay at her Aunt Dolly’s cosy café to nurse her broken heart.

Nina is determined to get through Christmas with no tinsel, no fuss – and definitely no flirting. So when she arrives and meets infuriatingly handsome Ryan Sadler, with his gorgeous forest-green eyes, she is not best pleased. And when Nina overhears him making fun of her, she is furious. (There might have been an incident with a koala onesie and a spilled bottle of milk, but that really wasn’t her fault!) So despite the spark between them, and the fact that he can whip up a fabulous dinner faster than she can say Michelin star, romance and Christmas are off the menu this year.

Unfortunately, Aunt Dolly hasn’t quite got the message, going to great lengths to provide a proper British Christmas for her beloved niece: a true home away from home. With sparkling lights adorning every wall and a tree to equal the Rockefeller Center’s and, yes, mistletoe above every doorway, can Nina resist the magic of Christmas – and stick to her no-romance rule?

This heartwarming romantic comedy will have you reaching for eggnog, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread cookies! The perfect festive book to read curled up in front of the fire, for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Holly Martin and Debbie Johnson.

I was intrigued by these two characters, Nina and Ryan, meeting and possible falling in love after their previous relationships was a wreck. I did enjoy their interactions and they were sweet and cute although minimal. I should've expected it though since this is a Women's Fiction but still, I kinda wanted more. I'll take what I can get. And I did do that. Aside from the romance, Nina's relationship with her family was the highlight for me in this book. I love how supportive and caring they are especially after the events that happened with Nina's grandma who passed away and from her breakup with her ex.

I think I would have enjoyed this far more if I read the first book in the series even though I think that this is part of a companion series because I feel like Ryan's appeared in the first two books under a pen name. I would've enjoyed that. But overall, this was a quick light read. Surprisingly, I loved the little drama near the end.

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Title: Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage
Author: Katie Ginger
Publication Date: October 11, 2019
Genres: Women's Fiction
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

On a grey London day, Esme’s world crumbles around her when she loses her glitzy job on a top TV programme, her gorgeous, city-slicker boyfriend and her stunning apartment, all in one fell swoop just before Christmas.

Esme is forced suddenly to move back to her sleepy home town of Sandchester, and despite the snow blanketing the roof and the fairy lights that twinkle in her rustic little cottage, everything is looking bleak. That is until she reconnects with an old crush and finds herself unexpectedly getting swept away.

But Joe, handsome and charming as he is, is not all he seems. Esme soon realises that he has a tragic past which he just might not be able to overcome…

Surrounded by her loving, if hare-brained, family and with the support of her hilarious friends, Esme is determined to have a go at forging her own path, even if it all comes to nothing. But one question still lingers in her mind: will she find someone to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas?

I won't lie, this was REALLY slow for me at first and I found it truly ridiculous how Nina got fired just like THAT. I mean, there are other ways one can DO to prove that they're telling the truth. How she was dismissed so easily was just dumb and had me rolling my eyes because of how frustrating it was. BUT GOOD THING, this book's pace picked up and I was soooo enjoying it. I loved reading how Nina was starting with her blog and how to get an audience like sis, I can relate. I saw myself there for a moment and it took me back to the days when I started blogging and it felt like no one was there to read. My heart was melting because of the memories. And I love Nina. I love her goal-driven personality and the way she knows what she deserves. I just full on love her and I felt a sense of pride reading what she's achieved after everything she's worked so hard for.

The romance was also so sweet and a little angsty because of Joe's history - angst in a sad way. I also love how supportive he was for Nina and how he was slowly opening his heart for something new. And aside from Joe, Nina's friends and family were just as supportive and present in her life. Being there for her and all. And reading this kind of relationship, whether it's between family or friends or with a special someone, set during the holiday season just warms my heart.

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Title: Four Christmases and a Secret
Author: Zara Stoneley
Publication Date: September 27, 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Except for Daisy Christmas means another of Uncle T’s dreaded Christmas parties, complete with Christmas jumper and flashing antlers. And Oliver Cartwright. Gorgeous Oliver Cartwright. Who she hates.

Every year Daisy has to face insufferable Ollie and hear all about how BRILLIANT he is. Whereas Daisy has no job, no man and no idea how to fix things.

This Christmas however Daisy is determined things will be different. There will be no snogging Ollie under the mistletoe like when they were teenagers. No, this year she’ll show Ollie that she’s a Responsible Adult too.

But as the champagne corks pop, and the tinsel sparkles, Uncle T has news of his own to share…and it could change Daisy's life forever…

This is my first Christmas-related read for the year and I'm off to a good start. Four Christmases and a Secret made me feel warm inside because 1) it's set during the holiday season; 2) it has the friends-to-lovers trope aka my favorite in romance even though it was quite the slow-burn; 3) Uncle Terence and his bookstore; 4) Christmas party in a bookshop - I mean, how amazing is that; and 5) Stanley.

There were still things that bugged me though was how Daisy's mom annoyed me at the beginning who kept insisting that her daughter should be dating/married and that kind of talk irks me. Some scenes between Daisy and Ollie were kind of confusing too when it comes to their relationship but oh well.

Overall, this was a quick read and quite slow at some point. Still, it was enjoyable than I thought.

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Title: Call Me, Maybe
Author: Stephie Chapman
Publication Date: October09, 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)

What if you got a second chance with your first love?

What happens when you meet your teenage heart-throb – when you’re both all grown up?
When Cassie was fifteen, all she wanted was to marry Jesse Franklin, the bassist from her favourite band, Franko. Now she’s single, in her late twenties and wondering what happened to that teenage dream.

A chance encounter on Facebook soon leads to a transatlantic hook up, and soon, Jesse and Cassie are having a long-distance love affair spanning five thousand miles.

Cassie is on cloud nine – until she hears something that makes her think that Jesse might not be all that he seems. They say never meet your heroes – but what happens when you fall in love with them…?

Are Cassie and Jesse star crossed lovers, destined to be together? Or should Cassie have left her crush in the box marked 'teenage memories'?

I gotta say, this is one of those insta-love books but for some reason, I still went with it even though I'm not really a big fan of that kind of romance. Call Me, Maybe explored a long distance relationship and while many relationships do work despite the distance, this kinda put me off a bit. Like the two characters just met, he knew she was a fan, they talked a bit about their life and all, then suddenly they're fighting about who gets to adjust. I'll be honest if I say that both characters were a bit selfish on their part and handled some events poorly. What gave me a sense of relief though was that Cassie and Jesse were both aware of their faults.

Still, I did love the friendships especially between Cassie and Rachel even though there were moments where I was kind of "hmmm" about it. Out of all the sibling-relationship in this book between the Franklin brothers, Brandon and Jesse's was my favorite. But what else is my favorite? Jesse and Lainey's aka Brandon's wife aka Jesse's sister-in-law. She gives him advice and she's like a mother hen to Jesse. It was comforting to read when you know what happened between the family.

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