From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

 

"Love to me was honesty. Being real. Knowing someone's best and worst. Love was a push that said someone believed in you when you didn't."

Release Date: February 1st, 2018

Genre: Contemporary romance, sports romance, fiction

Rating:

Summary:

If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one.

After seventeen years - and countless broken bones and broken promises - she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close.

But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she's spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything.

Including Ivan Lukov. 

Review:

I definitely missed the From Lukov with Love train - but better late than never, as they say!

I absolutely adored this book! 5 out of 5 bunnies, easily! This is my second sports romance novel, and I am 110% HERE. FOR. IT. Specifically because it is an ice-skating sports romance. I have lazily loved figure skating since I checked out a book at my school library as a kid that was about Michelle Kwan. What a queen. So then to read Icebreaker first then From Lukov with Love, it really allowed me to get into the brain of a figure skater.

I am normally a proud member of the friends-to-lovers trope club BUT the rivals-to-lovers in this book had me SWOONING. This was such a slow burn, but it was completely worth it and made the most sense. Jasmine and Ivan had despised each other for years. It was going to take a lot of name calling, blood, sweat and tears to get these two to see eye-to-eye but it was worth the wait! The love for each other didn't happen overnight: it was gradual, painstakingly slow, and then one day, BOOM! Struck by lightning and there was no turning back.

Jasmine is ABSOLUTELY NESTA CODED. Come to think of it, Jasmine and Ivan are ABSOLUTELY NESTA AND CASSIAN CODED. There, I said it. I absolutely can see so many parallels between the characters and I'm a sucker for it. Jasmine was such a multi-dimensional, complex character. I loved her strength, tenacity, and passion. I hope to achieve all my goals in life while conjuring the determination of Jasmine Santos. Side note, Ivan with all of his rescue animals, SO PRECIOUS. Always get you a man who loves animals, green flags all around.

I am normally not a fan of epilogues, they tend to ruin things for me in the long-run...but this one was perfect and adorable. No complaints at all.

This was such an amazing read. Once again, better late than never. Pick up this stunning sports romance novel! You can thank me later!

Hugs & kisses! 

Quotes:

"You are who you are in life, and you either live that time trying to bend yourself to make other people happy, or...you don't."

"But my mom had told me once that regret was worse than fear."

"I could have been the bigger person, but fuck it, I was five foot three and I wasn't built to be that person ever."

"Nothing and nobody would ever come between my dreams and me."

"When you want something bad enough, you can always make it happen."

"Love to me was honesty. Being real. Knowing someone's best and worst. Love was a push that said someone believed in you when you didn't."

"You're enough. You will always be enough. Hear me?"

"That's the girl I know. The one I partnered up with. The one I think is the best - and you better not ever ask me to repeat that because I won't."

"I believe in you. In us. Regardless of what happens, you will always be the best partner I've ever had. You'll always be the hardest working person I've ever known. There will only ever be you."

'Because I'm okay with you having ten other people be your favorite. But you're always going to be my favorite person," he finished. "Always. No matter what."

"This was my partner. This was more than my partner. He was my other half." 

Happy Place by Emily Henry

 

"You're in all of my happiest places."

Release Date: April 25, 2023

Genre: Fiction, contemporary romance

Rating: 

Summary:

Think of your happy place...

Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college - they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except now - for reasons they're still not discussing - they don't.

They broke up five months ago...and still haven't told their best friends.

Which is how they find themselves sharing a bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group's yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blissful week, they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.

Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale, and this is the last week they'll have all together in this place. They can't stand to break their friends' hearts, and so they'll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laidback charmer who never lets the cracks show. It's a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week...in front of those who know you best?

Review:

OH. MY. GOODNESS.

Emily Henry does it again. This woman is a true artist. The way she wields words to make such a beautifully crafted masterpiece. Happy Place holds such a special place in my heart (alongside Book Lovers and Beach Read).

I almost did not read this book. I was 95% committed to the fact that I was not going to read this book (while the 5% was devastated that I was not going to read Emily Henry's latest novel). The premise of this book just did not strike my fancy. I absolutely despised the idea of reading about two ex-lovers being forced to pretend they are a happy couple and relive all the good as well as bad memories.

However, SO many people were raving about how good of a book this was. I finally was convinced. 

This was giving me such strong 500 Days of Summer vibes throughout most of the book where you are seeing where everything went wrong in the relationship. For the majority of the book I was absolutely dreading what I thought was the inevitable but this book blew my expectations out of the water! IT WAS SO PHENOMENAL. I am SOBBING.

Such beautiful lessons and beautiful characters in this book. This book makes me feel like I am in my happy place. My heart is so full and so warm. I need to go to Maine on vacation ASAP and re-read this book. Who's with me? 

Quotes:

"It doesn't matter how busy life's been, how long the five of us have gone without seeing one another: meeting at the cottage is like pulling on a favorite sweatshirt, worn to perfection. Time doesn't move the same way when we're there. Things change, but we stretch and grow and make room for one another. Our love is a place we can always come back to, and it will be waiting, the same as it ever was. You belong here."

"Like even when something beautiful breaks, the making of it still matters."

"Love means constantly saying you're sorry, and then doing better."

"There doesn't need to be a winner and a loser. You just have to care how the other person feels. You have to care more about them than you do about being right."

"I understood then, the immense honor it is to hurt like she does. To have loved someone so much that the taste of maple syrup can make you cry and laugh at the same time."

"I want my life to be like-like making pottery. I want to enjoy it while it's happening, not just for where it might get me eventually."

"You're in all of my happiest places."

"You, you, you."

"No," he says quietly. "In every universe, it's you for me. Even if it's not me for you."

"I love you," I tell him. "In every universe."

"Because there's nowhere I wouldn't go for you."

"Are you saying I can come home?" "I'm saying," he murmurs softly, "it's not home unless you're there."

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

 

"You have no idea, do you? The lengths I'd go if you'd let me. What I'd do to make you happy."

TW: disordered eating, mental health, toxic friendships, near-death experiences, death of a parent, slut-shaming

Release Date: November 22, 2022

Genre: Contemporary romance, fiction

Rating:

Summary:

He's the one thing she couldn't plan for.

Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. It looks like everything is going according to plan when she gets a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills, and lands a place on their competitive figure skating team.

Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins.

Nate's focus as team captain is on keeping his team on the ice. Which is tricky when a facilities mishap means they are forced to share a rink with the figure skating team - including Anastasia, who clearly can't stand him.

But when Anastasia's skating partner faces an uncertain future, she may have to look to Nate to take her shot.

Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn't worried...because she could never like a hockey player, right? 

Review:

DEVOURED. RAVAGED. DEMOLISHED. 

I absolutely DEVOURED this book in less than 48 hours. I ate this shit up, licked my fingers clean, and left no crumbs. 

SCRUMPTIOUS. MOUTHWATERING. DELECTABLE.

This book was utterly SCCRUMPTIOUS. I had seen it all over Bookstagram and knew I needed to read it at some point. I was entirely underprepared for how magnificent it would be. 

 I had never read a proper sports romance novel and this definitely delivered. The ice skater x hockey player trope is so fantastic. This very much gives me Cutting Edge vibes. I'm so hooked. I need to read more of this trope! 

The chemistry between Anastasia and Nate is astounding. Their connection leaps off the pages! I know a lot of people did not like Anastasia at first but she is exactly what I expected when her character was first introduced. I really appreciated getting to know the depth of Anastasia, know her deepest-darkest thoughts, and watch her interactions/budding relationships with other characters. On the flip side, can I get an order Nate Hawkins to-go please? Thank you! He is the perfect book boyfriend. Nate is ABSOLUTELY written by a woman. 

"It's not porn. It's a romance book that happens to have a little bit of sex in it." You're damn right, Anastasia. HOWEVER, for a book that is set on the ice, the smutty parts in this book were STEAMING HOT. SPICY. MUY CALIENTE. Chef's kiss. While there was quite a healthy dose of smut in this book, it was more than just the physicality of these scenes. Both of our protagonists are very physical, sex positive people. There were many soft moments during sex that allowed good insight to the characters and their relationship with each other. While also being just damn right delectable. 

I was fully prepared for a cheesy, smutty romance (which it definitely was) but in the most delicious ways while also having our main protagonists tackle some really tough experiences together. This book touched on some very mature topics while also demonstrating very healthy, communicative relationships.

An abundance of amazing side characters: Lola, all the hockey players, the coaches, Nate's sister and Anastasia's parents. I felt like I was part of their little family, this little community. It was so funny and so amazing to read. Russ, one of the hockey players, is getting his own spin-off novel called Wildfire (set to come out late 2023). Anastasia's relationship, specifically, with Henry was so heartwarming. Henry is such a great character, I hope he gets his own spin-off novel too! Also, how amazing Anastasia's family is and how great her parents are with Nathan. So precious.

This book was phenomenal from start to finish. This easily gets 5 out of 5 bunnies without-a-doubt. We have your enemies-to-lovers, reverse grumpy x sunshine, sports romance, spicy, showcases healthy relationships, and down right hilarious. If you haven't read this yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? I highly recommend you pick this up. It will not disappoint! 

*Also the playlist provided at the beginning of the book is FIRE. It is so good. 

Quotes: 

"Looking at her makes me want to be the funniest guy in the room, so I can be the one to make her laugh."

"You have no idea, do you? The lengths I'd go to if you'd let me. What I'd do to make you happy."

"Of course, I know you really well, Anastasia. You're my favorite subject."

"Don't give me that shit. I've seen what you have on your smutty bookshelf."

"You're my favorite," I whisper, leaning in to kiss her flushed cheek. "Even if I had crab hands?" "Even if you had crab hands, Anastasia."

"Let it all out. You're safe. I'm here."

"She's taught me communicating doesn't mean everything is perfect, it doesn't mean we don't disagree. It means we work through the imperfect bit together, and if we don't agree, we at least know why the other feels that way, even if it's not going to change our minds. We're still individuals, but we're individuals together, and I never knew relationships could be like this."

"Falling in love with Nathan Hawkins was not something I could have planned. No planner, iPad, or freaking sticker chart could have prepared me for my future. My imagination isn't capable of dreaming up this level of happiness." 

When Life Gives You Vampires by Gloria Duke

 

"To anyone who has ever thought the size or shape of their body made them somehow less. You are so much more!"

Release Date: October 27, 2022

Genre: Paranormal romance, contemporary romance

TW: fatphobia, body-shaming, diet culture, toxic parent, blood, injury, discussion of consent/mind control

Rating:

Summary:

So much for the afterlife.

Twenty-five-year-old Lily Baines is used to waking up hungover, overweight, and underemployed. Waking up with fangs? Not so much. But when a little light necking has more serious consequences than she ever imaged, Lily's determined to get to the bottom of it, or diet (again) trying.

Tristan hadn't meant to turn Lily-it's against vampire law-but now that she's here, they need to team up to save both their hides. They strike on uneasy truce, fending off other vampires. Lily's work rival turned slayer, and her mother's tone-deaf romance and fitness advice...all while Lily faces down her insecurities about the fact that she lives in a diet-obsessed world with a body that will never age, never die, and never change. 

Falling for her maddeningly gorgeous sire? Easy. Surviving an ancient vampire master determined to see her twice dead? Piece of cake. But can Lily ever truly learn to love the woman she'll be forever more?

Review:

I’m definitely a sucker (partially intended pun) for a good book cover. The cover immediately drew me in to this modern-day vampire romance novel. I read the summary and was beyond excited to read about modern day vampires, a plus-size baddie, and a self-acceptance journey with a light-heartened, comedic tone throughout the book.

I desperately wanted to love this book. My high expectations, ultimately, fell flat. Gloria Duke truly had an amazing concept on her hands but shoved too much information into a measly 327 pages. I could easily see this book being split into a duology instead. I think this would have provided a better landscape to allow the plot to develop as well as the characters. However, this was not a duology and thus, must review it as is. Let’s begin:

Lily, our plus-size baddie main character. I immediately was drawn to Lily, her independence, and her body image struggles. I appreciate her independence and strength throughout the book. I also really appreciate Lily’s hilarious commentary. I wish there was more time to see Lily develop as a character though. I thought this book was going to be very profound when it came to self-love and body acceptance, but it did not deliver. How could it have possibly delivered? There was no time with introducing new characters, becoming a vampire, a budding romance, an evil foe to defeat, a vampire slayer to deal with…there was simply too much. Lily went from extreme dieting to loving herself in such a short time when, realistically, this would have taken a lot more time to progress. I would have loved to read through this growth, but it felt rushed.

Tristan, our brooding love interest. Tristan fell short. I wanted to fall in love with this swoon-worthy, modern-day vampire but it missed the mark completely. I was more interested in other characters than Tristan. Even side characters like Evan, Raven, even Gideon had more intrigue than Tristan.

Cat, our smart and beautiful best friend. I really appreciated Cat and Lily’s friendship. What I appreciated more? The small insights into the toxicity of Lily’s insecurities spewing onto Cat and her self-esteem.  Everyone has their own insecurities. I do not care what size the person is or how beautiful someone thinks they are; everyone has their own unique insecurities with themselves. Cat is a beautiful woman whose intelligence is constantly overlooked, even by her best friend. I think it is a great lesson to learn that we all need to be kinder to ourselves and others.

Lily’s mom, our toxic body-negative mother. Lily’s mom has spent her entire life commenting on her weight, buying her too small articles of clothing, and encouraging unhealthy diet culture. Lily can never be enough for her mother. Some of the biggest flaws I found with this book were with the relationship between Lily and her mother. Specifically, that the amount of emotional trauma Lily’s mom has caused is so casually brought up and discussed. While it is admitted that the pair have a lot of work in the future to improve their relationship, essentially, all her previous atrocities have been forgiven. No harm, no foul.  Wrong. It is completely acceptable to cut ties with your mother if it is not helpful for you and your mental health. It is also completely acceptable to never forgive her. A casual apology for your mom about YEARS of trauma is unacceptable. There needs to be physical proof of her educating herself and showing she is changing.

Overall, I really wanted to love this book. I thought it would check all the boxes but sadly, it did not. As stated previously, if we just had more time to really delve into these plot lines and characters, I think it would have been a more successful novel.  I think that it is a light-hearted book that is worth the read but disappointment may await you in the end. Also, if topics such as body image, dieting, or toxic parents can be triggering, avoid this book altogether. 

Quotes:

"To anyone who has ever thought the size or shape of their body made them somehow less. You are so much more!"

"Life was a lot harder then. People looked older. Aged more quickly. But if I understand what you're really asking," he says, "rest assured. No matter how many centuries pass, you'll still look as young and lovely as you do today."

"In case you haven't noticed by now, I'm not one of your beautiful but helpless damsels in distress."

"Lily is that rare combination of beauty and strength."

"And all at once, the body I've always thought was way too big seems much too small to contain my happiness."

"I write about romantic heroines, but Lily, you are my heroine." He strokes his thumb across my cheek, and my whole undead being springs to life. "You are more beautiful, more courageous, and yes, my darling, more maddening than anyone I could ever have imagined. And never have I ever loved anyone the way I love you."

"And when I look up and see the uncluttered racks, the unstuffed shelves, I know, it's actually a win. I mean, when you let go of the things that squeeze and poke and pinch at you, it opens up room for all kinds of other things to come into your life. Better things. Things that really do fit."

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

 

"Sometimes, even when you start with the last page and you think you know everything, a book finds a way to surprise you." 

Release Date: May 3, 2022

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Rating: 

Summary:

One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming...

Nora Stephen's life is books - she's read them all - and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laid-back dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister, Libby. 

Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sister's trip away - with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she's convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meads or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish, brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute, if not for the fact that they've met many times and it's never been cute.

If Nora knows she's not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he's nobody's hero, but as they are thrown together again and again - in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow - what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they've written about themselves.

Review:

Book Lovers is an impactful life lesson on family and love while moonlighting as a cheesy, Hallmark romance. Book Lovers was intended to be a playful reprieve for myself (as I am currently in-between books in a dark, fantasy fiction series). However, this novel and the characters swiftly became embedded in my heart. This book is about love: the love of your family, the love of a city, the love of books, and the safe love welcoming you home. It is not simply a romance novel. The level of depth Emily Henry was able to steep into these pages is astounding to me. It was nearly impossible for me to put this book down. Book Lovers embodies the message that “home is where the heart is” and “you can have your cake and eat it too.”

Nora is the main protagonist who thrives on the hustle and bustle of New York City. She is a literary agent who is cunning, blood-thirsty, and relentless. Nora is a strong, independent woman who knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. Her weak spot? Her sister Libby and being blinded by a false sense of nostalgia. Nora likes to read the last pages of a book to see if it's worth reading (same here, girl. It is a terrible habit and I don't know how to stop!) 

I adore the bond between these sisters, Nora and Libby. Emily Henry was able to successfully write about two sisters being connected and not having to be enemies. It can be hard to find sources of media showcasing the love between sisters and not having a sibling rivalry. It was heart-wrenching to read about Nora’s fears of losing her best friend and to see the distance that was steadily increasing between the pair. It bares truth that while these sisters are completely opposite and may experience times of uncertainty or great difficulty, it allows their bond to strengthen. In addition, Emily Henry also broaches the conversation of when a child has been parentified. "A parentified child has responsibilities placed on them that are inappropriate, considering their age and abilities," from www.medicalnewstoday.com. it is interesting to see how differently the sisters few their childhood and their relationship with their deceased mother. 

The banter and the chemistry between Nora and Charlie were electrifying. At first, it seems impossible that these two would ever find each other likeable. Nora seems awfully irresponsible and Charlie seems dull and lackluster when the two first meet. However, in the setting of a small town such as Sunshine Falls, a connection develops that is so magnetic it was impossible to ignore. While the pair had ample passion, it was the sense of safety and security between the two that was the most heart-warming for me. Nora found a home in Charlie and vice versa. Every interaction between these two left me smiling and giddy. As cheesy as can be, I truly believe Charlie was a perfect puzzle piece fit. 

I appreciate thoroughly that the author was able to show the growth of Nora as a character while also maintaining her independent qualities. Emily Henry does not villainize being in love with your career, not wanting children, and enjoying being a stranger in a big city. Nora can have all these things and have a happy ending. I resonate with Nora immensely and it was comforting to see Nora get her happy ending. It gives me hope that I write my own fairy-tale ending as well: an unwavering bond with my sister, a beautiful romance that checks all the boxes, and a successful career that brings me joy. 

I would highly recommend reading this book. I'm sure that you will also have great difficulty putting this book down as well. This book was devoured in less than a week. A stunning book that ties in all the elements: a big city, a small town, the power of sisters and a finding the love of your life. it is witty, it is heart-warming, and there is so much depth in these characters. 

Quotes:

"Sometimes, even when you start with the last page and you think you know everything, a book finds a way to surprise you."

"I realized there were too many books in the world and not enough time."

"Is there anything better than iced coffee and a bookstore on a sunny day? I mean, aside from hot coffee and a bookstore on a rainy day."

"Some books you don't read so much as live."

"That's the thing about women. There's no good way to be one. Wear your emotions on your sleeve and you're hysterical. Keep them tucked away where your boyfriend doesn't have to tend to them and you're a heartless bitch."

"Books with no dog ears and shiny new covers, cleaning and shelving and reading 'bout lovers."

"It's a feeling not unlike reading a really good book: all-consuming, worry-obliterating."

"You fucking undo me."

"Maybe love shouldn't be built on a foundation of compromises, but maybe it can't exist without them either. Not the kind that forces two people into shapes they don't fit in, but the kind that loosens their grips, always leaves room to grow. Compromises that say, there will be a you-shaped space in my heart, and if your shape changes, I will adapt. No matter where we go, our love will stretch out to hold us, ad that makes me feel like...like everything will be okay."