The Rom-Commers: A Book Review

There's something in Katherine Center's romcoms that makes me devour them SO fast. The Rom-Commers was no different! I binged this so hard. I never wanted to stop reading it, and even when I had to stop reading, I thought about the characters constantly. I adored this story and its characters.

I loved the setup of two screenwriters writing a romcom together and falling in love along the way! It made for a unique story and the perfect excuse for forced proximity. The two main characters were so vibrant in my mind. I appreciated Emma's wild red hair and her witty, dependable personality. I had a soft spot for Charlie's grumpy but kind demeanor. And I loved the journey they took together discovering what love looked like for them. 

As expected for Katherine Center's book, this book dealt with some tough themes. Emma and Charlie went through some really hard times. But that's what I love about Center's romcoms. The banter and chemistry was delicious, but it was made even more special though the hard times the characters overcame. And while I had some issues with the ending (no spoilers here), I really appreciated this story and would absolutely recommend!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4.5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for the arc!
Releases June 11, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: death of a parent (recounted), chronic injury, care-taking, cancer (recounted), kisses, near drowning

Romancing the Grump: A Book Review

This romance is so sweet! Jenny Proctor is quickly making herself a queen in the sweet hockey romcom genre with her Appies character series. This book has all the romcom tropes readers love:

- a soft-hearted grump male main character

- a workplace romance

- fake dating

- one bed

- caretaking during sickness

But most of all, I love the communication with the two main characters. There's tons of banter both in person and over text, and they also have some sweet, heartfelt conversations. They are honest with each other, which always makes me love a romance book more. 

My only critiques are that I wanted a bit more tension, maybe in the female main character development or in the side plots. But I think if you're expecting and excited for a fluffy, feel-good romance, Romancing the Grump would be perfect to pick up! It's very binge-able and has an adorable, sweet romance. Don't hesitate on this next Jenny Proctor book!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Jenny Proctor, for the arc!
Releases April 23, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: workplace harassment, death of a parent (recounted), alcoholism, kisses

Savor It: A Book Review

This book is such a sincere and heartfelt romance. I love the opposite worlds the characters come from: small town farm girl and a Michelin-star New York chef. Opposites really attract in this romance, and I love the constant use of open communication throughout their story.

There are so many motifs that make this romance unique (Sage's robes, for example—iykyk). I also like the themes of overcoming work burnout, figuring out how to parent teenagers, small town versus big city, savoring things while they last, and choosing to live a happy life no matter what that looks like to you. I really identified with that last one, and it made me love and appreciate the journeys the characters went on both together and separately. 

My only critique is that the tension did drag a bit for me at some parts, making me want to skim. But overall, I think this romance is special and worth reading. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 5
Overall: 4

Thank you, St. Martin's Griffin, for the arc!
Releases May 21, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: death of loved ones (off page), injury, four-ish open door scenes

Fast and Fabulous Knits: A Book Review

Ummm can I make every single pattern in this book?!

Fast and Fabulous Knits by Jaime Doefman was my most anticipated knitting book EVER, and it does not disappoint! Each pattern is so unique, so beautiful, and so versatile. I love how Jaime shows the versatile range of bulky knits, complete with cables, textures, colorwork, and lace! This really is the perfect all-around pattern book for gorgeous, fast knits.

The patterns are all size inclusive, and the instructions are all laid out clearly and beautifully. The photos are bright and fun too. I love flipping through this book, planning future knits! This book is a must have. 

Overall: 5

Congrats to @jaime_creates for such a fabulous book!!
And thank you to Page Street Publishing for the review copy!