Summer in the Highlands: A Book Review

This collection of romantic short stories was an utter DELIGHT to read. I was instantly transported to beautiful Scotland with such atmospheric descriptions of the landscape and its people. It was the perfect setting for romance!

What I love most about these stories is the characters. They all have such incredible growth. The authors all did a commendable job giving us a full romance and deep character growth with how short the stories are! I feel attached to all the couples and their stories. Each romance felt unique to me, and once I started each story I had trouble putting it down again. This collection is truly perfection, and one I will be recommending for years!

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

Thank you, Nichole Van, for the arc!
Releases June 25, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: war violence and injury, mild injury, parent deaths, mild physical abuse, closed door

Knitting Books Feature

Today I’m highlighting some recent pattern books I got! Be sure to check these out if you’re interested.

LOVELY LACE KNITS
The beautiful lace patterns in this book feel timeless and classy. There’s a good variety of projects: hats, shawls, scarves, sweaters, etc. All patterns are size inclusive and are clearly written out! And I love how the book is organized into unique categories: nature-inspired textures, fuzzy and dainty designs, romantic patterns, and joyful designs.

KNIT SHAWLS & WRAPS IN 1 WEEK
The patterns in this book are expertly organized by season, and it even has a section on cowls. This book feels comprehensive with its variety of patterns! I think shawl knitters will find every pattern and technique they need in this book.

THE NORDIC KNITTING PRIMER
Every single pattern is stunning in this book. And I love how it has a colorwork 101 section at the beginning, so even beginners can learn everything they need to before they begin. Even the book is organized from beginner to master, so this book appeals to a wide skill set! All patterns are size inclusive, and several have step-by-step pictures of techniques needed.

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for these review copies!

Beneath a Crescent Shadow: A Book Review

What really drew me into this book is its medieval Serbian setting. The story is rich with historical details, and I was fascinated with the culture and politics of the time. Add in marriage of convenience? I'm a goner. I loved the circumstances that brought Konstantin and Suzana together, and their relationship is so sweet as it develops. There's great tension in the first half of the story with an attempted-murder mystery and Suzana overcoming the trauma of her past. 

However, the last half fell a little flat for me. The romantic tension dropped off pretty immediately after the midway point, and that left Konstantin to make some self-sabotaging decisions. In short, I had no patience for his stupidity. The ending does have a good climax though, and the story ends well. I like the set up for Sowards's next book with Ivan. I'll definitely give it a chance!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the arc!
Releases June 4, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: past child abuse, past and present (off page) sexual assault, attempted murder, violence and death, kidnapping

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!