Romance | Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

SURRENDERING TO HUNT by Jennifer Ryan

March 31, 2023

Wyoming Wilde, Book 2

From the publisher:

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan returns to the Wyoming Wilde series as a by-the-book lawman tangles with a stubborn young woman. Perfect for fans of authors like Maisey Yates, Joanne Kennedy and Carolyn Brown as well as Diana Palmer, Linda Lael Miller, and BJ Daniels.

They’re tough, tenacious, and sometimes tormented; they’re the Wildes of Wyoming, three brothers whose family ties are as strong as their wills.

The last thing lawman Hunt Wilde ever dreamed he’d do was fall hard for a purple-haired troublemaker like Cyn Wilson. While Hunt believes in law and order, Cyn lives life fast and loose—with fast cars and wild nights. But when Cyn’s sister disappears, she surprisingly turns to him for help. Never let it be said that a Wilde man turned down a woman in distress—and on a mission.

It takes a lot for Cyn to swallow her pride and ask Hunt for anything. The man never gives her a break and is always staring at her with those perceptive eyes. But beneath Cyn’s tough exterior beats a heart as wide and beautiful as Wyoming itself—and soon she finds herself surrendering to the overpowering attraction simmering between them and partnering with him in the search for her missing sister.

She won’t rest until she learns the truth, even if that means putting herself in harm’s way. And when Hunt discovers how much danger Cyn is in because of him, he’s even more determined to take down the man who would take her out of Hunt’s life—forever.
https://amzn.to/3ZCWMVb

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and with the third now available, I realized I missed this one! No harm, no foul – I already had it on my Kindle (thanks, Netgalley!)

The three brothers Wilde are the connection between these books. This one focuses on Hunt, a cop who is always on the right side of the law. That’s why he keeps ticketing Cyn for speeding – he gave her a warning the first time, which she took to mean nothing at all. She is a wild woman, the anti-Hunt if you will, but he can’t help but be drawn to her. Especially as he gets to know her.

Cyn’s sister is in an abusive relationship. While it’s not all that graphic, it could be triggering to anyone who has lived with that. Ryan does a good job showing how women can get caught in a bad relationship, and how difficult it can be for them to get out. Cyn is a successful hairdresser with her own shop, and she’s even opening a second location in the next town over. She has a house big enough for her and her sister and her baby niece, if she can ever convince her sister to move out. She finally reaches that point but then her boyfriend loses his job and of course, blames her. When she disappears, Cyn is frantic and turns to Hunt for help.

The more time they spend together, the more Hunt realizes that there is way more to this woman than her wild reputation. She is a deeply caring, compassionate and empathetic person and he truly admires her. She is drawn to the steadiness Hunt exudes as he helps her to find her sister and the baby. With such a tumultuous story, somehow Cyn and Hunt find their way to one another, even as they follow the leads to her missing sister. There is a lot of suspense here, some appropriate violence (it’s never gratuitous) and some steamy sex, too. This was a quick, unputdownable read and the perfect jumping off point to read the next book in the series.

3/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

SURRENDERING TO HUNT by Jennifer Ryan. Avon (August 23, 2022). ISBN:‎ 978-0063111424. 384p.

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Spotlight Review: JANE & EDWARD by Melodie Edwards

March 28, 2023

A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre

From the publisher:

This powerful reimagining of Jane Eyre, set in a modern-day law firm, is full of romance and hope as it follows the echoing heartbeats of the classic story.

A former foster kid, Jane has led a solitary life as a waitress in the suburbs, working hard to get by. Tired of years of barely scraping together a living, Jane takes classes to become a legal assistant and shortly after graduating accepts a job offer at a distinguished law firm in downtown Toronto. Everyone at the firm thinks she is destined for failure because her boss is the notoriously difficult Edward Rosen, the majority stakeholder of Rosen, Haythe & Thornfield LLP. But Jane has known far worse trials and refuses to back down when economic freedom is so close at hand.

Edward has never been able to keep an assistant—he’s too loud, too messy, too ill-tempered. There’s something about the quietly competent, delightfully sharp-witted Jane that intrigues him though. As their orbits overlap, their feelings begin to develop—first comes fondness and then something more. But when Edward’s secrets put Jane’s independence in jeopardy, she must face long-ignored ghosts from her past and decide if opening her heart is a risk worth taking.

“Fans of Jane Eyre will enjoy spotting the Easter eggs…More importantly, the love story stays faithful to the original, with the addition of some spice… Edwards’s debut is a retelling that will please both diehard Brontë devotees and contemporary romance readers.” —Library Journal
https://amzn.to/3LLcoT3

As every English major knows, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is a classic for a good reason. While I don’t love it like I love the Austen books, it is a story worth modernizing for sure, and Edwards does a superb job. She keeps all the important plot points yet manages to transform them into a contemporary romance.

Jane lost her father, a renowned professor and author, when she was barely a teenager. Her mother died when she was a baby, and as far as she knows, there is no other family. Unfortunately, her father left no will, no provisions for her or his estate. Jane ends up in foster care until she ages out at 18. Her social worker helps her find a cheap apartment and she finds a job waitressing.

Jane has overheard some co-workers discussing this program to be a legal assistant at a nearby school, and she signs up. Much to her surprise, when she finished the program she is offered a job as assistant to the top partner at a downtown Toronto white-shoe law firm. Edward Rosen has not been able to keep an assistant for more than a few weeks – he is loud, messy, ill-tempered and a bit of a bully. Jane has dealt with worse – hello, foster child here – and to Rosen’s surprise, he doesn’t make her cry or walk out. He is intrigued with his super-organized, smart assistant. That intrigue turns to something more.

Jane eventually realizes she has feelings for her boss, a definite no-no in this corporate environment, and when she finally admits her feelings to him, he reciprocates, much to her surprise. They fall into a hot and heavy romance, but it turns out Edward has a secret that ends up destroying their relationship.

If you are familiar with Jane Eyre, you will guess the secret, but I’m not telling. I really enjoyed this book; the characters are very well developed, more so Jane than Edward, and I liked the way the story played out. My only criticism is that the ending seemed a bit rushed to me, but maybe that was me being sorry it ended! All in all, an excellent read (especially for Jane Eyre fans) and a terrific debut. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this author. Let me add that I loved the cover of this book, too – it’s a bit different than the usual contemporary romance covers and serves the story well.

3/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

JANE & EDWARD by Melodie Edwards.‎ Berkley (March 21, 2023). ISBN:‎ 978-0593440773. 352 p.

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THE WEDDING DILEMMA by Mariah Ankenman

March 24, 2023

Mile High Firefighters, Book 1

From the publisher:

My life has always been pretty predictable. Run into burning buildings, save those in distress, be a hero. Shoot the shit with my fireman buddies, come home, and do it all again tomorrow. Little did I know that a random SOS call from a woman stuck in a plaster cast with nothing underneath (I swear I only caught a flash of skin) would throw me for a complete loop.

Until I see the flighty artist again. At my mom’s engagement party. To her dad.

Suddenly the unpredictable woman I couldn’t stop thinking about is my soon-to-be-stepsister. Yeah, the same one I mortified when I accidentally saw her a tiny bit naked. This should make family gatherings way more interesting.

Except when your mom’s as loaded as mine is, you can never fully let your guard down when a guy comes sniffing around. So I can’t help but be suspicious, even though his daughter’s the perfect blend of beautiful and wild. As we spend more time together, prepping for our parents’ wedding, we both agree that maybe there’s nothing wrong with having a little bit of fun in the meantime. But if she knew I was investigating her dad on the side, she would never forgive me…
https://amzn.to/3yUBoQ4

Somehow, I missed this book but read the next two in the series. I liked those so much I hunted this one down, and I’m so glad I did.

This is a really fun read. Tamsen is a young artist who is waitressing to make a living and interning in an art gallery, plus doing her own artwork. She is one busy young woman, so it’s easy to understand how she forgot to oil her skin before covering her torso with plaster to make a mold for her latest piece. But as the plaster dries, she quickly realizes she is in trouble. She calls 911 and three super hot firemen come to her rescue.

Parker loves being a firefighter, and helping out a damsel in distress is all in a day’s work to him. But this damsel really appeals to him. Hitting on someone you’re helping doesn’t feel ethical to him, so he puts off that idea. Until they meet up again – turns out Tamsen’s dad is now engaged to Parker’s mom.

Tamsen lost her mother when she was just a toddler and grew up watching her father struggle on his own. He was a wonderful father, but devastated by losing his wife. Tamsen is really happy he has found someone else to love.

Parker’s father took off when he was a teenager, and was rarely heard from since. His mother is very wealthy and in fact, her first marriage was a society one. She’s come close to marrying again, but both times Parker hired a private investigator to look into those men, and they were bad news. So he hires the same P.I. to investigate her new fiance.

Parker and Tamsen are shocked to find they are going to become step-siblings, and their parents ask them to plan a wedding shower for them. Their attraction to one another is so strong that they can’t put it aside, and Tamsen comes up with the idea of just getting it out of their system – keep it fast and fun and end it. Neither one of them is interested in a relationship but you know that it’s only a matter of time.

This book was a bit uneven for me, and I liked the two that followed more. Nonetheless, I’m glad I went back and read this one. The books all stand alone, but I enjoyed reading them all.

2/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE WEDDING DILEMMA by Mariah Ankenman. Entangled: Amara (May 17, 2021). ISBN:‎ 979-8504056166. 280p.

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IN ISABEAU’S EYES by Lora Leigh

March 24, 2023

Kentucky Nights, Book 1

From the publisher:

The first novel in a new series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh—you’ve met the Mackays; now it’s time to meet their friends.

Danger is stalking Isabeau Boudreaux. After the deaths of her parents ten years ago during a violent attack that left her blind, remnants of her vision are returning. But a series of accidents has convinced her friends the Mackays of Somerset, Kentucky, that someone wants her dead. When a roadside blowout proves to be almost fatal for Isabeau and her good friend Angel, Angel’s brother mercenary Tracker Calloway knows this was no accident.

After a particularly bloody job, the last thing Tracker wants to do is get involved. But whoever is after Isabeau almost hurt his sister, and Isabeau is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. Tracker is determined to protect her but knows staying away from Isabeau is impossible. He begins a steady seduction to tempt the innocent woman into a world of hunger like she could have never imagined. And keeping her is the only option—if he can save her from an unknown enemy as her sight begins to slowly return.
https://amzn.to/40p0PVS

This was a different sort of read for me; the best way I can describe is that it’s an erotic romantic thriller! Isabeau is blind, and her brother and his best friends treat her as a fragile object. Isabeau was blinded when her father killed her mother, shot her in the head, then killed himself. She has had several “accidents” since the murder, and has escaped each time. But when her friend Angel’s driving her to a party, someone shoots out the tire, but somehow Angel manages to keep the car on the road until it is safe to pull over.

Angel’s brother Tracker is a mercenary and has experienced enough horror in his life to protect his heart at all costs. Until he meets Isabeau. He is very observant, and quickly realizes that she is not completely blind. He also thinks she is beautiful and wants her in his bed. He quickly seduces her, but it goes beyond sex. She feels safe with him. She is warned to protect her heart as he is not the type to stick around. and she tries. But as her sight slowly returns, more “accidents” keep happening, and Tracker realizes the killer is closing in.

Isabeau could never understand how her father, who was so loving and kind to her and her mother, could have done what she was told. But even Tracker doubts the story – why would someone else be trying to kill her if the man who shot her was already dead? It makes no sense but he will figure it out – eventually.

There is violence throughout the story and a lot of very explicit sex. I finished the book, but I doubt I’d read another in this series; it’s all a bit too much for me but it is a page-turner for sure.

3/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

IN ISABEAU’S EYES by Lora Leigh. Berkley (March 21, 2023). ISBN:‎ 978-0399583872. 288p.

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THE LOVE WAGER by Lynn Painter

March 17, 2023

Mr. Wrong Number, Book 2

From the publisher:

Two people make a wager on who can find love first, not realizing what they should be betting on is each other, in this new romantic comedy by Lynn Painter, New York Times bestselling author of Mr. Wrong Number.

Hallie Piper is turning over a new leaf. After belly-crawling out of a hotel room (hello, rock bottom), she decides it’s time to become a full-on adult. She gets a new apartment, a new haircut, and a new wardrobe, but when she logs onto the dating app that she has determined will find her new love, she sees none other than Jack, the guy whose room she snuck out of.

After agreeing they are absolutely not interested in each other, Jack and Hallie realize they’re each other’s perfect wing-person in their searches for The One. They text each other about their dates, often scheduling them at the same restaurant so that if things don’t go well, the two of them can get tacos afterward.

Spoiler: they get a lot of tacos together.

Discouraged by the lack of prospects, Jack and Hallie make a wager to see who can find true love first, but when they agree to be fake dates for a weekend wedding, all bets are off. As they pretend to be a couple, lines become blurred and they both struggle to remember why the other was a bad idea to begin with.

“Painter follows up Mr. Wrong Number with an equally cute friends to lovers romance…Their equally filthy sense of humor makes their connection feel real and their game of constant one-upmanship is a lot of fun. Painter’s fans won’t be disappointed.”—Publishers Weekly

“A fun, flirty, and timely read from Painter (Mr. Wrong Number), with likable characters to boot.”—Library Journal
https://amzn.to/3n1OEzS

I loved Mr. Wrong Number, so I was thrilled to get this new book, and it did not disappoint. This was laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, a bit sexy, and totally unputdownable. This book is the second book in the series; the first book revolved around Olivia, and this book is about her brother, Jack. That said, this book stands alone easily, and I didn’t even realize it was a sequel until I saw the series title on Goodreads.

Jack meets Hallie at his sister’s wedding, and they have such amazing chemistry that they end up drunk and in bed together. Hallie is not usually a one-night-stand sort of girl, so when she wakes up to find herself in bed with Jack, she decides to sneak out of the room and try and forget about it.

Jack’s sister signs him up on a dating app and when Hallie joins the app, he is the first one she sees. They start messaging in the app, then off the app, and decide to be each other’s wingman. They also make a wager to see who finds love, the “one”, first. They set up dates with their app matches, but at the same place and time so they can bail each other out and go get tacos if things aren’t going well. That leads to a lot of tacos until Hallie meets Alex.

Alex is a good looking man and the first one that Hallie feels comfortable with. She likes him, he seems kind, and they have fun together, which is driving Jack nuts. Hallie and Jack have become best friends – or is it more? When Hallie needs a last minute date for a family wedding, Jack happily steps in and agrees to be the perfect boyfriend/wedding date, reminiscent of one of my favorite romcoms with Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney, The Wedding Date. Jack and Hallie have fallen in love, but neither wants to pull the plug on their friendship for a shot of romance – until they just can’t help themselves.

This is a terrific romcom with a bit of heat and a lot of laughs, and Painter is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. If you are looking for a really fun read, you’ve found your book. Don’t miss it!

3/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE LOVE WAGER by Lynn Painter. Berkley (March 14, 2023). ISBN:‎ 978-0593437285. 320p.

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Spotlight Review: NOT THAT KIND OF EVER AFTER by Luci Adams

March 14, 2023

From the publisher:

Fairytale meets feminism in Luci Adams’s Not That Kind of Ever After, a frothy adventure of one woman’s journey to claim happily ever after in times of serial dating, swiping right, and the quest to find your soulmate.

Bella Marble’s life isn’t what she imagined. Instead of an author, she’s receptionist at a small press. Instead of happily married, she’s single, and her lovey-dovey parents are divorcing. And to top it off, her best friend of twenty-nine years, Ellie Mathews, is moving out and marrying the heinously boring Mark. (He’s not worthy of her. No one could be). Bella feels rudderless, only slightly soothed by time spent with Ellie’s (not hot) brother, (he’s not hot) Marty (okay, he’s hot. But he’s also the aggravating brother she never had―right)?

When Marty recommends Bella stop looking for “the one” and just have fun, Bella finds a new, empowered side of herself. But when she posts a fairy-tale retelling of a disastrous one night stand on a storytelling app, all of a sudden, Bella has become @B.Enchanted. And she’s gone viral.

Now, Bella’s in a fight with Ellie, her new roommates are so, deeply, weird, and the pressure is mounting to find new fairy tales to write about―but she’s got to live them first.
https://amzn.to/3KVPje9

Luci Adams’ debut novel is a British rom-com with quirky characters finding their happily ever afters. Bella is not yet 30 and is struggling with her parent’s impending divorce, her job as a receptionist in a small publishing house when she really wants to be a writer, her best friend Elle’s engagement to a boring, unworthy man, some very odd roommates, and a sad dating life. Elle’s brother Marty suggests she stop looking for the “one” and just have some fun, which leads her to turn bad one-night stands into funny fairy tales on a Wattpad-type website. No one is more surprised than Bella to find her stories are going viral. Bella should be happy, but she misses her best friend, and the one-night stands are getting old. Luckily, she has Marty on her side, but it takes a while for her to figure out he wants to be more than just friends – and so does she. There are lots of laughs, some angst, and a few surprises before the satisfying ending.

Verdict: This book is a charming British romantic comedy that should appeal to fans of Sophie Cousens, Josie Silver, or Christina Lauren.

©Library Journal, 2023

3/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

NOT THAT KIND OF EVER AFTER by Luci Adams. St. Martin’s Griffin (March 14, 2023). ISBN: 978-1250842206. 400p.

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THE FIREFIGHTERS DILEMMA by Mariah Ankenman

March 10, 2023

Mile High Firefighters, Book 3

From the publisher:

Firefighter Stephanie Díaz won’t let anyone stop her from becoming the youngest female fire chief in Denver. Not the jerks who’d like to see an ambitious Latine woman admit defeat. Not the ultra-bro firefighters she has to work with. And definitely not her ridiculously hot and often infuriating, fellow firefighter Eli Ward. Now Stephanie has the chance to prove to everyone that she’s got what it takes…but there’s one helluva catch.

The Battle of the First Responders is a live, balls-out competition in the secluded Rockies and Stephanie has been selected—along with Ward as her partner. On the line are their reputations, a whole lot of cash…and the promotion they’ve been fighting for. Teaming up is the perfect chance to finally settle their never ending one-upmanship, but it also exposes the smoldering attraction they’ve held at bay.

Now their days are fueled by a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled competition. Their nights are filled with sizzling deep kisses that steal her breath away. But this sexy little fling is about to set off a five-alarm blaze she can’t control…
https://amzn.to/420yW88

I read the second book in this series, The Dating Dilemma by Mariah Ankenman, and really enjoyed it so I’m not sure why I didn’t read the first book, The Wedding Dilemma – maybe my library didn’t have it? I’m going to do a deeper dive and try and find it. I feel confident in saying that these books stand alone because while I was reading this new one, I didn’t even realize it was part of a series. Well done, Ms. Ankenman!

This is a really fun read. Stephanie is a career firefighter who is looking to move up. Eli is a legacy; his father and grandfather were both chiefs in the fire department. Before his father passed away, Eli promised him he’d follow in his footsteps, so he is determined to move up and eventually become chief. Stephanie and Eli work really well together, but that’s only because Eli is holding back his feelings for her.

Stephanie had a really bad experience in her previous job when she dated another firefighter. Things went south and it all landed on her, prompting her to move halfway across the country to Colorado, and she swore she’d never date a co-worker again. Eli is well aware of her rule, so keeps his feelings to himself. Until their chief picks them to enter a new online reality show pitting first responders against one another.

Eli and Stephanie are both supercompetitive, and the chief has made it clear that whoever ends up on top in the competition will get a promotion, so there is a lot at stake here for both of them. Things get more complicated when they find out their living arrangements for the two weeks of filming – they’ll be sharing a small cabin. Yes, it has two bedrooms, but they still will be together 24/7, and Eli isn’t sure how he’s going to hold back.

What he doesn’t know is that Stephanie also has feelings for him, but she is tamping them down hard. As the competition heats up, so does their relationship. It is obvious to everyone there that there is something happening between them, but they are both in deep denial until they finally give in.

There are some hurdles along the way, but Stephanie & Eli find their happily ever after. This was a fun, forced-proximity type romance with some heat and a lot of laughs…and the hot firemen are just a bonus!

2/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE FIREFIGHTERS DILEMMA by Mariah Ankenman. Entangled: Amara (February 27, 2023). ISBN:‎ 979-8378520558. 290p.

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FOR TWICE IN MY LIFE by Annette Christie

March 10, 2023

From the publisher:

A second try at love becomes more than one woman bargained for in this “timeless, enchanting” rom-com from the author of The Rehearsals (Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author).

Can one little lie lead to a big second chance?

Layla’s chaotic life transformed when she met Ian Barnett. Ambitious, committed, and thoughtful, Ian has been everything she’d dreamed of, and she knows he’d say the same of her. So when he breaks up with her out of the blue, Layla is stunned. What went wrong?

But then, Layla gets a call from the local hospital. Ian’s had a biking accident. He’s okay, but he needs someone—his someone—to get him home safely. As it becomes clear Ian doesn’t remember he ended things, it also becomes clear that the accident has given him a new outlook on life . . . and Layla a second chance to get things right.

That is, until Ian’s younger brother comes to town. Matt is restless, unpredictable, and threatens to upset the careful balance Layla and Ian have rebuilt. As things get more complicated both at home and at work, Layla realizes she might lose her chance at real love—and real happiness—if she doesn’t come clean about the stories she’s been telling: to Ian, to Matt, to her family, and most importantly, to herself.

“Second chances take center stage in this cute contemporary . . . Christie does a good job fleshing out Layla’s backstory so that readers will sympathize with her despite her deception. This is a charmer.”―Publishers Weekly

“A clever take on While You Were Sleeping . . . Christie deftly upends romantic comedy tropes. Her characters are complex and realistic, even in heightened situations. A unique love story that will keep readers guessing.”―Kirkus Reviews
https://amzn.to/3ytAZ7e

When I saw the comparison to While You Were Sleeping, one of my favorite movies, I was all in. This book lacks the sweetness of that movie and it has a lot more crazy going on, but it is an apt comparison and an enjoyable read – once I got a handle on the main character, Layla.

Let me backtrack a tiny bit and say I just loved that Layla and her siblings were all named after 1970’s songs; Jude, Rhiannon, and so forth. Layla is a complex character and reveals herself bit by tantalizing bit. I don’t want to give anything away because that’s half the fun of this book. We quickly learn that she works for a small local theater as an administrative assistant, has a bad relationship in her past, is the youngest of a big family, all of whom are coupled up, and she generally feels like a failure in a myriad of ways. She is also a huge fan of the Rat Pack, Audrey Hepburn, and is a total romantic at heart.

We also learn that Layla was dumped two weeks previously by Ian, because they weren’t spending enough time together. They both have busy work lives, but that explanation just haunts Layla and she can’t understand it. So when she receives a phone call from the hospital saying that she is the emergency contact for Ian, she rushed over there to find he was in bicycle accident and has a concussion – and doesn’t remember breaking up with her. As far as Ian’s concerned, they are still happily dating. Layla shakes off her misery over the breakup and grabs this second chance with both hands. But can you build a lasting relationship on a lie?

The accident has changed Ian in other ways. He is no longer entirely work-driven, and he wants to make amends with his younger brother Matt, a wastrel that has spent years wandering around the country and couch surfing. Or so he thinks. He invites Matt to come stay with him and is surprised when he accepts. But Matt is quite withdrawn and surly with Ian, and he drives Layla nuts.

Turns out Matt had written a blog about his wanderings that was turned into a streaming TV show. Unfortunately he was fired after the first season leading Ian to think he is a failure. But when Layla’s theater has to drop their upcoming “emerging playwright” due to a scandal. they are desperate to find another writer. With only a month until the show is supposed to open, they leap at the chance Layla is offering – Matt. Of course she has to talk him into it and who knows if he can even write a play.

Ian and Layla continue dating, Layla spends more time with Matt to eventually realize that she can be completely herself with him, while she continues to hide things from Ian. If you’ve seen While You Were Sleeping, you know how it ends, and if not. enjoy the surprise! I must admit it took me a while to get through it; it slogs a bit through the middle but all in all, it was a fun read and I recommend it.

2/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

FOR TWICE IN MY LIFE by Annette Christie. Little, Brown and Company (February 7, 2023). ISBN:‎ 978-0316451031. 320p.

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THE WOLF AND THE WILDFLOWER by Stacy Reid

March 3, 2023

From the publisher:

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Reid’s addictive tale of two lost people who are found…by each other

London is buzzing with the news that James Winters, the Duke of Wulverton—thought lost at sea a decade ago—survived in the harsh wilderness of the Yukon. Now he’s been returned to his family, his responsibilities, and a nightmarish world of artifice and noise. He has three weeks to become a refined, elegant duke for the Queen…or doom the entire family to ruin and scandal.

Promising psychologist Jules Southby knows a lot about disguises. She’s secretly been living as a boy since birth, enjoying the freedoms of men and knowing little about how to behave like a woman. When she meets the alluring duke, she’s unprepared for his raw, masculine beauty and icy intelligence…or that he can see through her darkest secret.

Jules has very little time to transform the duke into a true semblance of an English gentleman. Yet his very presence seems to unravel her in every way. Their attraction is stark and achingly real—and forbidden. But loving the lost duke would mean losing every sacrifice she’s made to earn her freedom…
https://amzn.to/3S2dURU

A Duke raised by wolves? Pretty much. Although he was 18 when he disappeared into the Yukon, James, the Duke of Wulverton, survived for 10 years in the wilderness to return home to England, a completely changed man. His mother hires Dr. Southby, an alienist, and his son Jules to determine if the Duke has lost his mind or if he can return to society and the role he is required to play. The Duke is incensed to find Dr. Southby invading his privacy and ignoring his wishes, but something about Jules makes him think they could work together. Jules has been living as a male her whole life, and no one suspects a thing, but she somehow senses that the Duke knows her secret.

Working closely together makes Jules face her feminine side, and once they start sleeping together, she soon realizes that while she has not been brought up as a girl, she is easily acting one with the Duke. Their problems are two-fold; they are falling in love but Jules has no desire to live as a woman and give up her freedom, and the Duke only wants Jules yet he is expected to marry a young woman from a prominent family, but he cannot bear to be touched by anyone, other than Jules, and has no desire to be with anyone other than Jules. This is quite the dilemma.

James and Jules become lovers until they are forced apart by her unwillingness to play the part he needs. There is a happy ending, but it is a bit tricky to get there. The plot was a bit far-fetched but I went with it. I liked these characters and the underlying plotline about the psychology of the Duke’s situation. There is a lot of graphic sex throughout, so if that is not your thing look elsewhere for your next read. I thought it well done and ultimately enjoyed the book.

3/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE WOLF AND THE WILDFLOWER by Stacy Reid. Entangled: Scandalous (February 27, 2023). ISBN:‎ 979-8378521623. 300p.

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BEST SERVED HOT by Amanda Elliot

February 24, 2023

From the publisher:

Two restaurant critics learn their opposing tastes might make for a five-star relationship in the next foodie romantic comedy from the author of Sadie on a Plate.

By day, Julie Zimmerman works as an executive assistant. After hours, she’s @JulieZeeEatsNYC, a social media restaurant reviewer with over fifty thousand followers. As much as she loves her self-employed side gig, what Julie really wants is to be a critic at a major newspaper, like the New York Scroll. The only thing worse than the Scroll’s rejection of her application is the fact that smarmy, social-media-averse society boy Bennett Richard Macalester Wright snagged her dream job.

While at the Central Park Food Festival, Julie confronts the annoyingly handsome Bennett about his outdated opinions on social media and posts the resulting video footage. Julie’s follower count soars—and so does the Scroll’s. Julie and Bennett grudgingly agree to partner up for a few reviews to further their buzz. Online buzz, obviously.

Over tapas, burgers, and more, Julie and Bennett connect over their shared love of food. But when the competitive fire between them turns extra spicy, they’ll have to decide how much heat their relationship can take.

“Elliot leaves your stomach grumbling and your heart pounding, and it’s hard to discern what’s more delicious: the elaborate dishes or the couple’s simmering chemistry.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“This romantic comedy from Elliot (Sadie on a Plate) is a sexy slow burn with sizzling chemistry between the well-developed protagonists. Julie and Bennett fall in love over countless meals, and the descriptions of the foods they consume are incredibly described and guaranteed to make readers salivate. Highly recommended for all libraries.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“This classic enemies-to-lovers plot is a slow burn, but the result is worth the wait and the food descriptions along the way will make readers salivate. Romance fans are sure to be charmed.”—Publishers Weekly
https://amzn.to/3xEEwyW

Julie is struggling to make it on her own in New York City. She has a roommate, of course, gleaned through an ad but he is the best one she’s had. She works full time for Mr. Decker, a retired network executive who still maintains an office, but is rarely there leaving Julie with lots of free time to pursue her passion – food writing, more specifically, restaurant reviews. As @JulieZeeEatsNYC, she wanders the city from one new restaurant to the next, specializing in those little gems with affordable pricing. She keeps away from the big name, super expensive restaurants, and has gained a significant following online. But she’s ready for more.

A local paper is hiring a new restaurant reviewer, and Julie thinks of it as her dream job. They never get back to her so she isn’t surprised to find out they gave the job to yet another white, privileged man. He will be reviewing those expensive restaurants for sure. When Julie runs into him at a Central Park food festival, they butt heads over reviewing in print versus online, and Julie videos the whole thing and posts it. That video garners her a lot of new followers, but also bumps up the newspaper’s social media as well.

Bennett’s new boss tells him he should do a few joint reviews with Julie, it will be good for both their social media standing. Julie agrees and a partnership of sorts is formed. Except the more time they spend together, the more Julie realizes that Bennett isn’t the spoiled diletante she thought he was, and he learns that online restaurant reviewers have just as much credibility as do the reviews in print. Oh, and they fall in love somewhere along the way.

When they finally stop fighting their feelings, Julie sees something in his apartment that enrages her, and she takes off during the night. It seems this relationship has met its demise – or has it? I’ll give you a hint; this is a romance so there is a requisite happy ending.

An added bonus to this fast paced, often hilarious romance is the food writing. Elliot does a remarkable job with it – half the time I thought I should be taking notes of these intriguing restaurants, but I’m assuming the names were changed or made up. Kudos to Elliot for pulling off this foodie romance with such style – don’t miss it!

2/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

BEST SERVED HOT by Amanda Elliot. Berkley (February 21, 2023). ISBN:‎ 978-0593335734. 368p.