katiedermody's reviews
1949 reviews

I knew I was probably going to like this one because I've really enjoyed all of the author's other books, but I LOVED it. It's a very meta story, a romance book about romance authors who were together but he broke her heart and now years later due to some of the best romance tropes happening to them (forced promoxity, only one bed), they're writing a second chance Christmas romance novel together. Jess has published some books but is stuck coming up with an idea for the next one when she's asked (more like voluntold) to introduce Nick when he receives an industry award despite never actually writing a happy ending (which as we know, makes it not a true romance). Even though they haven't spoken since they broke up and he's had significantly more success than her, what she doesn't know is he's also been stuck for ideas. In the short time they message ahead of time, the verbal sparring inspired them both and when they end up storm stayed at the inn that hosted the awards, sharing a room because her reservation was lost, their editors suggest they write together. They do, becoming closer as the days go on, clearly still attracted to each other. She doesn't know he still loves her and regrets the way that they ended, and that it ended at all. I liked how fiesty she was, how sweet he was, and how they were clearly perfect for each other in so many ways. I used to think I didn't like second chance romances but I love them and this is simply the latest to prove that to me. Plus, everything was all Christmassy, which I'm starting to be in the mood for so the timing was perfect! This is definitely one I'll think about and want to read again someday, I'm sure. Well done, Falon Ballard! Also, the sneak peak of her next book has me so intrigued!

This book was a rollercoaster! I remember really enjoying the first one and then looking forward to this second book even though I'm not usually the hugest fan of duets. This one was a wild ride as we saw Marcot and Jackson figure out their relationship while he's on tour and she's back home at school and working. They both struggle with when to say I love you (that's a big part of the story) and the stress of him navigating being the hot young guitarist in a steadily rising rock band and her not trusting that does lead to a tense time about 3/4 of the way through. Was very emotional, and then when it was resolved I teared up. But let me tell you, their physical chemistry was never the issue!! I would have liked more time with them together at the end but there was just enough for it to feel final and complete as a story. 

I wasn't sure how I felt about this one going into it because I've enjoyed the author's books before but am not generally drawn to of books with supernatural elements. I kept putting off reading it and finally decided to read it around Halloween to see if my brain would be more into it, which it wasn't at first. But once I got down to the wire and made myself start reading I actually really enjoyed it! She's a curse breaker, he's an archeologist who thinks what she does is fake. They're hired to work at the same castle but before they know that or what each other does they meet, have a meal, and kiss. Then once they find out it's enemies (antagonists?) to lovers all the way. I thought their banter, their energy, and attraction were all very clear and well done. There were some spicy scenes but I've read spicier lately. I was surprised I got into the curse aspect of it all but it was more about ancient Scottish legend, the fae, etc. so I enjoyed myself and am even open to reading her next book when it comes out, which is supposed to have a more overtly supernatural situation going on. 

This was another pretty quick and enjoyable read from Carrie Elks. This is book 3 in the second gen series, this one about the other twin from the previous book. Marley drums in their band, works construction with his brother, and is very involved as a volunteer firefighter. His best friend and former Chief died two years ago right in front of him and he promised to take care of the family left behind. Kate is trying to keep it together as a grieving single mom of a 15, 8, and 6 year old and doesn't want any help. She and Marley haven't been in a lot of contact because she withdrew from the department people but she knows he's always around checking on them. They end up spending more time together and both realize their attraction and developing feelings can't be ignored. Right when things are starting to go well something traumatic happens and then the guilt, accusations, and fear star flying. Overall, I loved how gone he was for her even after denying it so long, and how wonderful he was with the kids. The third act breakup was rough in a way that made complete sense and like it needed to happen. I enjoyed being back in the small town with the Hartson family and others, and look forward to the final book about the youngest brother when it comes out next year cuz he's always been a bit of a mystery. 

I've never read an A.J. Truman book but have loved Matt's so I was excited for this first cowrite from them and it was so lovely! It's second chance that starts six months after Marshall (Marsh), an aspiring comedian, broke up with his boyfriend of either years, Marshall (Data), an accountant with a talent for wood carving. Data was somewhat blindsided and  heartbroken when their relationship ended after eight years together, but when Marsh asks him to go to their co-owned cabin in the mountains for a weekend to pack it up and get it ready to sell, he goes. Both men are big guys and loved each other for it (the fat rep here was well done, I love how hot they are for each other's bodies), and it's like no time has passed. First it's "breakup sex" but then they're snowed in and things go from there, all while both men still secretly love the other and think once they get back to the city it's all over for real. There's chronic illness rep (asthma), a family member with dementia, childhood trauma from growing up without much to get by on, fears about being almost forty and not knowing what you're doing in life, and more. I really really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the rest of this series as it's released in the next couple of years. Also, I've read all of Matt's books but now I want to dig into A.J.'s extensive backlist. I've said it before with Matt's books and also earlier this month with another author's, but even though I'm always here for queer rep, anything written own voice (in this case MM written by gay men) has a wonderful sense of authenticity to it that I just love. 

Every time I read a Jen Morris book it reminds me how much I love Jen Morris books and this was no exception! I really enjoyed this "age gap, ex-boyfriend's dad who she actually knew first and liked more but didn't realize their relationship until too late" romance. We met Daisy in the first book in this series, as the barista at Joe's coffee place who helped the two MCs get together bad became friends with them. She's now been at the shop 7 years and realized she's stagnated in her life. She came to New York after high school, left her awful family after experiencing intense loss, and wanted a new life but feels stuck. Weston has been going to the shop for about a year and seemed sad so she tried to cheer him up. He still wears his wedding ring since his wife passed three years ago, but she doesn't realize she's a widower so she ends up dating a guy she meets who she figures is closer to her in age and more appropriate. Then they figure out who each other is, the son is an ass and dumps her (already was strained with his dad) and Daisy and Wes try to avoid their feelings but eventually end up together. Chaos ensues later. The way they both were dealing with grief and allowed each other space to feel their feelings, miss their people, and also being light back to their lives together was lovely. The spice was good and for some reason the pet name "babygirl" wasn't ick like it has been for me in other books so that was nice, especially considering the virginity aspect (which was well done in my opinion). The connection to the other series was fun and now I want to reread those books. I think I know who one of the MCs in the next book in this series was set up to be so we'll see what happens!

Cozyverse indeed! This is book one in a four book series by Omegaverse authors Emilia Emerson and Eliana Lee (starting here with Emilia). They promoted this series as low-angst, cozy Omegaverse and it definitely followed through. It is simultaneously the comfiest, sweetest fall in Stars Hallow-esque read and the spiciness expected of Omegaverse with all the regular aspects. Olive Autumn Harvest has moved to small coastal town Starlight Grove to be their new lighthouse keeper. She is an omega who has experienced the loss of family and lives with chronic illness, so she believes she's better off alone. But right from chapter 1 in this multi-POV story we find out that Easton, the first of the three alphas who eventually pursue her, is already obsessed (very specifically not in a creepy way, he'd like you to know). Things fall into place with the help of the meddling town cat, Felix, so that he and his pack brothers, Lars and Finn, are working every day to restore the lighthouse.
Olive is fiesty and sometimes cranky, but is timid and vulnerable under it all. She hates socizliing but the town, including her new instant friend group (the other three ladies who will have books in the series), won't let her keep herself hidden. But even with her eventual pack, her friends, and other townsfolk (including a Taylor Dosey type pushy older man in charge of the town's many festivals), Olive is unsure that people will continue to want her around when they find out about her physical and mental health conditions that other people have said are "too much" before. 
I absolutely loved life in this little town, trying to catch all the Gilmore Girls references, and Felix the seemingly sentient cat. Don't be fooled by the cute cover (which is super adorable by the way and I love both covers I've seen so far), the spice in this book is spicy (and excellent) and follows pretty established alpha/omega tendencies (knots, heats, ruts, etc.). I myself just got into reading Omegaverse earlier this year and these two authors were some of my favorites, so I was pumped when I found out they were creating this series together. The first book did not disappoint and I look forward to the next book when it is released in December. But first, you can read A Pack for Autumn when it's out Nov 13/24. Thank you to Emilia for the arc!

Got this for the first story because I'm looking for more time loop stories. This kind of fit but the rest of the graphic novel was just whatever and I didn't care about it. 

Congrats to Chelsea Curto on another excellent new release! I loved Face Off and the most recent Camera Chemistry book but there's something about this one that grabbed my attention and I just LOVED. I am always on board for a grumpy goalie and Liam came through on that. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and teach me feels special because it shows the reality that people have different levels of sexual experience and that's okay. Piper, having been hurt during her divorce and not treated well throughout the marriage, is working to regain confidence by asking for what she wants. In exchange for acting as his girlfriend at his sister's wedding to get the family off his back, he's going to be her sex and intimacy coach. It's supposed to be casual otherwise and only in the bedroom, but as they bond and become best friends (whilst in denial about what else it could be) it becomes much more. I loved their flirty, banter-y back and forth and I think "I tolerate you" is the new "I can't say I like you" standard now. The spice in this was also great and obviously not as much of a slow burn because of the whole sex lessons thing. As usual, it was so fun to see the friend group and the hockey team again, and see more of what women in sports deal with (check the CW at the start of the book because Piper deals with sexism and blatant harassment). I tried to catch bread crumbs and teasers for future books and while I think I may have caught some, the list of upcoming books and their tropes also surprised me in the best way (learning who Hudson's love interest will be!!!). I know I've said this for the last two or three books, but I think this one is my new fave, and I have a feeling that'll just keep happening because Chelsea's writing keeps getting better and better! Well done!

Wow. This story was a wild ride. Being a fan of One Tree Hill and now the Drama Queens podcast, and knowing what I've learned about cults/high control groups through research (hyperfixation), I'm choosing to believe Joy's story. I remember hearing when she was on the show that she was a Christian, eventually married a pastor's kid, and as someone who grew up religious and a PK myself, I remember admiring her for that. This is a huge example of you never know what people are dealing with unless you're in it with them and sometimes not even then. Finding out that she was in a high control religious group that started as a bible study, and now that another actor I know of (and possible another) were also involved at on point was just mind blowing. I'm glad she's telling her story and even though she changed all names and adjusted some timings and things to protect the children of former members and other victims, that more people involved will speak out and that if this group is still practicing, people will see the truth about them. Yikes.