searchingforhappilyeverafter's reviews
79 reviews

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling is all kinds of spine-tingling, bewitching fun and steamy romance.

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones cast what she thought was a harmless and silly break-up curse upon breaker of hearts, Rhys Penhallow. Rhys is one of the descendants of the town’s ancestors and has returned to Graves Glen, Georgia to recharge the town’s ley lines. After a series of disastrous incidents, Vivi realizes her Ex Hex might not be so harmless after all. Vivi and Rhys work together to break the curse and save the town, all while discovering old family secrets and fighting their intense attraction, which hasn’t dimmed in all these years.

Vivi and Rhys have their issues to work through, including Vivi’s reluctance to completely accept magic. I love the journey these two go on. Despite being complete opposites, they learn that they can trust and rely on each other. And Rhys might just be the most charming witch ever! Rhys and Vivienne’s sparkling chemistry and banter, along with enchanting and witty secondary characters and a sprinkle of spookiness, will have you smiling and swooning as you read this story.

Erin Sterling has such a fantastic way with words that she pulls you right into this magical world. Graves Glen is a fun place that I wish was real so I could visit. But for now, I’ll settle for visiting through this delightful story, which will hopefully turn into a series. Rhys’s brother Bowen definitely has a story that I hope will be told soon because I seriously need to know what he’s been up to in the mountains. I’d also love for Vivi’s cousin Gwyn and Rhys’s eldest brother Wells to get their own stories, too.

Have you read this book yet? It has the perfect amount of sweet, spooky, and spicy fall vibes.

How the Marquess was Won is the sixth book in Julie Anne Long’s Pennyroyal Green series. I’ve been saying this for every book in the series so far, but this one really is my favorite! It has a smart and witty heroine and a hero who is completely gone for her. He knows and understands her so well. And he doesn’t think twice about dueling for her honor or running out to rescue her cat! As usual, Julie has created the perfect match for the hero and heroine. Also, Charybdis, the fluffy trap, might just be the best cat character ever written.

A Notorious Countess Confesses is the sixth book in the Pennyroyal Green Series. Evie Duggan went from Covent Garden to courtesan to countess. She has enchanted London society and is accustomed to being who she needs to be in order to survive and look after her family. Suddenly her marriage is over, and scandal forces her to escape to Pennyroyal Green. Evie has vowed never to be at the mercy of any man. Vicar Adam Sylvaine, cousin to the Everseas, is the heart of Pennyroyal Green and has charmed the entire town. His parishioners trust him completely.

This story revolves around Evie trying to fit in with the ladies of Pennyroyal Green. She enlists Adam’s help in making friends. While doing so, Evie quickly realizes flirting will not work with Adam. I love how he encourages her to be herself. Evie is a genuinely kind person and some of my favorite scenes are of her developing friendships with the townspeople, especially the O’Flaherty family.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story because this was the first book I’ve read with a vicar as the MMC. The romance is so sweet and sensual. As per the norm for this series, Julie Anne Long has created the perfect partner to complement both the hero and heroine.

Please pardon this interruption of fall festivities for a snowy romantic holiday getaway at Gingerbread Falls!

Welcome to Gingerbread Falls! Here you can stop by the Gingerbread Café for a Gingerbread Crème coffee, specially made by barista and owner Noelle Butler. And meet the handsome new doctor in town, Carson Stark.

A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls by Katie Mettner is about small screen actress Carrie Murray and Hollywood action hero Braxton Timothy. Carrie and Braxton have traumatic pasts, but their emotional and complex journey is beautifully written. As they work together filming a festive holiday movie, Carrie and Braxton help each other heal, learn to move forward, and end up falling in love.

This is such a unique and heartwarming holiday romance. It’s actually two stories in one, alternating between scenes from the movie that Carrie and Braxton are filming and their developing real-life romance. Both storylines flow really well together, making this an engaging and enjoyable read.

If you’re looking for a holiday romance with some steam, give this one a try!

Welcome to Somerset Lake, North Carolina.

The Christmas Village by Annie Rains is a charming and heartfelt story about a second chance between former high school sweethearts, Lucy Hannigan and Miles Bruno. It’s the second book in the Somerset Lake series.

Lucy has inherited her late mother’s house on Christmas Lane in her hometown of Somerset Lake. After about a year, she is unfortunately still struggling to pay her mother’s medical bills, so when Miles needs a new place to stay, Lucy reluctantly agrees to let him become her tenant. Miles and Lucy have a heartbreaking past. They each have their own issues and grief to work through, especially since this is Lucy’s first holiday season without her mom. While living in close proximity and teaming up for the Merriest Lawn Contest, Lucy and Miles discover that they still care deeply for each other.

The writing style of Annie Rains just sparkles with holiday magic and hope throughout thoughtfully written character backstories and plot. This book has everything a heartwarming holiday romance needs, including an incredible cast of characters, adorable furry companions, and plenty of holiday spirit and festivities. Also, there are some great #HeroesWhoCuddleCats moments!

If you’re looking for an emotional and sweet holiday romance, give this one a read! I absolutely adored this book and definitely plan on going back to read the first one in this series. Hopefully, Lucy’s friend Tess’s story will be next!

Just for the Holidays is the second book in the Sambrano Studios series by Adriana Herrera. It’s the story of casting director Perla Sambrano and actor Gael Montez. Years ago, Gael broke Perla’s heart. But when her studio decides that Gael would be perfect for their new telenovela, Perla has to convince him to take the part. She goes to his family’s home in the Hamptons to speak with him directly and ends up getting stranded there together because of a snowstorm. Steamy exchanges ensue as they are forced to spend the holidays together!

It’s a fun second chance romance with a bit of forced proximity and fake dating. I loved getting to know Perla, Gael, and Gael’s family and enjoyed seeing Esme and Rodrigo again. The chemistry between Gael and Perla was just scorching! Adriana Herrera pulls you into the story with her beautiful descriptions of Puerto Rican culture and cuisine.

If you’re looking for a steamy and passionate holiday romance, you should read this one. It’s releasing on October 26. It was a pleasure to spend more time with the Sambrano Studios family.

The Perks of Loving a Wallflower is the second book in Erica Ridley's The Wild Wynchesters series. Thomasina Wynchester, a master of disguise, wants only one thing, to be loved for who she is. Philippa York doesn’t believe in love and is only interested in solving a mysterious military code. She resents needing the help of a man, but when she enlists Baron Vanderbean's help, she is pleasantly surprised to find out that her new friend is actually the charming and clever Tommy. Hilarity and sparks ensue and lead to a fantastic romance.

Erica Ridley takes the reader on a beautiful and wildly romantic journey. Tommy has had more experience with being attracted to other women, while Philippa has spent her life confused and wondering why she never feels any sparks towards men. But then she meets Tommy and the sparks fly off the page. They have many obstacles to overcome, including Philippa’s struggles to fully accept Tommy. But all of this made it even more wonderful when they finally realized their love for each other.

I love stories with found families, and the Wynchesters are one of the best. It was so heartwarming to see Philippa experience the love, warmth, and acceptance that comes from a true family.

Thank you so much to the publisher for the ARC.