Loving the Ladies' Man by Kristin Canary

Synopsis:

In the story of love, sometimes the best plot twist is the office flirt you didn’t see coming…

I never thought I’d end up falling for the last guy in the world I should want—Connor Bryant, the resident office ladies’ man. I’m the quirky Pride & Prejudice-loving editor with a passion for big words and a wardrobe that screams “world’s least sexy librarian.”

We’re complete opposites, and to make matters worse, we’re vying for the same job.

No worries—I’m perfectly happy keeping him at arm’s length. And judging by his lack of interest in me (the only woman in the office he hasn’t flirted with), he seems to agree.

But then, a sudden earthquake rocks my carefully constructed world, and we find ourselves stuck overnight in the office. Suddenly, things don’t seem so simple. It turns out that Connor isn’t the self-absorbed jerk I thought he was.

When he offers to join me as my fake boyfriend at my ex’s wedding—talk about a curveball—I can’t help but let my heart race and my imagination run wild. Especially when he surprises me with a kiss that’s way more swoony than chaste.

I know I can’t fall for him—that would be repeating my past mistakes. But my heart is stubbornly convinced that Connor might just be my very own Mr. Darcy.

Can I resist the magnetic pull of our unexpected chemistry, or will I end up writing my own love story with the man I swore I'd never want?

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I don't know why I continually do this to myself. What am I doing you may ask? I tend to put off reading the popular books until they no longer fill my newsfeeds. I'm someone who wants to be different and read books that no one else is reading. But every single time I do that, I always regret not reading it when everyone else is. Why? Because the books end up being freaking amazing, and I'm always late to the party. Case in point, Loving the Ladies' Man! 

Y'all. I was hooked from the very beginning. I giggled out loud, suffered from second-hand embarrassment, got teary eyed, cheered our couple on, got frustrated with them, swooned at their tender moments and sizzling kisses, and let out all the little dreamy sighs. In other words, I absolutely loved every single minute I spent with Evie and Connor. 

These two are perfectly imperfect, but perfect for each other. They pushed each other, cheered each other on, gave each other strength, and made sacrifices for the betterment of the other. You can't help but love and root for Evie and Connor. *dreamy sigh* These two are the best!

As most of you may know, I love me some awesome side characters, and this book was filled with them! I also love when said side characters have their own books. I can see lots and lots of reading in my near future. 

This is my very first book by Ms. Canary, and obviously it won't be my last. I have all her books in this series and the beginning of the next, all lined up and ready for me to dive it. I just know another author is going to be added to my favorites list, and that's always a huge plus! We can never have too many favorites, right?!

As for my casting... *dreamy sigh* LOVE!

Paging Dr. Summers by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Summer fling or the real thing?

My mom’s last gift came with two an unexpected inheritance from the father I never knew, and one unforgettable summer in Aspen Lake. Her only request? Complete the bucket list she left for me. Simple enough—until I saw that item written in HAVE A SUMMER FLING.

I’ve never been the type to fall into a fling, but Mom insisted it would be a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Determined not to let her down, I set out to find my perfect Mr. Summer. Instead, I have a cringeworthy not-so-meet-cute with Dr. Logan Summers—my devastatingly handsome new neighbor with a guarded heart and a painful past.

Despite our rocky start, the relationship between Logan and me blooms into an unexpected friendship filled with laughter, adventure, and undeniable sparks. But as our connection grows and our friendship becomes something deeper, I find myself wondering—what if I want more than just a fling? Can the magic of summer love stay forever?

My Review: 5 Stars!

Oh holy swooniness in a heart shaped shell! Y'all. I can't even begin to tell you how much I adored this book!

I have been in one of those dread reading ruts for MONTHS. The only books I've been able to read are ones that I have already read multiple times. And let me tell you... that gets old. So when I woke up yesterday morning and actually had the desire to read something new, I immediately grabbed this baby. 

*dreamy sigh* 

Best. Decision. Ever!

From the moment Brooke and Logan met, there was an instant connection. One that Brooke wanted to embrace and had Logan wanting to run for the hills. But we've all read enough romance books to know that our beloved characters can't outrun Fate. And, in Brooke and Logan's case, can't outrun Roxanne. 

If I had to describe their story, I would have to say it's magical, full of heart, unwavering love, brimming with adventures, hope, self discovery, and so many swoony moments that will have you turning into a bio ol' pile of ooey gooey goodness over and over and over again. Their story is absolutely beautiful and just what the doctor ordered. 

Ms. Peel never ceases to amaze me. Her books have a way of capturing me and transporting me to a place full of adventures and wonder with characters you just can't help but fall in love with. Aspen Lake will forever hold a special place in my heart. I can't wait to go back for another visit!

As for my casting... I'm kind of in love... *dreamy sigh*

Under Crimson Blades by Anna Hawke

Synopsis:

It’s scary what a smile can hide.

Remmus conceals his horrific past behind a veil of charm, loyalty, and strength. When his unique expertise lands him at the center of a dangerous mission, he is forced to partner with a werewolf beta who despises him. Remmus has never met a more captivating woman, but his future is far from secure. As his mind begins to unravel, the secret he harbors risks ruining him forever.

Poisoned by betrayal, Ava has loathed Raeths for centuries. She detests Remmus’ presence in her den, but the Raeth intrigues her wolf. As hatred slowly dissolves into desire, Ava will either live for today or let the past dictate her destiny.

Together, they must discover a way to tear down their enemy from within and secure a victory for the immortal world. When fate ties them together, the truth will either set them free—or destroy them both.

My Review: 5 Stars

A Raeth and a Werewolf. Both with traumatic pasts. Both searching for something, anything to free them from the horrors of their childhoods. Both trying to regain all that they've lost. Both desperately needing the love of each other before it's too late. 

Speechless. I am speechless. Where do I even start to tell you all about the journey of Remmus and Ava? Broken. Wrecked. Shattered. Betrayal. Pain. Tears. Traumatic. Unconditional love. Forgiveness. Laughter. Redemption. Family. Trust. Strength. Heartachingly beautiful. Those words. All those words are just part of what made their journey unforgettable and worth every single tear I shed for them. I'm not going to sugarcoat it, this journey was definitely not an easy one to get through. 

Remmus and Ava will forever hold a special place in my heart. My heart literally broke into a million pieces for them, and was slowly put back together, bit by bit, as amends were made, and their love grew. After all these two have been through, they desperately needed a HEA, and the icing on the cake was they found it with each other.

I have been procrastinating this series because the closer I get to the end, the worse it's going to be. I've known this for months now. It has taken me 11 weeks to even pick up this book. But once I picked it up, there was no going back. I was hooked. Am I going to pick up the next book in the series right away? I have no clue. I'm still reeling from all things Remmus and Ava. 

Ms. Hawke is extremely talented when it comes to writing. I am in awe of the worlds she can create and the unique twists and turns she throws into her books. Even though I know she's going to rip my heart out, shatter it into a million pieces, stomp on it for good measure, and do a little happy dance at my pain, she's still a favorite of mine. If you haven't read any of her books, I highly recommend you give them a try! You won't regret it. 

And of course I can't forget my casting. *dreamy sigh* I just adore these two! 

Without Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Can their love conquer pride and prejudice?

Ever since I first read Pride and Prejudice at twelve years old, I’ve dreamed of being Elizabeth Bennet. That dream is now about to come true. I, Monroe Wilde, the woman some could argue isn’t exactly Elizabeth Bennet material, have been chosen to play the beloved heroine for one week at Pride and Prejudice Park, a destination experience for Jane Austen devotees. To make this dream even more amazing and surreal, my best friend, the Duke of Blackthorne, Alastair Fitzroy, has volunteered to play my Mr. Darcy.

If this wasn’t fantastic enough, it appears my broody and ridiculously attractive best friend, who I’ve done my best not to fall in love with, wants to be my real-life Mr. Darcy as well. But there are some gigantic obstacles standing in our way. For starters—I’m not exactly duchess material, and we run in very different circles. Dating me would most certainly make him a social pariah. But the biggest problem of all is that, well . . . I don’t know exactly how to explain it, but somehow after a horrible mishap at the park, I find myself more than just pretending to be Elizabeth Bennet—I land smack dab in the middle of the actual Pride and Prejudice story.

So since I’m here and unsure whether it’s a dream or if Pride and Prejudice really is heaven, I figure I’ll just help move things along and make sure everyone gets a happy ending, even Mr. Collins. But leave it to me to mess up the quintessential love story of all time. What happens if I can’t get Mr. Darcy to fall in love with Elizabeth? Will I ever get back to Alastair? Will I ever become the Elizabeth I so wish to be? And I have to wonder: can my world exist without Pride and Prejudice?

My Review: 5 Stars!

Have you ever just needed a day to yourself? A day where you ignore everything and everyone around you and do something you want to do? That's exactly how I felt when I woke up this morning. So what did I do? I grabbed this baby, ignored the world around me, and dove head first into all things Monroe and Fitz. 

I don't know where to begin to tell you how much I adored Monroe and Fitz. From their first meeting, their "Ta-da!" moment, I was hooked and knew this book was going to be one I would treasure for years to come. One that I know I'll be reading over and over again. 

I'm usually not a fan of friends to lovers, but Monroe and Fitz are something special. Their connection, their bond, their love for each other, had me feeling all the feels and rooting for them to get their HEA. Their story had every thing I have come to crave and love in the books I read. I couldn't decide if I wanted to devour their book as quickly as possible, or read it as slow as I could to savor every moment they shared together. Their journey is beautiful and full of heart. I loved every minute I spent with Monroe and Fitz. It was perfection in my opinion.

You guys know how much I adore the side characters and this book was full of them. From Monroe's P&P family, to their real families, I fell in love with them all. They were the perfect addition to an already amazing story. Now someone please tell me that I'm not the only one who needs Anna and Kingston's story. Intrigued is an understatement when it comes to these two. I'm crossing all the thangs that Ms. Peel gives us their HEA. 

There's a reason why Ms. Peel is one of my favorite authors and this book is a perfect example. I can always count on her to make me laugh out loud, get teary-eyed, and let out little dreamy sighs while reading her books. I'm in awe of her talent and cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

As for my casting... I adore these two! What do you think?!

A Pen Pal for Christmas by Jess Mastorakos

Synopsis:

A secret pen pal exchange, a holiday romance, and a danger they never saw coming.

Snow Hill is the perfect place for a holiday escape, and for Sofia, it’s the ultimate refuge from the drama back home. With her brother thriving in this charming Christmas town, the last thing she wants is to disrupt it with her own troubles. Determined to focus on the festive magic, she throws herself into a new holiday a secret pen pal exchange designed to spread joy around town.

After a devastating loss while stationed overseas, Hudson is more than ready to spend Christmas in Snow Hill. He's hoping the place where he spent his childhood will help him find peace, but then his well-meaning Aunt Ida signs him up for the holiday pen pal exchange to cheer him up. Hudson doubts it will lead to much more than a few lighthearted letters, but for his aunt, he reluctantly agrees.

As the holiday season unfolds, Sofia and Hudson connect with their anonymous pen pals on paper. At the same time, their real-life paths keep crossing, and the sparks between them are undeniable. But when the danger from Sofia's past creeps into Snow Hill's festive bubble, can they find a way to protect each other—and the love they’ve begun to find?

My Review: 5 Stars

There's no better feeling than opening up a much anticipated book and being instantly transported to one of your favorite fictional places. A place where the world around you ceases to exist and, just for a little while, you can forget all your worries and just live in the moment with some of your favorite characters. These moments and books are ones I will always treasure.

Sofia and Hudson are something special. From the moment they met, there was a connection that went far beyond attraction. Something between them just clicked and everything grew from there. You can't help but love them and their relationship. They helped each other to see themselves how the other one sees them. They lifted each other up when they were down. They loved each other unconditionally and were by each others side when they needed it the most. I simply adored these two and loved watching them get there HEA. Everything about this book was perfection and had this girl letting out all the little dreamy sighs.

I absolutely adore the small town of Snow Hill and everyone in it. Watching old friends rally behind Sofia and Hudson had my heart smiling. And meeting new friends who did the same? Absolute perfection. I'm counting down the months until Jamie's book is released. I can't wait to return to Snow Hill. 

One of my favorites genres is romantic suspense and y'all. Ms. Mastorakos nailed it! This book has more suspense than what she normally writes and I'm crossing my fingers that more of her books are like this one! It was fantastic! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

As for my casting. Y'all. This is definitely one of my favorites! I love these two! What do you think?

Across Shadowed Paths by Anna Hawke

Synopsis:

Three days. Two people. One cabin. A mating bond triggered by a vampire’s bite.

Blair escaped the horrors of her past, but they never stopped haunting her. Driven by the need for revenge, she ventures into the heart of enemy territory. When she’s exposed as a vampire, being rescued strands her in the wilderness with her best friend’s brother.

Living in the shadow of his sister, Kaien fears he can claim nothing to his own merit. When he saves Blair’s life, he’s stripped of his abilities and trapped in a mating bond with a woman who refuses him. Thousands of miles away from his clan, he must battle against the need to claim her as his fated mate—and the one thing that could solely be his.

Away from civilization, the masks they wear crumble, and the scorching desire between them ignites. Sheltering together in a remote cabin, Blair and Kaien must survive the elements—and each other.

My Review: 5 Stars

Raise your hand if you have been known to hold a grudge against fictional characters. You didn't know that was a thing? Neither did I until I met Blair in From Tortured Fates. Y'all. That woman has had me fuming for 3 months and refusing to read her book. All because she did something to our beloved Circe and Luc that I did NOT approve of. IYKYK. 

Since I have been invested in this series from the moment I picked it up, I finally just said forget it. Pick up the dang book and read it. And so I did. I was not 100% sold on Blair going into the book, even though I was assured that others had the same feelings I did and ended up loving Blair. She's definitely rough around the edges and goes out of her way to be defiant. But about halfway through, she started growing on me. I may or may not have loved her by the end. 

Okay fine. I did end up loving her. But I believe that Kaien had a lot to do with that. The man was her perfect mate. He balanced her, strengthen her, protected her, smoothed out those roughened edges, and simply loved her. She has never had that in her life and didn't know how to react. Through Kaien's love, she was able to discover who she truly was and learned to love in return. *le sigh* I love love. 

As for the continued story, y'all. All I have to say is PLOT TWIST! I did NOT see that one coming and I'm even more invested than I was before. I cannot wait to see what happens next! 

Ms. Hawke has quickly become one of my favorite authors. The worlds she creates are unique and intriguing. Once I start one of her books, I have the hardest time putting them down. She is amazing! If you haven't read any of her books yet, I highly recommend checking them out!

As for my casting... *dreamy sigh* Aren't these two perfect?! Your answer should be a resounding YES! Hehe. 

2025 Genre/Trope Reading Challenge

Happy New Year my fellow Book Dragons! Welcome to my 6th Annual Genre/Trope Reading Challenge!

1. Romantasy: Across Shadowed Paths by Anna Hawke
2. Spy: Date with Danger by Jenessa Fayeth 
3. Suspense: 
4. Grumpy/Sunshine: Without Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Peel
5. RomCom: My Vigilante Valentine by Jess Mastorakos
6. Single Parent: 
7. Urban Fantasy: Under Crimson Blades by Anna Hawke
8. Christmas: A Pen Pal for Christmas by Jess Mastorakos
9. Small Town: Paging Dr. Summers by Jennifer Peel
10. Marriage of Convenience: 

Happy reading my fellow Book Dragons!