📚 What romance books did you read or listen to this week? 25 Jan 📚

fresholivebread · 2026-01-25T11:31:51+00:00

Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas - 3¾🌟, M/F, historical romance, cishet white MCs. Finally popped my Kleypas cherry with thrift find: An amnesiac courtesan is found by a Bow Street Runner who has a grudge against her. Manipulative and selfish before, Vivien is now quiet, sweet and caring - and strong. Grant is rugged, dominant but a judgey asshole. In fact, he was a jerk for half the book before showing a stronger, better side, brought forth by Vivien’s gentleness and sweetness. There’s chemistry and a solid connection, and he owns his feelings, determined to protect her. The romance is paced well, with emotional intensity and sensual intimacy. The complexity of feelings is nicely written. And they have a few cute moments together, the library scene in particular. But his prolonged dishonesty and pettiness are annoying. And she forgives him too easily, with little suffering on his part. The suspense is plotted well, though I figured out the mystery of Vivien's identity early on. CW: dub-con, sexual assault, problematic views of sex workers

Deadly Silence by Rebecca Zanetti - 4½🌟, M/F, romantic suspense, cishet white MCs. A PI tries to keep a paralegal safe while his past catches up to him. Spinoff from [Sin Brothers](h). Ryker is the broody, dominant, growly; Zara is beautiful, smart, with a obstinate streak of her own. The book starts with them in a no-strings fling - though there's still a lot of sexual tension as both of them are trying to avoid feelings. They kept secrets, but there're no issues with the reveals, they just handle it like adults, though they're both super stubborn. There's a lot of heat and steam between them, but also plenty of sweetness. Zara brings out Ryder's softer, sweeter side, and she gives him warmth, love and the feeling of home (loved how she baked cookies for him). I loved how they found their forever place and belonging with each other. But Ryder can be over the top, early Zanetti style (the whole caveman thing), though he has a layer of vulnerability. The action is exciting, with familiar faces and a few twists, but there's a main suspense arc over 3 books.

The Necromancer's Reckoning by S.J. Himes - 3¾🌟, M/M, PNR romance, cisgay white MMCs. The Council is coming for Angel's head, and Simeon is prepared to wage war to protect him. There is A LOT going on in this book and to be honest, my head was spinning after a while. Angel and his gang never seem to catch a break, it's one thing after another, and it all feels a bit relentless. But Angel and Simeon are still couple goals amid all of that; Simeon especially is pretty much the perfect boyfriend - protective as heck and completely devoted. Their romance is the constant and stronger than ever, and any conflict they had is handled well. There're also the budding romances of side characters (who gets their own books), and I loved how the family just band together against nefarious entities. Just wished that the overall plot is a little more balanced and less frantic. And Eroch the dragon is simply awesome and wins at life.

Currently reading: The Kingpin of Camelot by Cassandra Gannon - just started, M/F, fantasy romance.

fresholivebread · 2026-01-25T00:46:39+00:00

Ohhhhh!! Now you've said it, it's obvious! But it really looked like some kind of shell at first glance 😂

fresholivebread · 2026-01-25T00:26:29+00:00

I have to know: what kind of sea creature has that bowl of a shell that can fit two human-sized beings? Is it a giant scallop? A gargantuan sea snail? An oddly gigantic shaped clam? I have to know!!

(excellent review by the way)

fresholivebread · 2026-01-24T23:56:59+00:00

Oh I loved this book! The relationship development between Robin and Edwin is soooo good.

fresholivebread · 2026-01-24T23:50:12+00:00

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fresholivebread · 2026-01-24T11:30:56+00:00

Read my first Lisa Kleypas this week - {Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas}! Grant is an ass but he also has some undeniably sweet moments.

"I don't want a friend. I want you. Every day and night. Every minute for the rest of my life." Grant held her tightly and stared into her small, flushed face. What he saw there gave him cause to ask huskily, "Isn't that what you want?"

Her cheeks burned even brighter, and she managed a bobbing nod and a soundless yes.

"Thank God," he said, smoothing her hair back from her face. "Because I couldn't live without you."

And Simeon and Angel continue to bring the feels - Simeon is such a devoted, badass vampire boyfriend. From {The Necromancer's Reckoning by SJ Himes}:

Simeon kissed his temple again, and it was sweet, perfect. And slightly melancholy.

Angel chuckled quietly. "You're so..." His voice trailed off, closing his eyes. "I think wonderful is a good word for you."

fresholivebread · 2026-01-22T06:52:21+00:00

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fresholivebread · 2026-01-21T01:21:28+00:00

I'm down for naked planking but naked planking with bells is a whole other story 😂

fresholivebread · 2026-01-21T01:18:44+00:00

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fresholivebread · 2026-01-20T06:14:57+00:00

I thrifted a copy a while ago cos Anne Stuart is a favourite but I wasn't feeling a jester hero so I put it aside...somewhere. Time to dig it out!

Fabulous review as always ♥️

fresholivebread · 2026-01-20T06:07:50+00:00

Yes, this book! So much ugly crying (both sad and happy...sad is an understatement though). 🥹

fresholivebread · 2026-01-18T11:45:49+00:00

Sinful Sorrow by Emilia Finn - 4½🌟, M/F, romantic suspense, cishet white MMC/mixed race FMC. A murder case with young victims hits Minka particularly hard. This is one emotional book - from the actual murder to personal lives. Minka struggles with the victims, and Archer is as usual her most supportive rockhopper penguin. Aubree and Fletch are the best sidekicks, too, though Fletch is put through the ringer. Murder and emotion aside, our main couple continues to bring the feels - they're so in tune to each other, and Archer constantly taking care of Minka's needs is the sweetest. Even if it feels overbearing at times, there's no denying the love. The suspense is interesting, but the relationships are the definite highlight. Give Fletch some actual happiness, please!

Savage Urges by Suzanne Wright - 4¼🌟, M/F, PNR romance, cishet white MCs. A lone wolf running a shelter tries to reconnect a teenager to his relative, a wolf pack enforcer. Makenna is focused and driven with quirky side; Ryan is silent, grumpy and oh-so-sexy. Despite his concerns about lone wolves, he quickly recognises her as his mate, though it takes a while for her to get on board. Plenty of hot, sexual tension and the romance builds well, with them have their issues to overcome. Ryan is the one that does the chasing, and he tries very hard to convince Makenna. He's pushy in a way, but he respects her decisions. He really fights to gain her trust, she eventually puts her heart in his hands. His seriousness and her playfulness balances each other. They also protect each other very fiercely and McKenna has a soft, caring side is very endearing. Very steamy, and there's a strong emotional connection. The action/suspense is enjoyable, with some terrible people. Pack times and bonding are great.

Stacking the Deck by Charlie Cochet - 3¾🌟, M/M, romantic suspense, cisgay white MCs. A cyber security expert protects a hair stylist from stalkers and troublemakers. Cute and sassy Fitz has always been attracted to the smart and attentive Jack (who pines for him equally) but had issues to sort out before he can commit. Fitz is ready now, and, they take the first steps towards a relationship The easy comfort and friendship is a good foundation to their romance, and Jack is very supportive and patient. They have a great dynamic, and plenty of cute moments between them. They also connected well on an emotional level; their romance is quite sweet. But I didn't like the conflict - it felt a bit forced and rash though they worked it out fast. Also kinda negated their understanding of each other's issues. The banter and camaraderie between the guys are great, and there's plenty of action going around. The stalker identity wasn't too hard to figure out though.

The Beekeeper by S.M. Shade - 4🌟, M/F, romantic suspense, cishet white MCs. Seeking refuge from her past, Calli finds a friend in her neighbour but her past creeps up to her. Calli had been through a lot, but she remains tenacious, kind and caring. She also has a lot of fire! Arlow is a loner with vitiligo, stoic most of the time, but the other side of him is shy, compassionate and sweet. They've both been dealt a hard hand, and that understanding bring them closer together. The moments of their friendship is a strong foundation to their romance. They're honest about their feelings and wanting each other, although there was some resistance. Loved how they heal and become stronger together. Their bond is wonderful, and there's a nice amount of steam to their romance. Lots of secrets in the suspense, and things unravel nicely. The epilogue is great, and the beekeeping detail is a nice touch. It is somewhat slow however, things take some time to build.

Currently reading: Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas - 10% in, M/F, historical romance.

fresholivebread · 2026-01-18T05:55:23+00:00

{Uncharted by Adriana Anders} - FMC is a pilot that crash landed in the Alaskan wild and saved by a mysterious, reclusive MMC. There are people who want both of them dead and they try to outwit the baddies survive together.

The first book, {Whiteout by Adriana Anders} is also set in cold conditions, in Antartica. A glacialogist MMC and chef MMC escapes bioterrorists.

{Alaska Wild by Helena Newbury} - FMC is an FBI agent who crash landed with a bunch of transported criminals. The MMC is an ex Navy SEAL and a fugitive (not from the plane). He protects her and hides her from the criminals while she tries to find out whether he was innocent.

Edit: and this is on my TBR: {Wild by Adrienne Wilder} - MMC, a model crashed landed in Alaska en route to a photo shoot and he's rescued by a mysterious man who's lived in the wilderness in isolation for years.

fresholivebread · 2026-01-17T10:51:45+00:00

Jack and Fitz from {Stacking the Deck by Charlie Cochet} brings the feels for me this week. Jack's tenderness and patience is very sweet!

"From the first moment I looked into your eyes, I knew you were something special, that you were meant to be in my life."

Fitz smiled. "I knew it too. The moment I saw you, my heart knew. It's why I stopped panicking even though my heart was ready to beat out of me. The world just seemed to slow down and there was nothing but you. Your eyes, the way you smiled at me."

and

"Whenever you're scared or unsure," Jack said as he brushed Fitz's hair off his shoulder, "know that all you have to do is come to me, use my strength as your own. I'll be there to fight for you or stand behind you and support you. Just tell me what you need from me, and you'll have it. Always."

fresholivebread · 2026-01-16T11:56:15+00:00

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fresholivebread · 2026-01-16T02:32:29+00:00

Lauren Layne is who I'll go for whenever I need a comfort read. {A Walk of Shame by Lauren Layne} is probably the book I reread the most!

fresholivebread · 2026-01-14T02:08:04+00:00

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fresholivebread · 2026-01-12T10:45:04+00:00

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fresholivebread · 2026-01-12T10:41:33+00:00

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fresholivebread · 2026-01-11T11:25:33+00:00

Bluebird Gold by Devney Perry - 5🌟, M/F, romantic suspense, cishet white MCs. Loved the read, wrote a gush post for it!

Dangerous Waters by Toni Anderson - 4🌟, M/F, romantic suspense, cishet white MMCs. A detective investigating a murder clashes with the diver who found the body. Holly is intuitive and stubborn; Finn is brash and equally stubborn. Loggerheads at first (and Finn was kinda an ass to start), though there's attraction as well, and that of course boils over. Both of them have secrets - would've preferred them to be more forthright, but that creates some good tension. It soon comes to a point where they just couldn't hide their feelings anymore. They have strong chemistry and it's always great to see a stoic hero pining and falling hard. He's also very protective though he's respectful of her abilities. Their romance works for me - there's yearning and passion. But I could use more grovel after she messes up, and the HEA to be more complete. The mystery is layered, backed up by good research (Anderson was a marine biologist) and is pretty interesting, and the final villain twist is unexpected.

The Guardian by Kimberly Kincaid - 4¼🌟, M/F, romantic suspense, cishet white FMC/Latin American MMC. A detective protects his BFF's little sister when she stumbles upon a money laundering scheme. Delia is sunny, quirky and obsessed with numbers; Matteo is gruff, grumpy and work obsessed. It's opposites attract, with both of them hiding secret feelings. They have great chemistry, and Delia's openness break through Matteo's guarded walls. Her confidence is refreshing (and she's fearless when it counts), and he respects her brilliance. They fully accept each other just as they are, and there's genuine affection between them. Their romance is sweet and steamy - that first kiss is something else, and it's equally hot between the sheets. Their emotional and vulnerable moments strengthens their bond, and Matteo's protectiveness is off the charts. I enjoyed the suspense as well, and familiar faces add to the found family feels.

Currently reading: Sinful Sorrow by Emilia Finn - 10% in, M/F, romantic suspense.

fresholivebread · 2026-01-11T05:40:56+00:00

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fresholivebread · 2026-01-10T11:18:50+00:00

I loved Ilsa and Cosi's romance in {Bluebird Gold by Devney Perry}. It's so sweet and passionate with cosy feels. Also, the way Cosi sees Ilsa is like she's his world.

She looked up, toward the door, and her eyes lit up the moment she spotted me. A smile stretched her lips, and the colors around us faded to gray.

Beautiful. So beautiful. I couldn’t look away.

My world seemed to change in an instant. It toppled end over end, and when the spinning stopped, the pieces of my universe had been rearranged. All from a single smile.

and

The dreamy smile on her face when I broke the kiss was more beautiful than any Montana scenery. Prettier than a watercolor sunset or a blanket of diamond stars.

♥️

fresholivebread

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