Book Review: Last Night Was Fun by Holly Michelle

🐾🐾🐾🐾 – A wild night, a twist of fate, and a love story that refuses to be ignored

Review Date: June 1, 2025 | Release Date: June 10, 2025

Last Night Was Fun is the kind of book that sneaks up on you—in the best possible way. What starts as a classic rom-com premise (a one-night stand and a next-morning “uh-oh”) quickly unfolds into a charming, emotionally rich love story filled with humor, heart, and undeniable chemistry.

The story follows a relatable, whip-smart heroine who has absolutely no intention of falling in love. She’s independent, slightly cynical, and completely unprepared to deal with the aftermath of her spontaneous decision to have a little fun for once. But when that “little fun” shows up in her life again—smirking, annoyingly attractive, and far too kind for her own good—she’s forced to reckon with more than just her poor decision-making.

Enter the hero: charming, patient, and the exact opposite of the complicated, off-limits type she’s usually drawn to. He’s not just hot—though, yes, very hot—he’s also funny, emotionally intelligent, and impossible to push away. Watching their relationship evolve from awkward run-ins and flirty banter into something deeper was so satisfying. Their chemistry crackles off the page, but it’s the slow unveiling of their vulnerabilities that gives this rom-com its emotional punch.

Holly Michelle’s writing shines with quick wit, engaging pacing, and dialogue that actually feels real. There are moments that had me full-on laughing, and others that snuck up and made me emotional in a way I didn’t expect from a book that starts with a hangover and a stranger’s bed. She strikes a perfect balance between sexy and sweet, funny and heartfelt, messy and meaningful.

Last Night Was Fun is for anyone who loves their rom-coms with depth, their banter with bite, and their characters a little flawed but entirely lovable. It’s about letting go, showing up, and realizing that sometimes the best nights—and the best love stories—start with absolutely no plan at all.

This one goes on my list of favorite comfort reads. It’s fun, flirty, and unexpectedly full of heart. Highly recommend for fans of authors like Tessa Bailey, Ali Hazelwood, and Lucy Score.

Audiobook Review: That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson

Narrated by: Amanda Friday & Andy Harrington
Length: 9 hours, 48 minutes
Review Date: June 1, 2025 | Release Date: June 4, 2025

🐾🐾🐾🐾 – A sweet, romantic comedy.

If you’re seeking a heartwarming, closed-door romantic comedy with a coastal flair, this audiobook delivers on all fronts. Julie Christianson’s storytelling shines through the voices of Amanda Friday and Andy Harrington, who bring Olivia and Hudson’s journey to life with charm and authenticity.

Narration:
Amanda Friday captures Olivia’s spirited and introspective nature, while Andy Harrington conveys Hudson’s reserved yet endearing demeanor. Their performances enhance the chemistry between the characters, making their evolving relationship feel genuine and engaging.

Storyline:
The narrative centers on Olivia, who returns to her hometown only to find her dream job taken by Hudson, the man who once rejected her. Circumstances lead them to work together to rejuvenate The Beachfront Inn. Their shared history and the forced proximity set the stage for a delightful exploration of second chances and personal growth.

Highlights:

• Tropes: Sworn-off relationships, forced proximity, workplace romance, found family, small-town setting
• Tone: Lighthearted with moments of depth, focusing on character development and emotional resonance
• Content: Clean romance with no explicit scenes or language, making it suitable for a wide audience

Final Thoughts:
This audiobook is a delightful escape into a world of endearing characters and heartfelt moments. The combination of engaging narration and a well-crafted story makes it a standout in the romantic comedy genre.

Book Review: The Roommate Experiment by Camilla Isley

🐾🐾🐾 ½ – Sweet, Swoony, and Secretly in Love (But Missing a Bit of Spark)

The Roommate Experiment is a friends-to-something-more rom-com that leans into all the delicious angst of a long-standing crush finally (maybe?) getting its moment. Hunter has been quietly in love with her best friend’s brother Dylan for years, but he barely sees her as more than a roommate—until close quarters start messing with both their heads.

Camilla Isley delivers a charming, trope-filled setup: pining heroine, forced proximity, one bed (or at least one too-small sofa), baking-induced swooning, and enough unresolved tension to keep you turning the pages. Hunter is wonderfully relatable—funny, flustered, and completely smitten—while Dylan is the kind of guy who bakes cookies and looks good in a towel, which is just rude, honestly.

Their dynamic is heart-melting at times, but the emotional stakes never cut quite as deep as they could. Some of Dylan’s baggage feels like it’s handled too neatly, and a few moments that should have hit harder are softened for the sake of the feel-good vibe. That said, the banter is strong, the chemistry is slow-burn gold, and the payoff—when it finally comes—is satisfyingly sweet.

If you love a pining heroine, sibling’s-best-friend trope, and stories where the tension is baked into every scene (sometimes literally), The Roommate Experiment will charm you—even if you wish it pushed the emotional depth just a bit further.

Book Review: Melting for You by Tegan Phillips

🐾🐾🐾🐾— Flirty, heartfelt, and full of heat (on and off the ice)!

Melting for You is a swoonworthy blend of hockey heat and unexpected heart. Tegan Phillips crafts a rom-com that opens with a one-night stand and quickly spins into something much deeper — whether the heroine likes it or not.

When a fiercely independent woman insists it was just a one-time thing, she doesn’t expect her hookup to turn out to be the newest star player on her hometown hockey team. But he’s not interested in pretending it never happened. He wants more — and he’s not shy about showing it. Cue the flirtation, lingering stares, and romantic sabotage in the name of love.

Phillips balances humor and emotional growth beautifully, making you root for both characters as they navigate fears, feelings, and very public sparks. This one will melt even the most guarded heart.

Book Review: Bad Publicity by Bianna Gillam

🐾🐾🐾🐾 – A Slow-Burn Romance about Second Chances

Bad Publicity by Biannca Gillam is a sharp, emotionally layered debut that blends romantic tension, workplace chaos, and the quiet ache of grief into a compelling second-chance love story.

Andie is a powerhouse New York publicist barely keeping it together after the death of her father. When she’s assigned to run a European book tour for the one person she swore she’d never speak to again—Jack Carlson, her college ex turned literary heartthrob—things get professionally and emotionally complicated fast.

What makes this story stand out is its honest portrayal of unresolved grief and how it intersects with rekindled love. Gillam writes Andie’s inner turmoil with sensitivity and realism, never letting the emotional weight overshadow the slow-burn banter and mutual pining that romance lovers will eat up. Jack is charismatic yet grounded, and the chemistry between them simmers on every page.

This isn’t just about a PR tour gone wrong—it’s about choosing vulnerability, owning your past, and deciding if someone who once broke your heart deserves a rewrite. There’s a touch of glamour in the book-world setting, but it’s the emotional moments—quiet confessions, late-night arguments, lingering stares—that really steal the show.

“You never stopped being a chapter I wanted to reread.”

Final Thought:
If you like your romance with bite, depth, and a realistic look at grief and forgiveness, Bad Publicity will stick with you longer than your average rom-com. It’s a heartfelt debut worth the buzz—and definitely worth the emotional unraveling.

🎧 Audiobook Book Review: Save the Date by Allison Raskin

Review Date: May 6, 2025 | Release Date: April 8, 2025

🐾🐾🐾 ½ – Honest, Heartfelt, and Slightly Offbeat

Allison Raskin’s Save the Date offers a fresh and humorous take on the romantic comedy genre, and experiencing it through the audiobook adds an extra layer of intimacy and authenticity.

Narration and Performance

Narrated by the author herself, the audiobook delivers a performance that feels deeply personal. Raskin’s background in podcasting and her experience as a mental health advocate shine through, lending credibility and warmth to the protagonist, Emma Moskowitz. Listeners have praised her narration, noting that it enhances the storytelling and brings Emma’s character to life.

Story and Themes

The plot centers around Emma, a couples therapist who is unexpectedly dumped by her fiancé six months before their wedding. Determined not to let this derail her life plans, she embarks on “Operation: Save My Date,” aiming to find a new groom by the original wedding date. This unconventional premise sets the stage for a journey filled with self-discovery, humor, and heartfelt moments.

Raskin skillfully balances comedy with deeper themes, such as the societal pressures of marriage, the complexities of modern relationships, and the importance of mental health. Emma’s interactions with her diverse clients in therapy sessions add depth to the narrative, offering insights into various relationship dynamics.

Character Dynamics

The chemistry between Emma and podcast producer Will is particularly noteworthy. Their witty banter and evolving relationship add a layer of romantic tension that keeps listeners engaged. Meanwhile, Emma’s relationship with Matt, a kind and recently divorced man, presents a contrast that explores the idea of comfort versus passion in relationships.

Final Thoughts

Save the Date is a delightful audiobook that combines humor, romance, and thoughtful commentary on love and personal growth. Allison Raskin’s narration adds authenticity to Emma’s voice, making it a compelling listen for fans of contemporary romance and those interested in stories that delve into the intricacies of relationships and self-discovery.

Book Review: The Ex by Alex Sinclair

Review Date: May 2, 2025 | Release Date: May 6, 2025

🐾🐾🐾🐾 – Twisty, Fast-Paced, and Full of Suspicion

The Ex by Alex Sinclair is a psychological thriller that knows how to keep readers on edge. From the very first chapter, you’re pulled into the unraveling life of a woman whose ex unexpectedly returns—dragging the past right back into her present. What starts as a surprise quickly spirals into a web of secrets, manipulation, and buried trauma.

The pacing is relentless in the best way. Each chapter ends with just enough tension to keep you saying, “Just one more…”—and before you know it, you’re halfway through the book. Sinclair does an excellent job of building paranoia and emotional tension, making you question not only the intentions of the ex, but the reliability of the narrator herself.

The twists? Oh, they’re there—and they come hard and fast. A few might stretch plausibility, but if you’re in it for the thrill ride, you’ll hardly care. This is popcorn fiction at its most binge-worthy. The emotional stakes are high, and while the ending might not tie everything up perfectly, it leaves you thinking about how the past has a way of clawing back when you least expect it.

Pawprint-worthy quote:
“Sometimes the past doesn’t stay buried—it claws its way back, demanding attention.”

If you’re a fan of domestic suspense and high-octane psychological drama, The Ex deserves a spot on your TBR. Perfect for a weekend read when you’re craving something juicy, chilling, and impossible to put down.

Book Review: Saltwater by Katy Hays

Review Date: April 27, 2025 | Release Date: March 25, 2025

🐾🐾🐾½

Saltwater is a beautifully layered exploration of longing, loss, and the deep pull of home. Katy Hays crafts a haunting and atmospheric novel where grief, identity, and the search for belonging swirl together like the tide. With poetic prose and vivid, aching descriptions of coastal life, this story sinks into your skin and lingers.

The characters are raw and complex, and the setting itself feels alive — a quiet, persistent force in the background. There’s a sense of inevitability woven through the pages, like standing at the edge of something vast and unknowable, but stepping forward anyway. It’s a story about how we carry the places and people we’ve lost, and how we find ways to move forward — even when the current pulls us back.

“There are some places you never truly leave — they stay in your bones, in the breath between heartbeats.”

If you love reflective, atmospheric stories with emotional depth, Saltwater is a journey you’ll want to take — preferably with a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and maybe a dog curled at your feet.

Book Review: Only Between Us by Ellie K. Wilde

Review Date: April 25, 2025 | Release Date: July 8, 2025

🐾🐾🐾

Only Between Us is a beautifully tender story that explores the messy, complicated, and ultimately rewarding journey of building trust and opening your heart again. Ellie K. Wilde has crafted a slow-burn romance that feels incredibly personal, grounding the characters in realistic emotions and life circumstances that make their story resonate beyond the page.

The two leads are thoughtfully developed, with layered backstories that unfold naturally over time. I loved the quiet intimacy between them — the way their connection grew not from grand gestures, but from small moments of understanding and vulnerability. It’s a love story built on trust, patience, and mutual respect, which gave it a refreshing authenticity.

That said, the pacing occasionally felt uneven. There were stretches where the emotional weight was heavy but the plot movement was slow, which made the story feel slightly longer than it needed to be. A few secondary storylines could have used more attention or resolution to fully round out the narrative.

Even with those minor drawbacks, the overall tone of the novel is tender and hopeful. Wilde’s writing captures the little things — a lingering glance, an unspoken word, a quiet act of kindness — that make falling in love feel both fragile and inevitable. It’s a story for readers who appreciate romance that simmers rather than explodes, and who enjoy character-driven journeys filled with heart.

Final Thought:
Only Between Us is the kind of story that sneaks up on you—quiet, patient, and full of warmth. While it isn’t without a few bumps along the way, its honest portrayal of love and healing is sure to leave a lasting pawprint on the hearts of readers who believe the best relationships are built one small moment at a time.

Book Review: All the Signs by Jessie Rosen

Review Date: April 20, 2025 | Release Date: May 6, 2025

🐾🐾🐾½

In All the Signs, Jessie Rosen crafts a heartfelt and whimsical tale that navigates the delicate balance between science and spirituality, logic and intuition. The story follows Leah Lockhart, a pragmatic OB-GYN whose life is meticulously planned and grounded in science. However, when a sudden bout of vertigo disrupts her routine, Leah reluctantly consults an astrologer who claims she’s living out of sync with her destined path. Determined to debunk this notion, Leah embarks on a global quest to find her “Star Twins”—individuals born at the exact same time and place—to compare life trajectories and prove astrology wrong.​

Leah’s journey takes her through the enchanting canals of Venice, the vibrant streets of Istanbul, and the soulful rhythms of New Orleans. These rich settings serve as more than just backdrops; they mirror Leah’s internal transformation as she confronts past wounds, rekindles relationships, and reevaluates her life’s direction. Rosen’s vivid descriptions immerse readers in each locale, making the journey as much about self-discovery as it is about travel.​

While the narrative is infused with astrological themes, it’s accessible to both believers and skeptics. The astrology serves as a metaphor for introspection and the courage to question one’s path. Leah’s evolution from a skeptic to someone open to the unknown is portrayed with authenticity and nuance.​

Rosen’s writing shines in her character development and exploration of family dynamics. Leah’s interactions with her estranged mother, her ailing father, and a childhood friend add depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and the impact of unresolved emotions.​

However, some readers might find the emotional arcs a bit overt, and certain plot developments slightly predictable. Yet, these elements don’t detract significantly from the overall experience.​

In conclusion, All the Signs is a charming and thought-provoking novel that encourages readers to listen to their inner voices and remain open to life’s unexpected turns. It’s a delightful read for those interested in stories of personal growth, the interplay between fate and free will, and the transformative power of travel.