Hey fellow bookworms! It’s been ages since I’ve held an actual book in my hands. Moving every few years, I switched to reading on my phone (farewell to lugging around heavy boxes of books!). But guess what? A new bookshop opened in town, and it’s a game-changer! They even buy back books, how good is that? I couldn’t resist grabbing Hannah Grace’s “Icebreaker” and “Wildfire.” There’s just something magical about flipping through real pages, isn’t there? Though, I’ll admit, digital books are super convenient.
What Kind of Reviews Can You Expect?
Lately, I’ve been devouring steamy romance novels, getting lost in historical fiction, and occasionally diving into personal development reads when my soul needs a little boost.
So, expect a mix of those in my reviews. If you enjoy similar reads, let’s connect!
You can find more of my reviews on Goodreads.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
(fiction, contemporary, romance, sports)
★★★★★
From the first page, Icebreaker had me hooked! Hannah Grace’s writing is captivating, and the bonus of a playlist really sets the mood. I love it when a book makes me grin within the first few pages, and Icebreaker delivered on that front. The astrology references were a delightful touch, and the vivid descriptions painted such clear scenes in my mind.
Anastasia, the protagonist, quickly stole my heart. Her journey of vulnerability and trust resonated deeply with me, and Nate’s unwavering support made their relationship all the more beautiful. Even the secondary characters, like Nate’s hockey teammates, were well-rounded and memorable.
Icebreaker is a heartwarming, sports romance that’s funny and lighthearted. I highly recommend it!
Key Themes in Icebreaker:
- Self-discovery: Anastasia’s growth throughout the story is inspiring.
- Trust and vulnerability: The challenges of building trust and allowing oneself to be vulnerable are explored beautifully.
- The power of connection: Nate and Anastasia’s relationship highlights the transformative power of emotional support.
Trigger Warnings: Near-death experience, death of a parent (discussed), and cheating (discussed, not involving the main characters).
While you can totally enjoy “Icebreaker” on its own, it’s also part of Hannah Grace’s Maple Hills series. There are three books in total, so if you love this one, you’ve got more romance waiting for you!
Buy at Takealot | Add to Goodreads
Imagining You by Karice Bolton
(fiction, family, romance)
★★★★
This romantic comedy had me laughing out loud! Sam’s journey of self-discovery and standing up for herself, despite her pessimistic sisters, was truly inspiring. Sam’s complicated relationship with her sisters, who run the family inn, added depth to the story.
One of the funniest moments was Sam’s first interaction with Garrett, involving her “granny panties.” The sexual tension between them was palpable, though I felt the intimate scenes didn’t quite live up to the buildup.
Despite that, Imagining You is a heartwarming read that offers valuable lessons on communication, self-care, and challenging negativity.
Key Themes in Imagining You:
- Self-care and personal growth: Prioritizing self-care is a central theme.
- Communication: The story emphasizes the importance of open and honest dialogue.
- Challenging negativity: The book encourages embracing positivity and challenging pessimistic attitudes.
Trigger Warnings: Challenging family dynamics, death of parents.
Buy on Google Playbooks | Add to Goodreads
The Look of Love by Bella Andre
(fiction, contemporary, romance)
★★★★★
Chase and Chloe’s love story is one that tugged at my heartstrings. Bella Andre’s writing has a magical quality that draws you in. Chase’s gentleness and respect reminded me so much of my husband, making the story even more special.
I’m excited to dive into the rest of the books in the Sullivan series.
Trigger Warnings: Physical abuse.
I love getting to know the authors behind my favourite books, so I was thrilled to find a Huffington Post interview with Bella Andre! Read it here.
Buy on Google Playbooks | Add to Goodreads
Let Me Burn by Carrie Elks
(fiction, small town, romance, firefighters)
★★★★
While Let Me Burn didn’t captivate me as much as the other books, it was still an enjoyable read. Lucas’s protectiveness felt a bit odd at first, especially since they had just met. The love story develops slowly amidst a lot of excuses and too little communication. One reviewer called it a “palate cleanser,” and I’d have to agree. I gave it four stars because it’s still good, though it lacked a bit of oomph, in my opinion.
Buy on Google Playbooks | Add to Goodreads
Wrapping Up
My passion for writing has been reignited over the past few months, and I can’t wait to share more of my bookish adventures with you. If you’re looking for heartwarming romances, steamy reads, or thought-provoking personal development books, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s connect! Have you read any of these titles? Let me know in the comments below what you’ve recently read.
