The Temporary Roomie by Sarah Adams - Book Review

 

 My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres:

Contemporary Romance, RomCom, Romantic Comedy,

Steamy Clean, Closed Door Romance

Blurb:

What happens when you have to play nice with your greatest enemy? Revenge.

Drew Marshall may have let me move into his spare bedroom while my house is being renovated, but don’t think for one second his kindness comes without strings. Big, ugly, fake relationship strings.

That’s okay, though, Dr. Andrew. I’ll agree to your terms, move into your house, and act like

your girlfriend when the big day comes; but I also plan to make your life miserable—make you pay for what you did to me.

I may not be good at forgiving or forgetting, but I’m excellent at getting even.

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He leans forward, his smooth jaw brushing against my face as he whispers, “You are absolutely beautiful.”

I was totally obsessed with the chemistry between Jessie and Drew! Hate-to-love mixed with forced proximity and a dash of fake dating? HOW COULD I NOT BE OBSESSED?! Oh, and their prank war? Loved. It.

it was goldennnn, lol

So funny! So cute! So relatable! Jessie's collection of tacky/adorable belongings? Drew's need to be the "go-to" person? I really enjoyed the fun/playful side of their personalities/relationship, as well as the deeper/sensitive side. And I adored Cooper in The Off Limits Rule, BUT: Drew is the man, lol. Seriously. He is PERFECT book boyfriend material. I was swooning left and right, y'all.

😍😍😍

What time is it? WHAT TIME IS IT? It's time for the highlightsss!!

“Nope. I actually already have a date to the gala.” I don’t. “My girlfriend.” Don’t have one of those either.

📖

The man is so boring he eats celery for dessert.

Note: That's just sadddd

📖

I spin. Candles. I twist. Succulents. I bend. A woven basket containing MORE fuzzy pastel blankets. How many does one woman need?! There isn’t an inch of my house that hasn’t been touched—vandalized.

I loved this part so much lollll.

📖

I watch suspiciously as his brows crunch together, and he lightly touches the pads of his fingers to his throat. He’s hiked up the sleeves of his hoodie, baring his forearms, and I don’t notice the way his veins wrap around the undersides, twisting like tempting little vines up his arms. I would have to be stupid to pay attention to those things.

📖

Drew is stiff for only a moment before his big hand rises and gently smooths down the back of my hair. He wraps his other arm around me and holds me tight, like he’s never letting go. “We’re okay?” he murmurs into my hair.

Excuse me while I go and CRY.

📖

Believe me, if there was literally anyone else in the world I could ask to pose as my fake fiancé, I would. I even asked a random guy in the grocery store last night, but oddly enough, he said no. Actually, it wasn’t so much no as it was him speed walking away from me clutching his bottle of mustard.

📖

The last time I saw her, she was eating an entire bowl full of pickles. Like thirty pickles! As a medical professional who happens to specialize in maternal care, I advised her to be careful of her sodium intake. She showed me her favorite finger as a response.

Note: Too. Cute.

📖

Her eyes sparkle as her lips pull into a sweet smile, and I’m momentarily breathless.

📖

I grab my heavy suitcase, Drew rips it out of my hand and glares at me then picks up his own. We stomp stomp stomp out of the house, lock the door, and go to the Jeep. This is how we’ve been operating the last few days, ever since our fight after the fundraiser.

📖

“Jessie. I swear…” He trails off, and I’d really like him to finish that sentence, but he doesn’t. It’s left as a warning. “Let me check your blood pressure. It’s important.”

📖

“WHOA,” Cooper yells, pressing his whole arm against the door to brace himself. “That’s it! Pull over.”

I frown and look quickly at Cooper then shift my eyes back to the road. “What? No. There was a bunny in the road—I had to swerve to miss it.”

I feel his angry eyes on the side of my face. I almost hurt his baby. He’ll never forgive me. “Pull over.”

Their bromance was LIFEEEE.

📖

Lucy and I are so over.

And Jessie's friendship with Lucy was #goals as well!

📖

"ANDREW MARSHALL!" I yell down the stairs as I descend to battle.

"Jessica, get down here!" he bellows back.

Note: Have I mentioned that I love them??

I have WAY too many highlights to share here, but CLEARLY I enjoyed the book lollll.

As far as content goes: Mild language. There was no on-page sex, but it was definitely talked about and implied along with multiple make-out scenes (at least one of those scenes did involve Drew shirtless), and innuendos. Jessie was naked during one point of the book...and even though it was not in a sexual way (she was taking a shower), the scene was from Drew's POV. However, there wasn't really any detailed description. I'm not going to list every single thing that went on in the book (although, you can message me if you'd like to know), but just like with The Off Limits Rule, I would definitely describe the book as a "PG-13 romance movie."

*My rating is usually lower when a book isn't "clean" like it was promoted (3 stars, instead of 4 or 5 stars), but I'm not doing that with this book because the author made it very clear ahead of time that this was a "steamy clean/closed-door" romance book...and I appreciate her honesty, as well as her desire to provide a spicier option for readers who want a little more than "Hallmark" but not something completely explicit.*

This book was a laugh-out-loud, must-read if you're looking for a happy, super cute closed-door/steamy clean romance!

The last line was everything, by the way. Just so y'all know. 😏

~I received an e-copy of this story from the author, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.~

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About the Author:

Born and raised in Nashville TN, Sarah Adams loves her family, warm days, and making people smile. Sarah has dreamed of being a writer since she was a girl, but finally wrote her first novel when her daughters were napping and she no longer had any excuses to put it off.

Sarah is a coffee addict, a British history nerd, a mom of two daughters, married to her best friend, and an indecisive introvert. Her hope is to always write stories that make you laugh, maybe even cry; but always leave you happier than when you started reading.

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It's Just Business: A Romantic Comedy (The Wedding Business Series) by Summer Dowell - Book Review

 

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres:

Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance, Sweet Romance, Romantic Comedy, Inspirational Romance

Blurb:

I despise him. I despise everything about this business-stealing man who has eyes the color of hot chocolate and a perfectly sun-kissed tan I can’t stop thinking about...Like I said, despise.

Having grown up with a mom who had more boyfriends than a flower has petals, I had zero fairy tale aspirations of true love. It didn't exist. But when a dreamy man with the perfect smile and a propensity for volunteering keeps running into me, I start to think maybe I was wrong all along. 

That is until I realize he's the scumbag that stole my flower shop right out from under me.

I know I should be the bigger person. Move on. But somehow, revenge seems the only answer. Pity, revenge seems to be showing me that Austin might actually be a good person instead of the villain I painted him to be.

In the end, it's all just business though, isn't it?

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So much for that kiss. Not that I wanted it. Ew. Gross. I hated Austin, my worst enemy. I looked back to glare at him for trying to seductively trap me. But that dang little smile of his. It just crept up, and the next thing you knew, you were grinning right along with him like an idiot.

Y'all, Summer's romcoms are always fluffy and witty...which is justttt how I like them!! And even though I adored the first book of The Wedding Business Series (If It's Perfect, aka Hope's book)–which, as a fellow type one, how could I not?–I actually enjoyed Haley's book more. 👀😱

#shook

So, why was that? Well...honestly? This book was just so MUCH  FUN! Not that Hope's book wasn't, but this was just a different kinddddd of fun. The pranks were crazy in a totally Haley-way; and while that wasn't the most mature route to handle everything, her antics (along with her accomplices) were goldennn. Maybe some of the book was a little over-the-top, BUT THAT'S ONE OF THE BEST PARTS ABOUT ROMCOMS!

I did feel bad for Austin though, lol. Despite his sneakiness in the beginning, and his original decision of not coming clean to Haley, he really was a sweet guy. I know I was definitely swooning. 😍

Likeeeee, during a certain "car scene." Actually, a couple of different "car scenes," now that I think about it. 🤔

but this gif really only applies to ONE of the "car scenes"

Oh, and that ending (as well as the epilogue) was ADORABLE! I loved them both! *chef's kiss*

It's timeeeee for the HIGHLIGHTS.

For the first time in my life, I obeyed every speed limit while driving. I even made full and complete stops at the stop signs. I was prolonging the time until this meeting in every way possible.

📖

She wore her glasses today, the thick, oversized frames gave her this nerdy girl look. Like, the hot nerdy girl. The one you definitely wanted to tutor you in math after school. And by tutor you really meant—

Note: 😂😂😂

📖

I reached out and grabbed the vase, shaking the flowers in my sister's face. "This is what my love life is like. A wilting, leftover bouquet from someone else's wedding. Everyone around me is finding love, and instead of screwing it up like me, they’re succeeding wonderfully."

📖

My phone buzzed. I slipped it out of my pocket to see Hope's name flash across. "Ooo, our inside informant just texted me."

"You know you're not an actual secret agent, right?"

I loved these vibes soooo much.

📖

I waved my hand distractedly, doing my best to look the carefree, artistic soul. "I just love walking through the space every so often. Really letting the walls speak to me and tell me what they want." I was a certified nut job. "I believe buildings have souls too. They just need to be listened to."

GOLD.

📖

Five. My ring size was five. I was a candle left burning too long and was now a melted pool of adoration. Had he rehearsed this speech? Was this something he told every woman he tried to woo? No, the concern was too real. Too vulnerable. He meant every word he said.

I cracked up at this part so much, lol.

📖

Someone needed to work on his people skills. A moment later, he reappeared with a cardboard box. I eyed the small container as he scooped up the little grey balls of fluff and deposited them inside. The knots in my stomach returned. "Um, is that box...secure enough?"

"Secure enough?"

Note: GAHHHHH, I AM SQUIRMING SOOOOO BAD 

📖

The first thing I saw was his head, quickly followed by a shirtless pair of perfectly sculpted shoulders and torso. Unfairly, his chest and stomach were just as tan as his arms. He was a tanning salon's poster child. Although I was pretty sure his actually came from the sun, I tried not to stare at the perfect indention of each ab muscle. I could count them. Should I count them?

📖

My body ignored the danger signals going off in my head as one of my hands reached up to cradle her cheek. Her skin was soft and warm. My thumb rubbed down her jaw, the thought—

"Foul! That was a foul on Miss Haley."

A few foul, four-lettered words came to my mind.

Note: 😂😂😂

📖

He shrugged, clearly not understanding the monumentalism of this situation. "I like vanilla. I don't know if I like any of those other flavors. I'd rather get something I like than risk getting something I don't."

"So you don't like taking risks?"

His knuckles tightened around the paper cup. "Only if they're worth it." His eyes trailed my face, lingering a little too long for someone who was just a friend.

Ooooooh. 👀👀

📖

I was going to say it. My heart melted a little. I was like the ice cream right around the edge of the cone, trying to hold on strong but secretly melting into a puddle. I searched deep for my inner freeze gun and made sure to frost it right back up. Austin might be cute and adorable with these kids, but he was still the enemy.

Note: Darnnnnnn that guy for being great with kids 😂🤦‍♀️

📖

"You promised to love me forever last time I talked to him."

"What if I promise to clean my office space?"

There was a pause. "Deep clean?"

I knew her so well. "Deep clean. Dusting, vacuuming, the works."

Her sigh was almost comical. "Fine. Text me his number, and I'll call him."

Note: 😂😂😂

📖

"The man stalked me all last week—"

"I thought you said they were random run-ins."

"Broke into my house—"

"You invited him to dinner."

"Probably searched through my personal effects for information when my back was turned—"

"That sounds highly unlikely."

📖

My phone beeped next to me. I couldn't help jumping at the noise. Was it the girl calling me back? Had she found out I was a fraud? Maybe I should've used a payphone so she couldn't check my number. Were payphones even a thing anymore?

📖

I only reread it thirteen more times before hitting send, which, I personally thought was commendable.

Oh look, IT'S ME.

📖

"How does it look? Did I ruin it? Do we need a fire extinguisher?"

"Do you have one?" I asked, wondering how much I should mess with her.

"No. But my faucet has a spray attachment." She jumped to the sink and yanked the nozzle out, aiming the end toward me.

"Woah, wait! Don't shoot." I held my hands up in defense. "I was kidding, it's fine."

📖

"Okay, well, let's get started I guess." I untucked then retucked a piece of hair behind my ear. "This isn't my...usual pork chop recipe," I said, hoping he didn't notice my hiccup. "So you'll have to bear with me." Gripping the card like a lifeline, I read the first line. "We need to preheat the oven."

Note: I honestly feel kind of bad for laughing at her 🤣🤣

📖

I noticed his eyes wandered to my cart, and for a reckless moment I wanted to dive in front, waving my hands so he didn't see my juvenile purchases. "I was just thinking about what I should make for dinner." I blurted out, shoving the recipe card in his face. "Normally I stick to my usual...options." Which would be frozen pizza or the occasional top ramen, but he didn't need to know that. "Pork chops just sounded good though."

THEY ARE TOO PRECIOUS.

Would you believe me if I said that I had even MORE highlights than just those?? You need to read this book. It's currently has a special 99 cent preorder price, so goooooo take advantage of that!!

As far as content goes: Clean!! Any suggestive material was extremelyyyy minor, so no worries there. Dishonesty was part of the plot, and Haley's mom had some relationship struggles that were talked about...but I wasn't bothered by either of those aspects.

So, I'm going to end this review by saying that I just really loved the book. I enjoyed Haley's relationships with her sister and friends (totallyyyy spot-on, because all I could think about was me and my sisters lolll). The chemistry between Haley and Austin was TOO CUTE (all their little run-ins were just perfecttt). And even though I didn't always feel the hate-to-love vibes, they wereeee more present at certain times...and I was definitelyyyy a fan of them (HOW COULD I NOT BE?!).  👏💗

~I received an e-copy of this story from the author, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.~

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About the Author:

Summer Dowell is an author of clean, laugh out loud romantic comedies on the side of her main gig which is keeping her six children alive. She is obsessed with reading and creating stories.

Her most noted other skills include making a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich and doing massive loads of laundry.

Summer holds a bachelors degree in Business Marketing from Brigham Young University which mostly gets used... never.

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Game Plan (Varsity Girlfriends #4) by Kayla Tirrell - Book Review

  

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres:

Contemporary Romance, YA Contemporary, Sweet Romance, YA Romance, Sports Romance

Blurb:

I’ve got one shot to win his heart.

I’ve had a crush on Preston Royce for as long as I can remember. Only, I’ve never told him, or anyone, because he doesn’t see me that way. (And because his sister, Charlie, happens to be my best friend!)

But when Preston’s girlfriend breaks his heart, Charlie comes up with a plan to get them back together—a plan that involves Preston and me pretending to date.

Yeah, it’s a bad idea cozying up with a guy who’s still in love with his ex, but it may be my only chance to get close to him before we graduate high school. He thinks we’re faking.

Meanwhile, I’m falling more in love with him....

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I hoped he didn’t notice the slight tremor in my hand as I put it through the opening between his arm and body. I hoped he didn’t notice the way my breath caught as he pulled me closer. And I really hoped he didn’t see the way my face was heating up with the friendly contact between us as we walked toward the school.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you probably know that this book has been on my TBR for quite some time now...and you probably also know that I'm obsessed with fake relationship romances. 

oh look, it's ME

I remember when I first read about Daria and Preston in Courtside Crush, and I just thought that they were good characters...well, I was wrong. They were GREAT characters!! This book really made me fall in love with them individually andddd as a couple! 👏 👏 👏

Daria's crush on Preston was just sooooo innocent/sweet, and it was easy to see why she liked him so much...even when he was oblivious at times. 🙄  BUT OH MY GOSH did he have me swooning! Seriously, he was a great combo of confident and thoughtful. He honestly reminded me a lot of Cohen from Eye of the Beholder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell...so, it's no surprise that I loveddddd him!!

i'm cracking up now lollll

BRING OUT THE HIGHHHHLIGHTTTTTSSSSS!!!

I’m in love with you, Preston Royce. Pick me instead of Beth.

That was never happening.

I felt warm fingers under my chin. They pressed against my skin until my head was tipped up toward Preston’s face. I looked at his cheeks and started counting freckles.

“Daria.” His voice was low and commanding. “Look at me.”

I sighed and made my eyes meet his. “I’m sorry I left you in the hall. I’m supposed to be your boyfriend, and I know how that looks to everyone. I don’t want to embarrass you, but Beth wanted to talk.” He paused. “She’s jealous.”

📖

“You would do that? Why?”

I shrugged. “What are fake girlfriends for?”

Preston rested his head on the chair he was leaning against and closed his eyes. “I know we’re just pretending, but you’re a pretty awesome girlfriend. I doubt Beth would do something like that for me.”

📖

“Careful.” I lifted my brows. “You have a dangerous habit of trying to fix things for people.”

“And you love me for it.”

My breath caught, even though he didn’t mean it like that. “Obviously,” I said, trying to mask my feelings.

“I can’t wait to take you to the dance.”

“And I promise to wear basketball shorts since I look so good in them,” I teased.

“Please don’t,” he groaned.

“What? You don’t think I look sexy in workout clothes?” I waggled my brows.

“No, that part was absolutely true,” he said. “I’ve always thought that.”

📖

He outstretched his arms. “I’m an idiot.”

Welp...

📖

But at the same time, I could feel myself falling even harder for Preston. I’d gotten a glimpse of what it would feel like to be his real girlfriend, and I wasn’t ready to give up just yet. It looked like I needed to come up with a better game plan if I was going to win Preston’s heart. And fast.

📖

“Mr. Royce, you may go back to class. Try not to dilly-dally on the way.” He handed Preston a small piece of paper.

Preston grabbed it, and hesitated, concern filled his eyes as he looked at me.

I mean...I JUST THOUGHT IT WAS SO SWEET THAT HE WAS CONCERNED.

📖

“I don’t know,” I heard him say.

I don’t know.

Note: Ughhhhh

📖

“You’re so annoying.”

“And you’re so adorable.”

And because I couldn’t handle the compliment with all my emotions in overdrive, I shoved his shoulder. “Don’t be weird.”

“And don’t pretend you don’t dream about having this all to yourself,” he joked, waving a hand over his body.

📖

Preston was last in the line and stopped in the doorway.

“You’re totally worth another trip to the principal’s office,” he said before finally leaving and letting the door shut behind him.

Note: PRESTONNNN

📖

You know what?” he said, stepping closer to me. “I’m almost tempted to do it right here.”

My eyes widened. “Do what? Kiss me?”

He leaned in so that our faces were only inches apart. “Yep.”

I licked my lips and a thrill of satisfaction flooded through me when his eyes zeroed in on my mouth.

GAHHHHHH!!!!!

📖

Daria: Hey. Just realized I still have your jacket. Want me to turn around?

Preston: Nah. Keep it. I don’t want to walk out on Charlie and Jackson. There’s only so much I can take for one night.

Daria: You sure?

Preston: Totally. Wear it tomorrow.

TOO. DARN. CUTE.

📖

Preston shoved his hands in his pockets. “So, when do you think we should start this whole fake dating thing?”

I took a deep breath. “How about now?”

His hand flew to his chest as he sucked in a dramatic breath. “Without establishing boundaries?”

I laughed as a bit of the tension left my body. “I promise not to take advantage of you,” I teased.

This earned me a chuckle from Preston. “Considering how long we’ve known each other, I can’t imagine we’re going to accidentally make out, right?”

Maybe not accidentally, but I wouldn’t mind on purpose...

Note: I just—I love them 😍

📖

Preston scooted over and wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

“Happy?” he asked Charlie.

Very.

Preston’s head turned toward me. “Oh yeah?”

Crap. Had I said that out loud?

📖

I snatched the phone from his hand, biting back a laugh. “You’re horrible. Did you know that?”

“Maybe. But if I knew dating her best friend was going to be this fun, I would have agreed to it much sooner.”

“Oh, gee. Thanks, Pres,” I teased back. “Way to make your girlfriend feel good about herself.”

He gave my shoulder a playful punch. “Oh, whatever. You know what I mean.”

I shook my head. This whole situation was too weird. “Just make sure you get yourself all cleaned up before our date. I don’t want to be seen with a sweaty mess tonight.”

Preston gave a little salute in my direction. “You got it, babe.”

I rolled my eyes at him before turning toward the house.

I can't help my fangirling, lollll.

As far as content goes: I honestly don't remember any language whatsoever; and if there were any suggestive comments (which I also can't remember lol), they were veryyy minor. So, no worries if you're looking for a clean read!

Despite it being "fake," Daria and Preston's relationship was ADORABLE. They were literally couple goals, y'all. The teasing, the flirting...THAT FIRST KISS?! I had alllll the feels.

That being said, if you're looking for a cute breezy fake dating/best friend's brother sports romance...you need to read this one ASAP!!!

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About the Author:

Kayla has loved to read as long as she can remember. While she started out reading spooky stories that had her hiding under her covers, she now prefers stories with a bit more kissing. 

When she gets a chance to watch tv, she enjoys cheesy sci-fi and superhero shows. 

Most days, you'll catch her burning dinner in an attempt to cook while reading just *one* more chapter. 

Kayla lives in the sunshine state with her husband and three boys.