Review: THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT by Farrah Rochon

 

THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT by Farrah Rochon

Publication Date: June 9, 2020

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 345

Source: Netgalley | Purchased

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RATING

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

If you love Jasmine Guillory, Abby Jimenez and Talia Hibbert, you'll LOVE Farrah Rochon!

What happens when three women discover , thanks to the live tweeting of a disastrous date, that they've all been duped by the same man? They become friends of course!

Samiah Brooks never thought she would be 'that' girl. But a live tweet of a horrific date just revealed the painful truth: she's been catfished by a three-timing jerk of a boyfriend. Suddenly Samiah - along with his two other 'girlfriends', London and Taylor - have gone viral online. Now the three new besties are making a pact to spend the next six months investing in themselves. No men, no dating, and no worrying about their relationship status...

For once Samiah is putting herself first, and that includes finally developing the app she's always dreamed of creating. Which is the exact moment she meets the deliciously sexy, honey-eyed Daniel Collins at work. What are the chances? When it comes to love, there's no such thing as a coincidence. But is Daniel really boyfriend material or is he maybe just a little too good to be true?

MY THOUGHTS

THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT had me completely hooked from the get-go. Starting off with a Twitter scandal leading to unwanted Twitter fame, Farrah Rochon brings the laughs with entertaining dialogue and interactions between Samiah and her sister and her new friends Taylor and London. I loved this book for the friendships just as much as for the romance.

Samiah is absolutely wonderful. She's an incredible friend; she's witty and intelligent. She knows her worth and doesn't take anyone's mess.  

What I Loved:

• Women in STEM! 
• The Just Friends App - it's a cool innovative idea and I would definitely sign up
• The chemistry between Samiah and Daniel. And that hand massage! I mean how could they not catch feelings?

I enjoyed this book a lot - so much so that I included a copy in a pick-me-up care package for a friend. I hoped that it would bring her as much joy and entertainment for her as it did for me. 

Disclaimer: 

I requested this ARC from the publisher for review consideration. I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. I've also purchased a finished copy for my physical library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reviews: HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, FOURTH DOWN, and BUNS

A collection of mini-reviews, quick thoughts, and books worth mentioning. 

Check them out!

HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR by Sophie Sullivan

Publication Date: January 18, 2022

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher | Netgalley

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

I want to read more books that make me laugh, and I'm happy to add HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR to that growing list.

I was hooked by the cover alone - the crossed out Hate is that one simple thing that made me want to read this book. I just knew that it was going to be a lot of fun. HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR is described as an enemies to lovers romantic comedy, but I think it's more like strangers to friends to lovers to friends to so much more. I loved Grace and Noah's game of getting to know each other.

HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR was a fun take on Trading Spaces and House Swapping. It was a fun, feel good book about figuring out who is important to us in our lives and making time and space for those people.

"We need to stop trying to prove ourselves to people that aren't even paying attention."

From the acknowledgments:

"To all of the people whp are afraid to jump because the landing is uncertain; I hope you find the courage to take the leap. Even when the landing hurts a bit, it is so incredibly worth it."

I love this so much and it's why I always read the acknowledgments.

FOURTH DOWN by Heidi McLaughlin

(The Portland Pioneers, #1)

Publication Date: August 10, 2021

Pages: 336

Source: Buoni Amici Press | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

I was excited when I saw that my library had an audiobook copy of FOURTH DOWN by Heidi McLaughlin and I downloaded it right away. I'm so glad that I listened to the audiobook as my second reading was more enjoyable than the first. To have the story presented in a voice other than my own changed the tone of the book, it added to the humor and flirtatiousness that I didn't necessarily pick up on, and that's what I needed.

FOURTH DOWN is the first book of the new Portland Pioneers series and an enemies-to-lovers sports romance.

What I liked:

• Autumn - she's compassionate and self-assured and she has an ease about her
• Autumn's developing friendship with Peyton, I love reading about women supporting women
• The Beaumont Series connection - it was funny to read the men of 4225 West as the older dudes
• Julius's children - Reggie and Roxy - they are adorable and their presence helped shape the story

Julius wasn't my favorite person. He had a lot of misdirected anger and Autumn definitely has a more forgiving heart than I do. It took me longer to warm up to Julius and understand the pain he was dealing with. I'm just glad that they were able to figure it out and find the love that they both deserve.

I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.

BUNS by Alice Clayton

Publication Date: May 23, 2017

Pages: 320

Source: Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

My book club knows that we can turn to Alice Clayton when we need a good laugh. The first two books, Nuts and Cream of the Crop, had us rolling so of course we had to read the third book in the Hudson Valley series, Buns.

I loved the idyllic setting and the Dirty Dancing comparison. Luckily we live close to one of the Mountain lodges where the movie was filmed and I'm tempted to take a day trip to relive the story all over again.

I loved reading Archie and Clara working together and falling for each other and the silly situations they got themselves into. And it was fun to fall for Archie who seemed aloof, but was anything but.  

I'm sad to say goodbye to the people of Hudson Valley with the end of this series - but I would love to catch up with them at a wedding or weekend getaway. A bonus story is all I would ask for.   

Review: HOW SWEET IT IS by Dylan Newton

 

HOW SWEET IT IS

by Dylan Newton

Publication Date: July 13, 2021

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher

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Synopsis

 

What happens when the queen of romance falls for the king of horror--you get "a hilarious rom-com comp," perfect for fans of Beach Read. (Kirkus, starred review)

Event planner Kate Sweet is famous for creating the perfect happily-ever-after moment for her clients’ dream weddings. So how is it that her best friend has roped her into planning a bestselling horror writer’s book launch extravaganza? But the second Kate meets—or rather, accidentally maims—the drop-dead-hot Drake Matthews, her well-ordered life quickly transforms into an absolute nightmare.

Drake Matthews is tired of the spotlight and tired of his reputation as the Knight of Nightmares. He's really a nice guy! But he’s not prepared for Kate, a fearless agent of chaos in steel-tipped stilettos, or for that sweet sting of attraction he feels for her. She’s inspiring him to take his writing in a whole new direction—one that no one expects. Because now Kate and Drake are changing up the rules, and this plot twist might just surprise everyone . . . including themselves.

MY THOUGHTS

HOW SWEET IT IS is a perfect title for this hilarious, charming, and oh so sweet romantic comedy. I wanted to read this book as soon as I learned that the main characters were a writer and an event planner - both who undoubtedly have many stories to tell. And, I mean, how can you not want to read a story about the Queen of Happily Ever Afters and the Knight of Nightmares? 

What I Loved:
Kate and Drake's unforgettable, awkward, but also sexy first meeting 
Kate and Drakes tale from the crypt
Kate and her spreadsheets and specialty "Aww" moments
Drake's real life moments of inspiration

The thing I love most about this book is how happy I felt while reading it. And it's weird that I was actively aware of this happiness. I smiled constantly and laughed out loud as Drake and Kate stumbled their way through their working relationship and fell for each other. 

Memorable Quote:

"Real women were so much harder to read than heroines in novels, and trying to act like a book hero, with all the right words spoken at just the right time, was impossible."

If you ask me, Drake did just fine figuring out how to be a book hero.

HOW SWEET IT IS is absolutely adorable and a must-read romantic comedy. I loved it!!

Disclaimer: I received this ARC from the publisher for review consideration. I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mini-Reviews: COWBOY COME HOME, HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING, and ENJOY THE VIEW

 A collection of mini-reviews, quick thoughts, and books worth mentioning. Check them out!

COWBOY COME HOME by Carly Bloom

Publication Date: March 31, 2020

Pages: 512

Source: Netgalley | Giveaway

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Carly Bloom delivers just the right amount of humor in this cowboy romance. Claire and Ford are so stubbornly adorable that you want all of the banter and bickering, but you desperately want all of their heated kisses more.

I especially enjoyed experiencing the friendships between men - all of the teasing and friendly taunting to get a rise out of each other. I couldn't help but laugh out loud at their antics. 

A Favorite Quote:

"Hey, I'm sorry if I'm flip and irreverent. It's what I do when I get nervous. Which is very unfortunate. You deserve a friend who can provide real comfort instead of just farting out of her mouth."

We all have this one friend and we love them for it.

Things that made me laugh:

The backstory of Ford's name

The "Sunday safety pin"

Claire's sparkly show chaps 

The characters have a book club and there's one reader who didn't finish the book (that's real life y'all)

What I loved most about COWBOY COME HOME is that it's not just a second chance romance. It's about family and finding a place to belong. And it's about community and taking care of each other, and you can't help but feel like you're a part of it all.

I loved it!!!

HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING by Denise Williams

Publication Date: December 1, 2020

Pages: 343

Source: Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I purchased HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING to read along with an online book club. I missed the book club, but I'm so glad that I bought the book anyway.

What I loved:

1. Naya is a lover of lists: ways to flirt, but also ways to get what she wants and ways to put herself out there

2. The Super-steamy love scenes, and there were plenty of them. They were so good that you can't help but want even more.

3. Naya has some wonderful friends who she could count on. They're honest with her and they keep her honest too.

Uh-oh, someone's falling:

"A few days, a few days, a few days. Enveloped in his warmth, I had to remind myself what this was, because he felt like safety, like home, like more."

I fell hard for this book and am already looking forward to the author's next book.

ENJOY THE VIEW by Sarah Morgenthaler

Publication Date: Januray 19, 2021

Pages: 352

Source: Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

It was so much fun to return to Moose Springs and finally get to know about the mysterious Easton and what was the best part is that Easton isn't so mysterious after all. He's charming, funny, and definitely the kind of guy you want to know.

ENJOY THE VIEW is full of danger and risks and scenerios that really gave me an adrenaline rush. I could feel my own anxiousness at the possible danger at any moment.

Favorite Quote:

"You're my kind of confusing."

There were many almost first kisses between River and Easton, and then finally, finally the first kiss and it was incredible.

I've enjoyed every book of this series and truly hope that I get the chance to visit Moose Springs again. It's just so fun there!

Mini-Reviews: FIX HER UP, THE PROPOSAL, and 5,331 MILES

A collection of mini-reviews, quick thoughts, and books worth mentioning. Check them out!

FIX HER UP by Tessa Bailey

Publication Date: June 11, 2019

Pages: 400

Source: Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this book for all of the laughs. I'd read some heavy emotional reads prior to reading FIX HER UP and I was in the need for a good laugh and this book did it. 

Family dinners, inconvenient/convenient small towels, and heated kisses made for some memorable moments. I loved the women supporting each other in their Just Us League - we all need friends to depend on. This fake relationship turned real romance is oh so hot and oh so good. ❤❤

THE PROPOSAL by Jasmine Guillory

Publication Date: October 30, 2018

Pages: 325

Source: Netgalley | Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I love the “Friends to More” or “Friends with Benefits to More” trope. And when it’s served up with a huge dose of humor, it makes it even better. THE PROPOSAL is sexy and fun and great follow-up to Jasmine Guillory’s THE WEDDING DATE.

The entire time I read THE PROPOSAL, I kept thinking “Y’all are totally in a relationship.”  Just because Nik and Carlos say what they’re doing isn’t a relationship, doesn’t mean that it’s not a relationship. They didn’t want to claim to be in a relationship because of what that would mean, but their friendship developed into something more. They were intuitive of the other’s needs and didn’t recognize that what they were feeling for each other was love. Sometimes it happens just like that. 

And if the love story isn’t enough, this book had me craving all the yummy food - risotto, tacos, pancakes - I wanted it all. And cooking for comfort or as a way to relax is always a plus in my book. 

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Thank goodness I already have a copy on my shelf.

5,331 Miles by Willow Aster

Publication Date: March 1, 2019

Pages: 288

Source: Kindle Unlimited | Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I first heard of this book when someone chose to receive it from a giveaway I’d hosted. Willow Aster was an author who was on my radar to read, and after reading the description for 5,331 MILES, I thought this was the perfect book to start with. First love, second chances, young adult - YES, YES, YES! This is the book for me.

I loved the storytelling of the past and present, the then and the now, as a way of  learning about the characters history and everything that they’ve experienced together and apart.

A favorite quote:

     “This -- kissing you, finally saying how I feel and hearing you say it back -- it’s a thousand times better than any time I’ve played it out in my head,” he whispered, placing one more kiss on my nose.”

     I grinned, amazed that he’d been imagining the same things I had.

This was a great book to introduce me to Willow Aster’s writing. Since reading 5,331 MILES, I’ve read her follow-up MILES AHEAD and have added some of her other books to my collection. Now I just need to decide which one to read next.