The Weekly Recap
Well I somehow am ending the year with pneumonia, which kind of sucks. After dodging Ms Rona for the last two years I did not have this on my 2022 bingo card that’s for sure. I don’t even know how I am sitting up-right and getting this post out, because I haven’t really slept in the past 3 nights and I am feeling miserable. I guess that’s the power of romance books? I did however hit my reading goal early, and read some great ones this week, so there’s always that.
Toasty Inside by Zoe Mona (Free with KU)
Smutty, fun novella between a lost hiker and a prolific holiday themed sex toy inventor-slash-recluse. Fun, hot and a perfect quick read. Also there’s a wiener dog named comet, so yes immediate 10/10.
Snowed In by Jenni Brady and Grace Elena (Free with KU)
Another cute snowed in with you novella that packs a lot in a tiny punch. Growly rancher, small city girl, comeuppance for douchebag ex, truly all tied up in a nice little package.
Just One Tent by Jaqueline Snowe (Free with KU)
I love the way Snowe writes. Her hero’s are some of my favourite and Mattie is definitely up there in book boyfriend land. This is a best friends to lovers story where he’s been in love with her for YEARS and she’s been oblivious, so OBVIOUSLY I loved it.
Sold to the Duke by Joanna Shupe (Free with KU)
A young destitute woman auctions her virginity off, only to be bought by her deceased brothers best friend. This whole thing REALLY worked for me. The tension, pining, and high-handedness coupled with the pride, stubbornness and longing just hit all the parts of what I was looking for. Plus Joanna’s smutty smut is EVERYTHING.
Miracle on Ladies Mile by Joanna Shupe (Free with KU)
Ah this was so stinking CUTE. A shop girl who is responsible for window display decorating and the store owner fall in love just in time for the holiday. Add in a very cute kid, some night club shenanigans and pining and you’ve got yourself a delightful holiday read.
The Naughty List by Ellie Mae MacGregor (Free with KU)
Santa f*cks a single mom.
My Dirty Duke by Joanna Shupe (Free with KU)
Age gap (he’s her DAD’S FRIEND), light D/s vibes between a much older Duke and a younger woman who’s been in love with him for years. This was hot as hell and really worked for me, and the grovel was great.
Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith
I read and LOVED Smith’s pirate romance In Like Flynn a few weeks ago, and after reading the premise I figured why not?! This was pretty cute, magical realism adjacent historical between a princess who washed ashore in a shipwreck and the nurturing Scotsman who find her. Oops amnesia, oops they’ve been dreaming of each other for years? A good mix of adventure, swoony romance and fun.
The Dukes Christmas Miracle by Christina Britton
An abused ladies maid reconnects with her childhood best friend at a holiday house party. Oh he’s a Duke and has been under the impression she’s been DEAD for years. This was SO sweet. He was so pleased to have found her, and then to give her the gift of time at his home, while making friends with his peers was a delight.
Seven Sinful Nights by Nicola Davidson
I read another novella from the Villain I’d Like to F… anthology and WOW this was great. Club owner and morally grey guy who is all about teaching toff’s their lessons, is given a widowed duchess for 7 nights as payment on a debt. Kinky AF, historical sex toys are but the tip of the smutty iceberg here. I loved it.