Tag:

becka mack

Fall with Me

by Jill August 1, 2024

written by Jill

Book Review:
Fall with Me

Becka Mack

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Once again Becka Mack checks all the boxes for PERFECTION! 😍

Fall with Me is deeply vulnerable, hilarious and sexy, making you laugh and cry from one sentence to the next.

JAXON and LENNON are EVERYTHING! ✨

⭐️ rating: ♾️
🌶️ spice: 3/5 (many open door scenes, plot > spice)

💭 overall thoughts:
My notes for this one were absolute CHAOS 😅
As I went back through my 117 highlights I fell in love with this book all over again.

Lennon & Jaxon have incredible banter, and have so much more in common than what may be seen at first glance.
Jaxon is such an acts of service boy, and he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it (which makes it all the sweeter).

They are both the sweetest souls, looking for their place in the world, wanting to feel like they belong. The support and love they find with one another is beautiful, and a person to call home.

This honestly read a lot like a single dad romance, Jaxon takes Cat Daddy to the next LEVEL – and the way Lennon also falls in love with Mittens 🥰

We got SO MUCH of the rest of the boys & their ladies, they had me smiling from ear to ear (and they brought on the tears too).

tropes + topics:
1️⃣ one night stand
😡 frenemies to lovers
🏠 roommates with benefits
🏒 pro hockey player
📸 team photographer
🐱 cat daddy
🫶🏼 found family
💞 dual 1st person pov

In case you haven’t heard of this series before, Fall with Me is Book 4 in the series. While this can definitely be read as a standalone (for the main couple), I highly recommend reading them in order to get the full *found family* vibes & understanding of all the side characters.

Thank you to Becka Mack for sending me a surprise an advanced copy!! And to Simon & Schuster Canada for the physical arc. All opinions are my own.

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
AMAZON

August 1, 2024 0 comments

Book Lists

Top 23 Romance Books of 2023

by Jill January 2, 2024

written by Jill

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Since it’s absolutely impossible to pick a favourite book of the year when you’ve read around 250 books, I went with a top 23 of 2023!

I mostly read contemporary romance, so these all fall under that category.

Caught Up by Liz Tomforde

I’m completely obsessed with this book. I was so incredibly invested in both Miller & Kai, I loved their dynamic and their individual healing journies.

Caught Up is book 3 in the Windy City series, and is a romance between single dad & pro baseball player Kai & his nanny, Miller, a pastry chef who happens to be his coach’s daughter.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

The Right Move by Liz Tomforde

I LOVE a roommates romance! Throw in fake dating & sports, and I’m super happy.

The Right Move is a grumpy sunshine/forced proximity romance between flight attendant Indy Ivers & her best friend’s brother, pro basketball player Ryan Shay.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

The Space Between by Sarah Ready

This was an incredibly emotional journey that sucked me in from the first pages! I tandem read this one on ebook and audio, and Sarah Ready is incredible at choosing her narrators.

The Space Between is a book about soulmates from different worlds finding their way back to each other, while so many forces are tearing them apart.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon

Because of Us by Nina Arada

I read this one in January 2023 and it’s still on my mind.

Because of Us is a second chance romance between Josie & her brother’s best friend, Wes. Told through dual timeline, we see what broke them apart, and how they find their way back to each other.

Links:
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

Next to You by Hannah Bonam-Young

Mattheus Tito-Jones is probably my top book boyfriend of the year. He’s incredibly sweet, just an all-around good guy. Lane is super relatable to me as well, and the anxiety rep is spot on.

Next to You is book 2 in the Next series (following Next of Kin), and is a friends to lovers, opposites attract romance.

Links:

Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon (currently only on pre-order since new covers are coming!)

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

I’ve loved mixing it up a bit this year with sci-fi elements/magical realism in some books.

The Seven Year Slip is about a magical apartment where inhabitants can slip 7 years in the past or future. This is a beautiful forced proximity time travel romance.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon

Some Kind of Blunderful by Livy Hart

This was my first Livy Hart book, and definitely won’t be my last! I can’t wait to read more from her in 2024. I was smiling throughout this entire book.

Mia & Alex are enemies(ish) who end up in a forbidden, secret relationship, where they really don’t WANT to like each other, but can’t help it!

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

When I finished reading this one, I declared it my favorite Christina Lauren book – I’m not sure if it’s because it’s my most recent, but it’s definitely in my top 5! They are my absolute favorite duo, and I really loved this one.

Both Fizzy & Connor are loveable characters, though total opposites, who fall for each other slowly with the BEST chemistry! They have complete open and honest communication which is super refreshing.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon

Rock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score

This is my favorite Lucy Score book I’ve read so far! I found the characters super relatable in that even though they are in their late 30s, they (and I) really have no clue how to really be an adult 😂.

Marley returns to her hometown and gets a job teaching & coaching at the local high school, and reconnects with Jake, fellow teacher & coach who broke her heart as teens.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

Forget Me Not by Julie Soto

This was probably my most surprising read of the year! I grabbed an arc off NetGalley based on the cover alone, and the story completely blew me away. It’s shocking that this was a debut for Julie Soto, and I can’t wait to get my hands on her 2024 release.

Forget Me Not is a second chance romance between sunshiney wedding planner Ama & grumpy florist Elliot, who are forced into proximity by working together on a celebrity wedding.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon

Powerless by Elsie Silver

I think everyone has a different fav in Chestnut Springs, and this is mine. I’m definitely a sucker for childhood friends to lovers, which I think is what pushes this one to the top spot for me. The entire series has been 5 star reads, so I highly recommend them all!

Powerless is a spicy, childhood friends to lovers between hockey player Jasper & ballerina Sloane, where they head on out on a road trip and finally give in to their feelings for one another.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

Their Freefall at Last by Julie Olivia

I’m honestly emotional while typing this, as this book tore me apart and (thankfully) put me back together!

This is book 4 in the Honeywood series, and really shouldn’t be read as a standalone. We get bits and pieces of Ruby & Bennett in the previous books, and in this one we finally get these best friends to become so much more.

Links:
Review of Their Freefall at Last
Review of the Honeywood series
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

Exes and O’s by Amy Lea

Roommates is one of my absolute favorite tropes, and this book made me so happy! I related a lot to Tara, and was rooting for her to get her happily ever after.

Exes and O’s is a forced proximity, slow burn, friends to lovers romance between nure/bookstagrammer Tara & firefighter & reformed playboy Trevor.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon

Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young

I’m currently doing a reread of this one on audiobook as I write this, and it’s reminding me why this book is on this list.

This is a really special one. Don’t let “accidental pregnancy” deter you, it’s done in such an incredibly beautiful way.

Wyn & Bo meet at a Halloween party, and after the most phenomenal night of their lives, end up having a baby together. They are one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever read, as they navigate this huge change in their lives.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

The Fake Out by Stephanie Archer

I knew from the first chapter that this one would be a fav for me.

The history & chemistry between Rory and Hazel was PERFECTION. I loved how he had been pining for her since FOREVER, and how cute and patient he was.

The Fake Out is a fake dating, he falls first romance between pro hockey player Rory and physiotherapist & yoga teacher, Hazel.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

Play with Me by Becka Mack

Garrett Anderson is another top tier book boyfriend for me, and I absolutely adored Jennie too!

This is book 2 in the Playing for Keeps series, and I’d definitely read book 1 (Consider Me) first.

Jennie is Carter’s (from Consider Me) little sister, and Garrett is his (hockey) teammate and best friend. They become neighbors, which leads to a friends with benefits situation, which leads to so much more.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon

A Long Time Coming by Meghan Quinn

Book 3 in the Cane brothers series, and my absolute favorite – possibly my favorite Meghan Quinn I’ve read so far!

Breaker Cane is amazing, a humble billionaire and the perfect best friend for Lia. They meet in college and have an incredible dynamic. Lia being engaged to someone else is the catalyst they need to realize how much more they mean to one another.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison

I’m torn whether this or book 1 (Lovelight Farms) is my favorite in the series – I love both so much!

In Mixed Signals, Caleb has had a crush on Layla for forever, finding excuses to frequently visit her bakery to see her. They end up sorta fake dating – or more like temporarily dating – which slowly turns into more.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon

Caught on Camera by Chelsea Curto

Shawn Holmes sets such a high standard for fictional men! This is one of my favorite best friends to lovers stories I’ve ever read. Something I loved about it was that they their feelings developed during the story, instead of one pining secretly for the other – they just naturally fell in love with the person that was perfect for them.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

Tempting the Player by Rebecca Jenshak

This one is book 4 in the Campus Wallflowers series, which I highly recommend – it’s a lot of fun! College sports romances where the mmc is an athlete and the fmc is somewhat of a shy wallflower.

This one is my favorite mostly because I was waiting for Jane’s story, and also because Hendrick is the sweetest protective mmc. His brothers as side characters are such a fun addition to the story!

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

First Down by Grace Reilly

Bex needs someone to help her get rid of her pushy ex (by fake dating), and James desperately needs a tutor to pass his writing class. Neither is looking for a relationship, since their main focus is on their goals – without distractions. Obviously, they quickly become that for one another, as their chemistry is undeniable.

First Down is book 1 in the Beyond the Play series, and I’ve loved the rest too!

Links:

Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon (currently available on KU)

The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

Gahhh Best friends to lovers is such an auto-buy trope for me!

I love the dynamic and mutual pining between Bree & Nathan.

Yes, another fake dating sports romance – but it’s just so so good! The mental health rep is so well portrayed, showing behind the scenes of panic attacks.

Links:
Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon

The Love Wager by Lynn Painter

This book had me smiling throughout the whole story! I LOVE texting banter, and Lynn Painter is seriously the banter queen.

Also, Jack & Hallie are one of my favorite couples ever. After a one night stand, they reconnect and become best friends, and support each other in their quests to find “the one.” But duh, they’re obviously meant to be!

Links:

Full Review
Goodreads
Amazon

Did you enjoy this list? Let me know in the comments & pin the image to save for later! 📌

January 2, 2024 0 comments

Becka Mack Book Reviews

Unravel Me

by Jill July 27, 2023

written by Jill

All Adam wants is to find his person – someone who loves him for who he is, and not his wealthy, star hockey player side.

After the MOST ADORABLE meet-cute, thanks to his pup Bear, he meets Rosie, and her laughter immediately draws him in.

Rosie isn’t looking for anything, but she dreams of someone who loves her, and her son Connor, unconditionally. She’s used to being let down, and trusting doesn’t come easy, but she opens up to Adam. It’s an instant connection for all 3 of them 🥰

Book Review: Unravel Me

Becka Mack

Series: Yes (book 3 in Playing for Keeps)

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

Spice: 3/5

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Becka Mack did NOT disappoint – this lived up to and surpassed all my expectations!

Adam & Rosie + Connor are EVERYTHING 💕

Sorry Gare-bear – you’ve been bumped from #1 fictional hockey player spot 🙃
ADAM LOCKWOOD 🫠🫠
He’s just perfection.
And just what sweet Rosie deserves 🥰

I couldn’t put this book down, I loved it so much. Being the 3rd book in the series, we get a lot of the previous characters as well – which is amazing! We’re also introduced to some new side characters, who are the perfect support for Rosie.

What you’ll find in Unravel Me:
💖 Single Mama
💖 Hidden identity
💖 Hockey player
💖 Vet student
💖 Insta connection
💖 Group chat shenanigans
💖 The sweetest little toddler
💖 Lots of pups & kitties
💖 Found family
💖 Mental health rep (anxiety)
💖 Dual POV/first person
*check trigger warnings if you have any.

Looking forward to Jaxon & Lennon’s story next! I love that we got to see more of his softer side.

Thank you so much to Wordsmith Publicity & Becka Mack for allowing me the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book! All opinions are my own.

Find it on Goodreads HERE.

Buy the Book:
AMAZON (link to come!)

July 27, 2023 0 comments

Book Lists Recommendations by Trope

Sports Romance Book Recs

by Jill July 13, 2023

written by Jill

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Are you in your sports romance era, or just looking to add some athletes to your list of book boyfriends? I’ve got just the recommendations for you!

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

An enemies to lovers college romance between a figure skater, Anastasia Allen, and a hockey player, Nathan Hawkins. Don’t let this adorable cartoon cover fool you – it’s a LOT spicier than it looks!

Her second book in the Maple Hills series, Wildfire, will be released October 3, 2023.

Links:
Goodreads Icebreaker | Wildfire
Amazon Icebreaker | Wildfire

Playing for Keeps series by Becka Mack

Consider Me is the story of Carter Beckett, a playboy hockey superstar turned golden retriever hero when he falls head over heels for Olivia Parker.

Play with Me is the story of Garrett Anderson (hockey player) & Gennie Beckett (Carter’s sister) as they go from friends with benefits, to more.

The completed series will be 5 books, with the 3rd (Unravel Me) coming out in summer 2023.

Links:
Goodreads Consider Me | Play with Me
Amazon Consider Me | Play with Me

Windy City series by Liz Tomforde

Mile High is an enemies to lovers forbidden romance with forced proximity between Stevie (flight attendant) and Zanders (hockey player).

The Right Move is a best friend’s brother (Stevie’s), fake dating, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity romance between Indy (flight attendant) & Ryan (basketball player).

There will be more books coming in the series. The next is Caught Up (baseball romance), and will be published October 10, 2023.

Links:
Goodreads Mile High | The Right Move
Amazon Mile High | The Right Move

Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy

This one is best when you know very little about the plot! The main female character is Ari, and she gets to know her twin brothers’ friends, who are all college football players. It’s a wonderful emotional rollercoaster.

Links:
Goodreads | Amazon

Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver

This was a tricky series I wasn’t sure I was going to include! Flawless & Reckless both have bull riders, the hero in Powerless is a hockey player, and Heartless technically isn’t a sports romance (he’s just a cowboy!). They’ve got a bunch of awesome other tropes too – enemies to lovers (Flawless), single dad & nanny (Heartless), childhood friends to lovers (Powerless), and failed one night stay/secret baby (Reckless).

The next book – Hopeless – will be released October 13, 2023.

The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

Bree (a ballerina) and Nathan (the star quarterback) become best friends in high school, and have been secretly in love with one another since then. In the present day, circumstances lead to them fake dating, and it’s just perfection! This is a clean romance, but the tension is wonderful.

Links:
Goodreads | Amazon

Beyond the Play series by Grace Reilly

This series stars the sporty Callahan siblings and their time in college. These covers are ADORABLE, and these books are spicy 🌶️

First Down: Fake dating between James (star quarterback) and Bex (photographer, also his tutor).

Breakaway: Hockey player Cooper starts a friends-with-benefits relationship with his coach’s daughter, Penny, that turns into more.

Stealing Home: Adopted Callahan brother Sebastian, baseball player, falls for black cat Mia (Penny’s best friend).

The next book, Wicked Serve, will be about the youngest Callahan, Izzy (volleyball player) and doesn’t have a release date at this time.

Links:
Goodreads First Down | Breakaway | Stealing Home
Amazon First Down | Breakaway | Stealing Home

Did you enjoy this list? Let me know in the comments & pin the image to save for later! 📌

July 13, 2023 0 comments

becka mack

Book Review: Fall with Me

Becka Mack

Book Review: Unravel Me

Becka Mack

Book Review:
Fall with Me