Barbara Rachel's Reviews

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace My rating: 5 of 5 stars really enjoyed I really liked reading this book—it was highly entertaining with tons of humor, had hockey, steamy romance, what more could I want?  It was very spicy so if that’s not your thing, this book is probably not for you, but I really enjoyed it. The struggles that each of the main characters went through was really engaging. One thing I didn’t like was that Robbie and Bobby had such similar names — I would get confused as to who we were talking about. But maybe that was just me. Otherwise— loved it.  One trigger warning: body dysmorphia and body shaming. Also to know: it is the 1st in a 3 book series. 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🏒 #sportyRomCom #CharactersThatNeedThearpy #ContemporaryRomance #HockeyRomance

Wildfire by Hannah Grace My rating: 5 of 5 stars   First of all I really liked the entire series. I actually surprised myself by how quickly I could digest each book. This book, the second in the series, is a sweet story about a young man with multiple issues stemming from a family in turmoil due to his parents’ secrets and the girl that not only turns his head but wins his heart. TBH, for me, this was a real page turner due to the character development and the overall story arc. The female MC has her own daddy issues and is trying to learn that to trust another as well as herself is a bigger challenge than she might have imagined. The internal battles each MC has to face and overcome for their own growth, let alone to be in a relationship were the best parts of the story. Overall, the book felt as much about each character’s own personal journey as it was about the potential romance between two people. I really enjoyed this book! Highly recommend! Plus I am ...

 I loved this series. I had read Conventionally Yours and I remembered I really enjoyed reading it but I forgot how addictive Annabeth Albert’s writing is! She writes so seamlessly—all I can say is #goals to that. These MM military romances are not for those that like a modest story — these books have an extra spicy 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ content level. I read a book a day until I was done with the entire series and if you enjoy MM romance, I highly recommend these books. Each book touches on issues with sensitive topics including PTSD, so be sure to read the content warnings in the introductions. #🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈  I read the entire series in a few days. 🌶️  — 5 alarm spice — do not read if you do not enjoy explicit intimacy  🏷️ trigger warning: PTSD #ContemporaryRomance #romcom #ExMilitaryRomance #LGBTQ+ #ExtraSpicyRomCom

The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey My rating: 4 of 5 stars View all my reviews Okay, there is so much I loved about this book... But, some of the dialogue was eye roll inducing. So much of this story was smart, funny and touching. And then... there times the conversation fell flat, did not support the story or was just cringe inducing - not because of the alpha male and the age difference... not issues for me. I mean if you are coming to a Tessa Bailey Party, don't expect anything less. I am here for all that. Just sometimes, maybe in an effort to make Burgess out to be a meat head, the conversation just seemed needlessly uninspired. Sorry Tessa Bailey - not that you will ever read this - I am a huge fan and just bought a pile of your books - I am here for the long haul. I just expected a little more.  The audio book was well read and produced. I purchased it through Barnes and Noble. The actor was wonderful and took you right ...

Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey My rating: 4 of 5 stars View all my reviews I really enjoyed this book — a marriage on the rocks, this is a highly relatable subject to anyone that has been married more than a minute — although this couple is in an extreme case to be sure. Fair warning — this is not only extra spicy but this couple is definitely into a vibe that many people may find antiquated or a bit too caveman. There were parts that I thought were a bit much, to be sure, but overall, I appreciated the story. I also really liked the incorporation of the love languages into the story — I find that subject fascinating and it was really different to see these built into the story. If you enjoy reading about spicy alpha males, this book may be right up your alley. Trigger warning: Veteran associated PTSD ExtraSpicy

A few pre-spoiler notes: Read. This. Book.  Loved it. I love everything Olivia Dade writes, even her newsletter emails because she makes me smile and I need more of that, believe me.  It takes place on the eastern shore so - that was so fun for all of us that live or have lived locally in D.C., as I do. This is bodice ripping spicy 🌶️ so if that is not your cup of tea, best move on. It is a slow burn but it gets there. Several times.  There is a rather unusual fetish of some adjacent characters, but it leads to so much hilarity, bring it on I say.  Okay I never do spoilers but this book had my favorite line of the year so far, and it is kind of a big reveal line so if you do not want a spoiler. Stop. Don’t read further. ⚠️ ______________ A for sale sign that reads. “1 Broken 🖤. No need to buy. It’s always been yours. I’m so sorry.”  Come on Olivia Dade?!? How is one supposed to continue read the remaining 20 odd pages through never ending tears? Okay this is m...

I loved this book.  Everly is our hero in this story of a young woman set to be featured in a reality TV makeover show geared toward plus-sized participants. Prior to this, she has been trying to hide herself for so long that she has procrastinated    pursuing any of her dreams.  As her story unfolds she begins to face challenges - some from unexpected places - as her character grows and changes. This was funny and entertaining but also a really worthwhile read. Initially, I expected the plot to be fairly straightforward, but there are some surprising twists and turns afterall. What I liked most about this story was the development of Everly‘s gumption.    I laughed, I gasped and cried my way through this book.  This is another book that I’m reading this year that features a female main character who becomes her own hero and really rescues herself. As far as the intimacy level, it was more implied than explicit, which is fine and left plenty to the ima...

Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer My rating: 4 of 5 stars As the creator and CEO of the popular Jewish dating app J-Mate, matchmaker Dara Rabinowitz knows the formula for lasting love—at least, for everyone else. When it comes to her own love life, she’s been idling indefinitely. Until her beloved bubbe shares Dara’s checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband” on national television and charming news anchor Chris Steadfast proposes they turn Dara’s search into must-see TV. As a non-Jewish single dad, Chris doesn’t check any of Dara’s boxes. But her hunt for Mr. Perfect is the ratings boost his show desperately needs. If only Chris could ignore his own pesky attraction to Dara—a task much easier said than done when Dara starts questioning if “perfect on paper” can compete with how hard she’s falling for Chris. I loved this book and the representation of a young Jewish woman with a severe anxiety disorder who has her world turned u...

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake My rating: 5 of 5 stars Loved it. No notes. ⏰ almost no time  🌶️ extra. rated mature ⚠️Mom that does not listen and earns no sympathy. Showing up for siblings that don’t show up for you. GAD.  Feeling not heard or seen.  🏷️ #RomCom #LGBTQ+🏳️‍🌈 #sapphicromance #ContemporaryRomance #FakeDating #makeYourOwnHappilyEverAfter #ShakespeareRemix #playwithinaplay