Category Archives: 3 Stars

Ten years ago, he shattered her heart. Now they’re writing their next chapter… together.
 
Rylee Lynch is stuck. Still living in the small Minnesota town she swore she’d leave, she spends her days caring for her younger brother and mourning the literary future her late father dreamed for her. California, graduate school, and the Great American Novel? Not even close.
 
Then Carson Meyers walks back into her life.
 
He was the high school golden boy who left her behind without a second glance. Now, he’s a single dad with a past full of regrets—and the last person Rylee expects to see across the aisle of her graduate writing class.
 
When they’re paired as critique partners, it’s like fate is forcing them to confront the story they never finished. But the real plot twist? A secret agreement to become each other’s “side project”—a no-strings, no-feelings, keep-it-casual arrangement they both swear won’t lead to heartbreak.
 
Yet with every late-night writing session and stolen moment, buried secrets begin to surface. Old wounds are reopened. And the story they’re telling on paper starts to feel a lot like the one they’re living.
 
Because falling in love was never part of the plan… and neither was the truth that could ruin everything.
 
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Annabel Monaghan, The Side Project is a smart, sexy, and emotionally layered novel about second chances, unfinished stories, and the risk it takes to rewrite your life.

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MY REVIEW

The Side Project is a cute and spicy single dad, second chance romance.

Rylee had big dreams of pursuing a life in California, but having to raise her little brother kept her home.  Carson also had plans of his own until his girlfriend got pregnant. Being a single dad was the last thing he planned for. Ten years later, Carson and Rylee find themselves as partners in a graduate writing class. When research becomes reality, nothing good can come from a no-strings romance….

I thought this book was an okay read. I thought the characters were likable, and the plot was entertaining. I liked the dynamic between Carson and Rylee. There was definitely some history between them, especially with Carson rejecting Rylee in high school.  I couldn’t wait to see how things would develop and if they’d be able to leave the past behind.

However, I did have some issues with this story. Pacing being the biggest one. For me, the pacing was slow and dragged at times. Also, there were some parts that felt unclear/confusing to me.  And while I liked Carson and Rylee, it felt like something was missing. The sparks were there, but they just left me wanting more.

Overall, this book was a bit of a hit and miss for me. I felt like it had a lot of potential, but somewhere along the way, it just fell flat. Despite this not being 100% hit for me, I’m still glad to have checked it out.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

This modern reimagining of Persuasion is full of witty banter, romantic angst, and compelling characters as it captures the heart of the classic Jane Austen novel.

When Anne Elliott broke up with Ben Wentworth it seemed like the right thing to do . . . but now, eight years later, she’s not so sure.

In her scenic hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Anne is comfortable focusing on her successful career, filling her late mother’s shoes as town councilor and executive director of her theater company. She certainly keeps busy as the all-around wrangler of eccentric locals, self-centered family members, elaborate festivals, and the occasional goose attack. But the more she tries to convince herself that her life is fine as-is, the more it all feels like a show—and not nearly as good as the ones put on by her theater company. She’s the always responsible Anne, always taken for granted and cleaning up after other people, and the memories of happier times with Ben Wentworth still haunt her.

So when the nearby Kellynch Winery is bought by Ben’s aunt and uncle, Anne’s life is set ablaze as her old flame crashes back into her life—and it’s clear he hasn’t forgotten or forgiven her for breaking his heart. A joint project between the winery and Anne’s theater forces both Ben and Anne to confront their complicated history, and as they spend more time together Anne can’t help but wonder if there might be hope for their future after all.

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MY REVIEW

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Now, as a big Jane Austen fan, I knew I had to get my hands on this story.

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy follows the story of Anne and Ben. Anne broke up with Ben eight years ago but now finds herself second-guessing her decision. And when Ben’s family buys a nearby winery, Anne’s entire world is turned upside down. Anne quickly discovers that Ben hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart. And when fate throws these former lovers together, they’re forced to confront their past.

Overall, I thought this book was an enjoyable read. I’m a sucker for second-chance, forced proximity romances. I loved the tension between Anne and Ben and couldn’t wait to see how their story would play out.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*