Category: TOP 2020 MUST READ

I’m single . . . so single it’s painful
Yup, ladies, Brig Knightly–that’s me–is still a lonely bachelor, stumbling through the streets of Port Snow, looking for the girl he’s supposed to end up with
That is until my brother, Rogan, presents me with the opportunity of a lifetime. The Summer of Love, a secret pen pal program in Port Snow is looking for applicants and I’m the perfect fit
I couldn’t sign up fast enough
I found myself quickly falling in love with a pair of red lips at the bottom of a letter. Just like in the movies . .
Life could not have been better, that was until I started hanging out with Ruth Barber. Starting a new business right next to my shop, I found myself gravitating toward her. Her smile, her humor . . . her tea sandwiches
My attraction for Ruth came in full force, leaving me dazed, confused, and *ahem* excited
As new feelings for two women come to a screeching halt, I have to figure out who to choose. But when I discover my pen pal is Ruth, it might be too late
All I want in life is to experience that swoony feeling . . . but I think I might have just missed my chance.

RELEASE DATE: August 6, 2020

Not my first read by the author, and not my last. I have fallen in love with this series from book one, and I have been waiting for the youngest brother’s story and it did not disappoint! HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series & this book!!

WOW. I was not expecting that, I mean Brig is the youngest brother of them and the most ‘I WANT TO FIND LOVE’ silly, sweet, big heart and still very handsome and sexy in his own way. Ruth is, she surprised me each time, my heart fell for her at every corner fallen and by gosh, can you live through a character? Because i sure as heck did with Ruth. She’s had a secret for a long time, the secret being only to Brig who is a clueless idiot. Talk about a town effort. Yes, you will get lots of laughs here but also sweet moments that will keep you wanting to read more and need more. I was very captivated by this one, I even cried my eyes out. I really wish there is it will be more because I don’t want it to end please. And I am saying this because of the way this book ended, I’m kind of hanging there….

TOP 2020 MUST READ
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: (Getting Lucky #4) Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Friends-To-Lovers, JULY 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ Until Talon by Aurora Rose Reynolds

July 16, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

When Mia Allenton’s sister calls, asking her for help after finding out her husband cheated, Mia packs up her life in Montana and moves to Tennessee to be there for her and her three girls. As Mia begins to settle in, a tornado comes through, bringing along with it Talon Mayson, a man determined to prove to her that good men do exist.
Talon knows he’s got his work cut out for him when it comes to earning Mia’s trust, but slowly her walls start to crumble, and they begin to build something beautiful. Unfortunately, someone from Talon’s past isn’t happy about him being back in Tennessee, and they’re willing to do anything to prevent him from ever being happy.
Is the Boom between Talon and Mia strong enough to weather the storm that’s coming?

RELEASE DATE: August 4, 2020

Not my first read by the author, she happens to be my TOP 5 favorite authors and one of my first reads from many moons ago. To say I know this whole entire series like the back of my hand would be an understatement. Every time Aurora gives us another Until I SCREAM because truly I am SO invested in this wonderful series. And yes, you can ask me about any one of them and I can tell you in great detail about the characters and story line. #sorrynotsorry

I’ll begin to say that Talon is Nico & Sophies (Until Nico) Son and ugh I couldn’t wait for this one because not only did I love Nico but Talon is a replica of his father in many ways including being a big handsome sexy alpha man with tattoos! That said Talon and Bax his brother own their own construction company. Now the heroine is Mia, she moved to the small town to help her sister who recently is getting a divorce from her cheating husband. She thought she would be there a few weeks and 6 months later she finds herself at a car dealership working as a sales person, which she seems to be good at. A girl’s gotta work right! When a actual tornado that everyone said was only a alert occurs, the man she couldn’t stop looking at in the show room saves her, good thing because she was stuck and frozen to one spot in shock. Talk about a meeting!

I could probably tell you scene by scene but don’t want to ruin it for anyone especially my fellow UNTIL SERIES enthusiasts. You will most definitely get the BOOM in this one, all the feels, the sweet, the alpha and the OH SO SEXY! Be prepared for a little of mystery, danger and a man who is not only down to earth but so genuine and kind *swoon* The story fits the cover very well, and be on the look out to want a Cece & Winston story (which will come in the HEA World of Aurora)

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Swoon: 😍😍😍😍😍
Triggers: N/A
Standalone/Series: Book #9 in the Until Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Age-Gap Romance, Cliffhanger, Dark Romance, Enemy-To-Lovers, Forbidden Romance, JULY 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Suspense Romance, Taboo Romance, Tear Jerker, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ The Devil’s Crown by Monica James

July 14, 2020July 14, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

I was feared.
Respected.
Worshiped.
But all of that changed when the impossible happened—I fell in love. Only those feelings weren’t reciprocated, because who could love a monster like me?
My empire crumbled. People died. I went from being a victorious leader to lurking in the shadows, planning revenge on my half-brother who now reigns in my place.
An orphanage is where I find sanctuary, but when she walks into my world and evokes a yearning I thought long dead, my demons are awakened and want what they can’t have—her. Sooner or later, I knew I’d need to feed the darkness inside me.
Mayhem, power, and control course through my veins. I will use them to regain my crown, my throne, and then claim her, despite what solemn vows she might’ve made.
I will break them…and her.

**All The Pretty Things Trilogy Spin-Off**

RELEASE DATE: July 21, 2020

We’re like desperate, starved animals pawing at one another, wanting to rip the other apart.
–Aleksei

Not my first read by the author, and I am a huge fan of her dark romance and well all her books but the dark, she does it well!! So happy and honored to be on her ARC team and received this first hand! I dived right in with no expectation BECAUSE I have a love.hate deal with Alek (please ALL THE PRETTY THINGS Trilogy) I can’t say it fully because it will ruin it. But because of that, I’ve bene on the fence about Alek…

Alek is ruthless and I mean that in all the forms in EVERY form, but even from the trilogy I learned something about him…his heart (or a piece of it that’s left) is HUGE! I don’t care what you say but his weakness may be common in someone eye’s but beautiful to me. Definitely have a weak spot for him, aside from all his bad-ness! This was sinfully delicious! And I say that with respect to “HIM” but talk about being all kind of ways of fucked up after this…

This is all I am going to say about it because I just finished and I like writing my reviews just as I finish so it’s fresh in my mind and my emotions. I was a MESS. An utter mess by the end, what’s worse is HOW DOES ONE WAIT TILL SEPTEMBER for more? As tragic as it was, dangerous, sexy, sinful, deadly…in a way Alek’s story truly is a forbidden act. I am leaving it at that, it’s a cliffy so yeah!

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: Killing
Standalone/Series: Part One
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Forbidden Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, JULY 2020 Reviews, Office-Romance, Single Dad, Sizzling, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ After All by Kristen Proby

July 14, 2020July 14, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

The last sizzling novel in Kristen Proby’s Romancing Manhattan series finds a widower falling deeply in love again with a woman who has scars of her own.
When Carter Shaw’s wife died five years ago, he was left to pick up the pieces not only of his own broken heart but also that of his devastated eight-year-old daughter, Gabby—leaving him with no time for anything else, let alone dating. But recently, Carter has noticed women again and soon even begins dating. No one has stuck around for long, mostly thanks to one very angry Gabby.
Nora Hayes has worked as Carter’s assistant for years. Recently divorced herself, Nora spends many hours at the office and helping Carter with his daughter whom she adores. Despite loving her job and being wrapped up in the Shaw family, Nora’s never given her handsome, kind workaholic boss a second thought, especially in the romance department.
But then the snowstorm of the century hits, and Nora finds herself stranded at work with Carter overnight. And suddenly, she sees Carter in a whole new, sexy light. The sadness that’s lived in his eyes for so long has now been replaced with pure, unadulterated lust—and Nora isn’t quite sure what to do about it. For after the pain of her divorce, she never thought she would give love a second chance.
Carter and Nora have always believed in never combining business with pleasure. But how can they possibly deny the all-consuming chemistry between them…?

RELEASE DATE: July 14, 2020

“You don’t like to sweat?” “No. I don’t. It’s just…sweaty.” “So noted,” he replies. “I plan to feed you well, Nora. I plan to do a lot fo things well.” If that doesn’t send a zing down my spine and straight to my lady parts, I don’t know what does.

Not my first read by the author and not my last, I have read the other books in this series as well and I have to say that THIS ONE TOOK THE CAKE for me, TOP 2020 MUST READ from page 1 through end! I seriously loved everything about it, from meeting the characters, to actions, events…and Gabby the he’s daughter, I want a daughter just like her, sweet, smart, sassy and super adorable and funny!

Not your average office-romance because Nora and Carter have known each other for a very long time. She’s been working for him for a decade, and even was there through out his late wife’s death, and of course her own divorce. So the lines were always there but they were blurred until that one day where ‘THE KISS’ almost happened and Carter couldn’t stop thinking about it. This takes you on a fun adventure of actions, events and little bit of heartbreak and I will warn you this man will spark your panties right off you, wow on the love scenes HOT DAMN to be exact! The outcome is very sweet and I am so sad to see this series end! At least all three books are available to binge read!

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers:
Standalone/Series:
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Angsty, Friends-To-Lovers, JUNE 2020 Reviews, Second Chance Romance, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance, Tear Jerker, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ Southern Sunrise by Natasha Madison

July 1, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

Buried secrets never stay hidden in the South.
Emily
I fell in love with him when I was fourteen. Under the stars, he told me he loved me, and under the stars we promised to love each other always. But under the stars, he broke my heart by walking away.
He left me without a second glance. I was just an afterthought.
Now he’s back, but this time, I’m not falling for his Southern charm.
Maybe.
It’s time I get my happily ever after, even if part of me wishes he was still mine.
Ethan
I found out on my twenty-first birthday that everything I thought I knew was a lie, and the man I had grown up thinking was my father wasn’t.
The pain I felt blinded me, making it impossible to hear what anyone said.
I left them all behind, including her, my best friend and the woman I was going to marry.
Five years later, I’m back, only to find the woman I still love has another man’s ring on her finger.
She’s going to marry my best friend unless I stop her. And this time, I only have until sunrise to change her mind.

RELEASE DATE: July 7, 2020

Not my first read by the author and not my last. I have read almost every singe book by her and of course have read the other books in this series!

Okay, okay, okay…what just happened? I started reading this around 8pm and its almost 1am i am now finished and I’m…I have just cried on and off for hours. Have your tissue handy because this ones a heart-breaker. So by now we all know this is the love story of Ethan who is Savannah’s son, i feel like by this point you probably don’t want to start the series with this book so we all know who he is. I want sure what to expect to be honest, then i thought i knew what to expect then i was broken into pieces, felt every single word and cried right along. Sometimes trying to find yourself or who you are comes at a cost, and Ethan paid BIG! Emily, beautiful Emily… forever will love her, i felt every single break of hers, every year gone by alone, gah just so tragic but beautiful.

If you want angst mixed with heartbreak, throw in some curves on the road AND then have it all try and find the same path… this is for you. I am so glad Ethan and Emily got their story, probably a critical and important one at that. not the end but I’m throwing this into my “when I’m feeling sad’ pile so i can extra FEEL it when i re-read!

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: #4 of Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Angsty, Biker Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, May 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Suspense Romance, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ A Little Bit Wicked by Melissa Foster

June 16, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

(The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #1)

What do a cocky biker and a businesswoman who has sworn off dating bad boys have in common? According to Chloe Mallery, not much.
Justin came into the Wicked family after a harsh upbringing by a thieving father. He’s gone through a lot to become a true Wicked, and he’s made them proud. Now he’s ready to show the woman he loves exactly what type of man he is. But Chloe has worked hard to move past her difficult upbringing, and she’s wary of getting involved with a man who looks like he’s walked right out of it. When tragedy strikes, will their trying pasts draw them together, or will Justin’s protective nature be too much for Chloe’s independent heart to accept?

RELEASE DATE: June 17, 2020

“Justin,“ she said apologetically. “You know I swore off dating bad boys a long time ago.”
“That’s what you keep saying, but you have no idea how good bad can be.”

…It was her favorite country song. She couldn’t believe her ears. “Justin…?”

Not my first read by the author and not my last, MF is actually one of my top 5 favorite author’s and also one of my very first reads…so if you asked me how many books I’ve read by her…my answer would be ALL! This was an exciting NEW something from MF!

This is a TRUE LOVE story, paved with lot’s of obstacles and barriers and two opposite VERY opposite people who fit each other in every way possible. We have Justin the hero who is very manly but the biggest heart and the sweetest but in just a alpha and sexy way. Their flirting at the beginning and catching each other, IN LOVE with the process. This is slow burn but a very fun one! Both hero and heroine come from a troubling and broken pasts but I have to be honest the way they both come together isn’t just beautiful but inspiring and sweet and sexy and sensual. Like I said you will fall in love with JUSTIN continuesly through out the book!

In here you will get fun, laughter, sweetness, love and passion…the kind of passion in all aspects (family, relationship and actions). Truly an amazing start to a new series. Can’t wait for more!!

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: N/A
Standalone/Series: Book #1 in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Friends-To-Lovers, May 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Small Town Romance, Suspense Romance, TOP 2020 MUST READ, Uniform Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Hooking Him by Aurora Rose Reynolds

June 11, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

Anna McAlister needs a new life. But that doesn’t mean she needs a new man. After leaving her fiancé and Chicago behind, she promises herself no dating until she finds what she’s looking for. But meeting one seriously hot and determined detective has her questioning herself.
Calvin Miller is that detective, and he’s been burned by women in the past. It’s easy for him to sleep alone and focus on his work, but the moment he lays eyes on Anna, he starts imagining sexy nights with her wrapped in his sheets. Maybe it’s time to get back out there.
But just as the attraction between them begins to sizzle, Anna’s past shows up to create trouble. And to make matters worse, a string of murders forces Calvin to juggle his new relationship and his career. His worst fear? That the two are somehow connected.
Can they find love together, or will her past and his duty sink their hopes?

RELEASE DATE: June 16, 2020

I think by now a lot of you know how much of a Aurora fan I am, I have read and re-read all of her books, and this was a bitter-sweet one because it’s the last one in the series. I really could use another 5 or 6 in the series. And Calvin, most favorite HERO this year.

Calvin took the cake for me. He is a handsome, sexy, tall, funny, loyal, alpha and sweetest man alive..oh an a Police Officer that has a soft spot for sweet heroines that are a bit sassy. Which out Heroine Anna is, they come from very different worlds yet all it took was one look. Calvin wants to understand Anna and Anna wants to shield him from her family and past. Little bit of drama, action and mystery in this one, sweetest moments…gah I loved everything about this and like I said wish there was another 5 or 6 more! I highly recommend this entire series!!

TOP 2020 MUST READ
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: N/A
Standalone/Series: BOOK #3
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Friends-To-Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Sizzling, Small Town Romance, Sport Romance, Sports Romance, Tear Jerker, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ Unforgettable by Melanie Harlow

May 2, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

Back then, I had it all.
Wicked fastball. Killer instinct. Cocky grin. Full package.
(And believe me, I knew how to score.)
My senior year, I was a first round draft pick with a two-million-dollar signing bonus. Before I could even legally buy myself a beer, I made my Major League debut.
Point is, I was invincible.
Until one day I wasn’t.
After tanking my career—during the World Series, no less—the last thing I want to do is return to my hometown, where every jerk in a ball cap has an opinion about what went wrong with my arm.
So when my sister drags me back to town for her wedding, I vow to get in and out of there as quickly as possible.
Then I run into April Sawyer.
In high school we were just friends, but I’d always wanted her, and I’d never forgotten her—the red hair, the incredible smile, the crazy, reckless thing we did in the back of my truck the night we said goodbye.
It’s been eighteen years, but one look at her and I feel like my old self again. I can still make her laugh, she can still take me down a notch, and when the chemistry between us explodes, it’s even hotter this time around—and I don’t want it to end.
But just when I think I’m ready to let go of the past and get back in the game, life throws me a curveball I never saw coming.

RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2020

First of, I can;t believe this is THE LAST BOOK in the series *crying* noooo! Also I have read almost all of the author’s books including every one in this series! Still crying because there won’t be anymore, but what an ENDING! *still crying*

First off the hero is Sadie’s big brother, our heroine April used to babysit Sadie back in high school where she also tutored the hero, so they all have history. Now I do not want to spoil any part of this story because it’s rather important and big for the conclusion of this series. If you’ve read the whole series you MIGHT get an idea, but I gotta say I did not expect that ending…and can we talk about that before all? WHY DID IT HAVE TO END?! Ugh, makes me want to re-read the whole series now!

That said, this is something sweet…dark but sweet. I loved April in the previous series book when she’s around and mentioned and so I did not expect anything less of a BANG for her book than this. Things aren’t as they see, watch out for slight curves and grab a couple tissues you might need them at a time or two. It just felt HONEST, like relatable and just real. I am so happy I had the chance to review this, and really wish there was more!!

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: N/A
Standalone/Series: #5 Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Forbidden Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, Sizzling, Sport Romance, Sports Romance, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ A Secret for A Secret by Helena Hunting

April 29, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

My name is Ryan Kingston, and I’m a rule follower. I’ve never been in a fistfight. I always obey the speed limit. I don’t get drunk, and I definitely don’t pick up random women at bars.
Except the night I found out that my whole existence has been a lie.
I got drunk. And picked up a stranger.
Her name was Queenie, and she was everything I’m not: reckless, impulsive, and chaotic. We did shots and traded secrets. And ended up naked at my place.
She left me a thank-you note in the morning and her panties as a parting gift. But no way to contact her.
Six weeks later I’m sitting in the first official team meeting of the season, and there she is. I neglected to mention that I’m the goalie for Seattle’s NHL team.
And Queenie? Turns out she’s the general manager’s daughter.

RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2020

Not my first read by the author (she is one of my favorites) and I have read all the previous books in this series which I was in love with every single one of them!! So, you can say I was a bit excited for this one also!

Well this was a pleasant surprise, I wont lie and say that a little into it I though: oh, this is kind of a familiar trope and story line…but then I got to know King & Queenie…wow these two couldn’t be any more polar opposite. While King is the level headed, smart, concentrated and conservative type…Queenie is the rebel, act first think later, beautiful and fun woman. They came together…wait for it, NOT in a night of heat and passion…why you ask? well, if you asked the hero and heroine, THEY wouldn’t be able to recall all of it themselves. There is something about Ryan (King) Kingston that moved me, in all the funny and sexy ways. He comes off different, proper but naughty and yet still alpha and protective…you can’t not love him, honestly. Now Queenie, she is definitely reckless, but I was not prepared for that bomb. This is not a story line to take for granted, i was wowed the whole rest of the time and couldn’t get enough of it. Not your typical hockey romance with a not typical hero, you’ll love even if he’s a bit quirky.

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Rating: ★★★★★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Type: Book #3 of Series
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦

2020 ARCs, Angsty, April 2020 Review, Friends-To-Lovers, MUST READS!, Rom-Com, Sizzling, Surprise Baby, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ Working For It by BJ Harvey

April 26, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

(Cook Brothers #5)