ARC Review: Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer comes a new playful yet deeply emotional contemporary romance.

There might be no such a thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.

Title: Say You'll Remember Me

Author: Abby Jimenez

Publisher: Forever

Expected Publication Date: April 1, 2025

Review:

Thank you to Forever Publishing, Abby Jimenez, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I will never pass up the opportunity to read an Abby book. She writes such great stories. Not only are the romances realistic, but she always weaves such real life situations into her stories. They are easily relatable. She doesn't put the characters in situations that are so far out there you'd never believe they could happen. I love her real life.

And her covers. I'm sorry but this is the best one yet. It is just utterly gorgeous and truly captures the story right there in one shot.

This book really hit me hard because I'm a nurse and work with many Dementia patients. I have seen first hand people diminish quickly and I've watched their families struggle. It was so great to see how Abby handled this story line. You can see she's done her research for the most part to learn about the disease, it's consequences, and how it affects family and friends who surround the person going through the decline. Early onset Dementia is the hardest thing to deal with because you watch someone so young slowly decline and lose everything they once knew. Abby handled this all with grace and kindness. I can see she cared to make sure she was true to real life and the impact the disease can make. This topic is very heavy but it's an important disease to bring to light and Abby did a really great job with it.

Of course an Abby book would not be an Abby book without some great romance. Is there a bit of insta-love in this one, I would say yes. But it works to the advantage of the story. I loved how Sam and Xavier progressed in their relationship. Samantha knows it can't go anywhere because of her current family crisis and the fact that she's moving clear across the country. But she can hope. And it's this hope that really caries the story. It's this hope that makes you cheer for Sam and Xavier and to wish with all your might they will find a solution to being apart. Add to the dynamic Xavier's past and his parents who always said he would amount to nothing and you have a story teaming with tension and a few secrets. Of course, as with any type of romance story, there are areas where the characters just needed to talk in order to resolve things, but that didn't quite happen. Miscommunication is a trope that many don't love but I think for this story, the two main characters didn't want to reveal those truths for fear of it making the other feel sympathy for them. Both characters are developed well and are strong.

As with all the books I've read by Abby, this one sucked me in right away and I didn't want to put it down. I read it in one day because I lost myself in the story and didn't want to put it down.

I have to say once i finished this one, I kind of wanted to go back and re-read it. I feel like the nuances Abby puts in her books really require more than one read. I love my first reads but it's the second and third reads that really make her books impactful. Plus I love how she buries Easter eggs in her titles. 

And the nod to Come On Eileen (I'm an 80s girl) was fantastic. I cannot tell you how many times I've danced and sang my heart out to this song. If it comes on the radio in the car, you better bet that dial goes all the way up while I sing along!

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Fans of Abby are going to be obsessed with Xavier and Sam and their friends and families. This one is definitely an emotional rollercoaster ride so have those tissues ready and be prepared to love what you read.

Author:

Abby Jimenez is a Food Network winner, New York Times best selling author, and recipient of the 2022 Minnesota Book Award for her novel Life's Too Short. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and, like her books, has amassed an international following.

Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

 

Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday November 26, 2024

 

Happy new release day! Just one book that excites me this week. Doesn't seem there are many being released. Perhaps because of the holiday.

Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

I really enjoyed A Study In Drowning by this author so I'd like to read some other books by her. I have to say, a Shakespear reimagining is very intriguing to me!

Which books are you excited are releasing this week?

ARC Review: Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

 

IT STARTED WITH A CUP…

Isabella Shay is usually a very honest person.

But when she’s running late for her first day at a dream job and the barista yells for “Amy” 3x with no answer, she does the unthinkable.

Izzy takes that PSL.

It’s the exact drink she ordered and paid for, only waaaay further ahead in the line, so she mutters “I’m Amy” and grabs the cup.

But when she turns around and runs directly into the most attractive man she’s ever seen, spilling the drink all over his GQ shirt and tie, she ends up having the ultimate meet-cute. Sparks fly and things feel beyond promising until he says the words, “See you tomorrow, Amy.”

Uh, oh – she’ll definitely have to straighten him out the following day.

Only when she gets to her new office and meets the VP of her department, it is none other than Blake Phillips - the hottie from Starbucks. And the man might’ve been charming to “Amy,” but he is an arrogant grump to Izzy, an arrogant grump who dos not find her explanation funny at all.

MEET CUTE + GRUMPY/SUNSHINE + FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS = ACCIDENTALLY AMY

Title: Accidentally Amy

Author: Lynn Painter

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Expected Publication Date: January 14, 2025

Review:

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I was excited to see this title had been picked up by a major publisher. I love when indie stories go to print and reach the larger audience and get the recognition for the great tales they are.

I'm a big Lynn Painter fan. She is a go to author for me. I love her YA but I think I like her adult books even more. The romance is always done so well.

This one is a light hearted and easy read. The build up of romance between the two main characters is fun and realistic. Painter infuses the story with humor that had me laughing out loud many times during my read. The story line is nothing new and very much reminded me of the movie Working Girl, which I really enjoyed.

I loved both Izzy and Blake. I enjoyed their differences. His grumpy to her sunshine. Their romance was cute as it blossomed, though I did feel there was that slight bit of insta-love I don't always meld with. But it worked well in this particular story. There was a bit of push and pull with their relationship given their circumstances, as well. 

Painter got the pacing and banter spot on in this one, though. She really knows when to infuse the story with the lightheartedness is needs to break up those more intense moments.

This one does have a bit of a third act break up type thing to it but it is resolved fairly quickly. The circumstances under which is happens are understandable. I'm not sure I would have done what Blake did had I been in his shoes. I don't think my heart could handle it. 

If you're looking for a fun feeling, funny, and entertaining rom-com with friends to lovers, workplace romance, and grumpy sunshine and characters that are quirky and relatable, I highly recommend this one.

If you're looking for a fun feeling, funny, and entertaining rom-com with characters that are quirky and relatable, I highly recommend this one.

Author:

Lynn Painter is the international bestselling author of Better Than The Movies. She writes romantic comedies for both teens and adults, and when she isn't reading or writing, odds are good she’s guzzling energy drinks and watching rom-coms. 

Obscure facts that might make her sound interesting (but probably don't): 

*She is the step-aunt to one of the actors on Riverdale, even though she's technically only met him once and he likely wouldn't remember her. Hint: He starred in a movie with Yara Shahidi. And another one with Will Smith. His name rhymes with Barles Gelton.

*She can fit an entire cupcake in her mouth. BOOM.

*She threw up all over herself on the first day of 2nd grade.

*She once saw Kelsey Grammar hailing a taxi in Manhattan, so she's pretty much an NYC native who is best friends with celebrities.

*She has a one-inch vertical.

*Her love for spaghetti is brighter than the sun, stronger than The Rock.

*If you see her doing anything crafty, it isn't her; she has literally set things on fire with a hot glue gun and has the motor skills of a preschooler. No offense, preschoolers.

*Her 4th grade teacher moved her desk out into the hallway because she wouldn't shut up. Like, ever.

*She held the record at her elementary school for finding the most bats (vampire, not baseball) in a single year. The little dork located - and alerted authorities to - four potentially-rabid bats.*

So technically, if you think about it, she might've saved hundreds of lives with her nerditude. #hero

*She was the only one to ever find any bats because everyone else had better things to do at recess.

Fat Stack Friday November 22, 2024

I missed last week so I have quite a few books to list for my book haul! Check them all out!

For my Kindle:

The Half King (The Half King #1) by Melissa Landers

I have enjoyed Landers' past books so I'm excited to start this new series by her.

Variation by Rebecca Yarros

I have read one romance book by this author and otherwise I'm very much a fan of her Fourth Wing series. I hope this one lives up to the hype.

Servant of Earth (The Shards of Magic #1) by Sarah Hawley

I've really enjoyed the Hawley books I've read in the past. I'm excited for an adult paranormal.

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck

This one is blurbed by Ali Hazelwood and she's one of my favorite authors. I do hope it lives up to her hype!

The Remains of Christmas by Megan Montgomery

I'm looking for some Christmas stories and saw this one in one of my Facebook book groups. I hope I'm not disappointed!

Phantasma (Wicked Games) by Kaylie Smith

This one was recommended by one of my close friends who tends to have the same taste in books as me. I've also seen a lot of talk surrounding it. Here's to hoping I like it. 

Once Charmed, Twice Cursed by Shaylin Gandhi

Another one I saw talk of in my book groups. It just sounds like it will be really interesting!

Trial by Fire (The Eye of the Goddess #1) by Sariah Wilson

I don't even know where I heard about this one but it must have looked good because it's now on my Kindle! 

The Anaconda Downstairs (The Cocky Kingsmans #4) by Amy Award

I've really been enjoying these books. They are body positive, no third act break up, cute and charming romances!

The Co-Op by Tarah Dewitt

I recently listened to Savor It by this author and really enjoyed it. I'm hoping this one is just as good.

Ahen Son (War of Lost Hearts #0.5) by Carissa Broadbent

I'm a huge fan of this author. I haven't started this series yet but now I have all the books that are published so I should!

From Libby/Hoopla:

The Weiner Across The Way (The Cocky Kingsmans #2) by Amy Award

I listened to this one on audio and really enjoyed it. It was cute, though this author does like her insta-love. But if you are a fan of Taylor Swift and her man, this one should hit you right in the feels!

The Pussy Next Door (The Cocky Kingsmans #3) by Amy Award

I really love the body positivity this author. This one was a bit of insta-love but it was cute, nonetheless.

Hate Mail by Donna Marchetti

I should know better than to listen to rave reviews. The blurb offered such promise. I'm about halfway done with this one on audio and I want to punch myself in the face. Maybe it's the narrator so I decided to get the Kindle version and see if that may work better for me. This is the first book for this author so maybe it might be that, as well. 

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

I actually have this one to review on NetGalley but it was previously published and available on Hoopla to listen to. I love me some Lynn Painter and this one did not disappoint!

For review:

Only In Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde

I noticed this one on NetGalley and put it on my potential request list. About 10 minutes later I was checking my email and there was an invite from the publisher. I guess it's fate!

Ride With Me (Lights Out #2) By Simone Soltani

I'm in my F1 era! This is the second book in this series. I read the first and it was ok but I wanted to see if the series possibly got better. I hope I like this one more than the other F1 books I've been reading. This will be my 4th and if I am unhappy, I think I'll not read more motorsport books.

I have a few that came in the mail, but I need to take pictures so I'll post those next week.

What did you get this week?

 

ARC Review: Overdrive (Offtrack #2) by Esha Patel

Racing starts. Rapid hearts. Revved engines.

Shantal knows one thing in life: that success means everything. So when she gets the call to move from London to Brazil, to test out her racing simulator on high performance Formula One racing drivers, she leaves her life behind, and goes. Because she’ll do anything to succeed.

Darien knows one thing in life: passion is everything. It’s his passion for driving that has led him to the heights of motorsport, a coveted seat as a Formula One driver. When his team insists he moves to Brazil to trial a new racing simulator and racetrack, he goes. Because the one thing he is more passionate about than cars, is Brazil, his home.

When Shantal and Darien meet, sparks aren’t just flying from the gearbox. Darien knows from the moment he meets Shantal that she sends his heart into overdrive, and Shantal can’t keep her eyes off of the gorgeous driver. But in the high stakes world of Formula One, there’s no room for error, and there’s definitely no room for romance on the racetrack…

Title: Overdrive (Offtrack #2)

Author: Esha Patel

Publisher:

Expected Publication Date: November 21, 2024

Review:

Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for providing me with an egalley of this book to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I will start by saying I didn't realize this was the second book in a series. That being said, this one can definitely be read on its own but it seems it will spoil some stuff from the first book. It's more like an interconnected stand alone with cross over characters and relationships. I see that the MMC, Darien,  from this book appears in the first book and perhaps if I had read that, I would have understood and liked his character a bit more.

I know F1 is the hot thing right now and I've been craving those books because I really enjoy the races. This is my third book in this type of world and I was hoping it would be the one to hit the spot. I have high expectations of what will happen in these books, of how things will play out, of what the authors will present when it comes to racing. I think Patel did a fairly good job of this overall. This sport is tough and highly competitive. Plus, very technical. I will say there were some areas that confused me, even being an F1 fan. Some technical stuff that didn't necessarily need to be included as I'm not sure the regular reader would really get it without more of an explanation.

Overall I liked Shantel and Darien enough to want to know where things went. I did struggle at times with their personalities. I definitely liked Darien more than Shante. I can see Darien is kind of the golden retriever type, though there wasn't as much joy coming from him as I would have liked. I didn't necessarily feel the chemistry between them, either. It felt a bit like insta-love with no growth. It felt like the author was forcing the characters to have a connection and become romantically involved. I wanted to slow build burn the author was trying to establish but it just felt flat. And nothing truly happened until about 3/4 of the way through the book. Normally, I'm good with this if the author shows how the characters are becoming connected and forming a relationship, but that wasn't the case with this book. Also, I didn't necessarily feel the characters' growth as I'm sure the author intended. Both are going through a grief process, which should help them connect, but it didn't. This theme was very heavy but it felt superficial in this book. The author continuously told us how sad the characters were but didn't really show that to us in a meaningful way. And I didn't see them developing and learning from what they were at the beginning of the story.

I feel like the author included a lot of the F1 information to try and move the story along. But it just made it boring, to be honest. It felted forced on the reader than than a way to show them the sport.

I will say the author describes the settings well. I liked that she took us from race to race and showed us some parts of where those races take place. And she did make me want to perhaps visit Brazil, it sounds like an interesting place.

Lastly, this author does a lot of telling rather than showing. Every little detail of what the characters are doing is told to the reader rather than making the reader feel like they are in the scene and experiencing what the characters are going through. It killed the pacing for me and I often times felt like I needed to skim the scene, rather than immerse myself in it to find out what was going on. It took me out of the story and didn't make me want to pick it back up. Often the author added information to the story which did nothing to move the plot forward. There were a lot of things that were mundane and unnecessary. At times it was even confusing when the characters were speaking or when the author was trying to show a scene but it was all described to us in minute detail.

I don't think I will be continuing with this series. This one was truly a struggle for me. The author has some potential but needs to hone things better to make the story more cohesive and enjoyable. The execution was poor and just didn't work for me. I do think that F1 fans may enjoy the depth the author goes into regarding the sport but if they are looking for a great romance with amazing character growth to go along with that, I think they will be disappointed.

Author:

Esha Patel is a contemporary romance author with a love for diverse romances and empowering stories. She is a full-time college student in the Midwest, and loves spending time with family and friends, dancing, watching sports (Ferrari and Real Madrid are her favorites), and baking lots and lots of stuff that can probably feed multiple eleven-man soccer teams.

Feel free to follow Esha on Instagram and TikTok @eshapatelauthor!

To contact: email at authoreshapatel@gmail.com with any inquiries.

 

Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday November 19, 2024

Happy new release Tuesday November 19, 2024. Here's what I am excited about this week!

A Legend in the Baking (Fake it Till you Bake it #2) by Jamie Wesley

The first book in this romance series was really cute so I was excited for this one. I got a copy from the publisher and you can read my review HERE.

Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan

The publisher contacted me to review this one. I wasn't sure but I'm loving all the regency error romances I have been reading so I gave it a try. You can see my review HERE.

The Half King (The Half King #1) by Melissa Landers

I really like Melissa Landers' writing so I'm excited to see what this new series from her is all about!

The Whispering Night (The Luminaries #3) by Susan Dennard

I enjoyed the first book in this series. I wanted to wait for this one to come out before continuing so I'm excited to jump back in now that this is out!

The Songbird & The Heart of Stone (Crowns of Nyaxia #3) by Carissa Broadbent

This is my most anticipated book of the year. I actually bought a special edition from Blackwell's that arrived last week but I didn't want to ruin it by reading so I'll wait for my Kindle version to load. I am super excited to see the next couple in this series!

Variation by Rebeca Yarros

I have only read one of Yarros's contemporary reads and it was a long time ago so i don't really remember it. But I've heard good things about her contemporary books so I'm looking forward to giving this one a try.

What are you most anticipating this week?

 

ARC Review: Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan

 

Fans of Netflix's Bridgerton series will love this captivating​ first book in a dazzling new Victorian historical romance series, perfect for fans of Evie Dunmore, Amalie Howard, and Martha Waters! Ever since unexpectedly inheriting a dukedom over a decade ago, William Margrave, the Duke of Ellis has strived to silence his critics and please his disapproving relatives by being the perfect aristocrat —even though that meant leaving behind the progressive ideals he once held. Now the time has come for Will to wed and he intends to find his duchess using the same relentlessly clinical approach that has led to his success thus far. The only problem? His old friend’s unconventional younger sister keeps interrupting his carefully controlled life. And to make matters worse, Will discovers he rather likes it. 

 The Atkinson sisters are known for two their father’s self-made fortune and their disinterest in playing by society’s rules. Middle sister Phoebe Atkinson revels in her role as the outspoken bluestocking Bohemian, much to the exasperation of her older sister Alexandra, the budding economist, and the amusement of her younger sister Winifred, the endlessly charming social butterfly. Though her parents would love to see her married to an upstanding member of the ton, Phoebe traded the ballroom for the schoolroom years ago and now spends her days teaching working class girls. But when her most promising student goes missing, Phoebe reluctantly turns to the most powerful man she knows, the Duke of Ellis. He was once the object of her girlhood affections until he ascended to the dukedom and left his old life behind. But as they search across London, she discovers that perhaps Will hasn’t changed as much as she thought—and neither have her feelings. 

Title: Duchess Material

Author: Emily Sullivan

Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

Expected Publication Date: November 19, 2024

Review:

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an egalley of this book for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I think I might be in my regency romance era. I've read a few period romance pieces and I'm just loving the vibe. When the blurb says fans of Bridgerton will like this one, it is absolutely correct!

The story is told in third person point of view, which I think fits the period pieces well. We have a birds eye of view of all that is happening to the characters and a link to what they are feeling. I love how easily the characters are developed with this way of writing.

The plot doesn't only revolve around the romance, though. This book brings to the forefront the upheaval that was happening during this time period. How women were trying to become more and do more. How they wanted to be more than just a wife or the pretty lady on the man's arm. And there's a bit of a mystery to solve, as well!

Sullivan does an excellent job of alternating the point of view between the FMC and MMC, Phoebe and Will. I loved their relationship. How they grew up together and were a certain way with each other until Will got drawn into his role as Duke. Phoebe is so independent. And, while there is pushback from her family regarding this, she does not fold and run from what she knows she wants to do. Will is busy trying to find a duchess for himself through the ton. But he's not really feeling like those ladies fit him. When he and Phoebe are thrown into each other's paths when Phoebe ends up at the police station, you can feel their chemistry from the start. And as the book progresses, the slow burn really ramps up and the romantic zing between the two becomes very apparent. Phoebe was just so relatable, it was hard not to love her. And Will was super protective of her from the start, even though they had not had interaction since they were teens.

There's definitely some spice in this one. So be prepared for that. But the interactions are also somewhat tender.

Sullivan is spot on with her pacing in this one. Each chapter even more interesting than the next.

The author does a fabulous job combining mystery, romance with some slow burn, and family tensions while telling a fun story where you will definitely want to know how the story ends!

Author:

Emily Sullivan is an award-winning author of historical romance and mysteries set in the late Victorian period. Her books have received multiple starred reviews from trade journals including Publishers Weekly and Booklist, and have been praised in publications such as Entertainment Weekly, Buzzfeed, Self, and Bookpage.

She lives in New England with her family, where she enjoys reading about history and writing about rebellious women.