Isn't It Romantic?

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Princess and the Player by Ilsa Madden-Mills (Strangers in Love #2)
Published by Montlake Romance on November 8, 2022
Age/Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

A masquerade ball brings together an NFL player and a penniless princess in this smart and sexy romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills.

Level-headed Francesca Lane never thought she’d miss her own wedding. But when her fiancé betrays her, she puts on her wedding dress and ditches the altar for a masquerade ball—at a sex club.

There, she meets NFL star Tuck Avery, dressed as a prince and hiding behind a mask as he celebrates his birthday. For one night, Francesca and Tuck indulge in a wickedly incognito affair. No names. No strings. And the masks don’t come off.

Unfortunately, Francesca soon realizes her prince is the wealthy jock who lives in the penthouse of her apartment building. His hobbies include parties and supermodels—or so the tabloids say. Another shallow jerk is the last thing Francesca needs, so she vows to keep Tuck from recognizing her, not that she’s his type anyway.

But fate has a teeny-tiny trick up her sleeve… a plus sign on a pregnancy test. Can this tormented prince accept love, or will he push his princess away forever?

Princess and the Player is a complete stand-alone romance with nuanced characters and a swoony happily ever after.

They shared a steamy night, but it appears that Tuck and Francesca formed a bond that would last a lifetime.

“One night. No names. No strings. And the masks don’t come off.” “Deal”

I had previously met Tuck in Beauty and the Baller and was excited he got his own story. I knew Tuck was going to win my heart! I wasn’t sure about the set up, meeting in a sex club and all, but I found it easy to root for this couple. Madden-Mills gave both backstories regarding their lack of family connections, but they found that comfort and safety in close friends and each other. That was where this book shined for me. The found family assembled for these two brought tears to my eyes because they were so wonderful and supportive, and I adored each and every one of them.

I will admit there were some side plots I could have done without, but the romance between Tuck and Francesca, the secret baby, and the multitude of feels warmed my heart. Throw in an adorable ending along with a sweet epilogue had me wearing a big stupid grin, and I was one very happy reader.

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Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London (Paws in the City #2)
Published by HQN on December 6, 2022
Age/Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

The perfect romcom for dog lovers! Pets of Park Avenue is the story of a self-confessed hot mess who learns that life is more fun when things don't go according to plan.

What do you do when The One is also the one who broke your heart?

Self-proclaimed hot mess Scout Myers is determined to prove she’s finally got her act together. Raised by grandparents who saw her as her wayward mother’s wayward daughter, Scout’s used to being written off. So when the opportunity for a promotion arises at Paws in the City, the talent agency where she works, Scout is desperate to rise to the occasion. With shared custody of her little sister also on the line, Scout can’t afford a single mistake…like suddenly needing a canine stand-in for an important photoshoot. Luckily (or not) she knows the owner of the perfect pup replacement: the estranged husband she walked out on years ago.

On the surface, it appears Lane Halliday’s life has been blissfully drama free without Scout, but she suspects her handsome-as-ever not-quite-ex-husband doth protest too much. Working together even feels like old times—except for all that lingering, unresolved tension. But Scout’s not sure she’s ready to confront the reasons she left Lane, and when their plans to finalize the divorce become very real, Scout starts to wonder whether second chances might be worth a little hot mess.

This series continues to delight me. This story contained a trope I am trash for. Oh, how I love these already-married-still-in-love second chance romances. It didn’t hurt that the heroine, Scout , was someone I wanted to see finally get the love she deserved. Her tough childhood combined with shaky family relationships helped me understand why she left Lane, but once these two were reunited (by a pet emergency), I couldn’t help but hope this reunion would be permanent.

I liked that we got a few flashbacks to the beginning of Lane and Scout, but what I really enjoyed was how London explored the ways they had changed during their years apart. It made this reunion seem more possible and hinted that it could also be successful. The pain of their past was unpacked and also worked through. I felt good about the fate of these characters.

Did I mention how delightful that cameo of Wes from Bad Reputation was? London really knows how to make me giddy. But you know what I wanted more of? All those precious pet influencer names. Spending time with the Pets is always a good time. Overall, I enjoyed this second-chance romance and was extremely pleased with the Scout, Lane, and all the rest of the Paws family’s futures.

*ARCS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER

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