Isn't It Romantic? - The Five Star Edition

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Right on Cue by Falon Ballard
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons on February 27, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

From the beloved author of Just My Type and Lease on Love comes a new romantic comedy in which a former actress-turned-screenwriter finds herself back in the spotlight, only for her romantic lead to be the one man she can’t stand.

Hollywood darling Emmy Harper is considered the queen of writing romantic comedies. That is, until tragedy struck and she swore she’d never write another happy ending again. After some time away, and lots of encouragement from family and friends, Emmy is finally ready to dive back into the genre with her latest project. But more is riding on this movie than just her return to the big screen. This time, Emmy’s also been convinced to star as the lead, dusting off acting skills she hasn’t used in over a decade.

Emmy’s nervous, yet excited, to give performing another shot, until a last-minute injury benches her trusted co-star. With filming about to start, there’s only one other actor available on such short Grayson West. A blockbuster action star known for his mega-watt smile and impossible abs, Grayson is anyone’s dream of a romantic lead. Anyone except Emmy that is, who still blames him for her disastrous first movie and the early end to her acting career.

As filming begins, the friction between Emmy and Grayson is palpable and it’s anyone’s guess if it’s unresolved awkwardness or simmering sexual tension. The two are pushed to get their acts together—and quickly—or they risk tanking the entire movie, but if working things out leads to sizzling chemistry on screen, what might happen when the cameras stop rolling?

When screenwriter Emmy Harper is forced to fill the heroine's shoes in her latest rom-com, she finds herself playing opposite Grayson West, the hero who destroyed her confidence and derailed her acting career. Will this pairing be their second chance to right the past?

*Applause. Applause*

I am three for three with Ballard, and I swear, she can do no wrong. I know many of us roll our eyes when we see the rom-com label slapped on a book, but this was a legit rom-com. First, the story involved filming a rom-com, so I was treated to all those fun on-screen antics, but there were also a plethora of fun, sweet, cozy, and swoony moments that took place off-screen. I have to admit, I was in a happy place as I read this book.

A fantastic cast of character and a picturesque setting added to the fun, but it was Emmy and Grayson who owned my heart. I was so invested in them resolving their past issues, acting on their sizzling attraction, and falling in love. I really enjoyed seeing their bond grown with each page. I will admit that the third act break up was my least favorite thing - am I the only one who doesn't need this drama? But, I forgave Ballard because she made it up ten-fold with an ending that had the happy tears flowing.

I would definitely label this an enemies-to-lovers story which is not necessarily my favorite kind of romance, but this one was so well done. The history Emmy and Grayson shared from their joint debut film really left a mark on Emmy. It was that early disaster that forced her behind the scenes, and it was that experience that made her hate Grayson. I did feel bad for her, but I was happy that she took her chance and put herself back in front of the cameras while also working things out with Grayson.

Overall, this was such a wonderful story. I flew through the pages with a smile on my face, eagerly awaiting that HEA, and I was not disappointed.

*ARC PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER

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The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
Published by Thomas Nelson on June 13, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

She’s out to prove that there’s no such thing as choosing happiness.

Isadora Bentley follows the rules. Isadora Bentley likes things just so. Isadora Bentley believes that happiness is something that flat-out doesn’t exist in her life—and never will.

As a university researcher, Isadora keeps to herself as much as possible. She avoids the students she’s supposed to befriend and mentor. She stays away from her neighbors and lives her own quiet, organized life in her own quiet, organized apartment. And she will never get involved in a romantic relationship again—especially with another academic. It will be just Isadora and her research. Forever.

But on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora does something completely out of character. The young woman who never does anything “on a whim” makes an impulse purchase of a magazine featuring a silly article detailing “Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy”—which includes everything from smiling at strangers to exercising for endorphins to giving in to your chocolate cravings. Isadora decides to create her own secret research project—proving the writer of the ridiculous piece wrong.

As Isadora gets deeper into her research—and meets a handsome professor along the way—she’s stunned to discover that maybe, just maybe, she’s proving herself wrong. Perhaps there’s actually something to this happiness concept, and possibly there’s something to be said for loosening up and letting life take you somewhere . . . happy.

When Isadora discovers a list of Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy, she sets out to prove the author wrong. But as she works her way through this list, Isadora starts seeing positive changes in her life that may have her believing that one can choose happiness.

This book was precious! I knew from page one that I was going to love everything about it, and I totally did. First and foremost, I adored Isadora. I related so hard to her past and the baggage she carried from being hurt by others. I totally understood why she built a fortress around her heart and kept her distance from others. But when she started this "experiment", I was filled with glee as she began forming connections and letting people get to know the real Isadora.

How lucky was Isadora to find all the best people, too. From the sweet old widower, to the precocious ten-year-old neighbor, Isadora was surrounded by incredible humans who really saw her, appreciated her, supported her, and loved her. It's a beautiful thing when you can find your people, those who will accept all parts of you, and help you be the best version of yourself.

Among Isadora's people was Cal. He originally tapped Isadora to help organize and research his book, but there was a special spark between them. Cal was a big part of Isadora's happiness experiment as he helped to organize and completed many of the tasks with her. He was a sweetheart, and they really did make a great team. Be prepared to smile and swoon when Cal's on-page. He was a darling unicorn man who absolutely won my heart.

I could sit here and gush all day about this book. It was just such a pleasure to read and filled my day with endless sunshine. By the end of this story, my face hurt from smiling and my heart was bursting with joy. If you want to feel some glee, come and accompany Isadora on her journey as she finds her happy.

Do you think you can choose happiness?
Let us know in the comments!