Isn't It Romantic?

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Done & Dusted by Lyla Sage
Published by Lyla Sage on June 6, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

She’s off-limits, but he’s never been good at following the rules.

For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape.

Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her.

Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?

I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book, but it was such a treat!

I adore romances where the hero and heroine have history, and Emmy and Luke went WAAAY back. Luke was Emmy's brother's best friend, and due to his home life, embraced as part of the Rider family. So, he was always in a "tangential" position to Emmy's life, but they never really "knew" each other...until now.

Emmy returned home following an accident that had sidelined her barrel racing career. Let me tell you, all the horse stuff really captured my interest. But better yet, was the way Luke and Emmy bonded while he tried to get her back in the saddle. It wasn't just Luke helping Emmy either, they healed together.

The dynamic between this couple and the family were so pleasing to me, but the best part was how many times I laughed. The humor really put this one over the top for me. I had a fantastic time at the Rebel Blue Ranch, and I can't wait to visit again.

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Next to You by Hannah Bonam-Young
Published by Dell on November 29, 2022
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Two friends battle feelings for each other as they work together to renovate a school bus into a home in this charming romance novel from the viral TikTok author of Next of Kin and Out on a Limb.

Lane is in the middle of an identity crisis. Her friends are all partnered up, her career is heading nowhere, and simply put, she’s not happy. So, after a night out celebrating her birthday, she makes one hell of an impulsive purchase: a giant yellow forty-eight-passenger school bus that she intends to make her home.

With little-to-no renovation experience but a large sum of inheritance money, Lane enlists the help of her friend Matt—a mechanic by trade, handyman by practice, and hottie by nature.

While their mutual attraction is undeniable, Matt and Lane have silently agreed that a friendship is the only thing that can ever exist between them. Matt’s a total family guy with “settle down with me” tattooed across his forehead, whereas Lane is entirely commitment averse. It could never work . . . right?

Let me tell you the best thing about this book - MATT. Bonam-Young sure knows how to write some incredible cinnamon roll heroes. I am putting Matt up there with Bo from Out on a Limb. He was so gentle and sweet and funny. I adored him! And I also adored him with Lane. They had great chemistry and their interactions were filled with sparkling banter and were simply amazing.

Another highlight was Matt's family. OMG! They were so sweet and I loved how they interacted with each other. Matt's mom's story gutted me, but it was wonderful the way she took Lane under her wing and helped her work through her own grief. I was on the fence about Lane's family, but they grew on me.

I had a great time watching these two fall in love as they renovated that bus (which was pretty neat, actually), and their story was one that filled me with joy.

Would you live on a school bus?
Let us know in the comments!