apagetoturn's reviews
1352 reviews

Nevermore Bookstore is the perfect mix of small-town charm, slow-burn romance, and just the right amount of mystery to keep the pages turning. Cadence Bloomquist, the quirky and lovable bookstore owner, stole my heart with her wit and warmth. And Fox—oh, Fox! His rugged, enigmatic presence and the secrecy surrounding his existence only made him more intriguing.

The chemistry between Cady and Fox is electric, even through their phone calls, and watching their relationship unfold had me hooked. The tension, the longing, and the unexpected moments of tenderness made their connection feel all the more real.

And then there’s Myrtle—fertile Myrtle manure! She had me laughing out loud and is easily one of my favorite side characters in any book. She brings so much personality to the town of Townsend Harbor, making it feel like a place I’d want to visit again and again.

One of the most compelling aspects of the story is how it balances humor with deep emotion. The quote that stuck with me—“Nevermore Bookstore was a beloved landmark and the proprietors a cherished town person. She had a good full life here and he was a frag bomb, waiting to shred her idealistic existence, leaving nothing behind but strap wounds and chronic pain.”—perfectly encapsulates the emotional stakes. Fawkes is a man tormented by his past, and the contrast between his self-imposed isolation and Cady’s openhearted nature makes their dynamic even more compelling.

If you love romance with heart, humor, and a touch of suspense, Nevermore Bookstore is a must-read. I can’t wait to return to Townsend Harbor for more! 

 Heartfelt, Raw, and Utterly Unforgettable!! 

 

Kacey Shea absolutely wrecked me with Wild Love—in the best possible way. This second-chance romance is packed with emotion, sizzling chemistry, and the kind of deep, aching love that lingers long after you turn the last page.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The premise alone had me intrigued—two people in their forties, reconnecting decades after a life-changing night. The missed connections, the heartbreak, the unspoken words… and then bam! Fate brings them back together in the most unexpected way. But Wilder doesn’t remember her, and wow, does that set up some seriously juicy tension.

What I loved most was how Kacey Shea handled the raw themes in this book. It’s not just a love story—it’s about healing, about finding light in the darkness, about embracing the moments we have. The underlying thread of cancer throughout was deeply emotional, and I’ll be honest—I cried. Hard. It hit in ways I wasn’t expecting, making the journey between these two characters feel all the more real.

Their chemistry? Off the charts. The slow burn, the push and pull, the undeniable connection—it was everything I crave in a romance. And the fact that this is a love story for an older couple made it all the more special.

If you haven’t read Born Wild yet, I highly recommend reading Wild Love first. It adds so much depth to the novella, making the entire experience even more fulfilling.

This book is beautiful, poignant, and full of heart. If you love second-chance romances that hit you right in the feels, Wild Love is a must-read! 

Abby Jimenez delivers another heartwarming, hilarious, and unexpectedly deep romance with The Fall Risk, a novella that packs a surprising amount of charm and emotional weight into a short page count.

Charlotte and Seth are the perfect mix of reluctant attraction and undeniable chemistry, with their banter and forced proximity making for an effortlessly entertaining read. Charlotte’s wary, no-nonsense attitude paired with Seth’s rugged, freshly-divorced energy creates the kind of tension that rom-com lovers crave. The setup—a Valentine’s Day weekend gone wrong, a little bit of danger, and an irresistibly awkward predicament—leads to some swoon-worthy and laugh-out-loud moments.

For such a short story, the characters had remarkable depth. Jimenez has a gift for making you care about her protagonists within just a few pages, and The Fall Risk is no exception. Seth’s vulnerability and Charlotte’s guardedness felt real, making their connection all the more satisfying.

The only thing I wished for? More. The stalker element was intriguing but felt like it could have been expanded, adding another layer of tension and stakes to the story. The romance itself was perfectly paced, but I wouldn’t have minded a few extra chapters to explore their relationship beyond the immediate situation.

Overall, this was a fun, heartfelt, and charming novella—perfect for a quick romantic escape. If you love witty banter, forced proximity, and a hero who can literally climb his way into your heart, The Fall Risk is definitely worth the read. Just be prepared to finish it wishing there was a full-length novel about Charlotte and Seth

The Mixtape by Brittany Cherry is an emotional, heart-wrenching story about grief, trauma, and the power of healing. The book dives deep into the lives of Oliver Smith, a rock star shattered by the loss of his twin brother, and Emery, a single mother struggling to keep her world from crumbling. Their journey toward love and healing is beautifully written, with a delicate balance of heartbreak and hope.

The author handles sensitive topics like loss, loneliness, and emotional abuse with care and compassion. I was particularly moved by how both characters found comfort and understanding in each other when the world seemed determined to bring them down. Oliver's battle with fame and identity, paired with Emery's resilience in the face of relentless hardships, made their connection feel authentic and relatable.

I had some very strong feelings about Emery's parents—they were religious zealots whose actions made me so angry that I had to put the book down for a bit. Their rigid, hurtful behavior added a compelling layer to Emery's story, but it also stirred up some intense emotions.

Overall, I loved this book. It's a story about love, loss, and finding light in the darkest times. If you enjoy emotional romances that tackle real-life struggles with grace, The Mixtape is a must-read.

 This book wrecked me in the best way possible. The Joker is an emotional, slow-burn romance packed with angst, miscommunication, and the kind of longing that makes your chest ache. Kyle James and his dark, broody energy had me hooked from page one, and the push-and-pull between him and the heroine was absolutely addicting.

Kyle wasn’t just the boy who disappeared—he was the storm that came back and shattered everything in his wake. The tension? Insane. The chemistry? Off the charts. And the angst? Oh, it hurt so good. Every stolen glance, every moment of unspoken feelings, every piece of miscommunication just added to the ache—but I lived for it. I devoured this book like dessert, savoring every delicious, emotional bite.

And let’s talk about that ending. I was not okay. If you haven’t already, make sure you head to Ashley Munoz’s website for the bonus scene before diving into My Darling Mayhem, releasing February 21st. Trust me, you’re going to need it.️️️️️

Angsty. Addictive. Utterly unputdownable. 

 Rebecca Yarros delivers an emotional masterpiece in Full Measures, a story that shattered my heart and pieced it back together more times than I can count. From the gut-wrenching opening to the tear-soaked, breathtaking conclusion, this book is a rollercoaster of grief, love, and healing.

Ember’s pain is raw and deeply felt—her world collapses in an instant, and the weight of responsibility on her shoulders is overwhelming. Watching her navigate life after tragedy, especially as her mother spirals, was heartbreaking yet inspiring. Her hesitation to love a military man is completely understandable, making her journey with Josh even more powerful. And Josh Walker—oh my heart. The way he steps up, never pushing but always there, offering comfort, love, and unwavering support, made me melt. Their chemistry is undeniable, their love story beautifully painful yet utterly rewarding.

The ending had me sobbing just as much as the beginning. Yarros captures grief and love with such authenticity that I felt every moment alongside Ember. This book isn’t just a romance—it’s a deeply moving story about loss, resilience, and the courage to love even when it hurts. Full Measures is unforgettable, and I’d give it a hundred stars if I could. 

 Ashley Munoz delivers an intensely emotional and addictive romance in King of Hearts, a story brimming with tension, longing, and undeniable chemistry. This book had me hooked from the first page, and I was completely consumed by the fiery dynamic between Juan and Taylor!

Juan Hernandez is the ultimate book boyfriend—protective, broody, and utterly irresistible. His unwavering devotion and possessive nature make every interaction between him and the heroine sizzle with tension. From the moment he rescues her, it’s clear that their connection is more than just lingering attraction—it’s inevitable, explosive, and deeply felt.

Taylor's struggles, from her complicated past to the weight of her current circumstances, add layers of angst and heartbreak to the story. Her journey of finding strength, making tough choices, and dealing with the push and pull of her feelings for Juan kept me on edge the entire time. And the pregnancy trope? Absolutely nailed it. 

Kyler, Decker's brother, on the other hand, had me seething. His presence in their life is a dark cloud, and while I disliked him in this book, I can’t deny I’m intrigued to see how Munoz redeems him in his own story.

Munoz’s writing is compelling, packed with raw emotion, sharp dialogue, and just the right amount of steam. King of Hearts isn’t just a romance—it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that left me breathless, swooning, and desperate for more. If you love intense, angsty love stories with protective heroes who will do anything for their girl, this one is a must-read. 

 

Upsy Daisy by Chelsie Edwards is a charming college romance set against the backdrop of the 1970s, blending ambition, self-discovery, and a touch of social commentary. I had no idea when I picked this up that it was the origin story of Daisy from Daisy’s Nut House, which was a delightful surprise!

Daisy and Trevor are compelling characters with distinct struggles—Daisy trying to break free from her perfect-but-stifling family image and Trevor fighting to prove his worth despite a difficult upbringing. Their chemistry is palpable, and their journey is engaging as they navigate college, aspirations, and growing feelings for each other.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is its setting. The 1970s backdrop, intertwined with civil rights themes, adds depth to the story and makes it more than just a typical romance. However, while the historical elements were interesting, at times, they felt more like a backdrop rather than a fully integrated part of the narrative.

The pacing was a bit uneven, with some parts dragging while others rushed through important emotional beats. Additionally, while the romance was sweet, it sometimes felt overshadowed by the protagonists’ personal struggles, making their connection feel a little underdeveloped in places.

Overall, Upsy Daisy is a solid start to the Higher Learning series, with a unique setting, compelling characters, and a thoughtful exploration of identity and ambition. While not a perfect read, it’s definitely worth picking up for fans of college romance with historical and social depth.