Romance Roundup: October Edition

Welcome to “Romance Roundup” where I share mini reviews of  3-4 romance novels that I’ve read recently. This month’s edition includes a heroine traveling to new dimensions, a wedding of convenience, and a sweet college romance.

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Seducing the Skeptic (Accidental Angels #1) by Kathy Lyons (2015)

Romanceopoly – Fall

Synopsis: Desperate to save her fellowship, theoretical physicist Janet Mason has 48 hours to build a better thesis when she tumbles into a strange fantasy world with demented birds, farmers shaped like frogs, and one hot, frustrating prince.

Cornered by angry beasts, Prince Keeven is moments away from death when Janet’s sudden appearance creates a much-needed distraction. Finally, the gods have smiled upon his quest and sent an angel to fight by his side.

Janet is convinced she’s gone insane. But the more time she spends fighting evil with the fascinating Prince, the faster she falls in love with madness.

Then Janet finds a way back, just as Keeven faces his worst enemy. They have one chance to save both worlds, but only if they sacrifice everything they’ve ever wanted.

Review: To quote one of my favorite Disney Princesses, Belle, this book had “Far off places, daring sword fights, a prince in disguise…” It was an exciting time-travel/fantasy romance with a lot of cool mystical creatures and many action-packed scenes to keep you entertained. I loved the main character, Janet, and her comical sarcasm and wit when describing her journey and to deflect the sheer terror of some of the weird things that happened. It made the book comical and fun!

Because the novel is fast-paced, I did feel like some of the fantasy aspects went over my hear. There were some parts where I wanted to learn more about the creatures and other parts where it became a bit tedious and dull. I did like the balance of romance and fantasy elements though. Not sure if I’ll continue with this series. But I’d like to give her other books a try!

Final Verdict:

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Xeni (Loose Ends #2) by Rebekah Weatherspoon (2019)

Romanceopoly – Coffee Shop

Synopsis: She just wanted to claim her inheritance. What she got was a husband…

Xeni Everly-Wilkins has ten days to clean out her recently departed aunt’s massive colonial in Upstate New York. With the feud between her mom and her sisters still raging even in death, she knows this will be no easy task, but when the will is read Xeni quickly discovers the decades old drama between the former R&B singers is just the tip of the iceberg.

The Secrets, lies, and a crap ton of cash spilled on her lawyer’s conference room table all come with terms and conditions. Xeni must marry before she can claim the estate that will set her up for life and her aunt has just the groom in mind. The ruggedly handsome and deliciously thicc Scotsman who showed up at her aunt’s memorial, bagpipes at the ready.

When his dear friend and mentor Sable Everly passed away, Mason McInroy knew she would leave a sizable hole in his heart. He never imagined she’d leave him more than enough money to settle the debt that’s keeping him from returning home to Scotland. He also never imagined that Sable would use her dying breaths to play match-maker, trapping Mason and her beautiful niece in a marriage scheme that comes with more complications than either of them need.

With no choice but to say I do, the unlikely pair try to make the best of a messy situation. They had no plans to actually fall in love.

Review: I have always heard such good things about Weatherspoon’s work so I couldn’t resist picking up this romance read when I found it on Bookstagram. The story follows a story of a marriage of convenience between two strangers. While this moment has it’s sweet moments as Mason and Xeni get to know each other, it doesn’t not disappoint on the steam levels! Woo! This book was smoking! If you like steamier romances this is something up your alley.

I also like that their romance is a coming together of different cultures and they openly express their sexuality with one another (and both leads are bi-sexual). Xeni’s Aunt’s death is hard on them both, but they find solace and comfort in each other. They are able to bond over memories even though they just met. I’m looking forward to check out more of the series and Weatherspoon’s works.

Final Verdict:

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I Hear The Sunspot by Yuki Fumino (2014)

Romanceopoly – Lovers Lane

Synopsis: Due to his hearing disability, Kōhei Sugiharais is often misunderstood and has trouble integrating into life on campus; as such he keeps his distance. But that all changes when he meets the outspoken and cheerful Taichi Sagawa. He comforts Kohei and assures him that his hearing loss is not his fault. Taichi’s kind words cut through Kōhei’s usual defense mechanisms and open his heart. Now they are more than friends and less than lovers. Even so, this relationship changes Kohei forever.

Review: Normally I would review manga in my Comic Roundups, but since this pick was for Romanceopoly I’ll share my thoughts here. This story can best be categorized as shonen-ai/yaoi (I’m torn between the two sub-genres). Personally I felt it was light on the romance, since their relationship is still continuing to bloom throughout the story (I think there’s a sequel?). More so, I thought this story was about self-discovery and understanding.

Kohei is used to being misunderstood and labeled because of his hearing disability. Taichi is the first person to really see him a human being and not judge him by his labels and treats him with great care. It was heartwarming to read this manga and I liked how it deals with some heavier topics laced within the story. There were a lot of nice tender moments and I liked the characters so much! This was a definite cozy romance read.

Final Verdict:

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What romance novels have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any recommendations feel free (particularly #ownvoices novels) to share those as well.