Romance Roundup: April

Welcome to “Romance Roundup” where I share mini-reviews of 3 to 4 romance novels that I’ve read recently. This month’s edition includes a story about a physical therapist, a dino enthusiast and baker, and a whimsical fantasy adventure.

---

Digging Up Love (Taste of Love #1) by Chandra Blumberg (2022)

Alisha Blake works her magic in the kitchen, creating delectable desserts for her grandfather’s restaurant in rural Illinois. Though Alisha relishes the close relationship she has with her family, she can’t help but dream about opening a cookie shop in Chicago. She may be a small-town baker, but Alisha has big ambitions.

Then a dinosaur bone turns up in her grandparents’ backyard. When paleontologist Quentin Harris arrives to see the discovery for himself, he’s hoping that the fossil will distract him from a recent painful breakup. Instead, he finds Alisha—and sparks fly. The big-city academic and the hometown baker seem destined for a happily ever after.

But Alisha is scared to fall in love. And Quentin’s trying to make a name for himself in a competitive field, which gets even more complicated when the press shows up at the dig site. For love to prevail, the two may have to put old bones aside—and focus on the future. 

Review: In Digging Up Love you have a great mixture of dinosaurs and baking! The novel follows Alisha, who struggles with living in a small town and wants more out of life. She desires to open her own bakery but is torn between her dreams and her family. But meeting Quentin shakes things up for her. Alisha struggles with her own past and Quentin with a hard breakup. Both work through their emotions from the past and try their best to move toward the future and possibly a happily ever after.

This is a romance on the sweeter side of things, but I love how the two basically have their meet-cute moment via a dinosaur dig in her grandparent’s backyard. I am obsessed with dinosaurs, so I immediately jumped into this story. I like how it gives some insight into paleontology while also highlighting the joys of baking. Full of sweet desserts and a cute couple, this was a great read.

Final Verdict:

---

Open Play by J.N. Welsh (2022)

Ayanna Crawford isn’t afraid to get physical; in fact, it’s her job. A world-renowned physical therapist who works too hard, Ayanna embarks on a trip to Ireland before an upcoming conference. Finally, a chance to play as hard as she works…and maybe find an Irish boo to keep her company.

After a long day of sightseeing, Ayanna hits it off with tall drink of ale Eoghan O’Farrell. Then there’s the freckled, blue-eyed Shane MacCallum, a soccer team liaison who Ayanna feels a strong urge to “liaise” with. But not only do the two men work for the same team—they’re best mates.

When an injury forces the three lovebirds to work in close proximity, Ayanna finds herself in the clutch. With careers and hearts on the line, Ayanna must work through her fears and desires to make a choice—or find herself alone on the pitch.

Review: This is my third JN Welsh novel I’ve read, and she is quickly becoming one of my new favorite romance writers. I’m not the biggest fan of sports romance, but Open Play was an interesting and eye-opening read for me as it delves into the world of soccer. I’m not too knowledgeable about soccer but I did learn a lot from reading this novel. The story follows a physical therapist who travels to Ireland for a conference and ends up in a love triangle between two friends.

I’ve said this before (I think) on the blog, but I am a bit iffy on the love triangle trope, however, it didn’t really turn out to be one (from my own reading perspective). But there is some spicy drama that heats up between the main character, Ayanna, and best friends, Eoghan and Shane. I think the book was a bit drawn out in certain parts and it felt like some parts moved very slowly. But I appreciated the detail to the characters and their deep backstories making this an emotional read at times.

*I received this book from Honey Magnolia in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Final Verdict:

---

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon (Mead Mishaps #1) by Kimberly Lemming (2021)

All I wanted to do was live my life in peace. Maybe get a cat, expand my spice farm. Really anything that doesn’t involve going on a quest where an orc might rip my face off. But they say the Goddess has favorites. If so, I’m clearly not one of them.

After saving the demon Fallon in a wine-drunk stupor, all he wanted to do was kill an evil witch enslaving his people.

I mean, I get it. Don’t get me wrong. But he’s dragging me along for the ride, and I’m kind of peeved about it. On the bright side, he keeps burning off his shirt. 

Review: If you are a reader that loves a solid blend of romance and fantasy, this is a book I highly recommend! I found this book floating around Bookstagram and I’m so glad I gave it a try. It’s very entertaining from start to finish and I appreciated the smooth pacing throughout the story. This story is romance at its core, but I love the high adventure aspect of the novel. The story takes us through Cinnamon’s journey with Fallon from her small village through scary swamps, mysterious islands, and more. It’s action-packed and full of witty banter.

Cinnamon is a fun main protagonist who is outspoken, and sassy, and we get to experience this wild quest through her eyes. She and Fallon have an “opposites attract” romance, but I love how it develops over the course of the story. I also might note that this romance is on the spicy side of things. I also enjoyed the secondary characters met along the way that even more entertainment to the story. This fantasy romance has great world-building and I’d love to read more stories in this universe.

Final Verdict:

---

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