Romance Roundup: February
Welcome to “Romance Roundup” where I share mini-reviews of 3 to 4 romance novels I’ve recently read. This month’s edition includes a rising soccer star, a tropical vacation, and neighbors-to-lovers romance.
She’s a Keeper (She Can Play Series #1) by Tember Sapphire (2023)
Lionel Miller was my best friend, the love of my life and my first heartbreak.
Before he went pro, we were inseparable.
I was his Buttercup and he was my Butch.
That is, until the unexpected happened.
In one swift stomp to my heart we went from best friends and lovers… to strangers.
What happens when years later, he makes a surprise appearance at my wedding?
Where do we go from here?
How do we deal with the hurt from the past, and is there still something between us?
Can we rekindle the flames or has our love burned out?
Review: Friends-to-Lovers is my favorite Romance trope so I was happy to delve into the pages of She’s A Keeper. Unfortunately, this novel fell flat for me not because of the story, but because of the writing style. At times the dialogue and pacing felt a bit stilted. The main characters also came off as a bit juvenile at times even though the novel spends more time covering the main character’s present lives in adulthood.
I did enjoy that this novel was centered around football (soccer), which was a first for me. You get to see some of the intricacies of the sport and just how competitive it can be to go professional. The novel is rich in Caribbean culture and traditions as well as the author’s native language (Saint Lucian Creole). If you want a fluffier, uncomplicated second-chance story with minimal angst I would give this Sports Romance a read.
Final Verdict:
One Week in Paradise by Anise Starre (2023)
When disgraced influencer Bailey Clarke is invited to go on an all expenses paid trip to a couples only resort in Jamaica, she’s ecstatic. This is the perfect opportunity to rebuild her brand. Only problem is…she’s not currently in a relationship.
Enter the effortlessly handsome Caspian ‘Cash’ Reid, who just so happens to be her brother Dane’s best friend. He’s never seemed to like Bailey, but when Dane jokingly suggests Cash accompany her to Jamaica and get a free holiday, Bailey can’t get the idea out of her head.
Surprisingly, Cash agrees to be her fake boyfriend all in the name of content. Their agreement is simple enough, but one week in paradise brings them closer than ever before and an undeniable spark ignites between them.
But Bailey has secrets, and the closer they get to one another, the closer Cash gets to unravelling her shameful past. As the lines blur between their fake dating agreement and their real feelings, will Bailey let Cash into her life or will she let her past destroy her future?
Review: This fake dating trope romance novel was incredibly sweet and at times a little steamy too! Because of the snowy climate I currently reside in, reading a novel set in the Bahamas (a tropical paradise!) was a breath of fresh air! Starre does a fantastic job of crafting a “seemingly” whirlwind romance set among lush landscapes of sandy beaches where readers can relax and feel as if they’re on vacation too.
Though it was a fast read, I enjoyed the novel so much and look forward to reading the other novels in the Flights and Feelings series. Even though the main character even though Bailey is an influencer, her character feels genuine and realistic. The same goes for the other girls on the trip except for the villain of the story. It gave a bit of Hallmark vibes in the best way and it was a book I read in one sitting.
Final Verdict:
Elevator Pitch by Evelyn Leigh (2024)
Selah Bailey, an anxious homebody determined to become the main character in her own story, embarks on a fresh path. Creates a “F*ck It List” with goals to force her out of her comfort zone, introducing her to a life outside of her front door. However, a partner is necessary to complete her more adventurous goals, so she joins a popular dating app. After what may be the worst date ever, she meets Greyson in the elevator of her building. The pressure to complete the list is on and she seeks an arrangement with anyone tolerable—though a certain neighbor comes to mind. Greyson exceeds all her expectations and has the potential to be the perfect hero for her story. Except falling in love is against the rules and she should leave the house to find it.
Greyson Park is a business-oriented divorcè, who prefers long walks with his dog and to keep things casual in his love life. As the creator of a successful dating app, he’s become quite the modern-day matchmaker. Despite his appreciation for others’ love lives, he can’t forgive himself for the past and believes romance isn’t in the cards for a second time. To silence the rumors about him not moving on, he agrees to an arrangement with his neighbor, finding himself a plus one for his ex’s wedding. Selah unknowingly challenges his views on casual dating and opens his eyes to a life beyond the office. Except falling in love is against the rules, and he should use his app to find it.
Review: Out of all of the books on this roundup Elevator Pitch was the spicest! But the author does notate in the beginning if you don’t want to take in too much spice what chapters to skip which was nice. Though there are many steamy scenes, at its core, the romance is incredibly sweet and the story is so heartfelt. Greyson truly makes a memorable book boyfriend in my mind!
The book was much longer than most romances but I liked the medium-pace of the story that helped the characters feel fleshed and the relationship feel genuine. I enjoyed the way this Neighbors-To-Lovers trope played out and how readers also become intertwined with the building residents and leading character’s friends. They added so much entertainment to the story and help Greyson and Selah realize their full potential and support them in overcoming their past relationship traumas. This novel does cover some heavy topics such as domestic violence and abuse, so please take caution if you are sensitive to those topics.
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.
That last one looks fun!