Romance Roundup: October

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 house-hunting “couple”, a hottie from the afterlife, and a romantic encounter in a bookstore.

Playing House (Uptown #1) by Ruby Lang (2019)

The last thing Oliver Huang expects to see on the historic Mount Morris home tour is longtime acquaintance Fay Liu bustling up and kissing him hello. He’s happy to playact being a couple to save her from a pushy admirer. Fay’s beautiful, successful and smart, and if he’s being honest, Oliver has always had a bit of a thing for her.

Maybe more than a bit.

Geeking out over architectural details is Oliver and Fay’s shared love language, and soon they’re touring pricey real estate across Upper Manhattan as the terribly faux but terribly charming couple Darling and Olly.

For the first time since being laid off from the job he loved, Oliver has something to look forward to. And for the first time since her divorce, Fay’s having fun.

Somewhere between the light-filled living rooms and spacious closets they’ve explored, this faux relationship just may have sparked some very real feelings.

Review: If you enjoy “fake relationship” romances then Playing House may be right up your alley. As much as I love Lang’s Acute Reactions series, this novel fell flat for me. The main characters reconnect with a meet-cute during an open house tour and sparks instantly fly. While it was cool to see the beautiful architecture and housing of New York this story was a bit lackluster and I wanted more from its characters and plot.

I think if the story was a bit longer it could have really fleshed out the characters more since all of the moments with Oliver and Fay felt so rushed. But all in all, it was still a cozy little romance story. I’m not too sure if I’ll continue with the Uptown series, but I was glad to finally be able to read this romance on my backlist.

Final Verdict:

Hot Ghost by Annika Martin (2019)

Cassie Nolan is stuck for yet another summer working in the family business: leading groups of tourists down to the haunted pier to witness the nightly visit of the ghost known as Old Salt.

Yes, Old Salt really is a ghost—a young sea captain who died in 1879.

And yes, he clanks his chains.

The tourists are always amazed.

Cassie? Not so much.

Because really, chains? Could he try for a more original haunting technique? Or just give it up already?

And okay, maybe she insults Old Salt when the tourists aren’t around.

She never thought he was listening. Or that he had a few of his own thoughts about her attitude.

And she never in a million years imagined he was soooooo hot!

Review:

Since October was Spooky Season I decided to read a romance book that was fitting for Halloween. Hot Ghost is a fun Halloween-themed novella from beginning to end. The main character Cassie leads ghost tours on the pier to help out with her family business. But when she passes after a freak accident she comes face to face with Old Salt she learns more about the pirate’s life.

I loved this short tale. It’s lighthearted, fun, and just the right amount of spooky. The humor is on point and I love the banter between Cassie and William as they start to develop a relationship. A good fun read! It’s fast-paced and doesn’t take itself too seriously which made for an entertaining read.

Final Verdict:

Blind Date with a Book Boyfriend by Lucy Eden (2020)

Hi, I’m Jordyn. I flew from New York to Culver City, CA to interview for the job of a lifetime.

When I walked into The Bookstore, I only wanted a steamy romance or two to help pass the time before my big meeting.

I walked out with a gorgeous and sweet, cinnamon roll who was more funny and charming than all of my favorite book boyfriends combined, which definitely wasn’t the plan.

But Mike was irresistible, and the time we spent together exploring Culver City was more fun than I’ve had in a long time.

But I’m smart enough to know if something feels too good to be true, it probably is.

I mean, Happily Ever Afters are just for fairy tales and romance novels … right?

Review: Blind Date With a Book Boyfriend is my first foray into a Lucy Eden book and I loved it so much. I can’t wait to read more of her books! The book follows Jordyn and Mike who met by chance in a bookstore and begin a whirlwind romance. This novella was incredibly sweet and I was enamored with Mike as a male lead because he had such a passion for reading romance novels.

Though their romance progresses fast becuase of the love at first sight narrative the romance felt geuine and I enjoyed how they explored the city while getting to know each other. It was so sweet and cute. Theres a couple of other stories in this small series I’d like to read additionally. This is a novella that will speak to the heart of an avid romance reader for sure.

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.