I’m a sucker for a P&P retelling. Nikki Payne’s contemporary version pits an unlikely billionaire against a community activist. The sexual tension is high, but there are 100 reasons for these two not to work out.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ W-O-W! I knew I was going to love this and I was crying, swooning, heart eyes over it. We met Davis and Kevin in the first Blue Bird Basin book in what seemed like a cute secondary romance. But things took a turn in book 2 when we could see them drifting apart, struggling, then Kev relapses and ends up back in rehab. It was crushing for both Kev and Davis. Now in book 3 we see their love story from their POV. You could read this as a standalone, but will get way more out of it by reading the other books in the series. Read the content warnings provided by the author. When Kev returns to the sober living group after rehab he’s still not talking to anyone about his past and struggling to understand why he relapsed. Davis is broken hearted and definitely not over Kev, but wants to feel better about herself and move on. Both are still 100% in love with each other, but believe they are bad for each other. Watching them figure themselves and their relationship out was so sad and beautiful. This hero reads romance novels and he takes notes!! Loved this book, can’t wait for the next one! Arc provided by the publisher

Wow this was so good. A Fated Mates recommendation from their podcast. Tanika/Nikki is in her 40’s and going through it at work after a young age her woman takes her position in sports reporting. She also reallly needs glasses but refuses to acknowledge it until she gets into a car accident. Then we meet Gideon, optometrist widower. They have an instant attraction. But when Tanika picks out her glasses, someone helps her find a pair that allows her to see the true intentions of those around her. There’s a light amount of magic/spirit/woo woo in this. I loved Tanika and Gideon and their chemistry. There was quite a bit about Tanika’s job as part of the story. I’m looking forward to reading the HEA for Tanika’s friends too.