Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Icing on the Cake by Amanda Uhl follows restaurant owner, Bethany Parker. She is determined to save the family business, Grandma Lou’s, after learning that actor Hank Haverill has bought the building. Bethany enters a national baking contest, hoping to secure the funds to keep the restaurant open. She and Hank eventually develop a connection at the café and outside of her daily routine. But what better way to turn her life upside down than when her ex-fiancé, Desmond, re-enters the picture? He has previously betrayed her, leaving her financially vulnerable and guarded. But Desmond’s ultimate betrayal surrounding her grandmother’s recipe leads to Bethany’s contest entry being publicly challenged. Her reputation and the future of her restaurant are at risk, leaving her to face a series of setbacks, including her connection with Hank. But will they be able to navigate their feelings while under external scrutiny?

I enjoyed reading Icing on the Cake. Amanda Uhl allowed both Bethany and Hank to grow through personal setbacks that felt realistic. Bethany was resilient through her losses and commitment to family. Hank learned how to take accountability for his own choices. Bethany’s brother, Travis, provided unwavering support, especially concerning the restaurant. Both Blackie and Elizabeth represented pressures tied to Hank’s career and public life. Desmond was the source of conflict that took Bethany’s challenges to a different level. There was a good balance of emotion and conflict that drove the narrative forward. It had all the elements I love, including the small-town woman and the big-city man, having to choose between career and love, and the added layer of real-life struggles. Those who enjoyed Sarah Adams’ The Cheat Sheet will love Icing on the Cake.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The fourth book in Kate O'Keeffe’s Royally Kissed series, Royally Off-Limits, introduces a fizzy royal rom-com about Prince Maximilien of Ledonia, a roguish royal dubbed “Man-Child Max” after he plunges down a slip-’n-slide, falling into a pond. Max has never responded well to being forced into doing something he does not want to do, but the royal family must salvage his image. So, his father assigns a documentary by his most unforgiving critic, journalist Fabiana Fontaine. Max is not aware that she is actually Valentina Romano, disguised as Fabiana. She is the daughter of a lord who was disgraced and banished years ago by the royal family, and she has spent her adult life hiding behind non-prescription glasses, bleached hair, and biting sarcasm. As they navigate the gilded ballrooms and the summer palace, antagonism turns to attraction. But Valentina’s secret identity threatens their growing trust and a love she never meant to find.

Kate O'Keeffe’s characters are boldly accomplished; they are multidimensional and hilariously relatable. When we meet Max, he is the party prince, but there is a humanity in his character shown in his self-funded youth outreach program to help disadvantaged kids from poor families get a fair chance at life. Valentina carries the wounds of her family, and she hides them with her cynicism and sharp wit. What fascinated me most in these two characters is how cleverly the author lifts the veil, slowly revealing what they genuinely feel and who they are authentically when the world is not watching. With effervescent humor, Royally Off-Limits delivers a snappy, first-person dual narration and delightfully absurd scenes that will keep you laughing out loud, like the foam-gun war in a children’s ball pit and the impromptu blanket fort. This fast-paced romance is infused with suspense as you wait nervously for Valentina’s confession and the exposure of a villain.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Rom-com lovers are in for a treat with Kerry Evelyn's Sew Matcha In Love. Set in Palmer City, the story follows Arwyn "Wynnie" Baughn, a talented young woman known for sewing Regency gowns, who suddenly finds herself becoming a part-time nanny to two five-year-old twins. The little girls, Isla and Amelie, are the daughters of Zaki Marsch, an NHL defenseman who has a fondness for pranks. Wynnie is well aware of Zaki's reputation as a prankster and sets her conditions before taking on her new job. However, the longer she spends time with Zaki and the girls, the more she realizes there's much more to Zaki than she previously assumed. Meanwhile, Zaki starts developing feelings for Wynnie. Can their relationship work out? Will they end up together?

This is a feel-good tale about love and family. Sew Matcha In Love is one of those cozy romantic comedy novels that you will love to revisit as a comfort read. Full of romance, witty dialogue, and drama, Sew Matcha In Love entertains you all the way through, and by the end, you feel like you want more. The characters are likable and relatable. You get the sense that you've met these people in real life. Author Kerry Evelyn brings that everyone-knows-everyone-else vibe to the setting that is common in small towns. Zaki and Wynnie make a cute couple, and Isla and Amelie are sweet kids. Additionally, Zaki and Wynnie's interactions with their friends are funny and wholesome. All in all, it's a must-read for rom-com fans.

Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

“An endless loop of madness and ecstasy,” The Girl With Autumn Eyes by R.F. Vincent is a touching and unique tale of hope. The story begins on the 28 September at 9:42 a.m. It is at this precise moment in time when a damaged young man who has lost his pants while being chased by a pack of dogs during his bike ride comes to life. The catalyst for his renewal is a girl on the bridge and a severe case of love at first sight. Well, at least for him; she barely knows he exists. He obsesses over the girl during the next few days only to discover she works in the same building, leading to epic fantasies in his mind and outrageous jitters whenever she is close. Finally, he meets his dream girl, and having her in his life becomes possible. But for a young man that life has dumped upon ever since the day he was born, relationships are not easy, and a battle rages within him. Now, he can either succumb to despair or break free from the prison that is his mind.

Charming, quirky, and whimsical, The Girl With Autumn Eyes by R.F. Vincent is more than just a romantic comedy; it's a beautiful tale of hope and personal growth. The plot focuses on the young protagonist (who is nameless) and his absurd but sincere struggle with himself as he attempts to woo the girl of his dreams. Underneath the plot lies an important theme about not allowing life and ugly circumstances to dampen the best in us. Exceptional character development is very pronounced, and, apart from the main protagonists, you will encounter Fennut, who is brilliant in his eccentricities. A smooth and silky pace akin to Smokey Robinson singing a tune kept me fixed to my seat and smiling throughout, anticipating each new page with glee. Overall, it is a masterful and original tale that will please more than just fans of the genre. I recommend it with all my heart.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

Royal Replacement by Holly Kerr is book 6 in the Love in Laandia series, where the reader sees what happens to the characters Abigail Locke, Prince Bo, and Hettie, along with Tema, their daughter, who married in the previous book. Abigail is asked to be the next Suitorette Girl to complete the series that Princess Lyra walked away from to marry Spencer. The story unfolds as the Suitorette Girl starts, and Abigail meets the 12 men left to complete the season. Lady Camille rules Saint Pierre, and she started a Bird Sanctuary on the other island. Battle Harbour is home to Abigail on an island in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, just off the coast of Canada. These characters will all catch the reader’s attention and make them root for each of them to win.

Royal Replacement by Holly Kerr takes the reader on a journey to complete the story of how the Suitorette ends, which only ran for half a season in the previous book. It is a journey for Abigail, who has always been the one to take care of everyone else in such a way that they become dependent on her to see to things and forget that she is a person in her own right. Abigail has no confidence in herself or any decision she makes, but as the story progresses, the reader will see how she helps each of the men she meets actually find out who they really are. The way the story winds down is so delightful that the reader will be laughing with delight at how Abigail and the man she chooses tell each other about their love. The author takes the reader into a world that they can relate to and can forget life for a while and recharge their batteries. This is a delightfully sweet romance, but so well written that it is beautiful in its innocence. The author keeps the reader on their toes and leaves them with some questions. It is a fast read and will lighten the reader’s heart and mind. Well worth more than one read.

Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite

I Accidentally Hooked Up with a Vampire by Jessica Cage follows the journey of Whitney, an art broker whose life takes a sudden turn for the worse. Even though she felt confident that she was about to secure a promotion that day, Whitney was unexpectedly fired from her job. In a moment of despair, she decides to drown her disappointment with drinks at a friend's party. Before the end of the night, she becomes intimate with a drop-dead gorgeous gallerist, Domino. Unfortunately, things are too good to be true. Whitney's new beau ends up indirectly unleashing a whirlwind of danger into her life after she discovers he is an actual vampire. Now, she is being hunted by his powerful vampire affiliates because her blood is unique. Her gal pals join the fight with shocking supernatural abilities of their own. Do she and Domino still have a chance at love? Or is this the end of their union and her life?

I Accidentally Hooked Up with a Vampire is a tantalizing addition to Jessica Cage's Accidents Happen series. This paranormal romance is jam-packed with humor, captivating world-building, steamy romance, and an intriguing vampire clan with a surprising connection to the human world. Cage skillfully blends magical lore, suspense, and action into the plot while Whitney, her friends, and Domino race to confront the challenges being hurled in their direction. Romance lovers will fall in love with Whitney and Domino as they navigate their intense connection to each other, all while embarking on an adventure that propels Whitney deeper into embracing Domino's supernatural world. If you are on the prowl for a page-turning, action-packed tale that combines enthralling excitement with searing romantic chemistry, this is the perfect novel.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

No Plans to Fall by Kiri Patterson is just a wonderfully sweet, small-town romance, with a serious undertone about self-worth and what is important in life. Marissa was tormented by her past and her future. She had never really forgiven herself for surviving the car crash that had killed her parents when she was only fifteen. Taken in by her Nan, and working for the only law firm in town, she has had to adjust to the life of a small town where everyone knows her business and, worse, wants to be in it. She is determined she will not fall for another man after her high-school sweetheart ditched her and is filled with doubts about her worth. Her plan is to one day go to London and fulfill her and her parents’ dream of visiting the city where they spent their honeymoon. When her two best friends convince her to go to the Fall Festival in a neighboring town, little does she realize she will end up in a corn maze with blind date Scott whom she won in a fair-ground competition. Scott is a lawyer and has his future meticulously planned. He wants to be a high-flying corporate lawyer for one of the biggest law firms in town and get the prestige, wealth, and recognition he feels has passed him by. Romance has no place in either of these two people’s plans but fate may yet intervene and change all that.

No Plans to Fall is a fun, sweet, romantic romp and yet it does have a serious side that will get readers thinking. Author Kiri Patterson has cleverly combined a simple, conversational style with some major character aspects that need addressing if either party to this potential romance is going to achieve any happiness. The story is developed from both Marissa's and Scott’s perspectives, with each succeeding chapter alternating between the characters' points of view. This gives a much broader scope as we can see and feel the innermost thoughts and feelings of both protagonists even if they are sometimes blindly obtuse to each other’s feelings. I enjoyed this aspect because when either Marissa or Scott did something or said something that changed the relationship, my immediate response was to wonder how the other partner reacted and what they would do about it. I loved that both characters had such deep-seated insecurities about themselves and that they came from very different environments. A good romance has always been one of my secret reading vices and what I loved about this story is that it is a wonderful romance but also has a thought-provoking subtext. This makes it stand out in the genre. I was pleased to read that a sequel is a real possibility and I want to read more about these lovely characters. I highly recommend this read.

Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

Pucking Dirty is the story of wanting the one thing, or the one person, you can’t have. You can’t get more forbidden than a dirty-talking hockey player and the coach’s daughter, which is what we have here in Nash and Emilia. Her dad has warned the whole team away from his little girl, but when she meets Nash, all bets are off. They like each other and the chemistry is off the charts, but there’s that pesky matter of Emilia being off-limits. Nichole Rose has written a funny and entertaining romance novel with the perfect amount of steam. The characters work well together, and despite being over the top at times, they all feel incredibly down-to-earth.

Pucking Dirty is so sinfully delicious that I had a hard time putting it down, but the story flew by. I really loved Emilia; she was funny and friendly, and so relatable that you couldn’t help but root for her. Whether it was her insecurities regarding her new job or her relationship with her father, you just wanted the best for her. This is the first book in the Pucked Up Love series by Nichole Rose, and it’s off to a great start. A secret romance means lots of fun trysts, pillow talk, and moments of almost getting caught, which made this a fun and exciting read. I loved the banter between the main characters as it highlighted their chemistry, giving a palpable explanation for why they would both risk so much just to be together.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Considering Us by Jenn Bouchard is a romance that follows Devon, a private chef who loses her job after her affair with a famous client is discovered. She seeks a fresh start at Rockwood School, where she is offered a position as Dining Services Director. As she settles into her new role, Devon reconnects with Kyle, a former fling and surprise Rockwood colleague, which reignites unresolved feelings from their past. As she juggles her responsibilities and the wild dynamics of a school environment, she faces further complications from a budding relationship with Heath, a paramedic she begins dating. Devon dances between feelings for both men as the scrutiny grows from rumors about her personal life and her family's expectations, and a job offer on the West Coast presents itself.

Considering Us by Jenn Bouchard is an absorbing romance that ticks all the boxes, and a few more for good measure. Can we take a second to talk about the food, though? Devon is a chef of the highest caliber, and I swear there were moments when I almost ate the page. There is one scene where Devon's mother says she prefers store-bought pot pies over homemade ones, and I genuinely wanted to ask if I could have hers. Bouchard's storytelling is great, and even though this is a character-driven story, Bouchard plants some third-party passive-aggressive jealousy that is as delicious as a parfait. The main trio of Devon, Kyle, and Heath all feel authentic, and the dialogue is sharp and realistic, particularly when Tam is on the line. Overall, Considering Us is a rosy, cozy romance with a satisfying ending and I have no doubt contemporary romance fans will enjoy it. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Cruise Crush: The Pinnacle Series Book 1 by Kathleen Allen is set against the luxurious backdrop of a Caribbean cruise. AJ, a wealthy heir preparing to take the reins as CEO of Pinnacle Cruise Line, boards a ship hoping for one last breath of freedom. Meanwhile, DJ, a beautiful and confident former Olympic gymnast turned travel influencer, is enjoying the perks of her latest assignment. Their unexpected meeting quickly sparks chemistry, but they agree to keep their professional lives a secret to enjoy a drama-free fling. As they tour tropical ports and indulge in the entertainment onboard, their playful banter and undeniable spark deepen into something neither expected. But when the truth surfaces, AJ and DJ must decide if their cruise romance can survive reality.

Kathleen Allen writes a classic opposites-attract love story with flair and charm. The pacing is light, with the story being carried by the vibrant characters and sparkling dialogue. AJ’s internal struggle between duty and desire adds emotional depth, while DJ’s independence and authenticity balance their dynamic. Their chemistry feels natural, and the author lets their relationship evolve through small, meaningful moments, not just grand gestures. The cruise setting provides a playful and romantic stage, with vivid descriptions of destinations and shipboard life adding richness to the story. I love romance novels, but this one truly blew me away. I loved the carefree narrative, the connection between AJ and DJ (how cute is that?), and how their story ended. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!