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Renee 📚

@renee.the.romance.reader

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📍wisconsin
virgo, swiftie, stay, army, atiny, carat, aghase, overall nerd
mostly romance
📚15/45
📖 undercover bromance & her ult

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Book Review: Tropesick by @laurenokieauthor

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: In this lush, slow-burning romance, two childhood neighbors, connected by a shared tragedy, unexpectedly reunite to ghostwrite a love story for a reclusive author. Spending the summer at her secluded Hamptons estate, they soon discover that dozens of classic romance tropes, including the ones they’re crafting on page, are mysteriously playing out in real life. Heart-wrenching and tender, Tropesick is a love letter to the romance genre. With a wink and a nod, Okie has packed the novel with listeners’ favorite.

My Thoughts: WOW! As an avid romance reader (duh), this book was a true dedication to romance and those who love it. From the minute I began reading, I was hooked. Lauren keeps you guessing the entire time on what’s going to happen next. I struggled to put the book down! Katie and Tyler’s relationship felt so real and natural, and you felt every single emotion they had. I dare say that Lauren will become an auto-buy author for me and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. ✍🏻☀️🌊

Thank you to @netgalley @avonbooks @harpervoyagerus for the advanced copy ❤️ Tropesick by Lauren Okie comes out on Tuesday, June 16th! by @renee.the.romance.reader

4

3

4 months ago

“Tell a friend to tell a friend…SHE’S BACKKK!!!”

Hi 😁 how ya doing? How was your summer? lol I’m finally back on #bookstagram after four months of being away. I’m trying to come off my major reading slump, and @romance_con was the perfect way to help with that! Day 1 was so much fun, attended some awesome panels, and got to meet some amazingly talented authors. Cannot wait for Day 2!

#booksta #romancecon #booklover #romancereader #romancereadersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks by @renee.the.romance.reader

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8

2 years ago

Book Review: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/4

Synopsis: They say you can never go home again, and for Persephone Fraser, ever since she made the biggest mistake of her life a decade ago, that has felt too true. Instead of glittering summers on the lakeshore of her childhood, she spends them in a stylish apartment in the city, going out with friends, and keeping everyone a safe distance from her heart.
Until she receives the call that sends her racing back to Barry’s Bay and into the orbit of Sam Florek—the man she never thought she’d have to live without.
For six summers, through hazy afternoons on the water and warm summer nights working in his family’s restaurant and curling up together with books—medical textbooks for him and work-in-progress horror short stories for her—Percy and Sam had been inseparable. Eventually that friendship turned into something breathtakingly more, before it fell spectacularly apart.
When Percy returns to the lake for Sam’s mother’s funeral, their connection is as undeniable as it had always been. But until Percy can confront the decisions she made and the years she’s spent punishing herself for them, they’ll never know whether their love might be bigger than the biggest mistakes of their past.

My thoughts: There is something about summer cabin vibes that just gets me. I loved the concept, the setting, and the trope of childhood friends to lovers. Percy and Sam’s relationship is so natural and genuine and you totally understand why they fall in love. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but the ending of the book wasn’t my favorite. It felt rushed and a little all over the place to me. Otherwise, definitely worth the read ☀️🏠

What’s your favorite setting in romance books? I am just such a sucker for summer camp/cabin vibes. Reminds me of my summers growing up. Let me know in the comments below 📚 by @renee.the.romance.reader

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3 years ago

Book Review: Before I Let Go by @kennedyryan1

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: Their love was supposed to last forever. But when life delivered blow after devastating blow, Yasmen and Josiah Wade found that love alone couldn’t solve or save everything.
It couldn’t save their marriage.
Yasmen wasn’t prepared for how her life fell apart, but she is finally starting to find joy again. She and Josiah have found a new rhythm, co-parenting their two kids and running a thriving business together. Yet like magnets, they’re always drawn back to each other, and now they’re beginning to wonder if they’re truly ready to let go of everything they once had.
Soon, one stolen kiss leads to another…and then more. It's hot. It's illicit. It's all good—until old wounds reopen. Is it too late for them to find forever? Or could they even be better, the second time around?

My thoughts: My first 5 star read of the year! Before I Let Go is such a beautifully constructed story about second chance love after divorce. I don’t want to give too much away, but I found myself devouring this book. Throughout the entire book, you knew Yasmen and Josiah would get back together, but you never knew how or when. It kept me glued to the pages. Kennedy handles such raw and deep emotions like grief and depression so effortlessly. I cannot wait to read This Could Be Us soon and to see Kennedy Ryan at Romance Con in September! 🍽️🧑‍🍳

What was your first 5 star read of the year? Let me know in the comments below 📚 by @renee.the.romance.reader

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3 years ago

Bookstagram meetup haul! @betweenpaigesofabook and I attended the FIRST Wisconsin Bookstagram meetup yesterday and it was so much fun! Meeting all these awesome bookstagrammers that I’ve seen online in one of my favorite places (thanks @books_n_co for having us) was such a great experience. We talked about the books we’re reading and how we each run our book clubs and bookstagram accounts. We also had a massive book swap and it was so cool to see what kinds of books people brought.

Thanks to @readyourworriesaway and @reading.is.your.destiny for putting this together and all the vendors we donated the giveaway items. Hope we can do something like this again soon! by @renee.the.romance.reader

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3 years ago

Book Review: Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/4

Synopsis: Opposites become allies to fool their matchmaking friends in this swoony reimagining of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.
Jamie Westenberg and Bea Wilmot have nothing in common except a meet-disaster and the mutual understanding that they couldn’t be more wrong for each other. But when the people closest to them play Cupid and trick them into going on a date, Jamie and Bea realize they have something else in common after all—an undeniable need for revenge.
Soon their plan is in place: Fake date obnoxiously and convince the meddlers they’re madly in love. Then, break up spectacularly and dash their hopes, putting an end to the matchmaking madness once and for all.
To convince everyone that they’ve fallen for each other, Jamie and Bea will have to nail the performance of their lives. But as their final act nears and playing lovers becomes easier than not, they begin to wonder, what if Cupid’s arrow wasn’t so off the mark? And what if two wrongs do make a right?

My thoughts: This was my first Chloe Liese book and may I say, she has made a very good impression on me! As someone with a theatre studies minor, I really loved the adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing with the modern setting and characters. The queer, neurodivergent, and autistic representation which was so well done and a great addition to the story. The growth of Bea & Jamie together is so natural, but you always feel like they were meant for each other. My deduction of a quarter of a star was because I just wanted more time with Bea & Jamie. But still, a great read regardless. ♟️🦔

I think Chloe Liese will become one of my auto buy reads. Is there an author you just added to your auto buy list? Let me know in the comments below 📚 by @renee.the.romance.reader

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3 years ago

Book Review: Wildfire by Hannah Grace

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Synopsis: Maple Hills students Russ Callaghan and Aurora Roberts cross paths at a party celebrating the end of the academic year, where a drinking game results in them having a passionate one-night stand. Never one to overstay her welcome (or expect much from a man), Aurora slips away before Russ even has the chance to ask for her full name.
Imagine their surprise when they bump into each other on the first day of the summer camp where they are both counselors, hoping to escape their complicated home lives by spending the summer working. Russ hopes if he gets far enough away from Maple Hills, he can avoid dealing with the repercussions of his father’s gambling addiction, while Aurora is tired of craving attention from everyone around her, and wants to go back to the last place she truly felt at home.
Russ knows breaking the camp’s strict “no staff fraternizing” rule will have him heading back to Maple Hills before the summer is over, but unfortunately for him, Aurora has never been very good at caring about the rules. Will the two learn to peacefully coexist? Or did their one night together start a fire they can’t put out?

My thoughts: Hannah Grace became an auto buy author from me after I read Icebreaker back in 2022, and her second book in the Maple Hills series did not disappoint. I loved the setting of a summer camp as a former Girl Scout who went to camp every summer and became a camp counselor. This book also talks about parents, particularly fathers in an interesting way. Both Russ and Aurora struggle with distant or emotionally absent fathers for different reasons. Russ and Aurora find a bond and develop such a cute relationship and I ate it all up. It’s a really cute, fun book and if you liked Icebreaker, you’ll definitely like this one. 🏕️🏒

Does anyone else know of romances set at a summer camp? I really loved the setting and would love to read another book set at a summer camp. Let me know in the comments below 📚

🏷️: #wildfire #hannahgrace #wildfirehannahgrace #romancebooks #romancereader #romancebookstagram #bookreview #bookish #booklover #booksta #bookstagram #romancereads by @renee.the.romance.reader

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3 years ago

Book Review: Same Time, Next Year by Tessa Bailey

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: Adored by all, Britta is an ambitious waitress working at Sluggers. The popular bar holds a special place in her heart and is a regular hangout for the Bridgeport Bandits, the local hockey club. With a half brother on the team, Britta has a strict no-dating policy for hockey boys. But she does have a soft spot for one particular player.
A beast on the ice, Sumner Mayfield is on the brink of breaking into the NHL. But time’s running out. With his work visa about to expire, Sumner’s only chance to stay in Bridgeport is to marry an American—and get a green card. Otherwise, it’s back to Canada for the defenseman.
On New Year’s Eve, the team begs Britta to marry Sumner that very night. Sum is embarrassed yet hopeful—he’s desperately in love. But Britta balks at first. Until something about Sumner’s soulful brown eyes and ripped physique makes her reconsider…

My thoughts: This is a fun little New Years themed novella from my girl, Tessa Bailey. Does the plot make sense? No. Does the plot seemed rushed? Absolutely. But it’s a good time! I see a lot of reviews saying that the plot makes no sense, but who cares?! It’s a hot hockey player who worships the FMC! It’s Tessa’s first dip into sports romance, and I now want a full length hockey romance from her. Can’t wait for Fangirl Down that comes out next month. 🏒🍻

Any fun romance novellas I should check out? Let me know in the comments below 📚

#sametimenextyear #tessabailey #novella #bookreview #romancebooks #romancereader #romancebookreview #bookish #booksta #bookstagram #booklover #bookinsta #bookinstagram by @renee.the.romance.reader

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3 years ago

Book Review: A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: Kallum Lieberman is the funny one. As the arguably lesser of the three former members of the boy band INK, he enjoyed his fifteen minutes of fame and then moved home where he opened a regional pizza chain called Slice, Slice, Baby! He’s living his best dad bod life, hooking up with bridesmaids at all his friends’ weddings. But after an old one-off sex tape is leaked and quickly goes viral, Kallum decides he’s ready to step into the spotlight again, starring in a sexy Santa biopic for the Hope Channel.
Winnie Baker did everything right. She married her childhood sweetheart, avoided the downfalls of adolescent stardom, and transitioned into a stable adult acting career. Hell, she even waited until marriage to have sex. But after her perfect life falls apart, Winnie is ready to redefine herself—and what better way than a steamier-than-a-steaming-hot-mug-of-cider Christmas movie?
With decade old Hollywood history between them, Winnie and Kallum are both feeling hesitant about their new situation as costars…especially Winnie who can’t seem to fake on screen pleasure she’s never experienced in real life. She’s willing to do the pleasure research—for science and artistic authenticity, of course. And there’s no better research partner than her bridesmaid sex tape hall of fame costar, Kallum. But suddenly, Kallum’s teenage crush on Winnie is bubbling to the surface and Winnie might be catching feelings herself.

My thoughts: I had read A Merry Little Meet Cute last year, and when I heard a sequel was coming out, I had to read it. A Holly Jolly Ever After does not disappoint. It’s very sexy Hallmark Christmas, which I love, but also explores purity culture and religion that I wouldn’t have expected. Winnie and Kallum’s chemistry is off the charts and make such a good couple. You can see the plot from a mile away, but it’s still a fun ride. Definitely would recommend to add to your holiday TBR 🎄🎅🏻

What other sequels in a series did not disappoint for you? Let me know in the comments below 📚 by @renee.the.romance.reader

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3 years ago

My top five books of 2023! This year has been such a growing year for me. I can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store.

Thanks to everyone who has stuck around on my reading journey here on #bookstagram. Almost 350 book friends! More book reviews to come in the new year 📚

#topbooksof2023 #bookinstagram #bookinsta #lookingforalaska #dearmartin #redwhiteandroyalblue #twistedgames #thebromancebookclub #johngreen #nicstone #caseymcquiston #anahuang #lyssakayadams by @renee.the.romance.reader

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1

3 years ago

Book Review: Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: Melody Gallard may be the daughter of music royalty, but her world is far from glamorous. She spends her days restoring old books and avoiding the limelight (one awkward tabloid photo was enough, thanks). But when a producer offers her a lot of money to reunite her mother’s band on live tv, Mel begins to wonder if it’s time to rattle the cage, shake up her quiet life… and see him again. The only other person who could wrangle the rock and roll divas.
Beat Dawkins, the lead singer’s son, is Melody’s opposite—the camera loves him, he could charm the pants off anyone, and his mom is not a potential cult leader. Still, they might have been best friends if not for the legendary feud that broke up the band. When they met as teenagers, Mel felt an instant spark, but it’s nothing compared to the wild, intense attraction that builds as they embark on a madcap mission to convince their mothers to perform one last show.
While dealing with rock star shenanigans, a 24-hour film crew, brawling Santas, and mobs of adoring fans, Mel starts to step out of her comfort zone. With Beat by her side, cheering her on, she’s never felt so understood. But Christmas Eve is fast approaching, and a decades-old scandal is poised to wreck everything—the Steel Birds reunion, their relationships with their mothers, and their newfound love.

My thoughts: I love Tessa Bailey a lot. Window Shopping, her other holiday romance, is my favorite book by her. So I had high hopes going into reading this one. I still liked it, but I felt like Christmas wasn’t a major factor in the storytelling. For me, a holiday read has to be so Hallmark Christmas-y for me to believe that it’s truly a holiday romance. I felt like the story didn’t necessarily need to be taken place around Christmas. Otherwise, solid Tessa Bailey read. 🎶🎤

Any other holiday romances I should be checking out?I’m reading A Holly Jolly Ever After around Christmas time. Let me know in the comments below 📚

#wreckthehalls #tessabailey #holidayromance #romancebooks #romancebookreview #bookreview #bookstagram #bookinsta by @renee.the.romance.reader

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3 years ago

Book Review: Flawless by Elsie Silver

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: The rules were simple. Keep my hands off his daughter and stay out of trouble.
But now I’m stuck with her. There’s only one bed. And well, rules are made to be broken.
I’m the face of professional bull riding—the golden boy. Or at least I was, until it all blew up in my face. Now my agent says I have to clean up my image, so I’m stuck with his ball-busting daughter for the rest of the season as my “full-time supervision.”
But I don’t need a goddamn babysitter, especially one with skin-tight jeans, a sexy smirk, and a mouth she can’t stop running.
A mouth I can’t stop thinking about.
Because Summer isn’t just another conquest. She sees the man behind the mask, and she doesn’t run—she pulls me closer, even when she shouldn’t.
She says this means nothing.
I say this means everything.
She says there are boundaries we shouldn’t cross. That my reputation can’t take any more hits—and neither can her damaged heart.
I say I’m going to steal it anyway.

My thoughts: This was such a solid 4 star read. Enjoyable, but I had some things I didn’t vibe with. Starting with the positives, I found the main plot and the development of Summer and Rhett’s relationship to be very good. Not 100% enemies to lovers, but still thoroughly enjoyed it. My issue came to the side characters, especially Summer’s family and former lover. I won’t spoil anything, but send me a message if you wanna talk about it 😝. Overall, I had a fun time and will definitely be coming back to the series. I hear Heartless is pretty good, so I will totally be checking it out 🤠🐂

Guys! I hit my reading goal for the year! 40/40 books! What 2024 release are you excited to start next year? To kick off my 2024 reading, I'm definitely looking forward to The Breakup Tour. Let me know in the comments below 📚

#flawless #elsiesilver #chestnutsprings #cowboyromance #bookreview #romancebookreview #romancebooks #bookstagram #booklover #romancereader #bookinsta #bookinstagram #bookish #romancebookstagram by @renee.the.romance.reader

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3 years ago