Tag: contemporary romance

Reviews

Review: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

by wren @ wingsandfablesLeave a Comment on Review: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

“and I’m not afraid to be alone, but i’m tired of being the one left behind.”

rebecca ross

Series: Letters of Enchantment #1

Release Date: April 4th 2023

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Genre: Young Adult Fiction | Historical Fiction | Fantasy | Romance

Page Count: 368

Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary: After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again…

All eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow wants to do is hold her family together. With a brother on the frontline forced to fight on behalf of the Gods now missing from the frontline and a mother drowning her sorrows, Iris’s best bet is winning the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

But when Iris’s letters to her brother fall into the wrong hands – that of the handsome but cold Roman Kitt, her rival at the paper – an unlikely magical connection forms.

Expelled into the middle of a mystical war, magical typewriters in tow, can their bond withstand the fight for the fate of mankind and, most importantly, love?

An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.

Goodreads | Storygraph | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Thoughts:

there are some books in this world that i’m convinced hold a touch of magic in them. divine rivals is undoubtedly one of them. with its backdrop of a war of the gods featuring recruitment reminiscent of the draft, divine rivals is thrilling from beginning to end. ross immediately draws the reader’s heart to the FMC’s woes as she struggles to make her way in a war-torn world with a brother fighting at the front and a mother who drowns her worries in alcohol. setting up a rivalry between the FMC and LI, the chemistry between the characters is palpable from the start as they both endeavor to win a columnist post at their local newspaper. but when magical typewriters create a bond between the rivals as they start to send letters anonymously to each other, their chemistry deepens into a romantic, charming tale that drowns the trials in their lives. when they both leave for the front as war correspondents, the plot propels forward, tugging at your heartstrings as the characters experience the tragedies of war. this book beautifully handles a plethora of relevant themes: the cost of war, guilt, grief, addiction, abandonment, poverty, parental disapproval, hope, love, friendship, and so much more. and its unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy romance offers so much to many types of readers. this is a solid favorite of mine and something i can see myself returning to over and over again as a comfort read.

Rating:

Goodreads | Storygraph

Memes, Time Travel Thursday

Time Travel Thursday #2

by wren @ wingsandfablesLeave a Comment on Time Travel Thursday #2

It’s Time Travel Thursday! Hosted by Budget Tales Book Blog, this is where you get to relive all those bookish memories! Take a look back at what you were reading this time last year (or the year before or the year before that…) and compare it to what you are reading now!

2025 was a pretty sparse reading year for me as I was pursuing my Master’s Degree, so I’m going to jump back to 2024 for this series.

This time in 2024 I was reading:

Summary: If he had been with me, everything would have been different…

Autumn and Finn used to be inseparable. But then something changed. Or they changed. Now, they do their best to ignore each other.

Autumn has her boyfriend Jamie, and her close-knit group of friends. And Finn has become that boy at school, the one everyone wants to be around.

That still doesn’t stop the way Autumn feels every time she and Finn cross paths, and the growing, nagging thought that maybe things could have been different. Maybe they should be together.

But come August, things will change forever. And as time passes, Autumn will be forced to confront how else life might have been different if they had never parted ways…

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Rating: 2 stars

Currently I am reading:

Summary: Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival?

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She’s built her life–and her late grandmother’s tearoom, Tea Thyme–around all things delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He’s looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn’t matter that she’s ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn’s heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled–Wisteria hasn’t seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship–and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Comparison:

I picked up If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin from my library around this time because the collector’s edition of the book was coming out, and I wanted to see if it was something I wanted to snag because it was gorgeous. For me, this reeked of John Green vibes with an attempt at a quirky teen protagonist that really just didn’t work for me. I still sometimes think about how the FMC would wear a tiara to school every single day. Needless to say, this is not something I purchased a physical copy of, and I did not continue the series when the second book dropped.

This year I’m reading A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham. A Brewed Awakening is an adult contemporary romance with nods to Jane Austen and an enemies-to-lovers romance. I’m really enjoying this so far, especially the humor and banter between the MCs. I’ve really turned away from the Young Adult genre in the past year or so simply because my reading tastes have changed. I can still see myself reading upper-YA, but I can’t see myself ever picking up something like If He Had Been With Me in the near future.

Have you read any of these titles? What were you reading this time last year?

Goodreads | Storygraph

Reviews

Review: The Regency Switch by Helen Gaskell

by wren @ wingsandfablesLeave a Comment on Review: The Regency Switch by Helen Gaskell

“you have made my world brighter with every part of you.”

helen gaskell

Series: Standalone

Release Date: February 26th 2026

Publisher: HQ Digital

Genre: Adult Fiction | Historical Fiction | Regency | Contemporary Fiction | Romance

Page Count: 312

Source: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!

Goodreads Summary: Etta Moore expects nothing more from a Tuesday than another dull day in the office. But when her morning commute ends in Regency England, she is forced to accept the she and her ancestor Miss Henrietta Bainbridge – or ‘Mad Hetty’, as she’s known amongst the ton – have switched bodies.

Suddenly Etta and Hetty must get to grips with the new worlds they find themselves in. For Etta, it’s goodbye to dating apps and the daily commute and hello to the list of things ‘Ladies Do Not’ do. Luckily the dashing Lord Stanhope is on hand to aid her through even the most shocking of faux pas.

Meanwhile Hetty, who has always felt unseen and unknown, finds her truest self blossoming with the help of 21st century medicine and the most welcome attentions of her rather beautiful Adult Learning teacher, Stella.

Two hundred years away from everything they’ve ever known, might Etta and Hetty have actually found a place where they each truly belong?

Goodreads | Storygraph | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Thoughts:

interesting, witty, and full of life, this book puts a quirky spin on the classic historical romance novel. featuring two FMCs that couldn’t be more different from each other, it was fascinating to read as they learned to navigate the new time period they found themselves in after The Switch. the pacing of the novel was seamless, bouncing between the Regency time period of 1817 and the modern time of 2023 at the perfect intervals to reconnect with our FMCs. the romances gave a great variety, with one featuring an electric chemistry while the other featured a sweeter romance. the novel also provides commentary on societal expectations, mental health, and human rights. some of the characterizations were a bit frustrating, particularly the way etta spoke at length multiple times about her love of historical romance books and shows, yet she committed multiple faux pas that she should have known wouldn’t be appropriate in the time period she found herself in. it also felt a bit offputting that the FMCs don’t respect bodily autonomy and make life-altering choices in bodies that do not belong to them. if you can set aside the bits of the novel that don’t really make sense, this is still a quick, engaging read for someone who wants a spin on a classic Regency romance.

Rating:

Goodreads | Storygraph

Memes, Places My Books Have Taken Me

Places My Books Have Taken Me | April 2026

by wren @ wingsandfablesLeave a Comment on Places My Books Have Taken Me | April 2026

Places My Books Have Taken Me is a Monthly Meme hosted by Budget Tales Book Blog where we take a look at all the places that our books have taken us that month. Click on the book titles to see my reviews for each.

1. Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment #1) by Rebecca Ross

Places: Oath, Cambria & Avalon Bluff, Cambria (Fantasy)

Rating: 5 stars

2. Pride Comes Before a Fall (Miss Prentice’s Protogees #3) by Virginia Heath

Place: Regency Era Bath, England, UK & Mayfair, London, England, UK

Rating: 3.5 stars

3. Ruthless Vows ( Letters of Enchantment #2) by Rebecca Ross

Places: Avalon Bluff, Cambria; Oath, Cambria; River Down, Cambria & Hawk Shire, Cambria (Fantasy)

Rating: 4 stars

4. A Deal with a Debutante (London’s Most Eligible #1) by Chelsea Bobulski

Places: Edwardian Era Hampshire, England, UK & Mayfair, London, England, UK

Rating: 4 stars

5. Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

Place: Miami, Florida, USA; Luxury Cruise Boat to Barcelona, Spain

Rating: 4 stars

Have you read any of these books? What was your favorite book you read in April?

Goodreads | Storygraph

New Releases

12 Anticipated Contemporary Romance New Releases of May 2026

by wren @ wingsandfablesLeave a Comment on 12 Anticipated Contemporary Romance New Releases of May 2026

1. Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

Publication: May 5th 2026 | Berkley

Subgenres/Tropes: Romcom | Friends to Lovers | Summer Read

Summary: Frankie and George have been best friends since they were eight years old. Both passionate, impulsive, and headstrong—they’ve always clashed . . . and come back together. Until now. It’s the eve of Frankie’s wedding weekend, and she doesn’t know where they stand or even if George will show up as her best man.

Then, at the start of the festivities, in walks George. For one glorious evening, surrounded by her loved ones, Frankie’s life is finally perfect. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancé dumps her the next morning, leaving only a note as an explanation.

Crushed and confused, Frankie returns to her family’s home to wallow. But George has a different idea and a plan for healing Frankie’s broken heart. He wants her to go on her honeymoon. With him. For one week, to the lush rainforests and misty beaches of Tofino.

Frankie agrees, seeing the trip for what it really is: one last chance to repair their friendship. Even if it means unearthing secrets and long buried feelings neither knows how to handle. Even if it means falling apart for good.

Add to: Goodreads | Storygraph

2. Rules for the Summer by Meghan Quinn

Publication: May 5th 2026 | Bloom Books

Subgenres/Tropes: Romcom | Beach Read | He Falls First

Summary: He clicked “yes” on a dare. She bought a failing candy shop. Now they’re neighbors for the summer―and neither is ready for what comes next.

Renley Gossage has one shot to prove she’s more than Cape Meril’s favorite cautionary tale: restore her favorite candy shop before the town writes her off like they did her father. No help, no shortcuts, and definitely no rich men wielding engagement rings and making things messy.

Theo Williams never planned on ending up in Cape Meril. A drunken game of truth or dare turned into a botched online engagement, and now he’s across the ocean, escaping his father’s control with nothing but designer shoes, misplaced confidence, and a rental next door to Renley.

She’s practical, stubborn, and covered in paint. He’s posh, persistent, and willing to use a sander if it means earning her trust.

Between collapsing drywall, gossiping neighbors, and the chaotic schemes of Renley’s aunt, their forced proximity turns into something dangerously close to real.

But Renley’s future depends on standing on her own two feet, and Theo’s past isn’t done with him yet. By the time the candy shop doors open, they’ll have to decide if this is just a summer fling―or the happily ever after neither of them saw coming.

Add to: Goodreads | Storygraph

Continue reading “12 Anticipated Contemporary Romance New Releases of May 2026” →
Reviews

Review: Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

by wren @ wingsandfables1 Comment on Review: Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

“i guess all i can say is, nash fills a specific place in my life that nobody else can, and when he’s not around, a part of my life is lacking.”

melissa ferguson

Series: Standalone

Release Date: February 17th 2026

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction

Genre: Adult Fiction | Contemporary Romance | Cozy Mystery

Page Count: 336

Source: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!

Goodreads Summary: When a mystery writer mysteriously dies on a cruise filled with rabid fans, his protégé (and personal assistant) teams up with a rugged cowboy and fellow writer to crack the case. One part Only Murders in the Building, one part Book Lovers, and a whole lot of laughs, Without a Clue will keep readers guessing and swooning until the very end.

If there’s one thing Penelope Mae Dupont prizes most, it’s her composure–her ability to stay calm in the face of stress. It’s a vital trait in her job as a personal assistant to renowned mystery author Hugh Griffin. But when Pip organizes a book cruise featuring The Fabulous Seven–seven celebrated authors from different genres who have supported each other through thick and thin–her famed composure is in danger of sailing away. One boat, hundreds of devoted readers, and seven Big Personalities. What could possibly go wrong?

Disaster strikes when, on the second day of the cruise, Hugh is found murdered. And, in the face of gross incompetence by the on-board security force, Pip realizes she’ll need to be the one to discover who did it. With the ship stranded in the middle of the Atlantic and no help on the horizon, it’s up to her to unravel the mystery. Along with her friend Nash–a dreamy Western author who’s just as rugged as the cowboys he writes about. As Pip’s composure starts to sink faster than a leaky dinghy, Nash becomes her anchor in a storm of clues and red herrings.

With Nash at her side, Penelope dives into the murky depths of the mystery, navigating treacherous waters filled with unexpected twists and turns. No one, not even a desperately hopeful mystery sleuth named Pip, could anticipate the wild ride ahead. Whether she likes it or not, she is on the adventure of a lifetime . . . and maybe, just maybe, she’ll find love along the way.

In this laugh-out-loud funny Clue-meets-Emily-Henry rom-com, Penelope Mae Dupont is about to find out that in the world of mystery and romance, you have to risk going overboard to find the truth.

Goodreads | Storygraph | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Thoughts:

this book absolutely delivers its promise of clue-meets-emily-henry rom-com. with a colorful cast of 7 hugely popular authors who are experts in their respective fields, this whodunit was filled with hilarious moments as the FMC attempts to solve her boss’s murder. ferguson is a pro at creating quirky, distinct characters, and the slightly campy feel to the Magnificent Seven suited the vibe of this book so well. following the format of a classic mystery novel, this book pays homage to its predecessors in a charming plot that will have the reader giggling at the recognized subtleties. the backdrop of a bookish cruise delivered the perfect setting for a cozy mystery and will leave every reader pining for the reality (minus the murder). the romance was sweet, capturing the movement from friends to lovers effortlessly. and if you are more of an audiobook person, i highly recommend giving this book a listen as the narrator delivers its humor perfectly and captures each character’s distinct personality.

Rating:

Goodreads | Storygraph