Author Renee Savage

I read several books over the holidays, basically the last two weeks of December. In between gearing up to host my family for Christmas and final projects due at work before the end of the year, I found plenty of time to destress in a good book.

Reborn Yesterday-Tessa Bailey

Twilight wishes. This is the best example of the “vampire standing in your bedroom watching you sleep” trope I’ve ever read. First of all, the chemistry is explosive and believable as soon as the main characters meet. The side characters are amusing and interesting, making you care about the next book in the series and the stakes presented. Overall, a great book, and great research for me as I endeavor to write my own vampire romance.

This Time Tomorrow– Tessa Bailey

In the sequel to Reborn Yesterday, Tessa Bailey dives into the origin stories of her side characters and their all-consuming obsession for each other. This one was, in my opinion, sexier than the first one, but only because of the personalities of the characters. I enjoyed it immensely but also tapped out after this book. This is my fatal flaw as a reader- I am chronically not finishing series if I like where a book ends. Especially in adventure romance fantasy. Sometimes I can’t bear the thought of characters getting into a scuffle, so I just pretend they’re alright forever. Sorry, Tessa. But I’m coming for more of your backlist soon!

The Honey Don’t List– Christina Lauren

I’m a big fan of Christina and Lauren, but the wait for their books at my library is consistently forever long. So as soon as this one popped up on Libby, I jumped at the chance to read it. I loved the HGTV vibes, (I kept picturing Christina Haack and Tarek El Moussa, even though I think they wanted us to see Chip and Joanna, but I refused), and the occasional police report transcripts added such hype for the ending. It did not let me down. The main characters had great chemistry, and I love the “Just once to let off some steam” trope. Because do they do it just once? Never!

Secrets of a Summer Night– Lisa Kleypas

Here began my new obsession with Lisa Kleypas. I’ve heard her referred to as the queen of the historical romance genre, and so far, that has proved true. Her period-accurate detail work helps paint the world of her books in vivid strokes. I am prone to skipping description and internal monologue if it feels heavy-handed or superfluous (*cough* SJM *cough*) but I ate up everything Lisa had to say like I was studying for a test.

Lisa created stunning chemistry between enemies to lovers main characters, Simon and Annabelle. I love the “I’ll make you my mistress… nevermind, I’ll marry you” trope in historical fiction. The misunderstandings between them that created the friction wasn’t obnoxious, and you could understand completely why they played their cards close. Also, stunning spice.

Scandal in Spring– Lisa Kleypas

As quickly as I finished Secrets, I downloaded book 2 in the Wallflowers series. Scandal in Spring was delicious from beginning to end. Again, enemies to lovers with unavoidable chemistry bringing the characters crashing together. The majority of the book takes place at Lord Westclif’s estate, which is just a beautiful setting for romantic shenanigans.

The Devil in Winter– Lisa Kleypas

The third installment of the Wallflowers series, this one is so far my favorite. Anxious and abused Evie throws herself at the mercy of known rake and near kidnapper Lord St. Vincent. She needs to be married to escape her family and he needs money. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, (are all the tropes my favorite? Yes.) and his feral protectiveness of his new bride is extremely attractive. I love watching the calloused, villainous man soften and discover himself in the company of his new bride. Its he female fantasy as old as time; my love could reform him.

Most importantly, it was sexy as hell.

It Happened One Autumn – Lisa Kleypas

Finally, the 4th book in the Wallflowers series. (Not my fave, probably 4 of 4) but still a strong outing. I enjoyed Daisy’s perspective if only because she felt the most like me out of all the characters. A love interest with secrets is also always a fun journey, but I can’t help but think this was an example of non-communication that could have been avoided much sooner. The unraveling of Matthew Swift’s identity and past was very amusing but it resolved so easily that it didn’t feel like very high-stakes. Which is fine, I like my HEA’s uncomplicated and lovely.

Where possible, I sourced links to buy the books from Bookshop.com, which enables you to buy books some small booksellers all over the country, and ThriftBooks.com, which helps give used books a new home! I’m as dependant on Amazon as anyone else, but I love supporting local businesses and choosing more eco-friendly book buying options when possible. It’s not going to save the world, but every little bit helps.