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Book Reviews
October 19, 2024

Real-Time Reactions: 3 Autumn Romance Books (Plus, 2 Bonuses!)

It’s time to fall in love during the autumn season by exploring stories that perfectly capture the atmosphere this time of year. Come find out three seasonal fall romance books I’m excited to react to in real-time.

Welcome, book friends!

To listen to my real-time reaction to these books, you can check out the full episodes on The Bookmarks ‘n Blankets Podcast on your favorite podcast platform or listen below.

I’d love to know your thoughts on any of these books if you’ve read them. I invite you to hop over to my Instagram or X (aka Twitter), where you can comment.

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There’s something magical about reading romance novels in the autumn. The crisp air, cozy blankets, and warm drinks create the perfect backdrop for falling in love with new characters and heartwarming stories. Whether it’s a slow-burn love story set in a small town or a heartfelt second-chance romance, autumn romances just hit differently.

This season, I’ll be diving into some of the best fall-themed love stories and sharing my real-time reactions—capturing every swoon, sigh, and sweet moment as they happen. Join me for all the feels, and maybe you’ll discover your next favorite cozy romance!

My Reaction to 3 Newly Released Romance Books

To read my written reviews, just click the buttons in the profiles.

My Stubborn Heart

by Becky Wade
GoodReads:4.20
My Score:5 Stars
Spice:None
Published:05/01/2012
Genre:Contemporary Romance
Subgenre:Christian Fiction, Closed-Door Romance
Format:Digital

Book Summary

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can’t help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can’t quite put her finger on. He’s clearly wounded–hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light… whether he likes it or not.

When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

The Rule Book

by Sarah Adams
GoodReads:3.88
My Score:4 Stars
Spice:
Published:04/02/2024
Genre:Contemporary Romance
Subgenre:Sports Romance
Format:Physical, Audiobook
Narration:Hathaway Lee and Will Damron
Series:#2 in The Cheat Sheet Series

Book Summary

Nora Mackenzie’s entire career lies in the hands of famous NFL tight end Derek Pender, who happens to be her extremely hot college ex-boyfriend. Nora didn’t end things as gracefully as she could have back then, and now it has come back to haunt her. Derek is her first client as an official full-time sports agent, and he’s holding a grudge.

Derek has set his sights on a little friendly revenge. If Nora Mackenzie, the first girl to ever break his heart, wants to be his agent, oh, he’ll let her be his agent. The plan is simple: make Nora’s life absolutely miserable. But if Derek knows anything about the woman he once loved—she won’t quit easily.

Instead of giving in, Nora starts a scheme of her own. But then a wild night in Vegas leads to Nora and Derek in bed the next morning married. With their rule book out the window, could this new relationship save their careers and spark the romance of a lifetime?

Coming Home to Starr’s Fall

by Kate Hewitt
GoodReads:4.00
My Score:4 Stars
Spice:None
Published:09/24/2024
Genre:Contemporary Romance
Subgenre:Closed-Door Romance
Format:ARC
Series:#1 in Starr’s Fall Series

Book Summary

Welcome to the town of Starr’s Fall, where Autumn can feel like it goes on forever, and two people have a chance to fall in love… The leaves are falling, with a crispness to the air, along with the scents of coffee and pumpkin spice, past a half-empty street of shuttered storefronts and a bandstand that has seen better days…

Just like the whole town of Starr’s Fall, thinks Laurie Ellis – as she and her beloved dog Max head to collect the store keys. Maybe she has seen better days, too, but she’s certainly ready for a new start—and to leave her past behind. Still Laurie wonders whether she made a terrible mistake in coming to lovable but shabby Starr’s Fall. Will she even find customers for her pet store and bakery, never mind a community to welcome and accept her?

Not according to Joshua Reilly, the handsome but grumpy manager of the bookstore across the road, who claims he’s never heard of anything so ridiculous as a bakery for dogs.

But Laurie remains stubbornly undeterred. She’s starting over, right here. Not least because she has another secret reason for being here… one she isn’t telling anybody, at least not yet, as it involves her own tragic past.

What she doesn’t yet know is that a clue to the mystery is hidden deep in Joshua’s bookstore. And he doesn’t yet realize that Laurie herself might be the key to mending his own battered heart… for Laurie and Joshua and the whole town, it’s going to be a fall to remember.

Bonus: A Novella & Short Story

To read my written reviews, just click the buttons in the profiles.

Autumn in Sycamore Park

by C.P. Ward
GoodReads:3.50
My Score:3 Stars
Spice:None
Published:06/20/2022
Genre:Contemporary Romance
Format:Digital, Novella
Series:#1 in The Warm Days of Autumn Series

Book Summary

Having fled a relationship and a previous life she would rather forget, young teacher Jennifer Stevens throws herself into a demanding new job at Brentwell Primary. Charged with marshalling a group of unruly eight-year-olds to the autumn harvest festival, her only solace is the peace of nearby Sycamore Park.

As the evenings draw in and the leaves begin to fall, will new friends, delicious autumn treats, and a possible new man on the orange-tinted horizon help Jennifer finally come to terms with her past and begin to look forward into the future?

Second Chance With the Enemy Neighbor

by Ashleigh Quinn
GoodReads:4.16
My Score:4 Stars
Spice:None
Published:02/20/2024
Genre:Contemporary Romance
Subgenre:Closed-Door Romance
Format:Digital, Short Story

Book Summary

The nerdy bookworm and the jock never work out, right? Ten years ago, Tyler was the star football player who broke my heart. As soon as high school ended, I left my hometown and never looked back.

But then an accident brings me back, and guess who’s living next door?

Yep – Mr. Perfect with his chiseled abs and charming smile.

As much as I want to hate him, old feelings start bubbling up and I’m terrified he’ll hurt me again.

Can we put aside our differences and give this second chance a shot?

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