If my memory serves me correctly, I think I said I wasn’t going to read much in September. It’s possibly that was only in my head though.

Basically, I lied. So… here’s your pre post warning…

⚠️ You’re about to read 2800+ words ⚠️

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Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair

So the first book of the Sweater Weather series was a total … SUCCESS.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

A clean hockey romance? Ummmm… yes? Every day. I wish there more like this out there. So swoony yet sweet. I loved Logan’s development from his mood related to being brought down to the AHL from the NHL to being totally connected with his teammates and Parker. The banter was totally cute and funny – all the feels.

This will bring a book hangover… just long enough to grab the second book in the series. Which I ordered the next day because I noticed the next TWO books were available for paperback ordering. Yes, please.

First book in the sweater weather series.

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Later On We’ll Conspire by Kortney Keisel

I was looking forward to this one and it left me with mixed feels. I was border line with 3 or 4 stars.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I think I’m just not into the undercover agent trope? Maybe? There were a few times I was just like, I don’t know if I like this book.

This did include a nice twist that I didn’t expect! So that was good.

The flirty banter between Lacee and Park was entertaining and I enjoyed their chemistry from the start. So much humor throughout that I think that’s what pulled me through on this one.

Set at Christmas, but not like the main thing.

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Carpool Crush by Rachel John

Let’s talking about carpooling. Is that a legit thing? I know carpooling exists, but I use “carpooling” on the rare occasion my car is in the shop or it’s going to storm and I don’t want my car unprotected downtown – of course, also, on the rare occasion I go into the office to begin with (let’s be real, every time I have to go to the office, it rains…). This whole book was a new concept for me. Do people just set up groups for carpool? Is this a regional thing? I don’t think I could deal. I enjoy being alone in my own car, without people to converse with and with music blasting at whatever volume I want with the playlist I want – usually music my people don’t listen to, LOL (because I end up with one song on repeat). Driving to and from work is one of the few times I’m alone. So if this is something you’re into – carpooling on the regular – I might have questions.

That almost got into a post all on its own to the category of “Question of the Day.” I digress.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I know I only gave this 4 stars but I thought it was overall kind of cute and it was really funny in areas!

I felt for Jenny. Guys are generally confusing and hard to read. Noah kept giving mixed signals, but it wasn’t all his fault. The circumstances made it hard to know what to do. So then I felt bad for Noah.

This kind of gave me The Office vibes, too, just without their level of crazy. 😂😂

I enjoy this series because of the hint at what’s to come in the next book, which I’ll be reading soon!

This is book 2 in the Sworn to Loathe You series.

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But He’s My Grumpy Neighbor by Annah Conwell

I knew when I ordered this that I would love it. Annah is a great writer, but I truly think that this is my favorite and one of my all time favorite love stories.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

First, THAT COVER. Looooooove it.

Second, neighbors? Proximity makes a difference people.

Third, sibling banter? Saw a glimpse in Annah’s first series when MJ’s love story was written about. I love that this series is about the brothers. They’re so unique. I’m looking forward to the others (even though this one might be tough to top).

Fourth, protective grump? Ummmm, yes.

Tbh, I could go on and on. I loved the Juliette and Adrian’s development and how their back stories slowly but appropriately became apparent. They were so sweet to watch (or read…) and I loved every single romantic and swoon worthy page.

I would recommend this read any day of the week.

⚠️ Strong chance of a book hangover. ⚠️

Book one in the But He’s a Carter Brother series.

I heard… “read” that her next books in the works may be even better. So that’s cool. More hangovers in my future.

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Flirtation or Faceoff by Leah Brunner

Such a good read! Can’t wait for the rest of this series.!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I went back and forth between 4 and 5 stars on this one. But 4.5 is a thing so that’s what this is 🫠

I LOVED the story. Like probably one of my favorite hockey rom-coms out of the ones I’ve read so far. Colby is such a flirt but it was love at first sight for him as far as Noel goes. She had her reasons for not trusting a certain “type.” I enjoyed the added layer of using Colby for “lessons” to get the guy she wanted, but then he used those same lessons right back to woo her, basically.

The expected and hilarious banter with the teammates was enjoyable. I just love having hockey rom coms available that aren’t dirty. It makes my hockey fanatic heart happy. 🙂

Book two in the DC Eagles series.

⚠️ Some cussing, but not much. ⚠️

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Not Friends by Rachel John

This book surprised me in the best way.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

In general, my favorite trope in the world isn’t enemies to lovers. With past experience, sometimes it’s not well done. Or maybe I’m just not into it? No clue.

This one I thoroughly enjoyed the progression. I understood where each was coming from, it was believable and heartwarming to see their growth in the story.

This was also a rom-com and that was great. I would say most of the funny parts were the first half with more serious topics in the second half. But that was enough to send me rolling a few times still.

I loved this book and it definitely helped by reading the other books in the series I would say.

Book 3 in the Sworn to Loathe You series.

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The Fall Back Plan by Melanie Jacobson

(Picture includes unrelated items, but they were with me during my reading time so I figured why not)

I’m not the biggest fan of this one, but it wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t for me. Resulting in a 3 star review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

This book simply didn’t hook me and make me want to root for the characters. Except maybe Lucas. He was so sweet that it was shocking to find he wasn’t always like that.

What did I like?

I liked that Lucas was a sheriff and the small town vibes (this whole series is set in Harvest Hollow, so technically… that’s a given, the small town vibes.)

I enjoyed the last chapter and epilogue because of the play on the sheriff’s role. Nooooot expounding upon that one since I don’t want to spoil it. 🙂

It was an okay read!

Book two in the sweater weather series.

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Can’t Help Falling by Courtney Walsh

I’m putting my alert at the beginning of this review because OH MY GOODNESS.

⚠️ BOOK HANGOVER ACCOMPLISHED ⚠️

I learned about this whole series because I follow Courtney Walsh on Instagram. I’m not sad about it. Also, if you don’t follow her, you’re missing out on her funny and witty content.

Onto the matter at hand…

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I’m not a big fan of firemen, I mean… I just don’t get the hype, in real life anyway. Books? Always making it unrealistic. Saving a damsel in distress? Come on. That never happens. Does it?

Anyway, I myself couldn’t help falling either. That’s what this book did to me. Thank you, Courtney Walsh. 🥲

This had all the romance I long for (fictional and real).

Moody, misunderstood fireman.

Hopeful romantic, book loving heroine.

Best friends brother.

Old, secret friendship.

Awkward encounters.

An anonymous podcast with anonymous viewers and commenters.

Small, thoughtful gestures.

Small town shenanigans.

Plenty of book and movie references that I didn’t know all about but didn’t need to because LOVED THE BOOK.

The. List. Could. Go. On.

I loved everything about this book. I wasn’t sure I would, which I seem to think of Walsh’s books when I read about them (I don’t know why), but then I read them and she knocks my socks off.

I want to find out where Owen and Emmy are right now and find out more of their cute romantic gestures.

If this were the last fiction book I ever read… it would be enough.

This is the third book released in the Sweater Weather series.

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Faking the Fall by Julie Christianson

Yes, I read this the same evening I got it in the mail because I was just that excited.

I woke up and worked my half day Friday like usual and then I immediately took a dose of medicine and went back to bed (because COVID). When I woke up, I found out the mail had not only run, but our precious mail man had delivered more books to yours truly. Day. Made.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Maybe it’s me setting low expectations going into a book so I’m not disappointed or something, but I did not go into this book thinking I’d love it, just based on the description.

I did love it though. 🥺

There was enough mystery behind each character that developed with the story. AND THEN WHEN THEY TOLD EACH OTHER THEIR FEELINGS? I was there for it. All of it.

Obviously… because I prolonged my nighttime meds until after midnight so I could STAY AWAKE TO FINISH THIS.

Perhaps I didn’t expect to have another book hangover during my COVID experience but that’s how life goes in my world.

This is book four in the Sweater Weather series.

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Court Shipped by Savannah Scott

I was on a book hangover from Courtney Walsh’s book for 3 or 4 days… and then I got COVID so I was cooped up and barely able to stay awake to read. Pretty frustrating! I found this novella and read a little between naps on the 14th and then finished on the 16th.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

This was quick and cute read of a fast, love at first sight romance.

This is the prequel to the Getting Shipped series. I don’t understand the series title or this novella’s title tbh but maybe it’s because I’m slow.

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Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter

Another Denise Hunter book 🥰

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

This book officially ends the Riverbend Romance series. It was a good ending. Honestly, it wasn’t anything spectacular, but it did give me all the usual feels of love, loss, and second chances that are a staple for Denise Hunter reads.

I would have liked more of a spiritual growth in the story for the characters, to lean into their dependence on God. I just didn’t see that.

Always love Denise Hunter’s writing though. 🥰 Can’t wait for the next one!

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Kissing for Keeps by Martha Keyes

Started this one not remembering exactly why I was wanting to read it because I thought it was a regency read tbhhhh… based on the cover (for some reason). Thanks to having it marked as “Want to Read” it ended up being one of my many Amazon buys and thennnnn I found out that it was related to one of the Christmas books I had read not long ago.

Spoiler: it’s not regency.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

✨ Chemistry

✨ Banter

✨ The flashbacks

✨ Jack’s helpfulness while also being annoying. 🤣

✨ THE WHOLE THING

These are the five reasons it’s a five star read. This was absolutely hilarious. Even funnier than Host for the Holidays. I cracked up so many times and the swoony moments between Jack and Siena? Yes, please.

Serious Siena. Joking Jack. Best friends brother. Forced proximity. The delicious ingredients for a perfect romance.

Book one of the Sheppard in Love series. I will be reading more.

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The Trouble with Tulips by Emily Dana Botrous

This one was totes adorbs! I think this one was discounted? Can’t remember why or how I came to order this one. Glad I did, nonetheless.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

• Brother’s best friend
• Somewhat of a grumpy/sunshine vibe
• Faith in God / Faith lessons learned
• Simple romance/small gestures

I loved this quick read. I felt for Kim and Jake for different reasons. Their experiences in life, while different, shaped their life and choices.

I liked that both the characters came to a new (positive) place in their faith in God.

I was torn between 4 or 5 stars but figured I’d round up from my indecision based on all the other positive reviews.

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To Bring You Back by Emily Conrad

This is the second book by Emily Conrad I’ve read and she’s definitely going to be one of the top Christian authors I follow. LOVE. HER. Here’s why.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I think this book was DEEP. Like… we’re talking sin, guilt, shame, death, grief… heavy stuff. We see the effects of that in our own bubbles, it’s everywhere in our world. Some may not particularly like reading it about it, but it’s so relatable and real. Emily Conrad has a way of taking all of that and really showcasing God’s goodness, His grace and His mercy. She shows readers through these characters how faithful and intentional He is with those He calls His own.

I don’t want to give too much away, but what some of these characters learned was that we are not and can never be God. We can’t control a situation or be the hero for someone, as much as we hate for someone to struggle or not see God. They have to make that decision on their own. We also see the characters struggle with grief and working through that while making God-centered choices in regards to relationships and making changes in their life – to “live with the living.”

The big takeaway was God here and how He shows up, but of course there was romance, too. 🙂 I read some reviews that said similar things, how the romance was kind of second in this book, which is a change.

Emily Conrad is author goals. Short and simple.

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A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott

I loved this one before I even read it. SO here’s how that went. 🙂

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Fake engagement and marriage because convenient? Oh my goodness. I love Pierre and I love the chemistry. It was so funny and didn’t seem like a very long book at all. I flew through most of this on the 30th so it was really quick!

What was not to like about this? If I had to pick something, it would be their weekend trip before the wedding. That didn’t flow or work for me, but I’m probably one in a thousand. I loved everything else.

I enjoyed that this revolved around his pen name and the fact that everyone at the beginning, especially Tasha thought the author was a woman. Pierre received even more love from all his fans and he was shocked. I just simply loved this trope and now I need more in my life.

This is the 6th book in the Sweater Weather series. I’ll be starting book 5 shortly… it shipped slower than book 6 for some reason. Thanks a lot Amazon 😉

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Easy as Pie by Carina Taylor

Did not think I would have this read the same day it was delivered… but here we are. Could not put it down. Obviously.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I absolutely enjoyed this one. Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Tripp and Hazel were so adorable. So much happened in this book!!

This story includes all the Harvest Hollow town happenings and groups of people. The banter. The nicknames. The overprotective friendship. Awkward encounters.

Might cause a hangover – I’ll find out when I wake up since I read and typed this late and I need to go to sleep. 🙂

This one has a couple of curse words… but not bad. Just surprising.

So this is book 5 in the Sweater Weather series and now I’m just waiting on the 7th and final book in the series (it’s about hockey) and then it’ll all be over. I’ll be really sad. But I’ll save my sadness til then.

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This month of 16 brought me to 96 books read for the year.

Current Y2023 Goal: 115

So I’m getting closer…

And so is the end of this post.

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If you’re not too wore out from the reading, feel free to comment what you read in September!

Thanks for stopping by 🙂