Lily’s Content Guide

Romance level: Kisses Only 
Language: None 
Content Warning: infertility, chronic illness, dysfunctional family dynamics, losing loved one to cancer (off-screen, past), parent having a marital affair (side character, past), and mentions of postpartum depression/death of drug overdose (off screen, past)
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Lily’s verdict: Absolutely Adored

I absolutely adored this book I think this has officially become one of my favorite second chance romances. There was so much heart woven into this story, and I loved watching everything unfold.

Little Khia completely stole my heart Her bubbly personality was absolutely precious, and I loved every moment with her!

I also loved the relationship between the MCs and getting to see them navigate their history while finding their way back to one another. Second chance romance can be so hit or miss for me, but this one did it SO well

And the themes of grace, redemption, forgiveness, and faith were beautifully woven throughout the story. There were several moments that genuinely had me tearing up

Between the second chance romance, single dad sweetness, faith themes, and all the emotion, this one completely had my heart. Such a beautiful story

Hockey Romance
Single Dad
Faith Themes
Second Chance Romance
Chronic Illness Rep
Golden Retriever MMC

BLURB: I came home looking for redemption, not a second chance with the man my heart never forgot… 

Noelle:
Running away a month before my wedding was the hardest choice I ever made. But crawling back thirteen years later with my life in shambles might be worse.

I’m jobless and homeless with a laundry list of apologies to make. But as an eldest daughter, my motto is “I’m fine.” Only it’s not fine, and I’m tired of pretending.

I have a place to live, thanks to my conniving little sister, but my landlord is NOT supposed to be my ex-fiancé, hockey captain, Cal Satterfield. He’s not supposed to be my new boss either. But his daughter needs a nanny, and I’ve always been a sucker for those blue eyes.

I have plenty of bridges to mend, and Cal wants to break down the walls between us. Like a second chance is possible.

If only I were brave enough to believe it.

Cal:
Thirteen years, two months, and seventeen days.

That’s how long I’ve waited for the girl who got away. And finally, Noelle Shepherd is back.

Logically, I shouldn’t find her this enchanting. And I definitely shouldn’t hire her as my daughter’s nanny. However, logic has never been my strong suit.

It might be the worst decision I’ve ever made, or the second chance I’ve always prayed for. Because despite the history between us, Noelle is still the one I want to come home to.

I’ll do everything I can to prove to her I’ve changed. This time, I’m playing for keeps.

Click the photo above to read this amazing story!

The post Falling Back To You by Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht (Book 3) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Romance level: Kisses only, Innuendo
Language: 7 uses of h*ll, 1 use of d*mn, 1 use of a**
Content Warning: stalking
Genre: Contemporary romance
Lily’s verdict: New Favorite

Impossible to put down!! I absolutely DEVOURED this book

And have you SEEN these tropes?!?! This book had basically everything I love wrapped into one story. And just when you think you know what you’re getting…there are a few surprise tropes thrown in too, and they were SO fun

Tate’s brothers were easily one of my favorite parts They had me laughing so much, and I loved having those lighter, chaotic family moments mixed in with the heavier stalker storyline.

And Tate and Liv?!?! THE CHEMISTRY. The flirty banter was absolutely top tier and I was smiling through half this book. I ate up every interaction between them.

But “your pillow needs fixed”?!?!?! Excuse me while I MELT. That entire moment had my heart(honestly so many moments had my entire heart lol)

Protective bodyguard + obsessed stalker + sizzling chemistry + hilarious family dynamics?? Apparently the recipe for a new favorite because I absolutely loved this one.

Protective Bodyguard
Obsessed Stalker
Forced Proximity
Small Vermont Town
Brother’s Best Friend
Banter and Chemistry

BLURB: Her stalker is getting closer. So is her bodyguard.

I know how to write murder mysteries.

Dead bodies? Great. Blood and gore? Even better.

Romance? Absolutely not.

Unfortunately, my production company disagrees. After years of writing cozy crime dramas, I’m suddenly being forced to write a flannel-and-cider romance packed with pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and happily-ever-afters I don’t actually believe in.

Not after spending months hiding from a stalker who’s growing more obsessive each day.

Which is how I end up back in my hometown of Autumn Ridge, Vermont, under the protection of Tate Walker: my older brother’s best friend, an off-duty cop recovering from a dangerous undercover operation, and the same overprotective pain in my neck who never could mind his own business.

Now I’m hiding out on his family’s hay farm while police hunt my stalker. Between self-defense lessons, tractor rides, and cozy autumn outings that feel suspiciously like dates, I start finding inspiration for my romantic screenplay in the one place I never expected:

My bodyguard.

But as the threats escalate and my stalker gets closer, so do Tate and I. Turns out the hardest love story I’ve ever had to write… is the one I’m living.

Click the photo above to read this amazing story!

The post The Bodyguard’s Fall by Cindy Steel (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Lily’s Content Guide
Romance level: Kisses only
Language: 7 uses of h*ll
Content Warning: organized crime, torture, murder (including that of an unborn child), drug addiction ,suicide, child (sexual) abuse, rape, moderate violence and gore.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Lily’s verdict: New Favorite 

WOW. I loved this story with my whole heart

This is one of those books that I already know is going to stick with me for a long, long time. Absolutely riveting, completely impossible to put down, and so beautifully written. I genuinely did not want it to end!

But the faith themes were what truly made this book something special for me The way faith was woven throughout the story touched my heart so deeply and added so much meaning to everything the characters were walking through. There were multiple moments where I just had to sit there and FEEL for a minute.

And OH MY WORD. The tattoo?!?!

I loved these characters, I loved their story, I loved the suspense, I loved the romance—I just loved everything about this book. The emotional moments hit HARD, the protective MMC had my entire heart, and I was completely invested from beginning to end.

I already know this series is going to become one of my absolute favorites, and waiting until November for book 2 suddenly feels entirely unreasonable I NEED IT.

An easy 6 read and officially a new favorite

Dark Romance
Single Guardian
Don MMC
Faith Themes
Protective MMC
Light vs Darkness

Kisses Only
7 uses of h*ll

BLURB: ROME

I never thought my rotten heart would get hung up on another woman, but she proved me wrong.

My brother was about to take over our dying father’s legacy when he got busted. So now I’m in charge of the Marino family—and his ornery teen daughter, Giuliana. When she gets kicked out of high school and needs a teacher, I hire the woman I haven’t been able to shake from my mind since the first time we met.

I should keep my hands off Bella Ives, and not only because she isn’t built for the underworld. But I don’t—and find myself begging God for mercy.

BELLA

They warned me about him, but nothing could have prepared me for who he really is.

Everyone knows getting mixed up with the Mafia is a bad idea. Blame it on my savior complex or the reference I need for my dream job, but I agree to homeschool the niece of a mob boss.

Romeo Marino is as brutal as they say. For some reason he wants me, and I let him pursue me. After all, he is bent on turning his back on the mob life.

But when his brother returns to claim his legacy, not only Rome but Giuliana and I are swept into a dangerous game. And it’s about to turn lethal.

Cruel Blood is a gritty Christian Mafia Romance about a mob boss caught between darkness and light, and is the first part of a trilogy.

The post Cruel Blood by Skylar J. Kent (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Romance level: Kisses only
Language: None
Content Warning: past child abuse and neglect, ptsd, past loss of a parent, grief
Genre: Contemporary romance
Lily’s verdict: Absolutely adored

Series: Kansas City Crowns

MY REVIEW: I think this story healed a little piece of my heart.

I don’t even know how to put into words how much this book meant to me. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it reminded me why I fell in love with reading in the first place.

Adrian Ortiz… oh my goodness. He has officially claimed a permanent spot on my list of favorite book boyfriends. The way he loved Samantha, with so much patience, gentleness, and unwavering support, completely melted my heart.

Samantha’s journey was one of the most beautifully written healing arcs I’ve ever read. Watching her face her past, work through her trauma, and slowly learn to hope again was incredibly moving. I found myself crying right alongside her more than once.
And can we talk about Griffin and Danae’s wedding? Jason? My heart absolutely could not handle those moments.

Adrian and Samantha were simply beautiful together. Their relationship felt so genuine, so tender, and so full of grace. They reminded me that healing doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes the right person simply walks beside you through it.

By the time I reached the last page, I was smiling through tears. This is one of those stories that lingers long after you close the book.
I know without a doubt this will be one of my favorite reads of the year, and a story I’ll carry with me for a very long time

Sports Romance 
Brother’s Best Friend
Friends to Lovers 
He Falls First 
Golden Retriever MMC
Mental Health/Healing Journey 

“We can grieve the lives we should have had even while we’re grateful for the lives we do have.”

BLURB: She thinks her past left her too broken to find love. Her brother’s best friend thinks she could be the one he wants to love forever. 

Adrian Ortiz lives at the top of the world. He’s the star third baseman for the Kansas City Crowns and a favorite player of baseball fans everywhere. His contagious energy and playful approach to life have opened up one amazing opportunity after another. But after watching his best friend and former teammate, Griffin West, fall in love last year, Adrian realizes he’s missing the most important piece—his person to share those experiences with. And he thinks he knows who he wants that person to be.

Griffin’s younger sister.

Sam West has been around the professional baseball world—and Adrian—for years working as Griffin’s personal assistant. Now, she’s pursuing her own passion in cosmetology school, carving out a corner of the world for herself. She’s almost wholly content, until Griffin’s approaching wedding stirs Sam’s longing to find a love of her own. There’s just one problem—Sam buried that desire a long time ago. Her difficult childhood and time in foster care prior to joining the West family left her feeling too broken to experience a healthy relationship.

Will Sam choose the chance at love right in front of her? Or will she let her past dictate her future?

Click the photo above to read this amazing story!

The post Run Home by Tracy Baack (Book 2) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Christian Fiction
Dark Themes
Vigilante 
Hidden Identity
He Saves Her
Thriller 

: 18 uses of h*ll, 2 uses of p*nis
: Eating Disorder, Emotional Abuse, Mental Illness, Addiction, Toxic Relationship, Sex Slavery, Murder, Violence, Drug Abuse, Body Shaming, Domestic Abuse, Kidnapping, Rape(not shown)

OVERVIEW: Two abandoned souls are on the hunt for one powerful man. Soon, their paths will cross and lead to one twisted fate.

Danny Hansen is a Bosnian immigrant who came to America with hopes of escaping haunted memories of a tragic war that took his mother’s life. Now he’s a priest who lives by a law of love and compassion. It is powerful men and hypocrites who abide by legal law but eschew the law of love that most incense Danny. As an avenging angel, he believes it is his duty to show them the error of their ways, at any cost. 

Renee Gilmore is the frail and helpless victim of one such powerful man. Having escaped his clutches, she now lives only to satisfy justice by destroying him, regardless of whom she must become in that pursuit.

But when Danny and Renee’s paths become inexorably entangled things go very, very badly and neither of them may make it out of this hunt alive.

Judge not, or you too will be judged.

Click the photo above to read this fast paced thriller

The post The Priest’s Graveyard by Ted Dekker appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

MY REVIEW
Tell me why I fully intended to read “just a little” and somehow ended up completely hooked instead.
This story was such a fun, easy to fly through read with so many kick your feet, swoony moments.

And can we talk about that closet scene?!

If you love charming chemistry, sweet tension, and books that leave you kicking your feet a little, this one is worth picking up.

Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for Daisy and Jaime’s story.

Young Adult
Bad Boy x Perfect Girl
Enemies to Lovers
Ex-Childhood Friends
She Betrayed Him
He’s Back For Revenge

: Kisses Only
: 1 use of h*ll

BLURB
He’s the bad boy that she created.
And now he’s back for revenge.

My name is Eleanor Brighton, and I’m the perfect daughter.

P-E-R-F-E-C-T.

For the past four years, I’ve painstakingly built my life to be impressive in every way–great grades, steadfast maturity, and even dedicating to attend my dad’s alma mater in the fall to make him proud.

Except lately, it kind of feels like he resents me for it.

And now I have another problem.

Beckham Jennings is back in town.

Four years ago, the country club’s most-hated bad boy was chased out of town after setting one of the gardens on fire. Now he’s back with a smirk and a reputation, and he gives me a lazy promise:

He’s going to steal my heart.

As if it hasn’t belonged to him since I was eight years old.

But his words are more than some flippant game–they’re a threat. From the hard look in Beck’s eyes, it’s clear he hates me for what happened four years ago… and he should. Because it was all my fault.

The bad boy I created is ready for revenge… and for the first time in forever, I’m tempted to give in.

H-E-L-P.

Beauty and the Bad Boy is an enemies to lovers sweet YA romance, with all the swoon and none of the spice. If you like cinnamon roll bad boys, imperfect good girls, and swoonworthy slow burns, the first book in the Beauties and Boys duology is for you.

If this sounds like your kind of read, tap the photo above to grab your copy

The post Beauty and the Bad Boy by Sarah Sutton (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Click the photo above to read!

MY REVIEW: I truly think this might be one of my favorite books!! I am absolutely loving this! Cress is making me laugh so hard the FaceTiming was a favorite his POV is the absolute best the four are seriously the best thing ever!
This book made me laugh more than any book I think I’ve read so far, making it definitely one of my favorites! I also cried a bit. Almost had a heart attack there at the end but whew, we’re all good I bought a physical “trophy” of this book immediately and will be devouring the rest of this series!
Loaded with humor that will have you laughing out loud with just enough of suspense and intrigue to make it impossible to put down!

Protective MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Romantasy
Never Been Kissed
Fae Prince
He Falls First
Fairies

: Kisses Only
: 1 use of a*se

OVERVIEW: There are ten golden rules if you want to survive an encounter with a fae:

1. Don’t ask their name.
2. If they ask you what your name is, lie.
3. Avoid looking directly into their eyes.
4. Don’t invite them to your book club. 
5. Don’t instigate a snowball fight.
6. Never let them burn their mouth on coffee. 
7. Don’t ask them where they’re from.
8. Don’t tell them where you live.
9. Never mention their queen.
10. Don’t try to kill them with an ordinary human gun.

If you fail to do any of these things, enslave them immediately.

On a cozy fall morning, Kate Kole is nestled in a coffee shop in the city of Toronto reading her favourite novel when she accidentally kills a guy who’s being rude to the coffee shop’s cashier. Unfortunately for Kate, the person she killed was a fae assassin of the North Corner of Ever, visiting the human realm in secret.

From there, four deadly fae assassins come to the human realm to hunt her down for breaking a fairy law and killing one of their own. Leading them is Prince Cressica Alabastian, the most feared and deadly fae assassin of the North and heir to the North Corner of Ever.

After the assassins arrive in the human realm, things go terribly wrong. To Prince Cressica’s horror, his assassins unwittingly get roped into running a cozy café on Kate Kole’s behalf. To blend in, the fae assassins are forced to learn how to do basic human activities like cleaning up after themselves, driving without road rage, reading popular fantasy books at book club without getting into alpha male fights over what they’re reading, and in general, be nice, all to blend into regular human society.

With a temper like no other, and deadly power that’s unmatched, Prince Cressica seeks to get revenge on Kate Kole. But as he aims to strike where it will hurt her the most, the Prince finds himself enchanted by his human target in more ways than one. And when the darkness of the Ever Corners comes knocking at the human realm’s door, he needs to make a choice that could cost him everything.

The post Welcome To Fae Cafe by Jennifer Kropf (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

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MY REVIEW: Ok, Conner and Shayna are my new all time favorite couple! This entire book is my all time new favorite! It is absolute perfection the amount of swoon worthy moments was spectacular Conner and Shayna were literally so perfect together, my heart can hardly handle how sweet this book is
FLOWER?!? Pick me up off the floor because I officially melted into a puddle I loved that so so muchI read this on kindle and I need to get a physical trophy of this book immediately

Best Friends Brother 
Firefighter MMC
Grumpy/Sunshine 
Protective MMC
Opposites Attract 
She Falls First, He Falls Harder

: Kisses Only 
: None 

OVERVIEW: Firefighters are supposed to be the ones putting out fires, not causing sparks.

I thought I stifled everything I felt for Connor Porter over a decade ago. But now he’s back home, and I’m hit with those old feelings again, stronger than a firehose to the face.

Feelings I most certainly should not be having for my best friend’s older brother.

I’m trying to push all thoughts of Connor aside and focus on opening a flower truck when his sister persuades him to help me get my business off the ground.

Now, I’m spending more time with my childhood crush than can be considered healthy. And it’s difficult to get him out of my mind when I’m constantly being distracted by his muscular arms and thinking about how they feel when they’re wrapped around me.

My attraction to him grows into a roaring inferno, but I don’t think Connor’s ever seen me as anything other than his little sister’s friend. I need to extinguish these feelings before I’m in too deep.

It’s like that old saying goes: if I keep playing with fire, I’m bound to get burned.

I’m Only Me When I’m With Him is a best friend’s brother, grumpy/sunshine romcom with sizzling chemistry but no explicit content. It’s the third book in the Sweeter Than Fiction series, following four best friends finding love.

The post I’m Only Me When I’m With Him by Amanda Schimmoeller (Book 3) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Click photo above to read!

:Kisses Only : None

OVERVIEW: An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf’s bailiff—a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff’s vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf’s future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

Have you read this one yet? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

The post The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Book 2) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

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MY REVIEW: This was a phenomenal read. As soon as I started it, I knew I was going to become a favorite! A gothic romance with a twist of mystery wrapped together in a captivating story that will have you questioning what’s real and what’s not. The author did an amazing job with this story and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Historical Romance
Hidden Identity
Egyptian Artifacts
Dyslexia Rep
Christian Romance
Slow Burn
Never Been Kissed
Victorian Gothic

: Kisses Only
: None

OVERVIEW: The shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined. . . .

In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker.

After eight years in India, Oxford’s most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor’s determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin–rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk–surfaces, and they’re left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . .

Have you read this one yet? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

The post Of Gold And Shadows by Michelle Griep (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.