Romance level: Descriptive Kisses Only
Language: None 
Content Warning: Emotional abuse to child(past, not shown) dysfunctional family
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Lily’s verdict: Absolutely adored 

I absolutely LOVED this one so much! Willow’s sunshine personality paired with Shane’s extra-grumpy one was the PERFECT combination

This was such a lovely story, and I absolutely devoured it! I especially loved how Willow always stood up for Shane, even when it meant standing up to his own family

And Shane The way he took care of Willow and supported her through her new diagnosis, encouraged her painting dreams, and honestly just supported her through EVERYTHING He was seriously the sweetest. Truly one of those grumps who only smiles for her

Sports Romance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Type 1 Diabetes Rep
Marriage of Convenience
He Yearns for Her
Protective MMC

BLURB: rumpy right fielder. Sunshine artist. Fake vows. Real feelings.

Getting kidnapped while out with friends wasn’t the curveball I expected. Turns out, the tattooed mountain of a man who hauled me away on his motorcycle was actually rescuing me.

Shane Seaver has the league convinced he’s the grumpy right fielder with a permanent scowl. Unfortunately for him, I’m a hyperrealist painter—so I notice what everyone else misses, like his quiet kindness and dry humor.

Between three part-time jobs and a pricey new diagnosis, my art career is stuck on the bench. Even my sparkling optimism and knack for turning mishaps into adventures can’t save me. Then I discover the penthouse I clean belongs to Shane—and he has a wild-card proposal.

Playing happy wife through Waves media events and his brother’s disastrous wedding is a small price for health insurance and the chance to create again. So I set out to give Shane the childhood he missed—with arcade games, beach days, and a cabin getaway with one very inconvenient bed.

Now my biggest challenge isn’t painting the perfect masterpiece—it’s remembering our fake marriage has an expiration date.

The post Love Beyond The Diamond by Laura Langa (Book 2) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Romance level: Kisses Only
Language: None
Content Warning: murder, assassins, mention of torture, child abuse(past), loss of parents, attempted assault on a teen(not graphic), violence 
Genre: Contemporary Mafia Romance
Lily’s verdict: A new favorite 

I fell in love with this story immediately! I think Christian mafia romance may officially be my new favorite genre

Grace is a new favorite character of mine, and I absolutely LOVED the way she broke things off with Bryan (FINALLY lol). She was such a sunshine character, making friends everywhere she went, and I just adored her personality so, so much!

This book has EVERYTHING… laughs, tears, mafia drama, and of course, SO many butterflies The humor was perfectly woven throughout the story, balancing out the more intense moments without taking away from them.

And can we talk about the faith themes?! Carrie did such an amazing job weaving them throughout the story, and I genuinely loved seeing faith play such an important role in a mafia romance!

Definitely found a new favorite right here I seriously cannot get enough of this story and am on pins and needles waiting for book two to release!!!

Christian Mafia Romance
He Hunts Her
Mistaken Identity
He Takes Care of Her
Grumpy x Sunshine
“Who Did This To You?”

BLURB: Grace Goodwin doesn’t look like a killer. She doesn’t act or think like one, either. But after accidentally witnessing a back alley murder, Grace finds herself the number one suspect and a target of both drug cartel and mafia organizations. There’s no one left whom she trusts except for her Italian pen pal—and she doesn’t even know his real name. Armed with nothing but “Jesus and jokes,” Grace zigzags the globe, running for her life while trying to uncover the truth.

Mafia enforcer Rafael Moretti was born into a world of darkness, where disloyalty is deadly and violence is expected. Trying to keep his family safe, he takes on another unwanted assignment. A pink-haired, kitten-loving American has been uncovered as the ruthless assassin known only as “The Ghost.” The longer she eludes him, the more his curiosity is piqued by the cat-and-mouse game they’re playing. But no matter how much he secretly wants her to survive, Rafe knows he will lose everything if he fails in his mission.

Will Grace and Rafe discover the truth about their identities before they irrevocably destroy their future?

The post Made Like The Moon by Carrie Cotten (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Romance level: Kisses Only 
Language: None
Content Warning: loss of parent(past) 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Lily’s verdict: It was good

This was such a fun grumpy x sunshine romance! There was some genuine loathing happening in that first half which made watching their relationship slowly change that much more fun.

And precious little Anna She absolutely stole my heart!

I really enjoyed the character development in this one. Both MCs had a lot to work through, which gave the story so much depth, and I loved watching their relationship develop along the way. And the slow burn was SO good

Overall, this was such an enjoyable sports romance with a great mix of emotional moments, tension, and sweetness

This is book two in the River Foxes Football Romance series, but the books can be read in order or as standalones

Grumpy x Sunshine
Second Chance Romance
Sports Romance 
Best Friend’s Brother 
Age Gap
Forced Proximity 

BLURB: Three months. Two enemies. Under one roof. Everything could go wrong. But what if they’ve stumbled into something right?

Lawrence Poe, tight end for the Green Bay River Foxes, is a type-A control freak who functions best when his house is clean, his spreadsheets are updated, and his protein shakes are precisely measured. Adding a four-year-old to his structured schedule isn’t going to be easy, but his sister needs him to watch his niece, and he always shows up for his family. Still, with training camp and other football commitments, Lawrence can’t watch Ana alone. Enter Beni Fitzgerald—his sister’s best friend and Ana’s Godmother—a woman who threatens every aspect of his controlled, orderly life.

An artistic free spirit, Beni Fitzgerald is a type-B dreamer who lives by the mantra all will be well. No, she wouldn’t choose to spend the summer living with a man who is her polar opposite, but she’ll do anything for her Goddaughter, even if that puts her directly in the path of Lawrence Poe. Beni has always yearned for a place to belong, and Lawrence made it clear it’s not with him after he gave her the best kiss of her life five years ago only to pull away and call it all a mistake.

But their forced proximity requires compromise, and as the duo grows in understanding and trust, both Lawrence and Beni realize this could be a summer of second chances.

The post Second Down and Second Chances by Leah Dobrinska (Book 2) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Romance level: Kisses Only 
Language: None
Content Warning: Alzheimer’s, parent abandonment(past, death of parents(past) 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Lily’s verdict: Absolutely Adored

Okay, I absolutely LOVED this book What an amazing start to the series! I’m already dying to get my hands on the rest of the books!

This was genuinely impossible to put down. The sizzling chemistry and banter between the MCs was TOP TIER I was completely hooked on these two and ate up every interaction between them.

And OH. MY. WORD. CHAPTER 28?!? My heart absolutely melted into a puddle. I was simultaneously crying, giggling, and swooning It was so ridiculously sweet!!

This was such a fun, swoony small-town romance and the perfect start to the series. I already know I’m going to be obsessed with these books

Small Town 
Forced Proximity 
Cowboy Romance 
Rivals to Lovers 
Second Chance Romance
Grumpy x Sunshine 

BLURB: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘄𝗯𝗼𝘆…
𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲’𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹—a𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲.

Summer Daniels built her life on land she doesn’t own, for a family that could take it back the second Jaxon Chance decides he wants it. Even though she works for Lucky Chance Ranch, Wildflower Farms is hers—the one thing she’s built entirely on her own. She’s got no interest in reliving the past, and even less interest in the infuriating hockey player who broke her heart on his way out the door after high school.

Jaxon Chance built his whole identity on hockey. A career-ending injury just took that away, and it’s sent him back to the last place he ever wanted to be—his family’s horse farm, now failing under a mountain of debt. The only way to save it is to run the place alongside his three brothers, under the terms of a will that gives them no choice.

What he didn’t plan on was Summer Daniels, running her business on his family’s land, making him remember exactly what he walked away from.

But somewhere between their first fight and long days working the horses side by side, something shifts. Summer stops bracing for the day he leaves again. And Jaxon stops pretending he wants to go.

The farm is what brought him home. But she might be the reason he finally stays.

The post One Wild Chance by Grace Worthington (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Lily’s Content Guide

Romance level: Kisses Only
Language: None
Content Warning: Violence 
Genre: Fantasy
Lily’s verdict:  Love it

I wasn’t a fan of Olivia at first because girl had absolutely ZERO sense of self-preservation but I warmed up to her so quickly as the story went on!

This story is giving The Prodigal Son meets Narnia and I absolutely loved it The biblical themes woven throughout the story were so beautifully done and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the entire book.

And welp…this one made me cry I thought I knew where everything was going and then the ending completely got me. I was SOBBING.

I especially loved the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and finding your way home. There were so many little moments throughout the story that pointed back to faith without taking away from the fantasy and adventure, and I loved how everything came together.

I also loved getting to see some familiar characters from The Snow Queen’s Heir, and now I’m even more excited to continue this series!

Fantasy
YA
Dark vs Light
Biblical Themes
Narnia Vibes
Magical Elements 

BLURB: Ophelia is a starving thief who gets caught stealing by the king of Ezri. But instead of punishment, he bestows mercy upon her, and in an amazing turn of events, he adopts her and she is crowned princess.

Despite her rags-to-riches transformation, Ophelia struggles to live up to the standards of the people in Ezri. When a tragic mistake forces Ophelia to run away, she is lured by a handsome stranger to Ezri’s enemy realm, Midnightroamer. She discovers it is enchanting with beauty, magic, and illusion—but it’s not all it appears to be. Once someone enters, they can never leave because all who cross into the realm are forced to take a permanent marking, stripping them of free will and binding them to the land and its wicked ruler. She knows she should focus on a way to get back to Ezri, but it may be too late. It doesn’t help that she falls in love behind enemy lines and exiting the realm would mean leaving her true love behind forever. Returning seems impossible, and it will cost Ophelia everything just to try.

When war breaks out, she must find a way to escape her marking, which brands her an enemy of Ezri. Her heart shatters as she learns that the man she is in love with is forced to fight against Ezri, and he bears the banner of her enemy. He is the very weapon sent to destroy her and bring Ezri to its knees. To survive and gain freedom, Ophelia will have to choose between protecting her kingdom or the man who has stolen her heart.

Click the photo above to read this fantastic read!

The post Illusion In Ink by Keilah Jude (Book 2) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

One thing I wasn’t expecting was how invested I became in Julia’s storyline! I almost found myself wanting her story just as much as Jeremy and Amelia’s, and I would have loved to see her get her own book.

The only part that didn’t quite work for me was the last portion of the story. Amelia’s indecision went on a little longer than I would have liked, and I found myself wishing things had been resolved a bit sooner. Even so, I still really enjoyed the journey and had a hard time putting this one down.

Enemies to Lovers Vibes
Historical Fiction
He Falls First 
Best Friend’s Brother
Opposites Attract 
Pride and Prejudice Vibes 

: Kisses Only 
: None 
: sexual assault 

BLURB: Of all London’s eligible suitors, why did the most impossible gentleman have to be the most unforgettable? 

When Amelia Moore is invited to London for the social Season, she hopes for a chance at love–but certainly not with Jeremy Beaumont, the Season’s most sought-after bachelor. Upon making the acquaintance of his sister Juliet at her first ball, Amelia becomes fast friends with her, but Jeremy’s protective nature leads him to question her motives, and he accuses Amelia of using his sister to capture his attention and fortune. Outraged at his arrogance, Amelia vows never to speak to him again, which proves a more difficult feat than she anticipated. 

As Amelia attracts the attention of other wealthy gentlemen, Jeremy feels compelled to warn her away from certain suitors, a goodwill gesture that she does not appreciate. When an unexpected circumstance threatens Juliet’s reputation, Amelia and Jeremy are forced to confront their undeniable attraction–and discover whether their battle of wills has actually been a dance toward love.

Click the photo above to read this story!

The post A Mismatch Made In London by Melanie Dickerson appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

From the very beginning, I found myself completely invested in these characters. Their chemistry felt so natural, and I loved watching both of them grow individually and together throughout the story.

One of my favorite characters was Stella She brought so much humor and warmth to the book, and every scene she was in had me smiling. She was the kind of grandmother everyone wishes they had.

This was such a sweet, feel-good read filled with heart, growth, and a romance that was easy to root for. By the final page, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters

Tropes
Single Parent
Marriage of Convenience
Sports Romance
He Takes Care of Her
“My Husband”
Love After Loss

: Kisses Only
: None

BLURB: It’s strictly business—no feelings allowed.

Nola 
I’ve mastered the art of playing it safe. As a single mom to my spirited ten-year-old daughter, I can’t afford risks—especially after being blacklisted from my corner of the art world and relegated to painting landscapes. Then, at my sister’s bachelorette party, I’m dared to make a bold move that throws my carefully controlled life a curveball. I kiss a stranger. It seems innocent enough until I run into him again at my daughter’s school and he proposes we get married.

Maxford 
Baseball was my life until a scandal cost me my Major League contract. Now I’m starting over as a P.E. teacher in a new town, taking care of my eccentric grandma, and trying to rebuild my reputation one day at a time. When the same woman who kissed me at a bar shows up in my life again, I create an unexpected solution to our career problems—and a crazy proposal that could benefit us both.

A marriage of convenience promises to solve everything. I need respectability and credibility to be picked up by a team again, and she needs gallery connections to reclaim her place in the art world. But stolen glances turn into genuine laughter, and pretend touches spark very real desire. When we’re both offered everything we thought we wanted, we face the ultimate choice: our dreams, or each other?

Click the photo above to read this fun story!

The post Painting The Corners by Ella Beachley (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

This story hooked me from the very first chapter and never let go. The banter between the characters had me smiling the whole way through, and the romance was filled with so many moments that had me giggling and kicking my feet

The suspense kept the pages turning, and I found myself saying, “Just one more chapter,” long past my bedtime. Every twist made it harder to put down.
And can we talk about the romance? The protective hero, the “my wife” moments, and the way he quietly yearned for her absolutely stole my heart

This quickly became one of my favorite reads, and I already can’t wait to see what Jenessa writes next.

Tropes
Opposites Attract
Grumpy x Sunshine
Protective MMC
“My Wife”
Forced Proximity
He Yearns for Her
Only One Bed

: Descriptive Kisses Only
: None

BLURB: Thea

I’m fine. Really.
My latest breakup? Not a big deal.

Which is why I still took the trip—the one where I was supposed to get engaged. Alone. Totally normal.

Getting mugged in Mexico? Also not a big deal. Sure, I can’t remember where I’m staying, but I’ll figure it out. I always do.

At least there’s a broody, mysterious stranger who says he’ll help me.
Problem is… I’m not sure he’s on my side—especially when our faces start showing up on the news for a crime we didn’t commit.

He’s guarded. Dangerous. And definitely hiding something.

But whatever secrets he’s keeping—and whatever trouble keeps finding us—I don’t have a choice.

If I want to make it home alive…I have to trust him.

Pierce

I don’t fail missions. Ever.

So how did this one spiral so far out of control?

It was supposed to be easy. Get the drive and get out.

But my contact is gone. Enemies are closing in. And somehow, I’ve picked up a civilian who has no idea what she’s walked into.

Now Thea is my responsibility, and while getting her home safely should be simple, things only get worse around every turn.

She looks at me like I’m more than what I am. Like I’m someone worth trusting. Wanting.

I’m not.

I walked away from every relationship that mattered six years ago—and I’m not looking for another one.

But the longer this mission drags on, the harder it gets to remember why.

The mission has shifted. Get Thea home, before they catch us. But what if it’s not safe there either? How long will I have to protect her?
Runaway Rule is an light-hearted adventure romantic comedy full of mystery and chaos.

Click the photo above to read this amazing story!

The post Runaway Rule by Jenessa Fayeth (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Neighbors 
Small Town 
Grumpy x Sunshine 
Faith Themes
Cute Nicknames
Protective MMC
Anxiety Rep
Summer Read

: 1 use of pr*ck
: Kisses Only 

Content Warnings: mention of extramarital affairs, emotional neglect and manipulation by a parent to their adult children, and depiction a of panic attacks. 

BLURB: Spring is a time for love and growth, whether you expected it or not.

Jesse Romano, an ex ER nurse, wasn’t interested in having useless small talk with the locals, participating in community events, or going to church like everyone else in town. He only wanted three things when he moved to the small town, Magnolia Meadows, Virginia: to open his own tea shop at the end of Spring, be near his family, and live a quiet life to help manage his anxiety. However, when he finds himself falling for Magnolia Meadows resident, Ms. Sunshine, he wonders if maybe everything he wanted to avoid is worth the involvement, after all.

Ophelia Bennett, Magnolia Meadows, Ms. Sunshine – as Jesse has coined her – has nothing to complain about. She owns and runs what she considers her second home: her grandmother’s flower shop. She lives with her best friend and grumpy cat, and she is surrounded by many friends and family. Life is great! Well…almost great. After her father’s affair came to light ten years ago, Ophelia has been living in fear. Fear of losing her relationship with her father. Also, fear of falling in love with someone who could change and walk away.

As Ophelia and Jesse grow closer to each other, they’re faced with learning how to address their own anxieties, while learning how to love each other for who they are and the people they can become.

Want to read this book? Get it down below!
Roses Painted Red by Carolyn G. Beus

The post Roses Painted Red by Carolyn G. Beus (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Click the photo above to read!

MY REVIEW: This was a cute hockey romance. Both characters were fun to read about and they complimented each other so well! I loved seeing the growth in Nick’s character as he settled into a completely new town, team, and home the ending was sweet. All around a fun read but it was a little hard for me to really “get into.” Some of the same things were repeated multiple times which didn’t feel like they needed to be there.

Hockey Romcom
Grumpy/Sunshine
Opposites Attract
Dual POV
Miscommunication
Instant Chemistry

: Kisses Only
: None

OVERVIEW: A grumpy goalie and a sunshine-hearted girl collide, sparking a connection neither of them can ignore.

When Abby Carter’s best friend, Jaclyn, lands her dream job with the Carolina Bears organization, Abby is thrilled for her. The perks are incredible, and when Jaclyn invites Abby to a welcome event, Abby expects good food, easy conversation, and maybe a few autographs. What she didn’t expect is a collision with the team’s newly traded, grumpy goalie, Nick Ellis.
Fresh off a trade he never wanted, Nick is all scowls—the opposite of Abby’s cheerful, go-with-the-flow personality. Yet somehow, they keep running into each other around town, and with every unexpected encounter, the spark between them burns hotter.

Abby knows she should keep her distance. Nick’s walls are firmly in place due to the aftermath of a life he didn’t choose. But the more time they spend together, the more the man beneath the pads and tough exterior begins to shine through.
Abby might be the last person Nick ever expected to skate into his life… but she just might be the one who can melt his icy goalie heart.

The post Grumpy and Goal by Melissa Baldwin appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.