Romance level: Kisses Only 
Language: None 
Content Warning: Alzheimer’s (side character), cheating (past, side character), divorce (past, side character), parental abandonment (side character), and verbal bullying.
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Lily’s verdict: Absolutely Adored

I was laughing SO hard at the first chapter Poor Alyssa!

I loved this one so, so much! After reading the earlier books in the series, I couldn’t wait to finally get Alyssa and Austin’s story, and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint

Watching Austin slowly realize his feelings for Alyssa was one of my favorite parts He was the BIGGEST green flag, and the way he cared for her was just so incredibly sweet. I absolutely adored him!

And Alyssa!! I loved her personality so much and her outfits were always amazing!!  She had me laughing from the very beginning, and she has easily become one of my favorite characters in the series

Their relationship gave me ALL the feels. I loved watching their friendship turn into something more, especially after getting little glimpses of them throughout the previous books. There’s something extra satisfying about finally getting the story you’ve been waiting for and having it live up to the anticipation

Honestly, I just loved everything about this book. The humor, the characters, the romance, the friendships, ALL OF IT Such an amazing addition to the series!

Dual POV 
Sports Romance 
She Falls First, He Falls Harder
Best Friends to Lovers
Only One Bed
Sizzling Chemistry 

BLURB: I hit it out of the park in the friend department. The dating department? Not so much.

After a series of horrible first dates, I’m convinced it’s time to give up on my search for love. But when my best friends convince me to try out a list of twenty questions to fall in love, I decide to give it a shot.

I go on a date and test out the questionnaire, but it seems the only answers I get are the ones leading me back to my friend, Austin Bradford, who also happens to be the star shortstop for the Louisville Mustangs.

Despite all my desperate attempts to convince my best friends otherwise, I’ve had feelings for Austin since we met three years ago. Which also happened to be the same night he friendzoned me.

When I have to attend my cousin’s destination wedding—who, might I add, is marrying my jerk of an ex-boyfriend—Austin insists on going with me. I tell myself it will be fine, just a friendly vacation. Maybe I can even bury all my feelings for him on the beach.

Except, the time I spend with Austin has me questioning if the heated looks he’s sending my way are real, or if the Caribbean sun is making me hallucinate.

I wish he would give me a clear sign, because I refuse to put my heart on the line and risk our friendship without knowing if our love story will be a grand slam or a strikeout.

The post I Wish He Would by Amanda Schimmoeller (Book 4) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Romance level: Kisses Only
Language: None 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Lily’s verdict: Absolutely adored

This was SUCH a fun read! The pranks and shenanigans had me laughing so much I seriously loved the creativity and never knew what these two were going to do next!

I absolutely loved the way the dual timeline was written. Ben’s POV takes place in the past while Maven’s is in the present, and the two timelines slowly come together as the story unfolds It made their history and everything that happened between them so much more interesting to uncover!

And the second chance romance was done SO well I loved getting to see Ben and Maven as high school sweethearts while also watching them navigate their relationship years later. There’s so much history, hurt, and love between these two, and I was completely invested in seeing them find their way back to each other.

But the vow renewal?! That absolutely got me. It was so incredibly precious and heart melting and such a beautiful payoff after everything they had been through.

This book had me laughing one minute and tearing up the next. Such a sweet, hilarious, and heartfelt second chance romance

Dual Timelines 
Small Town 
Second Chance Romance 
High School Sweethearts
Court Order Reconciliation
Pranks & Shenanigans 

BLURB: Their divorce never finalized. Neither did their feelings.

The discovery that I was still legally married — years after I thought my divorce was final — was supposed to be the worst thing to happen to me this fall.

It wasn’t.

Because apparently the state of Vermont believes in closure. And no regrets. And court-ordered thirty-day reconciliation efforts. So now, in order to fast-track my divorce from Bennett Walker—my high school sweetheart and the man who walked out on our marriage six years ago—I’m being forced back to the small town we grew up in to spend an entire month proving our relationship isn’t worth saving.

A situation Ben annoyingly finds amusing.

Which is why I plan to make this the most memorable, insufferable, torturous thirty days of his life. As a prank-loving aficionado, I have countless ideas about how to drive Ben crazy while keeping myself focused on the goal: finalizing our divorce.

With my life in New York and a career I absolutely love, not even deeply embedded habits and old feelings can threaten my resolve.

I’m resolved.

So resolved.

Absolutely, definitely, one hundred percent resolved. And if I keep saying it, maybe this time around, I’ll be capable of resisting the fall.

The post Resisting The Fall by Jess Heileman (Book 3) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Genre: Biography/Memoirs 
Lily’s verdict: Loved it 

This was such a fascinating collection of stories! I felt so inspired and empowered reading about these women and the impact they made throughout history.

Some of the women featured were already familiar to me, while others I knew very little about, so I loved getting to learn more about their lives and accomplishments.

I also really enjoyed the author’s storytelling style and the way she brought each woman’s experiences to life. It made their stories feel incredibly engaging and personal rather than simply reading a collection of historical facts.

Overall, this was such an inspiring and fascinating read, and I’m so glad I picked it up

Non Fiction
Feminism 
Historical
Biography/Memoirs

BLURB: Her America recognizes eight remarkable women who refused to wait for permission to prove a woman’s worth in society. They fought for American independence, the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and civil rights with their pens and their voices, empowered by their unwavering convictions and courage, to challenge the status quo. Through vivid fictional vignettes and meticulously researched nonfiction accounts, Her America immerses readers in these women’s crucial role in transforming this nation.

Mercy Otis Warren ignited a revolution with her politically impassioned plays and became the first published female historian of America.
Sojourner Truth electrified audiences with her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech and turned her freedom into a crusade for abolition and equality.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton authored the Declaration of Sentiments, launching the women’s suffrage movement.
Susan B. Anthony built an unstoppable campaign for women’s voting rights that reshaped American democracy.
Harriet Tubman rescued enslaved families through the Underground Railroad and later commanded Union troops to freedom.
Eleanor Roosevelt redefined the role of First Lady and shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Jovita Idár founded schools, organized resistance, and wielded her pen to defend Mexican American civil rights.
Marguerite Higgins broke barriers as a Pulitzer Prize–winning frontline war correspondent.

Her America is an essential addition to any collection on women’s history, social justice, and the power of courage in action. It is perfect for classrooms, book clubs, and libraries, as it invites discussion, inspires leadership, and connects past to present with clarity and mastery.

The post Her America by Heather B. Moore appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

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
Language: None
Content Warning: past loss of sibling
Genre: Historical Fiction
Lily’s verdict: Loved it

Okay, there were definitely some tears shed with this one

I absolutely loved Violet and her fiery personality! Her banter with Cyril was SO much fun, and watching their relationship slowly develop throughout the story made the payoff that much sweeter. The rivals-to-lovers + slow burn combination was perfection

And young Cyril?! He was so incredibly sweet and precious with Violet. Their past added so much emotion to the story and made me even more invested in seeing where their relationship would go.

I also really enjoyed the dual timeline and getting to slowly piece together their history. There were moments that genuinely broke my heart, but that made the ending even more satisfying

And THAT ENDING!! Such a beautiful way to bring everything together

Overall, this was such a wonderful historical romance, emotional, sweet, full of fantastic banter, and a love story that was absolutely worth waiting for!

Rivals to Lovers
Historical Fiction
Dual Timeline
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
“It’s Always Been You”

BLURB: Violet Whittemore has spent her life proving she’s every bit as capable as the men who doubt her. Opening Locke Hill College for Exceptional Young Women is her greatest triumph—a school where girls can learn, grow, and become extraordinary. But when her father appoints her childhood nemesis, Cyril Burke, as headmaster, Violet vows to fight for what she’s built. 

In a daring move, she proposes a challenge: for one season, she and Cyril will share the position. At the end of the term, the one who proves most successful will assume the role permanently. 

The two had always been rivals, sparring over books, facts, and games of marbles. But with Locke Hill’s future on the line, their old competition burns brighter than ever. And though Violet tells herself she can’t stand Cyril Burke, she can’t seem to look away from the man he’s become—handsome, confident, and far too compelling for her peace of mind. 

With the future of the school hanging in the balance, one season will decide who deserves to lead. But the closer they work together, the clearer it becomes that the only thing worth winning is each other’s heart.

Click the photo above to read this fantastic story!

The post Hearts Of Locke Hill by Krista Jenson appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Lily’s Content Guide
Romance level: Kisses Only
Language: 2 uses of h*ll
Content Warning: narcissistic parent 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Lily’s verdict: It was good 

I have some mixed feelings about this one! There were definitely aspects I enjoyed, especially the cozy small town setting and all the fall vibes

For some reason though, I struggled to fully connect with the story for most of the book. I kept feeling like I was missing a little piece of the story, and it wasn’t until toward the very end that everything finally started clicking for me.

I also had a harder time connecting with the FMC and since the story is told entirely from her POV, I think that played a big part in why I didn’t become quite as invested as I wanted to.

That being said, I did enjoy the story more as it went on, and I thought the ending brought everything together really well! I also loved the cozy fall atmosphere, small town setting, and second chance romance

While this particular story didn’t completely click for me personally, I can definitely see it being a great fit for readers who love cozy fall romances, mutual pining, second chances, and forced proximity

I’m excited to continue through the series and see what the next story has in store

Second Chance Romance 
Dual Timeline 
Small Town 
Mutual Pining 
Forced Proximity 
Fall Read

Thank you so much to Gracie Ruth Mitchell for sending me a copy! I’m part of the Scream Team for this series, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

BLURB: What happens when two exes find out their parents are dating?

When Reese and Dominic secretly dated and then broke up years ago, they knew they’d have to see each other again. They were from the same small town of Autumn Ridge, Vermont. Their families still lived there. It was inevitable.

What Reese didn’t expect was to see Dominic across the table from her, being introduced as the son of her mother’s latest boyfriend.

Dom and Reese can be exes. They can be neighbors. They could even maybe someday be friends. What they cannot be is siblings.

But Reese’s mother has her eyes on the prize, and she’s not walking away without a ring on her finger. So even though part of Reese’s heart still hurts from the past they share, she and Dominic agree to team up and separate their parents.

Spying? A necessity. Sneaking around? Obviously. And sabotage? Well…never say never.

But the further apart they attempt to push their parents, the closer Reese and Dom get—until the lines between past and present begin to blur, and they find themselves with the stickiest conundrum of all: owning the truth of what really happened between them…and deciding if their love deserves a second chance.

Click the photo above to read this story now!

The post Autumn On My Mind by Gracie Ruth Mitchell (Book 2) 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: 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.

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.

Lily’s Content Guide

Romance level: Kisses only
Language: None 
Content Warning: third act breakup 
Genre: Contemporary romance
Lily’s verdict: Absolutely adored it

This story pulled me in immediately and refused to let go until the very end! I genuinely did not want to put it down. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry…and then you’ll be laughing again two pages later

I fell in love with Declan and Winona from the very first pages. Winona knowing absolutely NOTHING about football in the beginning was easily one of my favorite parts. I was dying And can we please talk about THAT FIRST KISS?! Because excuse me??? That was top tier first kiss material.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between these two, especially getting a she takes care of him romance! Watching their relationship slowly develop while they were thrown together was so sweet!

This was such a fun, heartfelt, entertaining read, and I am already SO excited to see where this series goes next

Also, I have to give credit where credit is due: Geese Witherspoon was the true star of this book Absolutely iconic.

Sports Romance
Slow Burn
She’s His Nurse 
Forced Proximity
He Falls Hard 
Opposites Attract 

BLURB: He makes a living taking hits. She’s the one he never saw coming.

Declan O’Connell knows exactly who he is: star tight end, hometown hero, and a man who’s never been one to sit on the sidelines

Winona Carter knows exactly what she wants: a nursing degree, a steady paycheck, and time with her book club friends. She’s not interested in distractions—especially not the kind with a fan club that wraps around the block.

When Declan is injured, Winona shows up. She’s here to do a job. Nothing more.

But recovery has a way of slowing a man down and forcing him to notice the one woman in town who isn’t impressed by his stats, his fame, or his charm.

Now the clock is ticking, and all eyes are on Declan.
Will what they shared in private be able to survive in the spotlight?

Click the photo above to read this adorable story!

The post Tangled With The Tight End by Savannah Scott (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.