Weekly Reads: December 2 to 8, 2024

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey (2023)

Contemporary romance. Book 1 of the Vine Mess series. Hallie is the local florist in a vineyard town in Napa who’s basically walking catastrophe. And when her childhood crush Julian is back in town to write his novel, she’s out there planting flowers in his front yard. He’s totally drawn to her at first sighting, even though he forgot that he met her once before in high school. They’re total opposites who really need to avoid each other, but the insta-lust/crush/obsession is taking up all their brainspace. Julian has his own issues of anxiety to work on, but he ends up enjoying all the chaotic time he spends with Hallie. The book was funny and steamy and emotional all in one. A great read.

Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby. Print book provided by HarperCollins via TikTokShop.

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The Christmas Book Hunt by Jenny Colgan (2024)

Contemporary romance. Standalone novella. Charming short story that was more adventure than romance, really. Mirren is out looking for a super rare edition of a book for her ailing great aunt and basically traveling up and down England to find it. Theo is the nephew of a not-so-nice bookseller who has assigned him to follow her and nab the book if she finds it. They run into each other a few times along her journey, with her not realizing that he’s following her. It’s mostly flirting and lots of treasure hunting. Fun and quick read.

Ebook accessed from Amazon Prime Reading.

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A Tempest of Desire by Lorraine Heath (2024)

Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 5 of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series. Viscount Langdon has isolated himself on an island after a train accident leaves him with nightmares. And then one night, the storm washes up Marlowe, the most beautiful and desirable courtesan in London. He rescues her and learns that she was flying her hot air balloon solo and got caught in a storm. These two have been lusting after each other since first sight, but Marlowe is under the protection of another lord and is very loyal. Langdon also does not want to encroach on someone else’s territory, so he has tried very hard to stay away from Marlowe. But now, they’re stuck together and getting to know each other’s thoughts and personalities, making their connection all the stronger. This book is full of seductive flirting and yearning and longing. Another great book by Lorraine Heath.

Advance ebook provided by Avon Books via NetGalley.