Early Reader Review: The Romance Rivalry by Susan Lee

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Romance Rivalry by Susan Lee 
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  May 13, 2025

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

She’s read every romance…except her own…

Irene Park loves romance novels—so much so she’s made a career of them as an online book reviewer with a massive following. But Irene’s real life dating story? Non-existent. So when she starts her freshman year of college, she sets her sights on finding true love using the one thing she really understands…romance book tropes.

If only it were that easy.

Enter Aiden Jeon, Irene’s online book review rival and biggest nemesis. When Aiden challenges her to see who can find love-by-trope first, he becomes the one person standing in her way to getting everything she wants both professionally and personally, too. So when the competition takes an unexpected turn, forcing the two of them to have to partner in the ultimate trope, fake dating, Irene is not prepared for everything she believed about romance, and Aiden, to flip on its head.

As Irene tackles the challenges of college life, struggles to figure out what she really wants for herself, all while trying to win the race for love, Irene realizes the answers may not be found in a romance novel. Happily Ever Afters seem so easy on page. But for Irene to find her ultimate HEA, she’ll have to get her nose out of the book and become the main character of her own story.

Review: 

This YA romance was a charming and refreshingly clean read that balanced humor, heart, and a love for books in all the right ways. The story follows Irene Park, a romance-obsessed book reviewer who heads off to college with a trope-fueled plan to find true love. The pacing was excellent—fast enough to keep things moving, but with enough breathing room to enjoy Irene’s growth and hilarious missteps along the way.

I especially loved the book-influencer and reviewer angle. It gave the story a unique edge, and it was great to see social media and the world of book content creators handled with care and nuance. Aiden, Irene’s rival and reluctant fake-dating partner, was a great MMC not just because he read romance, but because the book thoughtfully explored what that means for a guy in the online space and how others perceive it. He was also so good to her without her realizing it. 

While the plot never veered into anything too heavy, it still offered depth in how Irene navigates her expectations of love versus the reality of growing up. As well as the pressure of going to college and figuring out what you want to do when you are an 'adult'. There were plenty of fun, laugh-out-loud moments as well, and the fake dating trope was handled with just the right amount of swoony tension.

Overall, this is a light, funny, and heartwarming story that YA romance lovers (especially those who appreciate or live in BookTok/bookstagram circles) will definitely enjoy.

Reading ReCap: April 2025

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

In April, I focused on review books for May ... and a few review books for further out that seemed like quick reads.

StoryGraph for some Stats help again, I really like this visual 

~~Books I Read in April~~   

How was your April Reading? What books are you excited to read in May... have  you read any already?!

Feel free to share it in the comments below! I would love to know what you are reading! 

Building the Book Pile #487

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Good Morning. 

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms... 💜PET MOMS INCLUDED! 🐶🐱💜

I hope everyone had a lovely week and weekend so far.  

It has been a fun and chaotic week here. The hubs was at a conference all week and I was off but helping Miss Emma learn how to be a big girl. We are in potty and crate training mode over here and boy am I tired - but she is adorable.

Charlie and Cooper are both feeling more ok with her presence. She seems to be super excited to play with all the toys and lay in all the beds. 

In other news, I have spent the week napping with the doggos and attempting to read but I am in a but of a slump sadly. What is your go-to in a reading slump?... I need something to pump me up about reading.

I am back to work this week. Emma is going to come with me until the potty training comes along a bit more.  Luckily work is slower these days.

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Monthly Re-Cap: April 2025

Early Reader Review: The Romance Rivalry by Susan Lee (YA, Romance) 

Blog Tour - Promo: One in a Vermilion May Live by Jennifer Jaxxon-Louis (YA, Sci-Fi Fantasy)

Books Received Recently...  

For Review:

 

The Ocean at Night by Isabelle Simler - from Edelweiss and the publisher for review.

King Winter's Birthday by Jonathan Freedland - from Edelweiss and the publisher for review.

The Wrong Game by Kandi Steiner - from Edelweiss and the publisher for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: The Enemy's Daughter by Melissa Poett (YA)  -3 stars

Recent Reads: Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver (Adult) -5 star

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Recent Reads: Wild Eyes by Elise Silver

Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver  

Series: Rose Hill #2
Publisher: Bloom Books
Publication Date:  September 3, 2024 

 

Format: Audobook
Source:  Bought/Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A rugged mountain town seemed like the perfect escape from a life in shambles. But on day one I ran full tilt into the world’s hottest single dad and now all my plans are ruined.

As a chart-topping country singer with a recent streak of bad press it’s hard to find any peace. But I find it in Rose Hill. With a little boy and a little girl who steal my heart just as thoroughly as their dad.

Weston Belmont.

The man is a shameless flirt. He oozes confidence and masculinity in a way that’s downright distracting. And in bed? He’s addictive.

Everything with him is wild and impulsive and I’m desperate to regain some control.

But no one has supported me like West does. And no one has ever made me feel as loved as he does either.

So, while my brain says settling down with a small-town horse trainer is impossible… my heart says I’m right where I belong.

Still, my life as a celebrity haunts me. It has the power to pull us apart.

I can see in his eyes that wants me to stay. And I want that too.

But I know better than anyone that we don’t always get what we want.

Review: 

It was the first line that secured this book on my TBR list... "The sun is shining, the lake is sparkling, and there's another f***ing tourist on the side of the road trying to get a selfie with a bear."

Returning to the charming small-town of Rose Hill introduced in book one, Wild Eyes weaves a fresh story with new characters while still tying into the larger series in a satisfying way. I loved seeing familiar threads connect across the books—it adds an extra layer of depth to the world Silver is building.

This romance hit so many of my favorite tropes: forced proximity, small-town life, mutual emotional damage, and that irresistible dynamic where he falls first. Weston and Skylar’s chemistry is undeniable, and the dual point of view gives readers a full emotional picture of their journey. I especially appreciated how we got to see inside both of their heads as they navigated their vulnerabilities and growing feelings.

I loved the inclusion of West’s kids. Their scenes added both heart and humor, with several laugh-out-loud moments that brought warmth to the story. The parenting aspect didn’t just round out West’s character, it elevated the relationship and character growth for both of them.

I listened to the audiobook version and have to shout out the narrators, who brought both Skylar and Weston to life beautifully. Their performances captured the emotional nuance and spark of this story perfectly.

If you enjoy small-town romances with emotional depth, strong character dynamics, and a bit of humor, Wild Eyes is such a fun ride.

Early Reader Review: The Enemy's Daughter by Melissa Poett

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Enemy's Daughter by Melissa Poett

Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Publication Date:  May 6, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A stunning reimagining of Tristan and Isolde set in a dystopian world woven with magic. An addictive debut YA enemies-to-lovers romantasy—perfect for fans of Rebecca Ross and Sarah Underwood as well as books like Curious Tides, The Hurricane Wars, and Belladonna.

It’s been thirty-seven years since the Republic was destroyed. Now two settlements—the five clans and the Kingsland—fight for control of the untainted land. Though the five clans are outnumbered, they’ve finally struck, killing Kingsland’s brutal leader.

In the war that follows, Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer, risks her life to help injured soldiers. But when she stops an attack from Tristan, a Kingsland assassin, his soldiers shoot her with a poisoned arrow. As Isadora lies dying, Tristan does the unimaginable: He offers to save her life using a rare magic.

In choosing to live, Isadora is unknowingly bound to the mysterious Tristan. Worse, even acknowledging the attraction between them allows him to glean fragments of her memories and the very knowledge he needs to destroy the five clans. But their magical connection works both ways. So to save her people, Isadora will have to open her heart to her most cunning enemy. Because in a race for ultimate survival, she’ll need to destroy Tristan and his people first.

Review: 

This YA fantasy/romantasy has a compelling premise and solid pacing once it finally gets going, but it struggles with world-building and emotional depth. The beginning is rough, both slow and a bit confusing, so readers might have to push through to reach the stronger parts, especially the interactions between Isadora and Tristan.

Isadora is a healer from a patriarchal society where women are expected to be submissive, and this theme is front and center throughout the book. While it’s an important element of the story, it’s delivered in such an obvious and repetitive way that it starts to feel heavy-handed. Her father, in particular, is so awful that it’s easy to hate him, which makes the ending feel a bit rushed and unsatisfying. After everything she goes through, I was hoping for a stronger resolution to that part of her story.

Tristan is from the enemy territory of  Kingsland. He fits the brooding romantic lead role well enough, though he doesn’t show much character growth as the book progresses. Their instant connection leans more swoony than believable, but it’s fun to read if you enjoy that kind of romantic tension.

The central idea, two enemies magically bound with access to each other’s thoughts and memories, is an intriguing one and adds tension and stakes to the romance. I just wish there had been more context early on to ground the story. The world-building was a bit lackluster.  The magic system, political structure, and the post-Republic world all could have used more development.

Overall, this is a quick read with a familiar but enjoyable trope at its heart. Readers who like an enemies-to-lovers/ insta-love romance and don’t mind a few shortcuts in character and world-building will probably find it entertaining, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its deeper themes. 

Building the Book Pile #486

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Good Evening

I hope everyone had a lovely week and weekend.

 Here is why my post is so late today....

Meet Emma, the newest addition to our family. 

She is about 3months old, about 7lbs, and a Boston Terrier mix... we think maybe with Chihuahua. So tiny.  

I picked her up, with my dad's help on Saturday and so today has been a full day of her learning about us and her furry brothers. Our pup, Charlie, is doing ok with it, helping her learn things. Cooper, our older cat... is not impressed, but he is eating so that is good.  

How was your week last week, any plans for this week?

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader review: The Enemy's Daughter by Melissa Poett (YA) 

Recent Reads: Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

For Review:

 

A Sky so Hollow by Craig Montgomery - from the author for review. 

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: Anything by Rebecca Stead (Youth)- 5 stars

Early Reader Review: You Aren't a Dog Owner Until... by Jason Chatfield (Adult, GN) - 5 stars

Early Reader Review: Don't Disturb the Pirate by Rhiannon Findlay (Youth) - 4 stars

Blog Tour: Review - Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes (Adult) - 4 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Blog Tour: Review - Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes

Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes 

Publisher: The Book Guild
Publication Date:  April 28, 2025 

 

About the Book: 

19th-century England. Benjamin Gerard Waldorf, the Duke of Waldorf, has resigned himself to a life of duty and responsibility. But when an antique cameo unexpectedly transports him 200 years into the future, his world is turned upside down. 

Isabella Souza Kato, a struggling writer in London, is grappling with creative block after a painful breakup. Just as she’s ready to give up on love, a chance encounter with a man claiming to be from the 1800s alters her life completely.

As they navigate the complexities of time, culture, and their own hearts, Benjamin and Isabella must confront their fears and insecurities if they want to find a future together.

Will Benjamin find a way back to his rightful place, or will he choose to forge a new path with Isabella?

Rating: 

 

This lighthearted, time-travel romance was a charming escape with a fun premise and a steady pace that kept me turning pages. Benjamin, the Duke of Waldorf, accidentally stumbles into the modern world via an antique cameo/ pendant, and the outcome is an entertaining fish-out-of-water story full of sweet moments and cultural clash.

Benjamin (Ben) is a likable and surprisingly adaptable MMC ... maybe too adaptable at times. It was a bit hard to believe that someone from the 1800s would accept modern norms (and smartphones!) so quickly, but I get that it helped the story keep moving. Isabella (Bella), our FMC, a kind-hearted writer recovering from heartbreak, meets Benjamin and just… lets him stay in her flat. No big deal. Her immediate trust felt a bit unrealistic, but she’s so warm and hopeful that it’s hard not to root for her. 

The romance between them is sweet and sincere, and I especially enjoyed the “book within a book” element as Bella navigates her writer’s block. That added a fun, meta twist.

Where it fell a little short for me was in the time travel mechanics and emotional depth. For the time travel elements - there wasn’t much explanation of how the cameo worked, or how Ben’s family came to have such a powerful trinket (there was some, but not a lot). This left the ending feeling a bit rushed and vague. I wanted just a bit more substance and resolution there. 

It also fell a little short for me in the emotional depth area. There were plenty of moments that should have packed more of a punch—especially considering the time travel, the clash of worlds, and both characters’ personal struggles—but they often felt glossed over. The story stayed on the lighter side, which made it fun and easy to read, and there was even a nice spicy bit, but it also meant that some of the more emotional beats didn’t fully land. A bit more character development and vulnerability could have made their journey feel richer and more impactful.

Overall, though, this was an enjoyable and whimsical read. If you’re looking for a cozy, low-angst romance with a touch of magical realism and a bit of spice, this one delivers.

About the Author

Stefany Nunes is a Brazilian writer with degrees in Letters and Brazilian law. She’s been an avid reader for as long as she can remember, and with her passion for romance novels, she often created stories in her mind without ever putting them on paper. After moving to London with her husband, inspired by the city's atmosphere, she finally found the courage to fulfil her dream of writing.

Find the Author

Instagram | TikTok

Early Reader Review: Don't Disturb The Pirate by Rhiannon Findlay

Source: From Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Don't Disturb The Pirate by Rhiannon Findlay 

Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS Kids | Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Publication Date:  May 1, 2025 - TODAY!

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Synopsis: 

From the author of Don't Disturb the Dragon, comes an ARRG-some next installment!

Oh no—naughty puppy Patch has run away! Can YOU help find him? As you search, remember not to disturb the pirate. If you hear a Yo Ho Ho, a cannon's boom, or fierce AHOYS along the way, turn and run from all that noise!

Sneak over, under, round and through the book, just remember. . .don't disturb the PIRATE!

Review: 

Don't Disturb the Pirate! is a cute and quick children's book that takes young readers on a playful adventure to find a runaway puppy. The twist? We have to sneak around quietly so we don’t bother the pirate!

This interactive story invites kids to explore the island alongside the young main character, looking for clues hidden throughout the illustrations. One of the standout spreads lets readers help find the pieces to pack a bag for the journey—adding an extra layer of fun and engagement.

With its charming mix of sneaking, searching, and surprises, this book is perfect for kids who love puppies, pirates, or a good party. The vibrant illustrations and seek-and-find elements will keep little ones entertained from start to finish. Parents will also enjoy that it is a shorter read, that involves being as quiet and sneaky as possible. This would be a good on for bedtime.