How-To 21 Ways To Romanticize Your Life Realistically 2:43 PM Do you have those days where everything just feels a bit... blah? Sometimes, life can seem pretty ordinary. But here’s the thing: even amid the daily grind and monotonous routine, you can romanticize your life. I’m pretty chill and introverted and love the appeal of a laidback lifestyle. But every now and then, I crave a bit of excitement, too. (Must be why I’m always lost in the pages of books). Romanticizing your life is not about grand gestures and luxurious vacations. It’s about finding joy in the small stuff, turning every day into something special. This creature of habit will share 21 easy ways to romanticize your everyday life realistically (no partner needed). What Does It Mean to Romanticize Your Life? Life’s not a reality show, but you can be the star. Keep that main character energy. Hold on, before you picture me skipping down the street with a flower crown, hear me out. Romanticizing life isn’t about pretending everything’s sunshine and butterflies. Because it isn’t. It’s about appreciating the good stuff, the little victories and big moments, alongside the not-so-great. Romanticizing your life could be as simple as savoring the latte art on your favorite coffee, the comfort of fresh sheets, and belly laughs with loved ones. The simple joys! Life isn’t a perfectly curated social media feed, but it can be a pretty darn good story. Crank up the soundtrack of your life and get ready to take center stage. 21 Ways To Romanticize Your Life Realistically You don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket to romanticize your life. Nor do you need a partner to do it. Here are 21 ways to add more romance to your boring life and keep that main character energy: Dine on beautiful dishes: Don't wait for your next party to use your favorite China. Sip coffee from an elegant cup or enjoy a glass of wine from exquisite stemware. Infusing beauty into simple everyday nourishment and hydration can transform them into joyful experiences. Embrace nature: Spend time outdoors or near a window. Take a walk in the park. Have a picnic by a river. Visit a botanical garden (or start your own). Sit outside and listen to the birds chirping. Nature has a calming effect and can help you feel connected to the world around you. Create morning and evening routines you love: Start your day with a peaceful and enjoyable routine. This could be a leisurely breakfast, doing light stretches, relaxing before bed, or journaling your thoughts and intentions for the day. Practice gratitude: Start your day by expressing gratitude for the simple things. Ground yourself, feel the sheets on your legs, and breathe silently before reaching for your phone or diving into work. Read books: Immerse yourself in literature. Reading allows you to escape into different worlds. Living vicariously through the main character gives you a dash of romance too. Or learn from non-fiction books. Listen to soft music: Create playlists with soothing tunes. Music has the power to evoke emotions like nostalgia and enhance your mood. Treat yourself to luxurious sleep: Use comfortable bedding, like satin sheets. Quality sleep contributes to a more romantic lifestyle. Be intentional with self-care: I call Sunday my Pamper Day. It’s when I really take time to take care of my body and soul. I scrub, massage my scalp with oil, massage my face—you get the picture. Sometimes, I spend the whole day just reading a swoony romance novel. Allocate time for self-care, hobbies, and relaxation. Prioritize what brings you joy. Cook candlelit dinners for yourself: Prepare your meal with care and attention. Use fresh ingredients, try new recipes, and set a beautiful table for yourself with candles, soft music, and a delicious meal. Enjoy your own company and savor the flavors. If anyone deserves to be romanticized this way, it’s you. Write love letters to yourself: Put pen to paper and express your feelings. Remind yourself of your worth. I used to write letters for my future self or celebrate myself in the present through journaling and blogging. Explore new hobbies: Discover activities that ignite your passion. Whether painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, engage in creative pursuits. Embrace silence and little pauses: Before the hustle and bustle of the day, take a moment of quiet. Breathe, feel the present, and appreciate the stillness. Take care of your space: While romanticizing often suggests love and relationships, it can also apply to how we approach our surroundings and daily experiences. Make your living environment a place you love. Decorate with items that make you happy and keep it clean and organized. Plan solo adventures: Plan outings or mini adventures for yourself. This doesn’t have to be grand. Visit museums, go to the cinema, explore a new part of your city, or take a solo day trip. The key is to see things from a fresh perspective and appreciate the luxury of enjoying these little things. Keep a gratitude journal: Write down things you are grateful for daily. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can enhance your overall well-being. Practice gentle exercise: Incorporate gentle exercise into your routine. This could be walking, yoga, or dancing around your living room. Physical activity releases endorphins and can improve your mood. Cultivate relationships: While you may be focusing on enjoying time alone, maintaining connections with friends and family is essential. Schedule regular calls or meetups to share experiences and support each other. Soundtrack your chores: Blast your favorite empowering tunes while you conquer your to-do list. Dress up for no reason: I work remotely, so I can work in my pajamas. But I kid you not, sometimes I wear high heels inside the house. There are days when I also wear a pretty dress while doing the groceries. Ditch the sweats and throw on an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks—even if you’re just running errands for the day. Stargaze: Find a dark corner on your balcony or lie in comfortable blankets at the back of your truck. Spend some time gazing at the stars. Make a wish or just appreciate the vastness of the universe. Enjoy your drives: Whether you’re just on the way to the store or you’re sightseeing, play music you can sing along with—and sing your heart out. Drive with your windows open and feel the breeze (unless you live where I am right now, so it’s safer if you keep them closed). When possible, park and take in the view. 4 Benefits of Romanticizing Your Life Is it good to romanticize your life? Absolutely! Life can get a little beige, and idealizing your life injects a shot of color. So grab your metaphorical paintbrush and paint your life in screaming colors. Life filled with gratitude: When you focus on beauty daily (without glossing over the problems), you naturally become more grateful for the good stuff. That burnt toast becomes a chance to try a fancy new recipe, and rush-hour traffic becomes an opportunity to catch up on your favorite podcast. Granting you’re not late for an important meeting, of course. If that’s the case, maybe you can join via Zoom? Boosts your mood: A positive outlook can do wonders for your happiness. By romanticizing your life, you’re training your brain to find joy in the little things, leading to a sunnier disposition. Finding inner peace: Turning chores into self-care rituals (e.g., listening to jazz music or a fun podcast while you fold laundry) can add mindfulness and relaxation to your day. Sparks creativity: Inspiration strikes when you see the world with fresh eyes. Suddenly, your grocery list morphs into a culinary masterpiece in the making. 4 Disadvantages of Romanticizing Your Life While it sounds delightful, is romanticizing your life healthy in all aspects? Before you go overboard with the rose-colored glasses, beware of the downside of romanticizing your life: Avoiding reality: Pretending everything’s perfect can make dealing with the tough stuff harder. Remember, it’s about appreciating the good alongside the bad, not ignoring the bad altogether. Unrealistic expectations: You risk setting yourself up for disappointment if you constantly expect life to be picture-perfect. Real life has ups and downs. Not every moment can be enchanting. Comparisons: Seeing others’ romanticized lives on social media can lead to unhealthy comparisons. Remember, people often showcase only the best parts of their lives online. Neglecting Practicality: Focusing too much on making every moment special can sometimes mean neglecting practical needs or long-term goals. It’s crucial to find a balance. So, is romanticizing a good thing? It could be, but like everything in life, the key is moderation. Keep your feet on the ground. Enjoy the beauty in the ordinary, but stay aware of the reality. Can romanticizing your life be a legit form of mindfulness? Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, appreciating and engaging with your surroundings and experiences without judgment.Seeing the beauty in the mundane can help shift your mindset to a more positive outlook, like how mindfulness can enhance your overall mental well-being.By focusing on and appreciating the present moment, romanticizing your life can reduce stress and anxiety, akin to the benefits of mindfulness meditation. Quotes About Romanticizing Your Life “Life is not meant to be lived in perpetual grayscale.” “It is the little things that make life big.” “Do not wait for the extraordinary moments to find your joy. Create them in the ordinary.” “Even the dullest day has a golden lining if you look for it.” “Life is a collection of moments. Make every one count.” “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucious “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” - W.B. Yeats Romanticize Your Life AestheticsLife’s a Stage, You’re the Star! Romanticizing your life is injecting a healthy dose of joy into your every day. Elevate your routine. Fall madly in love with yourself. Realize how blessed you are. In case you forget, you are lovely and deserve a realistically romantic life. How to make life more romantic? Share your favorite tips and tricks in the comments.AI images copyright: internetmarketingad.com
How-To To Be Truly Free: How To Unlock True Freedom In Your Life 4:43 PM To be truly free is to break the chains from within. Have you ever dreamt of true freedom? That feeling of soaring without limits, of finally being the captain of your own ship?While dictionaries define freedom as the absence of restraint, true freedom goes way beyond that. To be truly free is about conquering the chains that bind us from within.But how do we get there? How do we break free?Here are some keys to unlocking the vault of true freedom.How To Unlock True Freedom in Your Life and Be Truly FreeUnchain Yourself from the Past: Our past experiences can be powerful, but they shouldn't dictate our present or future. True freedom lies in letting go of resentment, hatred, and regret. Forgive what you can learn from what happened, and step boldly into a brighter tomorrow.Become Your Own Champion: Stop waiting for permission or the "right" moment. True freedom empowers you to chase your dreams, whether big or small. Don't let self-doubt hold you back.Follow Your Heart's Compass: There's a reason it's called following your heart. True freedom lies in aligning your actions with your passions and values. What truly excites you? Pursue that with all your might.Embrace the Unpredictable: True freedom isn't about eliminating worry but developing the resilience to face anything. Know that you have the inner strength to handle whatever comes your way.Do It Afraid: Fear is a natural human emotion, but it shouldn't be the captain of your ship. True freedom is taking action even when your legs are trembling. Stepping outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens.Are We Truly Free?The path to true freedom may be challenging but worth taking. Every time you choose courage over fear, every time you chase your dreams, you break another chain and step closer to becoming the truest version of yourself.To be truly free tomorrow, we must decide to make little sacrifices today.Let's start our journey to freedom together.
Books Book Review: The Last Time by Nicole Baker 5:51 PM I had the privilege of beta reading for one of my favorite romance authors. I’m here to share my book review of The Last Time by Nicole Baker.Book SummarySunshine girl Charlotte inherits her childhood lake house, brimming with happy and painful memories. She returns after 10 years and plans a quick fix-up, sell-off, and never turning back. But old friends and a sizzling reunion with her teenage crush, Mr. Fix-It-All Asher, throw a wrench in her plans.Asher, a single dad hardened by grief, didn’t think love was in the cards again. But Charlotte’s sunshine might just melt his icy exterior. Can they move on and make a life together if they can’t let go of past hurts?TropesSmall-town romanceTeenage crushAge gapBest friend’s brotherClose proximitySingle dadSpicyDual POVThe Last Time by Nicole Baker Book ReviewThis easy read made me smile, laugh, swoon, and cry a little. The Last Time by Nicole Baker is a heartwarming—and spicy—romance novel, but it’s not just about finding love when you least expect it. It’s a journey of forgiveness, acceptance, and the courage to begin again. It’s a touching story about healing, the importance of letting go of the past, and holding on to what brings you joy.Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶🌶🌶What I likeNicole’s Writing StyleThis book was a breeze to read. The writing is clean and straightforward, with no flowery language or head-scratching sentences to slow you down. It’s like the author tells you a story over coffee - easy to follow and keeps you engaged. The pacing is spot-on, not too fast, not too slow. You just get sucked into the world, and it feels natural. This author just lets the story shine through, making you want to turn the pages to see what happens next.Plot TwistThe story throws a surprising curveball about Asher’s past that had me guessing until the reveal. It’s a clever twist that keeps you invested in the unfolding mystery.TenorCharlotte’s House/The SettingI’d love to escape to the idyllic Isle of Hope, a charming small town with a glistening lake as its heart. I can imagine cozy evenings by the water, a book in hand, or watching the sunset with my husband. CharlotteDespite a painful family past, her resilience shines through. She’s an inspiration for anyone who’s ever had to pick up the pieces and rebuild.AsherHe may not be likable on the surface, but don’t let Asher’s gruff exterior fool you. Underneath the layers of grief and loss is a devoted father and a kind heart. PinterestHouse MetaphorFor me, the story beautifully uses the restoration of Charlotte’s childhood home as a metaphor for the emotional healing of both Charlotte and Asher. As they rebuild the house, they rebuild themselves, finding strength and love in the process.Side CharactersThe sparks between Josh and Layla add a sizzling layer of secondary romance to the story. Their playful banter hints at a future love story waiting to unfold. And I’m here for it! What could be improved?This first book does a great job establishing the central romance, but I craved a deeper introduction to the supporting characters. A few well-placed hints about their personalities would have left me even more excited to dive into the next installment and explore their potential storylines.YaytextQuotes“One of my gifts was the ability to tune out the world in my emotions. I’m not saying it’s healthy, but it works for me.”“How do you grieve the loss of someone that you lost a long time ago?”“Who would have thought that having Charlotte Bates back in my life would cause such a tidal wave of changes in me?”“Honesty can only take you so far eventually, you have to own up to the fact that you’re just being cruel. One thing I’ve learned over the years, intention matters.”“It dawns on me that since Charlotte has been here, my life has been filled with smiles and laughs.”Yaytext“Wouldn’t it be nice if we all lived in a world where we weren’t scared s******* to feel our feelings?”“I hate that I don’t know your favorite yet, so I got one of everything, but I promise I will be spending the rest of my life learning everything you like and spoiling you with it.”“It was like a fairy tale. A dirty fairy tale where the heroine has very dirty thoughts about the hero.”“To me, that’s the biggest grand gesture a woman can ask for a man who is willing to work on himself to be the best man he can be for the woman he loves. That’s a real man. I don’t need a flashing moment in front of the crowd; anybody can do that.”Will I recommend The Last Time by Nicole Baker?If you love the tropes mentioned, you should definitely read it.What are you reading next?Please add The Last Time by Nicole Baker to your reading list. It’s now available in Kindle Unlimited and Paperback.This post contains affiliate links, so we’d get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost. Thank you!Check out my top romance novel recommendations categorized by tropes.Hey, you wanna be book buddies? I share short book reviews, recommendations, funny memes, and relatable reels on my Instagram account @booksandblogs_lux. Follow me there! I also post my reviews on Goodreads.
Books Are Romance Novels Anti-Feminist? 10:17 PM Are romance novels anti-feminist, demeaning, and objectifying women? No, they are not! So before you write off the fictional romance genre, consider giving this a try: empowering romance novels for women bursting with strong female characters. (This comes from a romance reader and a big supporter of girl power.)Why are romance novels often stereotyped as anti-feminist?Here's the thing: some tropes can feel dated. A hero praising a woman as a "good girl" while demanding something in the bedroom? That can turn off strong women energy. But context matters. In many sex-positive romance books, these scenes are about female agency in love stories.TenorTraditional (Outdated) Gender Roles. Many romance novels depict stereotypical gender roles, with the male protagonist often portrayed as dominant, protective, and in control. In contrast, the female protagonist is often portrayed as submissive, passive, and needing rescuing. This perpetuates traditional gender norms and can be seen as regressive from a feminist perspective.Focus on Physical Appearance and Beauty. Some romance novels emphasize physical appearance and beauty, often portraying the female protagonist as attractive and desirable, while the male protagonist is typically portrayed as strong and handsome. This can reinforce unrealistic beauty standards and objectify women.Lack of Agency for Female Characters: In certain romance novels, female characters may lack agency and independence, relying heavily on the male protagonist for validation, decision-making, and fulfillment. This can undermine feminist ideals of empowerment and self-determination.Normalization of Toxic Relationship Dynamics: Some romance novels romanticize unhealthy relationships, such as possessiveness, jealousy, and control. This can perpetuate harmful stereotypes about love and relationships, reinforcing that possessive behavior is a sign of love rather than a red flag.Limited Diversity and Representation: Historically, romance novels have been criticized for their lack of diversity and representation, both in terms of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other identities. Focus on Happily Ever After: While happy endings are a staple of romance novels (personally, that's what I'm looking for!), critics argue that the emphasis on finding a romantic partner and living happily ever after perpetuates the idea that a woman's ultimate goal and source of happiness should revolve around romantic relationships, rather than personal fulfillment, career aspirations, or other aspects of life.I'm glad to say that I haven't encountered any romance novels featuring these outdated themes.5 Reasons Why Romance Novels Are Actually FeministFrom what I've been reading in romance books, newer genres, especially those written by women, are breaking away from these traditional stereotypes.1. Romance novels often feature inspiring female characters.Feminist romance literature is all about shattering stereotypes. Forget damsels in distress. Today's heroines are strong female characters in romance. Health professionals saving lives and doing volunteer works in far-flung places.Artists chasing dreams.Single moms raising future leaders - just like real women you know. Straight-A model students.They juggle careers, families, and everything life throws their way while living on their own terms and navigating an often male-dominated environment (just like in the real world). Strong heroines are breaking gender norms in romance novels and are positive female representations in fiction.They are role models you can cheer for and relate to. Wifflegif2. Romance novels provide realistic expectations in relationships.Hear me out.Most romance novels I read have crazy rich characters who show their love ostentatiously.A guy who bought the restaurant his girl was having a dinner date in or the hottest NHL athlete who can get any girl but pursues a broke PE teacher.(Yes, cliche, but you gotta read them to understand.)These are not the relationship expectations I'm referring to.Contemporary romance novels empower women to demand better relationship treatment by setting higher standards.Grand gestures? Who doesn't want that? But it's not about having someone who'll chase you at the airport to profess their feelings. The real takeaway in these stories is that you deserve to be respected, cherished, heard, and swept off your feet (metaphorically, of course).GifDB3. Romance novels introduce you to alpha males with a heart.The heroes in the story might mostly be alpha males, confident in the bedroom, and maybe a tad possessive...but never abusive. In fact, consent is paramount for these men and is the highlight of these dynamics. These heroes are also sweet, loyal, and faithful. Even though they might seem like the boss, they'll never disrespect or cross their partner's boundaries. And they're no cheaters. Wifflegif4. Romance Novels: Guide to Healthy RelationshipsEmpowering romance novels for women is like a guidebook for relationships. They emphasize the importance of communication and loyalty. You'll also find solid female friendships and stories of found families, highlighting the importance of support networks and feminist themes in romance. And yes, if you need instructions in the bedroom, some of these books explicitly detail steamy scenes. If that means romance novels are anti-women, then the sun must rise in the west every morning.GetYarn5. Romance novels offer empowering escapism.Let's be honest: Sometimes, we all need an escape. Feminist romances offer a chance to unwind, find comfort, and learn something. Historical romance, fantasy romance, steamy romance, enemies-to-lovers, or second-chance romance.Whatever your trope is, these feel-good, happily ever after (HEA) reads can teach valuable lessons about self-worth and empower you to take on the world.MediumThe Heart of Romance: Feminism in ActionI saw a meme that says, "Feminism leaves my body when the male character says 'good girl.'" But jokes aside, romance novels can be full of feminist themes, celebrating equality, empowerment, and the power of healthy relationships. They showcase sexuality in a positive light and advocate for choice and representation in narratives.Discover a genre that celebrates strong female characters, defies stereotypes, and leaves you feeling good. Pick up a romance novel today. Top Romance Novels ListHere are some of the best romance novels with independent heroines I recommend. How about you?Do you think romance novels are demeaning to women? Why or why not?Check out my top romance novel recommendations categorized by tropes.Do you wanna be book buddies? I share short book reviews, recommendations, funny memes, and relatable reels on my Instagram account @booksandblogs_lux. Follow me there! I also post my reviews on Goodreads.
Life Lessons 10 Valuable Life Lessons My Husband Taught Me 11:03 AM Just celebrated another milestone in our marriage. This life chapter has brought a lot of changes - not just in my last name. 😏 There are lessons we've learned together as a couple and as individuals. And the valuable life lessons my husband taught me? I believe every marriage needs them.1. My husband taught me that self-worth is non-negotiable. I don't have to tolerate people who are shortchanging me. He showed me that accepting negativity is a disservice to myself. That I need to take care of my health. That I deserve to be pampered. That I can demand higher pay because I'm good at what I do.Tenor2. How to communicate my feelings.Here's the thing. If a child is crying and you tell them to stop, they grow up thinking they're not allowed to be upset, scared, angry, or show their feelings. In their young minds, they believe those feelings are wrong, invalid, or unacceptable. They get the impression that expressing their emotions is wrong, so they suppress them. Even when they reach adulthood and they know better.My husband showed me that all my emotions are valid. I don't have to hide or dismiss them. He created a safe space where I could express them without judgment, and that's been a game-changer for my emotional health.I still have a hard time sharing or expressing them, but he's a patient teacher (whose patience I always test in that regard 😅).Parks and Recreation3. To trust. Again.Past hurts had me guarding my heart like a dragon guarding its treasure. But my husband's unwavering honesty and genuine actions chipped away at those walls, building trust along the way. He proved that not everyone's out to hurt, humiliate, or use me. I don't always agree with what he tells me, but he's repeatedly proven to me that he's right, so I've learned to trust his judgment.Tenor4. It's okay to set boundaries.He showed me that I can walk away from people regardless of who they are or their role in my life. If they're sucking out my time and energy or disrespecting me, they're out. Self-love should always be a priority.GifDB5. Celebrate my individuality.I'm an introvert, and all my life, I've been made to believe that how I behave is boring and, well, not normal. Because I prefer quiet and solitude at a time when my peers love to party and be out there. So I forced myself to be where the crowd was, mingle, and be as loud as the others. It drained me. It also made me doubt myself and dislike myself for who I am because I thought I wasn't cool or good enough to be accepted. My husband is the most extroverted person I've met. He respects my need for solitude and doesn't force me into uncomfortable situations. The Odyssey Online6. Learn to redefine stereotypes.Growing up in our culture, I was bombarded with outdated gender roles. My husband, a modern-day man, shattered those expectations. He treats me as a wife AND someone with feelings, needs, and opinions. My husband and I are one, but I still get to keep my identity and make choices for my body. I don't have to conform to what society or tradition dictates, and he's there to support me on that.Tenor7. How to be a real partner.Maybe it's because I'm a middle child in a large brood. I've not been a leader. I'm not someone people turn to for opinions. So, I had no idea how to run a ship, so to speak. Marriage, as my husband taught me, is all about teamwork. Healthy relationships require two people working together, not against each other through rough waters.You can't just take orders or take over. We navigate challenges together, celebrate victories as a unit, and share responsibilities with open communication.Giphy8. The 'mundane' matters.The simple, everyday little things matter, like taking the trash out without being asked or preparing my breakfast while he lets me sleep in. An elaborate bouquet of flowers is lovely, but the flowers he picked from the road on his way home are just as meaningful. Tenor9. The real meaning of intimacy.Speaking your partner's love language is intimacy. Whether you're sitting silently together doing separate things, wrapped up in each other's arms, or hundreds of miles apart, you can get intimate. Because intimacy with someone is a choice that goes beyond the bedroom walls.Leightum10. My husband taught me to be more patient.Because are you really a husband if you're not annoying your wife? 😄 My husband is far from perfect, just like me. He makes mistakes, gets grumpy sometimes, and we don't always see eye-to-eye. We came from very different backgrounds and cultures and had opposing opinions. I've learned to be more patient because I can see him trying to be better. And I know what he does is for the best.[I admit I need to work on this more - especially when I'm being hormonal because that's when I'm not in the mood to cut him some slack. 🤷]TenorValuable Life Lessons My Husband Taught MeMarriage isn't just about fancy rings and cake-cutting ceremonies. Those moments are magical, but the real magic unfolds in everyday, quiet moments and unexpected life lessons learned. And my amazing husband has been a great teacher on this journey.Happy anniversary to my better half. I'm blessed to do life with you. Cheers to more years of love, sunsets, dirty jokes, and flirty pickup lines! 🥂Question for YouWhat life lessons has your partner or relationships taught you? Or do you have any marriage advice?
Books Book Review: Made For You By Renee Harless 6:28 PM Did someone say arranged marriage and undeniable sparks? If you need a light, feel-good, romantic, spicy read, head down to Sunny Brook Farms. I’m honored to join the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) team for the third book in this series. Without further ado, here’s my book review for Made for You by Renee Harless.Book SummaryBe a stranger’s wife for six months to secure his inheritance. That's the whirlwind proposal Aurora received from a hot guy she met in the hotel where she's attending a teacher's conference.Driven by hidden motives and revenge, she agrees. But as lines blur and affection blooms, Aurora craves for more. Facing the end of their contract, she realizes the one thing she wants is the one thing he refuses to give. At least, that’s what she thought.TropesArranged marriageAge gapBillionaire RomanceOpposites attract (Grumpy who only smiles for his Sunshine)Found familyAll the “My wife”No unnecessary 3rd act breakup The CharactersTalon BeckettHeir to the Wilder Hotels (the only person who gives a damn about their family business)Had a rough childhoodAurora “Rory” EasterlySmall-town teacherRomance reader“Peaches” of Talon“She reminded me of the early dawn. Bright and alluring. Her name suited her perfectly.” - Talon BeckettRating⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶🌶🌶🌶Book Review: Made for You by Renee HarlessMade For You is a delightful read filled with “my wife,” spice, and a heroine who chased back her passion. Out of the 3 books in the Sunny Brook series, this is my fave.What I like:It may be a marriage of convenience, but there was palpable attraction from the start. In fiction, I always find it adorable when two people enter a transactional marriage but end up falling head over heels for each other. Especially if one of them swore to never.Aurora. She’s basically Belle 2.0 for me: bookworm, sunshine personified, soft-spoken but a fierce defender of the voiceless. Beautiful with a kind and generous heart.Supportive fake husband. Talon gave her the support she needed - though she didn’t ask for it. She’s not a damsel in distress. But he helped her patch up the tapestry her ex shredded, so to speak. Sunny Brook sounds like a fictional wonderland: picturesque, heartwarming, and the perfect backdrop for a love story that starts practical and blooms into something seriously steamy.Spice. Talon may be a dirty talker. But the wholesome, sweetheart, small-town, sunshiny girl could give him a run for his money. Swoon. The “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” “Yeah, it is,” but he’s looking at her, not at the view (swoon!)GiphyBeyond the butterflies Aurora found her voice and stood up to her family. YAS QUEEN! Draco. Aurora’s cat.Easy read and fast-paced.Talon’s adorable grandma The ever-reliable DeanThe supportive side characters (except for one, but whose story I can’t wait to read about)Minor quibblesPacing & DetailsWhile the narrative is engaging, I believe the pacing could benefit from some adjustments.There are sections where I felt additional detail would elevate the story. For instance, delving deeper into the characters' emotional responses to key events or showcasing their conversations and text messages directly, rather than relying solely on narration, could significantly enhance the reader's experience.Wait, that's it?Would’ve loved to see the school principal get his comeuppance, too. Maybe I’m a bit vindictive that way. But what they did to Aurora was unfair.I expected something more during the confrontation with Rory’s family. I’ve just been reading books with alpha males; my standard is too high. 😅 Plus, my husband would’ve done more if it happened to me. (Really trying not to spoil anything here since, so forgive the vagueness).I’m sure most readers don’t mind this minor ‘hiccup.’ Again, it’s just me.TenorWill I recommend it?Yes. Anyone looking for a feel-good read with a side lot of steam would thank Renee Harless for this book. Favorite Quotes“Whatever my wife wants, my wife gets.”“It wasn’t a future I ever envisioned for myself, but every day that passed with Aurora as my wife, it became more and more clear. I was so f* in love with her.”“Forget the hotels and the money. Asking you to be my wife was the best damn decision I ever made.”What are you reading next?Please add Made For You By Renee Harless to your reading list. The release date is February 13th on Amazon, and it will be available in Kindle Unlimited and Paperback.This post contains affiliate links, so we’d get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost. Thank you!Check out my top romance novel recommendations categorized by tropes.Question for YouDo you prefer living in a big city or in a small town?Hey, you wanna be book buddies? I share short book reviews, recommendations, funny memes, and relatable reels on my Instagram account @booksandblogs_lux. Follow me there! I also post my reviews on Goodreads.
