E. F. Dodd

Absolutely incredible debut novel by E.F. Dodd

There are so many wonderful things about this book!! First, I cannot express how much I loved that I could feel E.L. Dodd’s personality throughout the entirety of it. The writing made it feel like you were hanging out with your own friends, it felt totally natural, not forced at all.

Spoilers below
Kez has this wild idea to crash her Ex’s reunion after learning that he is recently engaged to someone else. Kez’s two besties come along for the show more wild ride (and as her support). My second favorite part of this book; all three women are successful, strong, and smart coming together, giving some seriously awesome girl gang vibes.

Down in the hotel lounge, a very fit, very handsome man buys the table a bottle of wine and makes sure to introduce himself. Insert my third favorite thing about this book. Kez is immediately honest with him, sharing her crazy plans and the reason she is there in the first place. Then that honestly continues when encountering her ex’s fiance. I have NEVER read a book where the silly plan wasn’t some big bomb in the third act, breaking new relationships apart. It was AMAZING!

Overall, it was well rounded and well written and I loved it. I highly recommend it!! show less

Vivian Walters has followed a carefully forged life plan: college, med school, internship, residency and is now a successful doctor with her own practice. The only thing missing, that her mother seems to never let her forget, is the perfect man. Vivian has a detailed list for what that man would look like to fit into her perfect life; however, none of the men who checked all the boxes ever seemed to click. On a weekend trip to Rochester, V's friends encourage her to hook up with an extremely show more hot bartender, Dave. Dave has been stuck in a holding pattern, working at Tonic since he got out of a negative work environment. He never expected anyone like V to walk into his life, but he's worried if he's good enough for her. When V's weekend trip runs a few days over, V and Dave decide to try long distance. Over the holiday season, V and Dave realize that they are falling for one another, but also know that they have to change to fit into each other's lives.

Almost Perfect is a sweet and sexy holiday romance. Vivian and Dave are both wonderful characters with great energy and a realistic insta-love connection. It was fun to watch V and Dave's relationship grow and change from what they expected to be a fun weekend to a full blown romance. The writing created a fast-paced story switching between V and Dave's perspectives with plenty of spicy scenes as well as relationship ups and downs. I enjoyed that V's relationship with her mother and her attitudes toward marriage was addressed in a healthy way that allowed V to move forward. Dave also had to come to terms with his role in the work force and what he wanted to do with his life. Together, V and Dave worked out trust issues and open communication for a happy ending.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less

Reagan Murphy is proudly serving as the Maid of Honor at her best friend Kesler's wedding. Before moving to Charlotte five years ago, Reagan's life was upended from a traumatizing relationship. Reagan found comfort and stability in her new friend group. The last thing she was expecting is her ex to show up as the Best Man. Donavan McLeod blew up Reagan's life, now she has to act like everything is fine between them so they don't ruin Kez's wedding. Furthermore, Van wants a chance to redeem show more himself. Reagan reluctantly gives Van a chance to earn her trust back when they are forced to be together for a week in the Cayman Islands for Kez's honeymoon.

Earning It is a cute and steamy lovers to enemies back to lovers romance, perfect for a beach read. I immediately clicked with Reagan's character as a woman scorned. She is strong, fierce and not about to let romance burn her again. I don't blame her at all for how she acted when confronted with the person from her past that she believed lied to her and used her. The first half of the story took place on Kez's wedding day as they prepare for the wedding and Reagan is confronted with Van's presence. This did feel like it dragged on a little. I do wish we had some full chapters from Reagan and Van's past together instead of just a few short flashback scenes, I think this would have brought more perspective and made the beginning feel more on pace. The second part of the story took place in the Caymans. I could feel the sun's rays and the steam that the group brought. Van and Rae's antics brought the heat the entire time. I had no trouble with Rae making Van earn her trust back, but I do wish she had heard him out earlier.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less

One Night Standard by E F Dodd
Contemporary romance.
Coral Triton is a professional mermaid at the pinnacle of her career. Ever since she saw a mermaid movie as a child, she knew that’s what she wanted. She’s been hired to create a new live action mermaid show in Las Vegas including set design and choreography. Coral arrives in Las Vegas ready and excited to start her new life. Being rescued from a handsy creep by a devastatingly handsome man in the bar is just the adventure she needs for show more the night. And bonus, he’s taller than her six feet in heels and seems just as interested. Coral needs to keep this to only one night. Tomorrow is the start of her new job and there can’t be any distractions.

Boston real estate developer Jamie Standard was caught in a salacious gossip article rather than a column about including green space in his projects. His partners advise two weeks vacation would be timely so he goes to visit his sister as the hospitality manager at the newest resort in Las Vegas. He re-meets an amazing woman he had traded quips with at the airport. They go out for a fancy dessert, then share a night of passion with champagne. He’s enthralled and wants more but she’s gone by morning.
Walking through the lobby of the hotel that afternoon, he spots her swimming in a humongous tank in the lobby. As a mermaid. He’s mesmerized and is caught on social media trying to reach out to her. Not exactly the low profile he’s supposed to be keeping on his vacation. His sister comes up with a plan that puts Coral and Jamie together in a relationship to restore his reputation and at the same time advertising the upcoming unique show at the hotel.
What could go wrong?

A flirty romcom with plenty of heat, attraction and humor for a sensational story. Great banter and timing between passion, relationship building and business interests. With a few behind the scene sneak peaks of creating entertainment for a world tourist destination.
I liked both Coral and Jamie from the start and got the impression they’d be one of those perfect couples that everyone would watch and envy. Just like their favorites.
A joyful reading experience.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. show less