Short Take Reviews: Birthday Girl, Come Back for Me, Great and Precious Things

Contemporary romance reigns supreme today (and every day). Today I'm sharing my reviews of three contemporary romances: one backlist title (Birthday Girl from 2018) and two newer titles from this year. 

  

BIRTHDAY GIRL by Penelope Douglas | 4.25 STARS

Birthday Girl is one that I’d been excited to read for a long time. What I had anticipated was a sexy age gap story. What I didn’t expect was a slow burn romance that had me emotionally invested. There was some insta-attraction/insta-connection but there was also a close relationship that slowly formed over time. I loved the dual POV, and being privy to both Jordan and Pike’s thoughts went a long way in showing how they both struggled with their feelings. They were both such likable characters, and good people who were unselfish and had no desire to hurt anyone else (namely Cole – Pike’s son/Jordan’s boyfriend). Pike, in particular, was so hard on himself and was so certain he didn’t deserve to have Jordan in his life. Their chemistry – and the sexual tension – was off the charts and made for a story that I could hardly put down. Something I loved: Jordan’s love for 80’s music and Pike giving her an entire box of cassette tapes from the 80’s. And Pike making Jordan a garden in the backyard. 

COME BACK FOR ME by Corinne Michaels | 4 STARS

Eight years ago, Connor and Ellie spent a night together that neither of them ever forgot. The next day Connor was gone and shortly after Ellie was married. But they never forgot that one perfect night. When Connor was forced to return to his hometown after his father’s death he was shocked to find Ellie. The years had been hard for them both in different ways and there were still obstacles keeping them apart. I loved both Connor and Ellie from the very start. Connor was such a good man and his determination to be there for Ellie and her daughter warmed my heart. Eillie showed incredible strength and I found myself so thankful that she finally had someone who was determined to help her at all costs. I typically don't enjoy kids in my romance novels (too precocious and overly precious) but it was impossible not to be charmed by Hadley. There were scenes that were difficult to read and were truly heart breaking but Corinne Michaels balanced the darker moments with swoony romance and characters that I genuinely cared about. I adored Connor and Ellie’s story and now I’m counting the days until the release of the next Arrowood brother’s story. Something I loved: Connor's connection with Hadley and the way that little girl owned him made me melt. 

GREAT AND PRECIOUS THINGS by Rebecca Yarros | 4.25 STARS

A phone call from the father who disowned him brought Cam back to the town where he grew up. Determined to do right by his father, who is suffering from Alzheimer's and wants a say in his medical decisions, Cam is back in the place where he is held responsible for the loss of the town’s golden boy – his younger brother Sullivan. Now facing off against his older brother regarding his dad’s care, he’s also facing Sullivan’s fiancée, Willow, the only woman he has ever loved.

There was a lot going on in Great and Precious Things but it never felt like too much. It was impossible not to hurt for Cam, a man who others were all too willing to demonize and lay blame upon. Seriously, this small town was filled with the most small-minded and judgmental people ever. And unfortunately, Cam was so filled with guilt and regret and grief that he accepted the blame. I loved the slow build of the relationship between him and Willow and the way she was so willing to stand up for him and fight for him. Something no one had done before. Their path was not an easy one but it made me all the more desperate for a good outcome. Great and Precious Things was a story of loss and grief, of forgiveness and reconciliation, and of love and second chances. Yarros wrote an intense and emotional story and there were a few scenes that brought me to tears. I highly recommend this powerful story. Something I loved: Willow's relationship with her sister was a real highlight. Their love and total support for each other was so great to see.

Have you read any of these books?