Romance – World of Bai

Book Review: “Atmosphere” By Taylor Jenkins Reid

Taylor Jenkins Reid has been an auto buy author for me ever since I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Most all of her books are 4 stars or more for me and this one was no different! I was planning on waiting to read this one for a little bit longer as I had just finished Carrie Sotto Is Back not too long ago but I am very glad I didn’t wait.

“Bravery is being unafraid of something other people are afraid of. Courage is being afraid, but strong enough to do it anyway.”
Taylor Jenkins Reid, Atmosphere

About The Book

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Published Date: June 3rd, 2025

Page Count: 352 Pages

Main Genre: Historical Fiction

GoodReads Rating: 4.35

Format: Audio Book

Synopsis

Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s space shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.

Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easygoing even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warmhearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane.

As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe.

Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, it all changes in an instant.

Synopsis From GoodReads

Rating

“Happiness is so hard to come by. I don’t understand why anyone would begrudge anyone else for managing to find some of it.”
Taylor Jenkins Reid, Atmosphere

Review

I saw this book all over tiktok and youtube with people sobbing an that sold the book for me. I try and stay clear of emotional books unless I know I am ready to cry. The audiobook really laid into my emotions and had my husband concerned for my wellbeing as I sobbed “Just let people Love who they want to love!”.

The characters were all so well written. I finished this book knowing each character and their motivations very well which I feel has been lacking for me in some recent reads.

The relationship that Joan had with her niece was honestly my favorite part of this book. This storyline was probably the one that I felt the most connected to. I seriously felt for Frances, she was such a sweet young girl stuck in a situation she never should have been in. My heart hurts for this girl!

Getting to dip my toes into space and all the work that goes into being an astronaut was mind blowing. Taylor really went into this book with some knowledge of the topic and it shows. I really appreciate when you can see the research the author does in order to write their books.

The romance in this book gave slow burn vibes in the best way. I really enjoyed exploring the relationship alongside our two characters and seeing the growth that Joan went through personally along the way.

The ending was so great but I was dying for more! My audiobook said 10 minuets left and I was like wait…. that can’t be it… Please, give me more Taylor!

“You make my life worth something. And I can promise you with my entire body that you will never be alone. Every day, you can wake up and go to bed knowing there is someone whose heart is bursting, barely able to contain how much they love you. I know you’re my niece, Frances. But you have always, too, been mine.”
Taylor Jenkins Reid, Atmosphere

Book Review: “First Time Caller” By B.K. Borison

This book came out earlier this year and I had bought a copy of the book pretty close to the release date due to all the great reviews. I am not sure why I didn’t read it immediately as I was reading a ton of books at the beginning of this year but I guess it just kept getting pushed out of my mind.

I am currently in the middle of moving and unpacking my new house so I needed a gripping audio book to listen to that would keep me motivated to keep moving. This book was the perfect read for that!

“I want to feel something when I connect with someone. I want sparks. The good kind, you know? I want to laugh and mean it. I want goose bumps. I want to wonder what my date is thinking about and hope it might be me. I want…I want the magic.”
B.K. Borison, First-Time Caller

About The Book

Author: B.K. Borison

Publisher: Berkley

Published Date: February 11th, 2025

Page Count: 448 Pages

Main Genre: Romance

GoodReads Rating: 3.97

Format: Audio

“When the whole world tells you you’re silly for wanting the things you want, you start to believe them. You start to think you’re not worth it. That if the things you’re waiting for do exist, they’re not for someone like you.”
B.K. Borison, First-Time Caller

Synopsis

Aiden Valentine has a secret: he’s fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, that’s a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight.

Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job; an incredible family; and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life-or lack thereof—she begins to question if she’s as happy as she thought. Maybe a little more romance wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending… even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final call between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.

Synopsis From GoodReads

“It feels like every time I get my hopes up for something good, reality comes out swinging. I don’t know how to be a hopeful person anymore.”
B.K. Borison, First-Time Caller

Rating

“I don’t concern myself with the fragile egos of men.”
B.K. Borison, First-Time Caller

Review

This book was such a fun listen! I was constantly kicking my feet and giggling. The whole plot was just super cute and romantic. I think most girls dream of a moment like this to happen to them.

I adore the family dynamics this book represents. The single mom looking for love, The baby daddy who is still very supportive all the way down to the teenager who loves her parents wholeheartedly. I love how open and honest the parents are with their daughter. It felt like a dream family dynamic.

I appreciate a slightly grumpy MMC who doesn’t think he is worthy of love. They always open up in the greatest ways. Aiden was the perfect MMC for this book and I really enjoyed seeing him grow more comfortable with our FMC. Even just the relationships he has with his coworkers is really sweet. But let me be honest, I didn’t love his audiobook Narrators voice… That is for sure a me problem though so don’t let that sway you on reading the book or not.

I really liked how our FMC held strong to what she believed and wanted. When it came to her daughter she was protective but loving which I loved. You knew that she would do anything for her daughter even if that meant not dating for the time being to be their for her child.

The banter in this book was top tier! I was captivated by the way these two interact and instantly felt their connection. I really enjoyed the slower burn of the romance. Seeing them pine for each other made the book just that much better.

I am excited to continue reading books from this author. I think I could have a new favorite on the horizon!

“For the hopeless romantics. And the reluctant ones too.”
B.K. Borison, First-Time Caller

Book Review: “Wild and Wrangled” By Lyla Sage

This book is the conclusion to the Rebel Blue Ranch Series and I am so sad about that! We supposedly will be getting 2-3 novellas sometime in the future which is cool but that doesn’t change how sad I am that the main books are coming to a close. This series has really meant a lot to me and will be books that I re-read for years to come. Thank you Lyla for creating such relatable characters.

“I’ll love you until we’re dust, Camille Ashwood.”
Lyla Sage, Wild and Wrangled

Done and Dusted Review

About The Book

Author: Lyla Sage

Publisher: The Dial Press

Published Date: April 15th, 2025

Page Count: 368 Pages

Main Genre: Romance

GoodReads Rating: 4.03

Format: Physical Book

“The bravest thing you can do when you love someone is work hard to keep them—to hold on to them with everything you’ve got—and even when you loosen your grip, you don’t let go.”
Lyla Sage, Wild and Wrangled

Synopsis

Camille Ashwood had always loved a plan. Her latest was her best yet. She was going to get married so she could secure her daughter’s future, get her overbearing parents off her back, and finally start building her own life in small town Meadowlark, Wyoming. Easy, right?

But when her groom doesn’t show up to the wedding, Cam’s life is turned upside down—she doesn’t even have a place to live. That is, until she finds out the house she’s loved since high school is available to rent. There’s only one problem: the neighbor.

Dusty Tucker has spent nearly all of his adult life running. Running from what, though? More like who: Cam Ashwood. But ever since he returned home last year, the girl who was his first, well, everything has become a woman seemingly determined to keep him at arm’s length. And he was okay with that—at least, that’s what he kept telling himself. She was getting married, after all. But now she’s single and living next door. Dusty wants to show her that they can be friends, and that he can stay put.

Despite her best attempts to stay far away from Dusty Tucker, Cam realizes that being close to him is like slipping on her favorite jeans. Easy. Comfortable. That is until past wounds start to open and feelings—both old and new—wreak havoc. Nearly ten years after they first met, Dusty and Cam begin to wonder if their first love can also be their last. And this time, will it be forever?

Synopsis From Goodreads

“You know,” I said, “there are very few things that a mid-range chain restaurant can’t fix—especially one with chips and salsa and a sizzling fajita situation.”
Lyla Sage, Wild and Wrangled

Rating

“Dusty was my first everything, but not in just a first love way. He was my first real friend. He was the first person who cared enough to get to know me, who peeled back the layers I had drawn around myself and liked what they saw. He made me want to like myself, too.”
Lyla Sage, Wild and Wrangled

Review

This series has been one of my all time favorites that I have read in the last year. With that being said I was so upset that I just didn’t vibe with this book.

The more I read of second chance romance, especially ones that started in high school, I am just finding that this trope is not for me.

I personally found the romance lacking. I wanted to cheer them on but ultimately I found Cam kinda annoying which was strange to me because I really liked her in the few appearances we got of her in previous books.

Dusty was the star of the show in my eyes and did not deserve any of this. I loved his slutty crop top and just adore a man who is comfortable in his own skin. The care he also showed to Riley was precious!

By the time the ending of the book came around I was honestly shocked that there wasn’t more to the story. We got to see flashbacks of them growing up but didn’t really see or feel the romantic chemistry as much as I would have liked as they were adults. I think this is probably a very unpopular opinion but oh well.

“A mark on your heart and soul that refuses to fade, no matter how much time passes or how much you think you’ve changed.”
Lyla Sage, Wild and Wrangled

Book Review: “Say You’ll Remember Me” By Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez has quickly solidified herself as one of my all time favorite authors. I have listened to four of her books via audio now and they have all been amazing. Abby really knows how to pick some great narrators. One day I will get to her backlist!

“Good people attracting other good people.”
Abby Jimenez, Say You’ll Remember Me

About The Book

Author: Abby Jimenez

Publisher: Hatchet

Published Date: April 1st, 2025

Page Count: 416 Pages

Main Genre: Roamnce

GoodReads Rating: 4.26

Format: Audio

“think we grow up and we either get harder or we get softer on our parents. We realize how fucked up they actually were or we give them a pass because adulting is hard and now we get it. They’re people and they make mistakes.”
Abby Jimenez, Say You’ll Remember Me

Synopsis

There might be no such a thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.

Synopsis From GoodReads

“You think that it’s the big memories you should be chasing—and it is in a way. Birthdays and vacations and special occasions. But the small memories are the fabric of your life, the ones so inconsequential that you don’t even remember them. You just remember how you felt when you were making them.”
Abby Jimenez, Say You’ll Remember Me

Rating

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“I’d like to look back on my life and remember every single thing. But if I don’t, I hope I remember that it was a love story. And that the love story was about you.”
Abby Jimenez, Say You’ll Remember Me

Review

I seriously devoured this Audiobook. I read it in one sitting which is usually really hard for me to do with audiobooks. The narrators were fantastic so I will for sure be looking for more things narrated by them.

This story was super cute and honestly quite informative. As sad as the topic of dementia was in this book I was really glad to see it represented here. I haven’t read any other book that talks about dementia that I can remember off of the top of my head so I don’t think it is widely represented and I think she did a pretty good job with the subject matter. It is really hard to see someone you love and care about slowly decline to the point where they don’t even remember you and this book really showed how this can affect the family dynamic. Nothing about dementia is easy or fun and if you and your family don’t work as a team then you can’t truly give your loved one the care they need.

Both characters had their own life struggles they had to go through whether it was present day or the things in the past that shaped them into the humans they are now. It was refreshing that both characters understood one another’s positions in life and that this didn’t cause any contention between the two of them. It felt really mature which was refreshing.

An a happier note, I loved that our main male lead was a vet! I am a sucker for animals and so his character really pulled at my heart strings. Honestly I think he could be a new front runner for a book boyfriend! The fact that he was willing to drop anything and everything to be there for her when she needed it despite the amount of distance between them had me swooning!

The long distance relationship trope is one I have not read before and I think Abby handled this really well. I honestly didn’t think I would have liked it as much as I did so I am going to be looking for more like this.

I really do recommend this book and I hope you guys love it just as much as I did!

“She couldn’t make more memories with me. But I could still make memories with her. I would be a witness to her life, even though she was done witnessing mine.”
Abby Jimenez, Say You’ll Remember Me

QOTD: Have you read anything from Abby before? If so, what was your favorite one so far?

“There is nothing more beautiful than being a witness to someone’s life. To know them inside and out and be with them through everything, share the same memories. Memories are everything, I want that.”
Abby Jimenez, Say You’ll Remember Me

Book Review: “Consider Me” By Becka Mack

I found this book at Target and ultimately picked it up because I though that the cover was pretty! I honestly did not know that it was even a hockey book so that was a pleasant surprise for me! I ended up not reading the physical book though and grabbed the audio book as it was free with my Audible membership and I am actually really glad I did this.

“I love you through the perfect moments, and there are so many, but I will always love you through the imperfect ones too.”
Becka Mack, Consider Me

About The Book

Author: Becka Mack

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Published Date: March 22nd, 2022

Page Count: 544 Pages

Main Genre: Romance

GoodReads Rating: 3.91

Format: Audio Book

“If your love was all I had for the rest of my life, that would be more than enough.”
Becka Mack, Consider Me

Synopsis

Carter Beckett is the NHL’s best player—both on and off the ice. His career is at its peak, his friends are performing better than ever, and there’s no shortage of women to spend the night with. What more could he want?

Olivia Parker isn’t new to professional hockey players, thanks to her best friend’s boyfriend, but she has no interest in dating one herself—no matter how hot he is. And anyway, she loves working as a teacher and hanging out with her best friend, drama-free. Why would she want to spend her time stroking the ego of an arrogant athlete?

But once Carter meets Olivia, he can’t think of anything else. Too bad for him, Olivia is hellbent on keeping him at arm’s length, with no intention of giving into his charms. Perhaps it’s time for Carter to up his game…after all, nobody said he had to play fair.

Sparks will fly as Carter does whatever it takes for Olivia to consider him.

Synopsis From GoodReads

“Demanding? That’s because I am. I refuse to be without you. Absolutely refuse, because that’s the last place either of us belongs. You’re mine. My best friend and my lover, my only version of forever, and I don’t intend on ever letting you go. My only intention is to legally bind you to me for the rest of our lives.”
Becka Mack, Consider Me

Rating

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“I’ve made so many mistakes in my life. So many. But you, Ollie? You’re the first thing I’ve done right.”
Becka Mack, Consider Me

Review

I tried to read this book physically at the same time I listened to the audio as I think this usually helps me pay closer attention to the book and helps me remember more details. However, The audio book was different than the physical book. Meaning the audio had added paragraphs and words that weren’t in the physical book or too away what the physical copy had. It was really distracting so I did only audio after a few chapters.

I love a book where the guy falls first but I think I am looking more for a guy who isn’t as cocky and self assured. I wanted to like our male lead and I tried really hard, I would forget that I didn’t care for him at times cause he could be super sweet but my guy… you are so full of yourself. Also his character changed tunes way too quick for my liking, the first scene we had he was literally having relations with a girl who he couldn’t even remember the name of and now all of a sudden you are just ready to be with one woman the rest of your life? It just made it hard to believe his intentions even when in his own mind.

I loved our female lead though! She put this man in his place and I really appreciated that! I also felt like she was real, she had a real job and a poor girl car, I loved that she was relatable even in her insecurities. Her chapters were my favorite ones to listen too, to the point where I almost wish this book wasn’t dual POV which is a wild thing for me to say haha.

I am normally not a third act break up kind of girl and I did have some issues with the way this one went down at the start. However, I liked how they took real space from one another and didn’t act like complete children as we see more often than not. I may not agree with the situation that made the third act break up happen but I also was not surprised by it happening.

I adored the side characters so much that I am afraid my rating is only as high as it is because of them haha. After writing this review I think I should have rated the book lower but its a pain to change it in all the places I keep track of it so oh well..

– End Spoiler –

I Hate how he proposed to this woman! I don’t think anyone should propose to someone at someone else’s wedding even with permission from the bride and groom… I get he wanted it to be flashy and with the people they love the most but come on… You are a Stanley Cup Champion you could do literally anything!

I don’t think I will continue with this series.. I would like to see who Adam ends up with though cause this man deserves the world but I just don’t think I love the series enough to keep going. We shall see.

“One day, some girl is gonna walk into your life and flip your whole world upside down and you’re not gonna know what the fuck to do with yourself except drop to your knees and beg her to never leave.”
Becka Mack, Consider Me

QOTD: What is a series you wish you could have fallen in love with?

“When you show me the type of love you need, I learn how to give it to you.”
Becka Mack, Consider Me

Book Review: “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” By Sangu Mandanna

This has been a very talk about book ever since it was released a few years ago. I think I personally have owned this book for at least a year with full intentions to get to it “soon”. Well, I finally made time for it thanks to an unused Audible credit and no other books being on the top of my mind. I am honestly surprised it took me this long to read but I do think it is a bit overhyped…

“We’re part of the earth below us and the sky above us. Our veins echo the patterns of rivers and roots. There’s sunlight and moonlight in our bones.”
Sangu Mandanna, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

About The Book

Author: Sangu Mandanna

Publisher: Berkley

Published Date: August 23rd, 2022

Page Count: 318 Pages

Main Genre: Magical Realism

GoodReads Rating: 4.07

Format: Audio Book

Synopsis

As one of the few witches in Britain, Mika Moon knows she has to hide her magic, keep her head down, and stay away from other witches so their powers don’t mingle and draw attention. And as an orphan who lost her parents at a young age and was raised by strangers, she’s used to being alone and she follows the rules…with one exception: an online account, where she posts videos pretending to be a witch. She thinks no one will take it seriously.

But someone does. An unexpected message arrives, begging her to travel to the remote and mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their magic. It breaks all of the rules, but Mika goes anyway, and is immediately tangled up in the lives and secrets of not only her three charges, but also an absent archaeologist, a retired actor, two long-suffering caretakers, and…Jamie. The handsome and prickly librarian of Nowhere House would do anything to protect the children, and as far as he’s concerned, a stranger like Mika is a threat. An irritatingly appealing threat.

As Mika begins to find her place at Nowhere House, the thought of belonging somewhere begins to feel like a real possibility. But magic isn’t the only danger in the world, and when a threat comes knocking at their door, Mika will need to decide whether to risk everything to protect a found family she didn’t know she was looking for….

Synopsis From GoodReads

“Trust is earned.”
“It is. But that’s only possible if someone’s willing to give you a chance.”
Sangu Mandanna, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

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“It’s a leap of faith to love people and let yourself be loved. It’s closing your eyes, stepping off a ledge into nothing, and trusting that you’ll fly rather than fall. I can’t step off the ledge for you. It’s something only you can do.”
Sangu Mandanna, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Review

I listened to this book via audio and I do think that I would have liked the book more if I had physically read it. The narrator was good just not for me.

I think this book was written really well! It was beyond cozy and kept me entertained which I really hope for when I read an audio book. In fact I almost finished this book in one whole sitting which is really rare for me and audio books.

I think I may have an unpopular opinion about this book but I kind of wish it was more young adult or even middle grade. I would have really enjoyed this book if we saw it from the girls perspectives or if we didn’t have the romantic connection between out FMC and MMC. The romance took a back seat in this book which I appreciated but honestly I felt like it just wasn’t needed. Either I blocked most of the romance out or their was so little of it that there was really no point in having it there? I think what I am trying to get at is that it could have been a cute found family story without the romance sub plot.

I think the character growth was really prevalent in this book and I think that was what I appreciated the most from it. You saw pretty much every character that was mentioned throughout the story change and grow which was done in a cozy way that left you feeling so happy and relieved for everyone involved.

I thought the magic system was easy to follow and grasp which is what I would expect from a cozy fantasy book. However, I always do struggle with magic realism books as I am trying to imagine this happening in our world and finding a lot of things that come up just so unrealistic. This is for sure a me problem as you are supposed to suspend your disbelief for these books anyways.

Overall, I do recommend this book if you are wanting a quick and cozy read in between all of your romantasy books as a much needed pallet cleanser.

“It’s not always enough to go looking for the place we belong. Sometimes we need to make that place.”
Sangu Mandanna, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

QOTD: DO you have a favorite book about Magic Realism?

“Niceness is all about what we do when other people are looking. Kindness, on the other hand, runs deep. Kindness is what happens when no one’s looking.”
Sangu Mandanna, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches