Review & Giveaway - - Pitcher Perfect

Pitcher Perfect

by Tessa Bailey

Big Shots - Book 4

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Boston Bearcats rookie Robbie Corrigan is living the dream. He’s made it to the NHL, his best friend/teammate and fellow “orgasm donor” is his roomie—and the women of Boston love them both. Life is sweet. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige, division 1 softball pitcher, girl least likely to take anyone’s bull…and the one member of the opposite sex immune to his charms. Robbie might be dazzled by the badass pitcher, but Skylar pegs him as a filthy player and wants nothing to do with him.

When he discovers she’s carrying a serious torch for her brother’s best friend, Robbie knows he should just go back to clubbing and whipped cream bikini parties, but he can’t seem to leave Skylar to flounder on her romantic quest to land another man. Nor can he miss out on the opportunity to spend time with her and hopefully redeem himself. Before Robbie knows it, he’s agreed to be Skylar’s fake boyfriend/love coach at an upcoming family wilderness competition where her crush will be in attendance. What could go wrong?

Through a series of contests that require them to trust each other, Robbie and Skylar grow closer and closer until their fake relationship starts to feel like the realest thing they’ve ever known and the sizzling lessons in sensuality burn out of control.

But it’s all just pretend…right?

PJ's Thoughts:

Full disclosure: I've read three Tessa Bailey books. The first two were a struggle. I didn't connect with the characters or their journeys and was at the point where I was ready to admit I just wasn't the right demographic for her writing. I mean, thousands of readers love her so it had to be me, right? But, then along came Pitcher Perfect and a heroine Bailey said was partially inspired by (U.S. Rugby player) Ilona Maher. Once I read that, I had to give her one more try. Holy wow, am I glad I did!

Pitcher Perfect is one of those unicorn books that flowed like hot maple syrup over a stack of yummy pancake perfection. It grabbed my attention from the first page, never lagged, never wavered, and kept me happily flipping pages until the final word. There's enemies-to-lovers romance, fake dating, forced proximity, unexpected vulnerability, family wilderness games (with accompanying snort laughter and tears), banter for days, thought-provoking family dysfunction (but also love and humor), self discovery, surprising twists, and sigh-worthy words - and actions - of respect, admiration, and love. Basically, everything that makes my reader's heart happy. 

I couldn't read this book fast enough while also wanting it to never end. Robbie and Skylar are one of my favorite couples I've read in a long time. Pitcher Perfect is my favorite romcom of 2025. It's a book, and a couple, I want to revisit time and time again. Pitcher Perfect has my highest, Top Dish, do not miss this book, recommendation. Seriously, buy it now. It's that good. 

Note: For those of you who say you don't read "sports" romance, know that while hockey and softball are integral facets of Robbie's and Skylar's lives, the main focus of this book is the personal relationships that bring challenges, growth, self-realization, and love to the characters within. 

Have you read Tessa Bailey?

Does knowing the identity of real people who inspire characters impact how you view the fictional characters while reading?

I love the fake dating trope (especially as it plays out in this book). How about you?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 14 will receive a print copy of Pitcher Perfect. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn

The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn

by Valerie Bowman

Honeycrisp Orchard Romance - Book 1

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Ellie Lawson’s city life was treating her just fine until a sour turn of events knocks her out in one fell swoop. Dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her event planning job, she is left with no choice but to return to her parents’ idyllic inn, nestled within a picturesque Honeycrisp orchard on Long Island. Anticipating a quiet hiatus in the attic apartment, she is instead met with Aiden, the stubborn, attractive son of the orchard owner who is currently occupying her planned refuge.

Forced together by circumstance, they find themselves not only roommates but also coworkers, when they’re put in charge by their parents of the orchard’s vital Harvest Festival, a lifeline for both the struggling orchard and the inn. Amidst the enchanting disorder of small-town life, Ellie and Aiden grapple with their conflicting values, burgeoning feelings, and an electrifying tension.

PJ's Thoughts:

Are you ready to turn the page to autumn? In the mood for crisper days, leaves changing color, hot cider, caramel apples, and small-town festivals? If so, do I have a book for you! 

Valerie Bowman's The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn is a feel-good, reunion romance brimming over with cozy fall vibes. Think Hallmark movie with spice. There's the city girl who couldn't get away from her small town fast enough, now returned home but not planning to stay, the boy next door who never wanted to leave and also never owned up to the crush he's been nurturing since they were kids, and the simmering attraction between them threatening to burst into flame. Think forced proximity, sparkling banter, awakening attraction, a bit of steam, and a deep, enduring, emotional payoff.  

Bowman surrounds the main couple with a terrific cast of supporting characters, building a community of citizens who offer up humor, teasing, and the unsolicited advice that comes from people who have known you your whole life. We also meet friends and family members who not only contribute to the progression of this story but also set up future books in the series with intriguing pairings and characters I can't wait to learn more about. 

And then there are the four-legged characters. How could I possibly resist Argos, Aiden's donut stealing Lab, Miss Guin, Ellie's parents' overly enthusiastic goat, or Pumpkin, her family's laid-back, orange pajama wearing Pug? All three pretty much steal every scene they're in. 

If you're looking for a warm hug of a book to take you from summer into fall with humor, heart, and happy endings, pick up a copy of The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman. I highly recommend it. 

What are your favorite things about autumn? 

Are you an all things apple person (like I am) or do you have other seasonal foods that make your taste buds dance?

Have you read any books by Valerie Bowman yet?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 11 will receive a print copy of The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - The Gilded Heiress

The Gilded Heiress

by Joanna Shupe

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Reviewed by Hellie

 

In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.

After being raised in a children’s asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she’ll stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won’t think about the family who gave her away as an infant.

Leo Hardy isn’t afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby’s mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.

As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what’s real from what’s just gilding.

Hellie’s Heeds

What a delightful romp!! If you love steamy sex scenes, witty banter, laugh-out-loud scenes that should totally be in a movie, and plot twists where you wonder, “HOW is the author going to make this work out?”--then you will be enchanted with this book. I feel if you’ve been watching The Gilded Age–and perhaps already watched all the episodes–this may help fill in a bit of that void as well. 

Joanna Shupe’s novels have always been a hallmark of these characteristics: the hot-hot-hot love scenes, banter for days, and the sheer emotional wreckage as we wonder if these characters will ever get their happily ever after. And I think this one fits nicely with her previous offerings–with Leo Hardy being yet another hero in need of a little redemption, but we can’t help but fall for him anyway and root for him to become a better man for this one woman who is perfect for him. He is Dreamy–and seriously, that opening scene in the brothel? We have Bridgerton on Netflix–can we have this one too? 

Neither character is perfect by any means, but they are perfect for each other–and it’s wonderful to watch their relationship unfold. The emotional plot points were dead on–like when I read the black moment, I was like, “Ooof, that is exactly what needed to happen” even as I was yelling, “NO! How are they ever going to get together? There’s not enough pages left!” Just excellent character growth. 

From a historical standpoint, if that is at all a stickler for you, some of the historical stuff feels wildly improbable. Though technically speaking, I suppose, not impossible–which is all we need really, right? (I just watch a lot of missing people shows…the odds of them not winding up dead is slim to none. And then to be a child in this era that grew up in a big city orphanage and didn’t die of whooping cough, typhoid, tuberculosis, or the myriad of other childhood ailments made me a bit skeptical. So…that’s the reason it wasn’t a 5 star for me–I couldn’t quite suspend disbelief.) However, on other aspects of a historical nature–the description of theater life, life in the mid-1890s, etc, I felt those were believable and made for great reading. Anyway, it’s not a surprise she grows up in an orphanage…and was kidnapped–that’s right there in the blurb. If you are a stickler about childhood ailments and orphanages, you too may have difficulties with suspending disbelief, but I can say the rest of it makes for really good reading.

Review - - An Irish Summer

An Irish Summer

by Alexandra Paige

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Boston has everything Chelsea needs: her best friend, her family, a great job. She’s worked and lived at the same bed and breakfast since graduating college, and she relishes the sense of stability. That is, until she’s informed that O’Shea’s Bed and Breakfast is being sold and she has less than a month to find a new job and apartment. Desperate, she takes a summer gig at the B&B’s sister hostel in Galway, Ireland. It’ll be an adventure, she convinces herself, and it’ll give her some time to plan her Next Act.

As it turns out, Galway has everything Chelsea hates: nonstop rain, no iced coffee, shared bathrooms. Working at The Wanderer might grant her time and a few extra lines on her resume, but Chelsea can’t help but feel like she left her life back in Massachusetts. Her new coworkers, however, are determined to change her mind, especially the handsome and charming tour guide Collin.

Collin and Chelsea strike up a deal: he’ll show Chelsea everything Ireland has to offer, and only then can she pass judgement. Sure enough, Chelsea finds herself warming up to the hostel and Irish lifestyle… and falling for her charismatic new friend. But as the summer comes to an end, she finds herself torn between the familiarity of home and the tantalizing adventure of life abroad.

An Irish Summer is a heartfelt, transporting story perfect for readers looking for the thrill of moving away from home and the unique magic of summer love. 

PJ's Thoughts:

What a lovely, charming story. I felt like I was taking a guided tour of Ireland - with a sexy Irish guide - from the comfort of my home. Of course, by the time I finished the book, I was ready to pack my bags and book a flight to the Emerald Isle so there's that...

I love a fish out of water story and when Chelsea first arrives in Galway she is not only out of her comfort zone but also ready to board the first flight back to Boston. It's an absolute delight to watch her slowly over the course of one summer open her heart not only to the country of Ireland but also to the many friends she makes there and, especially, to Collin. I love the friendship that forms between them that slowly evolves into something deeper and I fretted over how they would possibly find their HEA with Holly so very committed to building a life away from Ireland even as she falls hard for both Collin and Ireland. 

Collin, on the other hand, is Irish through and through. He worked for a bit in the U.S. but returned to his beloved homeland. His love for the many special qualities she offers are clear to see and feel. The descriptions of places, people, and activities are so vibrantly depicted that it really did feel as if I was by their sides experiencing everything with them. He falls first and it was an absolute delight to witness. I was pulling so hard for both him and his country to win Holly's heart. 

Friendships and families - both bio and chosen - are in the forefront of this book. I love the bonds between Holly and her hometown bestie and between Holly and a second bestie she meets while in Galway. Then there's Collin's family. I want to accompany him and Holly to the raucous Sunday roast at his family home just to be able to watch and listen. 

If you're looking for a fun, heartwarming romcom that will take you on a tour of self-discovery and romance across the emerald green hillsides, sparkling waters, and rollicking pubs of Ireland, depositing you at the end, brimming with happiness, satisfaction, and the desire to start planning your own trip, I recommend picking up a copy of An Irish Summer. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.  

Tour Review - - Over the Sea to Skye

Over the Sea to Skye

by Sue Moorcroft

The Skye Sisters Trilogy - Book 3

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: June 5, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

One summer on a beautiful island could change everything…

Valentina Taylor's life has been upended. With her marriage over, and unsure of what her future holds, she heads to the Isle of Skye for the summer with her young son, Barnaby.

But the journey there sets her on a new path, when she meets Xander Courage on the train – a charming American, running from problems of his own. After sparks fly, they go their separate ways. But on this small island, they’re never far from one another…

Skye offers Valentina the refuge she needs as she whiles away the long summer days at her beachside cottage, enjoying visits from her sisters, Thea and Ezzie. But when bad news from home throws her Scottish idyll into turmoil, Valentina finds herself pulled away from the place – and people – that she loves.

Valentina knows she must confront her heart’s desires – but can she let go of the past and embrace the future she deserves?

PJ's Thoughts:

I have thoroughly enjoyed all three books in Sue Moorcroft's The Skye Sisters Trilogy. Moorcroft has done a superb job of immersing me not only into the lives of Thea, Ezzie, and Valentina but also the beautiful Isle of Skye. As with books one and two, the first thing I wanted to do upon turning the final page of Valentina's book was book a flight to Scotland. This author always manages to do that to me, wherever her books are set. 

Moorcroft kept me on my toes with this story. With more than a few twists, I wasn't sure how it would all work out but was happy with the way it did. I enjoyed the multiple relationships explored throughout the story - from Xander's relationship with his teenage nephew to the familial relationships among Valentina, her sisters and their partners, to the fraught one between Valentina and her soon to be ex-husband, not to mention his family and girlfriend. Then there is the simmering romantic potential between Valentina and Xander. With her in Scotland and Xander from the U.S., can it ever be more than just a summer romance? There's also awkwardness and second thoughts between adopted Valentina and the biological family member she's just discovered. I appreciated the author's skill in seamlessly weaving them all together organically while keeping the progression realistic and relatable. 

Over the Sea to Skye is a humorous, heart-tugging, emotional journey from heartbreak to happiness that brings Sue Moorcroft's The Skye Sisters Trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. It can be read as a standalone but, for me, was much more enjoyable for having read the three books in order. 

Review - - Along Came Amor

Along Came Amor

by Alexis Daria

Primas of Power - Book 3

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: May 27, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

No strings

After Ava Rodriguez’s now-ex-husband declares he wants to “follow his dreams”—which no longer include her—she’s left questioning everything she thought she wanted. So when a handsome hotelier flirts with her, Ava vows to stop overthinking and embrace the opportunity for an epic one-night-stand.

No feelings 

Roman Vázquez’s sole focus is the empire he built from the ground up. He lives and dies by his schedule, but the gorgeous stranger grimacing into her cocktail inspires him to change his plans for the evening. At first, it’s easy for Roman to agree to Ava’s rules: no strings, no feelings. But one night isn’t enough, and the more they meet, the more he wants.

No falling in love

Roman is the perfect fling, until Ava sees him at her cousin’s engagement party—as the groom’s best man, no less! Maintaining her boundaries becomes a lot more complicated as she tries to hide their relationship from her family, but Roman isn’t content being her dirty little secret. With her future uncertain and her family pressuring her from all sides, Ava will have to decide if love is worth the risk—again.

PJ's Thoughts:

This one was worth the wait. Not only is Along Came Amor my favorite book of Alexis Daria's exceptional Primas of Power trilogy, it's also one of my favorite books I've read this year and Roman and Ava, one of my favorite couples.

Once again, Daria's big, loving, but wholly dysfunctional, Latinx family took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. My heart broke for Ava. I just want to wrap her up in a big hug and tell her she is absolutely worthy of love just as she is without having to be the perfect "good girl" to earn it. I loved watching her slow evolution even if, at times, I wanted to move it along. Daria knew what she was doing though. The indoctrination of Ava to always put everyone else before herself had taken years to accomplish. To feel authentic, changing that mindset would have to take time as well.

And that's where Roman comes in. I love this character! Is he perfect? No, he isn't. He's a workaholic, tends to be a fixer, and has some emotional baggage to work through himself. But, he is perfect for Ava. His respect, his understanding of her and her needs, his willingness to give her the time and space she needs, all while falling hard (and first) and wanting more proved to me just how right he is for a woman who has never, in her entire life, been put first by anyone. I also love how he opens himself, how he also grows, and the changes in his life he's willing to make to prove the commitment he's promised. He's such a swoon-worthy hero. 

One of my favorite facets of this book, as well as the two preceding, is the cultural representation. I love the food, history, and traditions that are intertwined throughout this story, the little insights into life in a large, meddling, Puerto Rican family. I especially enjoyed the parts of the story set in Puerto Rico - some funny, some steamy, some poignant, and some deeply emotional. 

I've read Along Came Amor twice. Pretty sure I'll be reading it again. It checks all my happy reader boxes and then some. Each of the books in this trilogy can be enjoyed on its own, however, it's my opinion that reading them in order will deepen your understanding of this family and your enjoyment of each couple's journey. I highly recommend them all. 

Review & Giveaway - - Spring Fling

Spring Fling

by Annie England Noblin

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: March 18, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Spring is in the air and Mylie has everything she could ever want: her tackle shop is thriving and employs a third of Clay Creek, Arkansas, and she lives with her beloved Granny and little sister Cassie, who both keep her on her toes. As tourists pour into town for the annual fishing tournament, Mylie is in her element and ready to bring her all-women team to victory.

After moving to Chicago, Ben never thought he would return to Clay Creek. But with both his grandfather and mother gone, he’s left to deal with their estate. His plan is simple: come in quietly, fix up his lakeside childhood home, sell it quickly, and get out. He underestimates how quickly his arrival will stir up the local gossip, and how intensely his unresolved feelings for Mylie, his childhood best friend, will resurface.

Amid the buzz of competition and the rhythm of small-town life, Mylie and Ben find themselves unable to ignore their shared history. They tentatively explore a future together, despite the impending sale of Ben’s house and Mylie’s insistence on staying put in Clay Creek. Flings are easier said than done, and Mylie and Ben will have to address their clashing lifestyles before their feelings get away from them.

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm always up for a good second-chance romance and Mylie and Ben certainly kept me on my toes as I followed them through their push and pull journey. I liked that Noblin gave us chapters both from the present and the past, allowing readers to really get to know these characters from their first meeting in sixth grade through to high school graduation when they parted. It made me feel like I understood them on a deeper level and made me more invested in their second chance ten years later.

Noblin is also very good at crafting family and community in her books and the small southern town of Clay Creek is no exception. The setting, the local idioms, and the array of characters brought the story to life. I could easily visualize the dark, starry sky, waves lapping softly at the lake dock, mud-filled gravel roads, the welcoming warmth of the local diner, the hilarity of Stanley (a soft-hearted Pittie) and Fat Tony (a mischievous "community" raccoon), and the oh-so-Southern Baptist Church ladies showing up at Ben's house with Pyrex dishes brimming with homemade specialties and photos of their single daughters/granddaughters. And then there are Mylie's irreverent granny and young teen sister, favorite characters who contributed both humor and emotional complexity to the book.  

Spring Fling is a charming, humorous, heartfelt, second-chance, friends-to-lovers story that kept me happily engaged from beginning to end. 

Note: If you read an ARC of Spring Fling (as I did), you may have had concerns about a reference to Mylie's sister's boyfriend at the end of the story (again, as I did). I'm happy to report that has been changed in the final, published copy of the book and is no longer an issue.

Have you read any books by Annie England Noblin?

What's on your current reading list?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, March 20 will receive a print copy of Spring Fling.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - The Usual Family Mayhem

The Usual Family Mayhem

by HelenKay Dimon

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Kasey Nottingham needs a splashy idea at her company where they find and develop the next big thing for investors—her job depends on it. Impulsively, she pitches Mags’ Desserts, a beloved small-town business run by her grandma Mags and live-in “best friend” Celia, two women who overcame deadbeat husbands and financial ruin to build a word-of-mouth clientele. Kasey expects her boss to say no. Instead, he sends her home to North Carolina to land the deal…and now she has a problem.

Mags and Celia aren’t interested, which isn’t a surprise, but something else is going on in their kitchen. Locked cabinets. Cryptic conversations. Unexpected notations on business records. The ladies have secrets and whatever they’re hiding is big. As reports of mysterious deaths of abusive men in the area surface—all in households that recently received a delivery from Mags’ Desserts—Kasey worries Gram and Celia have gone into the poison pie business.

As investors start circling, Kasey enlists Jackson Quaid, Celia’s nephew and Kasey’s long-time crush, as her reluctant investigation assistant. Jackson is practical. Kasey has a wild imagination. Together, they dodge Kasey’s boss and gather intel. And kiss. Lots of kissing, though probably not the best idea to start an unexpected romance. Doing it while keeping two feisty ladies from going to jail for knocking off bad husbands—even if those husbands deserve it—might be impossible…but Kasey never shied away from a challenge. 

PJ's Thoughts:

I had high expectations for this book. Dimon's first novel in this vein, Moorewood Family Rules (read my review), was one of my top books of 2023. While The Usual Family Mayhem didn't quite reach that level for me, it was still a very enjoyable read. 

I loved the relationship Kasey has with her grandmother and Celia; the unconditional love the two women have for a young woman who is still trying to find her path. Those two are sharp cookies. It's hard to put anything over on them, though Kasey tries her darndest. In the end, though, it's Gram and Celia who show it's never wise to underestimate two white-haired ladies or what they might be hiding behind those sweet smiles. 

I enjoyed Jackson's character a lot. I found him to be interesting, endearing, and multi-layered. I appreciated his honesty but also his loyalty and how far he was willing to go to support those he loves. Kasey, on the other hand, is a clueless - but lovable - mess. She creates much of the drama in the book but has good intentions at her core. 

If you enjoy a madcap cozy mystery that features dysfunctional family (Jackson's), supportive family (Kasey's), humor, finding one's path, murder (or is it?), female empowerment, dispensing justice, and a sprinkle of romance, give The Usual Family Mayhem a try.  

Review - - Dream Girl Drama

Dream Girl Drama

by Tessa Bailey

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: February 4, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier’s car breaks down and his phone dies, he treks into a posh private country club to call a tow truck, where he encounters the alluring Chloe Clifford, the manic pixie dream girl who captivates him immediately with her sense of adventure and penchant for stealing champagne.

Sparks fly during a moonlight kiss and the enamored pair can’t wait to see each other again, but when Sig finally arrives to meet his dad’s new girlfriend over dinner, Chloe is confusingly also there. Turns out the girlfriend is Chloe’s mother. Oh, and they’re engaged.

Sig’s dream girl is his future stepsister.

Though the pair is now wary of being involved romantically, Chloe, a sheltered harp prodigy, yearns to escape her controlling mother. Sig promises to teach her the ins and outs of independence in Boston—but not inside his bedroom. They both know there can never be more than friendship between a famous hockey player and his high-society, soon-to-be stepsister. But keeping their relationship platonic grows harder amid the developing family drama, especially knowing they were meant for so much more…

PJ's Thoughts:

I have mixed feelings about this one. I'll start with the positives. Sig and Chloe have off the charts chemistry and their initial meeting had me eagerly anticipating their story. I love their banter, their spice, and their growing affection for one another. I like how Sig takes her under his wing and helps her find her footing and independence away from her mother's control. And I love how Chloe blossoms. 

Sig and Chloe both have complicated family relationships and more than a little emotional baggage. I appreciated the impact those relationships had on the characters but also that Bailey kept the vibe of the book fun and fast moving. There are times (many times) when Chloe seems impossibly young and naive. There are good reasons for that. It also makes her growth arc that much more significant. 

The part of the story that just doesn't ring true for me is the stepsibling obstacle to their romance. Sig and Chloe have just met as adults. His father (with whom he barely has a relationship) and her mother have also recently met and announce their engagement the same day Sig and Chloe meet. We're supposed to believe that will make a relationship between Sig and Chloe taboo? It feels silly to me and not a reasonable or realistic obstacle. Others may disagree but for me there are plenty of layers to wade through in this relationship without it. 

Aside from the step-sibling issue, this is a fun, fast, enjoyable story with sparkling banter, great hockey brotherhood, significant character growth, and a sweet - and spicy - romance.