DorotyReads's Reviews

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I first read the description of Crush in the Cascades, I was immediately drawn to the promise of romance, adventure, and a competitive outdoor setting. I'm happy to say that the story delivered on all of those elements and kept me engaged from beginning to end.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the dynamic between the two main characters. Easton is confident, capable, and highly skilled in the wilderness, but he can also be judgmental and a little too sure of himself. Amity, on the other hand, is often underestimated by those around her. While she may initially seem out of her element, she proves herself to be resilient, determined, and far stronger than others expect. Their contrasting personalities create plenty of tension, banter, and memorable moments throughout the story.

I especially appreciated how both characters experienced personal growth. As they spend more time together, they learn to look beyond their first impressions and discover qualities in each other that they never expected. Their journey felt authentic, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop naturally alongside the challenges they faced.

The adventure aspect added an extra layer of excitement to the romance. The outdoor setting, the competition, and the obstacles the characters encounter kept the story moving at a great pace and made it more than just a typical romance novel.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy contemporary romance with an adventurous twist, strong character development, and an entertaining opposites-attract dynamic. If you love stories filled with chemistry, humor, personal growth, and a touch of wilderness adventure, Crush in the Cascades is definitely worth picking up.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After enjoying the first book in the series, I was excited to return to the world of Tangle in the Tropics, and this story did not disappoint. Once again, Lisa S. Gayle combines romance, adventure, and the excitement of a reality television competition into a fun and engaging read.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the second-chance romance between Andrew and Hannah. Their relationship is filled with history, unresolved emotions, and the lingering question of whether two people who once loved each other can find their way back together. The emotional depth of their story made it easy to become invested in their journey.

Andrew is confident, charming, and used to life in the spotlight, but beneath his public image is a man who genuinely regrets past mistakes and is willing to fight for what matters most to him. Hannah is thoughtful, strong, and determined not to let old heartbreak define her future. I appreciated that neither character was perfect; their flaws made them feel more realistic and their growth throughout the story even more satisfying.

The tropical island setting added a wonderful atmosphere to the novel. The challenges, competition, and beautiful scenery created the perfect backdrop for both romance and self-discovery. The story moved at a steady pace, balancing emotional moments with humor, adventure, and plenty of chemistry between the main characters.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy second-chance romances, reality-show settings, and character-driven love stories. If you like seeing former couples confront their past, heal old wounds, and rediscover what brought them together in the first place, this book is definitely worth reading. It was an entertaining, heartfelt, and enjoyable addition to the series.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After reading the previous books in the series, I was excited to dive into the last one Love in La La Land, and it quickly became one of my favorite installments in the Race for Riches or Romance series. Lisa S. Gayle once again combines romance, adventure, humor, and reality-show drama into a story that is both entertaining and emotionally engaging.

What I loved most about this book was the relationship between Bria and Rick. They are complete opposites in many ways, which creates plenty of tension, banter, and heartfelt moments throughout the story. Bria is fiercely independent, determined, and focused on achieving her goals. She is strong and capable, but her reluctance to trust love makes her emotional journey particularly compelling. Rick, on the other hand, is kind, genuine, and refreshingly honest. Despite the disappointments he has experienced in the past, he still believes in real connections and isn't afraid to be vulnerable.

Their chemistry felt natural and believable, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop from a practical partnership into something much deeper. The fake-engagement aspect added a fun layer to the story, while the reality-show setting brought plenty of excitement, unexpected challenges, and entertaining twists along the way.

I also appreciated that both characters had personal obstacles to overcome. Their growth felt authentic, and the emotional moments balanced perfectly with the humor and romance. The Hollywood setting added a glamorous backdrop without overshadowing the heart of the story, which was ultimately about trust, healing, and taking a chance on love.

I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy opposites-attract romances, fake-dating or fake-engagement tropes, and character-driven love stories with plenty of chemistry and emotional depth. If you enjoy reality-show romances filled with humor, adventure, and satisfying character growth, Love in La La Land is definitely worth picking up. It was a fun, heartfelt, and thoroughly enjoyable read that left me smiling by the end.

Rating: 4.5