January 2025 Book Club

I have managed to read 2 books this month and want to let you know what I think.

Now before we start I know I read these books in the wrong order, I got Love Unwritten first and started reading it and my sister told me there is another one, you don't need to read them in order really but I would if I was you.

Love Unwritten

Author: Lauren Asher

Number of pages: 612

Blurb:

Rafael

Ellie Sinclair is a hopeless romantic who writes love songs.

I'm a struggling workaholic who could inspire a hundred breakup albums.

On paper, we have nothing in common except for my son.

For eight months, I avoid her until our summer trip.

Fourteen days. Two islands. And one nanny I shouldn't be attracted to.

Spending time with Ellie is expected, but enjoying her company?

That isn't part of our travel plans.

After my divorce, I swore to protect my heart at all costs.

Even if it means breaking hers in the process.

Ellie

What's worse than working for a grumpy single dad?

Admitting that I once had a secret crush on him in high school.

Thankfully, Rafael Lopez and I have changed since we graduated from Wisteria High.

He is a billionaire with a company to run and a child to take care of.

I'm an unemployed songwriter he hired to watch his son and teach music.

We coexist without any issues until a vacation changes everything.

Lines blur and old feelings for Rafael return with vengeance as I face a new dilemma.

Being his son's nanny is one thing, but wishing for more?

Sounds like a heartbreak song waiting to be written.

My Opinion:

I absolutely loved this book—it took me less than a week to finish because I just couldn’t put it down. I started it at the end of December but wrapped it up in January. The story centres around two people from a small town, both dealing with their own struggles. They don’t realise how deeply their lives intersect and impact each other.

One of the main characters Rafael is a billionaire single dad who's been let down by those closest to him. He’s doing his best to give his disabled son the best life possible, but in the process, he's unknowingly pushing away the people who truly care about him—like his son’s nanny. She, too, has her own heartache, having been betrayed by her best friend, who stole her work and left her feeling lost.

As these two strong, complex characters find their way to each other, their connection grows. There’s romance, there’s spice (so if explicit content or sexual references aren’t your thing, this might not be for you), but it’s a perfect balance of passionate and heartfelt moments. I highly recommend this book—definitely worth the read!

Star Rating: 4/5

Love Redesigned

Author: Lauren Asher

Number of pages: 544

Blurb:

Julian

If I ever caught on fire, Dahlia Muñoz would fan the flames with a smile.

So, when she returns to Lake Wisteria, I fully intend to avoid the interior designer.

At least until my meddling mother exploits my savior complex.

The faster I help Dahlia find her creative spark, the sooner she will leave town.

But while I was busy getting rid of Dahlia, I overlooked one potential issue.

What happens if I want her to stay?

Dahlia

People say the devil has many faces, but I know only one.

Julian Lopez—my childhood rival and family frenemy.

I vow to steer clear of him while recovering from my broken engagement, but then the billionaire makes an irresistible offer.

Renovate a historic house together and triple our profits.

Our temporary truce becomes compromised as we face years’ worth of denied attraction and mixed emotions.

Giving into our desire is inevitable…but falling in love?

That isn’t part of the plan.

My Opinion:

This book was a bit of a slow read for me. The first 200 pages dragged, and honestly, I’m glad I read Book 2 before this one. Otherwise, I might not have continued the series. While there are connections between the two books, you don’t necessarily need to read them in order. Rafael from Love Unwritten appears in this one, along with his son, and Julian and Dahlia make an appearance in Love Unwritten.

Now, about the actual story: it centres around two people from a small town, both with their own baggage—similar to the other book. Dahlia is recovering from a painful breakup with her fiancé, which has also affected her career since they worked together on a TV show. Returning to her small hometown, she’s confronted by old memories, gossip, and ghosts from her past, which only deepens her depression.

In this small town, Dahlia’s family is close with Julian’s, and his mother encourages him to help Dahlia out. Both Dahlia and Julian have traumatic pasts, but as they start working together, they begin to grow closer. There’s definitely some spice in the book—if you’re not into sex, sexual references, or explicit scenes, this might not be for you. But the romance picks up halfway through and gets much better as the story progresses. Also there are a few spelling mistakes in this book.

Star Rating: 3.5/5

I have seen that there is another book to this series coming out this year which I expected after reading Love Unwritten, I think it will be about Lily and Lorenzo who are both in the other books.