Vanessa Jared's Got a Man is a cute and diverse romance, but unfortunately I never found myself very invested in it. Objectively, this is a well writtVanessa Jared's Got a Man is a cute and diverse romance, but unfortunately I never found myself very invested in it. Objectively, this is a well written novel, however, I don't think I am the right reader for it. Although the cover looks like current popular New Adult romance covers, the way this book is written, it's clearly stylized to appeal to an older audience. Continuing on that note, I didn't expect overcoming divorce to be a theme of this novel (from the synopsis I expected it as a plot point, but not a central theme). Because that isn't something I can relate to or really envision for myself, I didn't always feel super connected to the main character's struggles. Overall, I can recognize this book as a well developed one and can see it appealing to many readers, I am just not one of them. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC!...more
3.5 stars As you may have gathered from the title and cover, The Make-Up Test is an academic rivals to lovers romance for fans of books such as Beach R3.5 stars As you may have gathered from the title and cover, The Make-Up Test is an academic rivals to lovers romance for fans of books such as Beach Read. Although I never really fell in love with the author's writing style, the characters, premise and tropes were all very loveable, making this a truly enjoyable read. I highly recommend it to contemporary romance readers. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC!...more
While Wild is the Witch has a ton of really popular elements and tropes, it is an entirely unique story. Although there were writing conventions and pWhile Wild is the Witch has a ton of really popular elements and tropes, it is an entirely unique story. Although there were writing conventions and parts of the plot that I wasn't initially looking forward to, I found myself completely immersed in this book thanks to the author's writing style. From the character writing to the atmosphere, this book is entirely it own - so much so that I don't even know how to describe it. This was the perfect mix of an original fantasy world, cute and unique story, and tender rivals-to-lovers romance. Lastly, as a proud environmentalist, I loved the themes and ending of this story. I will definitely be picking up more books by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the eARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Oh wow, okay. I went into this knowing I loved the premise, but the I didn't expect to love the author's writing style this much. This was so good! ItOh wow, okay. I went into this knowing I loved the premise, but the I didn't expect to love the author's writing style this much. This was so good! It honestly caught me off guard, and keep in mind I went into it with high expectations. This book has an incredible premise, the character's have really palpable chemistry and they behave like real people. My only complaint is that I wish there was a tiny bit more romantic development. Still, I loved this so much. I highly recommend picking it up when it comes out. Also, if you are someone who listens to music while reading, I'm telling you, listen to Bad Idea by Girl in Red while reading this. The vibes are unparalleled. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Well, that was underwhelming. At least it wasn't problematic like Good Girl Complex, I guess. Personally, I think Elle Kennedy's writing style, as welWell, that was underwhelming. At least it wasn't problematic like Good Girl Complex, I guess. Personally, I think Elle Kennedy's writing style, as well as her characters are very awkwardly dated. Her stories often read like problematic, early 2010's romcoms. The main female character is always supposed to be a badass, but the way this is shown is by having all the other female characters around her be incredibly one dimensional to make her look better, and the men around her will often openly compare all the women in the book without any repercussions. This book is no exception from this pattern. However, the main problem I have with Bad Girl Reputation had nothing to do with the writing style or cliche characters, as sadly, I was expecting that. It had to do with the lack of plot, stakes, and character growth. This book follows Genevieve and Evan, two exes, however we never really see their relationship develop. They constantly state that they are bad for one another, and then they'll tell a short anecdote about when they were kids and first falling in love. Then, at the very end of the book, after being on again off again for years, they decide their love is worth it and get together, but there is nothing to say that this is the end of their story. We haven't seen them grow as characters or partners. There have been no scenes of their relationship or the status quo changing in ways that it hasn't already done so before. Everything was very cyclic, so when you get to the epilogue, there is no sense that this is the the end or that Genevieve and Evan have at all grown, matured, or even fallen deeper in love. This made the entire reading experience very weird, as I never could tell what point of the plot I was supposed to be at and if things were going to pick up more or if this was it. Overall, I'm sure some people will enjoy this as a quick and easy read, but personally I found it quite dull. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
4.5 stars This is the first book I’ve read by Ava Reid, and I was absolutely blown away by her writing style. It’s very atmospheric and clearly inspire4.5 stars This is the first book I’ve read by Ava Reid, and I was absolutely blown away by her writing style. It’s very atmospheric and clearly inspired by a few different gothic works. This story is equally as interesting as it is beautifully written. Ava Reid weaves a touching story about parental abuse through a fascinating magic filled mystery. Overall, I was so engrossed and impressed, I can’t recommend this author enough! Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!...more
Wow, what a gorgeously written and symbolic story. The author's writing is already beautiful, but they really took advantage of the form of the book (Wow, what a gorgeously written and symbolic story. The author's writing is already beautiful, but they really took advantage of the form of the book (poetry). This story has a lovely and fascinating premise, but the highlight is absolutely the author's writing style. I can't recommend this enough. Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Booked on a Feeling is the perfect rom-com for any "friends to-lovers" or "books about books" fans. I absolutely love Jayci Lee's writing style, and aBooked on a Feeling is the perfect rom-com for any "friends to-lovers" or "books about books" fans. I absolutely love Jayci Lee's writing style, and although this book's premise didn't draw me in as much as the previous two of hers, I loved the characters. The anxiety representation was great, and the love interest was pining so much, it made for such a cute story. Overall, I'm really glad I picked this up and definitely recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and and St.Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
4.5 stars Wow, this was so freaking good. Right from the start the premise and characters were really strong, then the romance developed really natural4.5 stars Wow, this was so freaking good. Right from the start the premise and characters were really strong, then the romance developed really naturally and with the inclusion of a ton of good tropes (and so much pining <3 ), and the conversations surrounding queer identity and self acceptance were super relatable and well written. I can't recommend this book enough! Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
3.5 stars By the Book is a really cute rom-com and Jasmine Guillory's writing style perfectly matches the tone of this modern fairytale, but unfortunat3.5 stars By the Book is a really cute rom-com and Jasmine Guillory's writing style perfectly matches the tone of this modern fairytale, but unfortunately nothing about the story felt particularly original. Beauty and the Best is the most commonly retold fairy tale, so it's hard for B&tB retellings to stand out. This story was cute, the romance developed at a really great pace, and the final romantic gesture was really swoon-worthy, but I never felt like I was reading something I hadn't read before. Overall, I still think people will enjoy this novel and I wouldn't discourage anyone from picking it up, but I will say it is probably exactly what you imagine when you hear "modern Beauty and the Beast retelling." Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Built to Last is a second chance friends-to-lovers romance. I absolutely loved its premise and the main characters are so likeable. I found myself quiBuilt to Last is a second chance friends-to-lovers romance. I absolutely loved its premise and the main characters are so likeable. I found myself quickly getting wrapped up in the author's writing style, my only issue with the book is that the three main characters' history, although interesting, made for a bit messy of relationships and caused a good amount of miscommunication. Still, in spite of that, this book is painfully cute. Built to Last is a really good slow burn with so much mutual pining, I couldn't help but enjoy it. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC!...more
Josh and Gemma Make a Baby is a book that at first glance I'm unsure as to why I enjoyed. I found the writing style and humour to be pretty cheesy, thJosh and Gemma Make a Baby is a book that at first glance I'm unsure as to why I enjoyed. I found the writing style and humour to be pretty cheesy, the pacing was quite slow, and I didn't care much for the work related plot, however, there were also some deeply touching moments sprinkled throughout this book. Josh and Gemma had a really cute friends to lovers arc mixed with the guy falls first trope, and towards the end of the book the themes of infertility, loss, and a yearning for love were very earnest. Although there were parts of this book that I felt could have been cut down, there were also unexpectedly mature moments that made for a surprisingly good read. Thank you to NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
2.5 stars Royal Valentine is a short and sweet royalty romance novella. Although it has a really cute premise and some strong tropes, I found it to be 2.5 stars Royal Valentine is a short and sweet royalty romance novella. Although it has a really cute premise and some strong tropes, I found it to be overly cliche. Additionally, there were some bold choices made in terms of pacing. The first quarter-third of the book was just the set up, but then crucial moments like the main characters falling in love, breaking up, and grovelling were all done over montage. Although I enjoyed this novella as a quick and easy read, it isn't one that I'll think too much about after finishing. I wouldn't put someone off of reading this book, I can't say I'd recommend it either. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
In fair warning, Belle Morte definitely reads like a debut (in terms of pacing, characterization, writing style, the love triangle, the twists and theIn fair warning, Belle Morte definitely reads like a debut (in terms of pacing, characterization, writing style, the love triangle, the twists and the scenes very reminiscent of other popular books), but it was still a really easy to read and fun fantasy romance. The premise reminded me of The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, which I love, and the plot was quite enjoyable and easy to follow. The romance, although not the enemies to lovers it was advertised to be, was pretty cute (the guys falls first/guy loves her more trope is always really cute, regardless of execution). I've been getting back into fantasy after reading a ton of contemporary romances recently, and this was a really good transition book. I'd recommend it to anyone just getting into or getting back into fantasy. If the author continues the story with more books, I'm not sure if I'll pick them up, but I'm glad I read this when I did. It's not perfect, but pretty damn fun. Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review....more
4.5 stars Queerly Beloved is such a cute, yet thoughtful story. I absolutely loved the characters, premise, and romance, but by far the strongest momen4.5 stars Queerly Beloved is such a cute, yet thoughtful story. I absolutely loved the characters, premise, and romance, but by far the strongest moments were the discussions surrounding LGBTQIA rights. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a cute romance, but I would also recommend it to anyone looking for a book with well written discussions about queer identity. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review....more
2.5 stars I feel like my review is just going to be me parroting what a lot of other people have said, so I'll keep it brief. This isn't a bad book, bu2.5 stars I feel like my review is just going to be me parroting what a lot of other people have said, so I'll keep it brief. This isn't a bad book, but the way it was marketed made it seem like it was a completely different story. It sounded like a sapphic romcom, but that's far from the truth. This premise could be a break up story, but the break up is too expected and drawn out to have any angst. It could be a queer coming of age story, but it lacks depth in its exploration of sexuality. It could be a sapphic romance, but there isn't actually that much romance in the story. Most of the book is just filler, the main character hanging out with her friends, or her coming to what should be obvious realizations (for example, her fiancé sucks). I think if I went into this book expecting all that, I would have enjoyed it for the laid back but sweet story that it is, but like many other readers, I went into it expecting something entirely different. Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for the eARC in exchange for an honest review....more
I immediately loved the premise of The Moonstone Girls, and I'm obsessed with the cover, however, I think those two elements together mislead readers I immediately loved the premise of The Moonstone Girls, and I'm obsessed with the cover, however, I think those two elements together mislead readers as to the tone of this book. It was a lot darker than I expected, not to say that is a bad thing. I quite enjoyed the dark, yet grounded tone and author's writing style. This novels discusses queer identity, queer rights and family relationships in great detail. I was really impressed by the nuanced writing. At the end of the day I'm absolutely going to recommend this book to people, I'll just be warning them of the content before hand. Thank you to NetGalley and Skipstone Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Lucy Checks In is a cute quick read, but I wish it had a bit more sustenance. I like that the protagonist is in her late 40's, as that isn't super comLucy Checks In is a cute quick read, but I wish it had a bit more sustenance. I like that the protagonist is in her late 40's, as that isn't super common in the genre. I also enjoyed all the scenes of her redoing the hotel (They were weirdly satisfying. I love a good makeover), however there were a few too many of them. Most of the book was just Lucy working on the hotel. There wasn't a ton of romance, and when there was some, it was a bit underwhelming. So although this book had a really nice atmosphere and premise, I wish it had a bit more than that going for it. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review....more
4.5 stars Despite generally hating time travel and time loop plot lines, I requested an ARC of this book because I absolutely love this author's writin4.5 stars Despite generally hating time travel and time loop plot lines, I requested an ARC of this book because I absolutely love this author's writing, and I'm so glad I did. Despite its obvious plot influences, like Groundhog Day, See You Yesterday is such a perfectly unique story. Rachel Lynn Solomon quickly got through the "required" parts of the plot, like the main character realizing she's in a time loop, and rather focussed on character driven moments, which allowed the characters arcs to be that much stronger. Overall, the character writing was really incredible (as per usual for this author). This story contains really good diversity and conversations surrounding topical issues, but even on a lighter note I found the characters and their daily struggles to be really relatable, such as Barrett's struggle with loneliness. Lastly, the romance was painfully cute. Really, I can't recommend this book enough! Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
This book has a really good premise and some fun tropes (fake dating, famous love interest), but the characters fell flat for me. I didn't find the maThis book has a really good premise and some fun tropes (fake dating, famous love interest), but the characters fell flat for me. I didn't find the main character that interesting or really enjoy her POV. Her main characters traits are that she's nice and easily forgiving, and the love interest just felt like your typical angsty bad boy. I definitely think there are people who will love these characters and this book, it simply wasn't for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
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