And this was exactly the book I needed right now. It was sad and wistful and joyful and happy and, in my opinion, just theTiming really is everything…
And this was exactly the book I needed right now. It was sad and wistful and joyful and happy and, in my opinion, just the right amount of sappy. It exemplified why I love this author even when some of her books don’t land for me. Cause when they do, it’s all worth it.
The characters… The angst… The amazing banter… The balance of sadness and hope…
I know I’m late in reading this since it's no longer the Christmas season, but I borrowed it from a friend (last Christmas actually...wEh...3.25 Stars
I know I’m late in reading this since it's no longer the Christmas season, but I borrowed it from a friend (last Christmas actually...whoops!) and wanted to get it back to her. And I figured the further away 2023 Christmas got in the rearview mirror, the lower my chances became. So I decided to tackle it now and I’m glad I did.
This was like the Parent Trap, a bake-off show, and Hallmark Holiday got together and made a baby. (Which editing Val now realizes literally everyone else said about this book in their reviews as well because TRUE). And it was super cute. I read it in one sitting. But there’s really not much more to it than that. Nothing deep, VERY cheesy (something I have to be in the mood for and luckily was, which is rare and thus my taking forever to read this)…just a sweet holiday read…which is exactly what I wanted....more
Timing really is everything, isn't it? And sadly, the timing was not great for me here.
In fact, I actually feel bad for this book.
How you say3 Stars
Timing really is everything, isn't it? And sadly, the timing was not great for me here.
In fact, I actually feel bad for this book.
How you say? By doing it the disservice of reading it on the direct heels of what might probably be my favorite book of the reading year.
Looking back, I should have followed that read up with a completely different genre rather than something so similar in tone and nature. As such, this entire read felt lacking in comparison to its predecessor, no matter how valiantly I attempted to disassociate the two books.
That said, ignore this review completely. I mean, I will still throw some remarks down yonder to express my thoughts on this thing, but seriously...this book is probably way better than my experience with it and I'm definitely in the minority in not loving it.
So I will be brief.
In short, I struggled to connect with the characters here. Even at the end of the story, I felt like I didn't really know any of them at all. And I should have. Because a character like Hannah, with her background and experiences, is right up my alley. Instead, she felt like a Hallmark movie character and I just felt zero connection to her and Jack's story.
Also, it should be noted that this is my fourth Katherine Center book. I loved the first two I read and the third was WAY too sweet and slapstick for me. Well, this one leaned more in that direction. And while I appreciate the lightness and positivity with which Center writes her stories, depending on my mood, those sentiments just don't always land for me. What can I say, I am a cynic.
But anyway, I digress.
While this didn't blow me away, I still liked it well enough. And I know that Center's writing and storytelling can work for me in the very best way. So moving forward, I will just make sure I'm in the mood for her brand of sugary romcom before diving into her next release. Because I really want to like them and know that it's possible....more
I seriously LOVE me a childhood best friends to adult lovers romance, so I was really looking forward to this installment in the series after3.5 Stars
I seriously LOVE me a childhood best friends to adult lovers romance, so I was really looking forward to this installment in the series after finishing the last book. I have been trying to pace myself in finishing this series since I know my finite C.M. Owens booklist is rapidly dwindling.
I was super intrigued by Corbin and Ruby's backstory after finishing the last book and it definitely delivered. I will say that Corbin's reasoning for...certain past actions was super weak; but hey, we all do dumb shit when we are young. I guess. Anyway. I could have done with a lot more groveling, but it is what it is.
Overall, I really loved their relationship dynamic and whole triple dare backdrop. Actually, this book and the last book with Rye and Brin felt very Wild Ones with their prankster elements. I loved how possessive Corbin was and, of course, just love the Sterling friend gang.
I thought the climax moment of the book was a little weak, thus my lower rating. But all in all, an enjoyable read. And perhaps just knowing we will never get anymore Owens books makes me feel nostalgic. Either way, I have a soft spot for this series and have already finished book eight at the time of this review. ...more
This was super cute read. I love most sport romances, but I especially love hockey and football romances. This was basically decorating my top 4 Stars
This was super cute read. I love most sport romances, but I especially love hockey and football romances. This was basically decorating my top friend feed, getting great reviews, and available via Kindle Unlimited. So I did what we all do and 1-clicked.
So glad I did, because this was super cute and full of great (but not overly done) banter and quirk. I really enjoyed all the characters, the small town charm, and of course, the football angle.
Side note: I somehow overlooked the "dead fiancée" detail in the blurb and I'm really glad I did. The whole dead ex angle is NOT a favorite of mine and I tend to avoid it. (More on that HERE for anyone interested) Luckily, it wasn't too much of a sticking point for me here and was basically a nonissue.
Most importantly, Ronan and Nova had sizzling chemistry, which is my favorite thing and can offset a lot for me, generally speaking.
"I'm not ashamed of my upbringing, but the more you tell a person about yourself, the more power you hand over."
I've been trying to write 5 Huge Stars
"I'm not ashamed of my upbringing, but the more you tell a person about yourself, the more power you hand over."
I've been trying to write a review for this book that was about the actual book and not just a bunch of TMI about me, but...the struggle is real. For that reason, I will probably be keeping this short so as not to overwhelm ya'll with a bunch of personal information no ones cares about.
As all we crazy power readers know, sometimes it's timing...sometimes it's your mood...sometimes it's that you feel as if the characters were made from you and that you just get them.
This book was all three for me. And I just loved everything about it.
The pop culture references...the witty banter...the tongue in cheek meta-talk about romance novels and their cliched characters...the writing itself. All of it. Loved it. Every second. I mean, just look at this:
"This place looks like a Cracker Barrel had a baby with a honky-tonk, and now that baby is a teenager who doesn't shower enough and chews on his sweatshirt sleeves."
^I wish I had written that.
What did I love most though?
Nora.
I ADORED her. Because I basically AM her. In so many ways. And, crazy as it sounds, being with her in these pages made me feel like I was hanging out with a friend who accepted me for exactly who I am.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"...barking heartless advice from the seat of her Peloton bike. You can tell she's evil because her hair is an unnatural blond, slicked back a la Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct, and also, she hates Christmas decorations."
"That's the thing about women. There's no good way to be. Wear your emotions on your sleeve and you're hysterical. Keep them tucked away where your boyfriend doesn't have to tend to them and you're a heartless bitch."
"I'm a career woman with a weekly housekeeping service, a spare bedroom I turned into a shoe closet, and a Sephora credit card. I don't imagine my dream man is a lobster hunter."
"Mom's theory was that youthful skin would make a woman more money...good underwear would make her more confident...and good books would make her happy."
"'And what, just because I don't want kids, I would supposedly punish a pregnant woman for making a different decision than me? My favorite person's a pregnant woman! And I'm obsessed with my nieces. Not every decision a woman makes is some grand indictment on other women's lives.'"
"I hate when I have to think about what my face is doing, especially because I'm never convinced it's translating."
"'I hated being a kid...I'd have no idea how to get someone else through it, and I definitely wouldn't enjoy it. I like them, but I don't want to be responsible for any.'"
As a blond woman who is obsessed with books, skincare, Peloton, and my spare room closet...and who also works in a super male-dominated field with resting bitch face and zero desire for children...yes. Yes, I loved Nora.
I also loved Charlie and just Nora and Charlie together. Their banter was absolutely delicious and the way they just understood each other...the things romance dreams are made of, folks.
Anyway, I'll stop this gush fest here as I've pretty much slobbered all over the computer screen. There is more, but again, TMI. Plus, the Peloton is calling my name....more
...but I have to say I'm approaching a proverbial "point of no return" with some of these characters.
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I understa2.75 - 3 Stars
I enjoyed this...
...but I have to say I'm approaching a proverbial "point of no return" with some of these characters.
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I understand that sometimes people make mistakes and should be given grace. I understand wanting to be happy that sometimes we hurt other people in the quest for said happiness.
But I also think grace doesn't have to involve being a doormat. And the quest for happiness (and subsequent massive hurting of others) should be more of a once or twice a lifetime kind of thing thing, not par for the course of someone's existence.
***spoilers***
In the last book, Mitzi left Kelley for Santa Claus and everyone kind of chalked it up to her being upset about Bart joining the Marines. And in this book, things are not working out with Santa and she runs back to Kelley and Nantucket. And everyone seems to chalk that up to her being (understandably) upset about Bart being missing. However, Bart hadn't joined the Marines or been missing for the 12 years of Santa-cheating Mitzi did before that. So, nope.
And then there is Ava. Self-esteem wasteland Ava.
I don't even want to get into her actually. I will say that Scott running off to cater to a woman he barely knew (regardless of whether or not she had anyone else) instead of showing up for his girlfriend for several important family events drove me insane.
In fact, tangent: This drives me nuts in life, period. Saintly people who are always so quick to help strangers and people they barely know are great. They can be great people. I admire their selflessness. But you know who always ends up getting the shaft? The saint's family and close friends. Because they are so busy do everything for other people that they have nothing left for the people who supposedly matter to them the most. Believe me, I've been there. End tangent.
Anyway, I still enjoyed the storyline well enough in general and (outside of the above niggles) gobbled up the familial drama. Already started book three.
I don't usually like Christmas stories and/or novellas.
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Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas and the holiday seasI have a confession to make...
I don't usually like Christmas stories and/or novellas.
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Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas and the holiday season just as much as everyone else who loves Christmas and the holiday season. I have just never been all that in love with all the holiday novellas and Hallmark movies which accompany it all.
I guess I have just always found them to be a little too...sweet and sugary for my tastes.
Now, maybe it's because one of my real life friends loves this series...maybe it's because I am nearing 40...maybe it's because I have this newfound obsession with domestic dramas and fucked up family fiction.
It's anyone's guess.
All I know is, I was super drawn to this series this year and, luckily, I enjoyed it as much as I thought I would. Like I said, I seem to be super drawn to all things related to screwed up families and just messy domestic situations in general this year...and this fit the bill with a holiday twist. It was delicious and I am already obtaining the next one - damn you, cliffhanger....more
I've been trying to make a better point of reading any newly purchased physical books as soon as possible upon their entrance into my home....o4 Stars
I've been trying to make a better point of reading any newly purchased physical books as soon as possible upon their entrance into my home....otherwise they just seem to fall into the "languishing unread on my shelves forever" abyss. Also, I'm trying to meet my Book of the Month reading goal this year. And I amwas three books short.
Enter me picking this up right before bed the other night with the intent of reading "just a couple chapters."
Well, we all know how that goes sometimes.
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So, proving once again that nighttime-reading-me has absolutely zero respect for daytime-functioning-me, I ended up reading about 300 pages of this before finally falling asleep at close to 1AM. With a sub-5AM wake up the next morning, mind you.
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book a lot. It was exactly what I was in the mood for.
Was it original? Nope. In fact, it was fairly cliche and trope-y in many ways.
Did it have one of my most hated female characters types aka the Manic Pixie Dream Girl? Not quite, but close.
Were some of the situations in the book so over the top they seemed to come straight out of 13 Going on 30?
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Indubitably.
Were the nonstop "coincidences" SUPER convenient and kitschy? Oh, you bet your ass.
On another day, I might have been completely annoyed by this book. In fact, a year from now I might decide to come back and re-read this thing and think, what the fuq was wrong with me?
But, you know what?
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Because, this is 2020, people.
And I was in the mood for some trope-y romcom. With unicorns and some fucking pie.
Plus, the style of quirkiness here was my favorite brand. It was enough to make me smile, but not so much that I wanted to punch someone in the face (looking at you Flat-Out-Hate-Celeste). If the quirk in this story was a character, I would say it was very...self-aware. And poked fun at itself.
I also just really liked Minnie. I loved the evolution of her character. And her mom's character. And their realization that sometimes you just need to stop and unpack all the things you've been forcing yourself to carry for no reason.
Plus, as a fellow child of the 1980's, I enjoyed all the nostalgic flashbacks into the past. And I usually hate flashbacks.
But I digress.
If you are looking for something quick, light, and easy that almost makes you feel like you are back in the 1990's watching a romantic comedy, I say give this a go. Cause the 1990's sound super fun right now, no?...more
I was in the mood for something smutty and light and, perhaps, a little funny. This has been languishing on my kindle for quite some time now a4 Stars
I was in the mood for something smutty and light and, perhaps, a little funny. This has been languishing on my kindle for quite some time now and I thought it might fit the bill. And, boy, did it ever.
This was exactly in what I was in the mood for and I enjoyed it tremendously. I know some people might find Violet obnoxious, but she was my spirit animal throughout the book and I loved her. I also really liked Alex. Together they had explosive chemistry and adorable banter and I just loved them.
I think this might have been my first book from this author. I don't know what I've been doing this whole time. Definitely missing out. Definitely reading her whole back list now....more
And before anyone gets their feathers all ruffled at my use of the term "Don't let the cover and blurb fool you...
This ain't stereotypical chick-lit.
And before anyone gets their feathers all ruffled at my use of the term "chick-lit"....calm down. I actually picked this out as one of my Book of the Month picks this April because I thought it was chick-lit. And, if you have read my reviews or followed me for any length of time, this would surprise you as I have traditionally NEVER been drawn to those kinds of books.
Nothing against them, they just never interested me. But alas, as I have mentioned in some reviews over the last couple years, my tastes have changed a lot lately and I am reading all kinds of genres I never used to be interested in.
Personal growth? Maybe. The fact that I am quickly approaching "middle-aged?" Perhaps.
But I digress.
The blurb on this really interested me. I thought it was going to be light and exactly what I needed to forget the world for a few hours. And it was.
But it was also so much more than that.
The two main characters here (January and Gus) were both going through some shit that felt real and nuanced. There was a depth to them that was tangible. And the setting - while seemingly plucked straight out of a Nicholas Sparks book - never felt contrived or cliche.
The romance (and so many other elements in the book usually considered trope-y in chick-lit or women's fiction) was written with a tongue-in-cheek hilarity that on one hand called itself out, and on the other, served to undercut any sense of the cliche.
I was really impressed with Emily Henry's writing and style. I enjoyed her ability to flirt with the fourth wall and turn certain things on their head in a manner that made you laugh at it, but also seriously consider it at the same time.
I also really enjoyed all the discussions on writing and the literary/popular culture jokes and references sprinkled throughout the story.
In short, I loved every moment of this book and will definitely be reading more from this author in the future....more
Penny Reid writes great quirky, period. I always love her characters and their banter and all of the fun and unique elem3.5 Stars
This was really cute.
Penny Reid writes great quirky, period. I always love her characters and their banter and all of the fun and unique elements to said characters and their stories. She really is talented.
That said, I also couldn't help but feel like I was left waiting the entire book for something to happen romance-wise. It took forever for them to finally get anywhere and sometimes Cletus'...calculating thoughts took over what would have otherwise been heated scenes.
Still, overall an enjoyable read that I will probably re-read again sometime....more
How delightful was this little book of chin curtains? *rhetorical question alert*
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[im4 - 4.5 Stars
Oh my facial hair, Batman.
How delightful was this little book of chin curtains? *rhetorical question alert*
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L.O.L.Z.
So, obviously, I wasted dedicated entirely too much time and had way too much fun surfing through the plenitude of wicked awesome beard memes available on the interwebs.
Either that or I have an unnatural and slightly creepy interest in Abraham Lincoln...
But I digress.
Anystache, this is how you feel when reading Penny Reid:
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You're having So. Much. Fun .
(I mean just look at that guy Whip his Nae Nae.)
And you are getting in some good exercise.
Some brain exercise, that is.
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And by this I don't mean that my brain has to work harder to read a Reid book...but rather, I am reminded that my brain actually does work pretty damn well and that it really can comprehend words bigger and more complicated than, "Oh yeah baby," "harder," and "p*ssy."
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In theory...
Now with the same breath I used to explain that little nugget of brain efficiency, I will now also endeavor to contradict it completely.
Because the ONLY reason I didn't give this book a full 5 stars is because I wanted a little more "Oh yeah baby," "harder," and "p*ssy" sprinkled in with my goatee flavored witticisms.
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Beard with me.
I don't always need some snap with my crackle...
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Oh wait, yes I do.
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Especially when the two main characters have as much chemistry as Jessica and her bearded hunk of man sexy.
But anyflavorsaver, aside from this book's smarty pants ensemble, did I mention hilarious?
I am late to this party and there are numerous far more well-written reviews out there, so I will keep this short.
Even though I k5 Geek-tatstic Stars
I am late to this party and there are numerous far more well-written reviews out there, so I will keep this short.
Even though I knew this thing ended in a cliffhanger, I sill have to express something here...
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Sorry, I just had to get that out.
Seriously though.
I hate this recent cliffhanger trend even more than I hate the new trilogy/serial trend.
In fact, you might say, I hate this element to distraction.
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LOLZ.
Holy shit, I have turned into my father, he of uber shiteous puns.
I almost wanted to take off a star for it (the cliffhanger, not my super fucking lame joke), but that would be completely unfair because I knew that periodic was on this table and I still sat down to eat.
Thus, since it was my enlightened choice, no stars shall suffer unfairly for it.
So boo-fucking-hoo in that regard, but moving on.
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I officially love Penny Reid.
HARD.
She writes one of my most favorite types of characters:
The unapologetic nerd.
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For real though.
Lots of people write about nerds, but Reid writes them in a way I totally dig.
Perhaps it's because she writes the nerd I wish I had been in college instead of the one I was:
The CLOSET nerd.
Definition of a "closet nerd" (as applied to moi):
A scholarship jock who hung out and partied with the cool kids...but studied the dictionary, carried around a thesaurus FOR FUN and read regency romance, Lords of the Rings, and werewolf/vampire romance (before they were cool) tucked into textbooks aka "camouflage" in between jello shots.
Ah, adolescent insecurity, what a ridiculous waste of time you were.
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But I digress.
Seriously though, Penny Reid writes cool and interesting people with such unabashed conviction.
I love Kaitlyn.
I love that she just is who she is and says exactly what's on her mind.
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And makes no apologies for it.
I can't wait to see what happens in book two.
Which I guess I shall have to patiently wait for...
This was definitely a little more on the "chick-lit" side of the romance spectrum than I typically prefer; but I knew that going in, so I rea3.5 Stars
This was definitely a little more on the "chick-lit" side of the romance spectrum than I typically prefer; but I knew that going in, so I really can't complain.
Already stalking the next book in the series, because I'm on a Reid roll...
If I could string the words that comprised5,000 Top Shelf, "Shit, Shit, Star Wars" Stars
I fucking LOVED this book.
Seriously...Every. Single. Second.
If I could string the words that comprised this book into a roll of yarn I would make a damned blanket out of it and wrap myself up forever.
This thing was like the best rom-com you've ever seen. With a dash of off the chain sexual tension, a sprinkling underpinning of awesomely geek-tastic witticisms, and a underlying mega dose of solidarity for all of us GR freaks who interact through our computers day in and day out.
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Plus, Ronan was THE cheese on this skank's cracker.
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#newspankbankfavorite ***And no Allison people I'm not talking about the below picture, I'm talking about Ronan***
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Speaking of Ronan, since I am apparently in a casting mood today...
Here you go.
Ronan:
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Because...duh. The authors said he looked liked Colin Farrell.
And because I say, why fuck with perfection?
Annie.
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And of course, we can't leave out Joan:
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Poor Danny Joan. Poor, poor Joan.
I don't even know what else to say about this aside from mindless gushing.
The characters were great. The story was great. The writing was great.
I liked this a lot...the dialogue was usually pretty funny and I enjoyed the banter between Blue and Dean...but sometimes I thought it bord3.75+ Stars
I liked this a lot...the dialogue was usually pretty funny and I enjoyed the banter between Blue and Dean...but sometimes I thought it bordered on a little too cutesy and fluffy for me, especially toward the end. ...more
I really enjoyed this story! It's a lot more "chick lit" in style than a lot of things I usually read, but I really had a good time with it. I LOVED tI really enjoyed this story! It's a lot more "chick lit" in style than a lot of things I usually read, but I really had a good time with it. I LOVED the dialogue and all of the literary references. It made me flex my English degree and literary minor muscles.
Also, I felt really connected to Neve. I too was a chubby kid that got teased for it, except my nickname was "Hippo" not "Heave." Now I never became obese and I thinned out by late middle school thanks to sports, but I definitely understand getting over the hurdle of feeling like a fat person in a thin person's body.
Typically, the romance of the story is my favorite aspect - and I did love it here - however, I think my favorite part of this story was Neve's mental journey and her coming to terms with her own self and her own body.
My favorite part of that journey? (view spoiler)[When she finally stopped cowering behind low self esteem and punched that bitch Charlotte in the fucking face. I could have gone for her beating at Celia like a dirty rug a few times too, but it was nice to see at least Charlotte get her comeuppance and to see Neve FINALLY stand up for herelf. (hide spoiler)]
I do wish the ending had been drawn out a little more...perhaps an epilogue? But overall I really had a good time with this and will look for more from Miss Manning. ...more
Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️
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