This book is more like a 4.75 but I'm rounding up because I had such a fun time with it.
This is about Emily Wilde who is a scientist/teacher who worksThis book is more like a 4.75 but I'm rounding up because I had such a fun time with it.
This is about Emily Wilde who is a scientist/teacher who works at Cambridge and studies the fae. She is on a new assignment out in the field on research in a very isolated winter town, when her colleague Wendell shows up and hijinks ensue from there.
I especially liked Emily in the series because it's told in the form of journal entries, which in general I have an affinity for because of my love of the Princess Diaries. Emily has such a great distinct voice as a character and seems very strongly coded as autistic. And I loved that. The storytelling drew me in really easily and I finished the 12 hour audiobook within 2 days. I also love when Wendell adds a journal entry and that was my favorite part. Intrigued about the two of them and interested in their romance, although it's a bit of a slow burn.
I would NOT call this a cozy fantasy though. I would call it light fantasy. There is violence that happens on page (they are the bad guys, but still). Would not call it cozy.
That being said, I IMMEDIATELY got the second book to listen to on Libby because I was not in the mood to read anything else. I just really wanted more of these characters....more
This is about Carolina and Enrique. This is a retelling of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.
I wanted to love this, but I feel like I liked this bookThis is about Carolina and Enrique. This is a retelling of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.
I wanted to love this, but I feel like I liked this book less than the first book in the series. I don't love the writing style. It's a lot of info dumping in the very beginning and the pacing and character development is a bit messy. It needs better editing to really flesh out the characters. Because they would say one thing and completely say another thing in the next chapter and it didn't make sense. Writing wise I would say this book is a two. And the retelling of Taming of the Shrew was disappointing. My favorite part of that story is Blanca choosing someone other than who she thinks she wants but that part of the story line was done away with. And I didn't really like Tiburon from the first book. Also needed more Ramon and Julieta.
I rated this 3 stars because I still love the representation in this and what this book was trying to do.
That being said, I'm still reading about Jaime and Rosa. Because I am already invested in the two of them....more
This is about Iris and Roman Kitt. For those who don't remember, I didn't really care for the first book. But I am a sucker for a cliffMore of a 2.75.
This is about Iris and Roman Kitt. For those who don't remember, I didn't really care for the first book. But I am a sucker for a cliffhanger and wanted to know what happened to these characters. So here we are.
I actually really liked the beginning of this. It seemed like Iris was going to have to have Roman fall in love with her all over again in letters. It was giving me Katniss and Peeta "Real or Not Real" vibes. And then it fell flat. Booooo.
The worldbuilding was still messy. I still didn't understand the gods and their role in this world. Enva makes some brief cameos but I kind of wish the book had just been about her? And the magic just didn't make sense. I feel like if you try to analyze the world and magic system, the logic behind everything falls apart. So, just don't.
[Redacted] and [redacted] deserved better.
The writing is good, and if you like a book for vibes then this has it. But if you want plot and really convincing characters, it falls flat.
I'm glad I read it though just so I could complete the story, if that makes sense....more
This is Peaky Blinders vibes meets Six of Crows meets Blade. I know it doesn't make sense but just go with it.
This is about Arthie creating a crew toThis is Peaky Blinders vibes meets Six of Crows meets Blade. I know it doesn't make sense but just go with it.
This is about Arthie creating a crew to do a heist. Her teashop is threatened, and she has to break into a elite vampire establishment on the biggest night to pull it off. But there is a lot of secrets to be had and not everyone has good intentions.
This was not what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it. I found the worldbuilding to be a bit weak to me. But the characters were interesting. A lot of info-dumping in the beginning so it was a big of a slog to get into, but once the action picked up I was invested. The heist was action packed and interesting. Some of the twists I expected, but some I did not. Cliffhanger ending as well. Jin and Flick are adorable, and I love them.
I also didn't love the audiobook narrator for this one. I feel like she didn't do a very good job giving a distinct voice to the characters and i kept forgetting who was talking when. And each POV (which there were 3) should have been narrated by someone different. ...more
This is about Jesse and Kerry. Jesse is one of the four Strong brothers, and when their adopted mother dies, they are trying to pick up More of a 3.5.
This is about Jesse and Kerry. Jesse is one of the four Strong brothers, and when their adopted mother dies, they are trying to pick up the pieces starting with her yarn shop, Strong Knits, in Harlem. Jesse is the good for nothing who never can stick to a job and sleeps around. Kerry is the girl next door who grew up close to the brothers and always had a crush on Jesse.
I loved the concept of this, but I felt like the development was a bit messy. Jesse was super clueless and then out of nowhere he completely falls for Kerry. And Kerry is in denial. And they both aren't telling about their feelings. and too often kept getting weirdly jealous when someone else showed interest. One moment of jealousy is fine, but every time? And then very abruptly ends after the love confession. We barely get the reaction from the party who was confessed to.
I definitely am interested in the different brothers though so I'm curious where the story goes....more
This is about Truly and Colin. Truly a romance writer recently left her cheating ex-fiance and meets Colin a divorce lawyer for a podcast love advice.This is about Truly and Colin. Truly a romance writer recently left her cheating ex-fiance and meets Colin a divorce lawyer for a podcast love advice. Connections fly and banter galore. And then Truly finds out her parents are separating, and her whole world is rocked. Can she believe in love again?
I had to read this because the Steve Harrington cover sold me. However the banter of this book was straight up fire and it was much steamier than I anticipated. So I had a good time. I think there is some plot holes here. I wish we had seen more scenes of them actually filming the podcast which seemed to be abandoned halfway through the book. And it ends super abruptly without much of an epilogue and no resolution for Colin's family drama (which I would have appreciated a little bit more of).
Despite that, the banter again was so much fun so I had a great time. Just wish it was a little better plotted. Also loved the queer/bisexual romance representation (which is valid!)
This is about Isabel and Sirius. Isabel is the wallflower sister everyone forgets about, and Sirius is the war vet trying to make up for his fallen coThis is about Isabel and Sirius. Isabel is the wallflower sister everyone forgets about, and Sirius is the war vet trying to make up for his fallen comrades he left behind. They dislike each other because Sirius is a rake about town until he offers to help Isabel spy.
I liked the chemistry between the two of them. This was a little bit less enemies to lovers than I thought it would be. She doesn't like him because he sleeps around? Which felt a little shame-y. But I really liked how clever and passionate Isabel is. And still liked the two of them together. But really wish I could get the whole story on the Viscount who was courting her. Who I really liked! Poor guy didn't stand a chance.
Also loved the ending location being where it was. Because typically the heroine moves for the hero and not the other way around. So I appreciated that. Bit of an abrupt ending, but still really enjoyed. And looking forward to the next book in this series!...more
CW for abusive relationship (history of, referenced often), attempted sexual assault (by the abusive ex).
This is about Naya and Jake. NaMore of a 3.5.
CW for abusive relationship (history of, referenced often), attempted sexual assault (by the abusive ex).
This is about Naya and Jake. Naya is made a list by her friends to get her life back. She has blended into the background since leaving her abusive ex a year ago. And then she meets Jake at a bar for a one night stand, but fails miserably. But they have an undeniable connection and continue to meet.
This was a little bit slow for me to get into (and getting Covid during this book did not help :/ But I ended up liking it more than I thought I would. I thought this was more rom-com like but the subject matter is a little bit more serious as Naya is dealing with some emotional baggage from her abusive ex. I did like that she saves herself a bit in the end. I just really appreciated seeing a bit of her character growth. At first I didn't really see the chemistry with her and Jake, but he won me over in the end.
I didn't love the writing style and I can't pinpoint why, but definitely willing to read more from the author....more
I'm glad I listened to this driving on my work trip because I could not put this book down. At first I was a little jarred by all of theMore of a 4.5.
I'm glad I listened to this driving on my work trip because I could not put this book down. At first I was a little jarred by all of the POVs in this book (there are 3). But once I got used to it, I enjoyed myself. A bit slow to start but it really hit it's stride when Ione and Elm were looking for her Maiden card and the others went into the mist to look for the missing card. I also really liked the connection and romance between Ione and Elm. It worked for me in a way where Rayven and Elspeth did not (and every time they pined over each other I just kind of rolled my eyes). I feel like it wasn't as predictable as the first book, but I still figured out the big twist which I felt was very obvious. But still had a great time with this read. Solid fantasy duology.
Also the audiobooks was really well done and highly recommend....more
This is about Georgia and Eli. They are best friends who become exes that have to team up to help their best friend Adam with his wedding.
I still reaThis is about Georgia and Eli. They are best friends who become exes that have to team up to help their best friend Adam with his wedding.
I still really like Jessica Joyce's writing and I liked these characters. But I feel like their history didn't really work for me for some reason. So I wasn't sold on their connection. You get a lot of back story but you don't get to see it happen. Despite that, I loved the Bay Area vibe. I LOVED the therapy representation. YAY for good therapists! And it had some really great moments overall.
This is about Dev and Charlie. Dev is an Indian American handler on the reality TV show "Ever After" which is basically a play on "The BMore of a 3.5.
This is about Dev and Charlie. Dev is an Indian American handler on the reality TV show "Ever After" which is basically a play on "The Bachelor" and Charlie is the newest "prince" contestant to win the hearts of the ladies. Only Charlie starts falling instead for his handler.
This was really cute. Dev and Charlie had this genuine connection. It has a great queer and mental health rep. (Charlie is demisexual/graysexual and has OCD and Panic Anxiety disorder. Dev is gay and has depression but also reads a bit bipolar). I feel like the conflict was a bit silly. Dev being insistent on Charlie choosing a woman was a bit annoying, especially when Charlie made it absolutely clear that he wanted to chose Dev. Great representation of therapy though!
Also Dev is supposed to be Indian American but I forgot about that most of the book. I feel like his culture isn't represented at all. And I didn't know if it was poor choice on the writer trying to write diverse characters or if it was just thrown in last minute? Either way it maybe could have used a sensitivity reader to make it more part of his character.
This was still really cute and definitely interested in reading more from the author....more
TW: child neglect, food insecurity, death of a parent
This was definitely a different vibe from Ali Hazelwood then her usual. It had banter and a slow TW: child neglect, food insecurity, death of a parent
This was definitely a different vibe from Ali Hazelwood then her usual. It had banter and a slow burn, but the background of the characters was a bit darker and a whole lot steamier. But the steam wasn't sexy per say? Because there was a lot going on with these characters.
This is about Rue and Eli. They almost have a one night stand, but something gets in the way. But they do have an instant connection. Until Rue realizes that Eli is part of a team taking over the company she works at, then they are at odds. But they can't resist the strong connection they have.
I loved having Eli's POV in this. I don't think I would have liked the book much without it. Because he definitely falls first. Rue is complicated and is dealing with a lot. She also is strongly coded as being autistic.
Overall I liked this more than I thought I would given the mixed reviews. I do think the audiobook helped, because I really liked the audiobook for this one....more
This is about Janelle and Rome. Janelle is the Maid of Honor for her sister's destination wedding and her sister is marrying her ex-boyfMore of a 4.5.
This is about Janelle and Rome. Janelle is the Maid of Honor for her sister's destination wedding and her sister is marrying her ex-boyfriend. Rome is a groomsman and he has always had a thing for Janelle to the point where he avoided her for most of her relationship with his friend, but now they are both single and he wants to make a move. They agree to friends with benefits for a week, but can Rome convince her that they can be more?
I really liked these characters. This is a bit steamy and that was fun. Rome was gone for the heroine, which is a trope I love. Towards the end though, I feel like it became more about everything happening around them. I did like how Janelle confronted her family and set boundaries. I think it was well done representation of family dynamics. I felt like the tension kind of fizzled out in the end with all the drama happening, and I wanted just a little bit more conflict between them. But overall, I really enjoyed it.
I also recommend the audio as done really well....more
Widowed Merritt meets Scotsman Keir for business and they have an instant connection. They share a steamy one night andThis is about Keir and Merritt.
Widowed Merritt meets Scotsman Keir for business and they have an instant connection. They share a steamy one night and then Keir is injured and suffers memory loss. And he's a target as someone is trying to kill him for a secret revealed.
This isn't quite a Ravenels book although there are Ravenel characters in it. This is like 2nd generation Wallflowers. So I wasn't really looking forward to this book, but then I ended up liking this one more than I expected.
And I'm so glad I finished the Ravenels series! Although I definitely need a break from Lisa Kleypas, I eventually want to go back and reread the Wallflowers series....more
This is about Luna and Jean Pierre. Luna is a trans woman and Jean Pierre is a trans man. Luna gets asked to fake date with Jean Pierre for a face timThis is about Luna and Jean Pierre. Luna is a trans woman and Jean Pierre is a trans man. Luna gets asked to fake date with Jean Pierre for a face time phone call and then finds herself having to fake date in order for a cooking competition for Jean Pierre to get his inheritance. The premise is a bit silly, but it was fun.
I liked the connection and slow burn between Luna and Jean Pierre. This also had a bit of sunshine/grump vibe. And I was completely swooning by the end. I also really loved that this romance was between two trans characters which I feel like we hardly ever see, and that was lovely representation to have. I didn't think I would like it more than the first book, but I was pleasantly mistaken. ...more
CW: homophobia, transphobia, misgendering, top surgery (detailed)
This is about Simone and Ray, but the book is from Simone's POV. SimoneMore of a 4.5.
CW: homophobia, transphobia, misgendering, top surgery (detailed)
This is about Simone and Ray, but the book is from Simone's POV. Simone is a chef at her dream job as a chef writer for an esteemed publication. Ray is the newly hired cheerful kitchen manager that Simone immediately dislikes. The esteemed publication is struggling financially and decide to start a youtube channel, where Ray accidentally becomes viral and Simone has to start filming with them. And realizes that maybe she is started to fall for Ray. And then Ray comes out as nonbinary, and things get more complicated from there.
I really enjoyed this. It's much more of a slow burn romance (they do not get together till the very end). I liked Ray and Simone together. I liked how there was so much LGBT+ community in this that felt like real characters. It was done really well.
Although it's refreshing sometimes to have a solo POV, I really wish I had Ray's POV or AT LEAST they could have had a conversation at the end. I didn't know if Ray knew that Simone was bi or not, or if they knew but just thought Simone didn't have feelings for them. I wasn't sure and I would have liked just some clarity on that.
Definitely checking out the next book for Luna's romance!...more
This is about Meddy, her husband Nathan, and her 3 aunties and mom antics. This time they are visiting their family in Jakarta foCW for surprise baby.
This is about Meddy, her husband Nathan, and her 3 aunties and mom antics. This time they are visiting their family in Jakarta for Chinese New Year celebrating. Until they get involved with someone who may or may not be Indonesia mafia and hijinks ensue.
I definitely felt like this was the weakest of the 3 books. I still love this family and the aunties. But I laughed a lot less then the other two books. But I will say Nathan is a gem and must be protected at all cost....more
I had seen someone on bookstagram LOVE this book so I requested it on Libby and it took forever to arrive. Then at the end I remembered the reason I aI had seen someone on bookstagram LOVE this book so I requested it on Libby and it took forever to arrive. Then at the end I remembered the reason I also wanted to read it is because she's the writer who will be doing the adaptations of Emily Henry's books. And look if this is her novel, I think the adaptations are going to be just fine.
I feel like the reviews on this book are very mixed. But I loved this book and it took me by surprise.
CW for suicide, grief, and loss of sibling. And it starts off with that and it's heavy. This is about Helen and Grant. And these two characters have BAGGAGE. These characters are messy and they are both already in therapy. Is therapy actually even working for them? Who knows. But it was angsty, and emotional, and a little steamy. This is very character driven and not a whole lot of plot. But it still worked for me. Also a bit of a slow burn. There is a 3rd act breakup and the conflict is meh. But I was still along for the emotional rollercoaster. Because even though I knew it was a romance, I really didn't know if these two would end up together. And I was here for it.
GIVE ME MORE ROMANCES WHERE I AM DOUBTING THAT THEY WILL END UP TOGETHER. BECAUSE THAT"S WHERE THE ANGST AND TENSION IS.
And I thought the ending was lovely and didn't just abruptly end like more and more romances seem to be doing lately.
Overall had a great time. Looking forward to this adaptation even more now....more
I was really looking forward to this book in the series, because I have loved West since book 1 and this did not disappoThis is about West and Phoebe.
I was really looking forward to this book in the series, because I have loved West since book 1 and this did not disappoint. I loved their connection. I loved how West was with the kids. I loved how Phoebe proposed to him. Loved all of that. And it felt a bit spicier then the other books in the series.
Again though, the hero is a bit in insta-love. It ends too abruptly. And I really want to know how Phoebe handles the whole estate issue which we get NONE of that in the end. Maybe we'll find out a bit more in the next book in the series.
In any case, this book and Pandora's are my favs in this series so far....more
Ami is the sister from Unhoneymooners, and this is her novella romance while she prepares Olive and Ethan's wedding. BrodyThis is about Brody and Ami.
Ami is the sister from Unhoneymooners, and this is her novella romance while she prepares Olive and Ethan's wedding. Brody is Ethan's best friend who helps Ami prepare for the wedding. And sparks fly.
This was cute. I didn't think the audio was very well done though. For a full cast audio, every line should be spoken by the actor of the character. And sometimes it wasn't which was confusing. I'm a Glee nerd, so I did like Harry Shum Jr and definitely would love him to narrate more audiobooks.
Didn't really get the connection and chemistry with Ami and Brody, but it was cute to see Ethan and Olive again. Especially the last scene with them.
Loading...
