Reading rival felt like watching a great rom-com. Lauren and Jeremy are both athletic coaches (for different sports) who work for rival school. A meetReading rival felt like watching a great rom-com. Lauren and Jeremy are both athletic coaches (for different sports) who work for rival school. A meet-cute in front of one potential student's recruit house and sparks go flying. As they both navigate attraction and school rivalry its clear to see they have something special. Jennifer Lane has done an excellent job with her characters in this book. One of the best features of this book is the dialog as Lane shows us how communication and honesty are important, in sports and relationships. It was nice to read a book where the characters weren't delaying explanations or making decisions for another person and talked things out. The dialog is uproariously hilarious and keeps you entertained. It drags you in and makes you want to keep reading more. While this is a sports book, it does not get overly technical so there's no need to know all about the sport to enjoy the book. Enjoy the chemistry between the characters instead. Its worth it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Those Not-So-Sweet Boys does an interesting take on rich families connecting with the those not of the same standing.. While Midori is poor, she seemsThose Not-So-Sweet Boys does an interesting take on rich families connecting with the those not of the same standing.. While Midori is poor, she seems to view people based on her interactions with them and not on their status. Ichijo, Goshima and Ieiri seem to be a tight knit trio but they are not the standard rich guys who can easily win over anyone just by speaking. The author created these four characters from the standard shoujo mold but added a little twist to their personality or background giving the readers something new to explore and discover. Although there were four chapters in this volume, it felt like I read only two chapters an with the cliffhanger at the end, I'm excited to look for the next volume. If you like female protagonists who don't give up easily then this book is for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Cory and Jordan are an interesting pair. Both seem to like each other but not enough to actually want to talk things out. Add a baby to the mix and thCory and Jordan are an interesting pair. Both seem to like each other but not enough to actually want to talk things out. Add a baby to the mix and then the miscommunication gets even bigger. A lite read however, that moves at a decent pace and the characters do have some character development. I felt like this could have been a longer book to explore the relationships between the characters, their families and friends. Kind of in a way similar to Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold series. I loved the dynamics between Cory and her friends and look forward to more books in this town as I want to know more about those characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Wow. This book was heartwarming. John and Mary reminded me of Carl and Ellie from the Pixar movie Up!. This story felt like their story if they met asWow. This book was heartwarming. John and Mary reminded me of Carl and Ellie from the Pixar movie Up!. This story felt like their story if they met as adults rather than as children. John awkward and unsure and Mary looking for the positive. Sometimes first impressions can be deceiving and for these two the first impression made a lasting impression but not enough of one to stop them from discovering that maybe they made mistake on their assumptions. The characters have great character development although there were some that needed it but as their character stayed true for the whole book, it is understandable that there was none for those characters. Some people change and some people stay the same and this author gets its. I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I won't lie but this book took me longer to get into. The author did however manage to suck in me into her tale, a true testimony to her writing skillI won't lie but this book took me longer to get into. The author did however manage to suck in me into her tale, a true testimony to her writing skills. The title gave me a bit of a pause as both the title and synopsis seemed to imply that there would be more tense moments between the main characters. I felt that their moments together were rushed and the build up leading to it didn't warrant such quick scenes. The majority of the book is spent in the past and while I love a good backstory, it made the present moments seem far too short. If that was the author's intent, then great work. If not, then I'd hope this book continues into a series of sorts to give more opportunities for the character development that seemed to happen in two pages. I also wanted to know more about the antagonist as the glimpses revealed only a little about his character and the ending chosen for him left me asking more questions.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
My first Christmas book of the year and what a wonderful way to start of the winter season. Wynn and Garrick are absolutely adorable in their courtshiMy first Christmas book of the year and what a wonderful way to start of the winter season. Wynn and Garrick are absolutely adorable in their courtship. Garrick and Wynn are next door neighbors in Happily Inc. What starts off as a simple request turns into a blossoming romance.
Its was nice to read a book that didn't have to rely on "random" occurring events that push a couple together. The pace of events in the book follows an everyday pace. The events are all things that naturally happen during the process of getting to know one another. This way readers are likely to develop a better understanding of the characters and fall for them, flaws and all. I absolutely loved the dialog. A bit of sass and some heartfelt communication. This book also shared the struggles of being a single parent and how the struggle to make sure you are able to provide and take care of your child is a constant battle no matter how old they are. Loved the book and would recommend it as a nice bonus to your holiday reading list.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I liked this book. I would have loved it more if the story was from Ace's point of view but alas it was not meant to be. While this book introduces soI liked this book. I would have loved it more if the story was from Ace's point of view but alas it was not meant to be. While this book introduces some new characters in the One Piece world, it would have been great if this book was in manga form. Sorry readers, this book is a novel and a light one at that with only three chapters. The writing is simple and easy to follow, but leaves you wanting more. I wanted more chapters that cover the adventures leading up to each crew member like Luffy. It would be great if it was something like that, however this book goes on through time periods and not adventures. I give this book a 3.5 star rating because while this book is simple, it leaves a lot to be desired....more
I absolutely loved this book. Susan Mallery challenged herself with this book by giving more than just the woman's perspective with some hints into thI absolutely loved this book. Susan Mallery challenged herself with this book by giving more than just the woman's perspective with some hints into the guys psyche. Both men and women were given to readers in just the right amount so that readers are pulled in and invested in the characters. Without giving up her writing style, Susan Mallery took her skills of blending multiple characters point of views to encompass more than just the main female leads. She covered the male leads in a way that didn't detract from the plot of the story. Its nice being able to get into the head of characters who interact with the main leads. The theme was well covered and expanded on throughout the book. There were moments when you cheered at progress being made and other times you burst out laughing at the ridiculousness showing how well the characters were developed. At some points my hopes were built up and then a small plot twist would happen and I'd find myself more invested in the book. I recommend this book if you need something to read that has romance and friendship. There is a theme of overcoming grief but don't worry no one dies in this story....more
An interesting plot is presented here for the readers. I'm not sure if its a romance or an action novel. Its similar to the story of Mr. and Mrs. SmitAn interesting plot is presented here for the readers. I'm not sure if its a romance or an action novel. Its similar to the story of Mr. and Mrs. Smith but with the added bonus of a child. I'm am currently wondering how these people have made it far in their professions where they miss obvious clues as something not being part of the norm. Maybe that's why this works? The art style is unique and not over flowery. It can easily lend itself to that style but it has maintained its seriousness with occasional humorous drawings thrown in. The plot for volume one seems well developed but readers will have to see if it carries on in the future volumes. It will have to take care not to be similar to Black Butler which starts out as nonsensical but then develops the main plot in future volumes. An interesting read, that makes me want to read the next volume so check it out if you're looking for something new to read.....more
A refreshing change of pace. Blue flag takes the cliched loved story tropes and smashes it out the park using creative and innovative characters and aA refreshing change of pace. Blue flag takes the cliched loved story tropes and smashes it out the park using creative and innovative characters and a different style of opening. The male and female protagonist are very self aware and go through some major character developments just in the first volume alone. The main side characters are very well developed with some of the other side characters falling to wayside after some brief introductions and mentions. While the art has hints of dark undertones it fits the theme and plot of the story. The art style reminds me a bit of My Hero Academia but it is not to flowery or dark. I'm anxious to read the next volume to see how the story develops....more
Susan Mallery has done it again. Sister's by Choice is not your typical contemporary romance novel. Sophie, Heather and Kristine are family but each wSusan Mallery has done it again. Sister's by Choice is not your typical contemporary romance novel. Sophie, Heather and Kristine are family but each woman has their own lives that come with its own set of problems. They are able to rely on each other in their time of need but its still up to them to make the changes they need to get the life they want. One of my favorite characters is Dugan as he defies the societal male role. And then there is Jaxsen who fits it to a tee. Both of these men play an important role in the book and the way that Mallery balances the different roles is extraordinary. Reading this book brought on a lot of moments where I was encouraging the characters or shaking my head at their decisions. At the same time it had me bursting with laughter at the conversations as I was able to imagine the witty banter in play. Take a chance and read this book if you haven't read a Susan Mallery book before. If you have, then you won't be disappointed. A great read, that i'm looking forward to reading again....more
I had never read this story before but it is a popular classic title that came up in my English Literature classes. I'm glad that I was able to read tI had never read this story before but it is a popular classic title that came up in my English Literature classes. I'm glad that I was able to read this book in this format as it made it easy to understand the events. However, I think some of the dialog needed to be revised as it was harder to convey the meaning using old English rather than the English used today. Maybe in the book it is clearer, but since I didn't read the print version, we'll just leave it at that.. I did create a couple of different pairings in my mind while reading it and that only increased my desire to read more. While the couple pairings I created did not come to pass, the reading was enjoyable and the artwork even more so. The ending left me satisfied and I'm excited to read the print version....more
I remember reading this book in high school. It was one of the few classics that I understood reading the first time around. This adaptation is great I remember reading this book in high school. It was one of the few classics that I understood reading the first time around. This adaptation is great for those who need some help with understanding the writing style of the 19th century. The artwork is spot on although I did imagine Arthur Dimmesdale to be a bit older. The symbolism that is portrayed in the book carries over well here and even more the artwork emphasizes it. I wish I had this version when I needed to write my papers. A good story made even better with the artwork. A great way to jump into classical English Literature that leaves you wanting to read more....more
I love Marie Ferrarella books. They're a simple read that doesn't take too long to dive into the plot and enjoy the characters. However, in this book,I love Marie Ferrarella books. They're a simple read that doesn't take too long to dive into the plot and enjoy the characters. However, in this book, I found that some of the character traits that defined Marlowe were contradicted by her actions. She an executive in her family's corporation. To me that means, she plans ahead and can easily find solutions to problems that may crop up at work. Her reaction to events that changed her own life, seemed to contradict this making me question her choices. The character development started to happen from the beginning rather than later, which is interesting as it made me wonder if the pace of the book was supposed to be fast from the get go or if there were more details being left out and the story was being condensed to fit the typical short Harlequin romance template. I did enjoy Bowie as his character seemed pretty much the same throughout the story and only at the end did he change. There was a mini plot twist at the end but I felt that it was handled poorly as the images portrayed throughout the story didn't match the ending (sorry, not going to give you any spoilers here). There may be more to this as it is part of series. Guess I'll just have to read the other books to see if my theories pan out. You'll like this book for the quick read that it is....more
Meant to Be Yours by Susan Mallery, is your typical contemporary romance novel but looks at relationships through change. Two people who have differenMeant to Be Yours by Susan Mallery, is your typical contemporary romance novel but looks at relationships through change. Two people who have different backgrounds and believe a version of themselves others do not see, come together. By being together, they are able to see themselves differently and are able to learn and grow together. Renee and Jasper have been stuck in their past. Trying to get over past loves and the trauma of war. While the initially get together in a casual relationship, they soon find out that maybe they have changed and there is a promise of the future they want. This novel started off without the usual build up of falling for each other which is a nice change of pace. The development of the story went through the motions of what happens when people are in a relationship and how they are willing to work on themselves and work for each others' happiness. You'll like this book as it doesn't leave much guessing on when the couple will get together but more guessing on how will they work it out together which leads to different sorts of expectations....more
A delightful light read by Marie Harte. Evan and Kenzie had a memorable meet cute and through their journey to the start of their relationship and theA delightful light read by Marie Harte. Evan and Kenzie had a memorable meet cute and through their journey to the start of their relationship and the building of their foundation readers can relate to what it is like or would be like for them to be in a relationship. The doubts, the second guessing and the choices one makes in a relationship comes through in a realistic way that flows smoothly through Harte's words. It doesn't shock you when it happens but it comes across as a natural progression that mimics life. There are some plot twists that I won't reveal but they do provide you with some entertainment and joy as you root for Evan and Kenzi. On another note, it is good to see the side characters more involved with the main plot than just the occasional helpful advice. They make the story more enjoyable and you fall for them and want to see them in their own stories just to get to know them better. This was my first book in this series and I'm looking forward to going back and reading the ones I've already missed. Check out this book for a fun and sweet romantic story. You'll love it....more
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