2.5 stars: between “okay” and “I liked it.” The MCs are likable. I really liked the hero’s parents. The chemistry was mediocre. Storyline was fine. I w2.5 stars: between “okay” and “I liked it.” The MCs are likable. I really liked the hero’s parents. The chemistry was mediocre. Storyline was fine. I was just glad the heroine wasn’t a book worm like every other heroine in so many other stories. So that was refreshing. Mostly, it was just a nice little bite sized romance that I could read in a couple hours one night and get my “fix.” Clean.
Merged review:
2.5 stars: between “okay” and “I liked it.” The MCs are likable. I really liked the hero’s parents. The chemistry was mediocre. Storyline was fine. I was just glad the heroine wasn’t a book worm like every other heroine in so many other stories. So that was refreshing. Mostly, it was just a nice little bite sized romance that I could read in a couple hours one night and get my “fix.” Clean....more
2.5 stars. It was cute and short. Not much of a conflict besides an FMC that is a bit immature and lacks confidence. But her beau was adorable and swe2.5 stars. It was cute and short. Not much of a conflict besides an FMC that is a bit immature and lacks confidence. But her beau was adorable and sweet to her (while also being competent, masculine and intimidating to others) and he thought she was charming, so that influenced and softened my attitude toward her.
Content- clean Narration- great (only 4 hours)
*There were some references to the characters from Book 1 (which I haven’t read) but it can definitely be read as a standalone....more
Writing- The story was sweet but also had depth, which made it even better… although, being a novella, that depth as well as their relationship definWriting- The story was sweet but also had depth, which made it even better… although, being a novella, that depth as well as their relationship definitely didn’t get fleshed out enough. It didn’t feel quite finished to me. But that’s the nature of a short book, so if you take it for what it is, it’s a very enjoyable bite-sized romantic story! 4.5 stars.
Characters- I love this type of FMC! She is kind, sweet, wholesome, and quick to smile. The MMC harbored some hurt and resentment but he was open about it and willing to forgive her. They had good communication. I loved that she apologized to him, and I loved that he was ready to accept it. The characters did not match their ages, imo. She is only 16 (summer before her Senior year) and he is only 17 (just graduated). They are just big kids, but they acted WAY older than that. I just gave them ages in my head that fit them better.
Plot- The plot was short, but I liked how deeper themes were woven in… like how the MMC identified as a “local” who got abandoned by the “tourist” girl who didn’t value him and who left him behind. That seemed very real to me. Also, her realization that she had a problem of needing a boyfriend as a crutch instead of learning to love herself and be comfortable in her own skin- that also felt real. However, other things she self analyzed (specifically, how she said she “lost” herself, and how she did so many things like get good grades, etc, for others…) did not resonate with me. That all sounded kinda hokey to me. *shrug* Also, their 1-year plan was odd and the fact that it actually worked out the way it did was a bit contrived, but that’s okay. :)
Romance- I liked them together. Good story, good romance, good chemistry. And bonus- not cheesy at all. :)
I am going to look up more Maggie Dallen books. I was impressed by this!
Content- Language- no swears Substance abuse- they went to a party and she declined alcohol (super brave under the circumstances!!!) and he followed her lead. I really liked that. Spice- just kissing Cover- the fluffy “The Cotton Candy Kiss” title and book cover DO NOT match the vibes this book gave. There’s nothing even ABOUT cotton candy, and I legit have no idea why it was renamed that?!! That is completely BIZARRE. Format- KU (titled The Cotton Candy Kiss)...more
Plot- fantastic novellas with full, exciting romantic sci-fi plots featuring hostages escaping/being resc5 stars all around!! Two fantastic novellas!
Plot- fantastic novellas with full, exciting romantic sci-fi plots featuring hostages escaping/being rescued. Chef’s kiss. And there is a bigger bad entity behind the situations that looms large… making me want to read the full series.
Romance-yes, there’s romance that makes the plots even more engaging.
Writing- fantastic. Some editing errors, but I didn’t mind too much.
Pacing- fantastic.
Characters- multiple 3rd person POV. The main characters are all very likable and relatable.
Cliffhanger - no, but it has piqued my interest in the main series for sure!
Content- Language- some swearing Spice- clean. Format- KU...more
Cute novella. I really liked the MMC. And the FMC was likable, too. Basically this is a meet cute and then it ends, so be prepared that that’s all it iCute novella. I really liked the MMC. And the FMC was likable, too. Basically this is a meet cute and then it ends, so be prepared that that’s all it is. I was super surprised when the audiobook ended, actually! Ha! Probably the shortest novella I’ve ever listened to: 49 minutes long (if you listen at 1x speed which I don’t).
Dual male/female narration. I liked the male performance. The female narrator affected a Southern twang which was hard to listen to.
Captivating novella that sets up for the series. I love prison escape settings. Add some fantasy magic and I’m SOLD. :)
Writing- great writing!
Plot- Captivating novella that sets up for the series. I love prison escape settings. Add some fantasy magic and I’m SOLD. :)
Writing- great writing!
Plot- I read that this novella is required reading before The Turncoat King and I would definitely agree. This is where the two love interests meet, and their escape was riveting!
*note: I just realized this novella is also included at the beginning of Book 1: The Turncoat King.
Characters- I really like both the main characters.
Romance- great chemistry. Love how they meet and interact with each other. They have a sex scene while on the run together, when they hardly know each other, which was lame. I prefer slow burn and usually an early sex scene ruins sexual tension. We’ll see in Book 1 if the chemistry can continue.
Content- Language- no swearing Spice- one explicit sex scene with descriptive language. Format- ebook on KU Cover- I LOVE IT!...more
At the 20% mark in this novella there’s an explicit sex scene between the love interest and another woman, on page, witnessed by the FMC. All the detaAt the 20% mark in this novella there’s an explicit sex scene between the love interest and another woman, on page, witnessed by the FMC. All the details.
Woah, no. Big nope.
Everyone says this is amazing and I bet their love story is. But I’m personally not into smut and def turned off by OW scenes.
This was so cute! Super short- like 1 hour 15 min, but I had a huge grin on my face at the end. Adorable!
The MMC was the kind of guy that takes care This was so cute! Super short- like 1 hour 15 min, but I had a huge grin on my face at the end. Adorable!
The MMC was the kind of guy that takes care of people and serves strangers. He was thoughtful and handsome and perfectly sweet. I liked the FMC too.
Dual narration and I liked both narrators.
Content - 1 f-word. A handful of mentions of “dick” in jokes and stuff. No sex scene or sexual content.
Oh also, the 90 year old grandma who is on hospice tells her granddaughter that she wishes she had slept with strangers when she was her age (young and single). What the what?! I would argue that that is NOT a tip for a happy, fulfilling life (even when using protection). Didn’t see that one coming. :P...more
This was adorable and unique. Loved the way they met and grew together virtually before they met IRL. So cute.
I took off one star for sexual content.This was adorable and unique. Loved the way they met and grew together virtually before they met IRL. So cute.
I took off one star for sexual content. No sex scene but plenty of references to sex in general, past histories, etc. (These are graduate students who have both had sexual relationships in their pasts.) There was some jarring dirty sex talk that came out of nowhere in a scene where the MMC’s ex-girlfriend was unsuccessfully propositioning him. Whoah- did not see that coming.
Besides that crass content, it was adorable. I loved both the characters. I loved their HEA.
Short novella length. Dual POV
Content- Language- infrequent f-words. Once as a verb used by the ex-girlfriend. Other crude sexual words. Substance abuse- mentions of getting drunk in their past. One scene when she was tipsy on wine but it wasn’t cringy. Spice- see above. Yes but no sex scene. Cliffhanger- no. Standalone. Cover- I like it Format- audio on Audible via KU Narrators- both the male and female were excellent!...more
Nutshell: unbelievable premise, made worse by a TSTL FMC and a poor audiobook narrator. Altogether too short to be developed (shortest novella I’ve evNutshell: unbelievable premise, made worse by a TSTL FMC and a poor audiobook narrator. Altogether too short to be developed (shortest novella I’ve ever come across).
Example from chapter 2 “Going to a party with a stranger in a sketchy part of town seemed like a bad idea.” Yeah, ya think?!!!
Here are the facts: - The thugs openly threatened to rape her and would have, even tho she will only acknowledge that they wanted to rob her. - All she knows about this guy who rescued her is that a) he is chummy with rapists, b) he appears to be a gangster, and c) he wants to take her to a drinking party after midnight in the slums- the same party the rapists are going to.
And she’s going along with this?! Like, “It’s a bad idea, but sure!” TSTL defined right here.
Then she acts needy during their short convo by asking him about his girlfriend, who his “type” is, and if he kissed her because he liked her or just to keep their cover.
Final straw was when she begs the cops to not “judge him for the things he’s done. He’s a good person!” Hahahaha. Why does she think she knows more than law enforcement in this case? She is so ridiculous. She thinks she actually knows him after spending 30 minutes fake snuggling him and engaging in inane conversation?
I really enjoyed two of Rallison’s other novellas (My Fair Lacey and A Perfect Fit) - both were so much fun! Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me.
Content- clean Narration- poor. FMC has a high, girlish voice that made her sound even more harebrained than she was....more
This was a perfect bite-sized romantic novella. It’s only 2 hrs long, even shorter at my preferred 1.2x speed. It put a smile on my face while I did sThis was a perfect bite-sized romantic novella. It’s only 2 hrs long, even shorter at my preferred 1.2x speed. It put a smile on my face while I did some dishes and cleaning.
I found the characters to be entirely likable. The premise was brilliantly set up so that the situation was realistic while also salvaging the MMC’s character so he didn’t seem dishonest or manipulative.
- FMC was a shrew! I kept thinking,Fine idea, but in my opinion, poor execution.
- lacked any chemistry whatsoever
- insta-love on the part of the MMC
- FMC was a shrew! I kept thinking, “C’mon, throw the poor man a bone.” His insta-love toward her was inexplicable, esp when she wasn’t even nice to him (until the end of the book). His affection and loyalty toward her, a complete stranger who gave him no encouragement, was entirely baffling!!!!
- FMC’s intentions vacillated between wanting to be married to anyone and being picky about who she married. If she was really that desperate to marry, which was spelled out clearly at the beginning of the book, then she wouldn’t have… well, acted the way she acted throughout the rest of the book!
- Dual perspective (not my fave)
- but it has good historical details! The author clearly did good research for this novella, which I appreciated.
3.5 stars. Sweet regency novella that loosely followed Beauty and the Beast storyline.
Writing, characters, & plot were all good for a novella. I enjo3.5 stars. Sweet regency novella that loosely followed Beauty and the Beast storyline.
Writing, characters, & plot were all good for a novella. I enjoyed it. The last line about the book Robinson Crusoe was very strange and even though it was a reference to a previous conversation, it still felt forced and unnatural. Besides that odd addition, I enjoyed the writing. The chemistry was good, too.
A nice bite-sized bit of romance.
You can’t go wrong with Beauty and the Beast!...more
DNF The premise is too silly and characters act like caricatures. The writing comes across as juvenile with people’s reactions and behavior being too DNF The premise is too silly and characters act like caricatures. The writing comes across as juvenile with people’s reactions and behavior being too dramatic to be taken seriously....more
I enjoyed this regency romance. I liked the main heroine and identified with her personality, emotions and reactions. (Her Scottish brogue was distracI enjoyed this regency romance. I liked the main heroine and identified with her personality, emotions and reactions. (Her Scottish brogue was distracting to read, though.) I loved that it was single perspective. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series featuring other characters introduced in this book. This is a standalone novella.
Content- Clean in language and romance. I read this on KU
How I rated this Series of Standalones:
0.5 Unrequited- 4 stars 1 The Art of Victory - 3.5/4 stars 2 A Confirmed Rake - 3.5/4 stars 3 Battling the Bluestocking- I’m not planning to read this. Phineas was a super boring bookworm character in the other books, whom I had no interest to read about. And I don’t enjoy reading about bluestockings (they are often cringy characters). Maybe I’ll try it some day…...more
This was a sweet, feel-good novella. And bonus- it taught a great life lesson!
I liked both main characters. (Although I experienced second-hand embarThis was a sweet, feel-good novella. And bonus- it taught a great life lesson!
I liked both main characters. (Although I experienced second-hand embarrassment on behalf of Lydia, who revealed herself to have literally spent every day of a 3-month summer vacation in a cool town by READING. That was so pathetic and boring that I never would have confessed that to a cute guy I just met.) Anyway, she came out of her shell and did fun stuff with him, and it all ended well. It was definitely cute.
3.5 stars. This was a modern day 2nd chance romance that I enjoyed!
What I enjoyed-
- this really reminded me of that Avril Lavigne song “Sk8ter Boi,” 3.5 stars. This was a modern day 2nd chance romance that I enjoyed!
What I enjoyed-
- this really reminded me of that Avril Lavigne song “Sk8ter Boi,” which I have always loved. :) This aspect MADE the book for me! - good chemistry. A great conflict to overcome. - hero who was appealing and attractive but also nice. - the duel perspective didn’t kill the chemistry. That’s a win.
What I didn’t love-
- I didn’t fully understand what he really saw in her. She was kinda contentious and untrusting and difficult. Their banter was just ok.
- I’m not a huge fan of heroes who are insanely famous, like being on the front of magazines and stuff. Because the reality of that would be a lot more complex than what was depicted in this book. I think it would have been more realistic if he was just medium-famous.
- over the top insistence on the part of the FMC to not accept what she calls “charity,” but which I consider thoughtful kindness. I think this attitude is overdone in characters, and it’s annoying. Just accept it gracefully- say thank you and appreciate the help when you need it or when it’s offered.
- her awful, rude response to his sweet, public promposal in high school was appalling. That could destroy a teenager’s confidence and social standing in HS. It would have demolished his reputation and caused intense humiliation. I think this was brushed over (they kept acting like he was the one who had done most of the “wrong”) even though I personally considered her behavior to be worse than his vengeful song the next year. Her cruel denial was in front of his personal world- his friends, school and community. His song was more or less in front of the whole country (most of whom she didn’t know btw), but it just didn’t seem as in-your-face humiliating. Maybe that’s just me.
Overall I still enjoyed it!
Content- Language- no swearing Sex- no sex or talk of sex Narrator- I didn’t like the female narrator. :( The male narrator was okay. I listened to this on Scribd....more
DNF at 60%. Chloe, the squirrel, is honestly one of the most abrasive, prickly characters I’ve ever had the misfortune to read about.
Answer me one quDNF at 60%. Chloe, the squirrel, is honestly one of the most abrasive, prickly characters I’ve ever had the misfortune to read about.
Answer me one question: WHY DOES ERIC LIKE HER SO MUCH?!!!!
I’m baffled.
What attracted him in the first place and what is keeping his interest?
No confident, easy-going, genuinely NICE, successful, attractive, and universally-admired-by-women man would be so desperate as to keep doggedly pursuing a woman that has repeatedly, rudely and unconditionally flat-out rebuffed his advances. Not happening. Because guess what her behavior and words are figuratively screaming at him? “I’M NOT INTERESTED. LEAVE ME ALONE.” The fact that he isn’t getting the message is… Best case, weird. Worst case, creepy. (Because it’s smacks of “no means yes, just chase me harder.” Yikes.)
At 60% she still has nothing going for her.
I’ve already read Book #4, so although I gave this a shot, I’ve lost the interest in going back to read this stale story about an MC that I don’t like.
Oh well. You can’t win them all. And I am LOVING the main series!!!...more
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