I have loved Iris since she sassed her way onto the first page and it damn near breaks my heart that I didn't obsessively love this story.
I3.5 stars?
I have loved Iris since she sassed her way onto the first page and it damn near breaks my heart that I didn't obsessively love this story.
I liked finally seeing that Iris isn't all bluster and swagger. She's sensitive, down to cut a bitch to protect her loved ones, and more of a cinnamon roll than she realizes. Stevie is a good person, trying to grow, and is a work in progress as she deals with severe anxiety. Together they have the same goal of sorts and that's how they fall into this fake relationship slash lessons.
Plot wise, it was okay? It took me a while to get invested in these two together and I'm still not entirely sure I see it. Of course Delilah + the squad are some of the best scenes, but Stevie's group of friends are not the best (though Ren means well, after so many years of being friends, they have to KNOW their tough love act isn't the correct way of helping Stevie.) The entire book and their relationship was based on half conversations.
I know this review is a mess. Everything felt disjointed and at times two different stories. There are several moving parts and maybe that was the disconnect for me.
Overall, I don't know how I feel about this story and sleeping on it didn't seem to help me put my thoughts in order. I do know that I will read anything Ashley puts out, so there's that.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
After reading the previous book, I was extra excited to see that Penny was getting her own story.
I really liked Penny. She's bright and loyal and notAfter reading the previous book, I was extra excited to see that Penny was getting her own story.
I really liked Penny. She's bright and loyal and not afraid to speak her mind. (I did hate hate hate that she said "oh em gee" and "double-yew tee eff", but that's something else.) Willem is crunchy and stoic and not even close to being ready for Penny...and it was fabulous. I thoroughly enjoyed these two crashing together and the ensuing chaos.
Plot wise, it was good. There's a good amount of time for them to get to know each other and their relationship evolve from strangers to working partners to friends to more. The conflict is near the end, but not rushed and the resolution is near perfection. And the epilogue is just right.
Overall, this was a fun and quick read. If there is more to this series, I will definitely be reading.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the digital arc free of charge**...more
I'm super behind on EH books and always a bit wary because they feel more like women's fiction than romance to me.
I really liked Harriet, Wyn, and thI'm super behind on EH books and always a bit wary because they feel more like women's fiction than romance to me.
I really liked Harriet, Wyn, and this group of friends. I loved how intertwined they are, how well they knew each other, and how they loved each other. I wish we could have gotten Wyn's POV in some fashion, just to see him for him, not tempered through Harriet.
Plot wise, it was good. I appreciated the past chapters to really flesh out how we got to the present. And no lie, miscommunication is a huge irritation for me, so imagine my surprise when I was able to overlook how this entire breakup and months of hurt could have been avoided if these two would have talked.
Overall, this was an interesting slice of time with characters who were easy to root for. (I would also like to admit that I'm glossing over this review. There are a lot of things I had a wtf face for and a lot of banter than had me grinning like a fool.)
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**...more
I have been enjoying Laura's books and this series is so good.
I really liked Leyla and Sean. They're both driven and looking for something 3.5 stars
I have been enjoying Laura's books and this series is so good.
I really liked Leyla and Sean. They're both driven and looking for something without even realizing it. I loved their super quick meet cute and how the relationship did move organically. Of course it was great to see a bit of a future take for Miranda and Joel.
Plot wise, it wasn't my favorite. I am here for the murdery bits and while there was a murder case, it was a small piece of a bigger situation. Instead of a steady build up to a resolution, it felt like a slow meandering with a burst of action and quick resolution.
Overall, I'm always going to read Laura's books, but this one was lacking the tension I was expecting.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I loved the premise of this one and thankfully was halfway through it before I learned it was (allegedly) Reylo fan fiction.
I liked Reggie 3.5 stars
I loved the premise of this one and thankfully was halfway through it before I learned it was (allegedly) Reylo fan fiction.
I liked Reggie and Ben well enough. Yes, it's a grumpy/sunshine, but there are definitely layers to these two. They both have some baggage and a good amount of past hurts, so it was especially delicious to see the relationship progress. Of course Aunt Dru is hilarious and I really liked Penny too.
Plot wise, it was a little bit of a struggle for me. There's a lot a lot a lot of inner monologue and very little world building, so that had me stalling to continue. Once it got going, the pace was a lot quicker and I was eager to see how it played out.
Overall, this was a fun read with characters I could really root for. I can't wait to start book 2.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I loved Mariel and Oz. She's warm sunshine and blinding color. He's crunchy cold and grey. Together they have a strangeWell, this was a damn delight.
I loved Mariel and Oz. She's warm sunshine and blinding color. He's crunchy cold and grey. Together they have a strange meeting that unfolds into the sweetest, most supportive relationship. I truly loved reading them figure things out, not only magically, but between them. Of course Mariel's friends were delightful and I can't wait to get more from them.
Plot wise, it was good. There's a few moving parts, yet it wasn't overwhelming. The description of the forest and the magical web made me want to visit and force these people to be my friend. The angst is low and doesn't last long and the very last chapter is fantastic.
Overall, this is a great set up for a series and I'm already dying to get the next book in my greedy eyeballs because I want more.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I liked Ana Maria and Gideon. They're both good, loyal people wanting to stand on their own and make their own way. They do have an easy sort3.5 stars
I liked Ana Maria and Gideon. They're both good, loyal people wanting to stand on their own and make their own way. They do have an easy sort of chemistry, but I would say their coupling was founded more on friendship and intrigue than lust. Ana Maria's sisters were very interesting and I'm excited to get their books.
Plot wise, it was mostly good. I am mildly irritated that I expected them to have their marriage of convenience much earlier than they did. The massive conflict didn't happen until the last 1/3 of the story and then everything felt rushed and was resolved within a couple of pages.
Overall, it was easy to root for these characters and get invested in the history of everything; however, I did want just a bit more.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
Jaci’s books are hit or miss for me, but I just keep trying.
I really liked the first half of this story. Honor and Owen are good people with good cheJaci’s books are hit or miss for me, but I just keep trying.
I really liked the first half of this story. Honor and Owen are good people with good chemistry and it was amusing reading them try to navigate things. As soon as the family knew they were dating, it became a lot of telling instead of showing and there was a lot of times I needed to characters to sit down and have a conversation.
I kept reading because I wanted to know how it played out, but definitely skimmed here and there. I’d like to say that this is probably my last attempt, but if there’s more to this series, I’ll likely read it.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
After meeting Astrid in Delilah's book, there was no way I was going to miss this one.
I really liked Astrid. She's smart and loyal and so much more tAfter meeting Astrid in Delilah's book, there was no way I was going to miss this one.
I really liked Astrid. She's smart and loyal and so much more than she seemed to be in DGDC. Jordan is a cinnamon roll of past hurts and I adored being in her head. Together, these two don't seem like they would work, but the button pushing was some of the best. And of course it was awesome seeing this group of friends again.
Plot wise, it was good. The scenes of the filming weren't boring or repetitive (which I was a little worried about) and it was a great set up for Astrid and Jordan to fight and flirt. The push away and angsty times were short and the epilogue was damn near perfection.
Overall, I love this group and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I thought I might be done with this series, but this synopsis was just too good to resist.
I really liked Harlow. She has an optimistic outlook and isI thought I might be done with this series, but this synopsis was just too good to resist.
I really liked Harlow. She has an optimistic outlook and is happy to be given a second chance, even if it is on a weird new planet. Rukh is nearly feral from being alone for so long, but he's eager to learn. Together they have an instant connection and a good amount of work to learn conversation among other things.
Plot wise, it was good. I'm not sure how much was added to this new edition, but I really enjoyed the twist of family and what that meant for them. Seeing the previous couples was great and there were some really amusing parts when Liz was back on the page.
Overall, this one has been my favorite. I wish there wouldn't have been such a jump in time as I would have liked to read a bit more of them figuring things out.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**...more
I've enjoyed all of the books in this series and I was eager to jump into another one.
I really liked Macey and Owen. She's looking for something new I've enjoyed all of the books in this series and I was eager to jump into another one.
I really liked Macey and Owen. She's looking for something new and he's sort of struggling. They're both inquisitive, smart, and have an undercurrent of chemistry that didn't take away from the murder investigation. I really liked Nicole and I hope we get to see more of her.
Plot wise, it was good. There's a slow burn set up and the way the clues unfolded was deliciously maddening. I was double guessing everything and for me, that's always a good sign of a great story. Of course, I did want a little bit more from the ending, but the future take was satisfying and I'm probably just being greedy.
Overall, this was another fantastic story to this series and I really hope we get more.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
Well, after devouring this entire series, there was no way I wasn’t going to jump all over this new story when I got it in my hands.
I’ll be honest: GWell, after devouring this entire series, there was no way I wasn’t going to jump all over this new story when I got it in my hands.
I’ll be honest: Gretchen and Colton weren’t my favorite. She’s aloof and crunchy. He’s charming and plays on that rockstar persona. Together, I wanted more than just chemistry between them. The book club couples are all there, but it felt way different than previously seeing them.
Plot wise, it’s sort of meh. Don’t get me wrong, there’s loads of conflict between Gretchen and her family. Colton’s career troubles felt like an afterthought as it’s given one small scene and then a few off hand mentions.
I think my main problem (for lack of a better word) is that everything felt so superficial. Yes, we’re supposed to be familiar with these characters, but even at the end, Gretchen and (especially) Colton still felt like strangers.
Overall, this is one of my all time favorite series and I will forever reread them. I can’t wait to see what else Lyssa comes up with.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
Well, this is definitely my favorite of the series.
I love love loved Nina. She's a squishy marshmallow underneath her crunchy exterior and I loooooovWell, this is definitely my favorite of the series.
I love love loved Nina. She's a squishy marshmallow underneath her crunchy exterior and I looooooved reading her relax and truth become the strong person she is. Morty has been an enigma in the background and I was legit thrilled to see he was the MC. Oh, and he's a damn delight, just as I expected.
Plot wise, it's so good. I loved the magic and magical bond aspect and (of course) the romance. Reading the difference between Nina and Morty's families was fun as was Jessa, Nina's BFF (I'll just be over here hoping she gets a story).
Overall, I feel like I don't have the right words for this review, but it was like getting a hug. I really hope there's a million more books to this series because I'm going to read all of them.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I’m always here for an idiots to lovers story and this setting is so much fun.
I really liked Isidora and Rowan. She seems to be crunchy and he seems I’m always here for an idiots to lovers story and this setting is so much fun.
I really liked Isidora and Rowan. She seems to be crunchy and he seems to be soft and there’s a lot of history between them. I loved the slow pace of them learning to work together and how that morphed into more. And of course it was delightful to see Talia and Emmy again.
Plot wise, it was good. I enjoyed the investigation slash mystery of what was happening with the curses as it paired with Issa and Rowan’s magic. I loved seeing Issa’s badassery and Rowan’s sweet. And okay, sometimes the slow build up was annoying, but well worth it. The reveal was not what I expected.
Overall, this was another great story in this world and I can’t wait for the next one.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I loved Emmy. She’s a bit unsure, a lot hopeful, and I truly loved being in her head for this. I loved Linden’s goodnesWell, this was a damn delight.
I loved Emmy. She’s a bit unsure, a lot hopeful, and I truly loved being in her head for this. I loved Linden’s goodness and Talia’s mischief and could have read a million more scenes with the three of them.
Plot wise, it was good. The world building is interesting and I loved the different types of magic. I could have done with a bit more of the town history, but it worked. And I’m hoping we’ll get more info going forward.
Overall, it was a super fun read and I can’t wait to dive into the next book.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I loved Luz Alana and Evan. She’s a spitfire who stands up for herself. He’s smitten from the start. Together they have instOh, this was so much fun.
I loved Luz Alana and Evan. She’s a spitfire who stands up for herself. He’s smitten from the start. Together they have instant chemistry, mutual respect, and support for days. I loved all of the friends and family members and I can’t wait to get more from these characters.
Plot wise, it was great. I loved how Luz Alana and Evan were together for nearly the entire story. I loved their open conversations and how their relationship progressed from acquaintances to business partners to more more more. There was conflict, but nothing serious and it was wrapped up almost immediately. My only complaint is that I wanted a future take of sorts, but I’m hoping I’ll see more of their HEA in the next book.
Overall, this was a delightful read and I will absolutely be reading the next in the series.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I am a huge fan of Eloisa’s books, so I’m always going to read whatever she puts out.
I liked Cleo and Jake well enough. TheWell, this was something.
I am a huge fan of Eloisa’s books, so I’m always going to read whatever she puts out.
I liked Cleo and Jake well enough. They’re both smart, good, loyal people. I enjoyed how they met and how each was open minded to the other. The chemistry seemed non-existent and more of a telling, not showing. I will say that I loved how Jake was smitten right from the start and how he adored her. Cleo’s push and pull was exhausting. There are a few other interesting characters and I’m hoping we see Yasmin again.
Plot wise, it was fairly boring. I was eager to see how the fashion “game” played out; however, it didn’t add the layer of competition I expected. Instead, the outfits were described as an afterthought. There wasn’t any sort of build up or conflict and while the epilogue was sweet, I needed a bit more.
Overall, this story was all fluff and I usually love that. Sadly, this was a bit underwhelming.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**...more
Continuing on with this random (to me) binge, I was excited to get to a book that had the extra epilogues and special things with it.
I liked Kira andContinuing on with this random (to me) binge, I was excited to get to a book that had the extra epilogues and special things with it.
I liked Kira and Aehako. She's been the character I've been most intrigued about, since she had the translator in her head. He's been a bright spot through the previous two books, so I was eager to see what he was really like. Together she's cautious and he's cheerful and I did enjoy reading them warm up to each other.
Plot wise, it was okay. The thread with her secret was something I wasn't expecting, but I liked how it was handled. And I especially loved the scene with the "mating gift" after the set up with Liz in the previous story. Everything that had to do with the aliens coming back felt anti-climatic and I really expected a bit more tension.
Overall, this series has been a fun and quick read; however, after three in a row, it's starting to feel a bit repetitive. I may continue in the series, but for right now, I need a break.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**...more
I loved the cover and the synopsis and yet, this book didn’t really deliver.
This story was really a downer. There are a lot of characters and everyonI loved the cover and the synopsis and yet, this book didn’t really deliver.
This story was really a downer. There are a lot of characters and everyone gets a POV. Everyone has secrets and everyone has a piece of the story. No one really stood out because it felt like the cast fell into one of two categories: the victim or the bully/abuser.
Plot wise, I don’t even know. The story unfolds slowly and flips between then and now. There isn’t any real time frame of when “then” or “now” is, so that keeps the story slow. The disappearance of Abi feels like an afterthought most of the time as the focus was all about the hate and intolerance in the town.
Overall, there was something that kept me reading (or skimming, really), but I could have just as easily set it down and left it unfinished.
FYI: incest, extreme domestic violence, extreme racism and homophobia
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
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