4.0 Stars Fangirl is still my favourite by this author but I still enjoyed this one quite a bit. Rowell is just so good at writing romantic nostalgia i4.0 Stars Fangirl is still my favourite by this author but I still enjoyed this one quite a bit. Rowell is just so good at writing romantic nostalgia in such a poetic way. As always, Rebecca Lowman is a fantastic narrator....more
3.5 Stars This is a captivating dark erotica. I didn't love the underlying premise potentially romanticizing sex trade and slavery. Yet as a piece of d3.5 Stars This is a captivating dark erotica. I didn't love the underlying premise potentially romanticizing sex trade and slavery. Yet as a piece of dark romance, it was engrossing at times with a compelling alpha male....more
4.0 Stars I overall enjoyed this dark erotica novel. I enjoyed the messed up dynamics of him kidnapping over and over again. Also I appreciated that he4.0 Stars I overall enjoyed this dark erotica novel. I enjoyed the messed up dynamics of him kidnapping over and over again. Also I appreciated that he was actually a bad man, who had done some bad things, not just a brooding softie. However I wished the female protagonist had been an adult. The choice to make her young was a bad one and I pretended she was older. Her age will be a deal breaker for some readers....more
4.0 Stars This was such an interesting piece of dark romantic fiction. Given the controversial subject matter, the author did an excellent job addressi4.0 Stars This was such an interesting piece of dark romantic fiction. Given the controversial subject matter, the author did an excellent job addressing and expelling the myths around rape fantasy and rape myth. I wish the main characters did not have underlying “reasons” for their fantasies, but I at least the author acknowledged that anyone can have those fantasies without having a history of sexual violence. The story was incredibly sex positive with clear consensual relationships. The writing, storytelling and characters were all well executed. I would certainly recommend this one to anyone curious about this particular kink. ...more
3.5 Stars This was entertaining dark erotica that brought in elements of psychological thrillers with some unexpected twists and turns. I was immediate3.5 Stars This was entertaining dark erotica that brought in elements of psychological thrillers with some unexpected twists and turns. I was immediately pulled in by the setup of the story, but I struggled to suspend my disbelief through some of the plot twists. Overall, a fun read....more
3.0 Stars I found the characters, plot and writing quite weak and predictable, yet I still found the narrative addictive and flew through the story in3.0 Stars I found the characters, plot and writing quite weak and predictable, yet I still found the narrative addictive and flew through the story in just a few sittings. I would have rated it higher if the last quarter of the book had been stronger. Given the dark subject matter, this book won't be for everyone, but I personally don't shy mind some dark and disturbing content....more
4.0 Stars Believe it or not, this was my first Tiffany Reisz novel, but it certainly won't be my last. This was exactly what I hoped it would be: a co4.0 Stars Believe it or not, this was my first Tiffany Reisz novel, but it certainly won't be my last. This was exactly what I hoped it would be: a cowboy-inspired romance with plenty of hot sexy scenes.
Normally, I'm not a huge fan of BDSM romance. I don't have an issue with it, but it's just not my presonal flavour. Yet, in this case, i felt that the master/sub aspects of this novel were light enough to appeal to a wider group of romance eaders. I actually think this would be an excellent starting place for readers looking to tip toe into the rougher side of romance fiction.
Outside of the bedroom, the male protagonist was the perfect gentleman, showing deep respect for women in his words and actions. I found him to be a very sympathic lead and I liked his female love interest almost as much.
The sex scenes themselves were hot, but not too extreme or explicit. I suspect they might be tamer than some of Reisz' other novels. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would highly recommend to anyone looking for some sexy escapism.
3.5 Stars This is a cute, funny chick-lit novel written for those not-so-perfect moms. It was very predictable, but I still found it an enjoyable audi3.5 Stars This is a cute, funny chick-lit novel written for those not-so-perfect moms. It was very predictable, but I still found it an enjoyable audiobook. I would recommend this to fans of Sophie Kinsella's over-the-top stories. ...more
3.5 Stars Told in multiple perspectives with short chapters, this was an incredibly fast read. The best aspects of the book were the contemporary eleme3.5 Stars Told in multiple perspectives with short chapters, this was an incredibly fast read. The best aspects of the book were the contemporary elements. The story is filled with marital and family drama, which was quite entertaining to read. In contrast, the thriller aspects of the story were a bit disappointing. Admittedly, I typically prefer darker stories. However, my main complaint with this one was that it failed to create any sense of suspense or danger for me. While I did not personally love it, I would still recommend this one to contemporary readers looking to dip into the thriller genre with a fun, safe story. ...more
2.5 Stars The premise of this book reminded me of The Fault in Our Stars, if that story had been told from the parents' perspective. Unfortunately, the2.5 Stars The premise of this book reminded me of The Fault in Our Stars, if that story had been told from the parents' perspective. Unfortunately, the similarities end with the synopsis and any further comparisons would be a disservice to The Last Wish.
Given the subject matter, I expected to the book to be more sad than it actually was. Instead, the tone was decidedly optimistic and heart-warming. I wish the book had been more emotional, but I failed to connect to the story or characters enough to invoke a reaction.
The story is told in three perspectives: mother, father and child. Personally, I would have preferred if the entire story had been told from the perspective of the parents, since I tend to dislike stories told by precocious children.
The downfall of this novel were the characters and plot, which were both oversimplified and predictable. The characters were cliche stereotypes, rather than well-rounded real people. The relationship drama was oversimplified, with the conflicts resolved too easily. However, I did appreciate the characters' emotional responses to the ongoing daily stress of having a child with terminal cancer. These moments and internal thoughts felt quite realistic given the gravity of the situation. The story itself felt quite cliche without any significant twists or turns. While I didn't love this one, other fans of heart-warming stories will likely enjoy this sweet, contemporary romance.
I requested this book from the publisher via Netgalley. ...more
3.0 Stars First of all, the premise of this book is absolutely ridiculous. Anyone considering picking up this one should calibrate their expectation ac3.0 Stars First of all, the premise of this book is absolutely ridiculous. Anyone considering picking up this one should calibrate their expectation accordingly. All that being said, this was really entertaining read.
In terms of genre, this book should really be categorized as contemporary with elements of romance and urban fantasy. Anyone expecting a horror novel will be terribly disappointed. Sexy? Yes. Scary? No.
The writing and characters were honestly quite average, but something about the story was quite engrossing. The narrative moves quickly, with plenty steamy scenes and humorous moments.
I would recommend this one to readers, who are in the mood for an addicting, fun story that doesn't take itself too seriously. ...more
This is another insightful, contemporary story by the talented Jenkins-Reid. In this novel, she explo5.0 Stars I loved this even more upon re-reading.
This is another insightful, contemporary story by the talented Jenkins-Reid. In this novel, she explores the question of personal choice vs destiny. The characters are all very relatable and realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. I would particularly recommend this novel to people who still finding their place in the world. This is probably my favourite novel by this author....more
This is another solid contemporary story by the talented Jenkins-Reid, who has earned a place as one of my favourite authors. This particular4.0 Stars
This is another solid contemporary story by the talented Jenkins-Reid, who has earned a place as one of my favourite authors. This particularly novel is quite sad, considering half the story involves a women grieving for her dead husband. The story is written in two timelines, telling the story of two different relationships. The first narrative tells the story of a whirlwind romance, while the second explores the relationship of two strangers who bond in their grief. As always, Jenkins-Reid has remarkable insight into the subtle aspects of relationships and life....more
As a huge fan of Simon and Caroline, I decided it was finally time to continue the series and read remaining novels in the cocktail series. U3.0 Stars
As a huge fan of Simon and Caroline, I decided it was finally time to continue the series and read remaining novels in the cocktail series. Unfortunately, this one left me underwhelmed. I found both main characters to be boring and forgettable. As a software developer myself, I wanted to read about a hot female coder. So I was disappointed that Viv had no passion for her job. Compared to Clayton's other novels, this one had little witty banter or humour. I found myself skim reading the sections where Viv's daydreams about living inside a "bodice-ripper" novel, since that is not my personal romance flavour. The characters got together fairly very late into the novel, so there was very little sexy times. In terms of steaminess, this one read more like a contemporary than a romance. Hopefully I enjoy Mai Tai'd Up more than Screwdrivered....more
4.0 Stars This was the first novel I had read by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but it certainly won't be my last! I was very impressed by her ability to write a4.0 Stars This was the first novel I had read by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but it certainly won't be my last! I was very impressed by her ability to write a fresh and insightful contemporary story. Perhaps the plot was a bit predictable at times, but I honestly didn't mind. The characters were all well-rounded and interesting. I particularly appreciated the natural inclusion of LGBTA+ side characters.
I would specifically recommend this to married readers since the novel addresses so many of the challenges that arise in long term relationships and cohabitation. Even though I'm in healthy marriage, I found this novel to be relatable and honest.
I listened to this as an audiobook, which was an excellent experience....more
4.0 Stars This book has everything I love about Clayton's romance novels: witty banter, confident women, fun sex scenes and delicious food. Fans of Wal4.0 Stars This book has everything I love about Clayton's romance novels: witty banter, confident women, fun sex scenes and delicious food. Fans of Wallbanger will love this series. I really loved both Leo and Roxy as characters. Their relationship was a prefect balance of playful and steamy.
I previously read the second book in the Hudson Valley series, Cream of the Crop, which was equally enjoyable. I would recommend reading the books in order since the some of the characters and plot twists from the first book will get spoiled in the second.
This book left me craving farmer boys and decadent cakes. Highly recommend for fans of contemporary romance novels....more
As a recent fan of Alice Clayton's romance novels, I was very excited to receive an ARC edition of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a3.5 Stars
As a recent fan of Alice Clayton's romance novels, I was very excited to receive an ARC edition of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
With any book with two authors, I am always curious how the book was written as a duo. This books had many classic features of Clayton's style, but also felt a bit different than her other books. I am not familar with Nina Bocci, so I cannot comment on her writing style. As with Clayton's previous books, this book featured independent female characters with strong friendships. As well, this book included plenty of descriptions of delicious, decant food. Clayton always makes food sexy!
This novel offers a great fantasy of escapism for anyone who has ever dreamed of heading off to Europe in search of adventure. I really enjoyed the aspects related to the art and drawing. One of the major themes of the novel is the journey of finding oneself. In the midst of divorce, our main character is in the process of returning to her old single self while starting a new chapter of her life. The main character could have been a bit more fleshed out, but she was still a decent female lead.
Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the "second chance of love" trope in romance, so the plot wasn't my personal favourite. I usually prefer when characters meeting a new guy, rather than reacquainting themselves with a past lover. However, this is just a personal preference and the plot itself was decently written, if not a bit predictable. The sexy times were a lot of fun, while still being comfortably vanilla.
Without giving it away, I really appreciated the ending to the novel, which was refreshing. I would recommend this novels to fans of romance novels who are looking for a fun, light-hearted escape to Italy...more
Rachel (TheShadesofOrange)
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