I’m running with these lyrics and can’t be stopped.
ANYWAYS.
Jenny Proctor is officially my favorite author when it comes to celebrity romance stories. I love them. She reminds me that any trope can work if done correctly, and hot dang is it done WELL in Once Upon a Boyband. I loved it. I’m obsessed with the whole Midnight Rush band I will accept nothing less than a romance about each one of them.
I loved the relationship dynamic between Adam and Laney. The trajectory was different than the standard romance check list and I could not get enough. There were multiple moments where I was like YES, THIS IS HOW YOU ROMANCE. Because it just felt truly authentic and real and sweet and tender. I loved that they truly felt adult too and had the hard conversations that led them to be able to move forward.
It’s such an easy book to fly through. It is a little bit heavier than JP’s usually books but don’t let that deter you. The themes are amazing and pull at your heart strings. I loved Adam’s journey to healing and allowing himself to not be weighed down by everything he was trying to carry alone. I loved the friendships and small town and going to my favorite fictional farm again.
It was absolutely everything I could have hoped for when I was thinking about Van’s story. I devoured this read. And I feel like it’s hard to even put my words down because I don’t want to spoil a thing about this book. This is truly a best read blind book and trust me, it will DELIVER.
I loved getting Van’s perspective. A character I have been waiting to know and understand better. I loved the layers and journey. He’s such a charming man and I could not get enough of his heated and swoony actions. His love language is physical touch, and you. can. tell. Also I got a jersey moment which is one of my favorite tropes in sports romance so of course I went feral when that happened.
And I liked Amelia a lot too. She was slightly frustrating but in that way that is totally relatable and had me sitting there going, yeah I’d respond the same way too. I loved that she found her courage and voice in the end and got a chance to live her love story.
I’m always obsessed with any interactions involving the Appies and the text threads were *chefs kiss*. One of my forever favorite fictional hockey teams. I LOVED Van’s sisters too. They were the perfect balance for him and I loved seeing them take Amelia into their family.
I honestly could just keep going. I loved this book. It’s always hard for me to choose a favorite Emma St. Clair book but this definitely ranks up there.
Overall audience notes: - Sports Romance - Language: low - Romance: kisses - Violence: low - Content Warnings: physical altercations, loss of a parent (recounted from past), divorce, cheating (not between the two leads in any way)...more
I adored the first book in this series so much I jumped at the chance to receive a copy of book two (these can be read as standalones with no issues!!). But then I feel like I struggled way more than I hoped for getting through it.
The Beauty and the Beast vibes were definitely woven into the story. I could see the nods to the original and how it was adapted for a historical romance setting. I loved the unique set up for the FMC and how she came to meet the MMC. They had some sweet moments throughout and there’s good themes too. I enjoyed the small faith elements too. The side characters were charming and added to the story too.
I had issues with the aura and writing style of the book. And it’s hard to explain but it came across as if it was written as if the main cast were younger characters and not fully grown adults. I had a disconnect and struggled to stay engaged reading.
The audiobook was fantastic though. I love having two narrators for both the male and female leads. I thought they did a great job and if you want to try this book, absolutely recommend this format.
I know it’s not really a surprise but I LOVED this book y’all. It’s actually the first physical book I highlighted and it brought me so much joy to mark the things that stood out to me most. I adore Thea and Shep. They had perfect chemistry. Thea showcased incredible strength and resilience and I could not get enough of the way that Shep let Thea take everything at the pace she wanted. I loved the way they took care of each other and laying that foundation for the life they want together.
And I’m obsessed with the whole Colson family. HOW COULD YOU NOT BE? I love the unique and intricate personalities and the clearly loyal and loving way they band together and keep an eye out for each other.
The suspense completely got me again. I went from saying I KNEW IT, to then realizing I was horribly wrong and it’s my favorite place to be in a Catherine Cowles novel. I think this book tackled new things I haven’t come across in her previous stories and I liked the complexity of the situations and the conclusions reached.
I was sucked in by an amazing cover and an interesting synopsis. And I liked it! I loved the combination of my favorite regency time period with some fantasy/paranormal aspects. The phantoms were creepy and brought in that haunted atmosphere well.
Merrick was a FMC I slowly learned to love. I liked that she had strong loyalty and was brave and kind. I wish some of the romantic aspects had been built out a little better. With so much focus on other pieces of the plot the romance got lost in the shuffle and was a tad predictable rather than swoony. BUT I do genuinely think this will be remedied in how book two has been set-up.
The politicking and betrayals were a great enigma and if you’re a fan of purple prose, this is definitely one to try out. I enjoyed it enough that I have plans to see this through and know where the next book is going.
Overall audience notes: - YA Historical Paranormal Romance - Language: low - Romance: kisses - Violence: moderate - Content Warnings: loss of a parent, murder, blood/gore depiction, creature attacks...more
This is the first book in a long time that I can remember feeling genuinely creeped out by. I loved this haunted house and its many layers. The writing was incredibly atmospheric and built the scene so well I felt it. I was wrapped up in this gothic tale waiting to see what would happen next.
It’s a short book so the pacing moves quickly which keeps the entire situation from being bogged down. I would have loved just a little more build up of the characters backgrounds and relationships but that was my only minor issue.
This was lyrical and cinematic. As someone who doesn’t read a lot of the horror genre I think this is a great balance of scary with still being able to read it at night. I loved trying to solve the secrets of Brier Hall and the mysteries that it held. It’s incredibly eerie and made me crave all things autumn.
I wish y’all could have seen me read this book. I truly had a giddy little grin on my face the entire time (sorry to those who watched me reading at the gym). BUT IT WAS TOO GOOD NOT TO ENJOY WITH MY WHOLE HEART. Cindy Steel is one of my favorites and she delivered another swoony romance again.
There were many key moments in here that will make you squeal. I loved the immediate banter and chemistry between Dax and Ivy. They are EVERYTHING. The tension filled push and pull will bring you to your KNEES. Every single interaction felt tangible. I melted at each kissing scene and I loved how they brought out another side in each other. You can see the growth from their separation Dax and Ivy have had a for a few years and I loved the slow dismantling of their walls and seeing all the love that was between them.
This was the perfect adult summer romance book. I can’t beg y’all enough to pick it up. It is swoony and heated (kisses only!), has this perfectly tuned nostalgic quality and gosh dang DAX Y’ALL. I am not over this man. I’m just not over this book. The soft and tender moments combined with the fun and joy of falling in love squeezed my heart. A new all time favorite.
I really liked this sequel y’all. It felt like an epic journey through so many different areas. I love how complex this world is. With the layers of gods, mortals, elves, creatures, etc. It has intense world building that I think is easy to follow and makes for a system that I am continually intrigued by.
I loved that this was dual POV. Getting both Karys and Dravyn’s view points was the extra little something I have been craving. I loved seeing deeper into their thoughts and insights and how they care for each other too. I adore the side characters and what they bring to the plot too.
The deep support systems make this entire cast characters to love. I liked the political maneuvering and I felt like I was watching my back at each moment wondering who was going to make it out of the final battle. I loved that there were moments of reconnection and communication between certain parties and the emotional journey that this took me on.
S.M. Gaither continues to be one of my favorite romantasy authors!
Overall audience notes: - Fantasy Romance - Language: moderate - Romance: 3 open door scenes - Violence: high...more
Alright, I’ve heard a lot about T. Kingfisher’s books. And when I had the opportunity to get an audiobook early for her newest release I took it as a sign. I enjoyed this! It’s probably one of the most horror-esque books I’ve ever read but didn’t go past whatever arbitrary line I have in my head that would have creeped me out. This had a good level of creep for me.
I liked the story too. It was intriguing and I kept coming back to it wondering what would happen next. I thought the audio production was well done and can easily recommend that format if you’re interested in reading this one.
This kind of gave me Mother Gothel vibes but make it a whole lot darker. I liked the atmosphere and seeing what kind of drama was going to unfold next. I thought the characters were well written and kept things interesting. The pacing slowed down a bit for me and I was waiting for things to get wrapped up. Otherwise, a great read, I think I would try another book by Kingfisher!
Overall audience notes: - Fantasy Horror - Language: low - Violence: high - Content Warnings: emotional abuse, controlling someone through magic, murder, loss of life...more
This was by no means, a poorly written book. And it definitely has an audience. It’s a pretty classic fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. You’ll notice all of the usual components and dynamics that are often seen in these retellings.
I did like the characters. They were fleshed out well for the confines of a standalone fantasy. There’s three POV’s and I liked Adam and Lydia’s the most. The third POV was perfectly fine, I just didn’t understand the necessity of it. There’s some big world building but no major magic system which balanced best for a single book. I liked not having to worry about the magic when there were enough groups of people I was trying to get a hold on.
The romance is sweet, a slow burn that could have used a little more fire, but like I mentioned earlier, travels along the B&tB line well. They do have some chemistry and learned to work together. I liked the strength of Adam and Lydia in holding onto hope to rid the world of the Crimson Lord.
Overall audience notes: - Fantasy Romance Retelling - Language: none - Romance: kisses - Violence: moderate - Content Warnings: loss of life, kidnapping...more
This book really had my attention. While you can definitely draw some similarities to other fantasies I’ve read, I did feel like much of this was unique and had a different vampire twist that has me wanting book two ASAP.
I loved that Quinn was a dancer and part-time mortician. The combination of athleticism and science are things I personally enjoy and those character dynamics were a cool part of this plot. Found family is a big aspect of the book too and I loved all of these side characters.
The romance was a bit lusty for me in the beginning, but luckily grew on me. When that backed off and I got to see the banter between Quinn and Emrys I was much more interested in watching their connection grow. I think the slow burn settled in well and I can’t wait to see how the relationship continues in book two.
All of the mirrors, and vampires and other world building aspects created a complex city full of mystery. I liked that it had plenty of action balanced with soft moments that made it easy to turn the pages.
Overall audience notes: - Fantasy Romance - Language: high - Romance: 2ish brief open door - Violence: high - Content Warnings: blood/gore depiction, murder, loss of loved ones...more
This was a short book that packed such a sweet punch. I loved Hannah and James’ love story!! It had a Pride and Prejudice vibe that I was smitten with and I loved seeing James grow over the book and he realized how blinded he’d been holding too much control in his life. James letting himself loosen was EVERYTHING. He’s easily one of my favorites.
I adored Hannah and how strong she felt in her convictions. I loved that she didn’t settle and waited for that love match she wanted. It was wonderful seeing a more shy character too and how that played into the plot. There’s a lot of cute animals and allllll the family member sightings you could want. Another fantastic read from Mimi Matthews!
Oh my gosh, this is easily my favorite book of the series (and I loved them all so this is really saying something). I have been chomping at the bit to get Jess’s story and it delivered IN ALL THE WAYS. And I really loved the new adult direction of this one too.
I am obsessed with Kevin. He is *THE* golden retriever. I could not get enough of his energy and goodness. It beautifully contrasted with Jess. The grump and sunshine was executed to perfection. There dynamic and chemistry, off the charts. I loved the slow burn tension. Waiting for the moment they finally came together.
And I adore this whole town. I love the intensely loyal friendships and getting to see Scoops one last time. I loved the themes, of knowing that love is out there, not settling, and reconnecting with family members. This is easily one of the best romances I have read this year.
Overall audience notes: - NA Contemporary Romance - Language: low – moderate - Romance: fade to black...more
Cait | GoodeyReads
>
Books:
arc
(423)
Loading...
